Written Answers Nos. 122-149
122. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the status of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kildare; if there have been inquiries or plans for its future use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18826/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions in relation to the allocation of resources, including station opening hours and personnel, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of her operational requirements and I have no direct function in the matter.
In that context, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Kildare Garda Division as of 31 March 2015, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 299. Of this number 3 personnel are assigned to the station referred to by the Deputy. I am advised that the station is currently open Monday to Saturday from 9am-1pm, 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm and on Sunday from 10am-1pm.
I am further advised that there are currently no plans to close this station.
123. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has any discretion in expediting citizenship applications, where the resident may not have reached the five-year minimum; and if so, the grounds on which this may take place. [18765/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to include a portion of the time spent in Direct Provision in assessing eligibility for citizenship; and if she had no such plans, the reason for same. [18766/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra126. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views that the five-year minimum requirement for a resident becoming a citizen is necessary, where a resident has already been in direct provision for five years, or more; and if a shorter period of two years, for example, might not be preferable. [18768/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 124 and 126 together.
The granting of an application for a certificate of naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:
- be of full age;
- be of good character;
- have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;
- intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation;
- have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows:
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State; and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
Section 16 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, waive some or all of the statutory conditions in certain circumstances i.e. where an applicant is of Irish descent or of Irish associations; where an applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; or where an applicant is a Stateless person within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons.
Section 16A(1) of the Act also provides that, for the purposes of calculating the period of residence in relation to an application for naturalisation, only those periods during which the applicant has the permission of the Minister to reside in the State - other than for the purposes of claiming asylum or engaging in a course of education or study - are reckonable. Accordingly, time spent in the asylum process is not reckonable for the purpose of satisfying the residency conditions for naturalisation.
There are no plans at present to amend the requirements for a certificate of naturalisation specified under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956.
An Independent Working Group on the Protection Process was established in October 2014 to recommend to Government what improvements should be made to the protection process, including direct provision and supports to asylum seekers. The Working Group is due to finalise its report to Government by the end of the month and I will consider whatever recommendations are put forward by it when it completes its work.
125. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is possible for persons with residency status here to travel to the United Kingdom, or to work in the United Kingdom, without undermining their application for citizenship. [18767/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of a certificate of naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions as stipulated in the Act are fulfilled. In particular, these conditions require that an applicant is of good character; has had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, has had a total residence in the State amounting to four years; that he or she intends in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation; and has made a declaration in the prescribed manner of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State.
I make decisions on naturalisation applications in accordance with the provisions of the Act and based on all of the information available to me. If a person is resident outside of the State during the year prior to the date of application then the application would fall to be refused as the statutory conditions for naturalisation are not satisfied. Where an applicant moves to the UK or another country and resides for work or other purposes after having applied for naturalisation, then an assessment will be made as to whether the applicant intends to reside in the State following naturalisation. If it is deemed that the applicant has few tangible ties to the State and/or is unlikely to return to the State within a finite period then the application may be refused on the basis that the statutory conditions for naturalisation are not satisfied.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically 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 INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total expenditure per annum on the witness protection programme in the years 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18798/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the operational oversight that is in place on the Witness Protection Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18799/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra129. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review the operation of the Witness Protection Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18800/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of staff tasked with overseeing the operation of the Witness Protection Programme in each of the years 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18801/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the guidelines in place for hiring external supports for the Witness Protection Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18802/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 131, inclusive, together.
The Garda Síochána has operated a Witness Security Programme since 1997 to respond to attempts by criminal and other groups to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including threats of violence and systematic intimidation of witnesses.
The expenditure from the Witness Security Programme subhead for the years 2010 - 2015 is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Outturn |
|
2010 |
€0.700m |
|
2011 |
€0.700m |
|
2012 |
*Nil |
|
2013 |
€1.150m |
|
2014 |
**€1.198m - Provisional outturn |
|
2015 (to date) |
€400,000 |
* Expenses in relation to 2012 are reflected in outturn for 2013.
** The final outturn for 2014 will only be available when the Comptroller and Auditor General has finalised the relevant Appropriation Accounts.
The Deputy will appreciate that by virtue of the highly confidential nature of the Witness Security Programme and the need to maintain the protection of persons who receive support from that Programme, for obvious reasons it has not been the practice of successive Ministers to detail the specifics of its operation. I can say, however, that it has been operated in a significant number of cases and that over the course of its operation over many years it has proven its worth in helping to secure the conviction of very serious organised crime leaders.
The Witness Security Programme is operated by the Garda authorities, overseen by the Crime and Security Section at Garda Headquarters supported by the Special Detective Unit and other local Garda resources as necessary. The operation of the programme and the resources required for it are kept under continuous review by the Garda authorities.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to provide statutory guidelines for the Witness Security Programme, which currently operates on an administrative basis. Consideration of legislative framework to give effect to this commitment is under active consideration in my Department.
132. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will direct the Property Services Regulatory Authority to reply to a complaint (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18815/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that I have no function or responsibility in relation to the matter raised.
The Property Services Regulatory Authority was established on 3 April 2012 pursuant to the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011. Section 9(3) of the Act specifies that the Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Accordingly, it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in relation to any individual case.
133. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of sex offenders on the sex offenders register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18819/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements. The provisions of the Act also extend to any offenders convicted abroad of the same range of sexual offences who enter the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 11 May 2015, there were 1,420 persons subject to the requirements of Part 2 of the Act.
All offenders subject to the notification requirements are monitored by the Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit (SOMIU) at the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The Unit is supported by Garda Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division throughout the State. I am informed that the nominated Inspector in each Division has access to all necessary resources within his/her Division to assist him/her in carrying out his/her duties. Where An Garda Síochána becomes aware that an offender subject to the notification requirements has breached those requirements, appropriate action is taken. I am advised that the appropriate level of monitoring is carried out by An Garda Síochána and all breaches of the requirements which come to notice are pursued.
I am also informed that when the Garda authorities become aware that a convicted sex offender has left or is intending to leave the State, the Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit ensures that the relevant law enforcement agency in the country of destination is advised via Interpol.
134. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 308 of 10 March 2015, and in view of the fact that much of the information originally sought therein is still awaited, the number of complaints of petrol stretching the Garda Síochána in County Mayo divisions have received, for each month since the beginning of June 2014; the position regarding these complaints; the number that have been investigated and have resulted in a person being charged, or a file being forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18865/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the Garda authorities to provide the more up to date information requested by the Deputy and I will arrange for all available information to be forwarded upon receipt.
As the Deputy will be aware, the practice of petrol stretching is an offence under section 102 of the Finance Act 1999. It is therefore the Revenue Commissioners who would primarily take the lead nationally in relation to the matter and further enforcement action would arise in the context of Revenue investigations.
An Garda Síochána is liaising with the Revenue Commissioners in respect of reported incidents of petrol stretching. Information is being shared between An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners and each occurrence is being assessed on its own merits.
135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a proposal to provide Family Law Court facilities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18905/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government commits the Government to significant reform of the courts, including the establishment of a separate family law court structure that is streamlined, more efficient, and less costly. Following consultations, my Department is preparing draft legislation in the matter and I intend to bring the relevant proposals to Government for its approval as soon as they are finalised. The draft General Scheme of the Bill will then be subject to the usual pre-legislative scrutiny by the Justice Committee.
With regard to the provision of a family law court in Cootehill, County Cavan the position is that under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions. The Courts Service has informed me that decisions relating to venues for the family court will not be decided until a later stage taking account, inter alia, of the suitability of available facilities for family law proceedings.
136. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the Tusla – the Child and Family Agency national lottery grants scheme is not available this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18786/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy might wish to note that, since its establishment in January 2014, the Child and Family Agency has not administered any National Lottery Grant Scheme. In both 2014 and 2015 the Exchequer funding provided to the Agency is directed solely at the provision of services.
My own Department did administer a National Lottery scheme in 2014 but due to budgetary circumstances, and the need to support the Child and Family Agency to the greatest possible extent in providing front line services to vulnerable children and families it has not been possible to allocate funding to administer a National Lottery Grant Scheme this year.
137. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if it is the case that children services committees have not been established in all 17 Tusla–Child and Family Agency areas; if he will provide a list of areas where a committee has been established; where a committee has not been established, and in areas where one has not been established, if he will provide a detailed update as to the reason why; and if work is under way in establishing one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18820/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraChildren Services Committees were renamed in September 2014 as Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) to take into account the extended age remit of the committees from 0 to 18 to 0 to 24 years of age. CYPSC were put in place to develop and implement a local planning model for interagency working to improve outcomes for children and young people, and are a key element of the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures implementation structures.
At present there are 22 CYPSC established in Ireland across 22 counties and 25 local authority areas. Three CYPSC are yet to be established in Clare, Laois Offaly and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
It is anticipated that there will be full coverage including these three areas by the end of 2015.
My Department is actively working with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in preparation for the establishment of committees in these remaining areas.
138. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to revelations in County Laois and County Offaly, if there are other areas of the country where there are concerns regarding child protection notifications that have not been processed; if he will provide details of same; if he will specify whether reviews are under way to establish if there are cases that may have been missed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18821/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince I informed members of the issues that have arisen in the Laois/Offaly area, I have continued to receive updates from the CEO of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have received an action plan that addresses both the short and medium term requirements to manage the referrals that were not processed as they should have been as well as the longer term local and national management actions needed to ensure this is not repeated.
I can take some assurance that this is not a more systemic issue as the child welfare and protection services are subject to the independent inspection regime of the Health Information and Quality Authority. Since 2013, HIQA has carried out inspections of the child protection and welfare services in 11 out of 17 of Tusla's administrative areas, of which 7 were carried out in 2014. The Midlands area has not yet been inspected. These inspections are on the basis of standards designed to follow a child’s journey within the child protection system to ensure that his or her safety and welfare is being protected.
Inspections consider the full range of Tusla's child protection services, including the service planning, review and monitoring processes with the aim of ensuring that systematic approaches are in place involving good leadership, inter-agency cooperation, skilled and experienced staff, and the effective management and deployment of resources with children at the centre.
Inspection report findings to date show overall a good quality of social work service when cases are allocated. The issues of concern was the length of time some children were waiting to be allocated a social worker due to staffing issues, and in a small number of areas, concerns were outlined regarding the monitoring of risk of children waiting for an allocated social worker. As HIQA goes about its valuable work, I anticipate they may find other aspects of child protection services which require improvement. It is for that reason we have an independent inspectorate to identify issues and to apply an improving action plan on the area in question.
Tusla has also recently developed the first ever quality assurance programme for child protection services. This programme is identifying areas in need of improvement and is used to address resources and practice issues.
My Department has agreed a set of performance indicators with Tusla which are reported on monthly and quarterly and allow for a contemporary picture of how areas are managing the demands on their service. This information which is published on the Tusla website, informs both the HIQA inspection process and Tusla's quality assurance programme.
In respect of Laois/Offaly services, I welcome the speedy and appropriate response by Tusla to put in place resources to implement the action plan. I also appreciate the openness shown by the CEO of Tusla in his appearance at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. The first step has been to collate all the affected referrals and determine how best to move them forward. I have been informed that all of the referrals were known to the social work teams but only about half had recorded clearly follow up reviews or actions. I have also been informed that the number of referrals involved is much less than the 1,200 previously mentioned.
At this stage, I have not been informed of any children that were at immediate risk who did not receive an urgent response. I will refrain from giving figures until I have been informed that they have been validated. I will also give due regard to fair procedures for the individuals involved. Allowing for these restrictions, I will keep the House informed as to the progress of the action plan in the Tusla Laois/Offaly child welfare and protection services.
139. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update as to the budget for information technology services within Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and further to the health and children committee comments (details supplied) that information technology services are being shared with the Health Service Executive, if he will confirm that there is a plan and a budget to upgrade information technology across Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, so that the best programmes and software are available to staff to allow them to update files and maintain records in a way that complies with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18822/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total funding provision for the Child and Family Agency is €643.401m, an increase of 5.6% over the 2014 allocation. The funding provided for capital expenditure increased by 81% from €6.841m to €12.386m.
The Agency has also recently submitted to me its Estates and ICT Capital Plan for the period 2015 - 2017. The Plan is designed to support and build ICT capacity in line with business needs and ensure that total resources available to families are applied to improving outcomes for children and families in the most effective, efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way. The objectives for the lifetime of the plan are to optimise performance and cost to support the Agency's business goals with a defined 3-step approach. This includes establishing the baseline position, developing a roadmap to ensure that ICT systems are adequate to support business requirements and the development of ICT strategic options. The plan also provides for the development of an ICT Strategy and centralised procurement and project management. Central to the plan is the continued rollout of the National Child Care Information system (NCCIS).
My Department will be engaging with the Agency on the contents of its plan in the near future and will continue to monitor progress of its implementation.
140. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details of a contract that was awarded to a company (details supplied) to conduct a review of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency; the cost of the review; if it has been completed or the reason for the delay; when the report will be published; if it will be laid before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18823/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the report referred to by the Deputy was commissioned directly by the Child and Family Agency, I have requested the Agency to reply directly on this matter.
141. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on a report that was in preparation regarding Gleann Álainn in County Cork; when this review of services will be published; when it will be laid before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18824/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware Gleann Álainn is a special care unit for girls, based in Cork. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has advised that a review of the service, following the absence without authority of two children from the unit, was completed in 2012. However, this report was not the subject of final checks, including checks on confidentiality and fair procedures, that would allow its wider circulation. Consequently, Tusla has indicated that this report could not be published and it has no plans to do so. I can confirm that the conclusions were not favourable in respect of the culture, leadership and management of the service provided by the unit. While the option of closure was considered following the report in 2012, it was decided to implement an action plan to address the operational and management deficiencies and to ensure that the lessons from the incident were learned.
My predecessor, Minister Flanagan, received a copy of a report titled "Gleann Alainn Special Care Unit: Report of Deep Learning Process (Serious Incident Oct 2011)". The CEO of Tusla commented in a covering letter that those involved with the service accepted that practice at the time of the event fell short of the standards expected of staff and the unit and noted that the subsequent implementation of the action plan had, in the end, proved a valuable learning experience.
Since the implementation of the action plan, the number of significant events recorded at Gleann Álainn has reduced markedly. Monitoring of the unit's progress noted that the staff and management of the unit had enthusiastically addressed ongoing IR issues and attended to a significant number of recommendations for the service provided by the unit. Also, Gleann Álainn was inspected independently by the Health Information and Quality Authority a number of times, most recently in December 2014. The report of this inspection, which is available on the HIQA website, noted that the centre was well managed with national oversight. Staff practice in relation to child protection was good. The inspectors noted that there had been no children absent without authority or missing from care in the previous 12 months. This was attributed to the improved ethos and culture in the unit. The HIQA inspections have provided good evidence, following the implementation of the action plan, that the children are receiving a safe and effective service in the Gleann Álainn special care unit.
142. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) and advise on the reason these children, who were referred by the public health nurse, did not receive B and A status, as expected. [18885/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme provides funding to community not-for-profit childcare services to enable them to provide childcare at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income working parents. Parents qualify as disadvantaged or low income on the basis of means-tested entitlements. In the case of full day care, parents qualifying for the higher rate of subvention under the CCS programme can have up to €95 (Band A) per week, per child, provided towards the cost of the childcare place. The parent pays the balance of the weekly cost of the childcare place.
Parents whose children are enrolled in a participating childcare service before or during a ‘snap-shot’ week in October each year can apply for subvention support under the programme. Eligibility is verified by submitting application details for checking against the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and Health Service Executive (HSE) records.
Eligibility for subvention support can only be confirmed on the verification of the relevant parental application for eligibility. However, participating CCS services have been advised that, if they wish to grant a subvention rate to parents before the verification process has been completed, they should request the parent to provide up-to-date proof of eligibility from the time the child commences in the service. The eligibility criteria is set out on the DCYA website but Tusla/PHN referrals are not included as this referral system is a specific arrangement based on significant circumstances for a child.
The purpose of Tusla/PHN referrals (previously known as HSE referrals) is to secure a childcare place for a child deemed by a Tusla/PHN Professional to be in significant need of a childcare place. To avoid any obstacles to accessing a childcare place (i.e. costs) the Tusla/PHN professional makes a referral to a childcare service under the agreement that as the ‘referring agent’ the balance of parental fees will be paid by the ‘referrer’ and the parent is not charged any childcare fees.
The 'referring agent' is therefore applying for the Band A subvention on the basis that the balance of the childcare costs will be funded by them and will not be charged to the parent. As part of the CCS verification/appeals process the ‘referral letter’ is reviewed to ensure that it is clear that the parent is not being charged any child care fees.
Tusla/PHN referrals must clearly name the child being ‘referred’ to the service and that the remainder of the childcare fee, following Band A subvention, will be covered by the referring agent. For the 2014/15 year, a letter from the service provider stating that the parent is not being charged any childcare fee, is being accepted if the Tusla/PHN referral does not clarify this.
In relation to Bunratty Community Childcare Centre, referred to by the Deputy, the initial CCS application indicated that this service had 5 children, referred by Tusla/PHN, seeking specific support under the programme.
In the case of the information attached to the 5 Tusla/PHN referrals, none had a confirmation either by the PHN or the service provider, that the parent would not be charged the balance of the parental fee should a Band A place be approved. In addition, one of the letters from a PHN only provides information as to the status of the child’s welfare and does not clarify the need for support, under this provision of the programme, for this child. The applications were declined for Band A funding approval based on these assessments.
All of the 5 applications have been appealed by the service and further information submitted. The service will be notified of any further information required to support a Tusla/PHN referral. It must be noted that it appears from the initial assessment of the additional information that the parents are paying childcare fees which would, therefore, result in a decline of these appeals.
The other service referred to in the correspondence attached to the Deputy's question - Jigsaw, Darndale / Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service - indicated that 23 child registrations in the service are Tusla (HSE) referrals. These applications also had insufficient information attached to satisfy the Tusla/HSE referral requirement before the verification process was completed. The service, through the local City Childcare Committee, requested clarification of the information needed to progress their appeals and have since submitted documentation under the appeal process which will be examined in due course.
All of the appeals will be fully evaluated and the outcome will be communicated to the childcare providers in each case.
143. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be provided by the ear, nose and throat department in the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore in County Offaly, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18709/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The 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, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
144. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the details of the proposed Health Insurance (Reform) Bill 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18743/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is undertaking fundamental reform of the health service in order to ensure we deliver one that is more efficient, effective and of a higher quality.
A major costing exercise, involving my Department, the ESRI, the Health Insurance Authority and the HSE, is currently underway to establish the cost to the individual, household and to the State of the introduction of Universal Health Insurance (UHI). It is expected that initial costs from this exercise will be available in the near future. Following receipt of the results of the UHI costing exercise, it is my intention to revert to Government with a roadmap on the next steps for delivering universal healthcare.
As part of the reform programme there will be a need to improve structures and management systems within the health services. Legislative proposals will be brought forward, where necessary, to underpin these reforms. Given the complexity and breadth of the issues to be addressed, significant preparatory policy work must be, and is being, undertaken in advance of the development of the legislative proposals. The specifics in relation to the structures and related legislative changes to be pursued will be identified as part of this process.
145. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on installing a birthing pool in Waterford Regional Hospital; the date on which it was installed; the number of women who have used the pool since its installation; the reason it is not currently in use; the hospital's future plans for the pool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18744/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
146. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health regarding the Health Products Regulatory Authority that has 289 adverse drug reaction reports in association with Roaccutane since 1983, if he will provide a chronological list of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18759/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
147. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if Health Products Regulatory Authority employees held a position with a pharmaceutical company (details supplied) prior to or since 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18761/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a pharmaceutical company (details supplied) financially supported the Health Products Regulatory Authority, or any of its employees, since 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18762/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the incidence of adverse drug reactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18763/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the licence renewal obligatory process for the drug Roaccutane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18776/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra152. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the renewal of a licence for Roaccutane can be objected to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18777/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the value of the modest gifts with regard to the Health Products Regulatory Authority that are acceptable; the names of the members of the Authority who have received gifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18779/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 to 149, inclusive, 151, 152 and 154 together.
Employees of the Health Products Regulatory (HPRA) are prohibited from holding any position with a pharmaceutical company while employed by the HPRA. Employees are also prohibited from having a financial or other beneficial interest in any company or organisation operating in a sector that the HPRA regulates.
Any employee who previously worked in a regulated company is restricted from all activities relating to that company for a period of time of up to five years depending on their role in that company, seniority of their position, relationships with persons in the company or level of contact with persons in the company, and any other relevant factor. They are also prohibited from ever taking part in any activity relating to a medicinal product, medical device or cosmetic that they helped develop in any previous employment or relating to any competitor products for the same active substance or class of substances.
HPRA policies and procedures govern the declaration of interests, when staff join, on an annual basis and at any time that interests may change (e.g. with respect to a household member). There is a structured evaluation of any declared interest and appropriate outcomes depending on the evaluation. Checking for any restrictions is an integral part of all procedures for assigning work.
All pharmaceutical companies pay fees for their licence applications. The fees are set out in Regulations approved by the Minister for Health. No company may provide financial support to any employee. This is clearly stated in the Conflict of Interest Policy on the HPRA website.
Roaccutane has been closely monitored at both national and European level since it was first authorised, with issues related to its safety highlighted and communicated to healthcare professionals as appropriate.
The HPRA, together with its EU counterparts has worked with the pharmaceutical company to facilitate availability of appropriate product information for Roaccutane, which includes detailed and comprehensive advice regarding the risks associated with its use and recommendations to minimise the occurrence of these risks. The product information has been reviewed and updated since Roaccutane was first authorised for use in Ireland in 1983, as required. The HPRA has also communicated the outcome of regulatory reviews and updated recommendations regarding Roaccutane to healthcare professionals through its Drug Safety Newsletter on a number of occasions, all of which are accessible from the HPRA website.
The product information for Roaccutane highlights the requirement that it should only be prescribed by or under the supervision of physicians with expertise in the use of systemic retinoids for the treatment of severe acne and with a full understanding of the risks of therapy and the monitoring requirements associated with its use.
The product information also specifies the circumstances where Roaccutane is contraindicated (i.e. when it should not be used).
The requirements for specific monitoring of the patient to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and to facilitate their early detection and management are described in detail in the product information in relation to psychiatric disorders, severe skin reactions, allergic reactions, effects on liver enzymes, serum lipids and the pregnancy prevention programme. Monitoring in these circumstances is through on-going review of the patient by the prescribing doctor, as part of their clinical practice.
The HPRA and the company have legal obligations to share reports of serious, suspected adverse reactions associated with use of Roaccutane within 15 days of first notification. These reports are in turn submitted to the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organisation to facilitate review in the context of global safety experience and to support early detection of new and emerging reporting trends.
The relevant renewal requirements have changed over time. When Roaccutane was first licensed, companies were required to apply for renewal of their marketing authorisations every five years. Marketing authorisations became subject to one further renewal, following which authorisations remain valid for an unlimited period, unless one additional five-year renewal was considered necessary on justified grounds relating to pharmacovigilance (drug safety). Roaccutane was last renewed on 10 July 2009 with an unlimited marketing authorisation.
Requirements for renewal application have changed over time. The current requirements are included in the European Commission’s ‘Guideline on the processing of renewals in the Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedure’ and the accompanying ‘EU Application form for renewal of a marketing authorisation.’
The HPRA prohibits the acceptance of money as cash, cash vouchers or cash equivalents from any industry or sector regulated by the HPRA. Gifts may not be solicited, directly or indirectly. Only gifts of very modest value are acceptable in limited circumstances or where it is the custom in the country concerned to give such gifts and where to decline may cause offence. The Conflict of Interest Policy on the HPRA website provides detailed guidance and requirements.
