Written Answers Nos. 119-140
119. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the Copenhagen economic report; and the role her Department officials will have in responding to same. [8467/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, this study commissioned by my Department and undertaken by Copenhagen Economics was published on Tuesday 14th February. It is also the subject of a stakeholder conference today in Croke Park.
The report examines the Strategic Implications Arising for Ireland from Changing EU-UK Trading Relations and provides an evidence base on key trade and investment questions which will help to inform Ireland’s position as part of the wider negotiation on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
It will also help to inform our evolving domestic policy response and measures necessary to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities arising as a result of Brexit. Using a computable general equilibrium model to quantify new barriers to trade in goods and services which might emerge as a result of Brexit, the study:
- Quantifies impact of six possible Brexit scenarios on trade and investment – the impact of these scenarios on metrics such as GDP and exports is considered, and analysis of both short and long term impacts is examined; and
- Provides analysis of the likely impact of Brexit on key sectors.
All of the scenarios examined produce a result that is less favourable than a non-Brexit scenario. However, regardless of the scenario, the Irish economy is still expected to record strong, positive growth out to 2030 - Brexit has a dampening impact, resulting in a lower growth rate than would otherwise have occurred.
Given the scale of the Brexit challenge, detailed cross-Government work is continuing at home to prepare for the UK’s exit, in parallel to work in Brussels. This includes contingency planning for all possible scenarios.
My own Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) continues to work with colleagues across government through the various structures including the Cabinet committee on all aspects of Brexit, to ensure the growth and resilience of Irish enterprise.
My Department plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies to stimulate the productive capacity of the economy and create an environment which supports job-creation and jobs maintenance. Brexit impacts upon all of these areas, and on many others within the Department’s remit.
In relation to Brexit, our objective is to support firms to adapt to the challenges and opportunities Brexit presents by ensuring we have fit for purpose policies. Our strategy is to minimise risks and maximise opportunities by ensuring the growth and resilience of Irish enterprise post-Brexit working across four pillars which are:
- Helping Firms to Compete;
- Enabling Firms to Innovate
- Supporting Firms to Trade;
- Negotiating for the Best Possible Outcome;
My Department recently published “Building Stronger Business” which summarises the issues facing enterprise, the policy measures my Department has already taken, those we plan to take, our research programme designed to inform these policies, and the Departmental structural reforms put in place to ensure that we can work as efficiently and effectively as possible to support our companies.
Several important steps have already been taken to prepare our economy, including through a range of measures announced in Budgets 2017 and 2018, the commitments included in APJ 2017, and the targets included in the Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy.
From my Department’s perspective, we are leveraging the expertise and enhancing the capacity of our Agencies to ensure that they are in the best possible position to address the needs of their clients in relation to competitiveness, innovation and trade diversification. This is being achieved through the provision of information, advice, training and other supports.
Specific DBEI actions to date include:
- DBEI has made an additional €6 million in funding to its agencies, in 2017 and 2018, to recruit up to 100 additional staff, specifically to assist in the response to the evolving Brexit situation. These resources have been distributed across Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority. These additional resources will be assigned to both overseas offices in markets that are growing and in Irish offices to address a range of Brexit issues, including the support for internationalisation activities, a strengthening of the LEOs ability to respond locally to help micro-enterprises, and enhanced support for innovation.
- The rollout of the Brexit Loan Scheme to provide affordable financing to Irish firms impacted by Brexit. The scheme aims to make up to €300 million available to business with less than 500 employees.
- We are developing proposals for a Longer-Term Business Investment Loan Scheme together with a new Business Advisory Hub service which would focus on business development to allow enterprises to position themselves for a post-Brexit environment.
- The EU Commission has approved a ‘rescue and restructuring’ scheme. The scheme can be drawn on in exceptional circumstance for a company severely affected by Brexit.
- We are working with DG Competition examining other possible measures to support some of our most exposed and impacted companies should the need arise. Such measures may need a greater level of support than is required under current State aid rules.
Looking forward, Action Plan for Jobs 2018 will continue to act as an effective lever for driving reforms that enhance the competitiveness of Irish firms, increase jobs and grow the resilience of our economy in the context of Brexit, while we are also finalising a review of Enterprise 2025 to take account of Brexit and other global challenges over the longer term.
Our response to Brexit will continue to evolve and the Copenhagen Economics study, along with evidence emerging from other relevant studies, as well as continued engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, will assist in informing the evolution of that response.
120. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the contingencies and supports in place to safeguard Irish small and medium-sized enterprises and export businesses from a hard Brexit scenario, including revision of state aid rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8894/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is carrying out extensive work to prepare for all Brexit eventualities. Informed by detailed research, my Department is putting in place a package of measures that will allow us to respond to the needs of businesses including the Brexit Loan Scheme which was announced in Budget 2018, and will provide affordable working capital financing to eligible businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or will be in the future.
The recent signing of the counter guarantee from the EIB group (through its InnovFin Guarantee) means that the €24 million exchequer funding announced in the 2018 Budget (€14 million from my Department and €9 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) can be leveraged to provide a fund of €300 million. The Brexit Loan Scheme will be open to businesses of fewer than 500 employees which can demonstrate that they are significantly exposed to the impact (or potential impact) of Brexit. They must be a viable business, doing business in Ireland, and they must have a business development strategy demonstrating that they plan to innovate or adapt in response to Brexit. My officials are also examining policy proposals for a new longer-term Business Investment Loan Scheme to support businesses to invest strategically for a post-Brexit environment together with a new Business Finance Advisory Hub service which would focus on business development.
In November 2017, the then Tánaiste met with Commissioner Vestager (who has responsibility for EU State aid policy). An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from DG Competition, the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. The Working Group has met three times and in between these meetings, there has been engagement on specific issues in order to continue to progress matters. Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Working Group discussions.
As one part of a suite of measures to mitigate against the effects of Brexit, a Rescue and Restructuring (R&R) Scheme notified to the Commission was approved in late November 2017. This scheme has been put in place as it is considered prudent to have contingency measures in place so that we can respond swiftly to changing circumstances as necessary.
121. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of businesses that have taken up Brexit business supports, such as the be prepared grants and Brexit readiness vouchers provided by Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland. [8895/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe long-term response to Brexit is for companies to become more competitive, more innovative and to diversify their export footprint into more markets. I am confident that the agencies under my Department have the supports to enable companies to consolidate market share within the UK and also to become more resilient by broadening their sales to other international markets. Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the LEOs are actively supporting their clients to achieve this. My Department provided for additional monies in 2017 to enable EI and the LEOs to ramp up its supports in light of Brexit to drive improvements in:
- productivity,
- innovation,
- management capability and
- leadership skills,
and really driving the ambition of managers to look to other markets around the world.
Enterprise Ireland’s Be Prepared Grant offers SMEs a grant of up to €5,000 to assist them in preparing an action plan for economic shocks, such as Brexit. The grant can be used to help cover consultancy, travel and travel expenses associated with researching the direction of their action plan. Enterprise Ireland is committed to processing all applications for the grant within eighteen days. As of February 15th 2018, 84 have been approved, with 8 more in progress. Enterprise Ireland is actively promoting its supports, and is launching a series of Brexit Advisory Clinics this week. These clinics are designed to help companies plan and take immediate action to effectively mitigate the risks and avail of the opportunities that Brexit poses.
A key part of InterTrade Ireland’s Brexit strategy is the provision for a Brexit ‘Start to Plan’ readiness voucher scheme of €2,000, which enables SMEs to purchase specialist advice in areas such as customs, tax, tariff and non-tariff barriers, legal and labour mobility issues. As of February 16th, a total of 43 such vouchers have been approved, with a further 11 pending.
122. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of Brexit-related supports for enterprise and farming, including relaxation of State aid rules, European and Irish grant funding and in market supports in the EU 26 for businesses seeking to increase trade. [8896/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, principally through Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs, has continued to promote the importance of businesses preparing for Brexit, and has developed a range of supports to help them achieve this.
(EI) and the (LEOs) are the primary providers of supports to assist enterprises within the indigenous sector that are facing challenges arising from Brexit. They are working vigorously to enable companies to consolidate market share within the UK and also to become more resilient by broadening their sales to other international markets. My Department provided for additional capital funding in 2017 to enable EI and the LEOs to ramp up its supports in light of Brexit to drive improvements in:
- productivity,
- innovation,
- management capability and
- leadership skills.
Specific programmes introduced during 2017 have included;
- An online ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ to help all Irish businesses self-assess their exposure to Brexit.
- A ‘Prepare for Brexit’ online portal and communications campaign.
- An enhanced programme of trade and investment missions and other trade promotional events.
- A new Eurozone Strategy to increase exports to Eurozone countries by 50% by 2020.
- A new €5k “Be Prepared Grant”(for Enterprise Ireland clients)
- Enterprise Ireland is hosting “Prepare for Brexit” breakfast roadshows nationally to engage with companies.
- Three new strategic communications campaigns launched to target separate elements of Brexit preparedness. ‘Global Ambition’ is aimed at encouraging companies to export; ‘PrepareforBrexit’ highlights actions required by companies to improve resilience; and a new ‘Irish Advantage’ campaign will target Eurozone buyers to buy Irish innovation in key sectors.
- In recent weeks, EI launched its new Market Discovery Fund to help more Irish companies accelerate their market diversification efforts.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those who are interested in starting or growing their own business. The suite of LEO Brexit supports available to micro and small businesses through the 31 LEOs nationwide include:
- Access to the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ online tool where micro and smaller businesses can self-diagnose their readiness for Brexit;
- A ‘Technical Assistance for Micro-enterprises’ grant designed to support qualifying businesses to diversify into new markets, enabling companies to explore and develop new market opportunities;
- Rollout of ‘Lean for Micro’ nationwide which will make small businesses more efficient and competitive;
- A ‘LEO Innovation and Investment Fund’ pilot programme to support innovation in micro-enterprises and get them investor ready to scale their businesses;
- Tailored mentoring to address Brexit related business challenges;
- Targeted training on specific Brexit challenges, including financial aspects and capability building in innovation, competitiveness and opportunity diagnosis; and
- Continued information, advice and guidance across all 31 LEOs and regionally.
The additional Brexit supports on offer through the LEOs are focused on capability building, market diversification, driving increased competitiveness, and promoting innovation so that LEO client companies can better cope with the challenges arising on foot of Brexit and to explore any opportunities presented.
The Brexit Loan Scheme, which was announced in Budget 2018 and will be launched in March of this year, is a €300 million loan scheme offering working capital loans at interest rates of 4% or less to eligible Irish SMEs and small mid-caps of less than 500 employees. The scheme is 60% funded by my department, and the remaining 40% has been funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the expectation that at least 40% of the fund will be drawn down by food businesses.
On the State Aid aspects, In November 2017, the then Tánaiste met with Commissioner Vestager (who has responsibility for EU State aid policy). An outcome from this meeting was the establishment of a Working Group comprising representatives from DG Competition, the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with State Aid rules. The Working Group has met three times and in between these meetings, there has been engagement on specific issues in order to continue to progress matters. Should issues arise that require an approach that does not fit within the existing State Aid rules, this will be raised as part of the Working Group discussions.
As one part of a suite of measures to mitigate against the effects of Brexit, a Rescue and Restructuring (R&R) Scheme notified to the Commission was approved in late November 2017. This scheme has been put in place as it is considered prudent to have contingency measures in place so that we can respond swiftly to changing circumstances as necessary.
On the Trade aspects, Enterprise Ireland is working with client companies through a network of market and sector advisers from 10 offices located throughout Ireland and 33 international offices across the globe. Along with additional staffing, 2017 also saw an enhanced programme of over 145 international trade events to target opportunities on a sectoral basis.
Enterprise Ireland’s 2017-2020 Strategy aims to increase the diversification of client exports into new markets, with two-thirds of exports going beyond the UK.
On the 15th May 2017, Enterprise Ireland launched a new Eurozone Strategy to assist Irish exporters increase exports in Eurozone countries by 50%, from €4 billion to €6 billion by 2020. This strategy will be accompanied by a new ‘Irish Advantage’ communications campaign which will target Eurozone buyers to buy Irish innovation in key Brexit impacted sectors such as med-tech and engineering.
The diversification strategy is focused on geographical markets, and on diversifying into new market segments. The activities of Enterprise Ireland’s overseas network are supported by the Market Research Centre and Strategic Marketing Unit based in Dublin along with a range of financial and capability developments supports aimed at helping client companies to achieve this growth in overseas markets.
In relation to Brexit related supports for farming that question would be best answered by my colleague Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
123. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the companies that received aid under the Enterprise Ireland stabilisation fund; the amount each company received; the ex-post analysis of the scheme that has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8909/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies that received aid under the stabilisation fund that are still in business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8910/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together.
The Enterprise Stabilisation Fund (ESF) was established by Government to support viable but vulnerable exporting companies that were experiencing difficulties due to the economic crisis, which started in 2008. Client companies of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Údarás Na Gaeltachta, and Shannon Development across all sectors within manufacturing and internationally traded services were eligible to apply. The fund was administered by Enterprise Ireland.
The State Aid basis for the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund was the Temporary Aid Framework 2008. Based on this derogation from the EU, the ESF was open for the years 2009 and 2010.
Enterprise Ireland approved €80.4 million under the non-competitive ESF and paid out €80.018 million. 223 companies were approved funding, and the average funding per enterprise was €375,000.
The majority of the companies supported are still trading as viable entities, and continue to contribute to the Irish economy. As of March 2017, over €22.5 million has been redeemed to date from companies that were legally in a position to do so. (A company must have distributable reserves to be in a position, legally, to repay the State. Redemption of the shares will continue to be sought from companies who fall into this category.
€15.72 million invested in ESF companies cannot be redeemed as the companies have been dissolved, liquidated, or gone into receivership.
The objective of the ESF was to retain jobs and ensure the continued survival and growth of these Enterprise Ireland client companies. In total, 9,500 jobs were supported as a result of the fund.
Table 1: total amount invested/drawn down by year over the period 2007-2010, under the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund.
|
Year |
Investment Amount (€) |
|
2007 |
180,337 |
|
2008 |
7,028,316 |
|
2009 |
56,029,434 |
|
2010 |
16,780,000 |
|
Grand Total |
80,018,087 |
125. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of efforts to curb ticket touting; and the timeframe for the passing of legislation in this regard. [8976/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince receipt of the submissions to the public consultation on the resale of tickets, officials of my Department have engaged in follow-up discussions with sporting bodies, event promoters, consumer bodies, primary ticketing service providers and secondary ticket marketplaces. My officials have also liaised with public authorities in EU and EFTA member states with laws that prohibit or restrict ticket resale on the experience with, and effectiveness of, these laws. I am currently considering a range of options aimed at helping ensure that ticket markets work better for consumers in the light of these discussions and enquiries and of the responses to the public consultation. The outcome of this process will inform both me and the Government on the approach to be taken on this matter which I hope to be in a position to finalise in the near future.
126. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether Sláintecare is a comprehensive reform action plan or implementation plan for the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8846/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sláintecare report represents a significant milestone in our political and health policy history. It is the first time in the history of the State that cross-party consensus of this scale has been achieved on health policy. It provides a once in a generation opportunity to achieve the most comprehensive reform of our health services ever undertaken and to improve health outcomes for our population. Having supported the work of the Committee since its establishment, I am eager to harness the consensus achieved to drive reform of our health services.
Implementing large-scale reform of this nature requires a significant programme of work, and this work is underway. It was acknowledged in the Sláintecare report that more detailed consideration of issues including key actions, deliverables, costings, timelines and key performance indicators would be required as part of the implementation process in Sláintecare.
To that end, my Department is currently preparing an implementation plan in response to the Sláintecare report. This process is at an advanced stage, and officials from my Department are now engaging with the Departments of the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. It is my intention to bring this plan to Government shortly.
127. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the advice received by his Department in relation to the costings in Sláintecare; if his Department or others are costing the proposals separately; when this is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8847/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Committee on the Future of Healthcare engaged the Centre for Health Policy in Trinity College Dublin to assist it with its deliberations. As part of this process, the Centre provided indicative costings for a range of recommended actions and these are outlined in the report. The Committee acknowledge in the report that these costings are only indicative, and that further work will be required by the Implementation Office, the Department of Health and the HSE to ensure effective investment in change.
As the Deputy is aware, I have been supportive of the work of the Committee since its establishment and believe the publication of the Sláintecare report provides us with a once in a generation opportunity to achieve the most comprehensive reform of our health services ever undertaken. The reform plans envisaged in the Sláintecare report will be a significant undertaking and need to be translated into a concrete and phased programme of work. In this regard, my Department is currently developing an implementation plan in response to the Sláintecare report. This process is at an advanced stage, and officials from my Department are now engaging with the Departments of the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in the near future. Consideration of costs is an important part of this process and this will be addressed in the implementation plan.
128. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on the Sláintecare report; the timeframe for same; if he will meet with the members of the Select Committee on the Future of Healthcare in advance of publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8848/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sláintecare report, produced by the Committee on the Future of Healthcare, represents a significant milestone in our political and health policy history. It is the first time that cross-party consensus of this scale has been achieved on health policy. It provides a once in a generation opportunity to achieve the most comprehensive reform of our health services ever undertaken and to improve health outcomes for our population.
Implementing a large-scale reform of this nature requires a significant programme of work, and this work is underway. My Department is currently preparing an implementation plan in response to the Sláintecare report. This process is at an advanced stage, and officials from my Department are now engaging with the Departments of the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in the near future. Recruitment is also underway for an Executive Director for the new dedicated Sláintecare Programme Office which is being established. I was also pleased to be able to announce a substantial commitment of nearly €11 billion to capital investment across our health services over the next decade as outlined in the National Development Plan published last week. This investment will support new capacity development and provide a catalyst for reform.
I will meet with a representative group from the Committee on the Future of Healthcare next week to provide a further update.
I am confident that the period ahead will see a notable advancement in the implementation of Sláintecare in a manner that will build momentum and support for the long-term reform of our health and social care services.
129. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 287 and 359 of 12 December 2017, if he has made decisions based on the findings by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8859/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently considering the issue of the application of the public in-patient charge of €80 for venesection in Acute Hospitals as well as broader issues in relation to the treatment of patients with Hereditary Haemochromatosis. A meeting involving relevant personnel in the HSE and the Department of Health is being arranged in that regard.
130. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [8875/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
131. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a permanent general practitioner will be assigned to Waterville, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8878/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
132. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been spent on the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8879/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the NTPF Audited Annual Financial Statements for 2016, the total expenditure by the NTPF in 2016 was €34,287,621, made up of €30,387,932 for patient care, and €3,899,689 for administrative expenses.
The NTPF did not have a direct role in the commissioning of patient treatments in 2016. The procurement of treatments was carried out by the HSE and the role of the NTPF was administration of the payments to the hospitals.
The 2017 Annual Financial Statements have not yet been completed. However I can confirm that the Department of Health provided an allocation of €20 million to the NTPF for 2017.
133. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount that was spent in private hospitals here and outside the State in relation to the NTPF in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8880/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NTPF has provided the following information in relation to their expenditure on Private and Voluntary Hospitals, both inside and outside the State, in the years from 2011 to 2016.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2016 |
€30,387,932 |
|
2015 |
€21,345,689 |
|
2014 |
€0 |
|
2013 |
€4,262,636 |
|
2012 |
€22,999,528 |
|
2011 |
€56,784,944 |
Please note that the NTPF 2017 and 2018 Annual Financial Statements have not yet been completed and therefore the Department is not able to provide the comparable information for 2017 and 2018 at this time.
134. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount that has been spent by the HSE to pay for procedures under the cross-border healthcare directive and the treatment abroad schemes in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8881/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Directive on Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare provides rules for the reimbursement of patients' of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State (Member State of Affiliation) and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level through the legislation on the coordination of social security schemes (Regulation 883/04). The Directive seeks to ensure a clear and transparent framework for the provision of cross-border healthcare within the EU, for those occasions where the care patients seek is provided in another Member State rather than in their home country. S.I. 203 of 2014 provides the legal basis for the Health Service Executive to operate the EU Directive on Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland, including the reimbursement of the cost of treatment.
The HSE also operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme, for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation 883/04, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulation 987/09, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines.
As the HSE has responsibility for the administration of the Cross Border Directive and Treatment Abroad Scheme, I have asked the HSE to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
135. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8885/18]
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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
136. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be issued for a person (details supplied). [8888/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
137. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if Sativex is available or being prescribed by general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8889/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
On 11 July 2014, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 were amended to allow for certain cannabis-based medicinal products to be used in Ireland. The Health Products Regulatory Authority subsequently granted a marketing authorisation for the cannabis-based medicinal product Sativex to be marketed in this State. It was then open to the holder of that authorisation to make the product available for prescribing in Ireland.
In September 2014, The HSE received an application for the reimbursement of Sativex.
A Health Technology Assessment on Sativex was completed by the NCPE, which did not recommend reimbursement of Sativex at the submitted price.
The HSE issued the manufacturers with notice of its intention not to reimburse.
On 9 February 2018 the HSE received a new reimbursement application from the manufacturer. A rapid review by the NCPE was commissioned on 12 February and this application will be assessed in line with the 2013 Act.
138. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if immunocompromised groups of persons in need of immunisation from tuberculosis are being provided with the BCG vaccination; the measures he is undertaking to ensure there is a sufficient supply of the BCG vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8892/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive continues to experience on going delays with the supply of BCG vaccine. BCG vaccine stock in all areas expired at the end of April 2015 and as of today this continues to be a problem for Ireland and other countries in Europe that use this licensed BCG vaccine. Since this problem became apparent, the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) has been in regular contact with the manufacturer of BCG vaccine to ascertain when the vaccine might be available. There is only one licensed supplier of BCG vaccine to Ireland and this vaccine manufacturer has informed the NIO that the BCG vaccine will not be delivered into Ireland until late 2018 at the earliest. The NIO and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have sought an alternative supply of BCG vaccine that meets safety, quality and effectiveness standards and that could be used in Ireland. To date no appropriate alternative manufacturer has been found. When there is confirmation of a date for a new supply, the HSE will be guided by the recommendations of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee on its administration.
139. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of a matter (details supplied). [8893/18]
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.
140. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of day places available for training young adults with disabilities, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8898/18]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
