Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:9 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the progress being made in tackling hospital acquired infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22256/08]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Infectious Diseases.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:46 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the action taken to eliminate MRSA and similar hospital based infections from all hospitals or institutions where patients are exposed to such infection; if particular steps have been taken or are expected to be taken with a view to combating the problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22277/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she expects or intends that all hospitals or health centres throughout the country are operating and providing a high quality and delivery of services with particular reference to the need to eliminate MRSA and other hospital associated infections; the extent to which steps are being taken to deal with such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22476/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 46 and 110 together.
The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. An Infection Control Steering Group is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the next 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. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.
A new 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, from 2008 onwards.
This data (excluding MRSA in ICUs) has been compiled and published for 2006 and 2007. The report represents a significant step forward in terms of providing essential data that will serve as a benchmark for assessing progress in the future. I firmly believe that you cannot manage what you don't measure. We have now with this system begun a very useful measurement process.
The results so far show some improvement in 2007 over 2006. The overall S. Aureus bloodstream infection rate was lower in 2007 (0.36) compared to 2006 (0.37). The overall proportion of MRSA was also lower in 2007 (39.4%) compared to 2006 (42.4%). The overall acute in-patient antibiotic consumption rate is marginally up in 2007 over the 2006 rate by 2.4%. The overall alcohol gel use is up by a significant 50%. This data has many limitations that does not allow for direct comparison between hospitals. Also, areas like the antibiotic prescribing are calculated on a bed-days usage basis and is affected by the different procedures and data collection and processing systems applied in hospitals. However, the results are soundly based and will provide a good benchmark to enable us to measure the progress of each hospital. From now on, this data will be available on a quarterly basis.
In March 2008, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department instructed the HSE to make C. difficile a notifiable disease and since May 4th all cases are required to be notified to the relevant Department of Public Health.
Since 2006, over 30 new staff in posts of Senior Pharmacists, Senior Infection Control Nurses and Surveillance Scientists have been appointed specifically to enhance infection control. I have instructed the HSE that designated private beds should be used for isolation purposes where required for patients who contract HCAIs. New environmental building guidelines to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments are expected to be published by the HSE later this month.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertook a comprehensive review of hygiene in our acute hospitals in 2007 and published its report last November. The report represents a thorough assessment of how hygiene services are provided and managed in 51 HSE-funded acute care hospitals. This allows individual hospitals identify strengths and areas for improvement. HIQA is following up on this review to ensure that deficits identified during that process are rectified and the Authority will be undertaking a further national review this Autumn. In addition, this week HIQA published draft Infection Prevention and Control Standards for public consultation. When finalised, these, along with the National Hygiene Standards, will provide a comprehensive framework to control infection in all healthcare settings.
While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and to treat them promptly when they occur.
Health Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:10 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has been briefed by the Health Service Executive on the withdrawal of the hospital in the home scheme; the measures in place to ensure that services are maintained for the persons covered by the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22151/08]
I am aware of recent issues which have arisen regarding the "Hospital in the Home" service.
One of the key challenges facing the health service is the need to ensure that services are planned and provided in line with the clinical needs of the patient. A number of experimental initiatives have been put in place by the Health Service Executive with a view to providing care in community based rather than hospital based settings where clinically appropriate. The "Hospital in the Home" service is one such initiative along with the introduction of Primary Care Teams, Community Intervention Teams, a Rapid Access Service for the Elderly and the GP Out of Hours service.
The "Hospital in the Home" service was delivered by a private service provider on the basis of a service level agreement with the HSE and was for a period of one year. This agreement came to an end on the 16th March and was extended by agreement until 11th May 2008. During the year, the service treated in the region of 2,000 patients at an annual cost of €6.83 million.
A review of the service was carried out between January and March of this year under an independent Chairperson. The review made a number of recommendations. The main recommendation, which has been adopted by the HSE, is that the concept of the "Hospital in the Home" be retained and that the service should be repatriated within existing HSE services.
The HSE is considering the manner in which it can best mainstream the service, previously offered by the service provider, into the Executive. In this context, the HSE is developing the range of services provided by the Community Intervention Teams in the Greater Dublin Area and extending their coverage with a view to meeting the needs of patients previously treated by the "Hospital in the Home" service.
The HSE has emphasised that no patient will be disadvantaged by this decision and has advised that patients who had been receiving services from the provider in question when the contract ceased have been contacted by the HSE to reassure them that their treatment would continue until it was scheduled to finish. There will be no interruption to their care.
I have agreed to meet, later this month, with representatives from the company which had been providing this service.
Hospital Services.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:11 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the development of services at Roscommon County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19795/08]
Denis Naughten
Ceist:43 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her position on the transfer of surgical services from Roscommon County Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19796/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 43 together.
My priority is to provide safe services as close as possible to where people live.
The best way of retaining and developing services at Roscommon and Portiuncula hospitals is for both hospitals to work together.
In the past, these two hospitals operated independently with two consultant general surgeons in each hospital. Advances in clinical care and ever-increasing levels of specialisation mean this model of care is no longer sustainable.
Small stand-alone hospital services will not be able to offer their doctors the opportunity to treat a sufficient volume and variety of patients to maintain their skills. Nor will they be able to provide the range of experience required for training new doctors. As a result, it will prove increasingly difficult, and perhaps impossible, to fill consultant posts on a permanent basis.
The difficulties faced by Roscommon and Portiuncula in maintaining surgical services independently, and the need for closer co-operation between them, was highlighted by the former Comhairle na nOispideal in March 2006.
The development of joint departments of surgery and anaesthesia will provide a better service for patients of both hospitals. While the more complex surgical cases would be treated in Portiuncula, this represents on average only about 3 cases per week. Roscommon Hospital will continue to provide surgical services for the balance of its patients. Indeed, it is likely that more Roscommon patients than heretofore will be able to have surgery performed at the hospital because most surgery can be carried out on a day basis, which is also more convenient for patients.
Health Service Staff.
James Reilly
Ceist:12 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has discussed with the Health Service Executive the decision to discontinue the post of specialist liaison nurse in Cavan-Monaghan for the care of patients who have self-harmed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22270/08]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:27 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has discussed with the Health Service Executive the decision to discontinue the post of specialist liaison nurse in Cavan-Monaghan for the care of patients who have self-harmed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22271/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 27 together.
I am advised by the Health Service Executive that there has been no cessation in the response to self-harm presentations in Cavan/Monaghan.
Indeed, a range of liaison mental health services are provided by Cavan/Monaghan mental health services to the Cavan/Monaghan general hospital. Medical and nursing liaison is provided through home based treatment teams that provide a rapid response to presentations of acute psychiatric illness, including those involving self-harm. In addition, in February 2006, two clinical nurse specialists were appointed to the role of alcohol liaison between Cavan/Monaghan mental health services and Cavan/Monaghan general hospitals. This was in recognition of the established link between self-harm and alcohol. These nurses have screened 1,500 presentations to date and have engaged with more than 400 patients and their families.
The overall liaison services with Cavan/Monaghan general hospitals and therapeutic services are being reviewed and the role of deliberate self-harm nurse will be examined in that context. The purpose of this review is to ensure that these services are consistent and needs-led. The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) will be consulted as part of the review process. In addition, the National Suicide Research Foundation in Cork is currently considering best practice in the area of deliberate self-harm services in order to standardise the approach to service delivery.
Health Services.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:13 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason dedicated palliative care funding, announced by her in 2006 and 2007, were not expended on palliative care services; if she has taken steps to ensure the Health Service Executive will repay funding that was redirected away from palliative care services in order that it can be dedicated to palliative care services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22187/08]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:16 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the funding that has been allocated by Government for new developments for 2007 that has not been used for that purpose; if she will specifically account for money assigned for palliative care and mental health that has not been spent for that purpose; the way she will protect such funding in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22161/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 16 together.
Overall spending on mental health services in 2007 amounted to €1 billion. This included some, but not all, of the additional €51m funding which was provided by the Government in Budgets 2006 and 2007 to support implementation of "A Vision for Change
In 2007, overall spending by the HSE on palliative care services amounted to €75m. Again, this included some, but not all, of the additional €18m funding which was provided by the Government in Budgets 2006 and 2007.
The HSE has advised me that it was unable to use the remaining funding for mental health and palliative care services as planned because it had to cover higher than anticipated costs in other parts of its services, particularly in acute hospitals, within its overall budget allocation.
Clearly, the HSE has to operate within the resources available to it in any year. However, this should not mean that new funding provided by the Government for specific service enhancements is redirected to other purposes. Accordingly, we need to focus on improving the management of existing services and associated funding. In particular, making better use of existing capacity within acute hospitals and managing hospital activity on a planned basis would deliver better hospital services and, at the same time, allow primary and community services to be improved in line with the Government's overall strategy.
My primary concern at this stage in relation to mental health and palliative care services is to improve the services provided to clients and patients. My Department has, therefore, asked the HSE to submit proposals for enhancing these services within its existing overall resources.
Health Service Staff.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:14 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Bacon Report on physiotherapy will be fully implemented that is the filling of vacant posts in the health services as the recommendation in relation to training of physiotherapists has been implemented but graduates are now having great difficulty in getting jobs here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22165/08]
In a response to a perceived shortage in various therapy occupations, a report, entitled the Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Health Professional Therapists (the Bacon Report) was commissioned in 2000. It was published in early 2001.
The Bacon Report recommended an expansion of physiotherapy undergraduate course places from 120 to 145. My Department has been actively involved in implementing that recommendation and the number of Physiotherapy undergraduate course places now stands at 152. The actual intake of students year on year fluctuates from 145 to 152 due to students repeating the year among other things. Funding of €2.0m has been provided to support the clinical education of the newly established training places in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. This investment is currently being rolled out through a national working group.
Since the establishment of the HSE in January 2005, there has been a 20% increase in the number of physiotherapists employed in the public health sector. Many physiotherapists also operate in a private setting and some graduates will find employment in that capacity.
My Department has been working with the HSE and representatives of the profession to pro-actively address the situation where some physiotherapy graduates have had difficulty in obtaining employment.
There are a number of contributing factors to the employment situation. I have always made it clear that the HSE must live within the funds provided by Government. The budgetary overrun last year had an impact on recruitment which affected physiotherapy posts along with other areas. In addition, the therapy professions, including physiotherapists, have a disproportionate amount of senior grades with fewer opportunities for employment of graduate therapists at staff grade level. This mainly stems from the way in which services have developed. There has been a tendency for new development posts especially in the community to be pitched at senior grade. I appreciate that clinicians are anxious to ensure that staff have an appropriate level of experience and supervision. I believe however that it is critical that everyone involved in health care delivery takes a flexible and innovative approach to delivering and implementing new services and to ensuring the best skill mix is in place.
A recruitment process has been organised in 2008 for staff grade therapists in Physiotherapy. The aim of this recruitment process is to ensure that panels of therapists are available to take up positions as they become available. The Physiotherapy panels are in place since the end of March.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:15 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive in its present form is capable of delivering a comprehensive health service to the people here in the foreseeable future notwithstanding the dramatically increased costs to the taxpayer, the employment of an extra 30,000 staff and the commissioning of numerous reports; if a cost benefit analysis has been undertaken to compare today’s costs and delivery of service with those of the health boards; her views on whether the term centre of excellence should apply to all hospitals and institutions operated by the HSE with a view to delivery of the highest quality service to the growing population in a manner equal to that available in other EU countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22276/08]
The Health Service Executive is capable of delivering a comprehensive health service. It is essential that the Executive concentrates on delivering safe, cost-effective services from within its existing very substantial resource base. The services and targets to be provided by the HSE in 2008 are set out in the national service plan, which I approved in November 2007 and the addendum to the service plan which I approved in February 2008. Both of these documents have been laid before the Houses and published.
The Annual Output statement demonstrates that substantial progress has been made in the delivery of health services. Only by continuing to push forward with and supporting an agenda of reform within the health services can we deliver the kind of health service we all want to benefit from within the resources that are available to us.
The gross provision for the Health Service Executive in 2008 is €14,337 million revenue and €594 million capital. The challenge is to transform this investment into tangible benefits for patients and staff so as to deliver the world class health service that everyone wants and that this level of investment warrants. The issue of cost benefit analysis in the context referred to by the Deputy does not arise. We are striving to improve the value for money element of this investment, developing a system that provides real incentive for good performance by the HSE itself and by its service providers.
The Government and I are working with the HSE to develop the appropriate staffing levels for the job that is to be done, in front line services as well as in administration. In the period December 2004 to March 2008, direct frontline service staff, in both the HSE National Hospitals area and Primary and Community Care have increased by about 10% while HSE Corporate staff levels have been reduced by more that 10%.
Reports and consultancies commissioned by the Executive are a matter for the Executive and it's Board. The level of reports commissioned is not unreasonable given the size and complexity of the organisation and the breadth of the reform programme being undertaken.
Centres of excellence or specialist centres should and will apply to all hospitals and institutions operated by the Health Service Executive. The reform agenda has to be supported by structural change in the health system, as well as by improved management actions and changed work practices in providing services to patients. This change is happening on a number of fronts such as the first full modernisation in 30 years in the Medical Council and the regulation of doctors and the modernisation of the law regulating the pharmacy profession and health and social care professions with the putting in place of a fundamental new contract for consultants for the first time in 30 years. The establishment of HIQA and setting standards progressively that will be monitored and implemented is also a crucial development in achieving excellence in health care settings.
Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 13.
Mental Health Services.
Simon Coveney
Ceist:17 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider the decision to relocate the Central Mental Hospital to the site of the new prison complex; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22204/08]
The Government decision in May 2006 approved the development of a new national forensic mental health facility at Thornton Hall, Co. Dublin. The new hospital facility will provide a therapeutic, forensic psychiatric service to the highest international standards, in a state-of–the-art building. The decision to relocate the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) is consistent with "A Vision for Change" — the report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, which recommends that the CMH should be replaced or remodelled to allow it to provide care and treatment in a modern, up-to-date humane setting and that capacity should be maximised.
The redevelopment of the CMH will constitute a separate capital development project independent of the prison complex to replace Mountjoy Prison, and will be owned and managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The new hospital will be built on its own campus and will retain its identity as a distinct therapeutic health facility with a separate entrance and address to the prison complex.
In the circumstances there are no proposals to revisit the Government Decision of May 2006.
Health Services.
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:18 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the primary care strategy has not been rolled out in line with the commitments given in the Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, which promised the delivery of 300 teams by 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22229/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:40 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the roll-out of primary care teams have been delayed by the Health Service Executive embargo on recruitment and the continuing control on recruitment of staff; the progress she expects to be made in 2008 on the roll-out of these teams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22148/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 40 together.
The key objective of the Primary Care Strategy is to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, home helps and others. It is clear that the membership of primary care teams and networks are drawn from existing professional and other staff working in primary, continuing and community care services, and that there would also be a major enhancement of the level and nature of services available in those settings.
There have been substantial enhancements in the services provided in primary and community care setting along with corresponding increases in the numbers of staff concerned.
At this stage, the main focus needs to be on the reorganisation of existing services and staff into primary care teams and networks. This requires changes in work practices and reporting relationships, with an emphasis on joint working by various health professionals. It also requires significant work in mapping and profiling of areas.
Work under many of these headings is well advanced and I am pleased with the level of interest in, and engagement with, primary care teams among general practitioners. I understand that some 500 GPs are involved in the development of teams, with a further 700 projected to become involved.
Specific additional funding was provided in 2006/2008 to facilitate the roll-out of extra primary care teams. Some of this funding was used to appoint extra frontline professional staff.
I have emphasised to the HSE the importance I attach to the continued development and roll-out of primary care teams.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:19 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide appropriate adult placements for the autistic students leaving a school (details supplied) in County Dublin at the end of June 2008, particularly in view of the oral commitment at a meeting in September 2007 by the Health Service Executive disability manager that no school leaver from the school would be denied services and the HSE’s failure to allocate funding for the appropriate day and residential services needed by these autistic children, with the result that no transition programmes can be commenced for the students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22009/08]
The HSE and HSE funded agencies provide rehabilitative training for persons with disabilities to enhance their individual level of skill which will assist in accessing future employment at varying levels. The HSE employ Guidance Officers at local level to assist in the profiling of young school leavers with disabilities to appropriate training and day services. The Guidance Officers work with the school leaver, their family, school authorities and service providers to ensure that school leavers with disabilities have access to appropriate services.
The increase in services in recent years has ensured that young people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism have appropriate services in place, to ensure a smooth transition from secondary school. In some cases, the funding provided supported the school leavers to access appropriate day services, in line with a person centred plan. In many cases, this funding provided places for individuals completing rehabilitative training, thereby creating training places for other school leavers. The HSE and HSE funded agencies also provide a range of other day services, designed to meet the needs of adults with disabilities.
The Multi-Annual Investment Programme for Disability Services makes provision for the development of additional day, residential and respite places each year between 2006 and 2009 for people with Intellectual Disability and Autism. €50m was provided to the HSE in budget 2008 for additional services to people with disabilities including additional day places.
At this time the HSE is still in discussion with the Department of Health and Children regarding the commencement of 2008 developments in the context of the overall financial position of the HSE. The HSE is therefore not in a position to approve the commencement of these developments until these discussions are concluded.
Health Services.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:20 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if guidelines have been changed in the number of home help hours that are allocated to elderly people; if so the way the needs are determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22179/08]
The aim of the Home Help service is to enable older people to remain at home in their own homes for as long as possible. It is a critical support to older people in facilitating their early discharge from hospital or in preventing inappropriate admission to acute hospital and long-stay residential care.
There have been major improvements in the Home Help service in recent years. At the end of 2007, about 53,000 people were receiving Home Help services. Over 11.75 million Home Help hours were provided during 2007, compared to 9.1 million hours in 2005. At the end of the first quarter of 2008, a total of just over 3 million Home-Help hours has been provided by the HSE, which is 1.7% over target for that quarter. Given the level of demand for the service, and the increasing number and dependency of older people in the community, the focus has to be to ensure that Home-Helps are targeted at those who are most in need.
This service is, by its nature, flexible, in order to respond to clients' needs. The level of service required in individual cases will fluctuate from time to time, and will be affected by factors such as respite care, input by family members and admission to or discharge from hospital. Service provision may be increased as appropriate to meet individual needs. To ensure effective prioritisation of the service, assessments are undertaken at local level and are delivered to clients in accordance with individual circumstances and available resources.
While there are no existing national guidelines, the HSE are at present undertaking a variety of measures to encourage the professionalisation of the Home-Help service nationally. These include implementation of the Home-Help Agreement that has been reached to reflect the valuable partnership role of the voluntary sector in different areas of the country. In addition, the Executive is developing standards for Home-Care provision which would include guidelines for Home-Helps, to support service provision at local level. If the Deputy is aware of any particular case involving difficulties, due to changed circumstances, I would be happy to pursue this with the HSE.
Sports Health Assessment.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:21 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the Cormac Trust and the proposal put forward by the group calling for the introduction of a mobile ECG unit that would travel around the country monitoring all children about to take up hurling or football at a cost of €1,250,000; her views on allocating funding to this initiative through her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18792/08]
The Report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death was published in March, 2006. It makes recommendations on the prevention of sudden cardiac death and on the detection of those at high risk. The issue of systematic assessment of those engaged in sport and exercise was considered by the Task Force and a number of recommendations were made, although none specifically call for ECG screening of children, young people or adults. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for implementing these recommendations and has made progress is consultation with GPs, Cardiologists, the Irish Sports Council and a number of sporting organisations. Where funding for risk assessment schemes is requested, the HSE may consider such applications, taking into account the recommendations of the Task Force.
Health Services.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:22 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the finance allocation to the Health Service Executive in 2008 will enable it to deliver the 2007 level of services in addition to specific service improvements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22241/08]
James Reilly
Ceist:77 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that the finance allocation to the Health Service Executive in 2008 will enable it to deliver the 2007 level of services in addition to specific service improvements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22490/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 77 together.
The Oireachtas has voted a budget for the HSE for 2008 from resources provided by taxpayers. This allocation is an increase of 8% on the 2007 outturn of the HSE. Allowing for various once-off factors, the underlying increase amounts to 9%. By any standard, national or international, that is a high level of increase for a national health service. Few other countries maintain such levels of increases year after year. The OECD reported recently that our rate of increase in public health spending has been second highest in the developed world in the ten years between 1995 and 2005.
There is no health system in the world that operates without implicit or explicit budget limits and benefit limits. It is also the case that every health system, including our own, needs to deliver the most effective services for given resources and to constantly improve, that is, to make value for money and efficiency gains.
The HSE has incorporated Value for Money targets within its service plan. Those who support increased efficiency in public services will fully understand and support the fact that a 1% increase in efficiency for the HSE means, in financial terms, providing the same level of services at a cost of €142m less; a 2% efficiency gain means providing the same level of services at a cost of €280m less.
The services and targets to be provided by the HSE in 2008 are set out in the National Service Plan which I approved in November, 2007 and the Addendum to the Service Plan which I approved in February, 2008. Both of these documents have been laid before this House and published.
In its Exchequer Issues return to end May the HSE is reporting an overspend against profile of €59m, excluding the long-stay repayments scheme. Based on current trends, the HSE anticipate a budgeting challenge in the order of €300m this year. My Department and I have had discussions with the HSE about these emerging budget pressures. The imperative for efficiency gains and more effective practices is all the greater in order to deliver services, consistent with Government priorities, and within the annual budget allocated by the Oireachtas and the profile of expenditure planned for each month. The HSE is now considering the steps it should take in this regard.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:23 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether a culture of acceptance of trolley waits in hospital accident and emergency departments exists; when she expects hospitals to meet the maximum target trolley waits as set out in the ED Task Force Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22225/08]
I do not agree that a culture of acceptance of trolley waits exists. There have been considerable improvements in the delivery of services in Emergency Departments over the past two years, largely as a consequence of the intensive focus which has been put on this area. One indicator of improvement is the reduction in the average daily number of patients awaiting admission from 179 in 2005 to 92 in 2007.
While I acknowledge that there was an increase in the numbers during the early part of 2008, the numbers have since reduced. The average daily number of patients waiting for admission from Emergency Departments in May reduced to 87. However, I fully accept that we need to continue these improvements, particularly in terms of reducing waiting times. I believe that it is important to set clear targets for improvement and to measure performance accordingly. In line with this approach, the HSE has introduced a target waiting time of no more than 12 hours from decision to admit patients attending Emergency Departments.
Difficulties are largely confined to a number of major hospitals and the HSE is working closely with these hospitals to bring about further improvements. One of the particular challenges facing the HSE is the need to address bottlenecks in both the admission and discharge process. Among the initiatives being taken is the need to ensure that patients have an expected date of discharge within 24 hours of admission and that patients can be discharged in a more proactive manner at weekends. Implementation of a new Code of Practice on Discharge Planning is to commence next month in a number of hospitals, including the Mater, Beaumont, St. James's and Tallaght.
The Government is committed to building on the progress made over the last two years in improving services in Emergency Departments. We will support initiatives which are designed to improve access for patients and allow for more timely admissions and discharges. The objective is to move towards a lower target of 6 hours waiting from decision to admit in line with the recommendation of the Task Force report.
Hospital Services.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:24 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children her specific plans in place to implement the recommendations of the Health Information and Quality Authority Report on the misdiagnosis of Ms. Rebecca O’Malley; if the implementation is being monitored by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22171/08]
The Health Service Executive has accepted the report of the Health Information and Quality Authority into the circumstances surrounding the misdiagnosis of the person referred to by the deputy and has developed an action plan around the implementation of the 15 recommendations in the report. I am informed that this action plan has been approved by the HSE Management Team and has been communicated to the Health Information and Quality Authority. The plan will be considered by the HSE Board at their next meeting on 12th June. The implementation of the action plan will be monitored by the HSE, in conjunction with my Department.
Health Service Staff.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:25 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in filling the 183 occupational therapy posts that remained unfilled at the end of 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22164/08]
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.
I wish to advise the Deputy that almost 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 numbers 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 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.
Hospital Accommodation.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:26 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has been informed of the design and construction problems which the Health Service Executive says are delaying the delivery of step-down-beds which would enable some of the nearly 700 people who are in acute beds and ready for discharge to such beds to be transferred; her views on these problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22147/08]
The Deputy will be aware that operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The Executive has advised me that there are no design or construction problems which are delaying the delivery of step-down or residential beds and that all developments, once commenced on-site, have been completed on programme and within budget.
Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 12.
National Drugs Strategy.
Michael Ring
Ceist:28 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the roll-out of the National Drug Strategy treatment programmes for drug addiction; the new measures planned for the treatment of cocaine addiction under the remaining timeframe of the current strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18913/08]
There has been considerable expansion in treatment services under the National Drug Treatment Strategy 2001-2008 and, while improvements are still required in treatment services for drug users, I am satisfied that considerable progress has been made in improving both access and the range of services available. In regard to funding, the HSE currently makes €91 million available for its drugs services overall: this includes an additional €6 million which was allocated for key priorities in Budget 2007. Under the 2001-2008 Strategy the following developments have taken place. Just over 2,300 methadone treatment places have been created since the beginning of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. Over the same time period there has been an increase in the total number of patients receiving methadone substitution treatment each year, with the number rising from 7107 in 2001 to 9756 in 2007, a rise of 37%. The number of clinic outlets increased from 62 to 66 and the number of outpatient services have increased by 25%. The number of GPs participating in the methadone treatment scheme increased from 195 to 255. The number of pharmacies participating increased from 268 to 470.
The involvement of GPs and pharmacists facilitates the delivery of services in a patient centred way in local communities. The HSE is continuing its efforts to involve more GPs and pharmacists, particularly outside the greater Dublin area. The HSE also provides harm reduction and outreach services as does the voluntary sector: it is acknowledged that there is need to increase the availability of harm reduction services.
In recent times the HSE has been re-orienting its addiction services to address the needs arising from changing patterns of drug use in the population e.g. poly drug use including cocaine use, alcohol use and abuse of prescribed drugs. Available evidence indicates that many approaches already in use in general addiction services work well with cocaine misusers. These approaches are not specific to the treatment of a cocaine using group and are effective for problem use of other substances.
The HSE's addiction service prioritises under 18 year olds. As resources permit, the HSE is implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Treatment for Under 18 year Olds Presenting to Treatment Services with Serious Drug Problems. This includes the establishment of multi-disciplinary teams.
Medical Cards.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:29 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that no procedures are in place for the replacement of a European health insurance card, where same has been stolen or lost, prior to the expiration date which may be years hence; and if she will ensure that this matter is remedied. [22007/08]
The European Health Insurance Card was introduced on 1 June 2004. The EHIC enables the holder to access necessary healthcare in the public healthcare system of any EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, if he or she becomes ill or injured while on a temporary stay in that country. The EHIC replaced four previously existing paper forms of entitlement, including the E111. In Ireland, anyone who is eligible for healthcare (all those who are ordinarily resident as well as EU nationals employed in Ireland) may be issued with an EHIC by the HSE.
Anyone who already has either a medical card or a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card may apply online at www.ehic.ie. Applications may also be made at Local Health Offices in person or by post. Cards are issued within approximately 10 working days. If there is not sufficient time before travelling for an EHIC to be issued, a Provisional Replacement Certificate may be issued at your Local Health Office. This is a paper form that gives the same entitlement as the EHIC, but usually for a shorter period.
Where an EHIC is lost or stolen, a replacement EHIC may be issued. Applications for a replacement EHIC may only be made through Local Health Offices and may not be made online. The replacement EHIC will be forwarded to the applicant within ten days. Where a replacement is needed more urgently than this, a Provisional Replacement Certificate may be issued.
National Drugs Strategy.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:30 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the necessary funding for a media campaign highlighting the devastating effects of illegal drugs on the lives of young people, which would involve parents and relatives of drug addicts or drug addicts themselves modelled on the advertisement sponsored by the Road Safety Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15577/08]
National public information and awareness campaigns on drugs are undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE). In planning the public awareness campaign for 2008 it was decided that the focus would be Cocaine. The aim of the Campaign is to dispel the myths around Cocaine and Cocaine use. It was seen as imperative that this Campaign would ensure that all National, Regional and Local Stakeholders, would be connected into the National Campaign. The composition of the Campaign Advisory Group established by the HSE was aimed at facilitating this.
Specific funding of €500,000 is also being provided through the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to the Regional and Local Drugs Task Forces for local campaigns to link into the National Awareness Campaign. The Social Marketing function of the HSE Population Health Directorate is working with the National Advisory Committee on Drugs to support the roll-out of these local Campaigns.
It is important to note from a social marketing perspective that the most successful information and awareness campaigns are driven by measurable objectives informed by analysis of the target audience, and guided by proven theories and models of behaviour change and that they should be implemented with creativity. Strengthening the links between National and Local Public Awareness Campaigns on Drugs should assist in this process and bring benefits for all those involved.
Departmental Agencies.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:31 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will complete an efficiency review and audit of all State agencies and bodies under the responsibility of her Department; if she has plans to merge or abolish any State agencies or bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20594/08]
In the context of his most recent Budget Speech, the then Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., announced an Efficiency Review, under which all Departments were required to examine all administrative spending under their, or their State bodies', aegis. The identification of inefficiencies arising from the multiplicity of Boards and Agencies was identified as relevant in this context. The recent OECD Review of the Irish Public Service ("Towards an Integrated Public Service") also raises a number of issues around the structure and governance of agencies. Accordingly, my Department has been considering the position of agencies within its aegis.
Agencies (other than the HSE and HIQA) falling within my Department's aegis have functions ranging across advice, programme implementation and regulation. They are predominantly small in terms of organisational size and expenditure, and a number are self-funding. A comprehensive independent review of health organisations (Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System) was published in 2003. Considerable rationalisation has already taken place under the 2004 and 2007 Health Acts, and other changes are already planned, as follows:
The National Cancer Screening Service Board and the National Cancer Registry are to be subsumed into the HSE as part of the Cancer Control Programme;
The National Council for the Ageing and older People is to be mainstreamed into the newly established Office for Older People;
the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, provides for the dissolution of the Post Graduate Medical & Dental Board and the streamlining of the Board's functions to the HSE, Medical/Dental Councils, as appropriate;
the functions of the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery are to be subsumed by An Bord Altranais and the HSE once the proposed new Nursing and Midwifery Bill is passed; and
the National Social Work Qualification Board is due to be streamlined into the National Council for Health and Social Care Professions in the next year or so.
The potential for further streamlining and/or rationalisation is being considered in the context of the Efficiency Review referred to above, and will also arise in the context of our response to the OECD Review.
Efficiencies are already being implemented by agencies within the health sector in the areas of procurement, business processes, and outsourcing. Additional benefits might also accrue from sharing of functions such as payroll, finance, ICT, pensions, legal services, and HR, and my Department is considering how the necessary co-ordination might be applied to allow such possibilities to be exploited.
Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 7.
Health Services.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:33 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the report which was completed several months ago on neurology services; the reason for the delay in publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22163/08]
A Strategic Review of Neurology services in Ireland has been undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE). 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:
Describe the epidemiology of neurological conditions in Ireland.
Evaluate current neurology services, including paediatrics and neurophysiology.
Review the evidence in relation to models of service delivery and make a recommendation on the preferred model for the Irish health system.
Identify requirements for the development of neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and prioritise service requirements.
Report to the Director of the National Hospitals Office.
Work on the review has recently been completed and the final draft report has been submitted to the Director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration. The findings will help to inform the approach taken by the HSE to the future development of these services.
The publication of the review is a matter for the Executive and accordingly my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:34 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the portion of the €110 million that was allocated to implement the Fair Deal legislation in 2008 that has been spent on the needs of older people; if all of the money is secured for such purposes and for the implementation of the proposed legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22174/08]
In January of the year, the provision of 200 additional contract nursing home beds by HSE was approved by the Minister for Health and Children. The cost of the additional beds is to be met from within the HSE's total financial allocation in respect of long-term residential care services for older people, including the additional €110 million provided for the Fair Deal.
The €110 million was provided for the specific purpose of the Fair Deal. Any redirection of the funding would have to be considered within the context of the HSE's overall financial position this year and in 2009, particularly its ability to fund the full year cost of the Fair Deal in 2009, and having regard to other competing service priorities.
Hospital Staff.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:35 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes that will be brought about in the context of the new contract for hospital consultants; the timeframe for increasing the number of consultants and moving from a consultant led to a consultant delivered service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22154/08]
The new contract for medical consultants provides for the following contract types:Type A: Will work exclusively for the public hospital and will be remunerated solely by way of salary. Type B: Will work exclusively for the public hospital but may engage in limited private practice on the public hospital campus (including in a co-located hospital) up to a maximum of 20% of total clinical throughput. Type C: To be created only in exceptional circumstances where there is a demonstrable benefit to the public health system. Such a consultant will be entitled to treat private patients outside the public hospital campus.
In addition, as a special transitional arrangement, a Type B contract will be available to existing Category II Consultants and Category I Consultants in Emergency Medicine. This will permit them to engage in private practice in facilities operated by the employer or in co-located private hospitals on the public hospital campus. Consultants holding this type of contract may also engage in private practice in locations outside the public hospital campus subject to them signing up to all the other terms and conditions of the new contract.
Other key features of the agreement include:
The working week will be 37 hours;
An extended working day (8am – 8pm), Monday to Friday;
Consultants may be required to work up to 5 hours structured overtime on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays to expand access for patients/clients to consultant provided services;
The appointment of Clinical Directors to manage clinical services, budgets and lead the development of services for patients;
Consultants will work in teams to deliver consultant-provided rather than consultant-led services to patients.
Access to outpatient diagnostic services will be based solely on medical need.
These arrangements will result in the increased availability of senior clinical decision makers to treat and discharge patients as part of the transition to a consultant-delivered service from the present consultant-led service.
The target date for the implementation of the new contractual arrangements is 1 September 2008.
In April 2008 the HSE recommenced the recruitment process for new consultants in a range of specialties. In excess of 120 posts were advertised with the prior agreement of both the IHCA and IMO.
My Department is engaged in discussions with the HSE in relation to the development of a plan for the recruitment of several hundred new medical consultants over the medium term, and for a reduction in the number of non-consultant hospital doctors employed in the public health system, as part of the transition to a consultant-delivered service.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:36 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the report on the locum pathologist (details supplied) who worked in Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22162/08]
The HSE is currently finalising a review of the work of the named consultant pathologist who was employed on a temporary contract at Cork University Hospital for seven weeks in 2007. It will be published shortly.
HIQA is undertaking an investigation into the provision of care by the HSE to a patient which includes a review of pathology services at University College Hospital Galway involving the work of the same pathologist.
It is anticipated that a final draft of the HIQA review on Galway will be submitted later this month to the HIQA Board for approval for early publication.
Patient Referrals.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:37 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposal that patients would be able to refer themselves to consultants; if this proposal applies to public patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22167/08]
The Medical Council is the body in the State charged with responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners and the regulation of their activities. Section 69(2) of the Medical Practitioners Act 1978 states, "It shall be a function of the Council to give guidance to the medical profession generally on all matters relating to ethical conduct and behaviour." Ethical guidance is a matter for the Medical Council and the Minister for Health and Children does not have a role in this regard.
The ethical guide, including its guidance on referral of patients, relates to all doctors, whether practising in the public or private sector.
The Council has informed me that it recommends that patients in the first instance consult their general practitioner, as the person who best knows their medical history.
Medical Inquiries.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:38 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will meet a group (details supplied) who have been seeking to meet with her in relation to the Dunne Inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22180/08]
The HSE has commissioned an independent person to conduct a review of the operation of Parents for Justice together with an assessment of the future counselling requirements of persons affected by organ retention practices. This review is well under way. I have informed Parents for Justice that I will be happy to meet them as soon as the review is complete.
Suicide Incidence.
Jack Wall
Ceist:39 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the level of suicide and self-harm in rural Ireland and on whether more action is needed at local level to protect the most vulnerable; her further views on whether the supports for families, individuals and communities affected by suicide and deliberate self-harm need to be enhanced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18810/08]
'Reach Out' — A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, which was launched in September 2005 provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The strategy calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies.
'Reach Out' recognises the importance of reaching out to people who work in places and settings that can be isolated and a key component of the strategy is the implementation of measures aimed at high risk groups and vulnerable people. These include the provision of information and training on suicide prevention to relevant professionals and organisations, research on suicide prevention and the improvement of services which would benefit those at risk of suicide and those who attempt suicide. Implementation of the strategy is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.
In acknowledging the issue of rural suicide, in 2007 Teagasc funded a PhD study over 3 years to examine the issue of rural men and suicide. When completed this study will set a direction for future work.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 18.
Child Abuse.
Alan Shatter
Ceist:41 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the exact timescale for the implementation of recommendations contained in the report published in December 2007 into services provided by the Brothers of Charity in Galway to provide for adequate protection from physical and sexual abuse for intellectually disabled children and adults in care; if she has received the results of the investigation into the delay of eight years in the publication of the report; if she is satisfied that no such physical or sexual abuse took place in any other institution for which the Brothers of Charity are responsible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17360/08]
The HSE has informed my Department that it has carried out a review of the Brothers of Charity services. The review did not reveal any new cases of physical or sexual abuse. The HSE has also advised my Department that it is working with the Brothers of Charity on a comprehensive programme to implement all the recommendations in the McCoy report.
As the Deputy is aware, Minister Harney appointed Mr. John Hynes, former Secretary General, Department of Social and Family Affairs, to investigate the delay of eight years in relation to the publication of the McCoy report into services provided by the Brothers of Charity, Galway Services. Mr. Hynes is due to report to Minister Harney on or before 8th July 2008.
With regard to the remaining issues raised by the Deputy, the HSE has informed my Department that it will reply direct to the Deputy on these matters.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:42 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism accommodated in psychiatric hospitals; the number of same accommodated in de-designated units which were formerly designated as psychiatric services; the numbers of same moved from psychiatric hospitals prior to 2002 to alternative accommodation which is now unsuitable for their needs; the names and locations of the hospital, units and other accommodation in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22272/08]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:55 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of her Department’s programme to transfer persons with an intellectual disability or autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements; the progress made in implementing this programme since 2002; the number of persons moved from inappropriate placements to appropriate accommodation in each year since 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22273/08]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:63 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people with an intellectual disability who are accommodated in a psychiatric hospital; the number who have been moved from psychiatric hospitals into community residences or other suitable accommodation in each of the past five years; when all those who remain in such accommodation will be moved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22173/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 55 and 63 together.
The National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD) report for 2007 identified 329 individuals with intellectual disability, all aged 20 years or over, as being accommodated in psychiatric hospitals. It should be noted that registration on the NIDD is voluntary.
An integral part of the National Disability Strategy is the Multi-Annual Investment Programme (MAIP) announced in the 2005 Budget, which provides €900m for the provision of specific high priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. MAIP commitments include the development of new residential, respite and day places for persons with intellectual disability and autism in each of the years covered by the programme as well as the transfer of persons with intellectual disability/autism from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Deputies' specific questions, in relation to the progress and details of the programme to move those individuals to more appropriate accommodation, relate 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 Deputies.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 11.
Mental Health Services.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:44 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in developing inpatient beds for child and adolescent psychiatry; when the promised beds in Cork and in Fairview, Dublin will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22178/08]
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.
Legislative Programme.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:45 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the elements of the Disability Act 2005 which relate to her Department that have not been commenced; when they will be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22157/08]
The National Disability Strategy, which was launched in September 2004, provides for a framework of new supports for people with disabilities. The Strategy builds on a strong equality framework, which is reflected in several pieces of equality legislation. The main elements of the Strategy include:
The Disability Act 2005;
The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN) 2004;
Six Outline Sectoral Plans published by Government Departments;
The Citizens Information Act 2007, and
A Multiannual Investment Package, amounting to €900 million over the years 2006 to 2009.
The Disability Act 2005 remains the central component of the National Disability Strategy. While the legislation was sponsored by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Health and Children, together with the HSE, are charged with specific statutory duties, most notably concerning the implementation of Part 2 of the Act.
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 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 1,800 applications for an assessment of need have been received and are being processed by the HSE.
Representatives of the Department of Health & Children, the Department of Education & Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education meet on a regular 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, in tandem with the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN Act). This legislation, which is the responsibility of the Department of Education & Science, provides for the provision of education services for people with disabilities. The Department of Education & Science has informed my Department that it is envisaged that all sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 will be implemented over a five year timeframe, with the assessment process as provided for in the EPSEN Act 2004 due to commence in 2010.
The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be extended to adults as soon as possible, but no later than 2011.
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.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 9.
Proposed Legislation.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:47 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she expects to be able to take the proposed fair deal legislation through both Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess, 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22175/08]
The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. The legislation is complex and requires careful drafting in order to ensure that the interests of older people requiring residential care are fully protected.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, intends to publish the Bill as soon as possible following finalisation by the Attorney General and Government approval, and to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas thereafter. As the timeframe for bringing the legislation through both Houses is contingent upon finalisation of the Bill, a more definitive answer is not possible at this stage.
Hospital Services.
Mary Upton
Ceist:48 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the allocation for acute hospitals in the Health Service Executive budget for 2008 represents a cut in real terms of approximately 2.8% allowing for inflation; if this is adequate to address growth in population and in demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22177/08]
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.
Infectious Diseases.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:49 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the immediate action she will take to implement in full the recommendations of the health protection surveillance centre on the spread of Clostridium difficile and other hospital-based infections. [22275/08]
Joan Burton
Ceist:60 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to implement the recommendations of the report on the health protection surveillance centre on the spread of hospital-based infections; her views in particular, on the prevalence of Clostridium difficile in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22150/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 60 together.
I would like to assure the Deputies that tackling Health care Associated Infections (HCAIs), including Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The recommendations referred to by the Deputies are contained in the Guidelines for the Surveillance, Management and Control of C. difficile-associated disease which were published on 22nd May by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. They give national guidance and deal with the isolation of C. difficile ribotype 027 for the first time in Irish hospitals. They will be a valuable resource in assisting in the prevention, management and control of this infectious disease. The HSE is considering the report at present to decide on its implementation and I have asked to be kept informed of progress on this matter.
As the Deputies will be aware, 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 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.
C. difficile was not, up to now, a notifiable disease and, as a result, it was difficult to quantify the extent of infection in the health care system. However, it was examined in the Third Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) in acute hospitals in 2006. The survey found that thirty-six patients had C. difficile representing 0.5% of patients studied. In March 2008, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department instructed the HSE to make C. difficile a notifiable disease and since May 4 all cases are required to be notified to the relevant Department of Public Health. The number of cases reported to date is within the range identified in the 2006 Survey. The HSE will continue to monitor the data closely.
While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and to treat them promptly when they occur.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Joe Costello
Ceist:50 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reconfigure the delivery of hospital services in the north east; if it is true there is not a red cent available to build a new tertiary hospital in the region; the interim plans to deliver hospital services to the people of the north east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22170/08]
The Transformation Programme for the North East region involves widespread and fundamental change and is designed to build a health system that is in line with the model of care emerging internationally. The international evidence indicates that this can be achieved by centralising acute and complex care so that clinical skill levels can be safeguarded through ensuring sufficient throughput of cases. This was highlighted in the Teamwork Report — "Improving Safety and Achieving Better Standards — An Action Plan for Health Services in the North East".
The Transformation Programme is about the reshaping and integration of community and hospital services so individual members of the public will have access to better quality safe services, which they can have confidence in. The majority of that care can be provided locally where practical, including within the community or in the home.
In progressing the Programme the Health Service Executive (HSE) has repeatedly emphasised its commitment that existing services in the region will remain in place until they are replaced with higher quality, safer or more appropriate services. The overriding aim of the Programme, which I fully support, is the need to improve safety and achieve better standards of care for patients in the region.
The report of the consultancy firm, which the HSE commissioned to carry out an independent study on a possible location for the new Regional Hospital was noted at the HSE Board meeting in April. No decisions have been made by the Government or by the HSE on the future location of the new hospital.
The findings of the recently published OECD Report "Ireland Towards an Integrated Public Service" will need to be carefully considered in the context of the Transformation Programme for the North East. The Report emphasises the need to deal with the reforms of primary and community care in tandem with the reconfiguration of hospitals if the overall vision is to be realised. It suggests a broader examination of international systems which would help identify how other countries have met the needs of areas with characteristics similar to the North East.
The OECD took the view that an examination could include the possibility of having two hospitals, one regional and one general, in the North East. It added that the outcome of such an examination could equally be a reaffirmation of the plan for one acute hospital for the region.
The immediate focus of the Transformation Programme is to have acute and complex care moved from 5 to 2 hospital sites and to ensure that services in the region are organised to optimise patient safety. The first step in the development of a fully integrated regional health service is to ensure that the people of the North East have local access to both routine planned care and immediate life saving emergency care. Over the next few years, in preparation for all acute emergency in-patient care and complex planned care being provided at a regional centre, the existing five hospitals will continue to improve services by further merger of their acute care specialties.
The reconfiguration of services in the North East in a way which demonstrably delivers safer and more effective services for people in that region will continue to have my full support.
Proposed Legislation.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:51 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to introduce legislation to ban female genital mutilation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22153/08]
Legal advice which I obtained in 2004 strongly indicated that Female Genital Mutilation would constitute an offence under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.
In September 2006, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in its concluding observations on Ireland's second periodic report urged Ireland to continue its efforts to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation through, inter alia, prohibiting it by law. I am currently examining the possibility of introducing specific legislation to ban Female Genital Mutilation in the context of UNCRC's recommendations.
Alcohol Advertising.
Jack Wall
Ceist:52 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of meetings she has had with the national sports organisations regarding advertising and sponsorship of such organisations by the drinks industry; the results of the meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18829/08]
Neither myself nor the previous Minister for Health Promotion and Food Safety have had meetings with the national sports organisations to discuss the issue of sponsorship by alcohol companies. However, I do intend engaging with the sporting organisations in the context of the Government Decision to establish a Working Group to consider the issues around sports sponsorship by alcohol companies. The Working Group will examine existing sponsorships and the terms and length of existing contracts and give direction to how concerns around the extent of sports sponsorship by alcohol companies might be addressed. This Working Group will be established by my Department following consultation with other relevant Government Departments.
Accident and Emergency Services.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:53 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the report by the emergency department task force; her views on the statement by the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine that overcrowding has reached record levels (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22168/08]
The Emergency Department Task Force Report was commissioned by the Health Service Executive and published in June 2007. The Report set out a series of recommendations for action to improve service delivery and included a particular emphasis on the introduction of waiting time targets for patients attending emergency departments. The report also described a range of initiatives which would enable hospitals to comply with these targets.
I do not accept that overcrowding in Emergency Departments has reached record levels. There have been considerable improvements in the delivery of service in accident and emergency departments in the last two years. One indicator of improvement is the reduction in the average daily number of patients awaiting admission from 179 in 2005 to 92 in 2007.
The national daily average number of patients awaiting admission in May (to 30th) was 87, a reduction on the figure of 97 for the same period in May 2007. The average daily number of patients waiting in excess of 24 hours was 3, compared with 7 for the same period in May 2007. The average daily number of patients waiting between 12 and 24 hours for admission was 27 compared with 26 in 2007.
Significant additional resources have been provided to address the problems which manifest in Emergency Departments. Among the developments which have taken place in line with the recommendations of the Task Force Report are:
additional public and private Long Stay Beds,
additional Home Care Packages and Home Help Hours,
major capital developments in emergency departments and the provision of Acute Medical Assessment Units,
Community Intervention Teams in Cork, Limerick and Dublin,
rapid assessment clinics to support the catchment population of the Mater hospital,
expansion of the GP out of hours services in North Dublin.
In terms of waiting times, a revised target of 12 hours waiting from decision to admit was introduced in October 2007. This built on an initial maximum target waiting time of 24 hours. The HSE is also committed to monitoring and reporting on the total length of time patients spend in Emergency Departments, whether they are admitted or not. A number of hospitals have commenced reporting this information and the HSE expects to be in a position to publish data on up to 18 hospitals in the next few months. The majority of hospitals are meeting their admission targets and problems are largely confined to a small number of hospitals. The HSE is working closely with those hospitals with a particular focus on improving and streamlining processes and patient pathways to ensure that care is provided in a more timely, appropriate and efficient manner. Targeted initiatives include:
setting up consultant led Clinical Decision Units and Acute Short Stay Units with a dedicated number of beds,
integrated discharge planning implemented on a 7 day basis, including nurse facilitated discharges,
updating the bed management system and processes with a focus on improved discharge planning,
implementation of a new Code of Practice on Discharge Planning is to commence in June 2008 in a number of Hospitals, including the Mater, Beaumont, St. James's and Tallaght,
reducing inappropriate referrals from GPs to Emergency Departments,
reducing admissions with the duty medical registrar deciding on admissions,
standardising assessment processes,
enhancing diagnostic capacity.
The initiatives which I have described are designed to free up capacity during 2008, to allow for more timely admissions from Emergency Departments and further movement towards a lower target of 6 hours waiting from decision to admit in line with the recommendation of the Task Force report.
Mental Health Services.
Joe Costello
Ceist:54 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who have been sent abroad for treatment for eating disorders and other mental health treatment to date in 2008; when there will be an expansion of specialist services, including designated beds for people with eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22166/08]
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.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 42.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:56 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in the provision of suitable accommodation for patients with cystic fibrosis who need to be hospitalised; the number of extra beds that will be made available in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22172/08]
I identified the need to improve services for persons with cystic fibrosis as a priority in the Estimates process over recent years. Since 2006, additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the HSE to develop services for patients with cystic fibrosis.
The HSE has advised that 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis have been appointed to date across a number of hospitals, including St Vincent's, Beaumont, Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght, Cork University Hospital, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally.
I asked the HSE to place a particular focus on the development of services at St. Vincent's Hospital, the National Adult Tertiary Centre for the treatment of persons with cystic fibrosis, where concerns had been raised regarding the need to improve facilities. A number of capital projects have been completed at the hospital and further developments are in progress.
In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built at St. Vincent's which 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 advises 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 no more than 24 months from the date of contract award.
In the interim, work is under way on the refurbishment of accommodation to provide eight single en-suite rooms for patients with cystic fibrosis. The HSE expects that these beds will be operational from the end of July. On completion of this first phase, work will commence to further increase the number of single rooms for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Beaumont Hospital operates as a regional centre in providing services to adults with cystic fibrosis. In the 2008 Budget, €2.5m capital funding was provided to enable Beaumont Hospital to provide out patient facilities for cystic fibrosis patients. Following discussions between hospital management, consultant respiratory physicians and cystic fibrosis patient representative organisations a decision has been taken regarding the site for a purpose built out-patient facility for patients with cystic fibrosis. A detailed proposal in relation to the development is being prepared for submission to the National Hospitals Office for approval. My Department understands that patients with cystic fibrosis will also benefit from additional single room capacity in the new medical admissions unit at the hospital which is due to open in December.
The Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has been asked by my Department to revert to the Deputy on the operational issue raised.
Alcohol Advertising.
Mary Upton
Ceist:57 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the recommendations issued by the report, The Relationship Between Alcohol Misuse and the Drinks Industry Sponsorship of Sporting Activities, presented to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in March 2007 that have been implemented by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17673/08]
The Recommendations contained in the Report mentioned by the Deputy are broadly consistent with the recommendations contained in the reports by the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol (STFA) which guide and inform my Department's alcohol policy.
In order to tackle alcohol related harm, the Government is taking a twin-track approach, involving, on the one hand, policies and interventions targeted at vulnerable populations and, on the other, policies targeted at the population at large to reduce the overall level of alcohol misuse in society. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has announced changes in the licensing laws with a view to reducing public disorder. I will shortly be launching further restrictions on alcohol advertising, marketing and sponsorship. In addition, my Department is to establish a Working Group to consider issues around sport sponsorships by alcohol companies.
At an operational level the Health Service Executive (HSE) is working closely with the Gaelic Athletic Association in relation to the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP). The aim of the ASAP is to reduce the harm that is being caused by the misuse of alcohol and drugs. The ASAP Programme intends to achieve this aim by developing a structure of people throughout the association with specific roles at club, county and provincial levels. The HSE has developed guidelines in relation to alcohol and drugs for the Community Games organisation and is also assisting the Football Association of Ireland in developing a drugs and alcohol policy.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:58 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has proposals to provide additional support for nursing home subvention in 2008 in view of the inadequacy of the maximum rates of subvention, increasing nursing home charges and the delays in the implementation of the new nursing home support scheme. [22008/08]
As the Deputy will be aware the subvention scheme is being replaced by an improved system of nursing home support, A Fair Deal. My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, and I are anxious for the support scheme to come into operation as soon as possible.
In January 2007 the rate of basic subvention was increased substantially, to €300 per week. This means that many more people should be eligible for subvention than in the past. Also, additional funding was made available for both subvention and enhanced subvention last year. The amount of enhanced subvention paid is at the discretion of the HSE and varies according to the cost of care. Individuals who are in receipt of a subvention may apply for a review if their nursing home increases its fees. I am aware of the situation regarding nursing home charges and the current rates of subvention and I am actively considering this matter at present.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Sean Sherlock
Ceist:59 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children how she will progress the National Disability Strategy; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22169/08]
The National Disability Strategy was launched by Government in 2004 and underpins the participation of people with disabilities in Irish society by building on existing policy and legislation. The Strategy comprises five elements:
Disability Act 2005;
Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004;
Sectoral Plans published in 2006 by six Government Departments;
Citizen's Information Act 2007; and
A Multi-Annual Investment Programme for disability support services of €900m for the period 2006-2009.
Part 2 of the Disability Act provides people with disabilities with an entitlement to:
an independent assessment of their health and education needs
a statement of the services it is proposed to provide
pursue a complaint through the HSE complaints process if necessary
make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer
Part 2 of the Act commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1st June 2007. Children under 5 years were chosen as the priority for the introduction of the assessment of need process under the Disability Act because of the importance of intervention early in life. This can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment.
The commencement of Part 2 in respect of children aged between 5 and 18 will be introduced by 2010, in parallel with the implantation of the EPSEN Act 2004. The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011. The HSE has also appointed Assessment Officers and Liaison Officers in each LHO area. The Assessment Officer is responsible for the co-ordination of the Assessment Report, while the Liaison Officer has responsibility for the provision of the service statement. At the end of March 2008, 1,836 applications for assessment of need have been received and are being processed by the HSE.
The Health Sectoral Plan sets out the actions which the Department of Health and Children, the HSE and 27 statutory bodies will take to meet their obligations under the Disability Act 2005. It represents a commitment at all levels of the health service to access and equity of service for people with disabilities. In December 2007, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive published the first of three annual reviews of progress on the Sectoral Plan. Further targets have been identified, specifically in relation to planning for the commencement of the Act for 5-18 year olds and adults. This includes work with the Health Services Executive, the Department of Education and Science and the National Council for Special Education and other relevant stakeholders.
The Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006 -2009 was announced as part of the Budget Day package in December 2004. It outlined the Government's commitment to a programme of revenue and capital expenditure, amounting in total to around €900m, on specific disability support services over that period. The bulk of this funding is being spent in the health services.
A key development which will assist in progressing the National Disability Strategy was the Government's decision in January of this year to establish the Office for Disability and Mental Health. This Office will assist me in exercising my responsibilities across four Government Departments: Health & Children, Education & Science, Enterprise, Trade & Employment and Justice, Equality & Law Reform. 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. The Office will aim to bring about improvements in the manner in which services respond to the needs of people with disabilities by working to develop person-centred services, focussing on the holistic needs of clients and service users and actively involving them in their own care.
The social partnership agreement Towards 2016 outlines our vision for people with disabilities, the Programme for Government supports the implementation of the National Disability Strategy. This Government will work with the social partners to achieve continued improvements in the quality of life of people with disabilities. The ultimate aim is to provide people with a disability an opportunity to live a full life and to participate in society.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 49.
Health Service Staff.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:61 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposals by the Health Service Executive to offer voluntary redundancy and retirement to approximately 1,000 administrative staff members; if she has plans to reduce the number of people in senior administrative posts in the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22158/08]
I have previously made it clear that I want to see appropriate staffing structures in place throughout our public health service. This includes management structures and front line service delivery. My main aim in relation to management structures is to ensure clarity of roles, responsibilities and reporting relationships in order to improve the overall governance and management of our health services.
The board and management of the HSE have been considering possible improvements in their existing management structures which would optimise their operational or service delivery capacity. These proposals are still being finalised and will be considered by me in the near future. Separately, the HSE has commissioned a review of its administrative staffing. I understand this review indicates that the HSE is not over-resourced in clerical, administrative and managerial staff compared to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Between December 2004 and March 2008 direct frontline service staff in both the HSE National Hospitals area and Primary and Community Care have increased by approx. 10% while HSE Corporate staff levels have been reduced by more than 10%.
I believe that a properly planned and managed voluntary redundancy scheme could have an important role to play in helping to streamline management within the HSE and, as a result, in improving the delivery of health services to patients. Such a scheme would need to be built upon a clearly delineated organisation structure and the associated human resource requirements. It would also need to demonstrate that it will deliver value for money, having regard to other options such as natural wastage and the scope for re-deployment.
Discussions about a possible redundancy scheme are still at an exploratory stage. In accordance with established practice in the public service, any such scheme would operate on a voluntary basis and would require the approval of the Minister for Finance. There would also need to be discussions with the relevant staff associations. Clearly, it is an option that requires further work but it is also one which could help to deliver significant benefits in terms of a much streamlined and integrated management structure within the HSE.
Vaccination Programme.
Liz McManus
Ceist:62 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to implement the proposal in the programme for Government to introduce a vaccination scheme for the prevention of cervical cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22159/08]
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has undertaken a scientific assessment of the public health value of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine following a request from my Department. NIAC and the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) agreed that this work needed to be complemented by a study of the cost effectiveness of the vaccine in the current Irish context. Accordingly, both organisations requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a study into the cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine.
HIQA has now completed the study and NIAC and NCSS were requested to evaluate the HIQA report. The Chief Medical Officer of my Department has received correspondence from the Chairman of NIAC setting out the NIAC's evaluation of the HIQA report and I have recently received a response from the NCSS.
I will consider all of the advice now available to me to ensure that a policy decision is taken which is coherent as between the introduction of HPV vaccine and the planned national roll out of the cervical screening service, which reflects a fully integrated approach to this problem and which is based on the best national and international evidence available to us. I intend to make a decision this summer.
Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 42.
Health Services.
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:64 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the problems faced by people with muscular dystrophy living in the community, which include difficulty in accessing personal assistance, physiotherapy, home adaptation and wheelchairs; when a comprehensive, co-ordinated service will be available to such people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22156/08]
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.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:65 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children how she will ensure that the skills-base in cytology laboratory screening will be maintained in the context of the decision of the National Cancer Screening Service to award the entire contract for screening to one company, based outside Ireland, for the next two years at least; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22155/08]
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) will shortly implement a quality assured national population based screening programme, so that preventable deaths from cervical cancer among women can be avoided. The NCSS has announced a preferred bidder for the provision of laboratory testing services for the National Cervical Screening Programme. This is an important milestone which will enable the NCSS to launch the first quality assured, population based National Cervical Screening Programme for women in Ireland aged 25-60 years.
The Faculty of Pathology, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) has a responsibility for postgraduate medical education and training of pathologists in Ireland. The NCSS met with the Faculty and agreed to a collaborative working relationship in order to identify solutions to issues raised in relation to proposed provision of cytology services in laboratories abroad. The RCPI supports the implementation of the National Cervical Screening Programme and the goal of reducing waiting times for smear test results.
The HSE has undertaken a review of its laboratory medicine services. I welcome steps that are being taken by certain HSE funded laboratories to secure accreditation. I believe that if all those involved work together in partnership there is scope to provide high quality and cost effective services within HSE funded laboratories. The National Hospitals Office (NHO) of the HSE has a commitment to its staff currently employed in cytology services, and has met with their representative. Any decisions regarding reassignment of employees will be addressed after the National Cancer Screening Service has completed the procurement process for cytology services.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 6.
Hospital Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:67 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the role she will have in making decisions on proposed changes to the roles of hospitals in the various regions that are awaiting reports by the consultants Teamwork; her policies on the role of secondary hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22152/08]
Liz McManus
Ceist:68 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the Teamwork report for the mid-west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22160/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.
The Health Service Executive has commissioned a number of reviews of the configuration of acute hospital services including those referred to by the Deputies. In each case, the first priority is patient safety. The challenge in the years ahead will be to organise, manage and deliver high quality services that are focused in the first instance on the safety of patients.
The Health Service Executive has commissioned Horwath Consultants in association with Teamwork Management Services to work on the strategic reviews of acute hospital services being undertaken by the Executive in the Mid West and Southern regions. The reviews focus on identifying the best configuration of acute hospital services in these regions including arrangements for A&E, critical care, acute medicine and surgery, together with diagnostic services so that the highest quality of care can be delivered to the population of the regions concerned. The Health Service Executive reviews will act as one of the inputs to decisions on how best to reconfigure acute services in the regions concerned. The Government and the Executive are committed to ensuring that the approach to re-organisation of services is carried out in consultation with the key stakeholders, and that each element is progressed incrementally. I believe that it is important to work with health professionals and other interested parties to secure an increasing set of improvements over time. This approach will, I am confident, produce the best outcome for patients.
Departmental Agencies.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:69 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has any plans to extend the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority to include private health service providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22176/08]
A core function of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is to set standards on safety and quality of health services and to monitor enforcement of those standards in an open and transparent way. The Health Act 2007 currently gives HIQA strong powers in this area in relation to services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and bodies funded by the HSE to provide services on their behalf. The process by which such a regulatory regime is introduced first in the public sector is a feature of similar developments in other jurisdictions. The extension of this type of monitoring and control to the private sector involves further legislation of a complex nature.
The Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance was established last year to develop proposals for a health service wide system of governance based on corporate accountability for the quality and safety of all health services. One of its terms of reference is to specifically examine and make recommendations in relation to a statutory system of licensing for public and private health care providers and services. The Commission is due to report by the end of July this year. There is already in existence extensive legislation governing the activities of healthcare professionals which includes those operating in the private sector. I will consider what additional appropriate regulatory framework should be applied to public and private healthcare providers and services when I receive the report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance.
Flood Relief.
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:70 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the flood alleviation project as proposed for the Springfield area of Clonlara, County Clare. [22315/08]
The Office of Public Works are currently compiling supplementary information requested by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to the licence application for flood alleviation works. The OPW expect to respond to the NPWS within the next fortnight.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:71 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22348/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:72 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22362/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:73 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22375/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 to 73, inclusive, together.
The following tables set out the details sought by the Deputy in respect of advertising campaigns proposed or undertaken by my Department, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Valuation Office and the Office of Public Works.
|
Campaign/Purpose |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Publications |
Cost (incl VAT) of Outdoor Advertising |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Broadcast Media |
Cost (incl VAT) of any associated Consultancy/ Production |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
2005 |
NDP/CSF Public Information & Awareness |
125,487 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2005 |
Promotion of the etenders website, www.etenders.gov.ie |
22,633 |
— |
31,046 |
30,422 |
|
2006 |
NDP/CSF Public Information & Awareness |
195,503 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2006 |
Promotion of the etenders website, www.etenders.gov.ie |
7,072 |
— |
29,543 |
25,943 |
|
2007 |
NDP 2007-2013 Public Information & Awareness |
7,439 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2007 |
Promotion of the etenders website, www.etenders.gov.ie |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
2008 YTD |
NDP 2007-2013 Public Information & Awareness |
2,420 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Campaign/Purpose |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Publications |
Cost (incl VAT) of Outdoor Advertising |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Broadcast Media |
Cost (incl VAT) of any associated Consultancy/ Production |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
2005 |
Bulk Issue |
54,595 |
— |
— |
1,513 |
|
2005 |
Customer Contact |
93,463 |
— |
— |
3,051 |
|
2005 |
CGT |
67,962 |
— |
— |
1,252 |
|
2005 |
P35 |
71,519 |
— |
124,003 |
23,837 |
|
2005 |
Pay & File |
64,263 |
— |
284,987 |
28,024 |
|
2005 |
Budget Freephone |
14,173 |
— |
— |
434 |
|
2005 |
Insurance Investigation |
397,889 |
— |
148,327 |
15,198 |
|
2005 |
VRT: Number Plates |
23,527 |
— |
— |
1,513 |
|
2005 |
Tax Credits |
113,566 |
— |
44,918 |
4,840 |
|
2006 |
P35 deadline |
65,046 |
— |
133,319 |
10,708 |
|
2006 |
Pay & File deadline |
64,286 |
— |
226,417 |
13,855 |
|
2006 |
Tax reliefs/entitlements |
19,830 |
201,808 |
154,249 |
29,216 |
|
2006 |
Nursing Home charges |
25,328 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2006 |
Budget Helpline |
30,240 |
— |
— |
869 |
|
2006 |
Capital Gains Tax deadline |
10,382 |
— |
— |
500 |
|
2006 |
Automated Entry Processing |
6,407 |
— |
— |
392 |
|
2007 |
Bulk Issue |
62,594 |
— |
49,527 |
2,632 |
|
2007 |
CGT |
23,003 |
— |
— |
1,035 |
|
2007 |
P35 |
74,698 |
— |
144,688 |
12,064 |
|
2007 |
Pay and File |
67,136 |
— |
320,875 |
9,662 |
|
2007 |
Budget Freephone |
18,871 |
— |
— |
434 |
|
2007 |
PAYE Self Service |
215,575 |
24,200 |
197,776 |
27,497 |
|
2007 |
65s DIRT |
28,656 |
— |
24,079 |
4,477 |
|
2007 |
Claim your reliefs |
171,536 |
208,379 |
191,505 |
14,774 |
|
2008 YTD |
Bulk Issue |
54,602 |
— |
— |
1,815 |
|
2008 YTD |
Entitlements |
1,951 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2008 YTD |
PAYE Online |
107,271 |
— |
145,933 |
29,948 |
|
2008 YTD |
P35 |
77,006 |
— |
151,961 |
18,755 |
|
2008 YTD |
CGT |
14,706 |
— |
— |
501 |
|
2008 Proposed |
Projects as per year to date 2008 |
510,000 |
— |
590,000 |
100,000 |
|
Campaign/Purpose |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Publications |
Cost (incl VAT) of Outdoor Advertising |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Broadcast Media |
Cost (incl VAT) of any associated Consultancy/ Production |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
2005 |
Launch of Revaluation in South County Dublin Local Authority |
— |
— |
— |
7,887 |
|
2007 |
Launch of Revaluation in Fingal Local Authority |
— |
— |
— |
9,493 |
|
2008 YTD |
Launch of Revaluation in a third Local Authority |
— |
— |
— |
6,632 |
|
2008 Proposed |
Launch of Revaluation in a third Local Authority |
— |
— |
— |
10,000 |
|
Campaign/Purpose |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Publications |
Cost (incl VAT) of Outdoor Advertising |
Cost (incl VAT) of Advertising in Broadcast Media; |
Cost (incl VAT) of any associated Consultancy/ Production |
|
|
2005 |
PR/Public Events Programme Farmleigh |
— |
— |
44,915 |
(1) Not possible to disaggregate production costs — these included in gross advertising figure |
|
2005 |
Farmleigh Gallery Exhibitions (2) |
5,000 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2005 |
Public Awareness Campaign for Flooding |
79,178 |
4,448 |
40,772 |
64,923 |
|
2005 |
OPW Summerfest Programme |
— |
600 |
— |
— |
|
2006 |
PR/Public Events Programme Farmleigh |
— |
— |
34,221 |
(1) Not possible to disaggregate production costs — these included in gross advertising figure |
|
2006 |
Farmleigh Gallery Exhibitions (2) |
5,000 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2006 |
Public Awareness Campaign for Flooding |
105,281 |
31,352 |
54,159 |
9,701 |
|
2006 |
OPW Summerfest Programme |
— |
963 |
— |
2,794 |
|
2007 |
Public Awareness Campaign for Flooding |
27,809 |
— |
— |
6,362 |
|
2007 |
OPW Summerfest Programme |
— |
4,311 |
— |
12,158 |
|
2007 |
OPW Summerfest Programme |
— |
4,311 |
— |
12,158 |
|
2007 |
OPW Summerfest Programme |
1,904 |
4,069 |
— |
— |
|
2008 Proposed |
OPW Summerfest Programme |
— |
1,350 |
— |
12,051 |
|
2008 Proposed |
Public Awareness Campaign for Flooding |
1,107 |
— |
— |
— |
|
2008 Proposed |
Farmleigh Gallery Exhibitions |
3,400 |
— |
— |
— |
The Commission for Public Service Appointments, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General, the State Laboratory and the Public Appointments Service did not have, and do not propose to have relevant advertising campaigns.
Price Inflation.
M. J. Nolan
Ceist:74 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Finance his views on setting a ceiling on the price of diesel fuel after which no extra Government excise duty would be imposed in order to alleviate the problems being encountered by individuals and companies who, because of the recent increases in the cost of fuel, are unable to recoup this cost increase from their customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22387/08]
The increase in fuel prices generally, and the increase in the price of diesel, is an international phenomenon. Fuel prices are driven by a number of factors including the price of oil on international markets, exchange rates, production costs and refining costs. The rise in oil prices over recent periods reflected additional factors such as geopolitical uncertainty, supply disruptions and strong economic growth in countries such as China. Excise duty rates in Ireland for both auto-diesel and petrol are €368.05 and €442.68 per 1,000 litres of fuel respectively. These rates are lower than the EU 15 average, and our main trading partners particularly our nearest neighbour, the UK. I would also like to point out that excise rates for both diesel and petrol have not been increased in the last four Budgets.
The Exchequer yield from excise, as excise is set at a nominal amount, does not increase as the price of fuels increase. On the other hand, the yield from VAT, as VAT is set as a percentage of the price, increases as the price of fuels increase. However, in this regard it should be borne in mind that to the extent that spending in the economy is re-allocated to petrol and other oil products, and away from other VAT liable spending, and to the extent that the overall level of economic activity is reduced by higher oil prices, there may be little or no net gain to the Exchequer.
In relation to the rate of VAT applicable to auto-diesel, the position is that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Auto-diesel is subject to the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21%. It would not be possible to reduce the VAT rate applicable to auto-diesel without reducing the rate for all goods and services subject to the standard VAT rate. A decrease of 1 percentage point in the standard VAT rate would cost the Exchequer €483 million per annum. Such a reduction would have little or no impact on the price of fuel. It should also be noted that the VAT content of purchases of auto-diesel, kerosene, marked gas oil (MGO or green diesel) and fuel oil used in the course of business is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.
Given the impact high oil prices can have on growth rates, the Informal ECOFIN in September 2005 discussed the issue of an appropriate policy response to the then price increases. The Ministers agreed that distortionary fiscal and other policy interventions that prevent the necessary adjustments should be avoided. This continues to be the appropriate policy response, as was confirmed during an exchange of views on the subject at the most recent ECOFIN meeting earlier this week.
Consultancy Contracts.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:75 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the estate agents, auctioneers and valuers which have been contracted to do work for the Office of Public Works for each year since 2002 and to date in 2008; the projects in which they were involved; the value of their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22431/08]
The information requested is not maintained in a format which is readily available within the Office of Public Works. I propose to forward the information directly to the Deputy when all the details have been collated.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:76 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22450/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in tables A and B below.
|
Interest Paid as % of Total Voted Expenditure |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€503.92 |
€305.06 |
€5,476.51 |
€8,620.18 |
€6,016.28 |
|
|
0.0005% |
0.0003% |
0.006% |
0.009% |
0.006% |
|
Year |
Company |
Amount of Interest Paid |
|
€ |
||
|
2003 |
1. Mason Hayes & Curran |
518.08 |
|
2. Irish Estates |
547.78 |
|
|
3. Bob Bushell Ltd |
96.21 |
|
|
2004 |
1. Mazars |
109.01 |
|
2. Codec Ltd |
121.63 |
|
|
3. Club Travel Corporate |
54.41 |
|
|
2005 |
1. Eircom |
425.57 |
|
2. Club Travel Corporate |
420.47 |
|
|
3. Indecon |
502.08 |
|
|
2006 |
1. Dept. Foreign Affairs |
714.30 |
|
2. Irish Estates |
587.69 |
|
|
3. Institute of Public Administration |
668.39 |
|
|
2007 |
1. Mercer (Irl) Ltd |
1,873.67 |
|
2. Hay Group Ireland Ltd |
663.45 |
|
|
3. Polaris Human Resources |
602.10 |
Question No. 77 answered with Question No. 22.
Mental Health Services.
Ulick Burke
Ceist:78 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if resources received by the Health Service Executive west through the sale of a property (details supplied) in County Galway will be ring-fenced for mental health services in County Galway; the reason for the failure to furnish this information by the HSE to a previous parliamentary question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22313/08]
The Health Service Executive has confirmed that a reply was issued to the Deputy's original question (35795/07) on 15th January 2008. 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.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:79 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of her Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by her Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22350/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:80 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of her Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by her Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22364/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
Policies in the health sector are implemented by a range of bodies, each of which carries out its functions in accordance with the relevant statutory provision and has its own governance arrangements covering operational policy, management, administration, service delivery and accountability. My Department does not routinely collect such detailed information as is requested in the Deputy's question. However my Department is compiling the information which is currently available and will furnish it to the Deputy.
My Department has also requested the Parliamentary Affairs Unit of the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy in respect of related expenditure by the Executive.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:81 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her Department ; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22377/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated within my Department and will be forwarded as soon as it becomes available.
Medicinal Products.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:82 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason sun cream which is required by persons with albinism cannot be obtained on the medical card despite it being prescribed by their doctor. [22382/08]
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 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.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:83 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive allocation of funding for people with disabilities has been released for 2008; if services have been planned and approved for funding for people with autistic spectrum disorder who are leaving schooling; if ASD placements for people with ASD who are exiting rehabilitative training have been organised and are receiving funding; if transitional facilities are in place for these people to prevent disimprovement in behaviour and quality of life for patients and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22385/08]
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 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. A further €50m investment was announced in the 2008 Budget.
At this time the HSE is still in discussion with the Department of Health and Children regarding the commencement of 2008 developments in the context of the overall financial position of the HSE. The HSE is therefore not in a position to approve the commencement of these developments until these discussions are concluded.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:84 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the role of a company (details supplied) in the health repayment scheme; if that company is authorised to initiate phone calls to claimants or to seek withdrawal of appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22393/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the Health Repayment Scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care including contract beds in private homes. Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965.
The HSE has advised my Department that a very high number of deficiencies have appeared on claim forms which must each be rectified before they can be processed. The Scheme Administrator has taken a proactive role in addressing this issue. In many cases, the Scheme Administrator contacted the claimant to explain the deficiency on the form. This is particularly effective where either a letter has been sent seeking additional information and a response has not been received or where the deficiency is complicated. As a result of this proactive approach there are now less than 800 claim forms with deficiencies.
The HSE has indicated that the Scheme Administrator has not requested any claimant to withdraw an appeal unless they have submitted an appeal form and then subsequently contacted the Scheme Administrator to inform them that they changed their mind. Where this occurs and the claimant contacts the Scheme Administrator to inform them that they now wish to accept the offer then, in that instance, they will be told that the repayment cannot be processed until the appeal is withdrawn.
National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:85 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the position they are at on the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and the length of time her Department expect them to be waiting before they are called in view of a recent commitment that they would be seen shortly. [22402/08]
My Department has made inquiries with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and has established that the Fund has no record of the person in question.
The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with its operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services. Therefore, the HSE is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued direct to the Deputy concerning the case of the person in question.
State Property.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:86 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when written approval will be issued by the Health Service Executive to show that it is willing to sell a site in Clonmel to either South Tipperary County Council or to the Office of Public Works for the purposes of a site for a school (details supplied); if the HSE will confirm that the sale has been approved at a board meeting; and if her Department need to approve anything further for this to go ahead. [22419/08]
Requirements in relation to the disposal of assets by the state bodies, including the HSE are set out in the provisions of Part 5 of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2001). In addition, the Board of the HSE has put in place a set of guidelines titled "Protocol for the Acquisition and Disposal of Property" which are consistent with and meet the requirements of Part 5 of the Code of Practice. This detailed protocol adopted by the HSE Board governs the sale of land vested in the HSE.
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 which specifies the Executive's authority in relation to the disposal of any land vested in it. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the sale of the property referred to 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.
Mental Health Services.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:87 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the waiting list for child psychology services in south Tipperary; the length of time the longest person on that list has been waiting; the average wait on the waiting list; the number of staff posts that were unfilled leading to the closure of the waiting list; the length of time these posts had been unfilled; if closing a waiting list because it is too long is best practice internationally; if closing a waiting list because it is too long is standard Health Service Executive procedure; if the posts in this case are unfilled due to the ban on recruiting staff or because no qualified applicants could be located; if her Department will confirm that each child will be assessed in person by a qualified psychologist; if all general practitioners and all other services referring children for treatment and assessment will have reassurance that all children have been adequately treated; and if she will make a general statement on child psychology services and their funding in this country. [22420/08]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists.
Michael Ring
Ceist:88 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an MRI scan in Galway. [22423/08]
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.
Health Services.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:89 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to an application for additional nursing care funding for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if in view of the circumstances she will allow the extra hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22428/08]
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.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Frank Feighan
Ceist:90 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene and ensure payment under the nursing home repayments scheme will be made at an early date to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [22433/08]
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.
Health Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:91 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 56 of 29 April 2008. [22435/08]
My Department has been in touch with the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE and has been advised that the information requested will be furnished shortly.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:92 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 29 April 2008. [22436/08]
Officials in my Department have made inquiries and have established that the HSE issued a response in respect of the question concerned on 28th May 2008.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:93 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of interest paid to suppliers by her Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22452/08]
The total amount of Prompt Payment Interest (PPI) paid to suppliers by my Department in the years 2003 to 2007 inclusive, was €17,906. The following table sets out the amount incurred in each year.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2003 |
583 |
|
2004 |
1,107 |
|
2005 |
14,723 |
|
2006 |
1,115 |
|
2007 |
378 |
The following table shows the three suppliers paid the highest amount of PPI in each of those years.
|
Year |
Supplier |
Amount |
|
€ |
||
|
2003 |
Abtran |
111 |
|
An Post |
105 |
|
|
QMP Publicis |
88 |
|
|
2004 |
QMP Publicis |
315 |
|
Grayling Gilmore |
312 |
|
|
Keystone Limited |
112 |
|
|
2005 |
Grayling Gilmore |
6,288 |
|
QMP Publicis |
6,056 |
|
|
Hunter Red Cell Ltd |
694 |
|
|
2006 |
Icon Systems |
253 |
|
Club Travel |
186 |
|
|
Fitzpatrick & Associates |
116 |
|
|
2007 |
Brindley Advertising |
167 |
|
Brunswick Press Ltd |
61 |
|
|
Office Depot Ireland Ltd |
32 |
Services for People with Disabilities.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:94 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a group (details supplied). [22456/08]
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 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.
Medical Cards.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:95 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [22457/08]
Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who did not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
In general, eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The main exception is persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card. The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding provision of a home care package for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22462/08]
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 case raised by the Deputy. My Department has again 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.
Health Service Staff.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff previously employed throughout the public health services prior to the dissolution of the health boards; the cost of the provision of such services in the last full year of their operation; the cost of the provision of the public health services in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22463/08]
The Health Service Executive was established in January 2005. The Health Service Personnel Census indicates that, as at 31 December 2004, there were 98,723 whole-time equivalents employed in the public health service. At the end of March 2008, there were 110,156 whole-time equivalents employed in the public health service.
The Revised Estimates Volume 2008 provides €14.3 billion in gross current expenditure for Vote 40 HSE. The exchequer pay and pensions figure within that total is €7.7 billion or 54%. Within the overall figure there are amounts which, although not classified as direct exchequer pay and pensions costs, also reflect pay costs — for example, the pay cost of agencies which have service level agreements with the HSE. Overall in the public health service pay costs represent up to 70% of total gross spending. The exchequer pay and pensions figure in 2004 was €5.6 billion while the equivalent provision for gross current expenditure was €9.3 billion.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of personnel employed in the delivery of public health services in the last full year prior to the dissolution of the health boards; the number of persons employed in the delivery of such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22464/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of personnel recruited by the Health Service Executive since its inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22478/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 112 together.
The Health Service Executive's (HSE's) Health Service Personnel Census indicates that between January 2005 (when the HSE was established) and March 2008, the number employed in the public health service increased by 11,433 whole-time equivalents (WTEs) or by 11.58%.
The increases by grade category are set out in the table below. As can be seen, the number of Medical/Dental staff increased by 994 WTEs (or 14.17%); the number of Nursing staff increased by 3,593 WTEs (or 10.47%) and the number of Health & Social Care Professional staff increased by 2,851 WTEs (or 22.22%).
|
Grade category |
Jan-05 |
Mar-08 |
Difference |
% Difference |
|
Medical/Dental |
7,013 |
8,007 |
994 |
14.17% |
|
Nursing |
34,313 |
37,906 |
3,593 |
10.47% |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals |
12,830 |
15,681 |
2,851 |
22.22% |
|
Management/Admin |
16,157 |
17,930 |
1,773 |
10.97% |
|
General Support Staff |
13,771 |
12,873 |
-898 |
-6.52% |
|
Other Patient & Client Care |
14,640 |
17,759 |
3,119 |
21.30% |
|
Total |
98,723 |
110,156 |
11,433 |
11.58% |
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the methodology under which employment figures are compiled changed during the course of 2007 with the addition of personnel not previously included in subsumed agencies such as the Health Service Executive-EA (HSEA), the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (GMSPB), Health Boards Executive (HeBe) and the Office for Health Management (now part of the HR function) together with many other posts in projects or posts previously excluded such as Health Research Board funded posts, PPARS and Value-for-Money posts (all of which are largely in the Management/Administrative stream) together with the inclusion of student nurses and chaplains. This change was undertaken to represent health service employment on a like-for-like basis with employment ceilings and to more accurately represent a reconfigured health service's employment information. As a result of this change year-on-year figures are not comparable.
In relation to the number of personnel recruited by the HSE, 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, therefore, 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.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full medical cards issued in each of the past six years; the number refused in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22465/08]
Details of the number of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (and before 2005 the health boards). The table below shows the number of persons with medical cards in respect of the years 2002-2008.
|
Year |
No. of medical card holders |
|
31st December 2002 |
1,164,453 |
|
31st December 2003 |
1,152,908 |
|
31st December 2004 |
1,145,083 |
|
31st December 2005 |
1,155,727 |
|
31st December 2006 |
1,221,695 |
|
31st December 2007 |
1,276,178 |
|
2008 (as at 31st March 2008) |
1,292,086 |
In interpreting this information, it is necessary to take account of the fact that a substantial programme of work has been undertaken in recent years to improve data quality in the General Medical Services (GMS) 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.
The Health Service Executive does not routinely provide my Department with statistics on the number of applicants who are deemed to be ineligible for medical cards. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:100 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of doctor only medical cards issued on an annual basis since its inception; the number refused in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22466/08]
Details of the number of GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The table below shows the number of persons with GP visit cards for each year since it was introduced (November 2005) up to 2008.
|
Year |
No. of GP visit card holders |
|
12th January 2006 |
5,080 |
|
31st December 2006 |
51,760 |
|
31st December 2007 |
75,789 |
|
2008 (as at 31st March 2008) |
77,269 |
The HSE does not routinely provide my Department with statistics on the number of applicants who are deemed to be ineligible for GP visit cards. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:101 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children receiving orthodontic treatment throughout the country; the number on waiting lists; the length of time on such lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22467/08]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children receiving orthodontic treatment throughout the country; the number on waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22477/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 111 together.
The Deputy's questions relate 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.
Hospital Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public and private hospital beds in the system in 1990; the number of each now available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22468/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the relevant information provided directly to the Deputy.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she will upgrade existing health centres throughout County Kildare; if it is intended to provide new facilities; the role she envisages for the health centres in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22469/08]
The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Pharmacy Regulations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:104 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to negotiations between her Department and the Health Service Executive and the pharmacists; when she expects matters to be finally resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22470/08]
An agenda has been agreed for detailed discussions on a number of outstanding issues between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). These discussions commenced in the week beginning 5 May 2008, and are ongoing. With goodwill on all sides I am hopeful that these discussions can bring about an agreed resolution on these issues in the coming weeks.
Following the withdrawal of injunction applications by the HSE against individual pharmacists for threatened breach of contract, both sides agreed that there will be no disruption of pharmacy services pending the completion of the work of the Independent Pricing Body — chaired by Mr. Sean Dorgan. In addition, a process of mediation requested by the High (Commercial) Court is due to begin on 5 June next under the chairmanship of Mr. Eoin McCullough S.C.
Hospital Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to the future of St. Luke’s Hospital Dublin 6; the extent of negotiations that have taken place with any body or bodies expected to have a bearing on the future of the use of the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22471/08]
It is important to note that the transfer of services from St. Luke's Hospital to new facilities at St. James's Hospital is not due to take place for a number of years. In the meantime, two additional linear accelerators were commissioned at St. Luke's earlier this year and two replacement linear accelerators will be commissioned later this year. These will provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.
The decision to transfer services from St. Luke's was taken by the Government in the context of its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice. I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology.
No decisions have yet been taken in relation to the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's. However, I am anxious to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interest of the health services.
Hospital Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the costs to date to the Exchequer associated with co-location projects in respect of each of the projects proposed or under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22472/08]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide an additional 1,500 public acute hospital beds. About 1,000 of these will be provided through the co-location initiative and the balance through the HSE's capital plan. The co-location initiative aims to make available additional acute beds for public patients through the transfer of private activity from public hospitals to colocated private hospitals.
Co-location was seen as the quickest and least expensive means of providing significant additional capacity for public patients. No capital outlay was required as the beds in the public hospitals were already in place, having been funded by the Exchequer. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have the detailed information regarding cost issued directly to the Deputy.
Ambulance Service.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to provision and availability of an air-ambulance service throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22473/08]
An air ambulance service is provided by the Air Corps on the basis of a Service Level Agreement prepared by the Departments of Defence and Health and Children in consultation with the Health Service Executive, the Defence Forces and the Air Corps, all of which are signatories to it. This arrangement has operated successfully for a number of years and was renewed in November 2007 to take account of the air ambulance capabilities of new aircraft acquired by the Air Corps.
The air ambulance service is provided by the Air Corps for the following categories:
Inter-hospital transfer of patients with spinal or other serious injury or illness,
Neonates requiring immediate medical intervention in Ireland,
Patients requiring specialised emergency treatment in the UK,
Organ retrieval teams within Ireland,
Patients from offshore islands to mainland hospitals where the Coast Guard service is not available,
Paediatric patients requiring immediate medical intervention in Ireland.
The Service Level Agreement provides that all other circumstances where immediate medical intervention is required will be considered by the Department of Defence, on a case by case basis, on the application of the HSE.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to the completion of the final phase of the Naas Hospital development plan; the number of beds and other facilities, surgical, medical and psychiatric eventually achievable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22474/08]
The Government's sustained high level of investment in health care has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, overall capital funding of approximately €594 million has been provided to the Health Service Executive.
The HSE has submitted a draft Capital Plan covering the period 2008-2013 to my Department for consideration and approval in the normal way. This draft plan sets out the HSE's proposed short and longer term capital investment priorities and commitments. Consultation on this draft Capital Plan is ongoing between the HSE, the Department of Finance and my Department. The HSE has undertaken to provide additional clarification on its proposed capital developments and is currently engaged in this process. Details on individual projects will not be known until such time as the Capital Plan is approved. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the operational issues raised in his Question.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will be in a position to provide a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and support structure for the parents of children with autism; when she will provide the research facilities necessary with a view to identifying the possible causes of the high level of autism here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22475/08]
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 new 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: Professor Michael Gill, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College, Dublin
€2.2 million: Professor Andrew Green, Director National Centre for Medical Genetics, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin (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.
The remaining issues in the Deputy's question 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.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 9.
Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 101.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 98.
Medical Cards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is in need of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22479/08]
Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who did not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.
In general, eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The main exception is persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card. The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Garda Investigations.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:114 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has requested information or reports from Dublin Bus regarding the Wellington Quay bus crash; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22318/08]
In the immediate aftermath of the accident Dublin Bus briefed my Department on the accident and the arrangements in place to deal with the bereaved and injured, and to investigate the accident. The investigation of road traffic accidents including bus accidents is a matter for An Garda Síochána. In relation to the Wellington Quay bus crash, Dublin Bus co-operated fully with the Garda investigation, which resulted in court proceedings.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:115 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22353/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:116 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22367/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:117 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22380/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 to 117, inclusive, together.
In February 2008 I launched a public consultation process on a proposed Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan. The cost of advertisements in the printed media amounted to €155,974. The consultation process ended on 13 May 2008.
Recent market research undertaken on behalf of my Department indicated that awareness levels of Transport 21 among the general public are low. Therefore, as part of a wider information and communications strategy and following a public procurement process, my Department engaged the services of consultants to undertake a media advertising campaign to raise public awareness of Transport 21.
The campaign involves television, radio, press and outdoor advertising and I envisage that it will be necessary to continue to provide information and awareness to the public and all interested parties for the duration of Transport 21. The budget allocated for the advertising campaign for 2008 is €2.9 million. To date, €244,345.50 of this has been paid by the Department. The consultants have been engaged for a three-year period and further campaigns are planned for 2009 and 2010. The overall objective of the campaign is to make the general public aware of the projects and programmes contained in Transport 21 and the benefits that will accrue from their implementation.
My Department has over-arching responsibility as "Managing Authority" under EU rules for the effective management of the EU-assisted infrastructure elements (national roads, public transport, waste water, sustainable energy) of the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme (ESIOP) 2000-2006. The end date for incurring expenditure on the EU-assisted elements is 31st December, 2008.
While the management of this Programme includes responsibility for ensuring compliance with EU regulations on publicity requirements in relation to projects in receipt of EU Structural Fund assistance under the Programme, the implementation and funding of the EU publicity requirements is a matter for the agencies and bodies which have responsibility for delivery of the infrastructure projects concerned. No such advertising or publicity costs are borne by or attributable to the Department of Transport.
Advertising required under Section 8 of the Roads Act 2007 to redesignate dual carriageways to motorways in order to facilitate faster journey times, protection of investment in roads infrastructure, improvements in road safety and rationalisation of speed limits, has amounted to €37,704 so far this year and is estimated to cost €95,000 by the end of the year.
Advertising by the Irish Coast Guard in relation to the "Safety on the water" campaign has cost €75,000 so far this year and is estimated to cost €230,000 by the end of the year. An advertising campaign by the Marine Survey Office publicising a Safety Regulations Seminar in the printed media cost €968.
Advertising or promotional programmes undertaken by agencies or bodies under the aegis of my Department are undertaken by them in the exercise of their statutory functions. This is a day to day matter for those bodies.
Rail Safety.
Michael Ring
Ceist:118 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he has established a task force to develop the next railway safety programme for the period 2009 to 2013 as indicated in Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 2 April 2008. [22394/08]
I will shortly be establishing a task-force to develop the next Railway Safety Programme for the period 2009-2013.
Rail Accident Investigations.
Michael Ring
Ceist:119 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if the results of an investigation (details supplied) have been published; and if not, when he expects them to be made available. [22395/08]
The investigation of railway accidents is a matter for the Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) of the Railway Safety Commission and I have no role in relation thereto. I understand that the accident referred to by the Deputy is currently being investigated by the RAIU and that the report of the investigation will be published, in accordance with Section 15 (as amended) of the Railway Safety Act, not later than 12 months (i.e. 28th February 2009) after the date of the accident.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:120 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22455/08]
Information on the amount of interest paid to suppliers by the Department of Transport under the prompt payment system as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
€ |
||
|
2003 |
Total Annual Interest Paid |
4,239.46 |
|
Parsons Brinckherhoff (Ireland) Limited |
505.89 |
|
|
Softworks Computing Limited |
297.79 |
|
|
Project Management Limited |
280.09 |
|
|
2004 |
Total Annual Interest Paid |
2,323.60 |
|
Parsons Brinckherhoff (Ireland) Limited |
1,448.15 |
|
|
Codex |
354.64 |
|
|
Knights Industrial Service |
56.85 |
|
|
2005 |
Total Annual Interest Paid |
102.58 |
|
Paul Keely |
34.92 |
|
|
Serla Print Limited |
21.26 |
|
|
National Truck Rental Company Limited |
13.86 |
|
|
2006 |
Total Annual Interest Paid |
892.68 |
|
Brindley Advertising |
346.73 |
|
|
Club Travel Limited |
302.96 |
|
|
Eircom Limited |
57.80 |
|
|
2007 |
Total Annual Interest Paid |
1,005.14 |
|
Drury Communications |
306.34 |
|
|
Mentec International Limited |
72.97 |
|
|
Travelwise |
107.72 |
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:121 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22349/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:122 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22363/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:123 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22376/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 to 123, inclusive, together.
Advertising undertaken by my Department in Ireland typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods and public information notices relating to changes in passport application procedures and fees. While much of this material is now placed on the Department's website, advertising continues to be necessary in order to reach all of our customers, particularly in relation to important passport and consular services.
In addition to this routine advertising, this year the Department is undertaking a significant public information campaign in relation to the Lisbon Treaty, as well as a number of smaller campaigns in relation to the Irish Aid programme.
The Department's total budget for the Lisbon Reform Treaty Information Campaign is €800,000. The bulk of expenditure to date relates to the design, translation, printing and distribution of information material including:
An explanatory pamphlet;
A guide to the Treaty which was published on 13 February and distributed to households in April;
The White Paper, which was published in April.
Other areas of expenditure in this campaign include maintenance of the dedicated website www.reformtreaty.ie , newspaper advertisements relating to the availability of information and the production of Braille and audio versions of the explanatory pamphlet.
In 2008, the advertising budget for Irish Aid, the Division of my Department responsible for managing the official development assistance programme, is €500,000. €300,000 of this has been allocated for use in routine advertising such as recruitment to Irish Aid and volunteer positions, the placement of tender notices and information relating to grant application procedures. The remaining €200,000 has been allocated for use in public information campaigns, such as those around the opening of the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre, World AIDS Day (1 December) and Africa Day (25 May).
The information campaign in January and February 2008 relating to the opening of the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre cost €59,941. The advertising campaign for Africa Day, which was largely newspaper based, informed the public of free events taking place across the country. While final costs are still being assembled, the cost of newspaper advertising for the campaign was €45,584. Public information campaigns, such as those around World AIDS Day and the opening of the Centre, raise awareness of overseas development challenges and highlight the Government's commitment to overseas development.
With regard to the four bodies under the aegis of my Department, three of these have a research and advisory function, namely; the Advisory Board for Irish Aid, the Hunger Task Force and the Development Education Advisory Committee, and have no budget for advertising.
While the Fulbright Commission comes under the aegis of my Department and, as Minister, I have certain specific statutory responsibilities towards it, the Fulbright Commission enjoys ‘autonomy of management and administration', under the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America), Act, 1991.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:124 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22451/08]
Payment of invoices by this Department is governed by the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 as amended by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002. Every effort is made by my Department to make payments for goods and services within the 30 day period.
The following table gives the total amount of interest paid to suppliers in the past five years and also gives details of the three payees to which the highest amounts of interest were paid in each year.
|
Year |
Total Interest paid |
Highest payments made |
|
2003 |
€1,831 |
RITS — €311 Farrell Bros Ltd — €270 Vodafone — €179 |
|
2004 |
€3,931 |
James Boylan Safety Ltd — €803 Core Computer Consultants — €423 J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Ltd — €327 |
|
2005 |
€2,982 |
Club Travel Ltd — €1749.06 Independent Newspapers Marketing — €422.46 John Telford — €249.3 |
|
2006 |
€861 |
Rothwell Performance Consulting — €162.72 Brindley Advertising Ltd — €138.86 Mc Brinn Print Ltd. — €107.21 |
|
2007 |
€2,208 |
Institute of Public Administration — €1,351.64 Club Travel L td — €402.88 Kedington Ltd. — €125.20 |
State Agencies.
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:125 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is funding available from any Government body or agency for a proposed enterprise (details supplied) in County Wexford. [22398/08]
My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland, through which assistance is delivered directly to businesses. I would suggest that the person concerned should make direct contact with their local CEB and explore what level of assistance, if any, may be available to them. Details as follows: Wexford County Enterprise Board, Unit 1, Ardcavan Business Park, Wexford — (053) 9122965 and (053) 9124944. As the business proposal makes reference to the international market he should also contact Enterprise Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 — (01) 8082000.
Work Permits.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:126 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will review the decision made in a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22339/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only for highly skilled, highly paid positions or for non-EEA nationals already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits. Having examined an appeal, the Appeals Officer has upheld the original refusal and the applicant was notified of this decision in writing by letter dated 22/5/2008. In these circumstances, therefore, I regret that it is not possible to re-visit this case.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:127 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of her Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by her Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22346/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:128 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of her Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by her Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22360/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her department ; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22373/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.
My Department or the Offices that come under the aegis of my Department carried out, or intend to carry out, the advertising campaigns listed in the following table during 2008 to promote policies or programmes being implemented by my Department. The costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred up to the end of May 2008 for each of the advertising campaigns are provided in column 2 of the following statement, while corresponding figures for the period June-December 2008 are provided in column 3 of the following statement.
I am not in a position to supply the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of my Department for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 as any such advertising campaigns would be operational matters for the bodies concerned, where I have no function.
|
Advertising Campaigns |
January-May 2008 |
June-December 2008 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Work Life Balance campaign |
120,000 |
nil |
|
National Minimum Wage campaign |
nil |
150,000 |
|
BASIS Website Awareness campaign |
52,000 |
43,000 |
|
European Social Fund Information campaign |
nil |
25,000 |
|
Campaign to promote awareness of Employment Permits Requirements |
nil |
70,000 |
|
NERA Employment Rights campaign |
58,496 |
nil |
|
Companies Registration Office campaigns regarding Corporate Compliance Matters and New Forms |
107,000 |
140,000 |
|
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement campaigns regarding Compliance with the Companies Acts |
15,184 |
244,217 |
Company Closures.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:130 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received an update in relation to negotiations between the liquidators and a group (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22442/08]
On the 12th April, 2008, liquidators were appointed to Iralco Ltd, Collinstown, County Westmeath. I understand that the liquidators are currently working through a list of potential investors and assessing their interest in investing in the plant. This process requires an assessment of the commercial viability of the business, the customer base, the financial investment and the changes required by any potential investor.
The efforts of the State development agencies have, and will continue to be, geared towards saving as many jobs as possible, including any possible assistance in the event of any takeover or management buyout options.
The State development agencies are not party to discussions between the liquidators and the UNITE trade union group. However, IDA Ireland is in regular contact with the liquidators with a view to securing an investor for the plant.
I would like to assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland and the other State development agencies, under the auspices of my Department will continue to work very closely with the liquidators and assist in any way they can during this challenging period.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:131 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of interest paid to suppliers by her Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22448/08]
The total amount of interest paid by my Department under Prompt Payment legislation in the last 5 years is provided in Table 1. The three highest amounts paid in interest to suppliers in each of the years in question is provided in Table 2.
|
Year |
Total amount paid in interest |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
3,000.97 |
|
2005 |
4,929.90 |
|
2006 |
579.07 |
|
2007 |
5,019.46 |
|
2008 (to end-Apr.) |
855.11 |
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
Eircom |
733.85 |
|
C&AG’s Office |
438.76 |
|
Version 1 |
126.36 |
|
2005 |
|
|
Eircom |
4,793.99 |
|
Irish Lift Services |
40.50 |
|
Tom Walsh |
25.57 |
|
2006 |
|
|
Version 1 |
151.71 |
|
BT |
118.88 |
|
Techniche |
81.68 |
|
2007 |
|
|
Pitney Bowes |
1,248.63 |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
628.75 |
|
Oracle |
570.00 |
|
2008 |
|
|
Irish Lift Services |
281.10 |
|
Dell Computers |
124.43 |
|
Moran Cleaning |
114.69 |
Mary Upton
Ceist:132 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the value for money review on the Irish Film Board will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22334/08]
Mary Upton
Ceist:133 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the value for money review on the arts and cultural capital enhancement scheme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/08]
Mary Upton
Ceist:134 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the value for money review of the Arts Council will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22336/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 to 134, inclusive, together.
The expenditure review on the Irish Film Board is completed and it is hoped to publish it shortly, at which stage copies of it will be made available in the Oireachtas Library.
Work on the value for money reviews on the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS) and the Arts Council are underway and, while it is anticipated that draft reports will be available on these before the end of the year, it is unlikely that they will be published until 2009.
Consultancy Contracts.
Mary Upton
Ceist:135 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of reports commissioned by his Department since 2006 which were produced by outside consultants; if he will list these reports; the consultant chosen; the cost of each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22337/08]
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Martin Cullen TD): The reports commissioned by my Department since 2006 which were produced by outside consultants, the details of the consultant chosen and the cost of each report is set out below:
|
Consultant |
Report |
Cost |
|
€ |
||
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
To analyse and evaluate the potential economic benefits to Ireland in the sporting, business and tourism areas from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games |
114,000 |
|
Holohan Leisure |
To carry out an analysis of the sports facility provision in Ireland to assist the Department in developing a sports facilities strategy |
113,740 |
|
Tim Dalton |
Report on certain matters affecting Bord na gCon |
37,667 |
|
Donagh Collins |
Advisory report on International Strategy for the Promotion of Classical Music for Culture Ireland |
6,122 |
|
Raymond Burke Consulting |
Independent evaluation of the Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme |
3,354 |
|
Sean Cromien |
Review of Governance and Operation of the Heritage Fund |
8,800 |
|
DKM Economic Consultants Ltd |
Report on the Economic Benefits of the Redevelopment of the National Concert Hall |
16,593 |
|
DKM Economic Consultants Ltd |
Report on the Economic Benefits of the Redevelopment of the National Concert Hall Sensitivity Analysis |
3,630 |
My Department observes the Department of Finance Guidelines for Engagement of Consultants in the Civil Service. Consultants are only employed by my Department in circumstances where specialised knowledge or expertise, which is not available in the Department or elsewhere in the public service, is required for a temporary period or a specialist study/project must be completed within a very short time scale.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:136 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22341/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:137 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22355/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:138 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his department ; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22369/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.
The expenditure by the Department on advertising for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 is published in the Department's annual reports. The bulk of the expenditure incurred is in respect of newspaper advertisements and advertisements in other publications such as the Phone Book and Iris Oifigiúil.
In the three year period, promotion, media and advertising expenditure also formed a small element of the programme costs of the Rejoyce Festival, Beckett Centenary Festival, Dublin Theatre 50th Anniversary, Flight of the Earls Commemoration and Viking Longboat event. The Department does not retain separate data in relation to the advertising expenditure which is included in grant aided initiatives.
The advertising budget for 2008 is set out in the Book of Estimates. Expenditure to the end of April amounted to €39,000. In line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government to continue with the scheme for National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport, it is intended that relevant advertising of this scheme will take place later in the year.
In addition €72,000 has been allocated by the Department to fund a National Cultural Institutions advertising and marketing campaign in 2008 to increase public awareness of collections, events and exhibitions.
Advertising by bodies under the aegis of the Department is a day-to-day matter for the bodies themselves.
Sports Capital Programme.
Michael Ring
Ceist:139 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a project (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved funding. [22422/08]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Applications for funding under the 2008 Programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the Programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the Programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:140 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22444/08]
The following are details of interest paid to suppliers by my Department under the prompt payment system from the years 2002-2007.
The total interest paid under the Prompt Payment Legislation in 2002 was €1,923.48. Within this amount, the top three beneficiaries were as follows:
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Management Graphics Ltd |
688.99 |
|
Chubb Ireland Group |
235.18 |
|
Security Plus Ltd |
109.99 |
The total interest paid under the Prompt Payment Legislation in 2003 was €8,765.54. Within this amount, the top three beneficiaries were as follows:
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Gill & MacMillan |
2,083.04 |
|
Texaco Ireland Ltd |
492.10 |
|
William Treacy |
245.18 |
The total interest paid under the Prompt Payment Legislation in 2004 was €4,179.43. Within this amount, the top three beneficiaries were as follows:
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Deloitte & Touche |
2,005.12 |
|
Feilte Dhuibh Linne T |
1,257.13 |
|
Bord Gáis |
118.37 |
The total interest paid under the Prompt Payment Legislation in 2005 was €709.83. Within this amount, the top three beneficiaries were as follows:
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
Eircom Ltd |
76.27 |
|
Electricity Supply Board |
62.10 |
|
Chubb Ireland |
41.22 |
The total interest paid under the Prompt Payment Legislation in 2006 was €170.17. Within this amount, the top three beneficiaries were as follows:
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
E-Tec Power Management Ltd |
54.39 |
|
Espion Ltd |
37.23 |
|
Eircom Ltd |
17.49 |
The total interest paid under the Prompt Payment Legislation in 2007 was €1,290.81. Within this amount, the top three beneficiaries were as follows:
|
Supplier |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
The Archival box Company |
142.54 |
|
System Video Ltd |
70.00 |
|
Datapac Ltd |
58.80 |
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:141 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of her Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by her Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22352/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:142 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of her Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by her Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22366/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
The information requested is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:143 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her Department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22379/08]
The Department aims to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their rights and entitlements and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur. The provision of information in a clear and accessible manner is an essential element in the achievement of this objective. The Department uses a mix of advertising media including national and provincial newspapers, radio and television, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots to ensure that people are aware of their social welfare entitlements and are notified about improvements and changes affecting their payments and services. The amount spent on advertising in any one year is determined by the number of specific advertising campaigns undertaken and the media used.
In 2008 to-date advertisements have been placed in the newspapers inviting submissions and input from the public in relation to the Green Paper on Pensions, on the development of a National Carers' Strategy and on the development of the Department's Customer Action Plan and Customer Charter. The full costs associated with these advertisements are outlined in the following table. Two further campaigns are planned for later in the year in relation to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and Budget 2009. The estimated cost of each campaign is also given in the table.
|
Nature of Advertising |
Media |
Cost |
Timeframe |
|
€ |
|||
|
Customer Action Plan |
Newspapers (Sunday/National) |
71,000 |
February 2008 |
|
National Carers Strategy |
Newspapers (National/Provincial) |
128,000 |
March 2008 |
|
Green Paper on Pensions — Have Your Say |
Newspapers (National/Provincial) |
257,000 |
February and April 2008 |
|
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance |
Radio Newspapers (Sunday/National) |
200,000 |
Planned for August 2008 |
|
Budget 2009 |
Newspapers (National/Provincial) |
70,000 |
Planned December 2008 |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Jack Wall
Ceist:144 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent supplement for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22401/08]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has had her entitlement to rent supplement reviewed and advised that she has means which were not previously taken into account in the assessment of entitlement to rent supplement. The assessment of these means has resulted in the rate of rent supplement being reduced and she has been advised accordingly.
Social Welfare Code.
John O'Mahony
Ceist:145 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if teachers who retired after 35 year’s service are automatically entitled to claim credits towards their contributory old age pensions; if this is not the case the steps such retired teachers must take to enable them claim such credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22437/08]
People of working age who are no longer liable for PRSI contributions may opt to protect their pension entitlements by applying to become a voluntary contributor. In order to be admitted to the voluntary contributions scheme, a person must have a minimum of 260 weeks of PRSI paid in either employment or self-employment and apply within 12 months of being insurable.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:146 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of interest paid to suppliers by her Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22454/08]
Where a payment to a supplier is not made promptly when due, the interest paid to the supplier effectively ensures that no significant financial advantage or disadvantage accrues to the Exchequer or the supplier respectively. Since no significant net financial benefit arises in practice for either party there are no beneficiaries as such.
The following table details the amount of interest paid by the Department to suppliers under the prompt payment system for each of the last five years, and the top three payments in each year. The names of these suppliers are not disclosed so as to avoid the possibility of commercially sensitive inferences being drawn in some instances.
|
Year |
Total Prompt Interest Paid in Year |
Largest Three Interest Payments in Year |
Interest Paid in Each Case |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
2003 |
1,391.53 |
Company A |
394.58 |
|
Company B |
165.23 |
||
|
Company C |
156.88 |
||
|
2004 |
789.42 |
Company D |
193.81 |
|
Company E |
178.28 |
||
|
Company F |
60.89 |
||
|
2005 |
1,202.37 |
Company G |
213.46 |
|
Company H |
196.43 |
||
|
Company I |
99.22 |
||
|
2006 |
3,208.57 |
Company J |
1,043.49 |
|
Company D |
559.56 |
||
|
Company K |
233.49 |
||
|
2007 |
6,104.68 |
Company L |
1,876.37 |
|
Company M |
269.62 |
||
|
Company N |
155.61 |
While the amount paid in prompt payment interest increased in 2007 over 2006, the interest as a percentage of all payments issued to suppliers has reduced from 0.2% of all payments in 2006 to 0.15% of all payments in 2007.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:147 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [22458/08]
The Health Service Executive has advised that it is unaware of any changes to the rent payable by the person concerned. If her rent has changed she should contact the local community welfare officer so that her entitlement to rent supplement can be reviewed.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:148 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22343/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:149 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22357/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
It is not feasible within the timeframe provided to readily compile the wide data sought by the Deputy in relation to advertising campaigns carried out or undertaken by the bodies that come within the ambit of my Department for the period 2005 to date. Accordingly, I am arranging for the material to be compiled by my Department and provided directly to the Deputy within the coming week.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22371/08]
My Department has not engaged, nor does it intend to engage, in any campaigns of the nature referred to by the Deputy in 2008. For the sake of completeness, however, I should add that my Department is currently providing support of €171,500 in total over three years to an international marketing programme entitled "Ireland's Islands", which is being managed and delivered by Fáilte Ireland. The objective of this programme is to enhance the awareness of the islands of Ireland as attractive locations to visit and to increase the number of visitors to the islands from abroad. While not an advertising campaign, per se, it includes certain elements in relation to which some advertising costs may arise.
Tree Felling Licences.
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:151 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if Meath County Council was consulted in relation to a forestry licence (details supplied); and the response of Meath County Council. [22314/08]
In accordance with normal procedures for the processing of felling licence applications the Forest Service of my Department wrote to Planning Section of Meath County Council in February 2007 seeking their views on the proposed felling. No response was received from Meath County Council on the matter.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:152 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22340/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:153 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22354/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
Expenditure on advertising by State bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies themselves.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:154 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has to date in 2008 or intends by the end of 2008 to carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred to date in 2008; the costs that are expected to be incurred by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22368/08]
Earlier this year my Department carried out a promotional campaign on a pilot basis in Co. Wexford costing €46,301 to highlight the benefits to farmers of using my Department's on-line services. Details as follows:
|
Year |
Promotion of Department’s On-Line Services |
|||
|
Press |
Radio |
Outdoor |
Production |
|
|
2008 to date |
€11,698 |
€3,166 |
€1,122 |
€30,315* |
*The production costs included the printing and distribution by mail of an information brochure to over 6,300 farmers at a cost of over €12,000.
In addition, a total of approximately €60,000 will be spent in 2008 on promotional advertising on animal disease awareness and forestry promotion.
My Department also provided funding to the Irish Forest Industry Chain (IFIC) to carry out a campaign to promote forestry. The campaign was branded as Forests for a Bright Future. The Department agreed to provide funding of €300,000 (75% of the total cost) over three years. The first instalment of €150,000 was paid in December 2005. The second instalment of €90,000 was paid in 2007 and the final instalment of up to €60,000 will fall due to be paid in 2008.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:155 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22443/08]
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Amount in 2007 |
Top Three Beneficiaries |
Amount top 3 |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
2007 |
3,905.56 |
School of Biology & Environmental Science U.C.D. |
283.96 |
|
Club Travel Corporate |
275.87 |
||
|
An Post |
149.87 |
||
|
2006 |
4,032.24 |
Club Travel Corporate |
356.77 |
|
Irish Equine Centre |
280.84 |
||
|
JVA Analytical Ltd |
261.46 |
||
|
2005 |
11,907.81 |
An Post |
849.60 |
|
OPW Building Maintenance Service |
576.00 |
||
|
Advances Micro Services Ltd |
281.86 |
||
|
2004 |
13,971.25 |
Lakeland Dairies |
2,057.13 |
|
Monery By Products |
1,064.88 |
||
|
JJ McQuillan Sons & Co Ltd |
758.16 |
||
|
2003 |
8,962.75 |
Premier Proteins 2000 Ltd |
2,848.58 |
|
JVA Analytical Ltd |
597.38 |
||
|
Chanelle Veterinary |
439.44 |
Decentralisation Programme.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:156 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of plans to decentralise his Department’s headquarters to Mullingar in 2010; the staff numbers presently employed in the section of his Department to be decentralised; the staff numbers who have confirmed they will move; the staff numbers who have sought transfers to units within his Department; the staff numbers who have confirmed they want to stay in Dublin and be redeployed to other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22319/08]
The headquarters of my Department will decentralise to Mullingar when the new office space is ready for occupation. I understand that an application for planning permission for the new building is with Westmeath County Council at present. The decentralisation of the headquarters of my Department to Mullingar will involve the relocation of approximately 316 posts.
One hundred and twenty one (121) of the people assigned to these posts have indicated that they will relocate to Mullingar. One hundred (100) civil servants in other departments/offices who have applied to decentralise to Mullingar have accepted offers of transfer from my Department. Transfer arrangements for these people are being made on an on-going basis. Civil servants are making application to relocate to Mullingar on a continuous basis. My Department will begin the task of processing the more recent applications as soon as the relocation of posts to Athlone, which is underway at present, is completed at the end of this month.
The number of people remaining in the Department who have confirmed that they wish to remain in Dublin is in the region of 123.
School Enrolments.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:157 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of newcomer children registered in primary schools and secondary schools for 2007/2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/08]
My Department captures data on students registered in primary schools via the primary school census.
My Department captures data on students registered in post-primary schools via the Post-Primary Database returns. The post-primary data includes information on each student's "country of origin". These data are derived from the answers given by parents to the school authorities when enrolling their children. The country of origin field on the database defaults to "Ireland" unless otherwise indicated in the returns submitted by schools.
The school returns for 2007/2008 are still being processed. It is envisaged that the results for both primary and post-primary will be available by the end of July. My Department will forward the data to the deputy as soon as it becomes available.
Departmental Expenditure.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:158 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money budgeted for and spent for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 on legal fees and related costs arising out of civil actions brought by individuals against his Department; the amount of expected invoices due; the amount budgeted for in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22321/08]
As the amount of legal fees and costs can vary from year to year depending on the number of cases and other variables, my Department does not retain a fixed budgetary allocation for such fees. While indicative amounts may be set aside within particular expenditure subheads of my Department once a particular action is underway, it would not be prudent to ring-fence significant amounts as a general contingency, particularly when the length of the proceedings cannot be determined.
My Department must also have regard to the fact that it is within the jurisdiction of the Courts to determine the outcome of litigation and to issue rulings in relation to the award of costs.
The amount actually spent in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 on legal fees and related costs (including settlements and payments awarded by the Courts) is as follows:
2005 — €2,916,000.00
2006 — €3,182,000.00
2007 — €1,474,000.00
It should be noted that these figures include legal costs relating to Community and Comprehensive Schools, as the State provides a general indemnity to the authorities of these schools in respect of actions or claims made against them by visitors, parents or other members of the public in respect of accidents etc. occurring on school premises. Also included is the cost of actions pursued by the State Claims Agency.
Since 1st September 2005, all personal injury claims against the Minister for Education and Science have been delegated by the Government to the State Claims Agency. A consequence of this is that the State Claims Agency has sole responsibility for deciding the approach to be adopted in litigation and for determining how individual cases are conducted. Payment of all State costs in these actions is made directly by the Department.
Finally, it might also be noted that the bulk of the legal costs incurred by the State in defending those cases which are brought to court, are not met directly by my Department. In accordance with financial procedures in cases involving damages or compensation against the State, costs are generally charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office Vote as sanctioned by the Attorney General.
Departmental Bodies.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:159 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish an Office of an Ombudsman for third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22322/08]
I have no plans to establish an Office of an Ombudsman for third level education. All Universities and Institutes of Technology are required by law to have procedures in place for dealing with disputes which arise within colleges which also provide for reference to an independent person. Consideration is also being given to the inclusion of Higher Education Institutions within the remit of the Ombudsman in the context of the ongoing review of the Ombudsman Act.
Foreign Students.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:160 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of meetings that have taken place between the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Foreign Affairs and his Department on student immigration since the publication of the report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on the Internationalisation of Irish Education Services in November 2004 and the reply from the Minister for Justice and Law Reform to Parliamentary Question No. 1145 of 30 January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/08]
The Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Foreign Affairs were represented on the inter-departmental working group on the Internationalisation of Irish Education Services and contributed to its report, which was approved by the Government and published in 2004.
Since then, my Department has had numerous contacts with both Departments regarding the implementation of the report, as well on other policy and operational issues related to student immigration. These contacts have included meetings with the two Departments, and with other concerned Departments and agencies, as well as regular bilateral contacts.
Given the range and diversity of ongoing contacts between the two Departments, it is unfortunately not feasible to collate the total number of meetings held on this issue between the publication of the inter-departmental report in 2004 and January 2008.
School Accommodation.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:161 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a progress report on the compilation of a database on the number of primary schools that have prefab classrooms; the names, roll numbers and locations of the approximately 900 schools that received approval to rent temporary accommodation, including but not limited to prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/08]
As the Deputy will be aware from my letter to him of 30 May, my Department is currently compiling a database on the schools that are using temporary rented accommodation. As the Deputy will recall, approximately 900 schools were contacted by my Department and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the stock of temporary accommodation in their schools. As indicated in my letter, 803 schools from all counties returned the questionnaire and confirmed that they are occupying temporary accommodation. My Department is currently pursuing the outstanding returns through its regional offices, with a view to completing the database. As soon as the database is complete, I will write to the Deputy with a more complete picture of the situation.
University Status.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:162 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in pursuing companies registered here purporting to be Irish universities which are not recognised in law as legitimate universities and which are in conflict with Section 52 of the Universities Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/08]
The Department is continuing in its efforts to press for compliance with legislation in this area in consultation with the relevant agencies. The Companies Registration Office has already put in place a procedure whereby any business name applied for which features the term "university" will not be accepted without the express approval of my Department and the Irish Domain Registry has also agreed not to register web addresses containing the term "university" without reference to the Department.
The existence of organisations of the type referred to by the Deputy is contrary to the interests of Ireland's higher education institutions, which have sought to preserve the high international standing and quality reputation of higher education in Ireland. The use of the National Framework of Qualifications to clearly and effectively communicate nationally and internationally the awarding bodies and qualifications (as well as associated lists of qualifications and institutions with programmes leading to them) that are recognised in Ireland is important. Another important development will be the establishment of Education Ireland, which will take the lead role in promoting Irish education institutions overseas. It is proposed to establish this body later this year.
Adult Education.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:163 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if negotiations have commenced with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Finance in order to improve the operation and administration including a revision in the terms of eligibility and eliminate the poverty traps described in the report Allow the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant to all Independent Adult Learners from Low Paid Backgrounds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/08]
My Department is aware of the document referred to by the Deputy.
The report of the Action Group on Access to Third Level Education made detailed recommendations concerning the introduction of special rates of maintenance grants for disadvantaged students.
The target group of "those most in need" was defined in terms of the dependants of people receiving long-term welfare payments, where the necessary conditions are fulfilled.
Students who qualify for the standard rate of maintenance grant under each of my Department's four maintenance grant schemes may, under certain circumstances, qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant. In order to qualify for the special rate, a candidate must meet a number of conditions, including the following:
1. An applicant must qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant.
2. Total reckonable income in the relevant tax year must not exceed the lower income limits as set out in the relevant maintenance grant schemes and, where applicable, net of Child Dependent Increase payments.
3. As at the prescribed date, i.e., 31st December each year, the source of income must include one of the eligible long-term Social Welfare payments.
The prescribed income limit for the special rate of maintenance grant for the academic year 2007/2008 is €18,055.
The special rates of grant are also available to mature students who meet the prescribed conditions.
The Deputy will be aware that I have recently published the Student Support Bill 2008. This Bill will provide a statutory framework for reforming the administration of student grants and a coherent basis for a new single unified scheme of student maintenance grants. My Department, in consultation with the key stakeholders, will consider all criteria regarding eligibility for maintenance grants, including the special rates of maintenance grant, in the course of the development of regulations governing a single unified grants scheme, as provided for in the Student Support Bill.
Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:164 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will request the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse to publish the negotiated settled costs of approximately €13 million in 2008; the average amount per individual case; the amounts paid collectively to solicitors and barristers; the names of those legal practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22327/08]
The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established under statute to investigate child abuse in institutions in the State, to enable persons who have suffered such abuse to give evidence to committees of the Commission and to prepare and publish a report of findings and recommendations considered appropriate for the alleviation of the effects of past child abuse and for the protection of children. The Commission is independent in the performance of its functions in accordance with the terms of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act.
Consequently, it is entirely a matter for the Commission to publish the details in respect of the legal fees it pays to legal firms and it is not open to me to intervene in such matters.
School Enrolments.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:165 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students in the primary school system for 2007/2008; the projected increases for the ten years from 2008/2009 to 2018/2019 on a yearly basis in view of the recent Central Statistics Office census reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22328/08]
The provisional total for enrolment at Primary level was 486,700 in September 2007. My Department is considering the results of the recently published Population and Labour Force projections by the Central Statistics Office in April and will publish updated enrolment figures soon. I will forward these to the Deputy once they have been completed.
Health and Safety Regulations.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:166 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps taken to advise the boards of management and principals of primary schools on the procedures that they must undertake to ensure the schools' full compliance with the statutory health and safety requirements in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22329/08]
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, under Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. It is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The Statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils. The Safety Statement should be reviewed on a regular basis. In practical terms, individual school authorities are best placed to assess the detail of their own health and safety requirements.
In December 2007, (in conjunction with the changeover of primary school boards of management), all new boards were issued with an Information Manual which provides advice on matters relating to the governance of schools, including the obligations on boards of management in the context of Health and Safety Legislation. A copy of this Information Manual is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
With regard to school building works, school managements are advised that renovation and improvement work of any kind, whether of a minor or major nature, must be undertaken in accordance with all relevant Health, Welfare and Safety at Work Regulations. Contractors appointed to carry out work in a school must be made aware of and requested to review the school's safety file to establish the position relating to any health and safety issues.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:167 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school principal teacher posts that are vacant; his views on whether there is a reluctance among deputy principals to apply for the principal post because of the increase in the level of responsibilities and duties with the poor compensatory allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/08]
The number of vacancies in primary schools including those at principal teacher level varies throughout the school year and are managed at local level by individual school Boards of Management.
Under the terms of the Education Act, 1998, the Board of Management of a primary school is responsible for the recruitment, selection and appointment of all teachers to a school, including principal teachers. Appointments are notified to my Department by the Board of Management. My Department has no role in the selection and appointment process however I am aware of anecdotal evidence that workload issues of principal teachers can impact on the decision of teachers to apply for such posts.
School principals play a key role in the successful operation of schools throughout the country and specific initiatives have been introduced over recent years that give more time for school principals to concentrate on the management aspects of their role.
As part of the Programme for Government we are committed to supporting the role of principals through the provision of improved training options for principals, middle management and aspiring school leaders, to increase the number of release days for teaching principals, review the role of middle management in primary schools, to reduce the threshold for the appointment of deputy principals in primary schools, to substantially increase the ancillary services grant so that principals have better administrative support and to maximise the use of IT to cut down on administration and put a database in place to track primary pupils. The Programme for Government also provides that we will seek agreement through partnership for a facility to allow those who have served as principals for more than a certain number of years to return to full-time teaching duties, while maintaining some benefits.
Water Charges.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:168 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that have informed his Department of their inability to pay the local authority water charges; the number who have requested funding to cover these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/08]
The Primary Administration Section of my Department has received correspondence from about 13 primary schools in relation to the water charges issue and the additional cost pressure that this puts on them.
General cost pressures on all schools, including those arising from water charges, are being dealt with in the context of the Government commitment to improve funding for the day-to-day running costs of schools. Specific commitments in relation to improving school funding form a central part of the education provisions of the Programme for Government. These commitments are a direct follow on from the clear thrust of Government policy over recent years to improve the position of schools and primary schools in particular by doubling the capitation grant.
In the context of reducing water costs for schools, it has been demonstrated that fitting simple water saving devices to toilets and sinks can reduce water consumption considerably at very little cost, as can other small works such as fixing easily identifiable leaks. Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to fund such measures. The minor works grant has increased by nearly 50% over the past two years and some €27m issued to primary schools at the end of last year for that purpose.
The Government agreed a transition period to full water charges in the case of non-fee charging recognised schools and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has advised local authorities of the detailed arrangements regarding the implementation of this decision.
The transitional arrangements afford schools the opportunity to put in place water conservation arrangements and practices and to undertake works that can help reduce water usage significantly before full water charges are introduced. By virtue of good water conservation schools can be in a much stronger position to reduce the impact of water charges on their overall budgets. Guidance was also recently issued to schools on the most appropriate measures to minimise excess consumption of water and to reduce wastage where it exists. In addition, water conservation issues will continue to be addressed by my Department as a matter of routine where new schools are being built or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme. Furthermore those schools with very high water consumption will be identified and contacted with a view to introducing measures to help them reduce water usage.
My Department remains in close liaison with the Department of Environment and Local Government regarding water conservation and is supportive of any initiatives by it and local authorities that will help reduce water costs for schools.
School Staffing.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:169 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the growing feminisation of the primary school profession; if he has a view on this issue; his views on whether female and male teachers in the classroom provide balanced role models for children, particularly those from single parent families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22332/08]
I am aware that there are more females than males entering the teaching profession and believe that it is important to attract more men into teaching for a number of reasons, not least of which is the positive role models that teachers provide in children's lives and the desirability of having both male and female role models in our schools.
I believe that teaching is an attractive profession for both men and women. Teaching is fulfilling work which makes a huge social contribution. This Government wants to attract and reward the best teachers and has undertaken a number of initiatives to enhance the status of the profession. Not least of these is the establishment of the Teaching Council as a professional regulatory body.
In November 2005 the Report of the Primary Education Committee, ‘Males into Primary Teaching' was launched. The Primary Education Committee was established in order to examine a range of issues in relation to males entering primary teaching, and to make recommendations on short-term and long-term strategies to increase the numbers in this regard. The Report draws on the professional insight of key experts in this area as well as drawing on a number of relevant research studies.
One of the key recommendations in this report was that a coordinated promotion campaign, which would encourage boys as well as girls to enter primary teaching should be undertaken. This promotion campaign commenced in 2006 and promoted the rewards of being a teacher such as the value to society, work/life balance, career satisfaction, diversity of skills, professional development, conditions of employment and job security.
Since the launch of the campaign the number of male student teachers has risen slightly from 124 in 2005 to 185 in 2007.
Departmental Agencies.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:170 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will, in respect of all bodies, agencies, commissions or quangos reporting to his Department give the name, the purpose, the annual budget, the name of the chief executive, the number of full-time staff employed and the date of its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22333/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be sent to him shortly.
School Curriculum.
Mary Upton
Ceist:171 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10 will be provided with the resources to ensure that music can be made available as a leaving certificate subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22338/08]
Teacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment.
Each school management authority is required to organise its time-table and subject options having regard to pupils needs within the limit of its approved teacher allocation.
The rules for allocating teaching resources provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions.
An independent appeals mechanism is available to school authorities who wish to appeal the adequacy of their teacher allocation.
The school in question did not submit an appeal to the independent appeals committee.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:172 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22345/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be sent to him.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22359/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be sent to him shortly.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22372/08]
The cost of advertising, which includes, for example, expenditure on the following significant categories, invitations to tender for school building projects, staff appointments in the education sector, invitations to attend local hearings, invitations to forward submissions on education related schemes/projects, and promotional campaigns, is not a separate sub-head, with a specified annual allocation, in the Department's Vote.
These advertising costs, as they arise on various programmes and schemes, are ultimately charged to an appropriate subhead of the Vote generally dealing with the particular programme or scheme. Accordingly, to gauge the likely advertising cost at year end would entail an inordinate amount of work, in collating costs across many programmes, for what would still be an estimated figure.
My Department is able however to track the level of actual spending on advertising and has spent approximately €168,000 to the end of May this year in this regard.
As the placing of advertising is generally contingent on the progress of programmes/schemes and policies the scheduling of advertising campaigns needs to be flexible and therefore the Department cannot easily identify the advertising campaigns it may require from one year to the next.
If the Deputy has a particular advertising campaign in mind I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to the Deputy.
The vast majority of the Department's advertising is placed in the print media.
The State's advertising is subject to a tender process through the Government Supplies Agency. I understand from the Office of Public Works that the current State advertising contract, which came into effect in December 2007 stipulates that the costs of the advertisements are inclusive of all production costs associated with the insertion of the advertisements into the print media.
Telecommunications Services.
Brian Hayes
Ceist:175 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the IBEC-sponsored programme which resulted in funding of over €5 million a year since 2005 for the provision of broadband in schools will not be continued under the schools broadband access programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22384/08]
The Schools Broadband Access Programme is being undertaken in partnership with industry in the context of a Government — IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) Agreement to provide local broadband connectivity to schools. This voluntary Agreement provides for the establishment of a three year €18m joint Government-IBEC/TIF Fund, with industry contributing €5m per annum and the Government contributing €1m per annum. To date the receipts to the Fund comprise the State's contributions of €3m and €8.03m from IBEC/TIF contributing members.
The Programme has three elements — local connectivity to schools, a national broadband network and a broadband support service desk. Schools connectivity is being routed to the Internet through a national broadband network, which is supported by HEAnet and provides centrally managed services for schools such as security, anti-spam/ anti-virus and content filtering. The broadband support service desk has been established to interface between the network, the local broadband service Access Providers and schools. It is managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE). The total costs of the Programme for the first three years, including the initial set-up costs, are some €30m.
The funding Agreement with TIF, which provides for the €18m Fund, is to meet the local connectivity element of the Programme costs.
The Agreement with TIF provides for the appointment of a Programme Evaluator to independently evaluate progress on the deployment of broadband access to schools and the impact of such deployment in schools over the period of the Schools Broadband Access Programme. The Terms of Reference for the Programme Evaluator were agreed with TIF in February 2008 and following a public procurement process, Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd has been selected to undertake the evaluation. The final evaluation report is expected to be completed by August, 2008.
My Department will shortly issue a Request for Tenders for the next round of service. The priority for the new procurement process will be to ensure that the broadband services to schools keep in line with national infrastructure improvements. The RFT will seek tenders which at least maintain the existing service (in terms of speed and reliability) that schools currently receive.
Having regard to the general developments in broadband availability nationally, improved service offerings are expected to be received under the new tender process.
I would like to acknowledge the co-operation and contribution of the TIF to the initiative to date and I look forward to developing the partnership into the future.
Medical Training.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:176 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the fact that medical cytology students at Dublin Institute of Technology are being trained at public expense for a service that will be contracted to a US-based company by the National Cancer Screening Service; the action he will take to protect the investment of his Department and to ensure that the students concerned will be able to use their skills here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22390/08]
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is an independent statutory agency under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Health and Children and it is not open to me to intervene in its affairs or decisions. I understand that the NCSS has announced a preferred bidder for the provision of laboratory testing services for the National Cervical Screening Programme. Pending completion of the procurement process and clarification of future staffing requirements in cytology services it is not possible to assess fully the implications of the decision by the NCSS for the future employment opportunities of graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Medical and Molecular Cytology) at Dublin Institute of Technology.
The employment of graduates from the programme is a matter for the HSE, and private employers in this area and other related fields.
School Staffing.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:177 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that had successful appeals in relation to retention of a teacher for 2008-09; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22391/08]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:178 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the personnel who make up the appeals boards for schools that are losing a teacher because of the pupil-teacher ratio; if staff from his Department participate on the boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22392/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0010/2008, available on my Department's website. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is also available on my Department's website.
The first meeting of the Appeal Board to consider applications for the 2008/09 school year took place on 20th May, 2008. Further meetings will be held in June and October, 2008. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 20 June and 10 October respectively.
Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website.
At its meeting of 20 May 2008, the Board considered 25 appeals in relation to the 2008/09 school year. Three appeals were deferred until the October meeting of the Appeal Board when the school enrolments projected for 30 September 2008 will be available. The Appeal Board deferred a decision on 6 appeal applications pending receipt of further information and 16 appeals were refused.
The members of the Appeal Board are: Dr. Tom McCarthy, Chairperson, Mr. Frank Davis, Ms. Monica Healy, Ms. Mairead McGowan and Mr. Sean Nolan. Staff from the Primary Payments Section of my Department provide administrative assistance to the Appeal Board but are not members of the Board.
The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
Schools Building Projects.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:179 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the conservation architect was appointed to deal with the proposed refurbishment and extension building works at a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; the timeframe under which the architect is working; and when it is expected works will be approved and will proceed. [22399/08]
An issue arose as to whether part of the school building referred to by the Deputy is a listed building requiring the appointment of a conservation architect. This issue is being clarified by my Department at present and the school will be contacted in the matter as soon as possible.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:180 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the application by a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath for approval to refurbish the old school and add vital and necessary classrooms by way of a new building; if he will take steps to have the ongoing correspondence from the principal and board of management replied to without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22400/08]
A building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including 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. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
Pat Breen
Ceist:181 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 352, 353 and 354 of 27 May 2008, the name of the 36 primary and six post-primary schools in County Clare that have applied for capital funding for major building projects; the priority band rating which has been applied to each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22403/08]
The details sought by the Deputy are given in the following tabular statement.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including these projects, 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. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the projects at this time.
|
County |
Band Rating |
Roll No. |
School |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
62000W |
Mary Immaculate Secondary School Lisdoonvarna |
|
Clare |
2.4 |
62010C |
St. Joseph’s Secondary School Spanish Point |
|
Clare |
2.4 |
62020F |
St. Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla |
|
Clare |
2.4 |
70860W |
St Michael’s Community College Kilmihill |
|
Clare |
3.3 |
70830N |
Ennis Community College Ennis |
|
Clare |
4.1 |
70880F |
St Joseph’s Community College Carrigholt Rd. |
|
County |
Band Rating |
Roll No. |
School |
|
Clare |
1.1 |
13418J |
Ballyea NS., Ballyea, Ennis |
|
Clare |
1.1 |
17026M |
Clarecastle NS., Clarecastle, Co. Clare* |
|
Clare |
1.1 |
15042A |
Ennis NS., Ennis |
|
Clare |
1.2 |
20041C |
St. Senans Ns, Convent Of Mercy, Kilrush |
|
Clare |
1.2 |
17563P |
Ballybrohan N S Ogonnelloe |
|
Clare |
2.1 |
04919H |
Cratloe N.S., Clare |
|
Clare |
2.1 |
16908S |
Sixmilebridge NS., Sixmilebridge, Clare |
|
Clare |
2.1 |
16677C |
Bunscoil Na Mbraithre Ennis |
|
Clare |
2.1 |
18225A |
S N Mhuire Miliuc Luimneach |
|
Clare |
2.1 |
18227E |
Scoil Mhuire Náisiúnta Cora Finne |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
14757N |
S N Mhainistir Chuinche Quin |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
16186G |
Inch N S Ennis |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
17583V |
S N Cnoc An Ein Inis |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
19559L |
Chriost Ri Cloughleigh |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
19849U |
Gaelscoil Donncha Rua Sionna |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
19999Q |
Gaelscoil Ui Choimin An T-Ionad Oige |
|
Clare |
2.2 |
20086B |
Ennis Educate Together NS Gort Road |
|
Clare |
2.4 |
14468G |
Kilmaley N S Ennis |
|
Clare |
2.4 |
14830U |
Barefield Mixed NS, Ennis |
|
Clare |
2.4 |
18555V |
Lissycasey N S Ennis |
|
Clare |
2.4 |
20075T |
St Mochullas N.S. Ennis Road |
|
Clare |
2.5 |
16946D |
SN An Phairtin Mixed Parteen |
|
Clare |
3.1 |
10568N |
S N Cuibhreann Cill Chaoi |
|
Clare |
3.1 |
13870E |
Kilkishen N S SN Muire Na D Chomhairl |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
08241P |
Scropul N S Mullagh |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
15981A |
Lakyle N S Whitegate Via Limerick |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
16870T |
Scoil Na Mbraithre Ennistymon |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
16930L |
Scoil An Sraith S N Tulach Brach |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
18109V |
S N Inis Cealtrach Mountshannon |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
18555V |
Lissycasey N S Ennis |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
19043W |
New Quay NS Burren |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
19551S |
Inchicronan Central NS Crusheen |
|
Clare |
3.2 |
19838P |
Gael SC Mhichil Chiosog Inis |
|
Clare |
3.3 |
19700J |
Lisdoonvarna N S Lisdoonvarna |
|
Clare |
3.4 |
18339P |
Sn Iosef Naofa An Mhaigh |
|
Clare |
3.4 |
18639E |
S N Baile Na Cailli Ennis |
|
Clare |
3.4 |
19338S |
Flagmount Central NS Flagmount Central Ns |
*Under Construction.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:182 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an institution (details supplied) in Dublin 6 was not included in the schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 despite the institution being subject to a regulatory or inspection function, a fact recognised by the Department of Health and Children; and if he will include the institutions in a revised schedule. [22411/08]
The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established under Statute in 2002 and is governed by the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002. The Board was established to make fair and reasonable payments to persons who, as children, were abused while residents in Industrial Schools, Reformatories and other institutions subject to State regulation or inspection and who were placed in such institutions by the State. The Board is independent in the performance of its functions.
When the Act was initially established, the Schedule to the Act contained a total of 128 institutions. In compiling the list, the Department of Education & Science had cause to make enquiries from the Department of Health & Children, under whose jurisdiction some of the institutions operated, as to whether certain institutions could be considered for inclusion having regard to the criteria for eligibility. The intention was that all institutions which were brought to the attention of my Department would be considered and a decision made as to their eligibility for inclusion prior to the closing date for receipt of applications to the Board which was the 15th December 2005.
Since the enactment of the legislation, my Department received correspondence from both individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of other institutions which may warrant consideration for inclusion. Following consideration of the matter, an Order was signed on 9th November 2004 which provided for the inclusion of 13 additional institutions in the Schedule. A further Order was made on 1st July 2005 adding 3 institutions to the Schedule.
The question of including additional institutions has now been fully considered by my Department and it is not proposed to add any further institutions to the Schedule.
In making its initial enquiries in relation to the institution in question, my Department consulted with the Department of Health & Children to establish if it could be considered for inclusion on the Schedule to the Act. The response to my Department was that, following a review of papers available in the Department of Health & Children, they were unable to locate any documentation which would indicate that a public body had an inspection or regulatory function in relation to the institution. At that time, the Department of Health & Children was not in a position to recommend its inclusion in the Schedule. Given that we were not in a position to confirm whether there was a state inspection or regulatory role, the institution could not be considered to be eligible for inclusion.
Subsequently, the Department of Health advised this Department in May 2007 that certain papers had come to light which indicated a state regulatory and inspection role and that this Department may now wish to consider its inclusion on the Schedule to the Redress Act.
However, further enquiries made by this Department with the Department of Health & Children revealed that one of the papers in relation to the institution which prompted them to recognise a regulatory or inspection function was the report of an inspection conducted under the Registration of Maternity Homes Act, 1934. The expression "maternity home" means "any premises which are, either wholly or partly, used or intended to be used for the reception of pregnant women or women immediately after childbirth". There are several references on the papers held by the Department of Health & Children describing this institution as a Mother and Baby Home. It would seem that persons in this facility attended on a voluntary basis as opposed to having been placed there by the State.
Section 4(1) of the Act states that the Minister for Education & Science, may, by Order, provide for the insertion of any industrial school, reformatory, orphanage, children's home, special school which was established for the purpose of providing education services to children with a physical or intellectual disability or a hospital providing medical or psychiatric services to people with a physical or mental disability or illness.
It is clear from the information available to this Department that the institution to which the Deputy refers operated as a Mother and Baby Home and is therefore not eligible to be considered for inclusion on the Schedule to the Redress Act on the basis that it does not satisfy the criteria as set out in the aforementioned Section.
I should of course point out that ineligibility to be considered for redress under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, does not affect a person's statutory right to pursue other legal avenues which may be open to them.
Site Acquisitions.
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:183 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the status regarding the provision of a site for the Gaelscoil in Clonmel, County Tipperary; if the site has been acquired from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22421/08]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Office of Public Works (OPW), which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been asked to source a suitable site for the school in question. My Department is advised that the Health Service Executive (HSE) have formally conveyed its approval to dispose of lands either to South Tipperary County Council or directly to the OPW. The OPW are currently awaiting written confirmation from the HSE that they are prepared to sell a site to them.
The further consideration of the site acquisition will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Schools Refurbishment.
Joan Burton
Ceist:184 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that the summer works scheme will not be running for 2008, he will allocate funds for the immediate and essential refurbishment works for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 such as the windows which need to be replaced urgently for health and safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22432/08]
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy applied for works under the 2008 Summer Works Scheme.
Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced in 2004, over 3,000 projects costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also showing the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly my Department is focusing on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and there is no Summer Works Scheme this year. However, it is intended to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.
School Transport.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:185 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet with private school bus operators to address concerns regarding the rapid rise in the cost of motor fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22434/08]
I would like to advise the Deputy that negotiations with school bus operators regarding school bus contracts are a matter between Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department, and the operators. These negotiations include issues such as motor fuel costs. Given this, it would be inappropriate for my Department to engage directly with school bus operators on the matter.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:186 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22447/08]
The information requested in relation to the amount of interest paid to suppliers by my Department under the prompt payment system is currently being compiled and we will be in contact with the Deputy as soon as possible.
Special Educational Needs.
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:187 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will extend the July provision to include special needs assistants for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [22480/08]
The Deputy will be aware the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. There has been a steady increase in the number of schools offering the programme since it was introduced in 2001 when relevant schools were circulated with details.
Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. As home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. Where parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, then some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's web site.
Michael Ring
Ceist:188 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the way his Department is rigidly adhering to the new prescribed qualifications pertaining to the providers of the home-based July provision in view of the fact that in some instances it can be difficult to secure people to undertake this scheme. [22482/08]
The Deputy will be aware the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. There has been a steady increase in the number of schools offering the programme since it was introduced in 2001 when relevant schools were circulated with details.
Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. As home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. Where parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, then some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's web site.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:189 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22344/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:190 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22358/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
The relevant bodies within the remit of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard, the Central Council of the Irish Red Cross and the Army Pensions Board. I wish to state that there have been no advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those bodies or by my Department in the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 nor do I envisage any such advertising campaigns for the remainder of 2008.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:191 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22446/08]
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Total Interest Paid |
Top Three Beneficiaries |
Interest Amount |
|
(€) |
(€) |
||
|
2003 |
3,935.96 |
Coillte Teoranta |
649.76 |
|
Kilrush Creek Marina Ltd |
280.11 |
||
|
Mater Private Hospital |
245.34 |
||
|
2004 |
2,924.01 |
Compass Catering Services |
394.35 |
|
Irish Shell Ltd |
267.82 |
||
|
Esso Irl Ltd |
191.92 |
||
|
2005 |
2,353.74 |
Tedcastles Oil Products |
880.35 |
|
Compass Catering Services |
454.18 |
||
|
A.I.B. Credit Card Centre |
125.67 |
||
|
2006 |
27,706.95 |
Dr. Sean Dunne |
1,107.51 |
|
Dr. B. Cuddihy |
635.16 |
||
|
Candidate Manager Ltd |
586.49 |
||
|
2007 |
5,442.45 |
System Video Ltd |
1,032.50 |
|
Wirecus Ltd |
199.81 |
||
|
Dr. B. Cuddihy |
193.72 |
Garda Telecommunications.
Charles Flanagan
Ceist:192 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a targeted programme with specific timeframes is in existence to ensure that all Garda stations have the means to communicate by corporate e-mail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22316/08]
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that external email facilities are provided to all Gardaí from Inspector rank upwards as well as to members of other ranks and civilian staff based on operational needs. Internal email is provided to all ranks of An Garda Síochána via the PULSE environment.
I am also advised that currently a pilot project is running in the Dublin Metropolitan Region which provides section mailboxes to all District and Divisional offices. This will enable external communications directly with the offices involved. When the pilot is complete, the roll-out of section mailboxes across the organisation will be planned.
Residency Permits.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:193 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for long-term residency for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if this application will be finalised in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22317/08]
The Immigration Division of my Department has informed me that an application for long term residency was received on 31 July 2006, on behalf of the person referred to in the Deputy's question. On 16 May 2008, a letter was forwarded to the person referred to, requesting her to supply further documentation in order that her application could be fully considered. As of today's date, no reply has been received to this letter. Further processing will continue on receipt of the requested documentation.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:194 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22351/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:195 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, on-line advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22365/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:196 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22378/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 196, inclusive, together.
I wish to direct the Deputy to my reply to his previous similar Parliamentary Question (No. 382 of 22 April, 2008) concerning the details of spending by my Department in the years 2003 — 2007 on publication of information notices/awareness campaigns. Details concerning spending by the non-commercial bodies under the aegis of my Department for these years are not readily available.
I have compiled the requested information for the Deputy in tabular form to include any significant awareness raising campaigns, planned or under way, in my Department or by the non-commercial bodies under its aegis for 2008.
I should emphasise that, except where already contractually committed, the financial amounts listed below should be regarded as indicative and subject to review, in the context of the overall management of the Justice sector group of Votes.
|
Non-commercial body/Name of Campaign |
Description of Campaign |
Sanction given/Estimated expenditure |
|
Property Registration Authority |
Publicity campaign, required by statute, taking place in the second half of 2008 to coincide with the abolition of Land Certificates and Certificates of Charge. |
Estimated expenditure of €160,000. |
|
National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) |
A strategic communications plan to support the delivery of the National Action Plan Against Racism for the period March to December 2008. |
Estimated expenditure of €96,376.50 until the end of 2008. |
|
Firearms & Explosives — Fireworks Public Awareness Campaign |
To highlight to the public the dangers of fireworks and the significant penalties that exist for their illegal use. Scheduled to take place in October 2008. |
Estimated expenditure of €200,000. |
|
National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016 |
Programme of Awareness Raising Campaigns during 2008. |
To be determined in light of overall budget management within Justice sector group |
|
National Disability Authority (NDA) — “Challenging Attitudes to Mental Health” |
Second phase of a National Advertising Campaign on influencing public attitudes towards people with mental health difficulties. |
The estimated expenditure for the second phase is €320,000. |
|
National Property Services Regulatory Authority |
To comply with the forthcoming obligation on the NPSRA to increase public awareness of property services and the cost to consumers of such services as well as the risks and benefits associated with the provision of those services. |
Estimated expenditure is €400,000. |
|
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner — “Video Clip Competition — Privacy in the 21st Century” |
To raise awareness of data protection issues affecting people today and to encourage people to take more control over their personal information. |
Estimated expenditure is €10,000. |
|
Legal Aid Board |
To raise awareness amongst eligible persons of the Board’s services and other public notices. |
Estimated expenditure is €65,000. |
|
Cosc — The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence |
To raise awareness of the criminal and unacceptable nature of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and of relevant service responses. |
Estimated expenditure is €500,000. |
|
Equality Authority -“Say No to Ageism Week” |
To respond to ageism by highlighting it, how it operates in society, the workplace and in the provision of services. Also to support practical initiatives in key sectors to implement “age friendly” service provision. |
Estimated expenditure is €225,000. |
|
An Garda Síochána Public Awareness Campaigns 2008 |
(1) public awareness campaign on the dangers of carrying knives in context of knife related assaults and murders (2) public awareness campaign in the area of crime prevention. |
Estimated expenditure of €200,000 — €250,000 in both cases. |
|
Anti Human Trafficking Unit — “G6 Initiative” |
To raise awareness and discourage demand for the services of victims of sexual and labour exploitation. |
Estimated expenditure is to be finalised but is expected to be in the region of €30,000. |
Prison Building Programme.
Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:197 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the full costs of providing a women’s prison at Thornton Hall; the position regarding the present provisions at Dochas. [22388/08]
The new female prison forms part of the overall prison development at Thornton Hall and it is not, for practical, commercial and procurement reasons, possible to provide details as to the likely cost of individual components of it.
There are no plans to move away from the basic architectural design principles of the Dochas Centre. The design has proved to be a successful model and the design of the women's prison at Thornton seeks to build on the experience and lessons of the Dochas model, whilst expanding the regime options and fostering the ethos of Dochas, i.e., a domestic scale courtyard development consisting of a number of house units of single occupancy en-suite accommodation. However a major problem with the existing Dochas centre is a lack of capacity — it is currently the most overcrowded prison institution in this jurisdiction.
When the Thornton Hall development is completed the Dochas Centre along with the other facilities on the Mountjoy campus will be closed. It would be neither operationally nor financially viable to maintain the Dochas Centre as a stand alone institution and construct a second female prison in the Dublin area.
Probation and Welfare Service.
Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:198 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements in place for the follow-up on the implementation of community services orders that were given out through the courts in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if an efficiency review has been undertaken. [22389/08]
The Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983, provides that a Court may make a Community Service Order as an alternative to a sentence of imprisonment or detention in respect of any individual over the age of 16 years who has been convicted of a criminal offence and who consents to the Order being made. As the Deputy will be aware, the Community Service Order requires an offender to perform unpaid work for between 40 and 240 hours, usually to be completed within 12 months. The aim of a Community Service Order is to rehabilitate the offender and make meaningful reparation to the community for his or her crime. Community Service Supervisors work alongside offenders undergoing their community service work. However, the Probation Service of my Department has overall responsibility for the supervision and management of Community Service Orders.
The range of work generally carried out by offenders on Community Service Orders, including painting, decorating, landscaping, clearing/maintenance of community facilities (indoor and outdoor), restoration or enhancement of existing facilities such as community centres, youth clubs, grass cutting, cleaning graveyards and work with community groups in groups.
The express purpose of Community Service is to provide benefit at no cost to communities, and indirectly to victims through the work of offenders as reparation. Community Service is widely recognised as a practical and visible embodiment of Restorative Justice principles and offender reparation, in particular.
Community Service projects are identified and established with the assistance and support of local community organisations and interests. There is ongoing communication and consultation by the Probation Service with local communities to maximise the benefits of Community Service.
A key action within the Probation Service Strategy and Workplan is to maximise the benefit of Community Service to local communities by reforming, revitalising and restructuring its delivery. An independent review of the operation of Community Service is currently being completed by consultants to advise on the most appropriate model and structure of the operation of Community Service. Having regards to the commitment in the Programme for Government, I await the findings of that review.
Departmental Expenditure.
Joanna Tuffy
Ceist:199 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the National Property Services Authority Office was opened; the cost of the lease of the building per annum and per month; the number of staff working in the office or attached to the office; the wage bill connected with the running of the office; the estimated outlay on ancillary costs including information and communications technology costs, heating, lighting and other costs associated with the opening and running of this office from its opening to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22397/08]
The office accommodation provided for the National Property Services Regulatory Authority at Abbey Road, Navan, Co. Meath was opened on 15 November, 2007. The accommodation is provided for by the OPW and is shared with the Revenue Commissioners. I understand from the OPW that the annual rental cost of the space occupied by the NPSRA is €189,869. I can also inform the Deputy that there are currently 8 staff working with the Authority. Between 1 January and 30 April, 2008 total expenditure by the Authority was €130,818, of which €72,907 was staff costs.
Grant Payments.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:200 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the funding crisis facing an organisation (details supplied); if he is himself there is fairness in his Department’s allocation of resources as between women’s groups and men’s groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22412/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 386 of Wednesday 4 June 2008.
Road Traffic Offences.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:201 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason this Deputy has not received an answer to Parliamentary Question No. 527 of 12 February 2008 and 544 of 17 April 2008, in relation to the numbers randomly breath-tested on roads here in 2007; the number and percentage of those who were taken to Garda stations for blood or urine testing; the number and percentage of those who were found to be over the blood alcohol limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22413/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 489,029 breath tests were carried out in 2007 under mandatory alcohol testing. Of the persons so tested, 5,211 were taken to a Garda station for evidential testing. Of those 3,610 were found to be over the legally permitted alcohol limit.
Change of Name Licence.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:202 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for a licence to change their name; when a decision will be made; when the necessary documents will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22418/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have received an application from the person referred to in the Deputy's question. When the application is processed, the Immigration Division will contact the person in question in writing with a decision in the case.
Prisoner Releases.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:203 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 29 May 2008, the specific length of sentence already served by each of the four prisoners referred to. [22424/08]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 135 of 29 May, 2008. Of the four prisoners mentioned in that answer, two of the prisoners have been in custody since 1980 and two since 1985.
Prison Medical Service.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:204 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 29 May 2008, if he is satisfied himself that all long-term prisoners who present with indicators that they are becoming institutionalised psychologically are in receipt of the support that he has referred to; the steps that are taken to ensure that all such prisoners have these supports explained and offered to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22425/08]
I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that all prisoners are advised of the services available to them on committal to prison and have access to these services through a number of channels, including requests to prison officers on their landings. Prison staff are proactive in referring prisoners to services where they have concerns about their well-being. Longer term prisoners have their cases reviewed on an ongoing basis by multi-disciplinary teams which include prison management and the professional services. In addition, reviews are carried out in respect of prisoners who are engaged with the Parole Board, which relates to prisoners serving sentences of eight years or more.
It is recognised that appropriate regimes programmes, such as meaningful activities and contact with the outside world, are important in preventing potential institutionalisation. Considerable effort goes into ensuring that prisoners have and make use of opportunities for structured activity such as education, work and training, and programmes to address their offending behaviour and personal needs, as well as opportunities for regular exercise and contacts with family and friends.
While every effort is made to address areas of need for prisoners, the Deputy will appreciate that this also requires the active co-operation of the prisoner involved.
Garda Operations.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:205 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of Operation Anvil to date; the successes achieved by An Garda Síochána during Operation Anvil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22430/08]
Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) on 17 May, 2005 and was extended nationwide in 2006. It is an intelligence led policing initiative, the focus of which is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static check points by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols.
The estimated cost of Operation Anvil from June 2005 to the end of May 2008 was €98.9 million.
The Garda Commissioner has publicly re-affirmed his commitment to the objectives of Operation Anvil. The Operation is augmented by other initiatives, both locally and nationally, and will continue to be undertaken by all units and sections of An Garda Síochána.
The following table shows the outcomes from Operation Anvil up to 1 June, 2008 in the DMR. Operation Anvil outside the DMR differs from the DMR, in that operations have a short time-focus and are designed to address, in a flexible fashion, the particular needs of specific areas. Outside the DMR up to 4 May, 2008 734 firearms were seized, and 18,295 arrests were made.
All figures are operational and subject to change.
|
Operation Anvil in the Dublin Metropolitan Region up to 1 June, 2008 |
|
|
Arrests |
|
|
Murder |
122 |
|
Robbery Offences |
1,560 |
|
Burglary |
3,343 |
|
Serious Assaults |
1,338 |
|
Theft from Shops* |
5,640 |
|
Theft from MPV* |
543 |
|
Theft Other* |
1,346 |
|
Searches |
|
|
Drugs |
50,819 |
|
Thefts |
3,553 |
|
Firearms |
2,118 |
|
Seizures |
|
|
Firearms |
906 |
|
Vehicles |
18,948 |
|
Number of Checkpoints |
94,332 |
|
Value of property recovered |
€27,809,687 |
* From 25 September, 2006.
Citizenship Applications.
Dan Neville
Ceist:206 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will process an application for Irish citizenship on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22438/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in April 2007.
Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in late 2005 and have approximately 9,800 applications on hand to be dealt with before the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.
However, I understand that the person in question is married to an Irish national and every effort is made to ensure those applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:207 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22453/08]
The amounts of interest paid under the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 by my Department during the last five years were as follows, €4,850.59 (2003); €7,415.53 (2004); €10,341.70 (2005); €35,844.93 (2006); €65,777.59 (2007). I would like to add that the total interest paid during this five year period amounted to €124,230 which represents 0.01% of €1,376,881,787 being the total value of all payments made by my Department for goods and services during the same period. The three highest interest payments made to a single beneficiary during each of the past five years are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Beneficiary |
Amount |
|
€ |
||
|
2003 |
Siemens Ltd. |
539.10 |
|
Brindley Advertising Ltd |
354.82 |
|
|
Terry Lawlor |
211.96 |
|
|
2004 |
Browne Global Solutions Ltd. |
1,291.96 |
|
Pitney Bowes |
412.73 |
|
|
Siemens |
256.68 |
|
|
2005 |
Brindley Advertising Ltd |
2,250.00 |
|
Club Travel |
956.00 |
|
|
Pitney Bowes |
397.53 |
|
|
2006 |
Siemens Business Services Ltd |
1,654.57 |
|
Microsoft Ireland Operations |
1,646.10 |
|
|
Lionbridge |
1,472.34 |
|
|
2007 |
Kertesz McCarron Walsh |
7,176.85 |
|
IDFA (Quality Printers) Ltd |
4,127.71 |
|
|
Dell Ireland |
1,915.55 |
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:208 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [22460/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in Raheny 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 public order problems and anti-social behaviour in the area concerned.
The area referred to has been included in the local Policing Plan for particular attention including additional patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel, supplemented, as necessary, by the local Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, the District Detective and Drug Units and the Divisional Task Force and Traffic Corps Units.
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.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
Finian McGrath
Ceist:209 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [22459/08]
The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, which is administered by local authorities, provides targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people. The types of works which may be grant aided under the Scheme are varied and may include the provision of central heating and associated insulation works.
The administration of the scheme including the processing and approval of individual applications, is a matter for the relevant local authority and is one in which my Department has no direct function. I have been advised by Dublin City Council that an application has not been received from the person concerned for grant aid. If the person concerned wishes to make an application under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, or to obtain information on the operation of the scheme, she should contact Dublin City Council directly.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:210 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22347/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:211 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22361/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
I understand that agencies under the aegis of my Department are expected to spend of the order of €525,000 on advertising campaigns in 2008. My Department does not routinely compile or hold data in relation to advertising campaigns for bodies under its aegis and the information sought for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 is not available.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:212 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22374/08]
My Department will carry out a number of awareness campaigns relevant to its remit in 2008. Details of campaigns scheduled and those already underway are set out in the following table.
|
Campaign |
Cost in 2008 to Date |
Estimated Cost in 2008 |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Climate Change Awareness Campaign |
787,000 |
6,205,875 |
|
Mobility Week |
0 |
300,000 |
|
Notice Nature (Public Awareness Campaign on Biodiversity) |
55,770 |
266,000 |
|
National Fire Safety Week |
0 |
250,000 |
|
Register of Electors Awareness Campaign |
0 |
160,000 |
Social and Affordable Housing.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:213 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason local authorities acquiring housing units under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 must apply different regulations to units being acquired for social purposes as distinct to those being acquired under the affordable housing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22426/08]
The Building Regulations apply standards for the construction of all new buildings, including social and affordable housing. In addition, units acquired for social housing under Part V agreements are expected to comply with Departmental guidance set out in Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities. In concluding Part V agreements housing authorities may seek certain modifications to house designs from developers to cater for social need in local areas.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:214 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the advice his Department has provided to local authorities with regard to the fact that Part V affordable units had significantly declined in situations where local authorities may have arrived at understandings with developers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22427/08]
Delivery of units under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 is necessarily subject to a number of variables. These include the volume of housing development for which planning permission is granted, the finalisation of individual agreements between local authorities and developers, the timing of commencement and phasing of individual developments, and the general level of activity within the sector itself.
Local authorities have been advised to conclude Part V agreements with developers at the earliest possible stage to ensure the successful delivery of social and affordable housing. Where agreement is reached between the authority and developer on the Part V requirement, it is included as a condition of the granting of planning permission and remains enforceable for the lifetime of the permission which is normally 5 years. My Department will continue to keep the position in relation of Part V agreements under review.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:215 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22449/08]
The information requested in the question is outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
Amount of penalty interest for the year (rounded to nearest Euro) |
Top three beneficiaries |
Amount |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
2007 |
4,860 |
Archaeological Diving Company (ADCO) |
380.56 |
|
Liscannor Stone Company Ltd. |
324.02 |
||
|
Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Foundation. |
254.96 |
||
|
2006 |
10,380 |
State Claims Agency |
1,600.74 |
|
State Claims Agency |
1,449.81 |
||
|
Donegal Shores Ltd. |
669.76 |
||
|
2005 |
6,204 |
Indecon Economic Consultants |
430.67 |
|
Archaeological Development Services Ltd. |
285.81 |
||
|
Europus — The Language Consultancy Co. |
276.73 |
||
|
2004 |
9,419 |
Carpet Interiors (Mountain Top Carpets Ltd.) |
296.28 |
|
Eircom |
288.93 |
||
|
ESRI Ireland (Environmental Systems Research Institute Ireland) |
268.62 |
||
|
2003 |
8,802 |
Toner Consultancy |
484.37 |
|
Design Consultancy |
347.41 |
||
|
Dunnes Building |
339.87 |
Housing Grants.
Sean Fleming
Ceist:216 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the resources being made available to local authorities and the powers that have been given to them to carry out means tests that are required in respect of applications received under the housing adaptation grant scheme for older people and people with disability. [22483/08]
The revised suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with a disability introduced in November 2007 provide a more targeted and integrated response to the housing needs of older people and people with a disability, while ensuring that those households in greatest need benefit from the available funding. Under the new schemes eligibility for grant aid is determined on the basis of household means. Under the previous grant aid framework, some local authorities applied a means test, while others did not. My Department has developed a standardised means test to be used by all local authorities in order to provide a fair and uniform approach to the new schemes across the country, while also ensuring that those households in greatest need benefit from the available funding.
The conditions applying to the grants schemes, including means-testing, are contained in the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People With a Disability), Regulations 2007.
Departmental Advertising.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:217 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising, and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22342/08]
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:218 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if agencies, boards, quangos or other bodies within the remit of his Department have carried out or will carry out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by those agencies or by his Department in the course of 2008; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, online advertising, outdoor advertising and other forms of advertising as well as consultancy or production costs to date in 2008; the anticipated cost by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22356/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.
Advertising campaigns and their associated costs, commissioned by agencies under the aegis of my Department, are a day to day operational matter for those agencies and I have no function in that regard.
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:219 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has in the year to date or intends by year end to carry out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his department; the details of those campaigns; the costs of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs incurred in the year to date, the costs that are expected to be incurred by year’s end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22370/08]
Details of the two relevant advertising campaigns under way within my Department are shown in the following table:
|
Details of campaign |
Cost of advertising in publications |
Broadcast advertising |
Outdoor Advertising |
Other advertising/ DM/ Digital/ Research |
PR/ Consultancy costs |
Costs to date |
Expected Costs by year end |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Power of One — national energy efficiency campaign |
0 |
209,476.00 |
0 |
56,857.00 |
329,066.00 |
595,396.00 |
2,037,441.00 (Total for 2008) |
|
Make IT secure Campaign 2008 |
172,913.54 |
166,110.21 |
72,044.61 |
0 |
432,142.31 |
843,210.67 |
843,210.67 |
Price Inflation.
Pat Breen
Ceist:220 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the high cost of oil and the affect that this continuing hike in prices is having on the Irish economy; his views on whether the application of the improved rate of exchange namely the differential between the US Dollar and the Euro is being passed on to the Irish consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22409/08]
The price of oil is set on international markets, and is outside Ireland's direct control. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. There is free entry into the market. Prices at the pump reflect global market price, transportation costs, Euro/Dollar fluctuations and other operating costs. Crude oil prices have recently reached record levels and this is reflected in the prices of oil products.
The Competition Authority is a statutory independent body with a specific role in the enforcement of competition law. The National Consumer Agency has specific responsibilities for protecting the rights of consumers. Their function is to ensure that competition works optimally for the benefit of consumers throughout the country.
Ireland's high dependence on imported oil makes us price takers, sensitive to the volatility of the markets and reflecting a range of market factors.
The increase in the price of petrol and diesel is affecting all of Europe. EU price figure comparisons, published on 26th May 2008, show that the average price of petrol in April in Ireland was €1.21 per litre and this ranks as the seventh cheapest of 27 Member States. The average price of petrol in the UK in the same report was €1.42 per litre and the EU average price was €1.41 per litre. The average price of diesel in Ireland in April as reported by the EU on 26th May was €1.25 per litre. This price ranks as the seventh cheapest price out of the 27 EU Member States reported by the EU on that date. The average price of diesel in the UK in the same report was €1.56 per litre and the average EU price for diesel was €1.42 per litre. These comparisons show that Ireland is by no means the worst affected country in Europe in relation to the prices of petrol and diesel.
It is also the case that the increase in the price of oil generally, for both petrol and diesel, would be even higher for the consumer if the effect had not been moderated to date by the sharp depreciation of the dollar against the Euro. This is particularly clear when recent price increases for a barrel of oil are compared with relative increases in diesel and petrol prices.
Government policy on prices, including the price of commodities such as petrol and diesel, is concentrated on the promotion of competition, consumer choice and awareness. Petrol stations are required to display their prices in a clear manner, so that consumers can make an informed choice when purchasing fuel. Consumer protection is a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and consumers can report any infringements of the law to the National Consumer Agency.
The upward global trend in oil prices reinforces the imperative for Ireland to reduce its oil dependency and to use energy wisely and efficiently. The actions we are taking to accelerate delivery of our targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency are essential to ensure a sustainable energy future for the economy and for consumers.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Liz McManus
Ceist:221 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the target set by his Department in relation to helping reach the 3% reduction in carbon emission for 2008 in view of his commitments to the Joint Committee on Climate Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22410/08]
I am confident that we will meet the Government's targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency as set out in the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government. We have put in place a range of actions to ensure progressive delivery on these targets, which will contribute to our overall emissions reductions targets.
In the electricity market we will increase the contribution by renewable energy sources to at least 15% by 2010 and 33% by 2020 of electricity consumed and work towards the higher levels of renewables indicated as being possible in our all island grid study. Between 2003 and 2006 the contribution doubled from 4.3% to 8.6% and is expected to have increased to around 9.5% when data is available for 2007.
In Biofuels for transport we have committed to sustainable delivery of a target of 5.75% by 2010 and to a further target of 10% by 2020. Delivery of these targets will be underpinned by the Biofuels Obligation, which will be introduced in 2009, which will take full account of the sustainability criteria we are working on in the Council working group.
In the heat sector, targets of 5% and 12% market penetration by 2010 and 2020 respectively are being delivered through the Greener Homes, ReHeat and Combined Heat and Power grants programmes.
We have set a National energy efficiency target of 20% by 2020, which includes a higher 30% target for the public sector. Measures to achieve this were signalled in the Draft Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which my Department published in late 2007.
A revised National Energy Efficiency Action Plan will be published shortly.
Departmental Expenditure.
John Deasy
Ceist:222 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of interest paid to suppliers by his Department under the prompt payment system in each of the past five years; the persons who were the top three beneficiaries in each year; and the amount they received. [22445/08]
The amount of interest paid to suppliers by my Department under the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 for each of the years 2004 to end May 2008 is detailed in the following table:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
1,725.96 |
|
2007 |
2,034.64 |
|
2006 |
1,616.88 |
|
2005 |
6,171.85 |
|
2004 |
11,871.14 |
The top three beneficiaries in each of the years and the amount they received are detailed in the following table:
|
Year |
Amount |
Beneficiary |
|
€ |
||
|
2008 |
727.80 |
Magnum Opus |
|
306.95 |
Stephen O’Connor |
|
|
155.48 |
Crowleys DFK |
|
|
2007 |
968.42 |
Version 1 |
|
225.50 |
Vantage Resources Ltd |
|
|
208.14 |
System Dynamics Ltd |
|
|
2006 |
450.28 |
Calyx Data Ltd |
|
195.13 |
Version 1 Software |
|
|
129.63 |
Brindley Advertising |
|
|
2005 |
648.94 |
Calyx Data Ltd |
|
299.46 |
IACT T/A Galaxy Computer Systems |
|
|
287.84 |
I.R.S. (Ireland) Ltd |
|
|
2004 |
N/A |
N/A |