Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Jul 2014

Vol. 233 No. 2

Adjournment Matters

Community Policing

Senator Martin Conway

I welcome the Minister to the House. The small areas policing programme, which has been in operation in Dublin for five years, has had considerable success. The programme reconnects An Garda Síochána, whose mission statement is to serve and protect, with the communities. The programme has been very successful in reducing petty crime, making people feel safe in their homes, and giving them assurances that the members of An Garda Síochána not only know them but work to protect them.

For decades, whether in urban or rural areas, everybody knew their local gardaí because they lived primarily in the communities. Many members of the force lived in the stations. There was always a garda living in most Garda stations. As that was phased out they lived within the community but, unfortunately, the police service has become more upwardly mobile with members living outside their jurisdiction and commuting to work. That is not the fault of any member of An Garda Síochána; it is just modern living. There was a time when teachers, gardaí and doctors lived in their parishes. That is no longer the case but it is not as essential for teachers or those in other professions to have as much of a knowledge of the area in which they work as it is for gardaí.

This excellent programme has had remarkable success. A recent newspaper article applauded the gardaí. Unfortunately, the Garda has been a much maligned organisation recently but under the surface, so to speak, its members are doing remarkably good work. I would like this programme to be rolled out nationally, starting with it being piloted in each county. It would be an excellent initiative in my county of Clare, for example, that would empower what is already a fantastic Garda force in County Clare by giving it the task of reconnecting in a direct way with the communities. It would work very well if it was formalised, particularly in cities such as Limerick, Cork, Galway and others. Taking a professional approach that sees the programme being part of policing policy would enhance community policing and give the general public a renewed sense of pride, engagement and opportunity in that they would believe the gardaí know them. We often hear it said, rightly or wrongly, that people no longer know the gardaí in their communities. With resources that have been cut to the bone the members of the force have done their best but a programme such as this one, which is well resourced and funded, could be a significant step forward in terms of partnership between An Garda Síochána and our communities.

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

I thank Senator Conway for raising this matter. I appreciate the concerns raised and his highlighting of this programme.

The House will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the Garda organisation. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored by the Commissioner and her senior management team in the context of demographics, crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a district, divisional and regional level. That is done to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources.

The small areas policing programme being developed within the Dublin metropolitan region is a community policing areas project. Aspects of it will be familiar to the Senator. Aspects of it are already in place throughout the country but this is a comprehensive programme. It sees the Dublin metropolitan region being divided into a series of community policing areas, known as CPAs, with a view to allocating responsibility for a specific geographical area to a team of nominated community gardaí. These community policing areas are in line with the Central Statistics Office's small area populations, electoral areas and Garda district and sub-district boundaries. There are no additional costs associated with this project. It is effectively a reorganisation.

The particular project the Senator has raised is in its infancy but a good deal of work has been done to ensure we get a better and more efficient Garda response in local areas to the particular policing challenges identified in local communities. It is very much about highlighting the need to work with local communities, which is essential for effective local community policing. It is being rolled out in the north inner city in particular and includes the following: liaising closely with the community; providing a consistent community policing service to that particular area; working with stakeholders in the area; the creation of a stakeholder database within the CPA; identifying areas that require particular attention; identifying local community groups; and identifying the particular demographics and issues in that area.

Each community policing team is responsible for all policing within their assigned areas, including the monitoring of crime trends. That monitoring is done through youth diversion programmes, for example, and it is important to have that kind of data, identify what is happening in an area, intervene and work with the different groups, whether it is groups of young people or local business people, in a particular area.

As the Senator is aware, we are implementing a comprehensive programme of justice and policing reform. I have already said that the spectrum of issues that must be addressed is complex and deep-rooted, not just relating to high-level issues such as oversight, change management and the role of whistleblowers but also to matters of basic policing, and a number of basic policing issues were identified in the Guerin report, and local administration that need attention.

I am pleased with this new community-based approach to policing. It is an important development in fostering engagement between local communities and the gardaí in targeting the concerns of local residents. We hear constantly that people want their concerns responded to by local gardaí, and it is a cost effective approach.

The Government is very supportive of this new initiative and approach to policing. This particular model is at an early stage, although many elements of it are in operation in different communities throughout Ireland. We will see how this precise model works before we could consider extending it.

We should explore the scope of extending the small area policing plan to other priority areas. I will have discussions with the acting Garda Commissioner on the development of the model and how it could be rolled out. It is a progressive model, it is what local residents want and has the potential to deal with crime and decrease the instance of crime in particular areas.

Senator Martin Conway

I thank the Minister for coming here to take this Adjournment matter and welcome her very positive response. We all want the Garda Síochána embedded in and connected with the community and that the community feels that it is. This programme is a fantastic way of achieving that aim. Go raibh maith agat.

Library Services Provision

Senator Paschal Mooney

I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to the House and thank him for taking this Adjournment matter. I tabled the motion following concerns expressed to me by library staff in County Leitrim due to a recommendation by the shared services workforce planning group established in January. It was tasked with examining workforce planning requirements and guidelines for the public library service and to develop a framework for the regional resource network.

Decisions have been made but once again Country Leitrim has suffered due to its low population base which was not taken into account by the shared service organisational structure. In fact, three levels of urban centres were identified the lowest of which had a population of over 5,000. Carrick-on-Shannon, the largest town in the county, does not have 5,000 people although it is close to the figure. As a result the new shared service structure means the merger of library services in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.

From a Leitrim perspective, a problem arose with comments made in the executive summary of the public library strategy. It mentioned that the overall impact of applying the guidelines differs for each library service in terms of the variation between current or projected senior staff totals. Also, for library services with greater than average numbers of staff exceeding the projected staff complement, the application of a transition phase will enable the rationalisation of numbers.

It also mentioned that the implementation working group will ensure that the programmes of Opportunities for All are implemented as quickly and as effectively as possible and that senior staff structures are realised as soon as possible; the ongoing impact on the library service arising from the considerable number of current vacancies at city county librarian status is expedited; and the momentum of the shared services and workforce planning exercise continued. However, none of that seems to have happened and that is the reason I raised this matter on the Adjournment.

There has been no county librarian in Leitrim since the retirement of Seán Ó Súilleabháin some years ago and the acting chief librarian retired some time back which means the library service is headed up by an acting senior executive. The county has nine branch libraries which is the largest number of branch libraries in the proposed merger even though Leitrim has suffered from a drop in population. I am interested to learn what the Minister's thinking is on the matter, where the new library service headquarters will be located and how the process will work. More importantly, I want him to give an assurance to the staff of Leitrim County Library that their jobs are protected and all the issues related to the merger are clarified sooner rather than later.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

The Public Library Strategy 2013-2017, entitled Opportunities for All, highlights the importance of library services and sets out the way forward for their continued delivery. Its recommendations include a review of the library service organisation and delivery in order to establish more effective and efficient public libraries in the context of local government reform and shared services.

A strategic working group was established by the libraries development committee of the Local Government Management Agency to facilitate the review and identified the need to create an appropriate scale to deliver a modern library service. Overall, the strategic working group's review found that in order for the public library service to be in a position to maximise service delivery opportunities and achieve best outcomes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and customer service, the current structures of organisations, workforce and service delivery are in need of some reform.

The review also determined that efficiencies could be achieved through a shared services approach to the delivery of library services in line with other existing and newly-formed shared service models in local government. In order to achieve this the working group determined the following: some new shared services structures should be established for library authorities; a proposed minimum population target of 100,000 would be an appropriate basis for determining a library shared services structure which would be in line with the Local Government Efficiency Review Report 2010; and shared services structures for affiliated cities and counties should also be established to deliver a single management structure with consequent resource efficiencies; that in order to implement the proposed minimum population standards six new shared service structures would be required, creating a total of 22 library services; and all authorities with populations under 100,000 should be realigned to provide new structures serving a population in excess of 100,000. The latter applies to Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim.

The working group is continuing its deliberations and is in the process of consulting with all stakeholders. No decisions have been made on the new structures or mechanisms for new reorganised library services. However, these will be based on change management best practice and minimising disruption to staff having regard to logistics and national policy agreements. The working group is also recommending that the library service will continue to maintain local branding. The overall objective of the reorganised services is to enhance further the excellent service that the library service provides to the public and to provide the scale to enable more opportunities for growth and development.

Efficiencies are being pursued in the management of library services. I can confirm that there will be no diminution of the services provided. The Opportunities for All strategy identified the good work being done by all those involved, including the staff, in the library service despite challenges and difficulties and identified that an excellent community service is being delivered on the ground.

Senator Paschal Mooney

I am grateful to the Minister for his response but I am disappointed. However, there was one nugget of good news in the third last paragraph. My question was specifically about the uncertainty among the library staff in Leitrim who are concerned about their future and the future of the library service. The Minister has gone some way in reassuring us about the continuation of the service provided by the library. However, he only mentioned that the working group will continue its deliberations on staffing arrangements. Most of the other elements of his response are more or less the same as what I put on record and his response took a lot from the executive summary. I appreciate that he can only operate within what he knows. It seems to me that the working group's deliberations have not yet arrived on his desk. Can he give me a timeline for it? Since January there has been uncertainty but that situation should not be allowed to continue. There must be a timeline provided. Perhaps he will give some indication about it that I could pass on to staff. In his response he could reassure the library staff in Leitrim about their future.

Deputy Phil Hogan

Seeking efficiencies is not about a diminution of library services in County Leitrim. Let me give the fire service as an example. In Carlow-Kilkenny, Longford-Westmeath, Laois-Offaly or Sligo-Leitrim there is no need to have the higher paid echelons of staff structures in place. We want people to give a service to the general public on a day-to-day basis, we want to keep the services open and to maintain the opening hours. Local government efficiency requires us to do so in the interest of the public. If the working group does its work properly, in consultation with staff and their representatives, I have no doubt it will work out a very good solution that will provide a good service, and a continued good service in places like Leitrim, but equally to minimise the disruption to staff in the process.

Road Projects

Acting Chairman (Senator Cáit Keane)

I call Senator Mary Ann O'Brien to speak and welcome the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien

I thank the Minister for attending. I tabled a short question on the construction of a service area between exits 2 and 3 on the M9 motorway. The matter is of huge concern to local inhabitants. They are worried about the damage it may cause to their thriving businesses located near the motorway.

In previous years the roads budget has been cut. The Minister was under extreme pressure to address safety and accident blackspots but he has done a super job of maintaining the motorways and roads.

Dublin to Waterford as a one hour 55 minute journey. From Kill to the proposed location of the motorway service station is a 22 minute journey, Kill being the last service station. I drive that way most evenings. Simple questions asked of me every day in the local are what is it costing, why not locate it halfway down the motorway?

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Leo Varadkar)

I thank the Senator for the opportunity to address this issue. As Minister for transport I have responsibility for overall funding in regard to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, including service areas, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In particular, section 54 of the Roads Act 1993 specifically provides for the National Roads Authority or a local authority to provide and-or operate service areas. In 2005, the then Minister for Transport asked the NRA to review its policy of not providing service areas on national roads, particularly on the expanding network of access-controlled motorways and dual carriageways. Arising from this review, the NRA decided to proceed with a programme to provide service areas across the major inter-urban network. The imperative to have service areas on the network arises as a result of a number of factors, including the EU working time directives which contain specific requirements for permissible driving and rest times for professional drivers, including hauliers; the significant road safety benefits of rest areas for other road users; and the trans European network for transport regulation, TEN-T policy. Much of our national road network is part of the THN-T network, and the regulations include specific requirements for parking and rest facilities on the core road network.

In October 2007, the NRA published its initial policy on the provision of service areas which incorporated a map showing indicative locations. In light of the funding constraints that emerged, the NRA scaled back on the development of service areas. At present, there are NRA service areas at three locations on the network. Two are located on the Ml, at Lusk and Castlehellingham on the way to Belfast, and one is on the Galway road at Enfield. All three of these service areas provide a high range of services, including parking, fuel and restaurant facilities. The current NRA service areas that are in operation were developed as PPP projects. Overall, the NRA has indicated a high level of public satisfaction with these service areas.

A second group of three service areas is currently under development. The one at Gorey is at construction stage as part of the N11 PPP scheme. The NRA has initiated advance works and advises that costs to date for the development of the service area on the M9 at Kilcullen are of the order of €2 million. I understand that the PPP tender to finance, build and operate this set of service areas is well advanced with good interest from the private sector. These service areas, which are located on one side with an overbridge, are due to be in operation at some stage between now and 2017. In light of developments at EU level, including the TEN-T regulations, the NRA published a revised draft policy document entitled NRA Service Areas on the National Road Network. This document sets out the background to the existing NRA motorway service area policy, the legal context, plans for future needs, proposed locations and so on. Members of the public, interested groups and industry were invited to review the document and participate in the public consultation process.

The needs analysis carried out by the authority determined an objective of locating online NRA service areas approximately every 45 to 60 km along the motorway and high quality dual carriageways which, in my view, is much more frequent than is required. In addition, the road safety strategy sets out the need for a total of five additional service areas, to be provided by 2020. That is more in line with my thinking. It is acknowledged that the revised motorway service area policy is a long-term plan and the full programme of proposed locations would involve a very substantial commitment at a time of severe budget constraints. The purpose of the public consultation was, therefore, to seek views, examine options and allow interested groups to submit suggestions and proposals. The public consultation process was managed by the NRA and the closing date for receipt of responses was 23 June. I understand that more than 20 submissions were received which will now be reviewed. My officials expect to meet with the NRA in the coming weeks to discuss the feedback from the public consultation. As I indicated in response to a Topical Issues debate raised by my colleague Deputy Martin Heydon in the Dáil on 12 June, I hope that private sector operators and developers have taken the opportunity presented by the public consultation process to indicate very clearly what they could offer, whether online or offline services, therefore saving taxpayers money.

As regards the M9, Dublin-Waterford motorway, a service area is needed. One can almost drive the entire length of the motorway without finding anywhere to stop for petrol or to take a break. Originally, there were to be two service areas, one at one third of the way along the route, at Kilcullen and one at about two thirds of the way along the route, at Paulstown, which is probably how the NRA came up with the location. Had there been a plan just for one, a location closer to the halfway point between Dublin and Waterford would have been chosen but that decision was made a long time ago.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien

I appreciate the Minister's response. I am aware I am almost asking the Minister to micro-manage his response because he kindly met me and some of the local representatives. As he said, it is sad that the NRA feels the frustration due to budget constraints. The distance between Kill and the Kilcullen service station is 23 km while the entire distance is 163 km, therefore it is on the close side. As the Minister said it was decided a long time ago and we will have to live with it. On the positive side, it will bring many jobs to the local area.

Pharmacy Services

Senator Colm Burke

I welcome the Minister. The matter I seek to raise is a follow-up to a presentation made by the Irish Pharmacy Union at a recent meeting of the joint committee. It concerns a new medicine service. This applies to people who have a long-term illness but have been prescribed a particular new medication. It has found that people who experience complications are reluctant to go back to their GPs. Pharmacists are offering to provide a follow-up service where the person could come back to the pharmacy within a three to five day period, to ensure that the medication prescribed is working and that they do not have difficulties with it, and if difficulties arise they will be dealt with at an early stage. As the Minister is aware, there is a complaint about medication being prescribed and not being properly used. When this happens with older people, there is a need for a direct connection between the pharmacist and those who have prescribed the medicine. The Irish Pharmacy Union is talking about providing this service as a follow-up service which would be put in place once the person has been prescribed the medication.

Deputy Leo Varadkar

I am responding on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, and thank the Senator for raising this important issue.

I refer to the current approach underpinning the delivery of community pharmacy services in Ireland. The supply of prescribed medicinal products to eligible persons by community pharmacists is governed by the terms of the 2007 community pharmacy contractor agreement. Clause 9 of the agreement provides that prior to dispensing a prescription, a community pharmacy contractor must ensure that a pharmacist reviews the medicine therapy of the individual for whom the prescription is issued. The review shall include screening for any potential drug therapy problems which may arise out of the use of the medicines prescribed, including therapeutic duplication; drug-drug interactions, including serious interactions with non-prescription or over-the-counter medicines or food; incorrect dosage or duration of drug treatment; drug allergy interactions; and clinical abuse and-or misuse.

The review shall also include an examination of the rational and cost effective use of the medicine prescribed, including the choice of the medicine and the potential for wastage. Following the completion of the review the pharmacist shall offer to discuss with the individual for whom the prescription was issued all such matters as the pharmacist, in the exercise of his or her professional judgment deems significant, including any special directions and precautions for correct preparation, administration and use of the medicines; the importance of compliance and the directions for use; any common severe side-effects and adverse reactions or interactions and therapeutic contra-indications that may be encountered, including their avoidance and the action required should they occur; techniques for self-monitoring during therapy and the need for patient compliance; prescription repeat information, as necessary; and, as necessary, any other matters which may be included or referred to in the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

The existing community pharmacy contractor agreement, therefore, provides that pharmacists deliver a comprehensive ongoing support service to their patients in terms of ensuring they are fully informed of all issues pertaining to their prescription medicines. However, as Senators will be aware, the Government has embarked on a major reform programme for the health system, the aim of which is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need, not on ability to pay. Implementation of the Future Health: A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service 2012-2015 document is a priority for Government in this context. Delivering on the Government's goals in primary care will impact on primary care health professionals, including community pharmacists. As part of implementation of Future Health, pharmacists will be expected to identify and contribute to implementing evidence-based and cost-effective solutions to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the healthcare system, by addressing key medication issues such as medicines wastage, inappropriate usage of medicines, supporting and improving chronic disease management and patient adherence to medication. The Minister for Health looks forward to working closely with pharmacists who will have an important role to play in delivering on the goals of Future Health.

Senator Colm Burke

I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. The reply deals with the obligation on pharmacists to discuss the medication when a person calls to collect the medication. There is no obligation under the present procedure for the pharmacist to provide a follow-up service. That is what the pharmacists' union is saying. It is saying pharmacists can play a very important part in making sure the follow-up service is there and there is a provision that the person can call back to the pharmacist within a five-day period to discuss any issues that arise with the new medication. That is what pharmacists are saying is worth doing. They are referring particularly to people who are prescribed medication for the first time on which they are likely to remain into the immediate future. Pharmacists are looking for this procedure to be put in place with the HSE and that it would be a co-ordinated approach involving doctors, pharmacists and the HSE.

The Seanad adjourned at 9.05 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 10 July 2014.