Written Answers Nos. 237-269
237. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason an employment permit in respect of a person (details supplied) was refused on the basis of the company not being registered with the CRO despite the fact that the company is not a PLC and does not need to be registered as such; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10875/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that an application for a General Employment Permit for the person concerned was received on 11th January, 2018. A decision was made to refuse the granting of the application on 20th February 2018.
Following a review of this case, a decision has been made to award a General Employment Permit to the person concerned and the permit issued on 7th March 2018.
My officials have been in touch with the applicant to inform them of this outcome.
238. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the available IDA lands at the end of quarter 4 of 2017 in County Cork; the occupied IDA lands at the end of quarter 4 of 2017 in County Cork by town in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10880/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of an adequate supply of marketable serviced land and buildings in advance of demand is a key element in the IDA's ability to compete for mobile foreign direct investment. The availability of property solutions allows projects to commence at an earlier date by diminishing much of the difficulties associated with land acquisition, planning and construction. It is, therefore, an important means by which the IDA can encourage and attract new investors to County Cork.
The following tables list all IDA Ireland land available for marketing (Table A) and occupied IDA Ireland properties (Table B) in County Cork as at the end of Quarter 4 of 2017:
Table A:
|
Town |
|
Hectares |
|
Youghal |
Springfield Estate |
1.87 |
|
Youghal |
Foxhole |
1.00 |
|
Skibbereen |
Poundlick Estate |
3.86 |
|
Kanturk |
Mallow B & T Park |
0.68 |
|
Kinsale |
Rathhallikeen |
0.12 |
|
Kanturk |
Pulleen |
2.47 |
|
Fermoy |
Rathealy |
0.94 |
|
Cork City |
Cork City Kilbarry B&T Park |
57.53 |
|
Carrigtohill |
Carrigtohill B&T Park |
11.08 |
|
Charleville |
Rathgoggan Estate |
1.86 |
|
Bantry |
Drombrow |
1.96 |
|
Bandon |
Laragh Estate |
1.83 |
|
Cork City |
Ringaskiddy |
165.86 |
|
Cork City |
Cork B&T Park |
0.83 |
|
Cork City |
Ringaskiddy Estate |
0.20 |
|
Cork City |
Rossa Ave |
0.11 |
|
Millstreet |
Millstreet IDA Estate |
0.11 |
|
Fermoy |
Fermoy B & T Park |
6.05 |
|
Carrigtohill East |
Cork Carrigtohill East |
53.15 |
TABLE B :
|
Property Name |
Property Town |
|
Mallow Quarterstown Estate |
Mallow |
|
Brookpark |
Dunmanway |
|
Underhill |
Dunmanway |
|
Mahon Estate |
Cork City |
|
Little Island Estate |
Cork City |
|
Ballincollig |
Cork City |
|
Plot 4 Hollyhill |
Cork |
239. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of the EU directives not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; the estimated date for the transposition into law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11053/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department accords high priority to ensuring that good performance on the transposition of Directives is consistently maintained. In that regard, transposition is monitored on a regular basis within my Department and I can report that my Department does not have any Directives overdue for transposition.
Transposition is monitored through a customised intranet database, which is used as a central management and information tool to track the implementation of Directives on an ongoing basis. This complements the central tracking and monitoring of transpositions carried out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Status reports on the transposition of Directives are also provided regularly to the Management Board of my Department.
A total of eight Directives require to be transposed by my Department up to the end of 2019. In addition, the Department is dealing with the transposition of four codified Directives that have no deadline for transposition.
A full list of the Directives to be transposed by my Department up to end 2019, including estimated transposition dates, is set out below. This list of Directives is also provided on my Department’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie.
DIRECTIVES / REGULATIONS to be transposed by end of 2018 (Six)
|
Description of Directive |
Deadline for Transposition/ Unit Responsible |
Current Position |
|
1. Regulation 2016/426/EU Regulation 2016/426/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on appliances burning gaseous fuels and repealing Directive 2009/142/EC |
21/04/2018 Unit: Competition and Consumer Policy Unit |
It is expected that Regulation 2016/426/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
|
2. Directive: 2016/943/EU Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure |
09/06/2018 Unit: Intellectual Property Unit |
It is expected that Directive 2016/943/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
|
3. DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/217 DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/217 of 31 January 2018 amending Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the inland transport of dangerous goods by adapting Section I.1 of its Annex I to scientific and technical progress |
03/07/2018 Unit: Safety, Health & Chemical Policy Unit |
It is expected that Directive 2018/217/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
|
4. Directive 2017/164/EU Commission Directive (EU) 2017/164 of 31 January 2017 establishing a fourth list of indicative occupational exposure limit values pursuant to Council Directive 98/24/EC, and amending Commission Directives 91/322/EEC, 2009/39/EC and 2009/161/EU |
21/08/2018 Unit: Safety, Health & Chemicals Policy Unit |
It is expected that Directive 2017/164/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
|
5. Directive: 2017/738/EU Council Directive (EU) 2017/738 of 27 March 2017 amending, for the purpose of adapting to technical progress, Annex II to Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety of toys, as regards lead. |
28/10/2018 Unit: Competition and Consumer Policy Unit |
It is expected that Directive 2017/738/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
|
6. Directive 2017/1564/EU Directive (EU) 2017/1564 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2017 on certain permitted uses of certain works and other subject matter protected by copyright and related rights for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled and amending Directive 2001/29/EC of the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society. (Marrakesh Treaty) |
11/10/2018 Unit: Intellectual Property Unit |
It is expected that Directive 2017/1564/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
DIRECTIVES/REGULATIONS TO BE TRANSPOSED by end of 2019 (Two)
|
Description of Directive |
Deadline for Transposition/ Unit Responsible |
Current Position |
|
1. Directive 2015/2436/EU Directive (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2015 to approximate the laws of the Member States relating to trade marks (Recast) |
14/01/2019 Unit: Intellectual Property Unit |
It is expected that Directive 2015/2436/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
|
2. Directive 2017/828/EU DIRECTIVE (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017, amending Directive 2007/36/EC as regards the encouragement of long-term shareholder engagement |
10/06/2019 Unit: Company Law |
It is expected that Directive 2017/828/EU will be transposed by the deadline. |
240. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the proposed sectorial employment order (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11055/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI think it may be useful to set out the process by which an application for a Sectorial Employment Order (SEO) in a particular sector is developed and the role that the Minister and the Oireachtas has in this regard.
The Industrial Relations Act 2015 provides a new framework under which proposals for wage setting in particular economic sectors can be considered. The 2015 legislation was developed in response to the finding by the Supreme Court that the previous regime of Registered Employment Agreements was unconstitutional.
The 2015 Act allows for applications for SEOs to be made to the Labour Court by a trade union or an employer body either individually or on a joint basis. The Court must then examine and assess the application against the criteria set down in the 2015 legislation. This includes the issue of how representative the union or employer body is in the particular economic sector.
The Labour Court advertises in the national media its intention to undertake an examination of the application for the sector before it and invites submissions from all interested parties. I should emphasise that it is open to any interested party to make a submission to the Court at that point. In addition, parties that make written submissions to the Court will subsequently be invited to a hearing on the matter at the Court where further oral submissions can be made to the Court.
Following examination by the Court of the merits of the application against the criteria set down in the legislation, the Court can either decide to submit a recommendation to the Minister to adopt the proposal for a sectorial agreement by way of a Ministerial Order or, it can decide not to submit a recommendation.
My role as Minister is to examine the Labour Court recommendation and to ensure that in its examination, the Court has taken account of the relevant criteria set down in the 2015 legislation.
In the current instance of the SEO affecting plumbers, pipefitters etc. the Labour Court recommendation was submitted to me in December 2017. The Labour Court had previously advertised the application presented to it by the UNITE and TEEU trade unions in the national media and invited submissions in July 2017. Four submissions were received from the Mechanical Engineering and Building Services Contractors’ Association; the TEEU; Unite and the Construction Workers Pension Scheme. All submissions supported the application before the Court.
Having considered the Labour Court recommendation, I accepted the recommendation on the basis that it met the requirements of the 2015 Act and a draft of a Ministerial Order to give effect to the SEO was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 25 January 2018. The matter was referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Business, Enterprise and Innovation in February 2018 and got the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas also in February.
It should be noted also, that in tandem with this statutory process, employers and unions in this sector had already signed up to a voluntary agreement, on foot of proposals developed working with the Workplace Relations Commission which provided most recently for a 2.5% increase from 1 March 2018. This increase is in line with the rates now provided for in the SEO which has been signed into law to take effect from 6 March 2018.
241. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the funding has been set aside in each of the past five years to address the issue of loneliness and social isolation in the SME sector; if her Department or agencies under the remit of her Department have funded research on the topic of loneliness and social isolation; if her Department or agencies under the remit of her Department have projects planned which would address the issues of loneliness or social isolation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11258/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSmall and medium sized enterprises accounted for 99.8% of the total enterprise population for 2015. They also accounted for 69.1% of total persons engaged, with large enterprises (employing 250 or more persons) employing 30.9% of persons engaged. Nearly 28% of persons engaged work in micro companies (under 10 employees) but these companies accounted for over 92% of the 249,000 businesses in Ireland. This confirms that the majority of these micro businesses are sole traders or engaging 1-2 employees. Their businesses, ranging from construction to business services to logistics are essential to the operation of the business ecosystem in Ireland.
When working by yourself, it is imperative for the well-being of that person to mix and interact with others, particularly those who share a common interest and in your local area. That is why networking is an excellent solution to possible loneliness and isolation for sole traders and those in the SME sector. The Local Enterprise Offices operate a number of different networks such as the Women in Business Network and the Business Network- where meetings are driven by the needs of the group.
Business owners of these micro companies are often time poor and are reluctant to use their time on something that they do not see a direct return in their profits. That is why my Department developed an online mapping of supports for small businesses, located on the website at
https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Business-Sectoral-Initiatives/Entrepreneurship-/Mapping-of-supports/.
In this mapping tool, there are 83 hubs and co-working spaces and 82 networking groups. There are also 75 community enterprise centres who are members of NACEC (The National Association of Community Enterprise Centres).
In addition, Enterprise Ireland has recently completed the €5m Community Enterprise Initiative Fund, stimulating and supporting enterprise and job creation at a local, community and regional level. This fund is part of the Government’s €250m Regional Enterprise Development Initiative aimed at accelerating economic recovery in every part of the country. Through the utilisation of existing infrastructure and the leveraging of nationally available enterprise supports, the specific objectives of the scheme include:
- Fostering an increased collaborative, networked and linked approach to regional and local enterprise development and job creation.
- Establishment of hubs, accelerators, networks and clusters or other partnerships based on regional strengths, opportunities and uniqueness.
- Proactively seeking out, encouraging and supporting applications from economically disadvantaged areas.
- Promotion of a progression pathway for companies as they start, develop and scale.
The above-mentioned initiatives alongside the Community Enterprise Centres and the networking organisations outlined can help to alleviate potential loneliness and isolation in the SME sector. It is important to promote the message that the hubs and co-working spaces are spread throughout the country. Business people who join these organisations will benefit not only from rich business connections but also the social aspect and connectivity that shared working spaces bring.
242. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business; Enterprise and Innovation if she has satisfied herself that breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 identified by NERA in 2010 regarding sleep over shifts in the social care sector have been adequately resolved and that employees affected have been fully compensated for underpayments. [11365/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business; Enterprise and Innovation the levels of underpayment of minimum wage to employees working sleep over shifts in the social care sector which were established by NERA in each of the years 2010 to 2017 respectively; and the level of repayment of arrears which has been secured by the inspectorate on behalf of employees affected. [11366/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business; Enterprise and Innovation the measures taken between 2010 and 2017 to ensure against breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 in the social care sector specifically with reference to sleep over shift payments; the further steps she plans to take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11367/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra245. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Business; Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 20 February 2018, the proportion of the unpaid wages recouped for employees which applies to the social care sector in which employees were underpaid for sleep over shifts. [11368/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 242 to 245, inclusive, together.
I would draw the Deputy’s attention to the fact that policy responsibility for the social care sector and the issue of payment of overnight workers in that sector is a matter that comes within the remit of the Minister for Health and is a matter that is I understand, being dealt with by that Department.
As I mentioned in my earlier reply to the deputy on 20 February last, the Department of Health, the HSE, Social Care employers and unions are participating in a conciliation process led by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on the issue of time spent on sleepovers services in the social care sector. I understand that the intention is to ensure that arrangements are put in place to ensure that staff in that sector are in receipt of the national minimum hourly wage for hours spent on sleepover duty. As this is a matter primarily for the Minister for Health, I suggest that the deputy might wish to pursue this issue directly with that Department.
As regards the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), it is responsible in general for ensuring compliance with employment rights legislation, including the national minimum wage in all employment sectors. As the deputy will be aware, WRC inspectors, formerly NERA inspectors, routinely carry out inspections in all employment sectors, including in the social care sector, with a view to checking for and enforcing employment rights compliance by employers.
In the first instance, the WRC aims to achieve voluntary compliance with employment law through the provision of education and awareness, inspection of employers’ employment records and, enforcement where necessary. If voluntary compliance cannot be achieved and employers either refuse or fail to rectify the breaches identified and/or pay money due to their employees, these cases are referred for further prosecution.
The following table sets out the outcome of inspection activities in the broader healthcare sector in the years 2014 to 2018. Figures for the sector were not captured separately prior to 2014.
Inspections in Health Nursing and Childcare Sector
|
# |
No. of Inspections |
Unpaid Wages Recovered |
|
2014 |
88 |
€32,250 |
|
2015 |
83 |
€67,043 |
|
2016 |
73 |
€156,071 |
|
2017 |
78 |
€200,198 |
|
2018 |
4 |
€0 |
It is not possible to disaggregate the available data to identify the proportion of unpaid wages recouped by the WRC that relates to sleep over shifts in the social care sector.
It may be helpful to note that in response to compliance issues identified by NERA in the social care sector, guidance was published for the sector on the issue of entitlement to payment for hours worked by overnight workers.
This guidance can be accessed at:
http://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/Publications_Forms/Archived_Publications/NERA_Quarterly_Review_-_June_2012.pdf).
246. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of a work permit application by a person (details supplied). [11397/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department inform me that a Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit issued for the person concerned on 6th March 2018.
247. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the examinership process under way for a company (details supplied); if assistance to subcontractors in financial difficulty will be provided in view of debts owed to them by this company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11457/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe case referred to has been brought to my attention recently and I refer below to the options available to sub-contractors who experience difficulties in securing outstanding payments which may be due to them under certain construction contracts.
The Construction Contracts Act, 2013 falls within the remit of my Department. This legislation applies to certain construction contracts entered into after the 25th July 2016 and imposes minimum contractual provisions in relation to payments, particularly the timing of payments, arising under a construction contract. It also provides a statutory entitlement to avail of adjudication as a means of resolving payment disputes that arise under applicable construction contracts.
The Act sets out the necessary procedures to pursue such a case through adjudication and my Department has published an information booklet on the Act and template forms which may be used to refer a case. This information is available on my Department’s website at www.dbei.gov.ie.
It should be noted that certain contracts are exempt from the legislation and these exemptions are:
- if the value of the contract is not more than €10,000; or
- if the contract relates only to a dwelling and it has a floor area not greater than 200 square metres and one of the parties to the contract is a person who occupies, or intends to occupy, the dwelling as his or her residence; or
- if it is a contract between a State Authority and its partner in a Public Private Partnership arrangement; or
- if it is a contract of employment.
In circumstances where a company is in examinership and a sub-contractor wishes to pursue a case under the Construction Contracts Act, 2013, the relevant sub-contractors may wish to take appropriate legal advice.
248. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when a decision will issue to an application by a company (details supplied) for a critical skills employment permit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11532/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit for the person concerned was received on 19 February 2018. The Employment Permits Section of my Department is currently processing standard applications received on 23 January 2018 and this application should be processed within the next 4 weeks.
249. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the funding supports she will make available to companies and SMEs whose premises and trade were severely damaged by Storm Emma; and if State agencies under her remit have been deployed to advise on supports available. [11609/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom a business and enterprise perspective, I welcome that the overall situation across the country continues to improve, with a gradual thaw well advanced in most areas. I welcome also that all motorways and national roads are open and that all public transport services are operating with a small number of diversions or curtailments. Local Authority Crisis Management Teams have now been stood down in the majority of counties reflecting the improved conditions.
Every arm of Government, all Departments and Agencies in the different sectors, have been actively managing issues within their remit related to this severe weather, and will continue to do so as required.
As is now established practice after such severe weather events, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has signalled the Government’s intention to fund local authorities for the exceptional and unbudgeted costs incurred in necessary immediate works associated with significant severe weather emergency events.
Additionally, each Department is being requested to quantify, in so far as this is possible at this stage, the estimates for loss and damage incurred within their sector. Departments are to liaise directly with the local authorities and other relevant agencies in relation to funding necessary repairs and restoration through current or capital allocations as appropriate.
In relation to damage to buildings and property which has been caused by the snow and wind, our advice is that people should in the first instance get in touch with their insurance companies. Businesses that suffer damage to stock or loss of property should ordinarily have insurance against that risk.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ State support service for micro and small businesses in each local area, providing a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant state supports available including Revenue, the Department of Social Protection etc. The Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland are the main Agencies within my Department that offer advice and support to indigenous companies. In the first instance businesses should contact their Local Authority where there are issues arising and information and advice will be available from the the Authorities' Business Support Units or the Local Enterprise Office.
More generally, there are a number of existing emergency humanitarian support schemes that are operated by different Departments for sectors who may be impacted by flooding arising from severe weather. These include the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, which is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. The scheme is means tested and assistance is not provided for losses which are covered by insurance or for commercial and business losses.
The Irish Red Cross also operate a Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses and community, voluntary and sporting bodies who are affected by flooding and who do not have insurance in place.
The Department of Agriculture has been working constructively with industry and state services in the immediate aftermath of the severe weather event to get the farming sector up and running and fully operational again as quickly as possible. In order to provide ongoing support to the sector the Department runs a number of investment schemes which are already in place.
250. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to publish an account of the investigative failures identified by Judge Aylmer; and the steps that are being taken to address the matter emanating from a trial (details supplied). [11610/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraApproval of the Court is being sought to publish the official transcripts of the trial and it is intended that an account of the investigative failures identified by Judge Aylmer will be published as soon as possible thereafter.
It is important to understand the factors that led to such mistakes being made and to take appropriate steps to address these shortcomings.
These steps include ongoing reform within the ODCE, including ongoing recruitment of professional expertise, and the establishment, as announced by Government last November, of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement as an agency, to provide it with greater autonomy and ensure it is better equipped to investigate increasingly complex breaches of company law.
Work on the drafting of the necessary General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to this decision is progressing. It is expected that the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to this decision will be published by Q2 2018, with publication of the Bill by Q4 2018.
251. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of staff assigned in her Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11696/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my Department, the Press Office coordinates and deals with all queries from the media. This office also informs the public via traditional and social media about all policies, functions and activities of the Department.
This Office is currently led by the Head of Communications - Principal Officer level – who was appointed on 17 July 2017. My Department made this appointment as part of a wider drive to strengthen professional expertise within its corporate functions, which is a key objective of the Civil Service Renewal Plan.
The Press Office is further supported by a staff complement of five (one Assistant Principal Officer, one Higher Executive Officer, one Executive Officer and two Clerical Officer). The Unit also leads on engagement with a broad range of stakeholders and with the Agencies under the remit of the Department, to inform the media and the general public on policy matters across the wide mission of my Department, its Offices and Agencies.
The Department is committed to ensuring effective communication with all of our customers, both internal and external and in 2017 brought together the Communications Unit and the Press Office under the remit of the Head of Communications. This direction has allowed my Department to endeavour to ensure that all possible assistance is given to all of our customers in accessing information on the wide range of services that we provide.
The Communications Unit is also supported by a staff complement of five (one Assistant Principal Officer, one Higher Executive Officer, two Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer).
My Department is continuously committed to maintaining and improving its commitment to, and delivery of, the highest standards of quality customer service. As a result the staffing complement in the Press Office and the Communication Unit has increased in an effort to engage with and respond to the growing demands from the media and the general public on the wide range of Departmental policies, functions and activities.
Further information in answer to the Deputy’s question is attached.
2015
In 2015 and 2016 both the Press Office and the Communications Unit came under the remit of a Principal Officer as part of his other duties.
|
Press Office |
Communications Unit |
||
|
Grade/Role |
Position Established |
Grade/Role |
Position Established |
|
Higher Executive Officer / Press Officer |
Pre 2015 |
Assistant Principal |
Pre 2015 |
|
Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
Higher Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
|
Clerical Officer x 2 |
Pre 2015 |
Clerical Officer |
Pre 2015 |
2016
In 2015 and 2016 both the Press Office and the Communications Unit came under the remit of a Principal Officer as part of his other duties.
|
Press Office |
Communications Unit |
||
|
Grade/Role |
Position Established |
Grade/Role |
Position Established |
|
Higher Executive Officer / Press Officer |
Pre 2015 |
Assistant Principal |
Pre 2015 |
|
Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
Higher Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
|
Clerical Officer x 2 |
Pre 2015 |
Clerical Officer |
Pre 2015 |
2017
In 2017 a Principal Officer post – Head of Communications - was approved to lead and coordinate both internal and external Departmental communications. This officer was appointed on 17/07/2017, and leads the following teams.
|
Press Office |
Communications Unit |
||
|
Grade/Role |
Position Established |
Grade/Role |
Position Established |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
20/11/2017 |
Assistant Principal |
Pre 2015 |
|
Higher Executive Officer / Press Officer |
Pre 2015 |
Higher Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
|
Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
Executive Officer |
29/05/2017 |
|
Clerical Officer x 2 |
Pre 2015 |
Executive Officer (transfer of functions – DBEI website management - from other business unit) |
01/04/2017 |
|
Clerical Officer |
Pre 2015 |
2018
In 2017 a Principal Officer post – Head of Communications - was approved to lead and coordinate both internal and external Departmental communications. This officer was appointed on 17/07/2017, and leads the following teams.
|
Press Office |
Communications Unit |
||
|
Grade |
Position Established |
Grade |
Position Established |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
20/11/2017 |
Assistant Principal |
Pre 2015 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (vacant since 26/01/2018 will be filled on 20/03/2018) |
Pre 2015 |
Higher Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (vacant) |
February 2018 |
Executive Officer |
29/05/2017 |
|
Executive Officer |
Pre 2015 |
Executive Officer (transfer of functions – DBEI website management - from other business unit) |
01/04/2017 |
|
Clerical Officer x 2 |
Pre 2015 |
Clerical Officer |
Pre 2015 |
252. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if a panel has been established in her Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in her Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; her plans to make such an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11712/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not established a panel for communications officers. However a Head of Communications was appointed on July 17th, 2017 at Principal Officer level, following an open competition by the Public Appointments Service. The Department made the appointment as part of a wider drive to strengthen professional expertise within its corporate functions, which is a key objective of the Civil Service Renewal Plan.
253. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when it will be possible for the name of a civil partner of a mother to be included on the birth certificate as co-parent following the passing of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11643/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials 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.
With specific regard to the inclusion of the second parent on a birth certificate, Part 9 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 provides for a number of amendments to the Civil Registration Act 2004 including the re-registration of the birth of a donor-conceived child on foot of a court order obtained under sections 21 and 22 of the 2015 Act. Commencement of Part 9 is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality after consultation with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. No provision of Part 9 has yet been commenced. Some sections cannot be commenced until Parts 2 and 3 of the 2015 Act are brought into operation. Other sections are dependent on provisions of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 being commenced. I understand that the Department of Justice and Equality is liaising with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in relation to scheduling the commencement of these sections.
254. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 325, 345, 349, 350, 351 and 352 of 20 February 2018, his views on whether it is appropriate that one of the persons (details supplied) on the risk assessment team investigating issues with the monitoring of foetal heart rates occupied a management role in one of the hospitals involved from February 2014 until 2017. [10834/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a matter for the HSE to ensure that the appropriate expertise is available for the membership of review teams. I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
255. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if a student placement in the health service is available and will be provided to a person (details supplied). [10838/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
256. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of preliminary screenings received by the national safeguarding teams in the HSE in 2017; the number that were of substantiated abuse that required intervention from the teams; the number that were of substantiated abuse in which direct support and intervention was provided by a designated safeguarding officer outside of the relevant teams; the number that were unsubstantiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10840/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
257. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health if funding will be approved for a clinical nurse specialist in multiple sclerosis in University Hospital Limerick (details supplied). [10844/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
258. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason correspondence does not clarify if a person (details supplied) was entitled to use a job title or provide details of the person's qualifications; the reason it does not confirm if the person was registered with the relevant oversight bodies at the time of the intervention in this case; the options available to have the query addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10847/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a matter relating to the registration of an individual health and social care professional, the Health and Social Care Professional Council (CORU), the State regulator in this regard has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
259. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment for surgery at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10849/18]
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.
260. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10856/18]
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.
261. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent psychiatrists employed by Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
262. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the composition of the liaison psychiatry team at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; the number of staff on the team; the profession of each; if they are whole-time equivalents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10861/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
263. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the working hours of the liaison psychiatrist at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10862/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
264. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason the long-term illness scheme has not been updated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10870/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
For people who are not eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €134 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
265. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of injections for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10874/18]
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.
266. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) who has made a claim against the HSE due to negligence has lost their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10886/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have referred this query to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
267. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/18]
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.
268. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of intermediate care vehicles deployed to 999 calls in each ambulance subregion in each of the years 2011 to 2015, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10893/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
269. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference for the new rare diseases medicinal product technology review committee; the formal role it will have in the reimbursement process for rare and ultra rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10894/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
