Written Answers Nos. 105-124
105. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 21 March 2018, when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the management of the Garda Vote is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner as the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána. Further, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources including the awarding of contracts are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. In this context, the Commissioner is fully accountable to the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation the Garda Vote.
As indicated in my interim response to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 21 March 2018, unfortunately, I was not in a position to provide the specific information sought in the time available. Information was provided to my Department but further detail has been requested to ensure a complete reply. This information is now being compiled and I will supply it directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
106. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the working groups and processes in place within his Department and within the statutory agencies under his remit in preparation for Britain's exit from the European Union; if such planning is co-ordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; if personnel within his Department and within the statutory agencies at all levels and in the different regions, particularly in the Border region are involved in such contingency planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19271/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, Minister Coveney, has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, he is working closely with his colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit.
Within my own Department, a Working Group of senior officials was established to manage the Department's response and to carry out a risk analysis of the UK's departure, taking into account engagement with relevant justice sector agencies and other stakeholders. This work is ongoing and evolving and involves justice staff from different regions and offices, as appropriate.
Representatives from my Department regularly attend meetings, including within the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as the lead Department on Brexit. This includes attendance at the Common Travel Area Forum, The Island of Ireland Working Group and the Brexit Coordinators network. The Inter-Departmental Group on the European Union and Brexit is a forum to update Department officials on the work being done at a cross-department level by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and by the various Departments, including mine. This Group has a particular responsibility in terms of the co-ordination of contingency planning.
Planning to date with regard to the Department of Justice and Equality has focussed on how the Withdrawal Agreement would work in practice, contingency planning and the future relationship. Police co-operation is one aspect of these considerations. As you are aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel. Garda management keep the distribution of resources under active review in line with operational and security demands, including any possible policing requirements post Brexit. I am advised that An Garda Síochána is aware of the ongoing complex negotiations regarding Brexit and is committed to ensuring the organisation is prepared for all possible outcomes, and any possible policing implications and challenges arising. A high level team composed of managers from across the organisation has been established by the Commissioner and scoping exercises in anticipation of Brexit have been conducted. My Department is engaged on an ongoing basis with An Garda Síochána as part of the deep and detailed work being undertaken right across Government and the public sector in response to the UK decision to leave the EU. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána is represented at a senior level in the ongoing discussions between the Department of Justice & Equality and the UK Home Office in relation to the operation of the Common Travel Area.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases referred for arbitration to the property arbitrator for a decision in each of the past ten years to date; the number of cases completed; the number outstanding; the time taken to complete examination of a particular case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19297/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the long delays in the property arbitration sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19298/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
As the Deputy is aware, when the State compulsorily acquires land for public purposes and there is a dispute between the vendor and the purchaser regarding the amount of compensation which should be paid, the vendor may apply to the Land Values Reference Committee (comprising the Chief Justice, the President of the High Court and the President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland) for the appointment of a Property Arbitrator to arbitrate on the amount to be paid. Property Arbitrators are appointed under section 2(1) of the Property Values (Arbitration and Appeals) Act, 1960 by the Land Values Reference Committee and all property arbitrations are required by law to be held in public.
Neither my Department nor the Courts Service has any function in relation to the work programme of Property Arbitrators who are appointed by the Land Values Reference Committee.
However, the Courts Service has advised that there is currently one full-time property arbitrator and in addition there are seven temporary part-time arbitrators available to be nominated to act in cases in which the Property Arbitrator is unable to act. The Courts Service is satisfied that this is sufficient to meet the demand for services in this area.
The Courts Service has provided the number of applications for appointment of a Property Arbitrator made to the Land Values Reference Committee since 2008. Please note that the remit of the Land Values Reference Committee is to refer cases to a Property Arbitrator and does not extend to oversight of arbitrations or the length of time such arbitrations may take. Therefore, the Courts Service does not hold the information on the conduct of property arbitrations as requested by the Deputy.
Applications for appointment of a Property Arbitrator for the period 2008 - 2017
|
Year |
No. received |
|
2008 |
180 |
|
2009 |
111 |
|
2010 |
135 |
|
2011 |
92 |
|
2012 |
74 |
|
2013 |
68 |
|
2014 |
42 |
|
2015 |
33 |
|
2016 |
60 |
|
2017 |
67 |
109. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it is taking 19 months for asylum seekers to receive an interview with the International Protection Office as highlighted by the UNHCR; the steps he will take to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19308/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 31 December 2016, the International Protection Act 2015 was commenced, providing for the introduction of a single application procedure for people seeking international protection in the State. The 2015 Act replaces the previous sequential application system with a single application process, for asylum, subsidiary protection and permission to remain in the State, bringing Ireland into line with the processing arrangements applicable in other EU Member States. The structural causes of delays have been removed with the commencement of the International Protection Act 2015. The main challenge now faced is the need to quickly process the substantial cases on hand many of which were carried over from the previous system.
Considerable administrative resources were required by the International Protection Office (IPO) to get the new single procedure process up and running in the first part of 2017 and this transition process led to a shorter processing year. Nevertheless, the IPO succeeded in scheduling over 2,400 single procedure interviews (including in respect of EU relocation cases) once the process was up and running in 2017. Some 1,780 recommendations/decisions in respect of international protection and permission to remain were made by the IPO in 2017. This included some 750 recommendations in respect of the grant of international protection.
As of 27 April 2018, there are a total of 5,300 applications for international protection pending in the IPO. Some 2,200 of these applications were made before the commencement of the 2015 Act but were not finalised by the former Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the former Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) by that date. These applications reverted to be processed by the IPO under the transitional provisions of the 2015 Act. This has added significantly to the IPO’s caseload. Furthermore, there was a 30% increase in applications for international protection during 2017 (including EU relocation cases) which has put additional pressure on the system.
Significant additional resources have and are being allocated to the IPO to assist it in undertaking its statutory functions with a view to processing the volume of cases on hands as soon as possible. The current staffing complement in the IPO is 130. In addition, there are some 55 serving members of the IPO’s Legal Processing Panel. In the first 4 months of 2018, 1,100 single procedure interviews have been scheduled by the IPO. Thus far, some 1,170 recommendations/decisions in respect of international protection have been made by the IPO in 2018 (to 27 April 2018). This includes EU relocation cases, permission to remain and permission to remain reviews. There were also some 27 subsidiary protection cases dealt with under the European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013. Based on current predictions, the IPO is in line to make over 3,500 recommendations/decisions in 2018 which is a substantial increase on the 1,780 recommendations/decisions made last year.
Notwithstanding the increase in the volume of cases being processed by the IPO, it is recognised that currently many applicants for international protection are still waiting too long for their first instance interviews in the IPO and to have their cases decided. These challenges are being addressed by deploying increased resources and a continued review of efficiency and effective use of those resources, having due regard to the requirements of the 2015 Act, in order to maximise quality output and value for money for the taxpayer. In this regard, it is planned to increase the strength of the IPO Processing Panel over the coming months following public advertisement and interview.
Prioritisation of international protection applications is provided for in the International Protection Act 2015 subject to the need for fairness and efficiency. When the ‘Application for International Protection Questionnaire (IPO 2)’ and other supporting documentation is returned by applicants, the IPO is scheduling applications for interview primarily on the basis of date of application (oldest cases first). However, certain categories of applicant are also being prioritised such as those who arrive under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP), from refugee generating countries (such as Syria) and unaccompanied minors. The IPO's approach to prioritisation has been agreed with the UNHCR. It has been brought to the attention of the relevant NGOs at the IPO Customer Service Liaison Panel and is also available on its website: www.ipo.gov.ie.
110. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the implementation of McMahon report recommendations 4.75 and 4.87 in view of the capacity concerns in the direct provision system and pressure on asylum seeker accommodation; the number and percentage of families residing in centres with access to their own private living space; and the number and percentage of single residents with their own room and or sharing with one, two or three or more persons, respectively. [19310/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Third and Final Progress Report on the Implementation of the Report of the Working Group to Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports for Asylum Seekers, which was chaired by Dr. Bryan McMahon was published in June 2017. The Report showed that 133 of the recommendations contained in the McMahon Report were fully implemented with a further 36 recommendations in progress or partially implemented. The combined fully implemented or in progress/partially implemented recommendations make up 98% of the total recommendations contained in the McMahon Report. Both Recommendations 4.75 and 4.87 were deemed to be in progress in the Third and Final Report on the implementation of the McMahon Report.
Recommendation 4.75 was for the provision of access for families of cooking facilities (whether in a self contained unit or through use of a communal kitchen) as well as their own private living space. Currently a full independent living model (with food hall and points system) is operational in Mosney, Ballyhaunis, Clonakilty, Athlone and Millstreet which sees 1,539 residents with full autonomy in relation to the preparation of meals. A further 90 residents are accommodated in self catering units and another 1,103 residents are accommodated in centres that offer catering facilities to residents. This means a total of 2,732 residents out of a total current occupancy number of 5,327 have access to cooking facilities.
Designated family living space is provided at Mosney, Ballyhaunis, Millstreet, Watergate House and Carroll Village. There are a total of 1,211 residents at these centres. While it is not currently possible to provide statistics in relation to the number of families in these centres, it should be noted that these centres are primarily populated by families rather than single people. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of Government Procurement is in the process of holding a full open public procurement process for accommodation services to those people seeking international protection and the specifications for the relevant tenders will seek access to cooking facilities for all and the provision of designated family living space.
Recommendation 4.87 dealt with the provision of communal kitchens, in parallel with a catering option to single people as well as the provision of a mechanism to allow single people to apply for a room on their own after nine months with an offer to be made within 15 months. As outlined above, access to cooking facilities has been rolled out at a number of accommodation centres. Access to communal catering facilities is currently available in Galway City, Foynes and Tramore which are currently designated for the accommodation needs of single people. As I have stated, the roll-out of the public procurement process will require all providers of accommodation centres to provide cooking facilities to all residents.
Given the exceptional demand for accommodation places, it has not been possible to provide single rooms for single people. Currently, approximately 2.4% of bedspaces in the current accommodation portfolio are available to my Department for allocation to meet the needs of new persons in the protection process seeking accommodation.
In relation to the statistical information the Deputy is seeking, my Department does not currently collate statistics in this manner and is therefore unable to provide the information as requested.
111. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available for expanding existing businesses; the further grant aid which is available for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19205/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe agencies under my Department primarily Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office, have a range of supports available and provide advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone who intends to start or grow their own business.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, my department has made enquiries and the firm in question is a client of LEO Leitrim. The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs can provide financial assistance within three main categories: feasibility grants (investigating the potential of a business idea); priming grants (to part-fund a start-up); and business development grants for existing businesses that want to expand.
I understand that the company in question has received support on a number of occasions over the past 10 years.
Most recently the business in question has been approved for a business expansion grant in respect of 5 new jobs.
I should also add, anyone with a viable business proposal can also use the LEO to make an application to Microfinance Ireland (MFI) or directly contact MFI themselves. MFI was established under the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012, with the purpose of supporting job creation through the provision of loan finance to micro-enterprises. MFI offers support in the form of loans of up to €25,000 to start-ups with viable business propositions that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by the banks. Further information on Microfinance Ireland is available at http://www.microfinanceireland.ie/.
Additionally, there is the Supporting SMEs website which contains over 100 possible supports (financial and non-financial) which may be available to a particular SME. Further information is available at https://www.supportingsmes.ie/BusinessDetails.aspx.
Further information on possible business supports is available from https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/Which-support-is-for-you/ . This a good first point of contact in order to establish the potential supports that may be available.
112. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the actions she is taking to protect jobs at a company (details supplied) in County Cavan in view of the recent media reports. [19246/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe announcement by CG Power Systems Ireland that it is to reduce the number of employees at its Cavan facility is deeply regrettable. The Government and IDA Ireland did everything possible to avert these job losses. We engaged intensively with CG Power over the last number of months and I met with its senior management in April. Unfortunately, the company has informed us that, due to increasing cost pressures, it had no option but to seek a number of redundancies. While this is obviously very disappointing, we understand the redundancies are being sought on a voluntary basis and as part of a wider effort to put the plant back on a sustainable footing. The company has also made it very clear that they intend to remain in Cavan and my Department, together with IDA Ireland, will do everything it can to support its future success.
113. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [19138/18]
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.
114. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated amount it would cost to award medical cards to persons with a recognised disability who do not qualify due to means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19140/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure and every application must be assessed on that basis. Under the legislation, having a particular illness, in itself, does not establish eligibility for a medical card. Where the applicant's income is within the income guidelines, a medical card or GP visit card will be awarded.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services. The HSE affords applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting information documentation to fully take account of all the relevant circumstances that may benefit them in the assessment, including medical evidence of cost and necessary expenses.
In relation to the cost of medical card provision to all persons with a recognised disability that do not currently qualify on the basis of means, it is noted that the data required to model this is not available and it is therefore not possible to produce an estimate of the cost of such a proposal.
115. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when an ENT appointment for a person (details supplied) in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda will be scheduled. [19141/18]
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.
116. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a general practitioner practice (details supplied) which has closed; his views on the impact such a closure has on patient files; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19147/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the company the Deputy is referring to was a private limited company providing medical services to customers that had paid a membership fee.
If a patient experiences difficulties accessing their personal data or medical records following the closure of a medical practice or private company, they should contact the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner for assistance.
117. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the reason expenses (details supplied) for persons in receipt of the fair deal scheme are not taken into account when calculating their liability to the scheme; his plans to review the scheme to take these expenses into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19149/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. In the case of a couple, the applicant’s means are assessed as 50% of the couple’s combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap.
Where an applicant’s assets include land and property held in the State, the contribution based on such assets may be deferred and collected from their estate. This is known as the Nursing Home Loan (Ancillary State Support), the purpose of which is to ensure that a person does not have to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for long-term nursing home care. A nursing home resident can apply for this deferral at any stage.
Under the primary legislation an NHSS applicant may apply for certain items of expenditure to be taken into account and netted off against their means prior to the calculation of their contribution. These items are referred to as allowable deductions. An applicant can apply for the following to be deducted:
- Health Expenses such a doctors' fees, pharmacy costs and prescription charges;
- Interest on loans related to the applicants principal primary residence;
- Rent payments in certain circumstances;
- Levies required by law to be paid and
- Payments made in respect of the maintenance of a child, a spouse or a former spouse, under a separation agreement.
Furthermore, regulations developed in 2014 on allowable deduction identify that payments made in respect of the maintenance of a dependent child are prescribed as an allowable deduction.
These payments shall not exceed
(a) the amount of Child Benefit plus the full rate if the increase for a Qualified Child, and
(b) childcare costs, where relevant, in a calendar month.
It is worth noting that it is a matter of personal choice for an individual as to whether or not they wish to retain or sell their home when they take up residence in a nursing home. The Scheme was reviewed in 2015 with a number of recommendations arising from same being pursued. There are no plans to undertake a further Review of the Scheme at this time.
118. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has had only two procedures; and if the procedure will be carried out on a regular basis. [19150/18]
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.
119. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [19153/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
120. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19158/18]
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.
121. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the date on which treatment will recommence for a person (details supplied); if the long-term treatment arrangement has been agreed; if future treatment will be uninterrupted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19160/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In relation to Elosulfase alfa (Vimizim), the HSE has informed my Department that reimbursement arrangements have been in place since 29 March for both patients attending Temple Street Hospital.
I am also advised that the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) has been invoiced by the hospital for the medicines and supply will continue for as long as clinically appropriate. However, long term treatment plans are a matter for an individual patient and their treating clinician.
122. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied there are adequate measures in place to assist qualified Irish speech and language therapists who have trained in the UK and wish to return here to work (details supplied); if he is further satisfied that the regulations are not overly burdensome on speech and language therapists and ultimately counterproductive to addressing shortage of therapists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19162/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 seeks to protect the public by providing a system of statutory registration for designated health and social care professions, including that of Speech and Language Therapist.
Statutory regulation is a system underpinned by law whereby each member of a profession is recognised by a specified body as competent to practice within that profession. As a legally binding process, with a mechanism for the prosecution of offences, it ensures a robust system that serves the dual function of protecting the public while ensuring that the good reputation of a profession is not called into question by the poor practices of an individual member.
CORU is the umbrella term used to describe the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, its committees and the registration boards established under the Act to regulate each individual designated profession. Its function is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through the statutory registration of the designated health and social care professions. The recent decision to designate the professions of counsellors and psychotherapists under the Act will increase the number of regulated professions to 16 in total. CORU’s register of speech and language therapists opened on 31 October 2014.
Professionals who apply for registration must demonstrate that they are fit and proper to practise in the profession, complete National Vetting Bureau e-vetting and international police clearance, verify that they agree to abide by their profession specific Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, pay the application fee and hold an 'approved' qualification. To apply for registration, a professional must complete an online application form and provide all of the required supporting documentation.
An “approved qualification” is one that has been awarded on satisfactory completion of an education and training programme in the State approved by the relevant registration board; or a non-Irish qualification which has been deemed equivalent to the Irish qualification standard.
Such non-Irish qualifications are assessed under the mechanisms set out in Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications which provide for the assessment of an applicant’s formal training and post-qualification professional experience to determine if they meet the standard required to practise in the home member state (i.e. Ireland). The Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board is designated as competent authority under Directive 2005/36/EC in Ireland for professional speech and language therapy qualifications. This Directive applies to all EEA nationals who wish to practise any regulated profession in an EEA Member State other than that in which they obtained their professional qualifications. This includes Irish citizens with professional qualifications obtained in any of the other EEA Member States, including the United Kingdom, who seek to return to Ireland to practise their profession.
There is no specific recognition of the profession of speech and language therapy at a European level; rather the Directive provides for the assessment of the qualifications/professional training/post-qualification professional experience of an applicant against the qualifications required to practise in the host Member State (Ireland). The General System of the Directive, which applies in the case of speech and language therapy qualifications, provides for an assessment on a case-by-case basis of the qualifications of an applicant against those required to practise in the host member state if the professional activities covered are comparable. If the professional activities are not comparable then the qualifications cannot be recognised. If the professional activities are comparable but deficits in the qualification are identified, subsequent post-qualification professional experience of the applicant must be considered. If deficits in qualifications remain, the Directive provides for the competent authority to offer an applicant a compensation measure i.e. the choice between a period of adaptation (a placement) and an aptitude test.
I am advised by CORU that compensation measures have been applied to some applicants with non-Irish speech and language therapy qualifications which did not meet the applicable Irish standards - the Standards of Proficiency. Where compensation measures are applied and have been successfully completed, the applicant's qualification is recognised and they are eligible to apply for statutory registration.
Under the Directive, Member States must ensure that an applicant has the possibility of taking the aptitude test not later than six months after the initial decision in which it is imposed. There is no obligation however on the host Member State to provide the period of adaptation which is a period of professional practice in the host Member State under the supervision of a qualified member of that profession, possibly being accompanied by further training.
I am satisfied that these processes of registration and qualification recognition provide a strong and proportionate mechanism to protect the public by ensuring that only appropriately qualified professionals are registered and accordingly it is fit for purpose. The numbers of applications received and completed for registration in the speech and language therapists register from 2014 to 2018 are as follows:
|
Year |
Applications received - Total 1,896 |
Registrations completed - Total 1,823 |
|
2014 |
27 |
3 |
|
2015 |
258 |
149 |
|
2016 |
1,375 |
737 |
|
2017 |
199 |
881 |
|
2018 |
37 |
53 |
123. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in implementing the recommendations of the Make Work Pay report (details supplied) in view of the fact that 71% of persons of working age who have a disability are not in employment; the actions he plans to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19164/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to ensuring that the recommendation included in the Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities Report to raise the medical card income disregard from its current level of €120 per week for people on Disability Allowance or on Partial Capacity Benefit is implemented.
My officials are working with the HSE to finalise the operational details to give effect to this recommendation. It is intended that the recommendation will be implemented ahead of the Report's timeframe of quarter 4 2018.
It is worth noting that the second recommendation in the Make Work Pay Report in relation to the medical card was to remove the requirement that work undertaken for the medical card earnings disregard must be of a "rehabilitative" nature. This measure was implemented by the HSE last year.
124. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the operational costs of his Department in each of the years 2011 to 2017, excluding the HSE budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19169/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see the following table which sets out the operational costs for the Department of Health for the years 2011 to 2017.
|
Year |
Operational Costs €m |
|
2011 |
26.531 |
|
2012 |
27.265 |
|
2013 |
25.926 |
|
2014 |
25.345 |
|
2015 |
26.215 |
|
2016 |
27.314 |
|
2017 |
30.559 |
