Written Answers Nos. 339-356
339. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the current staffing levels for mental health services in County Galway; the budgetary amount for mental health services in the area formerly referred to as Health Service Executive west for each year since 2011; and if he will provide an outline of the increases in staff numbers. [16810/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been sent to the HSE for direct reply. 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.
340. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will provide a family (details supplied) in County Donegal with a hospital bed to enable the family to provide full-time home care for an elderly parent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16813/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. 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.
341. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress of implementing the national dementia strategy which was introduced in December 2014; if a specific portion of the Health Service Executive budget is being targeted at this, or if the measures within the strategy are to be achieved through existing budgetary structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16815/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the National Dementia Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme will represent a combined investment of €27.5m, with Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m, and the HSE contributing €15.5m.
This programme will promote a greater focus on timely diagnosis of dementia and on the value of early intervention, along with the long-term objective of making people in Ireland generally more aware and understanding of the needs of people with dementia, and of the contribution that those with dementia continue to make to our society.
Key elements of the initiative include:
- the rollout of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Homecare Packages for people with dementia;
- the provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GPs, who are the critical and initial point of contact with the health system for those with dementia. The resource material will include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points, etc;
- measures to raise public awareness, address stigma, and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia.
A Monitoring Group, chaired by the Department of Health, has been established to assist with and advise on implementation of the National Dementia Strategy, including the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme. This Group includes health professionals, administrators, researchers, and advocates. In addition, the Group includes a person living with dementia and a representative of those who care for people with dementia. The first meeting of this Monitoring Group was held on 1 April 2015.
342. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the implications for serving and retired public servants under the aegis of his Department of the single euro payments area payments clearing and settlement system being closed on 1 May 2015; if arrangements are being made to ensure that persons receive their entitlements on the due date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17195/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
343. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the death in the Mediterranean of migrants from Africa travelling to Europe by boat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16223/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI share the horror at the recent tragedies in the Mediterranean, and the level of humanitarian crisis across the Middle East and parts of Africa. Instability and conflict across the Horn of Africa, North Africa and the Middle East have led to unprecedented numbers of people being displaced from their homes in the last five years. Almost 1600 migrants are known to have drowned in the Mediterranean this year while seeking refuge in Europe, thirty times as many as in the same period in 2014.
On 20 April, together with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, I attended an extraordinary joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers and EU Home Affairs Ministers called in response to these recent tragic events. At this joint meeting, a 10-point plan of the immediate actions to be taken in response to the crisis situation in the Mediterranean received the full backing of Ministers.
On 23 April, the Taoiseach attended a Special Meeting of the European Council on the Mediterranean Crisis, at which EU leaders agreed to triple funding for the EU's Triton search and rescue operation.
In view of the migration crisis in the Mediterranean, and the ongoing violence and chaos in Libya, the Taoiseach announced additional Irish Aid funding of €1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross for its work in Libya. This funding is being provided in the context of Ireland’s support to the broader region - including countries affected by the Syria crisis - which will total €41 million by the end of this year. Through the aid programme, we also provide significant humanitarian funding to other countries affected by conflict and displacement in the Horn of Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, including Somalia, Yemen and Afghanistan.
The root causes of much illegal migration lie in poverty, underdevelopment and conflict. Long term development programmes are critical, in addition to emergency humanitarian assistance. Ireland’s development focus is on Africa, where we direct over 80% of our aid. As a country with a long experience of emigration, Ireland has the potential to share the lessons we have learned from this experience with our partners in Africa.
Ireland strongly shares the concern of our EU and Southern partners and we agree that solutions must be found jointly to address a humanitarian crisis on this scale. We need to address the human safety and organised crime aspects of this crisis. However, more than anything, people need to be safe in their home countries, and this requires our continued focus internationally on the need for sustainable political solutions to conflicts.
344. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with other European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg on 20 April 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16224/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI participated in the most recent meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Luxemburg on 20 April where discussion focused on Libya, the EU’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, the situation in Yemen, and the recent negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme. The Council also received a presentation from the High Representative on her intention to carry out a Strategic Review of the European Security Strategy.
The Council provided an important opportunity for Ministers to discuss the fluid situation on the ground in Libya, and consider how the EU can best respond to the evolving crisis. The Council expressed its continued support for the UN brokered talks on Libya, and the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative, Bernardino León, to reach agreement on a government of national unity and a sustainable ceasefire. Our meeting also discussed what steps the EU could take to support a government of national unity, should the ongoing UN facilitated talks succeed. The issue of migration was dealt with at a separate joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Interior Ministers which took place on 20 April.
The Council had a strategic discussion on the EU's relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean. I took the opportunity to raise the importance which Ireland places on engaging with Latin America, a region with whom we share close ties. I also noted the importance of evolving EU-Latin America cooperation in line with developments in both continents, and continuing to engage with Latin American countries on global issues such as climate change, disarmament, and the post-2015 development agenda. The Council also discussed the major political changes which are taking place in Latin America. These include the process of modernisation in Cuba. We received a report from the High Representative on her recent visit, and an update on the negotiations towards an EU Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba. I noted that such an Agreement, which places human rights at its core, will buttress the reform process in Cuba. The Council also welcomed recent advances in Cuba-US relations. Ministers also discussed the peace process in Colombia, and how we can assist in bringing it to a successful and lasting conclusion. I noted the importance of the peace process for the advancement of human rights in Colombia, which is at the centre of our own policy towards Colombia.
Ministers discussed recent developments with regard to negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme. I took the opportunity to welcome the agreement in principle reached between representatives of the international community and the Government of Iran in Lausanne on 2 April, and to urge all responsible parties to support this agreement and the work of their governments to finally bring it to a successful conclusion. I also expressed my appreciation to the High Representative and the Foreign Ministers of the states which participated in the negotiations for the seriousness and intent with which they pursued a diplomatic solution to this difficult issue over a long period, and in particular over the past two years.
The Council engaged in a useful discussion of the deepening crisis in Yemen and the need for all parties to engage with the United Nations so that the Yemeni transition can get back on track. This is urgently needed so that the humanitarian, economic and security crises in the country can be addressed.
Finally, the High Representative made a presentation to the Council regarding her intention to prepare an assessment of the changed global environment for consideration at the European Council in June. This is the first phase in a process to draft a new European Foreign Policy and Security Strategy, in full consultation with the Member States. Given the changes in the international environment since the previous Strategy was prepared in 2003, including the situation on the EU’s borders both to the East and the South, it is appropriate that such a review be undertaken and I expressed my support for this initiative.
Separately, I participated with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, in an extraordinary joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Ministers to discuss the issue of migration in the Mediterranean called in response to recent tragic events. Minister Fitzgerald and I joined with our EU colleagues in expressing our horror at the recent events, and in reiterating our determination to take collective action to protect vulnerable migrants. We also noted that Ireland strongly shares the concern of our EU and Southern partners and agrees that solutions must be found jointly to address a humanitarian crisis on this scale. These solutions must address the human safety and organised crime aspects of this crisis. We noted also the importance of addressing the root causes which contribute to the migratory pressures. The EU's response to the current crisis in the Mediterranean was further considered further at a meeting of EU leaders on 23 April 2015.
345. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed the case of a person (details supplied) with other European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg on 20 April 2015. [16225/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis issue was not on the agenda for the Foreign Affairs Council which focused largely on the crisis in Libya, Iran’s nuclear programme and the ongoing crisis in Yemen, amongst others.
The Foreign Affairs Council was chaired by HRVP Mogherini with whom I have discussed this case on a number of occasions, most recently on 14 April. HRVP Mogherini continues to assure me of the support of the EU for our position. The matter has also been raised with the Egyptian authorities by the EEAS delegation in Cairo.
I wish to assure you, as I have stated recently in the Dáil, that our objectives in this case are clear: firstly to see this individual released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland, and secondly to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.
An official from our Embassy in Cairo attended the hearing on 26 April, and will attend again on 3 June. It was disappointing that the application for bail made by this individual’s lawyers, and supported by the Irish government, was rejected. We will continue to offer full consular support to this individual and his family.
346. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department is aware of the delay in appointing the French ambassador to the embassy of the Holy See; his position on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16404/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of recent media reports. However, in line with diplomatic practice and international law, Ireland does not comment on the consideration of a request for appointment of an Ambassador by another state.
347. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for Ireland not participating in the ongoing United Nations Conference on Debt Restructuring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16532/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, in common with all other EU Member States, was unable to support the UN General Assembly Resolution last September 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 main focus of the resolution was the establishment of an ad hoc committee to elaborate a binding debt resolution mechanism. At the time of the vote, the EU explained that it had made extensive efforts and engaged in the process in good faith and reiterated the considerations outlined at the outset of negotiations, as follows: “The ad-hoc committee must be limited to the elaboration of a non-binding 'set of principles' which builds upon a market-based voluntary contractual approach to sovereign debt restructuring and aims at furthering its implementation and use. Neither the EU nor Member States will participate in discussions aiming at the establishment of a binding multilateral legal framework for sovereign debt restructuring processes.
The ad-hoc committee should reflect the recent and ongoing work on sovereign debt restructuring undertaken in the IMF, subject to the previous considerations, and should take place in close coordination with and with technical support from the Fund. Discussions should also make reference to the work in other fora on these issues, such as the Paris Club, which has a history of discussing sovereign debt restructuring issues.”
In the event, the resolution continued to propose the elaboration of a new legal framework. In these circumstances, the agreed EU position is that we will not be participating in the work of the committee.
Ireland together with our EU colleagues and with many other UN member States is actively engaged in ongoing processes to address the issue of sovereign debt restructuring. We consider 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 in 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 the international Financing for Development Conference 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.
348. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outlets that exist in the six north-eastern counties of Ireland for Irish passport application forms, as ease of access is important; if he will consider and/or approve the availability of Irish passport application forms through community facilities on an expressed interest basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16613/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Express available in over 70 post offices in Northern Ireland and application forms are available in all these Post Offices. In addition many elected public officials also provide them at their constituency offices. It is the policy of the Government to ensure the widest availability of application forms to all sections of the community in Northern Ireland. Therefore the Passport Service would welcome expressions of interest from any community organizations looking to stock passport application forms. They can contact Ms. Liz Finn, Head of the Molesworth Street Passport Office.
349. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the recent report produced by Defence for Children International, entitled Operation Protective Edge A War Waged on Gaza's Children, and the alarming evidence of international humanitarian law violations committed by Israeli forces, including direct attacks on children and the disproportionate attacks on civilian homes, schools and residential areas, with 164 children killed in drone attacks during Israel's assault on Gaza; if the Government will place an immediate arms embargo upon the state of Israel in view of this evidence and in defence of children who are especially vulnerable to humanitarian law violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16706/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring my recent visit, I witnessed at first hand the devastating human and physical impact of the 2014 conflict in Gaza. I met with victims of the conflict, including a father who had lost a child. I have also repeatedly condemned the excessive use of military force by Israel in Gaza both during and after the conflict, and also stated clearly that both Israel and Hamas were disregarding the effects of their actions on innocent civilians, including children. As I said to the Seanad in my speech last July, “any use of military force in self defence must be in accordance with international humanitarian law, and in particular must be both discriminate and proportionate. In view of the unacceptable casualty figures, it is quite clear this has not been the case”.
The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is responsible for controls on the export of military items from Ireland. Under Irish law, military export licences have to be sought in respect of the goods and technology, and any components thereof, listed in the Annex to the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order, SI.216 of 2012 which reflects the EU Common Military List.
The EU Common Military List includes military goods and technology, and components for such items that should be licenced for export from the Union. Items which are classified as “military goods” from an export control perspective and which are exported from Ireland involve components for inclusion in, rather than finished military equipment. Components licensed for export are generally exported to manufacturers and systems integrators before being sent to the final end-users.
The Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation consults with my Department in respect of all military export licence applications. All military licence applications are subject to rigorous scrutiny, and are considered in the light of the spirit and objectives of the 1998 EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. This Code, which was subsequently adopted in 2008 as an EU Common Position, seeks to safeguard, among other concerns, regional stability and human rights.
Eleven licences for the export of Military List items to Israel have been issued from 2011 to date. No licences for the export of Military List products to Israel have been granted since the end of the first quarter of 2014.
All applications received for the export of Military List items to Israel are very carefully assessed, on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the end use and the end user and against well-established criteria.
350. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the implications for serving and retired public servants under the aegis of his Department of the single euro payments area payments clearing and settlement system being closed on 1 May 2015; if arrangements are being made to ensure that persons receive their entitlements on the due date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17194/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has planned for this event and has made arrangements to ensure that salary payments normally due on 1 May 2015 will be paid on 30 April 2015.
351. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the decision of the primary staffing appeals board to refuse a school (details supplied) in County Louth the retention of a teacher for the coming academic year, in view of increased enrolment which will take place at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16249/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on the Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements for the coming school year 2015/16 are set out in Circular 0005/2015 which is available on the website. An appeals process is also available to schools. Details of the appeals criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the March, 2015 meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Having considered the application in the context of the published grounds, the Board deemed the application ineligible. The school was notified accordingly. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
352. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a reader will be provided for a leaving certificate student with a reading age of ten years (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16277/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraState Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. Full details of the scheme are available for downloading from their website: www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
353. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry to address a serious mechanical problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16295/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is open to the school referred to by the Deputy to submit an application for the works referred to under a future Summer Works Scheme. In that regard, it is also open to the school to utilise the Minor Works grant it received in December 2014 last for upgrading works to the heating system, in question. The school authority may also submit an application for Emergency Works funding should they deem that any of the works required come within the scope of the Emergency Works Scheme. The main purpose of this Scheme is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
354. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria for a primary school for qualifying for emergency works funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16296/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emergency Works scheme funded by my Department addresses health and safety concerns of school authorities which pose an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which are sudden, unforeseen and require immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. Details of the scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
355. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the status of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16303/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 2015/16 school year are set out in Department Circular 0005/2015 which is available on my Department's website at www.education.gov.ie.
The circular sets out the improvements to the staffing schedule for the 2015/16 school year for small schools. These improvements are improved retention thresholds for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th classroom teacher and also the improved appointment and retention thresholds for isolated one-teacher schools. The Deputy will be aware that the school to which he refers is not in the same position as other island schools that are only accessible by boat or by helicopter/aeroplane. The particular staffing arrangements for island schools that are set out in the published Department Circular 0005/2015 are designed to reflect the isolated nature of an island school that is only accessible by boat or by helicopter/aeroplane and the operational and practical difficulties that this can create for the school and, in particular, the availability of teaching staff. These circumstances do not apply to the school referred to by the Deputy. In the current school year this school has an enrolment of 58 pupils and has 3 classroom teachers (including the Teaching Principal). The number of classroom teachers is not due to change for the 2015/16 school year. The school is also the base for a shared GAM/EAL (learning/language) support post with a school on the mainland.
356. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the threshold for the allocation and retention of a third classroom teacher in an island primary school, the only school on the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16304/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 2015/16 school year are set out in Department Circular 0005/2015 which is available on my Department's website at www.education.gov.ie. Section 1 of the circular sets out the retention arrangements for Island Schools in the event that a reduction in the pupil numbers of an island school will result in the loss of the second or third classroom teaching post and where the school is the only primary school remaining on the island.
The circular also sets out the improvements to the staffing schedule for the 2015/16 school year for small schools. These improvements are improved retention thresholds for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th classroom teacher and also the improved appointment and retention thresholds for isolated one-teacher schools.
An appeals process is also available to small schools. Details of the appeals criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
