Written Answers Nos. 270-293
270. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if an agreement has been signed between her Department and Forum Connemara regarding the delivery of the Leader programme in Connemara and the islands; if the programme is operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32864/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a competitive process for the implementation of the LEADER 2014-2020 programme in Co. Galway, a Local Development Strategy submitted by Forum Connemara was selected for delivery by an independent Selection Committee. The selected strategy covers the municipal district of Connemara, including Inisbofin and the Aran Islands.
A Funding Agreement was signed by Forum Connemara on 12 October 2016. The new LEADER programme will be operational in the aforementioned areas with effect from 1 November 2016.
The remaining rural areas of Co. Galway are now the subject of a separate Expression of Interest and strategy selection process under the LEADER programme.
271. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount that her Department spent on external legal advice in each of the years 2013, 2014 and 2015; the name of each of the legal firms that provided advice to her Department in each of those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32921/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that no expenditure was incurred from my Department's Administrative Budget in respect of external legal advice for the period 2013 to 2015.
For completeness, I would bring to the Deputy's attention that , from time to time, my Department makes payments to the Chief State Solicitor's Office in respect of legal services provided to my Department by that Office.
272. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén plé a bhí ag a Roinn le RTÉ maidir leis an bplean gníomhaíochta don Ghaeilge; an bhfuil sé beartaithe ag a Roinn airgead a chur ar fáil don phlean seo agus, má tá, cé mhéad airgid atá i gceist; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [32979/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAr 28 Meitheamh 2016, cheadaigh mé deontas de €70,000 in aghaidh na bliana thar thréimhse trí bliana do RTÉ chun tacú leis an eagraíocht réimse gníomhartha digiteacha ina Plean Gníomhaíochta Gaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm.
Cuirfidh na gníomhartha atá beartaithe sa phlean go mór le seirbhísí RTÉ ar-líne, go háirithe i réimsí na foghlama ar-líne, na seirbhísí do ghasúir, do dhaltaí scoile agus do mhic léinn ollscoile in Éirinn agus thar sáile. Tá mé sásta go gcuirfidh na gníomhartha seo le feiceálacht na Gaeilge ar RTÉ agus go luíonn siad isteach go dlúth le haidhmeanna na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030.
273. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will publish the cost-benefit analysis undertaken regarding the allocation of €2.175 million for the building of a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33017/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Public Spending Code, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, a cost benefit analysis is required for projects with a total cost of €20 million or more. Given the financial parameters involved, a requirement for such an analysis does not arise in the project referred to by the Deputy.
The onus to ensure compliance with the Public Spending Code falls in the first instance on the project promoter, in this case the relevant local authority. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will be satisfying itself that the project is in compliance with the relevant requirements of the Code before releasing any funding in this case.
274. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding legislation on hedge cutting; when she expects that the changes will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33023/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 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. The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures was included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016 and subsequently completed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann.
It is proposed to commence Committee Stage of the Bill in Seanad Éireann on 9 November. In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts are still in operation.
275. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who was self-employed is eligible for the hearing aid grant or any other supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32600/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
276. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the provisions for emergency respite care in Dublin south west; if there are services that will be supplied to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32532/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
277. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32515/16]
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 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 HSE, 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.
278. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding physiotherapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32516/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra288. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the title of physiotherapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32550/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 288 together.
I can confirm that I will be implementing in full the decisions taken earlier this year by my predecessor, Leo Varadkar T.D., that the titles of physiotherapist and physical therapist would be protected under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and that there would be only one register for the profession. This was welcomed by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.
Last month, the Physiotherapists Registration Board established its register under the Act with effect from 30 September 2016. This ensures that the specified title of physiotherapist will be protected for the exclusive use of registrants when the register's two-year transitional period ends in September 2018.
Earlier this year, my predecessor, Leo Varadkar T.D., having consulted with relevant parties, concluded that protecting the title of physical therapist under the Act as a variant of the title of physiotherapist would be the best way to eliminate the ongoing risk of title confusion and the consequent risks to public safety. He also decided to allow particular existing users of the title of physical therapist, who are not physiotherapists but who hold qualifications of a certain standard, to continue to use the title.
New grand-parenting provisions will allow such practitioners to apply, on a once-off basis and for a limited period, to register in the physiotherapists register, confining their practise to musculoskeletal therapies.
Preparation of the necessary legislation to give effect to these decisions is now at an advanced stage. The legislation will involve the making of regulations under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 in tandem with the enactment of necessary amendments to that Act to allow existing qualified title users to continue to use the title. It is my intention to seek Government approval to include these amendments to the Act in a Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that is currently being drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government.
279. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for respite care by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32543/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
280. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will provide extra IWA hours to a person (details supplied) taking into consideration the person's medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32557/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
281. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the reason St. James's Hospital rather than Connolly Hospital was chosen for the site of the children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32558/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government decision that the new children's hospital should be co-located with St James's on its campus in Dublin 8 was clinically led. In 2006, the McKinsey report, Children’s Health First, recommended that the population of Ireland and projected demand could support only one world-class tertiary paediatric centre, that this should be in Dublin and that it should ideally be co-located with a leading adult academic hospital, to ensure relevant sub-specialty and academic linkages. The McKinsey report recognised the importance for quality of healthcare of having a critical mass of sub-specialist skills in a tertiary centre and stated this could be achieved firstly, by serving a large enough population to support a full complement of sub-specialists and secondly, by co-locating with an adult teaching hospital thus enabling access to specialties that encompass both adult and paediatric patients, facilitating clinical and academic “cross fertilisation”, and attracting the top staff.
Reviews since 2006 have reaffirmed the importance of co-location with a major adult academic teaching hospital. In 2011, the then Minister, Senator Reilly, established an Independent Review Group to examine the project at the Mater. The clinical aspect of this review was carried out by a team of four Chief Executive Officers drawn from the National Association of Children’s Hospitals (NACHRI) and the Children’s Hospitals International Executive Forum (CHIEF). Their report stated that “co-locating with tertiary adult and maternity hospitals is essential to the development of an excellent paediatric service. This has become best practice internationally and was recognized in the McKinsey report.”
In 2012, following the refusal of planning permission for the project at the Mater campus, Minister Reilly established the Dolphin Review Group to advise on next steps. Their report stated that “Having reviewed the reports already prepared and considered their analysis and opinions, and having also consulted with a wide range of professionals in the field, we are also of the view that co-location is essential and tri-location optimal. We recommend that the Minister remains on this path.” It identified St James’s as the most suitable adult partner for the new children’s hospital, from a clinical and research perspective.
The Government decision to co-locate the hospital with St James's was announced on 6 November 2012. In identifying the location, the Government considered the report of the Dolphin Group, and detailed supplementary information on cost, time and planning which was subsequently sought from those members of the Group with the relevant technical expertise. The decision was made in the best interests of children, with clinical considerations paramount in the decision. As announced in June 2015, the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital will relocate to the campus in time, achieving tri-location of adult, paediatric and maternity services. Tri-location has benefits for children, adolescents, newborns and mothers. In all cases, the benefits of tri-location are maximised where the adult hospital provides the broadest possible range of clinical sub-specialties and expertise, which are readily accessible for paediatric and maternity patients on the shared campus. Also, tri-location that delivers the most significant breadth and depth of clinical and academic research on site will enhance the potential of research to drive best clinical outcomes. St James's Hospital has the broadest range of national specialties of all acute hospitals, as well as a strong and well established research and education infrastructure, making it the hospital that best meets the criteria to be the adult co-location partner.
A significant upgrade of Connolly Hospital would be required to achieve the same potential for quality of clinical outcomes as co-location/tri-location with St James's. As set out in the Dolphin report, Connolly Hospital would need very substantial investment of human and capital resources to develop over time into an adult tertiary hospital with critical mass supported by leading edge research facilities, additional to the capital cost of developing the children's hospital itself on the campus.
282. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the safeguards in place to avoid abuse of the European health card system in accessing medical care here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32580/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder EU Regulations, all persons ordinarily resident in the EU are entitled to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC certifies that the holder has the right to receive emergency healthcare during a temporary stay in any EU country as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. This right is guaranteed to all persons who are covered by the public healthcare system of these countries. The European Health Insurance Card holder has the right to receive necessary treatment in the host Member State's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of the State concerned.
The management and implementation of the EHIC system is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a medical procedure will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32561/16]
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 the Deputy directly.
284. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the legislation required for a new transport support scheme as currently the financial supports for provision of adapted transport for persons with severe disability is grossly underfunded and is having a profound impact on the quality of life of those suffering from disability and also their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32528/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013. The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. In that regard, monthly payments of €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals in this regard is at an advanced stage and I anticipate that this will be brought to Government shortly.
As for supports provided by other Government Departments for transport for people with disabilities, the Revenue Commissioners operate a tax relief scheme for the purchase of adapted vehicles for drivers and passengers with disabilities. This scheme, which falls under the remit of the Minister for Finance, provides relief from Value Added Tax and Vehicle Registration Tax up to a certain limit, on the purchase of an adapted care for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. It provides for payment of a fuel grant, an exemption from motor tax and an exemption from toll bridge charges. Further details regarding this scheme are available at www.revenue.ie.
285. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the provision of a primary medical certificate for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32529/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
286. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be assessed for a procedure. [32539/16]
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 the Deputy directly.
287. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will provide extra home help hours for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32540/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
289. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the X-ray equipment at Merlin Park University Hospital that provided orthodontic diagnostics will be replaced; when it is planned to replace it; if his attention has been drawn to the cancellation of orthodontic procedures due to the lack of orthodontic X-rays; the reason orthodontic X-rays carried out by private dentists cannot be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32609/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
290. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a date for an operation will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32619/16]
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 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 HSE, 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 you directly.
291. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason an appointment for a person (details supplied) has been cancelled twice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32622/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
292. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a hospital appointment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32599/16]
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 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 HSE, 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 you directly.
293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when it is expected home care support as required will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32601/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
