Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:176. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of family income supplement in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017. [23904/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFamily Income Supplement Data
Ceisteanna (176)
Freagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.
Number of recipients of Family Income Supplement at 31 December in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017
|
Year |
Recipients |
|
2013 |
44,159 |
|
2014 |
50,306 |
|
2015 |
55,913 |
|
2016 |
57,567 |
|
30th April 2017 |
56,833 |
Land Acquisition
Ceisteanna (177)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:177. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the land acquired by the State in Lucan Demesne and St. Catherine's Park has been retained by the OPW or has been transferred in part or all to Fingal, South Dublin and Kildare County Councils; if a plan was provided by all three local authorities to the OPW; if so, when; if there are restrictions as to developments that may be permitted in the park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23692/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Management of the lands referred to, which were acquired by the Commissioners of Public Works in 2006, was passed, by agreement, to the Local Authorities, also referred to in the question. The Commissioners have not been apprised of definitive development plans for the lands.
Public Sector Pensions
Ceisteanna (178, 182)
Mick Barry
Ceist:178. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will hold formal negotiations with a group (details supplied) regarding the restoration of cuts to pensions in view of the fact that they affect retired public servants. [23689/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
John Curran
Ceist:182. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if retired public servants will be represented at the forthcoming public sector pay talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 182 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 186 on 17 May 2017.
Flood Prevention Measures
Ceisteanna (179)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:179. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the flood prevention measures put in place along the River Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23727/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delivering a multi-annual programme of capital investment in flood defence measures, from the €430 million allocated through the Capital Investment Plan 2016 to 2021. Since 2009, a number of major flood defence schemes have been completed in the Shannon catchment area including Ennis Upper and Derrymullen, Ballinasloe. Further schemes are currently underway at Kings Island in Limerick, Foynes, Athlone, Ennis Lower and Ennis South.
The OPW introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme in 2009, following the flood events experienced in many parts of the country. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Details of the administrative arrangements for this scheme are available on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
Table 1 sets out the annual detail by Local Authority area of the 473 minor works projects approved by the OPW each year since 2009 within the Shannon Catchment area. The OPW also publishes on its website, www.opw.ie, the location and details of each project approved. The commencement and progression of any works, for which funding is approved, is a matter for each Local Authority concerned.
The core strategy for addressing the significant flood risks along the River Shannon is the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. Of the 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) nationwide, there are 66 in the Shannon River Basin District that have been assessed within the Shannon CFRAM study. These are listed in Table 2 below.
Feasible flood relief structural measures have been identified to provide protection to almost all properties at assessed significant risk from flooding. Following a public consultation process, the Flood Risk Management Plans are now being finalised, taking on board the observations received. These final Plans will include a prioritised list of feasible structural measures, to address flood risk in an environmentally sustainable and cost effective manner.
In January 2016, the Government took decisive action to support the existing plans in place to address flooding on the Shannon and established the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group to enhance ongoing co-operation of all State agencies involved with the River Shannon and to add value to the CFRAM Programme.
The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group has taken the decision to develop a plan for strategic maintenance works on the River Shannon that will complement the Group’s Work Programme and the specific measures that are identified for the areas at risk in the CFRAM Draft Shannon Flood Risk Management Plan. The Group has established a sub-committee to address all of the necessary legal, environmental, technical and other considerations that arise in bringing forward both short term and long term proposals. The Group has now agreed to the delivery of targeted maintenance activities to be carried out in a range of locations this year in accordance with the permitted seasonal windows for such activities.
Since last October, the Group has also been piloting the lowering of the lake levels in Lough Allen to help mitigate potential flood risk during Winter months and has also endorsed the commencement of a specific project, led by the OPW, to identify viable flood risk reduction measures in the Shannon Callows.
Table 1
Approved Projects under Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme in the Shannon Catchment
2009 to 2017 (to end April)
|
Local Authority |
Approved Projects 2009-2017 |
|||||||||
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
End-April 2017 |
Total |
|
|
Cavan County Council |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Clare County Council |
1 |
6 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
23 |
|
Cork County Council |
2 |
9 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
25 |
|
Donegal County Council |
0 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
Galway County Council |
1 |
66 |
18 |
24 |
7 |
7 |
19 |
14 |
9 |
165 |
|
Kerry County Council |
8 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
27 |
|
Laois County Council |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
0 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
19 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
0 |
17 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
27 |
|
Longford County Council |
0 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
16 |
|
Mayo County Council |
8 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
28 |
|
Meath Council County |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
9 |
|
Offaly County Council |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
5 |
14 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
10 |
4 |
43 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
||
|
Tipperary County Council |
2 |
15 |
5 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
7 |
4 |
45 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
Totals |
32 |
162 |
59 |
61 |
21 |
21 |
41 |
56 |
20 |
473 |
Further details on all projects approved under the Scheme can be found on the OPW website:
http://www.opw.ie/en/flood-risk-management/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/
Table 2
Areas of Further Assessment (AFAs) in the Shannon CFRAM Study
|
County |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Co Kerry |
Tralee |
Banna |
Moneycashen |
Tarbert Power Station |
|
Listowel |
Abbeydorney |
Ballylongford |
||
|
Co Cork |
Charleville |
Milford |
||
|
Co Limerick |
Athea |
Limerick City |
Castleconnell |
Dromcolliher |
|
Adare |
Clarina |
Croom |
Kilmallock |
|
|
Rathkeale |
Askeaton |
Newcastle West |
Cappamore |
|
|
Abbeyfeale |
Foynes |
|||
|
Co Clare |
Kilkee |
Kilrush |
Springfield |
Killaloe/Ballina |
|
Quin |
Bunratty |
Sixmilebridge |
Shannon |
|
|
Ennis |
Shannon Airport (IRR3) |
O’Briens Bridge |
||
|
Co Tipperary |
Roscrea |
Borrisokane |
Nenagh |
Newport |
|
Co Galway |
Portumna |
Ahascragh |
Ballinalsoe |
|
|
Co Offaly |
Clara |
Pollagh |
Rahan |
Birr |
|
Shannon Harbour |
Shannon Bridge Power Station (IRR2) |
|||
|
Co Laois |
Clonaslee |
|||
|
Co Longford |
Longford |
Clondara |
Edgeworthstown |
Abbeyshrule |
|
Lanesborough Power Station (IRR1) |
Ballymahon |
|||
|
Co Roscommon |
Boyle |
Roscommon |
Castlerea |
Athleague |
|
Co Westmeath |
Athlone |
Mullingar |
Kilbeggan |
|
|
Co Leitrim |
Drumshanbo |
Leitrim |
Mohill |
Dromod |
|
Carrick-on- Shannon |
Public Sector Pensions
Ceisteanna (180, 181, 183)
Clare Daly
Ceist:180. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consult with a group (details supplied) regarding the restoration of public sector pensions with particular reference to moving forward the 2021 timeline in the programme for Government. [23763/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:181. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will engage in a formal talks process with a group (details supplied) to discuss the way in which the date projected in the programme for Government for completion of the restoration of pensions 2021 could be brought forward. [23764/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:183. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consult a group (details supplied) regarding the restoration of public sector pensions with a view to moving forward the 2021 timeline in the programme for government. [23925/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 181 and 183 together.
There is no legislative provision for access to third-party adjudication in respect of pension increases for recipients of public service pensions. Indeed there is no such facility for recipients of the Contributory State Pension. However, the interests and concerns of public service pensioners in relation to public service pension issues have been regularly articulated in meetings between the Alliance of Retired Public Servants and my Department. This engagement has also included meetings between the Alliance, myself and my predecessor. Through that process of engagement with the Alliance, I believe that public service pensioners have had, and continue to be afforded, a meaningful and direct means of articulating their concerns in relation to pensions and related issues.
The period since the Alliance’s engagement with my Department commenced in 2013 has been marked by notable legislated pension improvements for many public service pensioners. Specifically, public service pensioners are benefitting significantly from the substantial reversal of the cuts to public service pensions above specified thresholds which were originally imposed by way of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) under the FEMPI legislation.
I and my Department are fully committed to maintaining the well-established dialogue with the Alliance of Retired Public Servants. Through ongoing recourse to that dialogue process, I believe that retired public servants and their representatives can be confident that their pension concerns will receive full and proper consideration as they have done in the past.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 178.
Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 180.
Banking Sector
Ceisteanna (184)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:184. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the community bank consultation that her Department is undertaking. [23610/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government envisaged that An Post, the Irish League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders would 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.
My Department is actively working with the Department of Finance to progress the Programme for a Partnership Government commitments. A public consultation process, seeking views on the community banking model, was launched in early March and ran for four weeks to 29 March. My Department received a total of 16 replies from a range of stakeholders and all submissions are now available on my Department’s website at:
http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/consultation/consultation-on-local-community-banking/
Senior officials from my Department and the Department of Finance also met with representatives of the German Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation, Irish Rural Link and the Public Banking Forum of Ireland to discuss the viability of the Sparkassen model of local community banking in an Irish context.
All views received in relation to this matter are being considered and I anticipate that work on the examination of community banking models will be completed shortly. A report will be submitted to Government at that stage.
Firearms Licences
Ceisteanna (185)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding night-time shootings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23657/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While I have no proposals to amend the Wildlife Acts, it is my understanding that a report has been produced by a working group set up by the Firearms Consultative Panel of the Department of Justice and Equality which recommends best practice guidelines on the issue of shooting and hunting at night. The report is now with the Firearms Consultative Panel itself and it is a matter for that body to further consider the recommendations in the report. An official of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is a member of the Firearms Consultative Panel.
I should state that I would support any best practice guidelines that promote health and safety but at the same time allows farmers/landowners protect their livelihoods.
Disease Awareness
Ceisteanna (186)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:186. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Lyme disease. [23639/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The presence of ticks, which are the main vector for the transmission of Lyme Disease and similar infections, is an issue throughout the countryside and is not confined to National Parks, Nature Reserves or designated lands. These ticks can be found on a variety of animals including mice, voles, hedgehogs, dogs, sheep, deer and horses. The National Parks and Wildlife Service websites and notice/info boards provide useful information and advice for members of the public intending to visit National Parks and Nature Reserves. Information on Lyme Disease is available from the HSE at
http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Vectorborne/LymeDisease/.
Greenways Development
Ceisteanna (187)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:187. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if progress on the provision of a pedestrian and cyclist route along the railway across the Broadmeadow estuary is being delayed due to a lack of resources in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS; and the NPWS's response to the draft proposal and natural impact assessment. [23697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The progression of any proposals in relation to the development of such a pedestrian and cycle route is a matter for consideration, in the first instance, by Irish Rail and Fingal County Council.
Thatching Grants Expenditure
Ceisteanna (188)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:188. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding funding to grant aid or other supports for reroofing unique thatch cottages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23828/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Financial support is provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings, including the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, the Structures at Risk Fund and other initiatives operated by the Heritage Council. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures (i.e. structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures). I recently announced over five hundred projects across the country that will be supported by the scheme in 2017 which will create employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas.
The Structures at Risk Fund enables 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. Structures must be on the local authority Record of Protected Structures. The fund, administered through the local authorities, 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. I recently announced 67 projects countrywide that will be supported under the Structures at Risk Fund for 2017.
While the closing dates for both of the above schemes have now passed, my Department will work closely with the local authorities throughout the year in order to ensure that the best possible use is made of all funds within the schemes, including by reallocating funds where necessary when projects do not proceed within agreed timeframes.
The circulars setting out the terms and conditions of the schemes are available on all local authority websites, and on my Department’s website. Any enquiries should be directed to the relevant local authority.
In the context of a particular building, especially one which is on the Record of Protected Structures, the best advice for the owner may be to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer of the local authority who will be able to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with the building.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Grant schemes for 2017 are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
My Department does not administer a funding scheme specifically for thatched structures. However, the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government administers a grant scheme for the renewal or repair of thatched roofs of owner occupied houses. Full details are available from their website or by contacting the Thatching Grants Section of that Department.
Psychological Services
Ceisteanna (189)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:189. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if a psychologist has been appointed to an organisation (details supplied) for children requiring such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medicinal Products Availability
Ceisteanna (190)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:190. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the drug Respreeza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23630/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products Availability
Ceisteanna (191)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:191. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding asthma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23632/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Partnership Government is directly relevant to the deputy’s question. It includes a commitment to significantly reduce the cost of medicines for all citizens. The reduction in the prescription charge for over 70's in Budget 2017 was an important measure in this regard. I will continue to examine other measures to deliver on this important commitment in future years, having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.
The introduction of GP care without fees to children under 6 years of age also represents a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. The under-6s GP service contract, which includes age-based preventive checks focused on health and well-being and a cycle of care for children with asthma, underlines the Government’s commitment to enhancing primary care and keeping people well in their own community. Almost 364,000 children under 6 have access to GP care without fees through a medical card or GP visit card and over 31,200 children have been registered for the asthma cycle of care by their GPs as at 9th May 2017.
On the issue of dealing with the threat from tobacco, Tobacco Free Ireland – the report of the Tobacco Policy Review Group – was endorsed by Government and published in October 2013. It builds on existing tobacco control policies and legislation already in place in this country, and sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a smoking prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025. The Government is committed to implementing Tobacco Free Ireland as outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government. Some of the key achievements since the publication of Tobacco Free Ireland are:
- the increase in price of tobacco products in Budgets 2014, 2015 and 2016;
- the commencement of legislation which protects children from second hand smoke in cars;
- the commencement of legislation to provide for standardised packaging of tobacco products;
- the commencement of legislation to transpose the EU Tobacco Products Directive;
- the commissioning and publication of the economic cost of smoking in Ireland report;
- the publication of the Health Information and Quality Authority’s Health Technology Assessment of smoking cessation interventions;
- the further development by the HSE of the QUIT campaign and the enhancement of supports for smokers who wish to stop smoking;
- the commencement of a process to develop National Clinical Guidelines for smoking cessation between the HSE, the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) and other stakeholders;
- the publication of research on tobacco including the potential impacts of standardised packaging;
- the continued enforcement of tobacco control legislation by the HSE;
- the continuation of an annual Healthy Ireland Survey, the Health Behaviour in School Children Study (HBSC) and the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) which gives up-to-date reliable data on the prevalence of smoking throughout the whole population;
- the engagement in the Healthy Ireland Framework to assist with changing social norms around smoking;
- the involvement of the NGO sector in supporting Tobacco Free Ireland actions;
- the approval of Government to proceed with drafting the General Scheme of a Bill to provide for the introduction of a licensing system and other measure for tobacco products and non-medicinal nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes; and
- the engagement with the World Health Organisation in implementing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
These actions together with other past initiatives have resulted in a decrease in the prevalence of smoking in Ireland.
Finally, the HSE has a National Clinical Programme for Asthma (NCPA). It is responsible for designing and specifying standardised models of care, guidelines, pathways and associated strategies for the delivery of integrated clinical care to improve quality, access and value. The overarching aim of the NCPA is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with asthma in Ireland and to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life of all patients with asthma.
Disease Awareness
Ceisteanna (192, 213)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:192. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to increase awareness of Lyme disease in view of recent protests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23638/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Willie Penrose
Ceist:213. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 502 of 9 May 2017, the terms of reference for the survey and the person or body that was consulted; if all best practice testing mechanisms currently available were included in this survey, including methods that look for cellular activity; if the economic cost of not using adequate laboratory methods was considered; when the results will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23713/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 213 together.
Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE has extensive information concerning Lyme disease on its website http://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vectorborne/lymedisease/.
Since 2013, the HPSC has held an annual ‘Lyme Awareness Week’ at the beginning of the tick biting season, the purpose of which is to draw attention - particularly in the media - to Lyme disease and the ticks that can spread this disease. This year Lyme Disease week started last Monday and will continue until 22 May, with a further media and other activities due to take place over the rest of the week. It is normally held at this time of the year to raise awareness before people engage in outdoor activities such as ramblers, campers, mountain bikers, and others who work and walk in forested or grassy, which bring them into contact with ticks. Advice is given on how to avoid tick bites, and on what to do if you are bitten. Further information is available on the HPSC website - www.hpsc.ie - and on twitter
The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee, the aim of which is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency, an Environmental Health Officer and, very importantly, a representative from Tick Talk Ireland, the primary Support Group for Lyme disease in Ireland.
The initial work of the Lyme Borreliosis Sub-committee involved a survey of laboratory methods for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis in Ireland, the development of Lyme borreliosis guidance for general practitioners, the publication of medical media articles to highlight diagnostics and laboratory methods relating to Lyme borreliosis available in Ireland. Material has been produced which is aimed both at the general public and General Practitioners.
There is extensive information for the public and health professionals on the HPSC website. This information for the public includes:
- Lyme Disease Frequently Asked Questions;
- Laboratory testing for Lyme Disease: FAQs for general public;
- Lyme Disease Illustrations; and
- CDC's instructions on how to remove a tick.
There is also significant support and information for health professionals on the HPSC website. These supports include a fact sheet on tick borne diseases, including Lyme Disease. This fact sheet gives information on clinical the disease, transmission routes, prevention measures, diagnosis, and management and treatment. There is also an erythema migrans (EM) diagnostic tool to aid health professionals in the diagnosis of EM, which is frequently the earliest clinical manifestation of Lyme borreliosis.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (193)
Robert Troy
Ceist:193. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the waiting lists for a spinal consultation at Tallaght hospital; the number awaiting triage to go on the waiting list; and the steps he will take to reduce the list. [23644/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Medicinal Products Licensing
Ceisteanna (194)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:194. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently holding licences granted by his Department for the cultivation of hemp here in accordance with Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 1164/89. [23649/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 16 May 2017 seven licences have been issued for the cultivation of hemp.
Medical Card Appeals
Ceisteanna (195)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical card appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23658/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.