Dan Neville
Ceist:949. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23337/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome Help Service Provision
Ceisteanna (949)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (950)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:950. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who is a medical card holder has been charged for their stay in hospital; if medical card patients are now liable for the overnight levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23339/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides for two categories of eligibility for all persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical card) and limited eligibility (all others). Full eligibility is determined mainly by reference to income limits and is granted to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive (HSE) are unable to provide general practitioner, medical and surgical services to persons and themselves and their dependants without undue hardship. Persons with full eligibility (medical card holders) are entitled to a range of services including general practitioner services, prescribed drugs and medicines, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultants services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultants services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances and maternity and infant care services.
They are also entitled to prescribed drugs and medicines subject to a €2.50 charge per prescribed item (maximum charge of €25 per month). Other services such as allied health professional services may be available to medical card holders.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the particulars of this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
Medical Card Reviews
Ceisteanna (951)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:951. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a 12% increase in financial aid applications to the Irish Cancer Society in the first quarter of 2014 and that contrary to the Health Service Executive guidelines which state that if a person, applying for a medical card, has an income in excess of the relevant guidelines, the HSE must consider if refusing eligibility would result in undue hardship to that person and his or her dependants, hardship is being experienced by cancer patients whose discretionary medical cards have been withdrawn or applications have been refused due to cuts to the medical and general practitioner card budget for 2014 as overseen by his Department. [23345/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, eligibility for medical cards is set out in the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The Act provides that persons, unable without undue hardship having regard to their overall financial situation to arrange GP services for themselves and family, qualify for a medical card. There is no, nor has there ever been, an entitlement to a medical card for a person with a particular illness or medical condition and, therefore, in accordance with the legislation, it is not possible for the HSE to award a medical card.
The HSE has discretion to grant a medical card where a person's income exceeds the income guidelines. This discretion must be exercised by the HSE in accordance with the legislation. However, the fundamental provision in the 1970 Act is that a person is assessed on the basis of undue hardship in arranging a GP service having regard to his or her means. The HSE is obliged to operate within the legal parameters as set out in the Health Act, while also responding to the variety of circumstances and complexities faced by individuals who apply for a medical card. Where discretion is exercised with regard to an applicant with an illness or disease, it is the medical costs of that condition on a person's financial situation that is relevant to the assessment for a medical card.
All medical card and GP visit card holders are subject to a periodic review of eligibility to determine continuing eligibility. Changes in card numbers is dependent on the level of ineligibility detected. However, it is important to note that where a medical card is withdrawn, irrespective of its having been awarded based solely on means or where the HSE has exercised discretion, it is not withdrawn due to the cost implications for the HSE. In accordance with the Health Acts, a medical card can only be withdrawn due to eligibility not having been established.
Primary Care Centre Expenditure
Ceisteanna (952)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:952. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health further to the Parliamentary Questions Nos. 574 and 575 of 11 March 2014, when a reply will be furnished regarding the issues raised, namely, confirmation of the cost of relocating a health centre and the cost of accommodation required over a ten-year period for a public health nurse at a location (details supplied) in County Galway. [23353/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As these are service issues, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (953)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:953. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 26 of 14 May 2014, if he will clarify the concerns raised by constituents since receipt of that reply that the roll-out of insulin pump treatment for children and young people with diabetes over the age of five has been suspended for the rest of this year; if he will direct the Health Service Executive to proceed with the policy of introducing insulin pumps as soon as possible due to the substantial improvements in treating the condition which arise from using the pump treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23354/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Ceisteanna (954)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:954. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his plans to change the illnesses covered under the long-term illness scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23390/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness scheme.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive (HSE), unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE 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 GP consultations.
Hospital Appointment Status
Ceisteanna (955)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:955. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when an orthopaedic appointment will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23393/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific hospital appointment query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (956)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:956. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position and status of the Adventure Activities Standards Authority Act 2001. [23003/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Adventure Activities Standards Authority Act, introduced by the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources, was enacted in 2001. It made provision for the establishment by the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources of an Adventure Activities Standards Authority, which would have responsibility for the regulation of adventure centres. However, the Act was not commenced and the body was not subsequently put in place.
Following detailed consideration of the matter it is now considered that the measures outlined in the Adventure Activities Standards Authority Act, 2001 do not represent the most suitable approach to deal with this issue. At my request, the Irish Sports Council set up an Adventure Activities Working Group to examine issues around the regulation of the adventure activities sector. I will consider the Group’s findings when it reports to me later this year.
Industrial Relations
Ceisteanna (957, 983)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:957. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his position on the way the current industrial relations difficulties at Irish Rail can be resolved. [23529/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTerence Flanagan
Ceist:983. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are plans to implement wage cuts for employees in Irish Rail; if he has held meetings with the CEO of Irish Rail to discuss this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22824/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 957 and 983 together.
The issue raised by the Deputies is a matter for Irish Rail management and their employees and trade unions and has been the subject of lengthy negotiations under the auspices of the Labour Relations Committee (LRC) and the Labour Court. I have had a number of meetings with the Chief Executive Officer of Irish Rail, during the course of which he has updated me on the progress of efforts through the LRC and the Labour Court to reach agreement on cost savings.
As you know, Irish Rail is in a precarious financial situation and is dependent on continued bank funding which can be withdrawn should it not meet certain milestones. Irish Rail has incurred accumulated losses (after subvention) of €148m over the period 2008 to 2013, a position which is unsustainable. The cost savings agreed last year by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus workers had to be implemented and I had hoped that the discussion with the Irish Rail unions, under the auspices of the LRC and the Labour Court, would also be successfully concluded.
The Labour Court issued a recommendation on Friday 11th April which concluded that the measures sought by Irish Rail were "unavoidable if the future of the Company and the employment that it maintains is to be protected". I welcome the strong positive acceptance of the cost saving measures by a significant number of Irish Rail employees but regrettably SIPTU members voted against the proposals, although by a very narrow margin. I understand that the NBRU ballot will be concluded this week.
I am sure that all Deputies share my hope that a resolution will be found to assist the company in getting its finances back on a sustainable footing. It is essential for the future of Irish Rail's jobs, as well as the company, that unions reach agreement with management regarding payroll savings. There have already been substantial fare increases and the payroll savings must happen in the context of the very difficult financial challenges that the company faces.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (958)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:958. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a decision has been made for funding for a club (details supplied) in County Kerry under the sports capital grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that an application has been submitted by this club under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support is noted. I hope to announce allocations later this year.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (959)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:959. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make it compulsory by law for all drivers of motorcycles to wear high-visibility jackets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22136/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, the wearing of high-visibility clothing by motorcyclists is not a legal requirement. The question of whether wearing such clothing should be made mandatory has arisen and been considered a number of times in recent years. It has been concluded that the wearing of such clothing should not be made compulsory. While high visibility clothing can obviously make a significant contribution to road safety, and should be encouraged, making it mandatory would create a criminal offence for not wearing it, under the Road Traffic Acts. Persons in breach of the provision would have to be issued with a fixed charge notice by a Garda or summonsed to court depending on whatever administrative procedure would be put in place for the processing of such offences. Such an approach would be considered excessive, and would raise a number of practical difficulties.
Instead, it is my view that safety issues such as these are best addressed by way of educational and publicity campaigns, such as those undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising and the dissemination of road safety information. The RSA is engaged on an ongoing basis in efforts to change our cultural attitude to road safety through advertising, publicity, education and community initiatives. As part of this process, it has undertaken a number of campaigns to promote awareness among pedestrians and cyclists of the need for visibility on our road.
Ultimately, the safety of all road users is a matter of personal responsibility. In that context, the Rules of the Road include a strong recommendation supporting the wearing of light and preferably high-visibility clothing.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (960)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:960. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason County Mayo does not have a facility for the renewing of taxi plates in view of the fact that there are 323 taxi plates renewed in the county each year and that the Road Safety Authority is located in the county. [22150/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including matters relating to SPSV vehicle licence renewals, under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act, 2013.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please notify my private office.
Cycling Facilities Funding
Ceisteanna (961)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:961. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has received an application for funding from Mayo County Council for road improvement works at a designated cycle track at Sheffrey, Louisburgh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22151/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Mayo County Council submitted an application to my Department in 2012 under the Active Travel Towns Programme (Stream 2) for the implementation of an active travel town in Louisburg. The application could not be considered for funding as it did not meet the criteria in terms of population size.
No other applications for funding have been received by my Department in respect of the Louisburgh area.
Coast Guard Services
Ceisteanna (962)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:962. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans his Department has for investment in a Coast Guard station in County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22152/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit in Co Mayo operates out of an old facility commonly referred to as a Rocket House.
The Coast Guard, which is a division of my Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, has been evaluating options for the provision of more modern facilities for the Unit. The current position is that a site has been identified and is the subject of a feasibility study. This project is being actively pursued by my Department as part of a programme of older station upgrades around the country.
Road Safety Authority
Ceisteanna (963)
Joe McHugh
Ceist:963. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown on a county basis of the number of inspections by Road Safety Authority officials on articulated trucks and all other commercial vehicles; the number of repeat inspections in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22154/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The operation of inspections on articulated trucks and all other commercial vehicles is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
Motor Tax Collection
Ceisteanna (964)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:964. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the arrangements for the motor taxation payable by lorries and HGVs here in view of the fact that it is much higher here than in Northern Ireland and also when lorries from here travel north they have to pay €10 per day but the same does not happen in reverse which is a commercial disadvantage to truckers operating here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22205/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An inter-departmental working group has been established to examine the feasibility of introducing a pay-as-you-go road tax scheme for HGVs in Ireland, similar to that which has been recently introduced in the United Kingdom. The group is due to report to Government by the middle of this year with its recommendations. In the interim reform of the existing motor tax regime is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (965)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:965. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a sports capital grant application in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Clare is valid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22215/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted. The applications are being assessed and I hope to announce allocations later this year.