Catherine Connolly
Ceist:151. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of an overseas registration application (details supplied) which is with the NMBI since August 2017. [15622/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Ceisteanna (151, 152)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:152. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of an overseas registration application (details supplied) which has been with the NMBI since December 2015 [15623/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
I wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised.
Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the NMBI. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply within 10 working days.
General Practitioner Training
Ceisteanna (153)
John Brassil
Ceist:153. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his plans to continue the GP training scheme currently operating successfully at Tralee Institute of Technology and co-ordinated by a local GP group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15627/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services. The Programme for Partnership Government commits to increasing the number of GP training places to 259 places annually. In July 2016, the GP training intake increased from 157 to 172 places and the HSE's 2017 National Service Plan envisages a further increase, to 187 places this year. I am anxious to achieve further increases in future years in order to ensure that the future manpower needs of general practice can be met.
I understand that as of July 2016, there are 8 first year GP trainees attending the South West GP Training Programme which is based in Tralee. As GP training is currently the responsibility of the HSE, I have arranged for the question on the future of this training scheme to be transferred for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (154)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will cover the costs of a medical device required after an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15652/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for this matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (155)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:155. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the role of the national ambulance service in providing transport to hospital appointments for those that have no alternative transport available to them; the number of referrals to this office in 2016; the number of transfers arranged; the numbers of transfers refused; the other transport options available to persons who cannot arrange transport to and from hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15653/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (156)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:156. 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. [15674/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Voluntary Sector Funding
Ceisteanna (157)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:157. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the amount allocated to voluntary and community organisations in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017 by his Department, including a breakdown of all funding schemes and-or streams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15681/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department administered a National Lottery Discretionary Fund for the years 2011 to 2016 from which once-off grants were paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a range of health related services. Total funding amounted to €3.286m per year.
A list of all the organisations that received lottery funding in each of the years from 2011 to 2016 is available on my Department's website at http://health.gov.ie/about-us/list-of-organisations-who-received-lottery-funding-2009-2016/
My Department no longer operates a National Lottery Fund. However, the Deputy should note that the HSE operates a similar scheme and continues to provide grants to health agencies and other organisations from National Lottery funds.
Hospitals Data
Ceisteanna (158)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:158. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the number of babies who have had to stay in neonatal intensive care units in each of the past three years; the average length of stay for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15685/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Respite Care Services Availability
Ceisteanna (159)
John Curran
Ceist:159. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities awaiting respite beds in County Dublin, in tabular form; the number waiting six months, 12 months and more than 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15716/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Ceisteanna (160)
Joan Collins
Ceist:160. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15717/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (161)
Joan Collins
Ceist:161. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the outpatient waiting list for appointments to attend the service of the urology department in St. James's Hospital for six months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months and 48 months. [15724/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Health Promotion
Ceisteanna (162)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:162. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the details of a HSE campaign (details supplied); the planned duration of the campaign; the cost of the campaign for its duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15725/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I welcome the Health Service Executive website askaboutalcohol.ie and the information campaign on alcohol as an important first step in enabling individuals to manage their own drinking. This website and the associated campaign will play an important role in providing public health information on alcohol. Simple yet effective tools like the drinks calculator will empower individuals to assess their drinking habits and make informed choices to improve their health and wellbeing. The website will also be an useful resource for health services workers and those working in the field.
The Department has asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly in relation to the specific questions you raise in respect of the website and campaign on alcohol.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (163)
Robert Troy
Ceist:163. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15727/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Departmental Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (164)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:164. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of private investigation firms hired by his Department in the past five years and to date in 2017; the names of the firms; the amount they were paid; if they supplied his Department with a report on completion of their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15739/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm no private investigation firms were hired by my Department up to the end of 2015. My officials are reviewing records for 2016 and to date in 2017 and will advise the Deputy of any further relevant information; however, to my knowledge the Department of Health does not use the services of private investigation firms.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (165)
Noel Rock
Ceist:165. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to counteract the negative effects of Brexit on agricultural communities; if a county projection of impact on associated tax has been successful; if not, if this will be considered (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15608/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ever since the UK Referendum on Brexit, I and my Department have been actively engaged in assessing the impact of the vote on the Irish agri food sector, and particularly on those in rural agricultural communities. I fully recognise the potential difficulties that the sector could face in the event of a hard Brexit, a sector which is of critical importance to our economy. Its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural areas in particular.
The more immediate impacts of Brexit relate to the significant drop in the value of sterling against the euro and the effects that this is having on industries with significant trading activity in the UK.
The medium- to longer-term impacts will revolve around the potential application of tariffs, the implications of divergence in regulations and standards, border controls with Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and certification, including the related areas of veterinary and animal health certification. There will also be difficult challenges in relation to potential restricted access to fishing grounds and resources.
In response to the challenges posed, I have undertaken a number of important steps within my own Department, which include the establishment of a Brexit Response Committee and a dedicated Brexit Unit. As already mentioned, I have also created a Stakeholder Consultative Committee, which is complemented by frequent contact with representative organisations and companies on an ongoing basis.
Last October, as part of Budget 2017, I announced measures aimed at alleviating the pressures of exchange rate volatility associated with Brexit. These measures included the introduction of the ‘Agri Cashflow Support Loan’ fund of €150 million; enhanced taxation measures and an additional allocation of €1.6m in 2016 and €2m in 2017 to Bord Bia to ensure that they are in a position to provide Brexit-related supports to affected companies. I also provided for increased funding under the Rural Development Programme and Seafood Development Programme.
I recently awarded over €1.8 million in grants to 19 seafood enterprises under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme for the seafood sector. The aim of these grants is to incentivise seafood innovation and new product development as a means of meeting the Brexit challenge.
I am also involved in a series of bilateral meetings with my EU counterparts which is aimed at building alliances to ensure that agri-food and fisheries issues are at the top of the EU negotiation agenda. I want to discuss and get a sense of the importance of Brexit for them and of the degree to which they could support Ireland’s efforts to have these issues specifically and adequately taken account of in the negotiations.
I have just returned from a series of such bilaterals in Germany, Netherlands and Denmark, and most recently in Estonia and Poland. I have plans to meet other EU Ministers next month.
I am also in regular communication with Commissioner Hogan, and my officials have taken part in meetings with the Commission and the Barnier Task Force.
In all of these engagements I am making clear our demand for continued unfettered access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures, as well as keeping the UK market viable for Irish producers by minimising the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries. In relation to fisheries, Ireland wants to maintain current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and protect our quota share for joint fish stocks.
The Government remains very focused on supporting the agri-food industry through the challenges ahead. I will continue to consult with the industry as the negotiations develop, and press Ireland's case for continued free access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
Agriculture Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (166)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:166. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in County Clare who have not received 85% of the total 2016 payment for GLAS 1, GLAS 2 and AEOS; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15567/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested in respect of Co. Clare is set out in the following table.
|
Scheme |
Paid |
Unpaid |
|
GLAS 1 |
1,453 |
142 |
|
GLAS 2 |
646 |
43 |
|
AEOS |
476 |
80 |
Agriculture Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (167)
Mary Butler
Ceist:167. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons in County Waterford who have not received 85% of the total 2016 payment for GLAS 1, GLAS 2 and AEOS; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15570/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested in respect of Co. Waterford is set out in the following table.
|
Scheme |
Paid |
Unpaid |
|
GLAS 1 |
289 |
71 |
|
GLAS 2 |
106 |
25 |
|
AEOS |
82 |
12 |
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (168)
John Brassil
Ceist:168. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15590/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received full entitlements in respect of the 2015 scheme year.
During the 2016 prepayment checking process an issue presented on the computerised crosscheck of Department databases. Department officials have examined this issue and the application is now being further processed for payment in respect of the 2016 scheme year.
TAMS Payments
Ceisteanna (169)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:169. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a TAMS application; and if he will review it without delay. [15616/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted a claim for payment for investments under the Dairy Equipment Scheme on the 20 March 2017. The payment claim is currently being examined with a view to finalising shortly.
Fishing Industry Development
Ceisteanna (170)
John Brassil
Ceist:170. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will approve the natura fishing plan for Castlemaine Harbour 2016-2026 in view of the fact studies by the Marine Institute and BIM are complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15625/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I approved the new Fisheries Natura Plan for mussel seed fishing in Castlemaine Harbour, Co. Kerry, on 13 March 2017 following appropriate assessment which determined that the fishing activities described in the Plan will not affect the integrity of the features of the designated Natura 2000 sites.
The Plan was prepared by the Bottom Grown Mussel Consultative Forum's Secretariat (provided by Bord Iascaigh Mhara) on behalf of the Castlemaine Harbour Co-operative Society Limited (persons affected by the designation) in consultation with the Society's Committee of Management, BIM and local mussel operators. As part of the appropriate assessment process, the Marine Institute prepared an assessment report and both documents were issued for consultation. In making my determination, I took account of advice received from the Marine Institute, views received during the consultation, relevant legislation, as well as the matters concerning the management of the mussel seed fishery resource.
The process governing the assessment and consideration of the Fisheries Natura Plan is set out in the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Sea-fisheries) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 290 of 2013). The Plan and associated documents are being made available on the website www.fishingnet.ie, the Government's commercial sea-fishing network portal.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (171)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:171. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in an AEOS 2 payment in respect of a person (details supplied); if he will expedite payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15628/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named commenced their AEOS 2 contract on 1st September 2011. Payment issued in respect of the 2011-2015 Scheme years.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place. As 2016 is the final scheme-year of payment for the person-named, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. These checks have now been completed and it is expected that the appropriate payment will issue within the next 10 working days.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (172)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an AEOS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15669/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named commenced their AEOS 2 contract on 1st September 2011. Payment issued in respect of the 2011-2015 Scheme years.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System must take place. As 2016 is the final scheme-year of payment for the person-named, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. Officials are working through these files and payments will be made as soon as possible.
Control of Dogs
Ceisteanna (173)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to microchipping dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15675/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The key concern underpinning microchipping arrangements is to ensure that dogs are identified and can be quickly reunited with their owners if they become lost. A dog microchip has limited functionality due its small size and, since it contains no internal power source, it cannot, on its own, lead to the reunification of a stray dog with its owner unless the 15 digit number is recorded on a database that can be easily located. Likewise, the owner of a dog involved in killing sheep cannot be traced unless a robust microchipping system is in place. A number of databases are operational in Ireland and I am satisfied that there is adequate competition in the market place in Ireland. However, my Department is currently reviewing the legislation relating to dog microchipping.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (174)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:174. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1067 of 21 March 2017, when a GLAS payment in respect of persons (details supplied) will be paid in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15679/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received full entitlements in respect of the 2015 scheme year and payment of 85% of the payment due for 2016 has issued. The balancing payment of 15% of 2016 entitlement will issue in due course.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (175)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:175. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15711/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and the first instalment payment in respect of 2015 has issued.
During the 2015 prepayment checking on the balancing 2015 payment an issue presented on the computerised crosscheck of Department databases. Department officials are actively working to resolve this issue with a view to further processing the application for payment as soon as possible.