Written Answers Nos. 606-637
606. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the gender quota targets for the boards of State bodies and agencies under her remit; the level reached to date; and their future plans to meet and maintain the targets. [32765/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Programme for National Recovery 2011-2016 reaffirms the Government target that all State Boards shall have at least 40% representation of each gender. The gender balance on State Boards is monitored by my Department for progress towards this target. In April 2011, the Government approved a transparency proposal to allow future vacancies on State Boards to be advertised on relevant Department websites, as well as directing attention to Government policy on gender balance on State boards.
The percentage of women on the State Boards under the aegis of my Department was 38.1 per cent at the end of 2013 which is up from 36.5% at the end of 2012. My Department will continue to take steps to ensure and improve gender balance on relevant State Boards.
607. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will outline her priorities for the remainder of her term in office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32780/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince taking office on 8 May, I have been actively involved in delivering the Government’s comprehensive programme of justice reform which is aimed at ensuing ongoing confidence in the performance, administration and oversight of policing and justice in Ireland. Implementation of this programme will be a key priority for the remainder of my term in office, including the establishment of a new Independent Garda Authority; the opening-up of Future appointments to the position of Garda Commissioner; the enactment of new legislation to reform, strengthen and clarify the remit and operation of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, so as to ensure it is fit for purpose and to further ensure that the men and women of An Garda Síochána, as well as the wider public, can have the fullest confidence in its workings.
In addition, I expect to receive substantial reports from the Garda Inspectorate on the investigation of serious crime and a report on the review of An Garda Síochána conducted on foot of the Haddington Road Agreement. I will consider the implementation of any necessary measures or reforms recommended in these reports.
The White Paper on Crime, incorporating a National Anti Crime Strategy, will also be finalised in the context of the reform programme and will provide an overall framework for strategies to combat and prevent crime. My Department's focus with regard to crime and security centres on combatting crime in all its manifestations and dealing with the threat posed by terrorist groups who refuse to accept the principles of a free and democratic society. In this context, I am further committed to supporting the ongoing recruitment and training of new members of An Garda Síochána, to the ongoing provision of new Garda vehicles and to supporting measures and reforms to enhance the efficiencies of Garda working, including, for example, the recently-announced measure to improve the Garda's capacity for computer crime investigation. In addition, I will be introducing the necessary measures to implement the EU Directive on victims of crime.
In line with the Statement of Government Priorities 2014 – 2016, in the area of asylum seekers I will be bringing forward legislation to reduce the length of time the applicant spends in the system through the establishment of a single applications procedure. This will be achieved by the introduction of a Protection Bill.
Moreover, work on Immigration and Residence Bill will also continue. The commitment in the Statement of Priorities in respect of Direct Provision for asylum seekers will also be acted upon during the remainder of the term of office of the government.
In line with the Statement of Government Priorities 2014 – 2016, I am also committed to bringing forward a referendum on marriage equality in 2015. I am currently working to complete the establishment of the Court of Appeal, the legislation for which completed it's passage through the Oireachtas yesterday. I am committed to the establishment of a new system for Legal Services regulation, the legislation for which is currently going through the Oireachtas. I intend to progress a substantial legislative programme, with a view to enacting key elements of legislation including, but not limited to, the Children and Family Relationships Bill, Judicial Council Bill, Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Bill, Bail Bill, Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Bill, Mediation Bill and Sale of Alcohol Bill. I am also committed to the enactment of legislation to give effect to those recommendations of Judge Quirke in relation to support for women were admitted to and worked in a Magdalen Laundry which requires a statutory basis.
I am committed to reviewing the legislation in place pertaining to domestic violence, with a view to expediting Ireland’s signing an ratification of the Istanbul Convention. I have committed to implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Inquiry by Ms. Emily Logan into the taking into care of the children of two Roma families. My Department is continuing to review a range of matters, including in relation to judicial appointments, firearms licensing and penal policy, which may result in the implementation of any key findings or recommendations emerging. My Department has a significant remit and work programme but I hope this reply gives an indication of some of my key priorities for the remainder of my term in office.
608. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a copy of the briefing she has received upon entering office from her Department; if she will publish the briefing and if so, when the briefing will be published. [32795/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe briefing is being published on my Department's website today.
609. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure that all rural areas have a reliable patrol car attached to the station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32801/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources.Responsibility for the efficient deployment of Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations, as required by operational circumstances.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the allocation of Garda vehicles at District, Divisional and Regional level is subject to ongoing monitoring and review to ensure that the optimum use is made of available resources and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
In that context, the Deputy will be aware that there has been a very significant investment in the Garda fleet in the period 2012 to 2014, amounting to €18 million. This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited.
610. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will undertake a review of sentencing practices and the use of judges discretion with regard to concurrent sentencing for multiple homicides from one incident. [32816/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mandatory sentence for murder is life imprisonment, as provided by section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1990. A sentence of life imprisonment means that the prisoner is subject to that sentence for the rest of his or her life. Such a prisoner has no right to be released early at any stage. If granted temporary release, the prisoner remains subject to the life sentence and can be recalled to prison at any stage. Accordingly, the imposition of multiple life sentences, whether concurrently or consecutively, in a case where more than one murder is committed in the same incident, does not increase the severity of the sanction and has no such effect in practice or in law.
611. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in regard to update of stamp 4-eligibility for naturalisation in the case of the children of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32839/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), of my Department that there is no record of an application for a Certificate of Naturalisation having being submitted on behalf of the children of the first and second person concerned. Where sections 6A and 6B of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, are applicable, a child born in the island of Ireland on or after 1 January 2005 has an entitlement to Irish citizenship if, at the time of the birth of the child, one of his or her parents had, during the period of 4 years immediately preceding the person's birth, been resident in the island of Ireland for a period of not less than 3 years or periods the aggregate of which is not less than 3 years. Periods of unlawful residence, periods of residence which were for the sole purpose of having an application for refugee status determined or periods of residence where permission was granted for the purposes of study are excluded from the determination of periods of reckonable residence. Entitlement of a child to Irish citizenship is determined by the Passport Office following receipt of an application for a passport on the child's behalf. Where a child born in the State did not at birth have an entitlement to Irish citizenship, the parent or guardian or person who is in loco parentis to the child may lodge an application for naturalisation on behalf of the child if and when the conditions for naturalisation are satisfied.
With regard to the residency situation of the children, the general position is that permission to remain in the State in respect of children under the age of 16 is granted in line with that granted to their parents. However, I am advised that there is very little information on the parents case files in respect of the children over the past number of years. In order to update their situation, the parents may write to the INIS c/o PO Box 10003, Dublin 1, on behalf of the children and provide documentation, preferably to include original birth certificates, original passports, two passport size photos (signed on the back) and attendance letter from schools to prove continuous residency in the State. Upon receipt of the appropriate documentation, the cases of the children will be examined by the relevant officials in the INIS and a decision communicated to them in due course.
Queries in relation to the Status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
612. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Garda vetting report will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32840/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that no vetting application form has been received in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers. In the circumstances, I can only suggest that the person contacts the registered organisation involved.
613. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 639 of 8 July 2014, her views on the low prosecution rates arising from reports pursuant to section 33AK of the Central Bank Act 1942 which are forwarded to An Garda Síochána; if she will provide the reason the prosecutions are so low; if she is considering a review of white-collar crime enforcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32856/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, I do not have a direct role in the investigation or prosecution of offences and decision making in that regard is a matter for the relevant authorities, having regard to the applicable law and the evidence available in each case.
Insofar as the reports referred to by the Deputy are concerned, as I have previously advised, the majority of such reports received by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation from the Central Bank are dealt with by the Central Bank following consultation with the GBFI in accordance with the Central Bank Administrative Sanction Procedure or other enforcement power, and this approach forms part of the overall enforcement and regulatory arrangements in force.
Since my appointment as Minister I have been reviewing a wide range of issues relevant to serious offending in all its forms, including financial and white collar crime and can assure the Deputy that I intend to continue to engage regularly with the Acting Garda Commissioner and Ministerial colleagues with a view to ensuring that the necessary resources, legislation, and other measures to respond effectively are in place. There is extensive legislation on the statute book addressing white collar crime and amendments to this legislation are considered in the light of the experience of law enforcement agencies in operating the legislation and in light of court rulings.
614. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when training of new Garda recruits will commence; the number of recruits that will begin training at that time; when will these recruits be graduating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32863/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first intake of approximately one hundred Garda Trainees to the Garda College is scheduled to take place in early September 2014. The student/probationer training programme has been radically restructured into three phases instead of the previous five phases. Phase I will take 32 weeks at the Garda College, at the end of which successful students will be attested, that is, become members of the Garda Síochána with full police powers. Phase II will be for 65 weeks based in Garda stations, and Phase III will consist of seven weeks of exam preparation, exams and assessments.
615. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the prohibition that exists for the use of pellet guns, both air and gas powered with specific attention of the availability of such weapons to children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32874/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 40 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 inserted new subsections under Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990, dealing with air and gas powered guns (also known as airsoft guns). These provisions deal with Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs) which includes airsoft guns with a muzzle energy less than or equal to one joule which are capable of firing small beads or pellets. (Airsoft guns of over one joule in muzzle energy are firearms and need to be licensed by an owner the same way as a normal handgun, shotgun or rifle.) Possession of a RIF in any public place, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, is an offence. There is also provision for the control of the use of RIFs, by restricting their possession and use to specified locations, such as airsoft venues, authorised by the local Garda Superintendent.
A number of subsections within Section 40 have yet to be commenced. To do so requires the establishment of a Register of Dealers in RIFs. One such provision will make it an offence for a person to sell a RIF to a person under the age of 16 years. Work on this matter is in progress. A joint Departmental/ Garda Síochána Review into firearms licensing is also nearing completion. I expect to receive a report arising from this Review shortly.
617. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the North-South body, Food Safety Promotion Board, not implementing a Labour Court recommendation since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32145/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth my counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Poots, and myself are aware of the Labour Court recommendation in question. This relates to the implementation of an FSPB-commissioned pay and grading review in 2008 which recommended the upgrading of five FSPB positions. FSPB did not seek ministerial sanction from its sponsor Departments (Department of Health and Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety) prior to commissioning this review. Under the British-Irish Act, FSPB requires the approval of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) comprising in this context the Minister for Health and the Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safety, and of the Finance Ministers in determining the remuneration of its staff. Implementation of the recommendations of the review, and therefore of the Labour Court recommendation, must be agreed by both jurisdictions before it can be approved by the NSMC. Notwithstanding the above, my Department can agree to the Labour Court recommendations. However, the implementation of the recommendations of the review would also require the agreement of both Minister Poots and the Minister of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and Minister Poots has not sanctioned the implementation of the recommendations of the review.
618. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal despite submitting the necessary additional information relating to their medical card application has not had their application processed and when they will receive same. [32031/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
619. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health his plans to re-introduce the motorised transport grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32035/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 26 November 2013, the Government decided to assign responsibility to the Minister for Health for the development of a new statutory travel payment scheme. The Department of Health is working to develop proposals on foot of the Government’s decision.
620. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for processing medical card applications. [32037/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
621. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for processing medical card applications following additional information being supplied and his views on the timeframe for finalising these applications [32038/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
622. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if European health insurance has issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32044/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
623. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if the required information in respect of a medical card review has been received in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32045/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
624. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32047/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
625. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32049/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
626. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an MRI scan for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32051/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him on the matter.
627. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a procedure in respect of treatment for a hernia may be arranged at an early date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32052/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
628. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if assessment in respect of a medical card has now been finalised in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32053/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
629. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32054/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
630. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32055/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
631. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if documentation requested has been received in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of their application for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32056/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
632. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32057/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
633. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32058/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
634. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32059/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
635. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32060/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
636. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in the case of a person (detail supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32061/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine 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.
637. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment for an MRI scan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32062/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
