Written Answers Nos. 144-151
144. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to re-open any of the Garda stations that closed under the current Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24134/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner in the context of annual policing plans, as provided for in section 22 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
An Garda Síochána completed a comprehensive review of its district and station network in 2012 and 2013. The objective was to identify opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. The review concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation resource base would best meet public demand.
The Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme provides for effectiveness and efficiencies through a programme of restructuring and reconfiguration of the service delivery methods, concomitant with changes to work practices within the new rostering arrangements already introduced. In addition, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the closure of these Garda Stations has resulted in an additional 61,000 patrolling hours being made available to the communities right across the country.
The deployment of resources is kept under review at all times by the Garda Commissioner to ensure that Garda resources continue to be used in the most efficient and appropriate way possible to target criminal activity at the local and national level.
145. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has given consideration to repealing the current legislation dealing with blasphemy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24152/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Government agreed last September to hold a referendum on removing the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution, in response to the 6th Report of the Convention on the Constitution.
The work necessary to prepare a Referendum Bill and a Bill to amend the current legislative provision for the offence of blasphemy is ongoing in my Department.
An appropriate date for the Referendum will be decided by Government when the legislation has been prepared. Earlier this year, the Taoiseach confirmed in the Dáil that the blasphemy referendum will not be held before March 2016.
In the meantime, my officials and I are working on preparing the necessary legislation, which is included in the current Government Legislative Programme.
147. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details in tabular form of State funding to a charity (details supplied) for the past ten years including to date in 2015. [24028/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is received.
148. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide details in tabular form of State funding to a refuge (details supplied) in Dublin 17 for the past ten years including 2015 to date. [24029/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is received.
149. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of the concerns of the head of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, (details supplied) as expressed in The Irish Times on 8 June 2015 regarding Louth-Meath child protection services; the action that is necessary to ensure a rapid improvement in these services; the way this situation has arisen and the concerns he has. [24058/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency has been implementing a national quality assurance strategy and the findings to date are that, generally, there are good systems in place for managing and monitoring cases. Improvements were needed in the refinement and consistent application of some processes and definitions, particularly with respect to the appropriate diversion of cases to a local area pathway or for a case to be formally closed.
Local area pathways involve working with parents to provide support focussed on protective factors for children, and family support to avail of universal services. I understand that the findings from the ongoing quality assurance work will be used to inform future business planning with my Department. In the Louth/Meath administrative area, Tusla has indicated that key aspects of the service were not at an acceptable standard. Currently, intervention measures, led by the Chief Operations Officer, are being taken to address this. This involves a comprehensive action plan and the reinforcing of the management structures in line with the service delivery model.
I have been informed that an inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on services in the Louth/Meath administrative area has taken place. I understand that publication of this report, in line with HIQA's procedures, is expected in the near future. I will refrain from further comment until the report has been published, other than to say that I have been advised that the interventions needed to support and progress service improvements, referred to in the associated action plan, are well under way.
150. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23962/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I want to extend my sympathies to the family of the individual concerned on the sad occasion of her death last August.
The Department of Health commissioned two research reports into the practice of symphysiotomy prior to the commencement of the Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme. From the information provided it was estimated in 2012 that around 1,500 women had undergone a symphysiotomy in Ireland between 1944 and 1984, but of that number only 350 were still alive. The Scheme commenced on 10 November, 2014 and 577 applications were made to the Assessor for the Scheme, former High Court Judge Maureen Harding Clark.
The Terms of the Scheme included at Section 38 that "the right to seek payment under the terms of the Scheme is personal to the Applicant and is therefore contingent on the Applicant being alive to accept the offer of any award. If therefore, an Applicant dies at any time after application and before she has accepted an award, the claim shall lapse and the Applicant’s estate and her spouse and/or members of her family shall not be entitled to any award or payment under this Scheme."
Regrettably, as the woman concerned was deceased prior to the commencement of the Scheme in November, 2014, the Scheme is not applicable to her case.
151. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health when an assessment of needs will be carried out in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23963/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the particular issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.
