Written Answers Nos. 354-379
354. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to put a mechanism in place to implement the Labour Court recommendation of 2008 regarding an agreed pension scheme for community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5909/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe particular issues in question includes community and employment supervisors and assistant supervisors who have been seeking, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme dating back to 2008. The Community Sector High Level Forum (or Working Group) (previously the Informal Forum) was convened in 2015 and 2016 to examine certain issues pertaining to the Community Employment sector having regard to the implications for costs and precedent.
In light of the recent appointment of a new Chair to the High Level Forum a meeting is accordingly being arranged between the parties concerned with a view to scheduling a date in the first quarter of 2017.
It does however continue to be the position that state organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and that it is not possible for the State to provide funding for such a scheme. The employees in question are or were employees of private companies notwithstanding the fact that the companies concerned are, or were, reliant on State funding. In considering the matter, regard must be had to costs and the precedent of such an arrangement were one to be created.
355. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will allocate further funding to cover the 15% local contribution shortfall of €3,600 in respect of a project (details supplied) under the community involvement in road works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5963/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works’ (OPW) funding in respect of National Monuments is intended solely for the upkeep of National Monuments and other heritage properties in the care of the State and is not usually used for other purposes.
The OPW is not willing to fund the total cost of the local contribution for the repair and upgrade of this public road. It is not owned by them and as such, is outside their direct remit, though they use it to access the Monument for general inspection and maintenance purposes.
The offer of €1,800, (being 25% of the total required), was made as a gesture of good will on the understanding that it was a once-off payment and represented a contribution proportionate to the OPW’s use of the road. Notwithstanding that there may be no other residents living locally, it is the OPW’s understanding that there are three other landowners with property interests served by the same route.
356. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a query (details supplied) regarding the policy on sick leave for public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5441/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I am responsible for the overall Public Service Sick Leave I cannot comment on individual cases or circumstances. The question of whether an illness is directly related to pregnancy and as such is "pregnancy-related" is one that must be answered by a medical doctor on a case-by-case basis. In case of doubt, it is recommended that a referral is made to an organisation's Occupational Medical Physician.
I would like to highlight that the Scheme does provide additional support for pregnant workers. The need to protect women during pregnancy and ensure that they are not discriminated against was reflected in the design of the new sick leave scheme. The provisions of the Scheme that apply in most circumstances are set out at Appendix A below, in addition, the following extra protections are afforded to a female worker in respect of pregnancy related illnesses which would not apply if she or a male colleague were absent for a non-pregnancy related illness:
(i) An employee who is absent for a pregnancy related illness will receive a minimum of half pay during the pregnancy related illness, regardless of whether she has exhausted her ordinary entitlement to paid sick leave. This means that a female employee will not be taken off pay while on pregnancy related sick leave.
(ii) If a period of sick leave occurs subsequent to the pregnancy, the sick leave pay calculated at the half rate which the employee received during the pregnancy related illness will be discounted for the purpose of calculating entitlement to ordinary sick leave after the pregnancy, subject to the overall sick leave limits.
(iii) The Critical Illness Protocol (CIP details in Appendix), which allows for an increase of the upper limits for entitlement to sick leave at full or half pay provides specifically for pregnancy-related illness. Where a pregnancy related illness is serious it will also be covered by the CIP. One of the criteria for awarding of CIP more generally is 2 consecutive weeks of hospitalisation, however, this requirement is reduced to 2 days for pregnancy related illness in accordance with Labour Court recommendation (ref: LCR 20667).
(iv) Pregnancy related illnesses are also discounted for consideration of promotion and higher duty allowances.
In these ways, the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations, S.I. 124 of 2014 recognise the distinct position of the pregnant worker and make provision for the protection of the health and welfare of such workers. The Regulations implement the principles of European law in relation to non-discrimination against pregnant workers.
Appendix A
Public Service Sick Leave Scheme
The new Public Service Sick Leave Scheme came into effect from 31st March 2014 for the generality of the Public Service.
The new provisions allow staff access to the following paid sick leave:
maximum of 92 days on full pay in a rolling one year period;
followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay in a rolling one year period;
subject to a maximum of 183 days paid sick leave in a rolling four year period.
Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration
Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR - previously Pension Rate of Pay) can be granted where an individual has exhausted the limits for sick pay provided there is a realistic prospect of that person returning to work. The maximum period for which TRR can be paid is 547 days under ordinary sick leave arrangements.
Critical Illness Protocol
In addition, in order to provide support for public service employees the new Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) was put in place as part the scheme. This allows an employee, who suffers a critical illness or serious physical injury, access to 12 months of paid sick leave on the same basis as the previous sick leave scheme (i.e. 183 days on full pay in a rolling one year period, followed by 182 days on half pay subject to a maximum of 365 days in a rolling four year period). In such cases TRR is also available for 12 months with a further possibility of 2 years depending on the severity of the illness.
357. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the 2014 panel for clerical positions in the civil and public service in the area of County Donegal is due to expire; if there are any candidates to be assigned in County Donegal before this panel expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5962/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is an independent, statutory body which provides professional recruitment and selection services to the civil and public service. The PAS advertised a recruitment competition for Clerical Positions in the Civil and Public Service in 2014 which attracted over 28,000 applications. Panels of qualified individuals were formed from which departments/public sector bodies could draw when filling sanctioned vacancies.
The establishment of a panel for a location(s) is based on demand as notified to PAS. To date, 56 candidates were assigned to posts in Donegal from the 2014 panel with a further 20 remaining on the panel. It is important to note that qualification and placement on a panel is not a guarantee of appointment to a position. The 2014 panel will expire as soon as a panel is formed from the competition which was advertised in 2016 and vacancies will be filled as and when required by employing departments.
358. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 31 January 2017, if he will clarify the statement (details supplied) regarding the way in which a pension scheme can exit the public sector transfer network; and if a statutory instrument is not required. [5996/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1963 does not prescribe a methodology for bodies to leave the public service transfer network (PSTN). It is a very rare occurrence that a body seeks to leave the PSTN and any cases have been dealt with on their individual merits. Officials in my Department are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the PSTN and a revised list of members will be issued in due course.
359. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address an issue (details supplied) with regard to a tidal bank that requires emergency works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6053/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is aware from previous replies last year that repair works on damaged flood defences on the River Maine Catchment Drainage Scheme are being prioritised at locations which suffered more severe damage than at Tulligbeg. The annual programme of work for 2017 has been developed based on prioritising sites in most need of attention. The location referred to by the Deputy has not been included within this document for 2017 due to it being regarded as lower priority.
The Office of Public Works will continue to monitor the situation at this location and seek to address the work in question at the earliest possibility.
360. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the decline of fish on the Laune river and the need for a cull on seals (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5912/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Regional Management of my Department is aware of anecdotal reports in the decline of salmon stocks in the Laune river. While seals are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the Wildlife Acts, permits may be obtained under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to hunt seals where significant damage is being caused. This redress is available, for example, to individual fishermen to control damage to fisheries by seals at particular locations. Permits are issued in response to specific applications and each application is considered on its merits.
361. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans for the utilisation of postal services, counter services and the postal network generally through the amalgamation of suitable and complimentary services available through An Post in all areas thought the country thereby maximising the benefit and viability of the network and the continued delivery of services effectively and efficiently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6067/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she is satisfied that adequate extra services can be added to the portfolio of An Post with a view to utilisation of the national network of post offices, sub-post offices and counter services to maximum capacity on a nationwide basis, urban and rural, notwithstanding the challenge of electronic communications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6068/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 362 together.
The postal sector is undergoing significant change both nationally and internationally, with the increased use of electronic communications leading to a 38% decline in core mail volume for An Post from its peak in 2007. In recent years, there has also been a 17% decline in Department of Social Protection payments and a 20% reduction in Billpay transactions, both of which are key revenue lines for the post office network.
While these are ultimately commercial matters for the Board and management of An Post, as a commercial State body, the Government has stated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to the ongoing sustainability of the post office network in the context of the changing business environment in which they are operating.
The Post Office Network Business Development Group, chaired by Mr. Bobby Kerr, was established in late 2014 to examine the potential for new and existing Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network, and to identify new business opportunities for the network.
The final report of the Business Development Group, which was published in January of last year, made a number of recommendations to support the future sustainability of post offices.
These include recommendations in relation to the renewal of the post office network, the development of a basic payment account, the provision of motor tax services, and the creation of hubs around which local economic and social activity could revolve. The report also recommended that An Post should, following appropriate consultation with postmasters and others, review and amend the five-year strategy for the post office network.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to acting on the recommendations in the report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group. A number of Working Groups were established to progress the recommendations, one of which was a Network Renewal Implementation Group, which was chaired by Mr Bobby Kerr on behalf of An Post. This Group examined a number of issues, including the number and spatial distribution of post offices, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees. Mr. Kerr submitted his report to An Post in December 2016.
I separately established the Post Office Hub Working Group to identify potential models under which the post offices could act as community hubs, especially in rural areas. I chaired a number of meetings of this Group, which has now concluded its deliberations. The Group’s report is currently being finalised and I intend to make this report available to the Government as soon as possible.
My officials have also been examining the potential for the post offices to deliver other services, including options for the renewal of motor tax. A number of potential options for this service have been identified and proposals are currently being finalised in consultation with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
363. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the eligibility of a sports club for CLÁR programme funding; the application process and criteria used to adjudicate applications; if clubs can use the programme to fund capital projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5468/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline. The programme was originally launched in 2004, but was closed to new applications in 2009. I recently re-opened the CLÁR programme, with a focus on three separate measures:
- Measure 1: Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities
- Measure 2: Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas
- Measure 3: Local Access Roads.
Under the Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas measure, a number of sports clubs received funding to enhance playground facilities.
I understand that in the past the CLÁR programme could provide a top-up to Sports Capital Grants, subject to overall level of public funding not exceeding 80% of the total project costs. This top-up was approved for projects that were selected under the Sports Capital Grants Scheme run by the then Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and recommended for CLÁR funding. No new applications for this top-up have been accepted since 2009.
I have secured a budget of €5 million for CLÁR for 2017 and the measures to be implemented under the programme, as well as details of the application process, will be announced shortly. While I currently have no plans to introduce a top-up for the Sports Capital Grant, I will keep the matter under consideration in finalising the measures to be supported.
364. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the National Famine Commemoration Committee will next meet; if the issue of a set annual date for the Famine commemoration will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5481/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the most recent meeting of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, it was agreed that a sub-group would be established to consider proposals for the 2017 commemoration and that a date for the next meeting of the Committee would be set when the sub-group had completed its work. That work is ongoing with the assistance of the secretariat and a meeting of the full committee will be arranged upon its completion.
Future arrangements for the holding of commemorative events will be among the matters to be addressed by the Committee during 2017. In that regard, a Private Member’s Bill, which aims to provide for a fixed date for the annual commemoration of the Great Famine, is due to get a second stage reading on Thursday 9th February 2017.
365. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has received a submission from an organisation (details supplied) requesting that her Department establish a working group to investigate the establishment of a local public banking network here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5489/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that a submission was received by my Department from the organisation in question, seeking the investigation of the establishment of a particular model of public banking in Ireland.
The Programme for a Partnership Government envisages that An Post, the League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders will be asked to investigate and propose a new model of “community banking”, such as the Kiwibank model in New Zealand, which could be delivered through the Post Office network. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks that operate within well-defined regions.
The Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched by the Government on 23rd January, also includes a commitment to investigate these models. The role of my Department in relation to these commitments will be to work with other Departments and stakeholders to examine the feasibility of these - and potentially other - models.
Senior officials from my Department have already met with their counterparts in the Department of Finance on two occasions and are developing a work programme to progress the commitment. It is anticipated that their work will be concluded by the middle of the year. Consultation with relevant stakeholders will be undertaken as part of the work programme.
It should be noted that while my Department is facilitating the process of progressing the commitment in the Programme for Government and Action Plan for Rural Development in relation to this particular matter, wider policy responsibility for public banking falls under the remit of the Department of Finance.
366. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the national policy on social enterprise will be published; the main priorities to support social enterprise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5665/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe social enterprise sector in Ireland covers a wide spectrum of activities which are delivered by a range of organisations, from local community groups fully supported by the State to companies operating on a commercial basis for a social return.
A number of Government Departments currently provide supports to the social enterprise sector through a range of programmes and schemes. These include:
- the Community Services Programme managed by Pobal for the Department of Social Protection;
- the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme operated by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government;
- Community Employment schemes;
- the Wage Subsidy Scheme for the employment of people with disabilities;
- LEADER funding; and
- Dormant Accounts funding.
Some social enterprises also benefit from the services provided by the Local Employment Offices.
The objective of developing and publishing a National Policy on Social Enterprise is to provide a more co-ordinated approach to the sector in Ireland and to maximise its potential. The policy will cover the full spectrum of activity across the sector and will identify priority needs for its further development.
Preparing the policy will involve detailed research on the sector and consultation with key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments and agencies. My Department has already started the research phase and will be commencing the consultation process shortly. Following the completion of this process, I envisage that the National Policy on Social Enterprise will be published in the second half of this year.
367. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding and funding streams provided for the construction of a project (details supplied); if any public consultation on the project took place; if so, the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5770/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that funding of €75,000 was provided towards the cost of the project in question in 2015 under the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) pilot initiative, operated by the then Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
The funding application was made by the relevant Local Authority, which I understand was also responsible for the implementation of the project. The question of public consultation in relation to the project is a matter for the Local Authority concerned and I have no function in relation to this aspect of the project.
368. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the scheme to be introduced to assist in the upgrading of residential accommodation in towns and villages; if this grant scheme will be available throughout the country; the likely timescale for its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5977/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched on 23rd January, contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.
As part of the Town and Village Renewal scheme, I intend to launch a pilot project to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages. This pilot will be launched in the second half of the year, when details of the scheme have been finalised in consultation with relevant Departments. The pilot will examine ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes.
369. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her proposals for the support of mountain rescue teams in 2017 and in the future, in view of the tremendous voluntary work they do and the vital role they play in the development of rural recreation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6074/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMountain Rescue Ireland (MRI) operates on a voluntary basis, but has received State support for a number of years to help cover the organisation’s operating costs. I understand that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport currently provides an average grant of approximately €7,500 per annum for each MRI rescue team. This grant helps with the provision of health and safety equipment, etc. In addition, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has also made funding available to MRI on a once-off basis towards the cost of replacing a number of vehicles.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO), managed by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, until recently provided funding to help defray the cost of insurances which are necessary to allow the MRI teams to continue with their search and rescue activities.
As MRI is no longer a recipient of funding under the SSNO, I allocated funding of €66,245 to the organisation in 2016 towards the cost of insurance for 2017.
I recognise the very important work which MRI carries out and the support service it provides in rural and remote recreational areas. Funding to support the work of MRI will therefore be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
370. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the names, contact phone number and email address for all the environmental health officers in Dublin; and the areas which they cover in Dublin. [5439/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
371. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of the phased introduction of buprenorphine, nalaxone or alternatively known as suboxone; when he expects funding to be made available for this phased roll out as outlined in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5593/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSuboxone is authorised as a substitution treatment for opioid drug dependence, within a framework of medical, social and psychological treatment. It is currently being provided to a cohort of patients involved in the pilot and feasibility study for Suboxone.
If the provision of Suboxone is to be given the same statutory basis as methadone, in order to ensure its safe, appropriate and cost-effective use, an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs (Supervision of Prescription and Supply of Methadone) Regulations 1998 will be necessary.
The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015 was enacted as emergency legislation in March 2015 following a Court of Appeal decision on a constitutional challenge to section 2(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. The 2015 Act reconfirmed the existing ministerial regulations and orders made under the 1977 Act, including the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 and the 1998 Methadone Regulations. As a result, these Regulations may only now be amended by primary legislation.
The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2016 was passed by the Oireachtas on the 27 July 2016. The primary purpose of the 2016 Act is to protect public health by bringing certain substances which are open to misuse and known to be traded on the illicit market under the scope of the Misuse of Drugs legislation. Controlling the substances in the Act was part one of a two-step process and Regulations and various Orders are also required to allow legitimate users (e.g. patients with a prescription, health professionals) to possess the substances. Work on drafting the regulations has been complex and technical in nature but is at an advanced stage of preparation. It is expected that various sections of the 2016 Act can be commenced in the coming weeks when the drafting of the various Regulations and Orders is complete.
When this process has been completed, it will pave the way for the HSE to commence the phased roll out outlined in Budget 2017.
An additional €3 million in funding has been allocated to the HSE this year for addiction services. The increased budget includes funding for the roll out of Suboxone, the pilot supervised injection facility, more detox places and improved access to under-18 treatment services.
372. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the status of the recruitment of the director of the decision support service under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5433/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality, provides for the establishment of the Decision Support Service within the Mental Health Commission to support decision-making by and for adults with capacity difficulties and to regulate individuals who are providing support to people with capacity difficulties. A Steering Group chaired by the Department of Justice and Equality has been set up to progress the establishment of the Decision Support Service and this work is ongoing.
Approval to advertise and recruit a person for the post of Director of the Decision Support Service has now been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and it is hoped that this post will be advertised shortly.
373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure the adequacy and continuation of the services at St Raphael's, John of God's, Celbridge, County Kildare, with particular reference to the transport and respite needs of residents and day attendants and the future operation of the services there and at Dunfierth House, Enfield, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5356/17]
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.
Budget 2017 includes an increased allocation to the Disability Services Programme to address a number of key priorities in the Programme for Partnership Government. The allocation for disability services will rise to over €1.654bn in 2017, an increase of €92 million on the Budget 2016 allocation.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
374. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health when hospital management staff at Waterford University Hospital will be briefed in respect of the recently announced mobile catheterisation laboratory as to whether the unit will be made exclusively available for the use of the hospitals in the south east region; if it will be primarily utilised for reducing waiting lists or conducting emergency procedures; if it will be available to the communities of the south east on a 24-7 basis; the number of persons it is estimated that a mobile catheterisation laboratory can cater for on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5357/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the current daily running costs of the catheterisation laboratory at Waterford University Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5358/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.
Budget 2017 makes specific provision for those patients waiting longest for treatment within the health service. In this context, I am considering a national cardiology waiting list initiative which will address waiting times for cardiology treatments in a number of hospitals, including University Hospital Waterford. A range of measures are envisaged including sharing of facilities and resources within and between Hospital Groups, use of private facilities and the deployment of a mobile cath lab. I have written recently to the Director General of the HSE about the proposed initiative and I expect that further details will be made available in the coming weeks.
I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to your specific queries on the operation of mobile cath labs.
376. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of the request by a person (details supplied) to the fair deal scheme for a review of their monthly contribution to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
377. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of persons awaiting spinal surgery at Tallaght and Naas hospitals and the growing number of outpatients awaiting assessment; the action he is taking to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5397/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018.
I wish to assure the Deputy that action is being taken to address the number of persons awaiting spinal surgery throughout the country. The €40 million Winter Initiative 2016/2017 includes a €7m fund for a targeted waiting list programme for orthopaedics, spinal and scoliosis procedures. Specific actions included provision of €3m for additional orthopaedic procedures at the National Tertiary Referral Centre at Cappagh for patients referred from Tallaght, Tullamore, Beaumont and St. James Hospitals and it is of note that 521 additional orthopaedic patients received treatment in Cappagh by year end 2016 as a result of this funding.
In relation to the growing number of out-patients awaiting assessment, I wish to advise the Deputy that, in November 2016, the HSE launched the Strategy for the design of Integrated Outpatient Services 2016-2020. It seeks to improve waiting times for outpatient services by enhancing patient referral pathways and utilising technology to enable better planning.
Furthermore, in December 2016, my Department wrote to the HSE requesting that it submit in January a Waiting List Action Plan for 2017 in respect of both the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List and the Outpatient Waiting List. The focus of these plans should be to ensure that no patient is waiting more than 15 months on either list by the end of October, including those awaiting gynaecological appointments and procedures. The HSE has been requested to develop the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List Action Plan in conjunction with and supported by the NTPF's proposal for utilisation of the remaining €10m of 2017 funding for patient treatment. I expect to make known the details of both plans in the coming weeks.
378. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to have nicotine replacement therapy available on the drugs payment scheme (details supplied). [5434/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is available to medical card holders, on prescription, on the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. NRT products are also available as over the counter items, without the need for a prescription.
NRT is not reimbursable under the Drugs Payment Scheme. There are no plans to change this arrangement. However, two non-nicotine prescription medicines are authorised in Ireland to assist in smoking cessation, and these are available on both the GMS and the Drugs Payment Schemes.
379. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of continuity of service of a public health nurse in an area (details supplied) in County Limerick; if the population in this area will receive a dedicated public health nurse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
