Dara Calleary
Ceist:136. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when compensation will be paid to a person (details supplied) of An Garda Síochána in County Mayo. [10426/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGarda Compensation
Ceisteanna (136)
Freagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that two applications for compensation under the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, 1941 and 1945, were made by the person concerned. On 3rd October 2008 and 15th November 2012, authorisations were granted to the claimant on both applications. In accordance with the Acts, the applicant's legal representative were notified to proceed to the High Court for compensation in respect of each case. As such, these applications have been dealt with by my Department and I, as Minister, have no further role in the matter.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (137)
James Lawless
Ceist:137. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the year in which Ireland is likely to meet the relevant research and development national income targets as a result of the NDP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10427/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I presume the Deputy is referring to Ireland’s R&D intensity target which is for Gross Expenditure on R&D (public and private) to reach 2.5% of GNP by 2020.
Notwithstanding that we have increased both public and private R&D spending in recent years, Ireland’s R&D intensity rate (R&D budget as a percentage of GNP) was estimated at 1.43% of GNP in 2016. The recent fall has been due, in part, to the increase in GNP, which was particularly strong in 2015. While Ireland has not yet reached its 2020 target, it is worth noting only 2 of the EU27 countries have reached their targets as per latest figures.
The CSO introduced a new indicator in July 2017 (modified GNI or GNI*) designed to exclude globalisation effects that disproportionately impact the measurement of the size of the Irish economy. When using GNI* as a complementary indicator, the R&D intensity rate is estimated at 1.72% for 2016.
The NDP indicative allocation of €9.4 billion for the National Strategic Outcome “A Strong Economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills” to be invested by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills, is very welcome. It will support the delivery of key strategic investment priorities, including a Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, expansion of advanced manufacturing supports, new cycles for the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, expanding Enterprise Ireland’s budget for R&D and strengthening SFI Research Centres and Enterprise Ireland / IDA Technology Centres in higher education in all regions. While the precise timing of the rollout of the above initiatives has yet to be finalised, in time, this investment will play a key role in facilitating Ireland reaching its R&D intensity target.
Departmental Meetings
Ceisteanna (138)
Niall Collins
Ceist:138. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the newspapers her Department officials have engaged with in promoting or explaining Government business in her Department; when these meetings took place; if they are held on a regular basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10287/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department engages with journalists, including those from the print media, in relation to promoting or explaining the work of the Department, through the staff of the press office on an on-going basis. This engagement happens almost daily, primarily by email or over the phone and as such it is not feasible to supply a record of these.
Motorised Transport Grant
Ceisteanna (139)
John Brassil
Ceist:139. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of the new transport support scheme for disabled persons; his plans to ensure that the new scheme includes persons under 16 and over 66 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10244/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will 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 4,133 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.
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 Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring/Summer session 2018. 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.
It is hoped to bring a General Scheme and Heads of Bill to Government shortly, seeking Government approval to the drafting of the Bill for the new Transport Support Payment.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable. 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.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (140)
John Brady
Ceist:140. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health when the last review of the long-term illness scheme took place; if changes were made to the scheme as a result of a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10249/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended).
The scheme was last reviewed in 2015. No changes were made to the scheme on foot of the review.
Psychological Services
Ceisteanna (141)
Eugene Murphy
Ceist:141. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a child psychology appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10212/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (142)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:142. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will expedite orthopaedic surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10216/18]
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 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.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Ceisteanna (143)
Robert Troy
Ceist:143. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied) will be investigated. [10220/18]
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 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (144)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:144. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10226/18]
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 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.
HSE Reports
Ceisteanna (145)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:145. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if a full report on the pilot re-enablement intervention programme in Dublin in 2013 to 2014 was completed; if he will provide a copy of this report; his plans to conduct further pilot trials or to extend this service; the long-term costs or savings to the HSE as a result of this pilot programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10228/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health and Social Care Professionals Regulation
Ceisteanna (146)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:146. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health his views on media reports that there is a lack of appropriate regulation applied to the role of health care support assistants; if the structures and practices surrounding core issues will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10237/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department is currently engaged in a detailed process to develop plans for a new statutory scheme and system of regulation for home care services. The statutory scheme for home care will introduce clear rules in relation to the services for which individuals are eligible and in relation to service-allocation. The system of regulation for home care will help to ensure that the public can be confident that the services provided are of a high standard.
As the issues of continuity of care on the rosters, appropriate time afforded to fulfil duties required, a maximum cap being applied to rosters and travel time included on rosters are a service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Blood Transfusion Service Provision
Ceisteanna (147)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:147. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he has had discussions with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service regarding offering a service to persons with haemochromatosis at donation clinics at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10240/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The IBTS contributes to addressing the issue of Hereditary Haemochromatosis through providing venesection services in Stillorgan and D'Olier Street (Dublin) and in St Finbarr's Hospital (Cork) on the basis of referrals from treating clinicians.
The IBTS propose to initiate a pilot mobile clinic for Hereditary Haemochromatosis patients in the South West in the coming months. The degree to which people avail of this service will inform whether the extension of the service to other areas over time is advisable.
Medical Card Appeals
Ceisteanna (148)
John Brady
Ceist:148. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card appeals that were recorded in County Wicklow over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
Medical Card Applications Data
Ceisteanna (149)
John Brady
Ceist:149. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card applications from County Wicklow that were successful following an appeal in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
Hospital Transfers
Ceisteanna (150)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:150. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a date for transfer from Letterkenny University Hospital to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10247/18]
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.
As the Deputy's question relates to service issues, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Commencement of Legislation
Ceisteanna (151)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:151. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the full commencement of all provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; and the reason for the delay. [10254/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials in my Department are undertaking the work necessary to facilitate the commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. A small number of technical and legal issues have arisen which require clarification, and it is important that these are resolved before Parts 2 & 3 of the Act are commenced. I hope to be in a position to lay the Regulations before the Houses of the Oireachtas as early as possible in 2018.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (152)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:152. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of funding for premises and transport for the provision of places at training centres in 2018 for second level students graduating from a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10257/18]
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.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
HSE Reviews
Ceisteanna (153)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:153. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason an internal HSE review of cancer screening at Wexford General Hospital did not refer to concerns expressed by a person employed by the HSE regarding a clinician (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10260/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
HSE Reviews
Ceisteanna (154)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:154. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason open disclosure was not maintained between the HSE and families affected by probable missed cancers at Wexford General Hospital during the completion of the external review of a case (details supplied) in spite of the HSE's prior commitment to open disclosure with the families concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10261/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.