Thursday, 26 Apr 2018

Written Answers Nos. 114-133

Work Permits Appeals

Ceisteanna (114)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

114. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18340/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that INIS has been in contact with the person concerned to inform them that pending the launch of a revised volunteer scheme, the previous volunteer scheme was closed to new applicants from 1 January 2018 to 30 April 2018, and as a result of this that it was not possible to consider their application.

INIS advises that it is the responsibility for each individual to monitor updates on the INIS website and has informed me that notice of the closure of the previous volunteer scheme and the launch of a revised scheme was posted in advance on its website, initially on 27 December 2017 and subsequently revised on 5 April 2018.

Central to the modernisation of this Scheme is the requirement that applications from all new entrants are to be made from outside State. With this in mind INIS requires that an application will only be considered from the person concerned from outside the State and once the revised scheme has been launched. They should be advised to monitor the INIS website for further updates on the new Scheme.

In relation to the person concerned, it is noted that their permission to remain in the State may be expired and they should be aware that it is illegal under the Immigration Act 2004, for a person to remain in the State without the permission of the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Drugs Seizures

Ceisteanna (115)

John Curran

Ceist:

115. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the value of illegal drugs seized by An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and for the first quarter of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18361/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Information in relation to the value of drugs seized by An Garda Síochána is set out in the Annual Reports of An Garda Síochána.

The Annual Reports for the years 2014 to 2016 are available on the website of An Garda Síochána (www.garda.ie). The information provided in the Reports is prepared on the basis of records maintained by Forensic Science Ireland based on the quantity of drugs analysed annually at its laboratory.

With regard to the information sought in respect of 2017 and 2018, I have requested a report from the Garda authorities and I will be in contact again when that report is to hand.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (116)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

116. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda superintendent in the Thurles Garda division can act as data controller on the new CCTV scheme in Littleton, County Tipperary; if the new recording system can be stored at Littleton Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18412/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will be aware that CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct but complementary categories, namely Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems. Neither type of CCTV system may be established without authorisation by the Garda Commissioner under section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, among other requirements.

In respect of community CCTV systems, the key requirements for the establishment of such systems are statutorily based and require that the proposal must-

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must also act as Data Controller – this is a long-standing statutory requirement, set out in the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 289 of 2006), for the establishment of community CCTV systems generally, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner in accordance with Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

Therefore if it is intended to establish a community CCTV system in Littleton, County Tipperary, the local authority would be required to undertake to act as data controller, in accordance with the relevant legislation.

As regards storage of the recording equipment, this is a matter to be determined in relation to the specific systems involved and as Minister I have no role in the matter.

Finally, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the community-based CCTV grant-aid scheme administered by my Department, to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas, in pursuance of a Programme for Government commitment.

The requirements of the scheme are based on similar requirements that applied to the previous grant scheme operated by my Department between 2005 and 2013 which assisted with the establishment of some 45 systems.

I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders. Full details of the scheme, including guidelines for applicants, are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie and I would encourage interested groups to avail of the scheme.

Family Reunification

Ceisteanna (117)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 19 April 2018, if family reunification will be updated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18493/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned is the subject of a valid Deportation Order made on 20 June 2002. Persons subject to a Deportation Order are obliged to remove themselves from the State and to remain out of the State.

Representations were received from the person concerned, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), requesting that the Deportation Order be revoked. Following the detailed consideration of the information submitted in support of the request, including all representations made around family reunification, the Deportation Order was affirmed on 9 November 2017.

The Deputy should note that having checked records in INIS, that there are no outstanding Family Reunification applications in respect of the person concerned. It is for the person concerned to provide relevant documentary evidence to support his claim that he is outside the State. This will enable the relevant INIS and Garda National Immigration Bureau records to be updated.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

IDA Ireland Portfolio

Ceisteanna (118)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

118. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the IDA has carried out a report on the volume of potential data centres that could be located here in view of the fact that a data centre (details supplied) development has not progressed; the number of centres indicated in the report; the geographic locations that have been identified to fill the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18396/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Last year IDA Ireland appointed Jacobs Engineering, supported by AOS Planning, to identify potential strategic land banks in Ireland that would be particularly suitable for the development of data centre projects.

The study, which comprises a number of stages, is being undertaken to understand what locations in Ireland are best suited for this type of investment. It is evaluating all potentially viable land options that are compatible with the complex requirements of data centre investments. IDA Ireland also intends to review the suitability of locations identified for other foreign direct investment activities.

An evaluation of national sites, that is being undertaken as part this process, is now well advanced. I understand that Jacobs are currently completing the second phase of a review and are due to shortly present findings to the IDA. The Agency will then consider the next steps. As the study is for internal IDA Ireland purposes it is not intended for publication.

Trade Agreements

Ceisteanna (119)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

119. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of the trade agreement agreed in principle between the EU and Mexico; the offensive and defensive interests of Irish businesses and SMEs in this deal; the market access and import tariffs or duties removed by sector; the timeline for same; and the opportunities in public procurement in this regard. [18532/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

On the 21st April 2018, the EU and Mexico reached an agreement in principle on a new trade agreement that will be part of the broader modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement. Modernisation of the trade part will provide for duty free trade on practically all trade in goods including in the Agricultural sector. The agreement also includes common sanitary and phytosanitary (food safety and animal and plant health) standards, good regulatory practice as well as sustainable development in labour and the environment.

The EU-Mexico trade deal together with the EU's other recent trade agreements with Canada, Japan and Singapore sends a powerful and positive message on global trade. Ireland already exports over €2 billion of goods and services to Mexico so this agreement offers the potential to grow that further through increased market access, reduced tariffs and administrative simplification for exporters.

There will be no custom duties on 98% of goods from the moment the agreement comes into force. For the remaining goods, custom duties will be removed over time or for a limited amount defined as a quota. The agreement will be of significant value to Ireland’s important Agri-food sector and, in particular, it will:

- provide preferential access for fresh and processed cheeses of a 0% tariff quota of 5,000 tonnes (currently taxed up to 45%) and for mature chesses of a 0% tariff quota of 20,000 tonnes (currently taxed up to 45%);

- secure a considerable volume for milk powder, which Ireland is a prominent exporter of, starting with a 0% tariff quota of 30,000 tonnes from entry into force, rising to 50,000 tonnes after 5 years (currently taxed up to 50%) and

- allow Ireland to increase its pork and poultry exports to Mexico, with duty-free trade for virtually all pork products (currently taxed up to 45%) and economically relevant poultry products (currently taxed up to 100%).

The agreement contains provisions in relation to customs and trade facilitation, which are aimed at reducing processing times at the border and making movement of goods cheaper, faster, more predictable and efficient. This includes streamlining customs procedures, setting common principles and providing for better cooperation and exchange of information between EU and Mexican custom authorities and substantial provisions on transparency to ensure that traders and the public have access to information on legislation, decisions or administrative policies.

Under the agreement, Mexico will also recognise product certification on industrial products carried out in the EU. This will make it easier for EU companies to prove they have complied with Mexican standards and regulations. Mexican exporters will still have to comply with the EU's strict standards and regulations, just as they do now.

The agreement will speed up trade while maintaining strong health and hygiene standards for food products. The agreement also contains an explicit reference to the precautionary principle that governs the parties' approach to the decision making. This means that, as already enshrined in the EU treaties, the EU can continue to keep products out of its market as long as there is no scientific certainty that they are safe.

While the value of Ireland’s services exports to Mexico in 2016 amounted to less than €1m, this agreement will make it easier for Ireland to access Mexico’s fast-growing services market. Under the agreement, Mexico will open up its public procurement market to Irish and EU companies more than it has to any other trading partner. Mexico has also committed itself to enter negotiations with Mexican States to allow EU firms to tender for contracts at State level by the time the agreement is signed. There are many exciting opportunities in Mexico for Irish businesses including manufacturing, automotive, engineering, telecommunications, ICT, aerospace, software and service and manufacturing technology.

In relation to SMEs, the agreement contains a dedicated chapter that requires the EU and Mexico to provide a website to assist SMEs to avail of the benefits of and provide dedicated information to SME’s on the Agreement. Contact points in the EU and Mexico will work together to take into account the specific needs of smaller businesses and identify ways they can take advantage of new opportunities in each market.

The agreement in principle contains the most important chapters agreed with the EU and Mexico continuing to work to resolve the remaining technical issues. The EU and Mexico hope to finalise the full legal text before the end of the year. The final text will be reviewed by lawyers from both parties, a process called “legal scrubbing”. After legal scrubbing and translation into all EU official languages, the agreement will be submitted for the approval of EU Member States and of the European Parliament before signature.

Further information and a detailed description of the agreement in principle is available on the EU Commission’s website at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1830.

Brexit Supports

Ceisteanna (120)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

120. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if is it technically possible to get approval at EU level to support companies through an adjustment period caused by Brexit by adapting the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to ensure exposed companies can avail of grant aid to deal with the economic fallout of Brexit. [18533/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund does not come under the remit of my Department but that of the Department of Education and Skills.  Therefore, any adjustments to the strict qualifying criteria fall to that Department to address.

However, extensive work has been ongoing in my Department to prepare for all Brexit eventualities. This includes detailed research on the implications of Brexit for businesses, and the development of supports to help ensure that businesses are prepared for potential difficulties arising because of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

The Brexit Loan Scheme, launched on 28 March 2018, provides affordable financing to eligible Irish businesses currently impacted by Brexit or which will be in the future.  The 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.   

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 and a new Business Finance Advisory Hub service which would focus on business development.  

The agencies of my Department are also fully engaged in preparing for Brexit. Enterprise Ireland’s (EI) #PrepareforBrexit communications campaign, featuring the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’, was launched last March.  The Scorecard is an interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit. 

A Technical Working Group on State Aid comprising representatives from DG Competition, DBEI, EI and DAFM was established in November 2017.  The objective of the Group is to scope and design schemes to support enterprises impacted by Brexit in line with current applicable State Aid rules.  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. 

A notified Rescue and Restructuring (R&R) scheme was approved by the Commission 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.  Under the scheme, which will run until 2020, Enterprise Ireland can provide restructuring support to SMEs in severe financial difficulties. 

As part of the deliberations of the Working Group on State Aid, it was agreed that my officials should extend the R&R scheme to include temporary restructuring support for those SMEs who experience acute liquidity needs.  This extension, which has been notified to the Commission, will be a welcome addition to our suite of supports for businesses impacted by Brexit.  The temporary restructuring support, together with the rescue aid and the capital support under the Brexit Loan scheme should provide support to those SMEs who require stabilisation during transition.

IDA Ireland Portfolio

Ceisteanna (121)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

121. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of hectares of IDA land being used by county; and the number of hectares of IDA land available for IDA supported investment by county in tabular form. [18534/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The 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 Ireland.  

The IDA's property portfolio consists of approximately 4,400 hectares which is made up of business and technology parks, industrial estates and strategic sites. Of this, approximately 1,100 hectares of land is available for marketing and around 3,300 hectares of land is currently in use. I am informed by IDA Ireland that the Agency does not collate data on land currently in use by hectare. However, it does hold this data on land available for marketing.  

The following tables provide details respectively of all IDA Ireland land available for marketing and all IDA land currently in use.

Table A

Property County	Property Town	Property Name	Hectares Available
County Carlow	Bagenalstown	Bagenalstown	0.1555
County Cavan	Cavan	Cavan B&T Park	9.05
County Cork	Youghal	Springfield Estate	1.87
County Cork	Youghal	Foxhole	1.0063
County Cork	Skibbereen	Poundlick Estate	3.86
County Cork	Kanturk	Mallow B & T Park	0.6831
County Cork	Kinsale	Rathhallikeen	0.1298
County Cork	Kanturk	Pulleen	2.47
County Cork	Fermoy	Rathealy	0.9407
County Cork	Cork City	Cork City Kilbarry B&T Park	57.53
County Cork	Carrigtohill	Carrigtohill B&T Park	11.08
County Cork	Charleville	Rathgoggan Estate	1.86
County Cork	Bantry	Drombrow	1.9627
County Cork	Bandon	Laragh Estate	1.37
County Cork	Cork City	Ringaskiddy	149.32
County Cork	Cork City	Cork B&T Park	0.42
County Cork	Cork City	Ringaskiddy Estate	0.2023
County Cork	Cork City	Rossa Ave	0.1152
County Cork	Millstreet	Millstreet IDA Estate	0.1133
County Cork	Fermoy	Fermoy B & T Park	6.05
County Cork	Carrigtohill East	Cork Carrigtohill East	53.1576
County Donegal	Ballyshannon	Ballyshannon	1.0672
County Donegal	Donegal/Tully/Clar/B	Lurganboy	0.872
County Donegal	Letterkenny	Knocknamona	1.35
County Donegal	Letterkenny/Manorcun	Letterkenny B & T Park	19.33
County Donegal	Letterkenny/Manorcun	Letterkenny Lisnenan 2	0.38
County Donegal	Letterkenny/Manorcun	Letterkenny B & T Park	2.6282
County Dublin	Dublin 24	Dublin 24 - Whitestown Ind Est	0.56
County Dublin	Dublin 11	Dublin 11 - Poppintree Ind. Est.	3.78
County Dublin	Blanchardstown	Cruiserath	27.1925
County Dublin	Blanchardstown	Blanchardstown B & T Park	10.4956
County Dublin	Dublin 12	Dubl 12 - Ballymount Ind. Est.	0.0249
County Dublin	Swords	Swords Bus. Park, Greenfields	2.04
County Dublin	Dublin 5	Belcamp - B & T Park	46.44
County Galway	Tuam	Tuam Business Park	1.4794
County Galway	Roundstone	Roundstone	1.42
County Galway	Mountbellew/Ballygar	Mountbellew Business Park	0.1979
County Galway	Gort	Gort Business Park	1.1217
County Galway	Glenamaddy	Glenamaddy Business Park	0.9105
County Galway	Galway City	Parkmore B&T Park (W&E)	26.75
County Galway	Ballygar	Ballygar Site	3.4398
County Galway	Ballinasloe	Ballinasloe B&T Park	8.88
County Galway	Tuam	Tuam Science & Technology Park	9.92
County Galway	Galway City	Oranmore Science & Tech Park	26.78
County Galway	Athenry	Athenry	92.4351
County Kerry	Killorglin	Farrantoreen	0.74
County Kerry	Killarney	Killarney B&T Park	1.14
County Kerry	Tralee	Acq c.1.0Ha Tralee	1
County Kildare	Newbridge	Newbridge Business Park	2.9339
County Kilkenny	Kilkenny	Purcellsinch Ind. Park	3.95
County Kilkenny	Kilkenny/Bennetsbrid	Kilkenny B&T Park	13.4
County Kilkenny	Belview	Belview	22.8
County Laois	Portlaoise	Portlaoise B&T Park	9.62
County Leitrim	Carrick-On-Shannon	Carrick-On-Shannon B & T Park	6.4
County Leitrim	Carrick-On-Shannon	Carrick-On-Shannon	0.1845
County Leitrim	Drumshanbo	Drumshanbo	0.2238
County Leitrim	Manorhamilton	Manorhamilton	0.9264
County Leitrim	Manorhamilton	Carrickleitrim	0.4208
County Leitrim	Mohill	Mohill	2.0693
County Limerick	Limerick	The National Technology Park	64.72
County Limerick	Limerick	Raheen Business Park	53.86
County Longford	Longford	Aghafad	2.0272
County Longford	Longford	Longford Industrial Estate	1.0176
County Louth	Greenore	Greenore	0.0272
County Louth	Dundalk	Dundalk Finnabair  B&T   Park	5.74
County Louth	Dundalk/Ravensdale	Dundalk Mullagharlin East	12.8
County Louth	Dundalk	Dundalk Mullagharlin	44.175
County Louth	Drogheda	Drogheda B&T Park	22.53
County Mayo	Ballina	Ballina Business Park	0.6
County Mayo	Bangor Erris	Bango Erris Industrial Park	0.607
County Mayo	Castlebar	Castlebar B&T Park	3.0897
County Mayo	Foxford	Foxford Business Park	0.6798
County Mayo	Ballina	Ballina	10.6141
County Meath	Navan Boyerstown Bro	Navan B&T Park	24.21
County Monaghan	Monaghan	Monaghan Business Park	7.53
County Offaly	Tullamore	Tullamore Industrial Estate	0.3541
County Offaly	Tullamore	Tullamore B&T Park	8
County Offaly	Clara	Clara	0.4872
County Roscommon	Roscommon	Roscommon B&T Park	4.63
County Roscommon	Castlerea	Station Rd	1.1735
County Sligo	Sligo	Cleveragh Business Park	0.3035
County Sligo	Easkey	Easkey Business Park	0.0611
County Sligo	Sligo	Finisklin B & T Park	10.97
County Sligo	Sligo	Sligo - Oakfield Site	31.3186
County Tipperary	Tipperary	Knockanrawley	2.08
County Tipperary	Clonmel	Clonmel Bus Park	20.071
County Waterford	Waterford	Waterford Industrial Estate	5.19
County Waterford	Waterford	Waterford B&T Park	23.88
County Waterford	Dungarvan	Dungarvan B & T Park	11.5675
County Westmeath	Mullingar	Clonmore Ind. Est.	6.8
County Westmeath	Athlone	Athlone B&T Park Garrycastle	11.3647
County Westmeath	Athlone	Garrankesh Estate	0.0926
County Westmeath	Mullingar	Mullingar B&T Park	22.5
County Wexford	Wexford	Wexford B&T Park	3.14
County Wexford	Wexford	Wexford Whitemills	0.066
County Wexford	Enniscorthy	Moyne Upper	0.39
County Wicklow	Arklow	Arklow Kilbride	0.1197
County Wicklow	Greystones	Greystones B&T Park	17.93
County Wicklow	Arklow	Arklow B&T Park	14.56

Table B

Property Name	Property Town	Property County
Cootehill	Cootehill	County Cavan
Mallow Quarterstown Estate	Mallow	County Cork
Brookpark	Dunmanway	County Cork
Underhill	Dunmanway	County Cork
Mahon Estate	Cork City	County Cork
Little Island Estate	Cork City	County Cork
Ballincollig	Cork City	County Cork
Plot 4 Roadway	Cork	County Cork
Letterkenny Ballyraine	Letterkenny/Manorcun	County Donegal
Windyhall	Letterkenny	County Donegal
Dublin - South County B&T Park	Dublin 18	County Dublin
Swords - Balheary	Swords	County Dublin
Dubl 5 - Clonshaugh Ind. Est.	Dublin 5	County Dublin
Baldoyle Industrial Estate	Dublin 13	County Dublin
Dubl 12 - Ballymount Ind. Est.	Dublin 12	County Dublin
Clondalkin Industrial Estate	Clondalkin	County Dublin
Cherry Orchard Ind. Est.	Dublin 10	County Dublin
Santry Ave Ind. Est.	Dublin 9	County Dublin
Portumna Business Park	Portumna	County Galway
Loughrea B&T Park	Loughrea/Tynagh	County Galway
Gort Business Park 2	Gort/Kinvara	County Galway
Ballybrit Business Park Lower	Galway	County Galway
Mervue B&T Park	Galway	County Galway
Athenry Business Park	Athenry	County Galway
Gortamullen Estate	Kenmare	County Kerry
Reenard Estate	Cahersiveen	County Kerry
Meilita Road	Kildare	County Kildare
Monread Road	Naas	County Kildare
Kildare Town	Kildare	County Kildare
Castledermot	Castledermot	County Kildare
Townpark	Athy	County Kildare
Rathcronan	Ballinalee	County Longford
Coes Rd - Dundalk	Dundalk	County Louth
Ballinrobe Business Park	Ballinrobe	County Mayo
Charlestown Industrial Park	Charlestown	County Mayo
Castlebar Industrial Park	Castlebar	County Mayo
Ashbourne	Ashbourne	County Meath
Ballybay	Ballybay	County Monaghan
Edenderry Industrial Estate	Edenderry	County Offaly
Boyle Industrial Estate	Boyle	County Roscommon
Racecourse Road	Roscommon	County Roscommon
Castlerea Business Park	Castlerea	County Roscommon
Athlone Bunnavally	Athlone (Environs)	County Roscommon
Redmonstown	Clonmel	County Tipperary
Gurtnafleur	Clonmel	County Tipperary
Cashel	Cashel	County Tipperary
Spafield	Cashel	County Tipperary
Tallow	Tallow	County Waterford
Clogheran	Dungarvan	County Waterford
Cappoquin	Cappoquin	County Waterford
Gorey	Gorey	County Wexford
Arklow Cemetry Road,	Arklow	County Wicklow
Lisnenan Industrial Park	Ballybofey, Lisnenan	County Donegal
Ballinamore	Willowfield Road, Ballinamore	County Leitrim

Small and Medium Enterprises

Ceisteanna (122)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

122. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the timeline for completion of the OECD and her Department's review of SME and entrepreneurship issues and policies here. [18535/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I was delighted to launch the Review of SME and Entrepreneurship issues and policies in Ireland with my colleague Pat Breen, T.D., Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection and the Secretary General of the OECD Ángel Gurría on 8 March 2018.

This will be a collaborative body of work led by my Department and the OECD with considerable input from across Government (Departments and Agencies) and stakeholders. It will see a comprehensive review of the SME business ecosystem and policies, using OECD expertise in a structured and defined process. It is intended that the resulting recommendations and issues identified by the report will then form the basis of a long term SME Strategy for Ireland, which will be developed by my Department. The review document and a strategy roadmap will be completed by the OECD within 18 months of commencement.

The review officially began with a daylong consultation process between my Department, OECD, State Agencies and other Government Departments on 12 April 2018.

Voluntary Sector Remuneration

Ceisteanna (123)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

123. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans for the restoration of full pay for staff in section 39 organisations; the approach he plans to take for restoration of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18519/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

On 9 February 2018, an agreement was reached between my Department, the HSE and health sector Trade Unions in relation to a process aimed at resolving the pay restoration issue for staff employed by section 39 bodies.

While it is understood that pay savings were made by the organisations, the precise mix of pay cuts or other savings measures will have varied. Also, where there were pay cuts, it is not at all clear that they were applied in a universally consistent manner, as is the case in the public sector. 

Therefore, the Government has put in place a process to establish a deeper understanding of the funding position in these grant - aided organisations and the true extent of the pay reductions applied. I asked the HSE to engage with the Section 39 organisations to establish the facts around what cuts were applied and how and when they were implemented. It was agreed that a pilot group of organisations should form part of the priority assessment exercise.

The data provided by the organisations will inform the scope and nature of the follow - on work that may need to be done to complete the data-validation exercise. On completion of the analysis, the HSE will present the results to the Department of Health for assessment. An interim report on this matter is expected from the HSE in the coming weeks.

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Ceisteanna (124)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

124. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the reimbursement of medicines for persons with multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18333/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.  As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.

In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE pursuant to the Community Drugs Scheme, the company must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the Reimbursement List.

As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse the medicine.

HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE, and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.

The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant sums involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.

I have been informed that Ocrelizumab for the treatment of adult patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in terms of disease duration and level of disability, and with imaging features characteristic of inflammatory activity and for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) with active disease defined by clinical or imaging features is currently undergoing a full pharmacoeconomic assessment by the NCPE.

I am keen to engage with Industry and to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland.  However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions which are in place and must also recognise the fundamental pricing/funding issues in the context of finite Exchequer resources.

Infectious Diseases

Ceisteanna (125)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

125. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the dates the health protection surveillance centre has designated Lyme disease awareness week 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18334/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (126)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

126. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the closure of 12 hospital beds at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, in January 2018; when these beds will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18336/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Ambulance Service

Ceisteanna (127)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

127. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason the national ambulance service is not implementing the recommendations of the national ambulance service capacity review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18337/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly. 

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (128)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a device for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18338/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (129)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

129. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for a MRI scan in University Hospital Limerick; and the number waiting zero to six, six to 12, 12 to 18, 18 to 24 months and more than 24 months in tabular form. [18339/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 (130)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

130. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment to see a consultant. [18341/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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 Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (131)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

131. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for cataract treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18342/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Respite Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (132)

John Brassil

Ceist:

132. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will support the provision of a home share scheme for County Kerry; if funding and necessary staff will be provided for such a scheme as a means of providing alternative respite options for the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18346/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (133)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

133. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to engage with the consultant neurologists at University Hospital Waterford to commence the process of appointing a Parkinson's disease specialist nurse for the south east in view of the fact it is the only region without this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18350/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to you directly as soon as possible.