Written Answers Nos. 134 to 139
134. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of Health Service Executive posts that are currently advertised outside Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39779/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this 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.
135. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the widespread problem of street dealing and abuse of prescription drugs; the reason no progress has been made on finalising the draft regulations to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act; and the action and timescale he proposes to take in regard to this urgent issue. [39783/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Bill to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act so as to allow the Government to declare substances to be controlled and to clarify the provisions under which Ministerial orders and regulations are made is currently being drafted and is listed in the Government Legislative Programme for publication in 2016. This will once again allow regulations to be made and, if necessary and appropriate, bring under the scope of the Act new substances, and allow the introduction of stricter or less strict controls on substances which are already covered under the legislation. It is already an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations to possess with the intention of unlawful supply certain prescribed drugs.
It is important to note that the problem of abuse of prescription drugs will not be solved by regulations alone, and that prescribers need to ensure that these substances are only prescribed as appropriate.
136. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the value of capital investment projects and grants under way or approved for funding by his Department, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39657/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has responsibility for two Votes (Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 – Foreign Affairs and Trade) and neither Vote has a large volume of capital expenditure. In 2014, total capital expenditure under Vote 27 was €0.31m and all related to expenditure overseas in priority Programme Countries for Irish Aid. Under Vote 28, a total of €5.167m was spent in 2014 in Ireland and overseas, mainly on ICT, passport service systems, vehicle replacements and accommodation. The Department does not issue any capital grants. The only capital projects undertaken by the Department in Ireland relate to the maintenance of the Department’s ICT systems and to the Passport Service. The expenditure is mainly made in Dublin and follows Government and EU procurement guidelines. Given the specialist nature of many of the machines and products purchased, some are acquired outside of Ireland. Total capital expenditure by the Department in Ireland in 2014 was €2.3m.
137. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Number 130 of 3 November 2015, the proposals he will put forward at the November 2015 European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the recent escalation of violence in Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39676/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my replies to Questions last week, I listed a number of measures that were needed to try to stop the recent deterioration. These included clear and positive action by local leaders; security measures that were proportionate and even-handed; a response that went beyond just security; refraining from provocative words and actions, and making clear that the status quo in the Holy Places would be respected. On the wider context, I stressed the absolute necessity of an end to the relentless pressure of settlement expansion on Palestinians, and of a political path that held out hope to Palestinians for an end to the occupation. The European Union can encourage all these ideas, but only local leaders and communities can restore calm in the current unrest in Jerusalem, Hebron and other cities. The Foreign Affairs Council next week will certainly consider the specific context of recent violence, but I expect it to focus on the wider aspects which have generated the unrest, and consider what the EU can do on these. These are the themes which Ireland has consistently stressed for a long time.
In addition, I expect that this week the European Commission will publish an interpretive notice on the labelling of goods originating in the occupied territories. While this is clarification of the existing rules, rather than the introduction of new rules, publication of the notice is consistent with the EU approach of differentiating relations with Israel from the relationship with the Occupied Territories.
138. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed secondary school in Kinnegad in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39635/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in the process of concluding a report on the outcome of a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional post-primary school accommodation will be needed from 2017 onwards. This exercise encompassed all areas of the country, including Kinnegad. I will announce the details of the new post-primary schools to be provided nationwide arising from this exercise in due course. Where new schools are to be established, my Department runs an open patronage determination process to decide who will operate the schools. It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons to apply under this process.
139. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the progress on a new primary school project (details supplied) in County Longford; the reason for the delay in sanctioning the new building; why this project was not included in the five year construction programme, as the school was originally advised of this in 2006 by the then Minister for education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39642/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the major building project for the school in question is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. All statutory approvals including planning permission, fire and disability access certificates have been secured. The Design Team have also confirmed that tender documents are complete. Due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it was not possible to include this project in the 5 year construction programme announced in March 2012. However, school building projects, including the project in question, which have not been included in the current five year programme, will continue to be progressed to the final stages of architectural planning and are available to be considered in the context of the new 6 Year Construction Programme that I intend to announce in the coming weeks.
