Written Answers Nos. 136 - 156
136. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and names of local authorities that have a published migrant integration strategy; the number of local authorities without such a strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49548/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no responsibility in relation to the actions of local authorities. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have sought the relevant information from the Local Government Management Agency. A survey was undertaken of the 31 local authorities and 10 have confirmed that their migrant integration strategies have been published.
19 local authorities do not currently have a migrant integration strategy.
Development of Local Authorities' integration strategies will be undertaken within the framework of the National Strategy. Action 52 of the Migrant Integration Strategy - A Blueprint for the future, which was published on 7 February 2017, provides for the updating of integration strategies by local authorities over the lifetime of the Strategy i.e. from 2017 to 2020. A Monitoring and Co-ordination Committee has been established to support the process of implementing the Migrant Integration Strategy. The Committee, which comprises representatives of relevant Government Departments, State Agencies and the NGO sector, met for the second time in October 2017 and are due to meet again in January 2018. Progress on the implementation of the actions in the Strategy will be reviewed at the end of 2018 and a report prepared for Government.
137. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the staff that have been seconded from her Department to the National Museum of Ireland since 2007; the position of each; and the dates of their seconded positions. [49481/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that no staff have been seconded from my Department to the National Museum of Ireland since the establishment of my Department in June 2011.
My understanding is that following the establishment of the National Museum of Ireland on 3 May 2005 staff who were not engaged for the performance of duties exclusively in the Museum were seconded for an agreed 25 month period, at the end of which they had the option to transfer definitively to the Museum or to return to the Department or the wider Civil Service. My Department has no record of any further secondments since such staff were formally transferred.
138. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to appoint a representative of film crews to the board of the Irish Film Board in order to ensure that a large section of workers in the sector are represented. [49526/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Irish Film Board Acts 1980-2011, I appoint the members of the Board with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Board consists of six members and a Chair. The current Board was appointed in March 2017 following the advertisement of the board positions on the dedicated website www.stateboards.ie where applicants with a range of skillsets were invited to apply. These applications were then considered by the Public Appointment Service before a short list was presented to me.
The terms of three of the serving members of the board will expire in March 2020, in advance of which the positions will be advertised on the stateboards.ie website. It will be up to any person with the relevant skillsets to apply for positions when they arise at that time.
139. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that training in the film industry has a clear path way for trainees and recognised certification (details supplied). [49528/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Film Board is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry. Screen Training Ireland is part of the Irish Film Board and is the national training and development resource specifically created for Ireland’s film and television industry. Screen Training Ireland works with national and internationally recognised industry professionals to identify, design and deliver training for Irish professionals. Training programmes are offered to enhance expertise in Film, Television, Animation and interactive screen content.
Issues around training as well as recruitment of requisite skills and talent and certification in the Irish film, television and animation industry through Screen Training Ireland are examined in the recently published National Strategy for Training and Education for the Audio-visual Industry which was commissioned by The Irish Film Board and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
The report has now been published and is available at www.irishfilmboard.ie/news/bai-and-ifb-report-calls-for-government-policy-on-training-for-the-film-tel.
The recommendations of this study, along with an economic analysis of our screen based creative industries which my Department has commissioned in partnership with the Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Business, Enterprise and Innovation, will provide inputs for the development of an industry-wide long term plan for Ireland as a global hub for the production of Film, TV Drama and Animation under Pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland Programme.
140. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a speech and language appointment; the reason that most recent appointments have been cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49491/17]
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.
141. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a surgery for a person (details supplied) will be expedited to enable the person to commence primary school. [49493/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
142. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); if an appointment will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49494/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49496/17]
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.
144. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if his officials will facilitate a meeting with Cobh Community Hospital to discuss his plans for the hospital (detail supplied). [49502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy office has not received a request for a meeting with the Board of Cobh Community Hospital. I would suggest that the Deputy arrange for a representative from the Board of Cobh Community Hospital to contact my office to request a meeting and I will endeavour to facilitate the Board's request.
145. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the status of progress on the development of a day care centre (details supplied) in Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
146. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to an organisation (details supplied) to develop residential services at a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49504/17]
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.
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.
147. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49510/17]
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.
148. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health the number of blind and visually impaired persons who have personal assistants paid for by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49511/17]
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.
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.
149. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment can be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [49522/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
150. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will review the composition of the parental steering group for progressing disability services in County Kildare with a view to including parental representatives from north County Kildare in view of the fact that the group comprises representatives from mid- and south County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49525/17]
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 particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
151. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the rationale for including a clause setting an age limit of 47 years of age for women to receive treatment in the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49527/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill aims to promote and ensure the health and safety of parents, and children born as a result of assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment, as well as other parties who may be involved such as donors and surrogates. In this regard consideration of the welfare and best interests of children born through AHR is a key principle underpinning the Scheme. The wellbeing of women involved in AHR procedures also requires special attention, as women are the main recipients of such interventions due to their biological role in pregnancy and childbirth.
The General Scheme sets out specific criteria for the provision of AHR treatment. In addition, the Scheme states that the AHR treatment provider would have to consider the welfare of the child in making the final decision whether or not to provide AHR treatment.
Those providing AHR treatment need to make a clinical assessment of any prospective patient and ensure that AHR treatment does not represent a disproportionate risk to the health of the patient or to the health of any potential child. Female age is one of the main factors affecting the outcome of AHR and a woman’s ability to conceive a child inevitably reduces with age. In light of these considerations, the General Scheme sets an upper age limit of 47 years for women for the provision of AHR treatment.
152. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when legislation establishing the transport support scheme will be introduced in Dáil Éireann; the provisions to be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49529/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the proposed Health (Transport Support) Bill with the Joint Committee on Public Petitions on Wednesday 11th October. The Deputy may be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme. The Health Service Executive has advised that there are currently 4,133 individuals in receipt of this payment.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. The Government's legislative programme for 2017 includes the Health (Transport Support) Bill. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The draft General Scheme and Heads of Bill were circulated to other government Departments and have been the subject of consultation between the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. When the consultation with other relevant Departments has been completed, the next step will be to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance.
Specifically adapted vehicles driven by disabled persons are also exempt from payment of tolls on national toll roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular Scheme.
153. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an application for a mobility scooter by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49532/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
154. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a follow up assessment and treatment through CAMHS will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49533/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
155. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for orthodontic work for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49538/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
156. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the waiting lists for student orthodontic care across all of the CHO regions, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49539/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
