Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 2009

Vol. 686 No. 3

Adjournment Debate.

Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Deputy Andrew Doyle

I raised this matter in 2007, when it would probably have been easier to achieve a positive result. Notwithstanding that, I was told it was not envisaged that the 1970 Act that specified the list of illnesses covered by the long-term illness scheme would be added to or reviewed. I have been contacted by a couple of young people who have Crohn's disease. It is a lifelong illness and has no cure. It can be contained and managed and people can live as ordinary and as normal a life as possible, but it cannot be cured. It is defined as an auto-immune illness, as are arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and yet of the three, only multiple sclerosis is on the list. Given that it has the same long-term consequences, it seems strange that Crohn's disease is not included.

Last November, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, ruled out any chance of Crohn's disease being included in the long-term illness scheme, claiming sufferers have to pay only €100 per month, so it would be of no benefit to them given the cover available under the drugs payment scheme. Unfortunately, she did not think of the number of GP visits sufferers have, at €50 to €60 each, and the number of routine blood tests they have to undergo to monitor their disease. If it comes to the stage where young people, particularly young women, neglect their visits or blood tests because they cannot afford it, there are consequences down the line.

The Minister is probably correct that this does not affect many people but an alarming number of young people are getting it for some reason which has not been established. Given the fact that it affects so few in the context of the national population its addition should be considered. It would be cost-negative because if people are forced not to look after the illness the consequences are dire by way of long-term medical needs, persistent admissions to hospitals rather than outpatient visits and subsequent operations that will be necessary.

It is manageable, not curable, but needs to be monitored regularly. The amount of money involved in including Crohn's disease is minimal. There is no point saying that we should give here and there but it is cost-negative. I would appreciate if the Minister would undertake a cost-benefit analysis of it and take medical advice on the long-term consequences of not taking care of it and of the number of people who have the disease but are not attending as they should. The number of visits people should make and the amount of care they should take to monitor this illness are fairly well laid down. If it must be looked at coldly, which, unfortunately, it probably will be, with that in mind it could be possible to include it.

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)

I will respond to this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, and I thank Deputy Doyle for raising this issue.

The long-term illness scheme arose from a non-statutory scheme, established in 1967, to supply free of charge certain products to persons for the treatment of diabetes. A statutory scheme was introduced in 1971 under section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970. It provides that a health board, now the HSE, may make arrangements for the supply without charge of drugs, medicines or medical and surgical appliances to persons suffering from a prescribed disease or disability of a permanent or long-term nature.

The conditions which have been prescribed are mental handicap, mental illness for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia.

From 1971, a separate scheme was introduced to refund the cost of drugs above a certain threshold for non-medical card holders. This evolved into the drugs payment scheme in 1999. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €100 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The drugs payment scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

When the drugs payment scheme was introduced, it was decided to continue the long-term illness scheme for the conditions already covered, but it has not been extended and there are no plans to do so. People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

Sports Funding.

Deputy Seán Power

The first time a player puts on the county jersey is always a very proud and special day for that player, his family and the club. For all players that moment happens only after an enormous effort by that person. It may have taken years of training and playing before reaching that memorable day. Playing for any county requires tremendous commitment and sacrifice. The fitness levels of many of our inter-county players is on a par with that of the premiership footballers.

In Ireland we take a very keen interest in how our county hurlers and footballers perform. Many people live for the championship; it is what the summer is all about. With the arrival of the "back door" the dreams of many counties stay alive that little bit longer. While there may be very little between having a successful season and not, the commitment and dedication required are generally the same. Irish people simply love their Gaelic games and very much appreciate the major effort the players make and the great joy and pleasure they bring.

In recognition of that major commitment made by players, a grant scheme for Gaelic players was agreed. Last year was the first year of that initiative. The grant provided €3.5 million to the Irish Sports Council to fund the scheme and it was very well received by the inter-county players with footballers and hurlers from the 32 counties all receiving their share. It took much negotiation to agree the grant scheme and it is pitiful to see and read reports casting a doubt over the future of the scheme. The fact that economic circumstances have changed cannot be used as an excuse for discontinuing the scheme. Many inter-county players are experiencing the realities of the downturn and find themselves out of work. For others in employment it means having to negotiate time off with their employers or having to forgo the opportunity for overtime.

In recognition of the enormous benefit of sport, the Government has in recent years provided enormous resources for sport. Sporting organisations have received reduced funding this year, but funding continues to be provided for many of our sports stars and athletes. In recognition of the economic challenges facing the Government the GPA has indicated its willingness to accept a reduction on the allocation it received last year.

A case has been made that not all county hurlers and footballers can continue to expect the grant, particularly those from the weaker counties. I strongly disagree with this argument. We cannot draw a distinction between the successful and so-called "unsuccessful" ones. Every effort must be made to ensure players get every encouragement and assistance to play regardless of their county. We all love to be part of success. The thought of training with a potential provincial or all-Ireland winning team will always be attractive. For a player to put his heart and soul into training with a team with a poor championship record and little chance of improving on it can often require much more commitment and dedication.

Gaelic games are very special. We are very lucky to have so many people who are prepared to make great personal sacrifices to play for their counties. The grants scheme is simply an acknowledgement of that contribution. Tonight I call on the Minister to find the money to allow the grants scheme to continue. The players do not need this type of unnecessary distraction as they prepare for the championship. I ask the Minister to clarify the matter for us and let the players get on with what they do best — playing our beautiful games.

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter on the Adjournment and giving me the opportunity to address the issue.

In the agreement reached in November 2007 between the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Irish Sports Council, the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association, provision was made for the introduction of two schemes to recognise the outstanding contribution of senior Gaelic inter-county players to our indigenous sports, by meeting additional costs associated with elite team performance and to encourage aspiring teams and players to reach the highest levels of sporting endeavour. In return it was agreed that the players would involve themselves in a number of social responsibilities, including working in close co-operation with the local sports partnerships on a programme of visits to schools and club facilities as a part of an overall policy to increase participation in their sports.

It was agreed that the schemes would be funded through the Irish Sports Council and would be administered through the council and the GAA. An amount of €3.5 million was provided to the Irish Sports Council in 2008 to fund the schemes.

I indicated recently in response to parliamentary questions in this House that the drastically changed economic circumstances mean that the taxpayer cannot continue to fund the entire cost of schemes such as the Gaelic players schemes as the resources are no longer available. I have discussed this issue with the Irish Sports Council and the GAA. I met Dessie Farrell, chief executive of the GPA together with his colleagues Kieran McGeeney and Donal Óg Cusack on Monday last with a view to agreeing a sustainable new scheme that would recognise the outstanding contribution of Gaelic players to our indigenous sports. We had a robust exchange of views in an honest and open atmosphere. I explained to the GPA the difficulties that both my Department and I faced in the current economic climate. It fully understood and accepted those difficulties. I explained my view that the scheme as originally constituted was no longer viable. However, I am anxious to address the main concern of the players, which is recognition of the contribution that they make to the culture and traditions of this country. In that context I want to put in place a scheme that is sustainable and will provide that recognition.

I want as many sports as possible to be funded within the limits of the resources available to me to ensure the continued strategic development of sport. I would like to see a scheme agreed with the GPA that would reflect that ambition. To put this in context, as the Deputy knows we funded athletes directly. The total cost of the other 16 sports that we fund, which is quite extensive and goes directly to athletes and not NGBs, is €2 million. What I have proposed to the GPA is a very generous and worthy scheme. I hope its members will reflect on that.

Register of Electors.

Deputy Seymour Crawford

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise on the Adjournment the need to take steps immediately to ensure that those added to the register of electors in the run-up to the next election, whatever that may be, are full-time residents at the stated address. I ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to consider the use of PPS numbers along with a proof of address as the minimum requirement.

On 16 June I received an answer to a parliamentary question regarding the number of people added to the electoral register on a county-by-county basis leading up to the local and European Parliament elections. The Minister admitted that 72,000 names were allowed nationally. I appreciate that the law allows this but I believe that not enough time is allowed between the closing date and the need for publication. The additional lists are made available to candidates to allow them to canvass. It was at this point that some of my party's candidates and workers raised some questions with me regarding difficulties in finding some of these new voters at their addresses. I wish to make it clear I have never made any statement on this issue other than to answer media questions based on my original parliamentary question.

The staff of Monaghan County Council do a good job, adhere to all the regulations and are above reproach. I am sure that the same goes for all other local authority personnel. My only interest in this issue is that proper structures be put in place for the future to allow everyone who has the right to vote, from whatever background or country, is ensured of having a vote but that no one else is. It is very annoying for people who have lived in the country all their lives and were previously on the electoral register to find on arrival at the polling booth that they cannot vote because their names are not on the register. Nor is it acceptable that people can vote because they have been added to the register inappropriately.

The programme for Government promised the introduction of an electoral commission to run elections and compile registers. Fine Gael agrees with this in principle, but allowing the council staff to use PPS numbers and proper proof of address would suffice. There is no point in change for the sake of change.

From personal experience I know how every vote is important. I won a seat in the 2002 general election by one vote in every box in County Monaghan. Fianna Fáil lost a local authority seat in west Cavan in the recent local elections by only one or three votes, depending on which count we consider. Many comments and much media coverage have been generated by this election in County Monaghan. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, cannot ignore the general anxiety on all sides of the political divide. I want to ensure the Minister and others that I want to encourage all newcomers from eastern Europe or elsewhere to take part in our political and electoral systems. The Minister's party gained a town council seat in Carrickmacross by nominating a non-Irish national to the Green Party ticket and that gain was against the national trend.

We have debated the electoral register in the House on many occasions. Students are often registered at the address where they live when attending college and also registered at home. The same applies to some people working away from home. The PPS number should address this issue. If I telephone a social welfare office in Dublin, Sligo or elsewhere and give a PPS number the official can confirm the information I want. If I telephone the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and give a herd number, the official can advise me on the herd status or payment, or where each animal tag number should be. In 2009 we should be able to trace our voters to ensure that all those and only those entitled to vote can do so by right and by law.

This issue has caused considerable discussion and reaction. It is important to come up with a foolproof system that guarantees the right to vote, but only for those residing in this country.

Deputy Áine Brady

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley. I thank Deputy Crawford for raising this important matter.

As the House is aware, electoral law provides that the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is its duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the co-operation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the register. Authorities were required to publish the final register for 2009-10 by 1 February last. To help people exercise their right to vote, individuals not on the register can be put on the supplement to the register up until 15 days before polling day.

To safeguard against abuse, the law provides that each application for entry on the supplement must be signed in the presence of a member of the Garda Síochána from the local Garda station who must first be satisfied as to the person's identity before signing, dating and stamping the form. The Garda may request photographic or other identification. Where the applicant is unable to go to the local Garda station and sets out the reason in writing, the form can be signed in the presence of an official of the registration authority. Again, photographic or other identification may be required. If neither option is viable due to physical illness or disability, the application form must be accompanied by a medical certificate. Applications must be made directly by the applicant to the registration authority.

The Electoral Act 1992 provides also that a person is entitled to be registered where he or she is ordinarily resident on the qualifying date and that the registration authority may for the purposes of its duties in relation to the preparation of a register require a person to give any information in their possession which the registration authority may require. Returns received from registration authorities by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government indicate that more than 72,000 names were included on the supplement before the recent elections. The Minister believes the current legislative arrangements relating to the inclusion of persons on the supplement strike a reasonable balance between having a flexible facility to allow people to exercise their right to vote while ensuring that there are adequate provisions in place to counteract possible abuse.

Detailed implementation of these legislative provisions is a matter for registration authorities, returning officers, the Garda Síochána and others involved in the electoral process at local level. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has no role in these matters and it is not appropriate that the Minister should be involved. The Minister is aware that the question of alleged irregularities in the Register of Elections in the recent elections in the Ballybay area of Monaghan has been referred for investigation to the Garda Síochána by the registration authority. That investigation must be allowed to take its course.

The programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent electoral commission and states that the commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register. The House may be assured that the question of the use of PPS numbers for electoral registration purposes will be considered fully in this context.

Schools Building Projects.

Deputy Eamon Scanlon

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important issue for students, parents and teachers in south Sligo. Carn national school is a two-classroom school which was built in 1885, 124 years ago. In 1995, a portable classroom was made available to the school. Current enrolment is 70 children and projected enrolment for 2010 is 80 children. Currently, the school employs three teachers, one learning support teacher and one resource teacher on a part time basis. Resource teaching is held in the hallway or a small area partitioned off from one of the original classrooms, which is the principal's office.

The school is located on a small site, described by an official from the Department of Education and Science as a postage stamp. It is located on the Ballina-Dublin Road, which is a busy road close to a dangerous junction. There are no parking facilities for staff or parents dropping off children at school. The school is served by a septic tank located on the land of an adjoining farm and is currently causing many problems. There is no green space where children can play. This year there has been 14 near accidents at the school when parents were dropping off or collecting children from the school. The board of management has expressed grave concern for the children as a result of these near accidents. It is also concerned that responsibility in this regard may fall back on them as board members. It is unfair to put people in such a position.

I acknowledge the work done by the board of management which has obtained a site on which to build a new school. The site is adjacent to a football pitch, is of ample size and safe. The parents of the children attending the school have raised funds to provide for construction of a 100 yd. long road into the site. While that might not sound like much it took a great deal of hard work and commitment by parents, many of whose children may never use the school as they will have gone through the system.

I implore the Minister to take on board the difficulties being experienced by these students, teachers and parents. This issue must be addressed. The Minister during his last visit to Sligo visited Carn national school and is aware of conditions there and of the difficulties experienced by teachers while trying to work in such an environment and by the children being educated in this environment.

I implore the Minister and his officials to prioritise this school which is, I believe, one of the worst in this country today.

Deputy Áine Brady

I am happy to take this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe who, unfortunately, cannot be present. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to outline to the House the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects and to outline the current position in relation to Carn national school, Gurteen, County Sligo.

Carn national school applied for a new four classroom school and the project was assigned a band rating of 2.2. The existing school site is very restricted at 0.2 acres and is not suitable for expansion. The school authorities have advised the Department that a parish site could be made available. The Minister for Education and Science visited the school late last year and noted the pressures on its current accommodation which is more than 120 years old. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to progress this project in the current economic circumstance.

As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for capital funding are assessed in the planning and building unit of the Department. The assessment process determines the extent and type of need presenting based on the demographics of an area, proposed housing developments, condition of buildings, site capacity and so on leading ultimately to an appropriate accommodation solution.

As part of this process, a project is assigned a band rating under published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. These criteria were devised following consultation with the education partners. Projects are selected for inclusion in the school building and modernisation programme on the basis of priority of need. This is reflected in the band rating assigned to a project. In other words, a proposed building project moves through the system commensurate with the band rating assigned to it.

There are four band ratings overall, of which band one is the highest and band four the lowest. For example, band one projects include the provision of buildings where none currently exist but there is a high demand for pupil places while a band four project makes provision of desirable but not necessarily urgent or essential facilities. Each band rating has several sub-categories which more specifically describes the type of works needed and the urgency attaching to them. A band rating of 2.2 has been applied to the project for Carn national school under this process.

The Deputy will also be aware that the allocation for school buildings in 2009 is €614 million, which represents a significant investment in the school building and modernisation programme. This level of funding for the building programme, at a time of great pressure on public finances, is a sign of the very real commitment of this Government to investing in school infrastructure and will permit the continuation of progress in the overall improvement of school accommodation. However, the level of demand on the school building programme is such that all projects cannot be carried out together. They will have to be carried out over time in a structured and coherent manner and this is the reasoning behind the Department's published prioritisation criteria. The project for Carn national school will be carried out consistent with this approach. In the intervening period, the school can apply for temporary accommodation to meet its needs if this is necessary.

I want to thank the Deputy again for raising this matter.

The Dáil adjourned at 11.15 p.m until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 2 July 2009.