Written Answers Nos. 360-384
360. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for a new building (details supplied); if the OPW has carried out any preparatory works regarding this new building; if the site of the current building is suitable for a new build; the timeline of when this work will commence; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30257/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA submission has been received by the Office of Public Works (OPW) from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, requesting renovation of the facilities at the site of the Coastguard Station, Malin Head, Co. Donegal.
OPW is currently carrying out a technical assessment of the site. The outcome of this assessment will determine cost and the timetable for undertaking the works.
361. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangements for retired prison officers in respect of the post-1995 agreement; the body which is liable to provide the pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30372/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe pensions of Prison Officers (and public servants generally) appointed on or after 6 April 1995, are integrated with the State pension. For such officers the pension consists of: an occupational pension, which takes into account the State pension, and which is currently paid by the Payroll Shared Services Centre, and a State pension payable by the Department of Social Protection.
Where an officer is not entitled to a State pension or qualifies for less than the full State pension, a supplementary occupational pension may be payable, subject to certain criteria.
362. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will recognise and implement the community employment supervisor-assistants pension claim (LCR19293) in view of the fact the issue has been ongoing since 1998 and is currently with the community sector informal forum and requires urgent resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30411/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of pension entitlements for Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors was the subject of a Labour Court recommendation in 2008. The position is that although the employing bodies concerned are mainly funded by public expenditure programmes, the State does not have any role as an employer in this sector and the employees of such bodies are not public servants.
This matter together with other related issues is the subject of discussion at the Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) (previously the Informal Forum) which comprises public service management and union interests and which was reconvened in the last quarter of 2015. The forum met on 27 November 2015 and 11 April 2016. Further meetings will be planned once a new Chair has been appointed.
363. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the appointment has taken place in his Department to the vacant position of assistant secretary, who was also chairperson of the high level forum, which as a consequence has not met for months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30417/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) are currently running an open competition to fill the post of Assistant Secretary (Head of Remuneration, Pensions & Industrial Relations) within the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The post was advertised on the Public Appointment Service website on Friday, 26th August 2016 and closing date for application was Thursday, 15th September 2016. Further to this, shortlisting took place on 27th September 2016 and the successful candidates have now been invited to a preliminary interview.
The Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) which comprises public service management and union interests was reconvened in the last quarter of 2015. The forum met on 27th November 2015 and 11th April 2016. Further meetings will be arranged once a new Chair has been appointed.
364. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will reconvene the meetings with the community sector informal forum in order to resolve outstanding issues regarding the community employment assistant scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30418/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of pension entitlements for Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors was the subject of a Labour Court recommendation in 2008. The position is that although the employing bodies concerned are mainly funded by public expenditure programmes, the State does not have any role as an employer in this sector and the employees of such bodies are not public servants.
This matter together with other related issues is the subject of discussion at the Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) (previously the Informal Forum) which comprises public service management and union interests and which was reconvened in the last quarter of 2015. The forum met on 27 November 2015 and 11 April 2016. Further meetings will be planned once a new Chair has been appointed.
365. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a revised application regarding the construction of a retaining wall (details supplied); when a decision can be expected on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30420/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that a revised application under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme has been received from Donegal County Council for a project at Coolyslin, Castlefinn, Lifford, Co Donegal. The assessment of the application will have regard to the fact that Castlefinn is an Area for Further Assessment under the North Western - Neagh Bann CFRAM study and that under the draft Flood Risk Management Plan the preferred option for Castlefinn includes measures to protect the property in question. The application is currently being assessed and a reply will issue to Donegal County Council shortly.
366. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which he has decided that a post in the public service attracts a financial gain compared to persons who are employed in current posts in the same public sector organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30563/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment and appointment of Recruit Prison Officer is in accordance with the conditions of service attached to direct entry grades which excludes incremental credit for previous public service employment. It is however the position that Prison Administration & Support Staff who are appointed to the Recruit Prison Officer grade will attract a range of payments in addition to their basic incremental scale salary including an operational allowance and an unsocial hours allowance which will result in their gross salaries exceeding their previous held salary at Prison Administration and Support Officer level.
367. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the claim for an appropriate pension scheme for community employment scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors remains unresolved after 14 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30576/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of pension entitlements for Community Employment Scheme Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors was the subject of a Labour Court recommendation in 2008. The position is that although the employing bodies concerned are mainly funded by public expenditure programmes, the State does not have any role as an employer in this sector and the employees of such bodies are not public servants.
This matter together with other related issues is the subject of discussion at the Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) (previously the Informal Forum) which comprises public service management and union interests and which was reconvened in the last quarter of 2015.
368. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the levels of pay restoration that will be given to Deputies, Ministers, Ministers of State and the Taoiseach under the Lansdowne Road agreement; when they will be paid; the amounts to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30893/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Haddington Road Agreement, underpinned by the FEMPI 2013 Act, brought in pay cuts for public servants earning €65,000 and over. Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement (and the FEMPI Act 2015), pay restoration for those public servants on annualised remuneration up to €110,000 will be in two equal phases, with the first phase due to take place on 1 April 2017 and the second on 1 January 2018. Restoration will be in three equal phases for those on annualised remuneration in excess of €110,000, with the first phase due to take place on 1 April 2017 and the remaining phases on 1 April 2018 and 1 April 2019. The table sets out the information requested by the Deputy.
|
- |
1 Jul. 2013 (current) |
1 Apr. 2017 |
1 Jan. 2018 |
1 Apr. 2018 |
1 Apr. 2019 |
|
TD |
€87,258 |
€89,965 |
€92,672 |
- |
- |
|
Senator |
€65,000 |
€65,311 |
€65,621 |
- |
- |
|
Taoiseach |
€185,350 |
€190,233 |
- |
€195,116 |
€200,000 |
|
Tánaiste |
€171,309 |
€175,674 |
- |
€180,039 |
€184,405 |
|
Minister |
€157,540 |
€161,451 |
- |
€165,363 |
€169,275 |
|
Minister of State |
€121,639 |
€124,439 |
- |
€127,240 |
€130,042 |
The Government have agreed that Members of the Government and Ministers of State will waive the amount due to them under pay restoration 2017, 2018 and 2019.
369. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW's flood relief works and plans in relation to the east Meath area specifically highlighting the Northlands Estate; the cost of such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30919/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that construction will commence on the Northlands Estate, Bettystown Flood Relief works in late October 2016 with an estimated construction cost of €1.5m and will take approximately 52 weeks to complete.
In 2016 to date the OPW has approved funding of €450,000 under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection scheme to Meath County Council for a project at Ashbourne, Co Meath.
The OPW carries out its own programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance to a total of 11,500km of river channel and approximately 730km of embankments nationally. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945, whose purpose was primarily to improve the drainage of agricultural lands. The OPW has a statutory duty to maintain the completed schemes in proper repair and in an effective condition. The annual maintenance programme typically involves some clearance of vegetation and removal of silt build-up on an average five-yearly cycle.
During Quarter 4 2016 maintenance works will be carried out on approx 4km of the Mornington channel and also the Northlands channel.
370. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the groups, persons or political representatives he has met in the context of planning budget 2017 and the Finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30952/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra371. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the groups, persons or political representatives that officials from his Department have met in the context of planning budget 2017 and the Finance Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30953/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.
In the context of preparing the Estimates for Budget 2017, officials in my Department would have engaged intensively with officials from other Government Departments, Offices and public bodies. Departmental officials would also have attended certain bilateral meetings where I met Ministers with responsibility for other Departments.
In advance of Budget 2017, I met along with the Minister for Finance, a number of representative organisations. Officials from my Department also attended these meetings. The representative organisations involved were IBEC, ICTU, the IFA, the ICMSA, the Construction Industry Federation and the Community and Voluntary Pillar. Representation at the meeting on behalf of the Community and Voluntary Pillar included:
- Community Platform;
- Irish Rural Link; Children's Rights Alliance;
- The Wheel;
- Disability Federation of Ireland;
- National Youth Council of Ireland;
- Family Carers Ireland;
- Irish Senior Citizens Parliament;
- Social Justice Ireland;
- Age Action;
- Focus Ireland;
- Co-operative Housing Ireland;
- Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed; and
- Irish Council for Social Housing.
In addition there were other meetings I attended with officials from my Department with organisations including:
- the Construction Industry Federation; and
- the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
During September, I met with the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach, and also the Committee on Budgetary Oversight. I was accompanied by officials from my Department. The Deputy will appreciate the process leading to the publication of the Estimates on Budget Day is very intensive involving extensive contact and discussions between my Department and other Departments. Further detail in relation to engagements during the period leading up to the Budget is available in my diary and that of the Secretary General of my Department. Both diaries are made available on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: www.per.gov.ie/en/ministers-diary/www.per.gov.ie/en/secretary-generals-diary/.
Finally, the Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015 provides for a web-based Register of Lobbying to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with designated public officials, including ministers, senior public officials and special advisers on specific policy, legislative matters or prospective decisions.
372. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has in place in his Department's social policy and public sector reform division, any arrangements for acting on recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which have cross public service implications. [27014/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have in place in my Department in Government Accounting Unit robust and well-established arrangements for responding to the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which have cross-public service implications.
As the Deputy will be aware, when the Comptroller and Auditor General makes a recommendation relating to a Government Department or body under the aegis of a particular Government Department the recommendation is carefully considered and responded to in the first instance by the Accounting Officer of the individual/parent Government Department.
In his response the Accounting Officer of the particular Government Department will indicate to the Comptroller and Auditor General whether or not he/she accepts the recommendation and the steps they will take to address the particular issues identified by the Comptroller and Auditor General in his report.
Subsequent to this when the Committee of Public Accounts concludes its examination of the accounts and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General the Committee presents its own report to the Dáil on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Most reports of the Committee of Public Accounts require a formal response prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in consultation with the relevant Department and Office concerned. This response known as the Minute of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform responds briefly to each recommendation contained in the Report of the Committee of Public Accounts.
All recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Committee of Public Accounts are carefully considered. This response known as the Minute of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform indicates whether the recommendation is accepted, or rejected by the Minister. When a recommendation is accepted, the response explains how it has been, or will be implemented by the particular Government Department. When a recommendation is not accepted the reasons for this are set out in the response in order to assist the Committee of Public Accounts in determining whether they wish to write to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further on the matter.
When the Minute of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform response has been sent to the Committee of Public Accounts it is then incorporated into a Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular and circulated to the Accounting Officers of all Government Departments for their attention and any necessary action arising from the recommendations.
This process ensures that the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General that have cross-public service implications are communicated widely across the public service to seek to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken in response to the Comptroller and Auditor General's recommendations.
373. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the commitment in the confidence and supply agreement and in the programme for Government concerning the public sector pay commission. [30529/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of a Public Service Pay Commission to examine pay levels across the public service is a commitment in the confidence and supply agreement and in the Programme for Partnership Government. In July, the Government agreed in principle to the establishment of a Public Service Pay Commission. In line with this decision, my Department conducted a public consultation about the role and methodology of the Commission. Based on the outcome to this consultation and further considerations, I brought detailed proposals to Government yesterday and secured approval for the establishment of the Public Service Pay Commission on a non-statutory basis.
I have now appointed Mr Kevin Duffy, former Chairman of the Labour Court, as Chairperson of the Commission. I will be appointing six further Members of the Commission shortly.
The Commission will be advisory in nature, as Government must retain the ability to negotiate directly with its employees in respect of pay. Its role will be to provide evidence based objective analysis on pay matters.
The Commission will provide an initial report to Government in Quarter 2 of 2017. Specifically, the Commission will be asked to provide inputs on how the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation should proceed having regard to:
- The evolution of pay trends in the public and private sectors based on published data;
- A comparison of pay rates for identifiable groups within the public service with prevailing non-public sector market rates;
- International rates and comparisons where possible;
- The state of the national finances.
374. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when works are expected to begin and be completed at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30539/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building in question is recorded on the NIAH with a regional rating. It is also listed on the local authority’s Record of Protected Structures. Under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, each planning authority is required to include a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in its development plan. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
There is a number of ways in which my Department acts in respect of possible heritage sites/buildings deemed to be at risk. Financial support has been provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the repair, conservation, preservation or safeguarding of protected structures, sites or monuments. Such schemes are administered through the local authorities. No application for funding has been received by my Department in respect of the structure in question.
I understand that the building in question is vested with the Representative Church Body and that a fence was erected a number of years ago by the local authority as a precautionary measure.
The local authority, in the first instance, can advise of funding available for conservation works to protected structures and it is advisable for both owners and interested parties to remain in contact with their local authority on an on-going basis regarding the on-going care and management of such historic assets.
375. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department will consider adopting an abbey (details supplied) as a national monument; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30250/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra376. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the potential funding stream available from her Department or the EU that would support the safeguarding and restoration of an abbey (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30254/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 376 together.
I am advised that my Department’s view is that the building in question may be considered a national monument within the meaning of the National Monument Acts. Officials from my Department met with representatives of Donegal County Council and the local Historical Society on site in late 2015 to discuss the possibility of taking the monument into State ownership. My Department is currently assessing the feasibility of this proposal with the Office of Public Works. The assessment will, in particular, include consideration of the availability of the funding and staffing resources necessary to address the conservation and ongoing maintenance needs of the site on a long-term basis.
In the meantime, local supporters could investigate other State financial supports available to assist the conservation and preservation of heritage structures. The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of its research, education and conservation programmes, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. The Council awarded funding of over €880,000 to 171 heritage projects nationwide under its 2016 Heritage Management Grant Scheme. Further details of the Council’s grant schemes may be found on its website.
The funding available for 2016 through the Structures at Risk Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, both run by my own Department through the local authorities, has been fully allocated. The Structures at Risk Fund covers conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. It seeks to encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides funding for the repair and conservation of protected structures and supports a significant number of projects across the country, providing employment in the conservation and construction industries while also helping to regenerate urban and rural areas. While details have yet to be finalised as regards schemes for 2017, they are again likely to be operated through the local authorities.
377. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made by the local and regional broadband taskforces and rural digital strategies she advised would be established to aid and accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30406/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September, I established two Regional Broadband Action Groups to help support the roll out of rural broadband from next year. The Broadband Action Groups comprise officials from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency and nominated staff from each Local Authority. Both Groups met for the first time in the middle of September and will meet bimonthly for the foreseeable future.
The key objective in establishing these Groups is to ensure that each Local Authority is fully prepared to facilitate the winning bidder(s) to commence work as soon as the procurement process for areas identified for State intervention under the National Broadband Plan is complete, and contracts have been signed next year. This will be achieved by identifying barriers to the timely roll-out of broadband infrastructure and agreeing actions that can be taken to address those barriers.
Local Authorities are also working to identify priority connection points for the advance roll-out of telecommunications infrastructure in their counties. These strategic connection points will help to ensure early access to broadband at premises that are otherwise only likely to be reached towards the end of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan.
Work is also ongoing by Local Authorities in respect of the development of local digital strategies to ensure that once their counties are broadband enabled, they are capable of exploiting the economic and social opportunity at their disposal.
378. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the purchase by the State of The Featherbeds in the Dublin mountains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30449/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraContractual negotiations in respect of the purchase of the lands at Glenasmole, which incorporate part of the area popularly known as ‘the Featherbeds’, are advanced and it is expected that they will be concluded shortly. The Featherbeds are an important area for nature conservation and for public amenity. Their acquisition is a sign of the State’s enduring commitment to preserving our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.
379. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the long delay in progressing the Heritage Bill 2016 through the Houses of the Oireachtas; when she expects the pilot programme on the new dates contained in the Bill for hedge cutting and gorse burning to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30450/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heritage Bill 2016 passed its Second Stage reading in Seanad Éireann on 20 January 2016 and is included in the Government Legislation Programme, which was published on 8 June 2016. I have requested that this Bill would proceed to the Committee Stage in the Seanad as soon as possible and I am hopeful that a definite arrangement in this regard will be made shortly.
In relation to the burning and hedge cutting provisions in the Bill, Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August. Following a review of Section 40, which involved, inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties, I announced proposals in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. These provisions are contained in the Bill. The regulations specified in Sections 8(1) and 8 (2) of the Bill relating to the pilot two year period will be finalised following enactment of the Heritage Bill by the Oireachtas and taking account of consultations with relevant stakeholders in due course. In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts are still in operation.
380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which any improvements will be facilitated in the availability of post-school residential places for children and young adults with special needs in the coming years, with particular reference to ensuring the availability of sufficient such places to enable parents enter into employment in order to better care for their children in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30322/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra405. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which any improvements will be facilitated in the availability of post-school residential places for children and young adults with special needs in the coming years, with particular reference to ensuring the availability of sufficient such places to enable parents enter into employment in order to better care for their children in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30321/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 405 together.
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As 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.
381. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the licensed importers here for the anti-malarial drug mefloquine; and the licensed distributors here for mefloquine. [30387/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe marketing authorisation for Lariam (active substance, mefloquine) was withdrawn from the Irish market by Roche Products Ltd, the marketing authorisation holder, in July 2016. The reason Roche withdrew the authorisation was commercial. As the marketing authorisation for this product has been withdrawn in Ireland, the product information for Lariam is no longer available on the Health Products Regulatory Authority website.
Prior to withdrawing the authorisation, Roche Products Limited, 6 Falcon Way, Shire Park, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1TW United Kingdom was responsible for placing Lariam on the Irish market. Roche was also responsible for the distribution of the product in Ireland and could contract any wholesaler, authorised by the HPRA, to distribute it in Ireland on their behalf.
Although Roche does not market Lariam in Ireland now, it is possible for it to be sourced from another EU member state by an authorised wholesaler, to be supplied to the order of a prescriber, to meet the special needs of their patients. Products supplied in this way are known as ‘exempt medicines’ and are used under the direct responsibility of the prescriber. Any Irish authorised wholesaler that sources exempt medicines is required to notify the HPRA. Over the past three years there has been no notification to the HPRA of the sourcing of unauthorised (exempt) Lariam or other mefloquine containing product.
It is also possible for a prescriber to source an exempt medicine direct from an authorised wholesaler in another EU member state. In that event, there is no legal obligation on the wholesaler or the prescriber to notify the HPRA.
In relation to the request for the names of licensed importers of Lariam, the active substance in Lariam, mefloquine, is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, so an import licence is not required for a medicine containing this substance.
382. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the staffing levels for specialist mental health services for particular high-risk groups of children who require urgent attention; the number of mental health and intellectual disability consultants for children currently in-post throughout the country (details supplied). [30904/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
383. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the timescale he is working to for the taking of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 in view of the fact that it has been published since December 2015 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31113/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when it is intended that the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30565/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 470 together.
The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill remains a Government priority and a date of 26 October has been set for Committee Stage of the Bill in the Seanad.
The aim of the Bill is to reduce consumption to the OECD average by 2020 (i.e. 9.1 litres of pure alcohol per capita) and the harms caused by alcohol. This is part of a suite of measures agreed by the Government in 2013 on foot of the recommendations in the Steering Group Report on a National Substance Misuse Strategy. The Bill is one of a number of measures being taken under the Healthy Ireland Framework.
The Bill includes the following main provisions:
- minimum unit pricing;
- health labelling of alcohol products;
- the regulation of advertising and sponsorship of alcohol products;
- the regulation of sponsorship;
- structural separation of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets; and
- the regulation of the sale and supply of alcohol in certain circumstances.
384. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the degree to which matters relating to the allegations of missing blood and other samples (details supplied) was addressed in the High Court on 18 June 2015. [30199/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis issue was addressed in the High Court on 18 June 2015 when the Court was informed that a settlement had been reached whereby the Plaintiffs entered into an agreement to discontinue their claim against the State Defendants.
