Written Answers Nos. 412-426
412. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 679 of 25 February 2014 and the subsequent reply under Standing Order 40A, if his attention has been drawn to the anomalous situation which results in medical card holders on mixed dosage medication being charged for each millilitre size as an individual item; his plans to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3918/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card holders are required to pay a €2.50 charge per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €25 per month for each person or family.
Where a drug or medicine is required to be dispensed in different strengths and different containers, a prescription charge applies to each claimed strength of the product.
This raises policy issues surrounding the implementation of prescription charges which is still under review.
413. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been brought to a complaint (details supplied) made to the Health Service Executive; the actions taken to ensure such a situation does not arise again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3919/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth the Health Service Executive and the Carers Association have comprehensive complaints procedures in place. It is suggested that this matter should be taken up directly with the HSE in the first instance.
414. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health his plans to have correspondence which has been furnished to the Health Service Executive in relation to a personnel matter in respect of a person (details supplied) and which has not been addressed to date immediately replied to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3920/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
415. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 27 November 2014 if he will confirm the design team has been appointed to this project and is working on stage 1 design; if the tendering process has begun; if the tendering documents have been forwarded to the construction industry seeking a reputable builder to complete the project; if so, when a builder will be selected; the estimated timeframe for completion once work begins; if the necessary funds have now been ring-fenced for the project; the reason for the delay in the progression of this project in view of the fact that this project has been promised since 2008 and at numerous meetings the Health Service Executive south has indicated to both this Deputy and local councillors in the County Waterford area that it is a priority; the position regarding the assurances that the project would be completed prior to the last local election six months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3940/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to appropriate quality long-term residential care, including the provision of financial assistance under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Providing public residential care for older persons forms a significant and crucial part of the services provided. Our overall objective is to protect the viability of as many units as possible, within the funding and staffing resources available. Therefore improving the supports available for older persons is a significant commitment in our Programme for Government.
All developments must be addressed in the light of the resources available and based on priority of need. HIQA has indicated that a number of units do not fully meet the standards one would expect to find in a modern nursing home. This is not surprising given the age and structure of many of our public nursing homes. Currently the funding for the Community Nursing Unit (CNU) programme focuses on the upgrade and refurbishment of existing facilities to achieve HIQA compliance.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services. This includes provision of the appropriate infrastructure which supports service delivery, such as the facilities at this particular location. Given that demand for capital finance for the Community Nursing Unit programme alone far exceeds the funding available, investment must be allocated as objectively as possible, based on the HSE's assessment of priorities of needs.
The HSE has identified this location as a priority location for a new Community Nursing Home unit. The design team has been appointed. Currently it is projected that a planning application could be lodged with the local authority in Q2 2015. Following the award of planning it is expected that the project will progress to the tendering / construction phase in late 2015. In advance of the award of planning permission it is not possible, at this point in time to be definitive about a time frame for completion once work begins, other than to say that it is possible that the construction of a CNU could be completed within twelve months of appointing a contractor. All Government Departments and agencies, including the HSE, that are funded from the Exchequer must comply with EU Directives and national guidelines on procurement and in this regard the HSE's selection of a contractor will be in accordance with this process.
As with all capital projects, the CNU infrastructure programme which includes this project, must be considered within the overall capital envelope available to the health service. There will always be more projects than can be funded by the Exchequer. There is limited funding available for new projects, over the next multi-annual period 2015-2019, given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. Therefore the reason capital funding is not ring-fenced by project is to ensure that the HSE has flexibility to manage within its voted capital allocation in the event that one or more of the hundreds of construction projects underway at any time do not progress as scheduled. Indenting rather than ring-fencing enables the HSE, to leverage its capital allocation efficiently, so that it delivers the maximum number of priority projects for the funding available.
417. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason only two-year passports were issued in respect of persons (details supplied) with Irish citizenship; and if the persons will be expected to pay the full application fee when applying for replacement passports. [3468/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassports belonging to a mother and her four children were declared lost in October 2012. The Passport Office has referred the circumstances of the loss of these passports to An Garda Síochána and investigations are still ongoing regarding this matter. Pending the outcome of these investigations passports with a restricted validity were issued in accordance with section 9(1) and (2) of the Passports Act 2008. A decision on issuance of any further passports and fees required to the people in question will be made on conclusion of the investigation
418. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to undertake a trade mission to Japan; the way a company can apply for a position on such a delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3519/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraJapan is a priority market under our Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy. In December 2013, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny visited Japan where he met with Prime Minister Abe. Together they launched the Japan-Ireland Partnership for Innovation and Growth. The Taoiseach was accompanied for part of this visit by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D. During this visit it was also announced that Japan was lifting its ban on Irish beef imports, which was a very positive development for our beef industry.
There have been a number of Ministerial visits to Japan with a trade dimension in recent years. In 2011, then Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Éamon Gilmore T.D., visited Japan where he attended a series of trade-related events. In 2012, Minister of State Sean Sherlock, in his then role as Minister of State for Research and Innovation, visited Japan as part of an Enterprise Ireland Ministerial-led trade mission.
Enterprise Ireland Ministerial-led overseas trade missions and events, with the involvement of EI client companies and organised with the active support of my Department’s Embassy network, are an important element of the Government Trade, Tourism, and Investment Strategy, which recognises the valuable role they play in developing and creating new trade, tourism and investment opportunities for Ireland.
Early each year I agree the annual programme of Enterprise Ireland Ministerial-led overseas trade missions and events with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, based on the proposals submitted by Enterprise Ireland and focused on the priority markets of interest to their client companies. The programme for 2015 has not yet been finalised but I expect it to be launched in the coming weeks.
I am advised that companies interested in participating in Enterprise Ireland trade missions should make their interest known to the International Sales and Partnering Division of Enterprise Ireland directly.
419. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the UN General Assembly vote on 5 December 2014 to establish the modalities for the implementation of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring, the reason for Ireland's decision to vote against the resolution; the extent the Government consulted with Global South governments, or other heavily indebted governments in Europe, in coming to its decision; and the factors that explain the Government's move from abstaining on the same substantive issue at the Human Rights Council on 26 September 2014 (A/HRC/27/L.26) to voting "No" at the General Assembly on 5 December 2014. [3821/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, in common with all other EU Member States, was unable to support the UN General Assembly resolution on the modalities for the implementation of General Assembly Resolution 68/304 on the establishment of a multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes. The decision to vote against the Resolution was taken on the basis of its substance and the procedural issues involved. 128 UN member States voted in favour of the resolution, 16, including 10 EU member States voted against and there were 34 abstentions.
In the lead up to the vote, the EU had made extensive efforts and engaged with the proponents of the resolution in the informal negotiation process, coming forward with a range of substantive ideas on moving the process forward.
Despite these efforts, the text of the resolution, which was tabled by Argentina, did not reflect any of the progress made in the informal discussions, and failed to take account of any of the EU proposals. This made it impossible for the EU to support the draft resolution.
The earlier Human Rights Council resolution, “Effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights: the activities of vulture funds”, which was also tabled by Argentina, was wider in scope than the UN General Assembly resolution. This broader scope enabled Ireland to abstain. Among the 9 EU member states on the Human Rights council, six abstained and three voted against.
Together with many other UN member States, Ireland is actively engaged in ongoing processes to address the issue of sovereign debt restructuring. Ireland considers that the work being undertaken at other levels, including in the IMF and at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development to be held Addis Ababa in July, offer more appropriate and established means for meaningful dialogue on the matter. Ireland will play our full role in working for the success of this crucially important meeting in Addis, which is central to the ongoing negotiations on a new framework for global development to follow on from the Millennium Development Goals. These major international negotiations at the UN are being co-chaired by Ireland and Kenya.
Ireland continues to support processes aimed at resolving global debt issues through dialogue, in the most appropriate forum and using the most appropriate and effective mechanisms to support the countries most seriously affected.
420. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 20 January 2015 the reason his Department gave for refusing each of the 19 permits under the Air Navigation Carriage of Munitions of War Weapons and Dangerous Goods Order 1973 and the countries from which the refusals were given. [3946/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of civilian aircraft is governed by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) which came into force on 4 April 1947. Ireland’s rights and obligations under the Convention have been incorporated into Irish law through the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1946, as amended. The legislation provides that the Minister for Transport has primary responsibility for the regulation of civilian aircraft, including chartered flights.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended in 1989, civilian aircraft are prohibited from carrying weapons or munitions through Irish airspace and airports unless an exemption has been obtained in advance from the Minister for Transport.
In considering the requests made by commercial carriers for exemptions, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport seeks the advice of relevant Government Departments and agencies. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is consulted in relation to any foreign policy issues which may arise.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reviews the applications forwarded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and, based on the information available, provides observations to that Department. While it is not the practice to comment on individual applications, I can advise that the recommendations made against applications for exemptions in 2014 related in the majority of cases to munitions that are non-discriminatory in their effects. However, the decision to authorise or refuse applications for exemptions is a matter for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
421. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a matter (details supplied) regarding SOLAS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3752/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an operational matter for SOLAS and I have asked them to contact the Deputy directly to clarify the position.
422. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the decision made when the honours degree allowance was abolished that teachers, who were not working on the 5 December 2011, lost the allowance which equals €3,076 per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3818/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2012 a public service-wide review of allowances was carried out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As a result of the review, qualification allowances were abolished with effect from 1st February 2012. Department of Education and Skills Circular 0008/2013 outlines the effect of this decision on teachers.
In Paragraph 12 of Circular 0008/2013 an exception is made in the case "where as at 5 December 2011, a teacher in employment on that date and eligible for receipt of a qualification allowance in respect of the post they held on that date, was actively undertaking a course of further study leading to an additional qualification, provided that the teacher does not cease to be a registered student on that course before its completion. Such individuals may apply to the Department/VEC (now ETB) as appropriate for a derogation from the general position within 3 months of the date of receipt of the award." Teachers who were not in employment in an Oireachtas funded post on 5 December 2011 and not eligible for receipt of a qualification allowance in respect of any teaching post on that date, do not qualify for payment of an allowance in respect of the qualification related to the course being undertaken at that time.
The issues raised by the Deputy have been brought to the Teachers' Conciliation Council (TCC) by representatives of the teachers concerned and it would therefore not be appropriate to comment further until the issues have been deliberated on by that forum. The TCC is part of the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a means of dealing with claims and proposals relating to the salaries and terms and conditions of teachers. The Council is composed of representatives of the teacher representative bodies, school management, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission.
423. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is satisfied that there are sufficient opportunities for training operatives in the meat industry, including butchers-boners; the details of the ongoing efforts by her Department to address the skill shortages in this industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3529/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Skills Bulletin 2014 comments that there are just over 8,000 butchers and fishmongers employed in Ireland. Analysis of labour market transitions in 2013 indicated a high turnover for food operatives, suggesting retention issues. Evaluation of the recent training programme provided in the National Butchery Academy, referred to below, also indicated issues with attracting and retaining staff following completion of the course.
The conclusion outlined in the National Skills Bulletin 2014 was that while no shortages of meat processing skills have been identified, it is recognised that many food processing companies are experiencing difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled butchers/de-boners.
In 2011 the National Butchery Association (NBA) identified some skills gaps and employment opportunities in the primary meat processing sector in respect of beef de-boners and industrial butchers.
A FÁS-funded training course subsequently commenced in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway for 50 participants for 20 weeks. The course was independently evaluated and its principle findings included:
- The Programme did not achieve its outcome target of 90% of learners being placed in employment.
- The work placement module emerged as the weakest element of the Programme.
As a consequence of the pilot SOLAS currently does not offer any courses in this area. It is considered international best practice for such training to be industry led and some examples of employer-led initiatives through the Skillnets framework are below. However, if there were demand and an appropriate business case, local ETBs could offer such courses.
Skillnets, the State funded industry-led training facilitator, includes two networks who provide training for Meat Industry Operatives - the Taste4Success Skillnet and Food and Drink Industry Ireland Skillnet.
Taste4Success delivered the following courses in 2014 specifically for operatives in the meat industry, training approx 45 trainees, some of whom attended an intensive 20 week course in Food Industry Skills:
- General Knife Skills
- Food Industry Award in Beef and Pork Butchery Skills – FDQ/EQF – Level 3 Award
- Operative skills – various operative skills
- Supervisor Skills – Beef and Pork Butchery
During 2015 they plan to deliver further knife and technical skills at various levels for member companies and Job Seekers looking to get into the sector.
Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) looked at developing a Knife and Boning Skills Traineeship under the Future Skills Needs Programme (FSNP) with initial training planned to be delivered before the end of 2014. However, the industry requested deferring the programme until 2015 as they explained they did not have the in-house resources to facilitate the programme in Q3 & Q4 2014. For 2015, FDII will progress the Knifing and Boning Traineeship as well as offering training in Animal Welfare, Conflict Management, Negotiation Skills, Train the Trainer Skills, MS Excel and HACCP. They are also looking at offering courses in leadership skills for people working in operative roles, all of which will be available to meat producers. Their Steering Group has representation from across the Food and Drink sector, with 3 companies from the meat sector represented.
424. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school extension project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3258/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy, is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The project has been authorised to proceed to Stage 2B of Architectural Planning, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of Tender Documents.
It is not possible to progress all projects within the Department's building programme to construction concurrently due to competing demands on the Department's capital budget. However, school building projects, including this project, which have not been included in the five year construction programme or included in the most recent announced list of projects, but which were previously initiated, will continue to be progressed to final planning stages in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being available to the Department in the future.
425. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the building work of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3287/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. The planning application has been submitted to the Local Authority and a decision is currently awaited. When the final grant of planning permission is received the project will then be progressed to construction.
426. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide in tabular form, details of new school projects, classroom developments and buildings that have been completed, have commenced or have been authorised by her Department in Cork North West since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3308/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is not available on a constituency basis. However, I can advise that the information concerned is held on a County basis and the current status of all projects, including those in County Cork, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated regularly throughout the year.
The Deputy will be aware that the 5 year School Plan announced in March 2012, together with the schools announced in June 2013 under the Government's "investment in Infrastructure & Jobs" package and the schools included in the 2015 construction programme, details the major school projects, including those for County Cork, that will commence construction over the duration of my Department's €2 billion capital investment programme (2012-2016). The primary aim at the core of my Department's construction programme is focused on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. In the case of County Cork, 43 school projects are listed to proceed to tender and construction over the duration of the programme.
For the Deputy's convenience a list is included below containing details of all County Cork major school building projects that have been completed in each of the past four years and the funding allocated in the case of each of these projects. As the Deputy will be aware, all publicly funded projects are subject to public procurement guidelines and a competitive tender process. In that context it is not possible to publish funding allocations until projects are completed.
In addition to these major projects, my Department also approves funding on an on-going basis for devolved projects under the Additional Accommodation Scheme in response to applications from schools for funding to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments and where an additional teacher is being appointed. In addition, the Deputy will be aware of the funding provided under the Prefab Replacement Initiative to replace prefabs with permanent classroom and resource rooms accommodation. Details of schools approved, including those in County Cork, can also be found on my Department's website and are updated regularly.
My Department is currently analysing demographic data on a nationwide basis, including the County Cork area, to determine where additional school accommodation might be needed from 2015 onwards and to ensure that this is provided in a timely manner.
NEW SCHOOLS COMPLETED
|
- |
Roll No |
School |
Year |
|
1 |
20354A |
Cara Jnr (Special) School, Mayfield |
2014 |
|
2 |
20435A |
St Joseph's NS & St John's NS, Kinsale |
2014 |
|
3 |
17609N |
Rathcormac NS, Rathcormac |
2013 |
|
4 |
20006A |
Gaelscoil Chloich na Coillte, Clonakilty |
2013 |
|
5 |
20310D |
Carrigaline ETNS, Carrigaline |
2013 |
|
6 |
81008W |
Ashton Comprehensive School, Blackrock Road |
2013 |
|
7 |
13450F |
Rushbrooke NS, Cobh |
2012 |
|
8 |
16746S |
Ballygarvan NS, Ballygarvan |
2012 |
|
9 |
17667E |
SN Pádraig Naofa, Whitechurch |
2012 |
|
10 |
19839R |
Gaelscoil Uí Riordán, Ballincollig |
2012 |
|
11 |
20001N |
Gaelscoil Bheanntrai, Bantry |
2011 |
|
12 |
20105C |
Star of the Sea Primary School, Passage West |
2011 |
|
13 |
76090G |
Bantry Community College, Bantry |
2011 |
LARGE SCALE EXTENSIONS COMPLETED
|
- |
Roll No |
School |
Year |
|
1 |
17600S |
SN na Scairte Leithe, Saleen, Cloyne, Midleton |
2014 |
|
2 |
19351K |
SN Cill Criodain, Ladysbridge |
2014 |
|
3 |
62690E |
Scoil Mhuire, 2 Sydney Place, Wellington Road |
2014 |
|
4 |
91388S |
Carrigaline CS, Waterpark Road, Carrigaline |
2014 |
|
5 |
20106E |
Scoil Nioclais, Frankfield, Grange |
2014 |
|
6 |
20335T |
Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown |
2013 |
|
7 |
18279A |
St. Mary's NS, Waterpark, Carrigaline |
2012 |
