Written Answers Nos. 588-617
588. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health to organise a national policy on tackling osteoporosis; to reverse the cut in funding to the Irish Osteoporosis Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6199/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive 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.
590. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of patients at Waterford Regional Hospital who are well enough to be discharged but are awaiting an appropriate care package to be put in place; the average waiting time for patients who are ready for discharge at Waterford Regional Hospital but require care packages; the reason such a delay exists and if it relates to funding cuts for home care packages; the way in which care packages are allocated to patients ready for discharge at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6201/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the detailed queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
591. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, who is waiting to be discharged; the reason for the delay in discharging this person; the reason nursing home funding for this person has been withdrawn; the number of such persons who are awaiting discharge at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6202/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within 15 working days, he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
592. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 and whether the case will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6203/16]
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 scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
593. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on hospital trolleys, by month, for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
594. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to relocate the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin 1 to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6205/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015, following a review, I accepted the recommendation of my Department to relocate the Rotunda Hospital to the Connolly Hospital campus. Co-locating maternity hospitals on the sites of acute hospitals is in line with international best practice, and helps ensure that mothers have immediate access to a full range of medical and support services, should the need arise. The relocation project is still in its formative stages. The Rotunda has established a Clinical Vision and Scope Working Group to scope out the design requirements for the new hospital.
595. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the progress he is making in ensuring hospitals are complying with the working time directive for junior doctors; the number of hospitals he has sanctioned for breaching the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6206/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to support the development and implementation of measures by the HSE to progress the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) compliance. There have been a number of high level actions initiated by the HSE, including a much greater focus at hospital level on EWTD compliance and recruitment of a number of additional NCHDs and consultants. Changes also include revised rostering arrangements with ongoing moves to reform and reconfigure non-compliant rotas, and greater use of off-site on-call.
As a result of the focus on achieving compliance, the HSE has made significant progress in implementing the EWTD, particularly in the last two years. It is now close to full compliance with most of the provisions of the Directive, including daily, weekly and fortnightly rest; and daily breaks. Compliance with the 48 hour week, which now stands at 82%, has improved significantly in the past number of years - up significantly from the 30% level of compliance when the Government took office. Compliance with the maximum 24 hour shift has also increased with an average of 96% compliance. The HSE has achieved 97% compliance with the 11 hour daily rest requirement and 99% compliance with weekly/fortnightly rest break requirement.
I have asked the HSE to reply on the matter of the number of hospitals that have been sanctioned for non-compliance with the EWTD. 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.
596. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on the cutting of pay levels for graduate nurses; the number of nurses who took up places on the Health Service Executive's nursing in Ireland scheme, which was aimed at bringing Irish nurses who had emigrated back to work here; the stage the scheme is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6207/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased that it has been possible with effect from 1 March 2016 to significantly improve the rate of pay for fourth year student nurses during their clinical placement to 70% of the first point of the staff nurse scale. Recognition for the duration of the placement as public service for incremental credit purposes has also been restored. This credit had been abolished by the previous Government in December 2010. The position of those who have graduated since 2011 will be reviewed later in the year.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the other matters raised. 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.
597. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies and the number of agency staff employed, by position, by hospital. [6208/16]
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.
598. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his progress in reducing the reliance on agency staff as pledged in the 2015 service plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6209/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE 2015 Service Plan included a priority to reduce reliance on agency. Overall agency expenditure for 2015 reduced by approximately €8.2m or 2.4% on the 2014 figure. The Acute Sector has been the most prominent in seeing a reduction in agency with expenditure falling by €23.24m or 10% compared to 2014 figures.
I 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.
599. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health further to Question No. 380 of 22 March 2016, why ten other health care assistants were employed ahead of persons referred to from another panel and given permanent contracts and their proper pay (details supplied). [6230/16]
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.
600. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to reduce the waiting lists for rheumatology consultants; his plans to develop service provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6239/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
601. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Question No. 181 of 1 October 2015, to provide the status of plans for a second sexual abuse and violence in Ireland study; the co-ordination he has undertaken with the relevant Departments on the basis of contact from the Minister for Justice and Equality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6244/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise the Deputy that I have no function in relation to this matter.
The Deputy will recall in my reply to her question in October 2015 that I confirmed that I am supportive of follow up research in this area. However, consideration of any further research is a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality/COSC. It should be noted that responsibility for rape crisis services rests with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
602. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of changes being made to disability services in north-east Dublin; why he is reintroducing waiting lists for services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6247/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
603. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to reduce the unacceptable two-year waiting time for assessing children with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6248/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
604. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the child and adolescent sexual assault treatment service in County Galway is entering its second month of closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6256/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault Treatment Service in Galway has reopened and the service fully resumed.
605. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the breast-feeding rates; the policy in this regard; and the steps he will take to improve current rates. [6269/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive 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.
606. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he sought and received financial approval for an increase in the rural general practitioner practice allowance scheme from the Department of Finance or the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform prior to his announcement of an extension to the scheme in January 2016; the cost of the extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6273/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that patients throughout the country continue to have access to GP services, especially in remote, rural areas and also in certain urban areas, and that general practice is sustainable in such areas into the future. There has been a positive engagement between the HSE, the Department and the IMO on a set of proposals for enhanced rural GP practice support and an updated list of special items of service. These proposals arise from the current phase of discussions on the modernisation of the GMS GP contract. It is estimated that the additional costs in 2016 of the proposed revised rural practice support framework will be approximately €3 million. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (as amended), it is my intention to make regulations with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to give effect to the above proposals.
607. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Philippines regarding a person (details supplied) who has been under house arrest in the Philippines for almost three years; the measures he is taking in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5448/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is providing consular assistance to the Irish citizen involved in this case.
In all of our interactions with our Philippines counterparts, we have consistently raised this case and have sought an early appeal date for the individual concerned on humanitarian grounds.
I raised this case and our concerns with the most senior representative of the Philippines government, Under-Secretary Evan Garcia, at the ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last November. My Department’s director of our Asia Pacific regional unit raised this case again with the Ambassador of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo, in March 2016 during the latter’s visit to Dublin. Our Embassy in Singapore, which is accredited to the Philippines, has raised our concerns about this case with the authorities in that country on numerous occasions.
Following the most recent court decision in the Philippines, I note the decision of the individual concerned to file a motion with the Supreme Court. Our Embassy in Singapore has consistently encouraged the Irish citizen concerned to continue to engage in the legal process and to keep the Embassy aware of developments.
Our Embassy will continue to monitor the case closely and will continue to offer consular assistance.
608. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the options available to a British passport holder who has been living and working here since 1975 to obtain an Irish passport given that the applicant has previously been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5492/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Service has a record of receipt of an application dating from 1985 from the person in question. At the time the applicant was advised that only Irish citizens are entitled to be issued with Irish passports. Therefore for the person in question to be issued an Irish passport he must first become an Irish citizen. Citizenship, including through naturalisation, is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.
609. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for Ireland to formally recognise the state of Palestine; the reasons this has not been done to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5729/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government works consistently to achieve a sovereign Palestinian state, not just in theory but in fact, and all of our actions on the Israeli/Palestinian issue are directed to that end. It is central to our objective of a two state solution that will ensure the security and prosperity of both peoples.
I continue to consider carefully whether the recognition by Ireland now of a state of Palestine, prior to its real achievement on the ground, could be a helpful step towards that goal.
The motions passed in the Seanad on 22 October 2015 and the Dáil on 10 December 2015 are very important factors in that consideration. Other factors are the symbolic importance of such a declaration for the Palestinian people, its likely impact on the prospects for advancing the peace process, and its effect on Ireland’s ability to exercise influence on developments. Ultimately, this is a matter for assessment and decision by the Government.
I have made clear that I will recommend early recognition by Ireland if I conclude that it would be helpful.
610. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to ban trade with Israeli settlements on the internationally recognised territory of Palestine and to raise this issue at European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5730/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no proposal at present, at either Irish or EU level, to ban trade with Israeli settlements. The European Union, however, has a general approach of differentiating the EU’s relationship with Israel from the relationship with the settlements, in line with the conclusions of the Council in December 2012. Ireland has been a strong and consistent advocate of this position.
The European Union has taken a number of steps to differentiate between its treatment of imports from Israel and the importation of goods coming from illegal Israeli settlements. Settlement goods are not entitled to the lower tariffs that are the norm in the EU, and meat from settlements may not be certified by Israeli veterinary authorities. EU research funding may not be spent in settlements. Most recently, the European Commission published guidelines clarifying that goods from Israeli settlements may not be misleadingly labelled as being produce of Israel. Ireland has supported all of these measures.
There is no prospect at present of obtaining agreement at EU level on a ban on the import of goods from the settlements.
611. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to end Irish arms trade with the state of Israel and to raise this issue at European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5738/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe export of military or dual use items from Ireland is licensed by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation under the relevant domestic and European legislation.
Under this legislation, items classified as “military goods” from an export control perspective include military goods and technology, as well as components for such items. Licensed exports from Ireland to Israel are component products, for example engine parts, rather than actual military equipment. As such, there is no arms trade from Ireland to Israel.
There is no support at EU level for ending or restricting such trade with Israel.
612. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a peace process for a full resolution of the ongoing crisis involving the state of Israel and the adjoining state of Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5739/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra616. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on and the steps he has taken to address the rapidly deteriorating political situation in Israel and Palestine and the continuing human rights violations imposed on the Palestinian people. [6022/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra617. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of discussions the Council of Foreign Ministers has held regarding the state of relations between the state of Palestine and Israel; and the plans the European Union has to intervene. [6024/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra621. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on and the steps he has taken to address the rapidly deteriorating political situation in Israel and Palestine and the continuing human rights violations imposed on the Palestinian people. [6102/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 612, 616, 617 and 621 together.
I have made clear in this House my view that the peace process in the Middle East is currently at a standstill, and that the international community needs to do more to attempt to break this deadlock. The violent events in recent months have clearly demonstrated the risks of the continued political vacuum. I note with concern the statement of 24 March to the Security Council by the UN Special Coordinator that “the two state solution is slipping from our fingers”.
The March Foreign Affairs Council discussed the latest developments and High Representative Mogherini updated Ministers on plans by the Middle East Quartet to prepare a report with recommendations for de-escalating the violence and promoting a two-state solution. France also updated the Council on its plans to convene an international conference of key stakeholders in Paris by summer 2016, with the aim of re-launching the peace process.
Ireland has consistently given a high priority to the achievement of a “two state solution”. The Middle East Peace Process remains a key national foreign policy priority. Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports all efforts to restart comprehensive negotiations for an overall peace agreement.
613. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála cad é an líon iomlán foirne atá fostaithe ina Roinn faoi láthair; cé mhéad duine acu siúd atá ag feidhmiú i bpoist atá daingnithe (i scéim teanga, nó ar aon bhealach eile) mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; an bhfuil sé i gceist aon phoist eile de chuid na Roinne a aithint mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5824/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra614. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála an bhfuil sé mar dhualgas oifigiúil ar bhaill foirne aonair ar leith de chuid a Roinne seirbhís a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge d’aon duine a lorgaíonn í nó an ar bhonn deonach amháin a thoilíonn baill foirne a Roinne seirbhís trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5840/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá sé i gceist agam Ceisteanna Uimhr. 613 agus 614 a fhreagairt le chéile.
Faoi réir scéim teanga mo Roinnse, d’fhostaigh an Roinn Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin le scileanna Gaeilge. Tá an t-oifigeach sin ag feidhmiú mar Oifigeach Gaeilge na Roinne. De bhreis air sin, mar chuid dár dtiomantas iomlán dár saoránaigh, tá beirt Oifigeach Cléireachais ón sruth Gaeilge de phainéal Oifigeach Cléireachais ceaptha le gairid againn in Oifigí na bPas in Áth Cliath agus i gCorcaigh.
615. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a passport rapid renewal service in the Cork Passport Office (details supplied); if he will apply regional balance and equality of access to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5862/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passport Office introduced a same-day rapid renewal service in 2014. This facilitates customers who have urgent, emergency travel needs. This service is only available for renewal applications and is offered in the Passport Office in Dublin. The printing of passports requires specialised production equipment which is not available in Cork. Therefore a same-day service cannot be offered through that office. However every effort is made by the Passport Service to meet a travel date in cases of genuine urgency. Beyond the rapid renewal service, the passport service offers a three working days service in both the Dublin and Cork Passport Offices.
