Written Answers Nos. 126-150
126. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent on facilitating departmental members' attendance at social media training conferences or other external events. [19390/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom 2011 to date, my Department has spent €3,180.05 on staff attendance at social media training conferences.
127. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of Horizon 2020 funding to small and medium-sized enterprises on an annual basis since it was established by county in tabular form. [19542/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following tables provide the total Horizon 2020 (EU) funding awarded to SMEs, by county, for each of the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The tables are based on the European Commission's most recent data release on Horizon 2020, which cover the period up to the 28th February 2018.
It should be noted that the information requested is not collated by my Department - it is maintained and updated by the European Commission. The Commission have recently upgraded the level of reporting available to the public regarding Horizon 2020, which is accessible at https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/dashboard/
2014
|
County |
No of SMEs involved in awards |
Amount awarded |
|
CARLOW |
1 |
€ 92,003 |
|
CORK |
4 |
€ 1,093,563 |
|
DUBLIN |
21 |
€ 4,088,854 |
|
GALWAY |
3 |
€ 776,040 |
|
KERRY |
4 |
€ 758,150 |
|
LIMERICK |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
OFFALY |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
WATERFORD |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
2014 Total |
38 |
€ 7,008,610 |
2015
|
County |
No of SMEs involved in awards |
Amount awarded |
|
CARLOW |
3 |
€ 569,425 |
|
CORK |
12 |
€ 7,402,156 |
|
DUBLIN |
47 |
€ 15,292,147 |
|
GALWAY |
11 |
€ 3,442,232 |
|
KERRY |
2 |
€ 50,000 |
|
KILDARE |
1 |
€ 57,603 |
|
LIMERICK |
6 |
€ 2,182,470 |
|
LIMERICK CLARE |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
LOUTH |
7 |
€ 1,599,861 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1 |
€ 77,239 |
|
WICKLOW |
4 |
€ 2,576,860 |
|
2015 Total |
95 |
€ 33,299,991 |
2016
|
County |
No of SMEs involved in awards |
Amount awarded |
|
CAVAN |
1 |
€ 240,000 |
|
CORK |
7 |
€ 5,709,126 |
|
DUBLIN |
49 |
€ 18,094,783 |
|
GALWAY |
5 |
€ 1,968,975 |
|
KERRY |
4 |
€ 2,852,605 |
|
KILDARE |
3 |
€ 574,719 |
|
LIMERICK |
5 |
€ 841,928 |
|
LONGFORD |
1 |
€ 123,960 |
|
LOUTH |
1 |
€ 1,090,443 |
|
MAYO |
1 |
€ 136,999 |
|
MEATH |
1 |
€ 495,653 |
|
SLIGO |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
WATERFORD |
1 |
€ 665,967 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1 |
€ 1,014,224 |
|
WICKLOW |
3 |
€ 663,550 |
|
2016 Total |
84 |
€ 34,522,931 |
2017
|
County |
No of SMEs involved in awards |
Amount awarded |
|
CARLOW |
1 |
€ 332,063 |
|
CORK |
7 |
€ 1,669,379 |
|
DUBLIN |
43 |
€ 13,893,376 |
|
GALWAY |
9 |
€ 5,621,857 |
|
KERRY |
4 |
€ 2,000,185 |
|
LIMERICK |
8 |
€ 7,453,290 |
|
LOUTH |
1 |
€ 217,500 |
|
MEATH |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
MONAGHAN |
1 |
€ 340,004 |
|
OFFALY |
1 |
€ 250,000 |
|
WICKLOW |
3 |
€ 863,132 |
|
2017 Total |
79 |
€ 32,690,785 |
2018 (to end February)
|
County |
No of SMEs involved in awards |
Amount awarded |
|
DUBLIN |
3 |
€ 1,717,118 |
|
GALWAY |
1 |
€ 1,321,250 |
|
LIMERICK |
1 |
€ 50,000 |
|
MAYO |
1 |
€ 323,750 |
|
2018 Total |
6 |
€ 3,412,118 |
128. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of employment permits granted for non-EEA workers by her Department in each of the years 2010 to 2017 and to date in 2018, by occupation and sector in tabular form. [19543/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of employment permits granted for non-EEA workers in each of the years 2010 to 2017 and as at 1st May 2018, listed by occupation and sector, is contained in the link below.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department has used the international Standard Occupational Classification (SOC Codes) system to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data since 2013.
129. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department carried out a sectorial analysis of skills shortages in the economy for the next five, ten, 15 and 20 year period; and the enterprise strategies in place to adapt policy to address these skills shortages. [19544/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides research and secretariat support to the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). The EGFSN plays a key role in identifying current and future skills needs of enterprises and advising the government on these needs. The EGFSN carries out research, analysis and horizon scanning in relation to emerging skills requirements at both thematic and sectorial levels. The reports draw on statistical input and analysis from the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in Solas and consultation with education and enterprise experts as part of their studies.
Over the last 20 years, the EGFSN has undertaken analysis and forecasting of skills availability in a range of sectors. In the last number of years these studies have included sectors as diverse as the Marine/Maritime economy; freight, transport, logistics and distribution; biopharma and the hospitality sectors. These reports include a horizon scanning exercise and generate forecasts for skills demand in the given sectors. The timeline of these reports is typically over a 5 year period to ensure accuracy in forecasting demands. The EGFSN has the opportunity to commence a follow up study if it is required.
Current government and enterprise strategies also have a strong skills focus and in many cases, reflect the findings and recommendations of EGFSN reports. My Department works in collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the education system is producing the right talent pool to ensure the success of enterprise in Ireland. The National Skills Strategy reflects this goal as it aims to ensure the quality of our workforce. My Department's enterprise strategies, such as the Action Plan for Jobs and Enterprise 2025 Renewed, also have dedicated focus aimed at addressing the skills needs of enterprise. Actions in these strategies include but not limited to, the roll-out of the Skills for Growth Programme, developing training initiatives to develop in-company capability and the aim to address the need for new skills post-Brexit in the areas of customs, logistics and risk management.
Through the work of the EGFSN, ongoing engagement with the Department of Education and Skills, and monitoring and implementation our robust enterprise policies my Department will continue to monitor skills demands and address any potential skills needs as appropriate.
130. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department carried out a labour shortage analysis in the economy; and the policies in place to address such shortages including published strategies. [19545/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the Secretariat to which is based in my Department, is an independent, non-statutory body. The Group has a broad sectorial membership including representatives from the business community, education and training providers, trade unions, and a small number of Government Departments and agencies. The Group’s mandate is to carry out research, analysis and horizon scanning in relation to emerging skills requirements at thematic and sectorial levels. Its follow up work involves engagement with the Department of Education and Skills, Higher Education Authority, SOLAS and other relevant bodies to produce an agreed action plan to address the skills needs identified.
Recently completed and ongoing work being undertaken by the EGFSN includes analyses of skills needs or skills implications relevant to the food and drink sector, design, high level ICT, trade related skillsets in the context of Brexit, the early childcare sector, and digitalisation.
As part of the new National Skills Architecture, the EGFSN presents its findings to the National Skills Council, chaired by the Minister for Education and Skills, which, together with additional skills and labour market intelligence provided by the Regional Skills Fora, Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS, and information on Employment Permit trends, provides a mechanism for mediating demands on resources in a manner that facilitates the prioritisation of investment in identified skills needs, and enhancing the responses by education and training providers to provision and delivery of those needs.
The research of the EGFSN and the SLMRU also informs my Department’s Economic Migration Policy Unit. This Unit has the responsibility for the employment permits system which is managed by the operation of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List and the Ineligible Categories List. The employment permits regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA migrants to fill skills shortages. The objective is balanced by the need to ensure that there are no suitably qualified Irish/EEA nationals available to undertake the work and the shortage is a genuine one. The rationale underpinning the inclusion or omission from the occupation lists is informed by EGFSN, the SLMRU and is augmented by a consultation process that includes calls for submissions. This process is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is operating efficiently.
The analysis of the Expert Group on Future Skills has been reflected in the overarching strategies for the education and training system published in recent years. These include Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025, and the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019, including its associated annual implementation plans, both of which have been developed by the Department of Education and Skills.
This analysis has also informed the development of my own Department’s framework policy for enterprise policy, Enterprise 2025- Ireland’s National Enterprise Policy 2015-2025, its recent refresh, Enterprise 2025 Renewed, and the instrument for the annual implementation of the objectives set out in Enterprise 2025, the Action Plan for Jobs, which seeks to create the optimum conditions for job creation within the economy, including through ready availability of relevant skills and talent.
131. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the policies in place to attract emigrants to return here and retain skilled talent in the State after qualifying. [19546/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's goal is to support the creation of an additional 200,000 jobs by 2020, including 135,000 outside of Dublin, and to attract back at least 70,000 emigrants. The whole of Government effort to deliver on these objectives is supported by the annual Action Plan for Jobs.
Enterprise 2025 together with Innovation 2020 and the National Skills Strategy 2025 provide coherent, complementary and mutually reinforcing strategies focused on developing, retaining and attracting talent.
Ireland's enterprise policy is delivering - we now have 2.1 million people at work and an unemployment rate of below 6%. The CSO reports that in the year to April 2017, net migration for Ireland, at +19,800 was at the highest level since 2008. This is a factor of both an increase in immigrants of 2.8%, from 82,300 to 84,600 and a decrease in emigrants from 66,200 to 64,800.
My Department and its agencies have a range of initiatives to connect with Irish emigrants (and others) and outline the careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in Ireland. These include:
- My officials undertaking a comprehensive review of the employment permits system to ensure that it remains fit for purpose in a changing environment
- Since 2016, my Department has funded TechLife Ireland - a partnership with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Irish Technology industry to promote and brand Ireland as a top destination to pursue a career in technology and attract top tech professionals to Ireland each year. Industry is playing an important role in supporting the initiative and driving its development.
- IDA Ireland actively promotes Ireland as a location for new investment that offers a high quality of life for mobile talent; and Enterprise Ireland has specific targets to attract entrepreneurs to Ireland with a focused marketing programme underway in international markets.
- Science Foundation Ireland encourages leading researchers to move to Ireland raising Ireland's profile as a location for research excellence and career advancement.
In terms of retaining non-Irish graduates after qualifying, the Government has extended the Third Level Graduate Scheme, for non-EU/EEA students at level 9 and above of the National Framework of Qualifications. The new permission will double the ‘stay back option’ for masters and PhD students from 12 months to 24 months. This allows eligible graduates who have studied in Irish higher education institutions and whose award is granted by a recognised Irish awarding body at Masters or PhD level to remain in Ireland for two years to seek employment. It also ensures that our enterprises can retain skilled talent for a period of time post qualification.
Earlier this year the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade published a report on Addressing Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants. This independent report was commissioned with the goal of identifying solutions to disproportionate or unnecessary administrative burdens affecting Irish emigrants wishing to return to live in Ireland. The findings of this report will help inform the Government's ongoing work on making returning to Ireland as easy as possible.
Enterprise 2025 Renewed is focused on driving growth over the longer term that is sustainable, driven by export led growth and underpinned by talent and innovation. Our objective is to deepen the resilience of our enterprise base and to deliver quality employment. We continue to put the appropriate actions in place across Government to ensure we attract, retain and develop the skills we need to realise our ambition.
132. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation when the research study commissioned by her Department regarding sectorial implications arising from Brexit most exposed sectors is due to be completed and published. [19547/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe study commissioned by my Department on the sectorial implications arising from Brexit is due to be published by mid May 2018.
This study will complement already completed macroeconomic studies commissioned both by my Department and other Departments and provides insights from firms as to their understanding of what a hard Brexit would mean for their business operations.
133. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the details of all occupations and sectors on the highly skilled eligible occupations list and the ineligible categories of employment list in tabular form. [19548/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits system is managed through the operation of the Highly Skills Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL) for the purpose of grant of employment permits. Reviews of these lists are conducted biannually to consider occupations for inclusion on the HSEOL, or removal from the ICEL.
The lists are organised using the Standard Occupational Classification system (SOC 2010), a system that classifies workers into occupational categories. All workers are classified into one of 840 detailed occupations according to their occupational definition. To facilitate classification, detailed occupations are combined to form 461 broad occupations, 97 minor groups, and 23 major groups.
The information is contained in the following link.
134. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason the employment permit process for highly skilled eligible occupations and the ineligible categories of employment are reviewed only twice yearly. [19549/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State's economic migration policy is intended to act as a conduit for key skills which are required to develop enterprise in the State for the benefit of our economy. It is vital that the employment permits system is responsive to changes in economic circumstances and labour market conditions. In order to orient the flow of skilled migrants into the country to meet skills and labour demands that, in the short term, cannot be met by the resident labour force, it is necessary to review the highly skilled and ineligible lists on a regular basis.
The Department’s review of the highly skilled and ineligible lists is predicated on a formalised and evidence-based process. An EU-wide study in 2015 showed that Ireland is ahead of most EU member states in terms of linking market intelligence to labour migration policy.
The review of the lists is an evidence based process undertaken twice a year, informed by the annual publication of the National Skills Council’s National Skills Bulletin and the Vacancy Overview Report, which is also an annual release. In addition, an extensive internal consultation between officials of my Department and Solas, reviews of relevant sectorial reports or other pertinent releases are undertaken and a public consultation process with Government Departments, agencies, industry and social partners are invited to provide observations. Revised lists are included as schedules to Employment Permits Regulations which are laid before these Houses.
Therefore, the biannual updating of the lists is the culmination of continual consideration by my Department of labour market needs and the approach taken has been developed to ensure the sourcing of skills required for economic and social development without undue disruption to the State’s labour market.
However, in the light of the changing macroeconomic context, my officials are currently engaged in an overarching review of the employment permits system to ensure that it remains a good fit to support the State’s skills and labour requirements where these can’t be met from the resident and EEA labour pool. I expect this review to be completed by the end of June.
135. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of her Department’s review of economic migration policy and the interdepartmental group established. [19550/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2012, the State's economic migration policy has been very much oriented towards highly skilled occupations which can drive the development of the productive economy. While this has been an appropriate approach in the period of recovery, in recent months, as we approach full employment, difficulties are arising in some sectors, as employers seek to fill lower skilled and lower paid occupations with consequent potential for constriction of growth due to labour deficits in particular sectors. Recognising the changed economy and labour market, my Department is undertaking a review of the economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system. The purpose of the review is to ensure that our current policies are fully supportive of Ireland’s emerging labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors.
In undertaking any adjustment in the orientation of the system, the interest of the 233,100 people on the live register in Ireland and the 18 million unemployed in the EU 28 must be remembered, and a balance must be maintained which does not further disadvantage these job seekers.
The scope of the review is wide ranging and incorporates all aspects of the current employment permits system. It is being overseen by an Inter-Departmental Group chaired by my Department and comprises the Departments of Justice & Equality, Employment Affairs & Social Protection, Education & Skills, Public Expenditure, Housing, Planning & Local Government, Health, Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Tourism, Transport & Sport and SOLAS. The review, which is well underway, includes a public and stakeholder consultation as well as an EEA and international benchmarking exercise.
I have requested that a report setting out a framework and recommendations for short and long term actions to be taken be submitted to me by end of June 2018.
136. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the work being carried by the expert group on future skills needs, including published reports on skills and labour shortages in the economy. [19551/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess to a high quality, innovative and adaptable talent pool is critical for the sustainable growth of the Irish economy. As a result, equipping the workforce with the skills required for the jobs of today and those of tomorrow is a strategic priority for the Government. Meeting the growing skills needs of industry through investment in education and training is central to our continued economic success.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) is an independent, non-statutory body, which includes representatives from the business community, education and training providers, learner-support groups, trade unions and a number of Government Departments and agencies. It identifies the skills required by enterprise across occupations and sectors, as well as providing information to education and training providers to allow them to support the alignment of programmes with employers’ needs. My Department provides the EGFSN with research and secretariat support.
The EGFSN has ongoing work and upcoming publications for 2018 concerned specifically with skills and labour shortages in Ireland. This includes skills forecasts across sectors such as Food and Drink; Design; Freight Transport, Distribution and Logistics; Childcare; and ICT.
In April 2017 the EGFSN published the ‘Update on Future Skills Needs in the Food and Drink Sector’. This report assesses skills needs in the food and drink sector in Ireland and makes twelve recommendations aimed at addressing any gaps that might currently exist, under the headings of work-based learning; internships, mentoring and apprenticeships; languages and international selling; and coordination. These recommendations are currently being implemented and their progress is being monitored by my Department on behalf of the EGFSN.
‘Winning by Design: An introduction to the design skills required for firms to be innovative and competitive in global markets’ was published in November 2017. The report addresses the broadening of design skillsets in response to the growing demand from industry for cross-disciplinary design skills. This includes a Design Skills Action Plan to enhance and develop design in Ireland. These actions are currently being monitored and their progression is reported to the EGFSN.
Upcoming publications for 2018 include a refresh of the ICT Skills Demand Forecast previously undertaken in 2013. ‘Forecasting the Future Demand for High Level ICT Skills in Ireland, 2017-2022’ aims to assess the annual demand scenario forecasts for ICT Practitioner skills. This is broken down for Computer Engineering and Electronic and Electrical Engineering, by NFQ Levels 6-10 within the ICT Sector and other sectors of the economy. This forecast will provide an overview of ideas and recommendations elicited from stakeholders on how to boost the quantity, quality and diversity of ICT Practitioner skillsets and competences in Ireland, over and above those currently pertaining.
The EGFSN will also deliver ‘Addressing the Skills Needs Arising from the Potential Trade Implications of Brexit Report’ in 2018. This study examines the skills needs arising from the potential trade implications of Brexit, with a strong focus on qualifications, skillsets, competencies and workforce roles relevant to the diversification of trade at enterprise level, and the movement of trade across international borders, at both enterprise level and in the wider Freight Transport, Distribution and Logistics sector. Eight interventions will be recommended to address the skills issues identified in this study.
Another example of the EGFSN’s upcoming work on meeting growing skills demands and the changing skillsets of the Irish workforce is the report on ‘Skills for the Digital Economy’, which will emphasise the importance of the constant reskilling and upskilling of the workforce in creating a resilient economy. The report will focus on how different roles and different sectors will be impacted by digitalisation and will develop a synopsis of approaches to upskilling the existing workforce. This report is currently underway and is expected to produce a series of key findings and recommendations. This report will add to the body of work completed by the EGFSN since its inception in relation to filling skills gaps using our current labour market.
Through the ongoing work and publications outlined above the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, supported by my Department, will continue to ensure that an adequate and appropriately skilled workforce remains readily available in Ireland to meet the emerging challenges of a modern, growing economy.
137. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland site visits in each county in quarter 1 of 2018, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19552/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out details on the number of IDA site visits to each county of Ireland in the first three months of 2018.
As I have indicated previously, the IDA continues to highlight the benefits of expanding or locating in all counties of Ireland to its clients, including through site visits to regional areas. It is important to remember, however, that the final decision as to where to invest always rests with the company concerned. It is also the case that site visit activity does not necessarily reflect investment potential, as at least 70% of all new foreign direct investment comes from existing IDA Ireland client companies.
|
County |
Q1 2018 |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
|
Clare |
4 |
|
Cork |
10 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
|
Dublin |
69 |
|
Galway |
10 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
|
Laois |
4 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
6 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
|
Meath |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
|
Sligo |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
|
Waterford |
5 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
138. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of IDA Ireland supported jobs at the end of 2017 in each Dublin local authority and by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19553/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraData on IDA-supported jobs is collated on a county-by-county basis. Information on the number of jobs in each local authority in Dublin is therefore unfortunately unavailable.
The following table provides a breakdown of employment in IDA Ireland client companies by county in 2017.
|
IDA Jobs by County 2017 |
No. |
|
Carlow |
875 |
|
Cavan |
1,155 |
|
Clare |
6,775 |
|
Cork |
35,248 |
|
Donegal |
3,389 |
|
Dublin |
88,318 |
|
Galway |
17,696 |
|
Kerry |
2,186 |
|
Kildare |
9,282 |
|
Kilkenny |
782 |
|
Laois |
119 |
|
Leitrim |
889 |
|
Limerick |
10,677 |
|
Longford |
474 |
|
Louth |
3,702 |
|
Mayo |
4,462 |
|
Meath |
1,491 |
|
Monaghan |
150 |
|
Offaly |
940 |
|
Roscommon |
1,128 |
|
Sligo |
2,184 |
|
Tipperary North Riding |
335 |
|
Tipperary South Riding |
3,330 |
|
Waterford |
6,850 |
|
Westmeath |
2,794 |
|
Wexford |
2,948 |
|
Wicklow |
2,264 |
|
Total |
210,443 |
139. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the approval status with respect to the provision of a drug in the treatment of cancer; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is being used in both the NHS in the UK and in the US; if it is awaiting evaluation or approval; if options for persons such as a person (details supplied) will be considered in situations in which there are no further treatment options; if not, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19321/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on medicine pricing and reimbursement in the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Before deciding whether to reimburse a medicine, the HSE considers a range of statutory criteria, including clinical need, cost-effectiveness and the resources available.
The decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) of medicinal products for the HSE, and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist the HSE in its decision-making process. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The NCPE is currently conducting an HTA on Osimertinib (Tagrisso). When completed, a report will be sent to the HSE for consideration.
The HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to add the medicine to the reimbursement list, agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine or refuse to reimburse it.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments can be ongoing multi-million euro investments. Successful price negotiations also allow for more products to be approved within the finite budget available.
140. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health when he will bring legislation forward to provide for mandatory open disclosure (details supplied). [19323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am, and have always have been, fully committed to open disclosure. It is a patient’s right to be provided with honest, open and prompt communication about adverse events that may have caused them harm. This is underpinned in the Medical Practitioners Code of Conduct.
I have been progressing for some time a number of policy and legislative provisions to ensure full implementation of open disclosure. Specifically, legislation, that is, the Civil Liability (Amendment) Act was passed last year, Part 4 of which provides for open disclosure. These provisions were drafted to create a safe space for staff to be open and transparent with patients in order that they would be given as much information as possible, as early as possible, including an apology where appropriate.
During the Report Stage debate of these provisions I fully committed to examining how legislation could be expedited to provide for mandatory open disclosure to patients of serious incidents.
In this regard, I am bringing to Government next week, a Memo which will provide for a stand-alone Patient Safety Bill. This Bill will include provisions for mandatory open disclosure to patients of serious incidents.
To copper fasten this approach and to ensure transparency the Bill will also include mandatory external notification of these serious incidents to the relevant regulator such as HIQA and the Mental Health Commission.
I can also confirm that the HSE has assured me of its full commitment to implementing the current open disclosure policy and that all of the important policy and legislative initiatives will be implemented in full.
141. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the correspondence, discussions or meetings he or his predecessors, Ministerial advisers or departmental officials had with clinical pathology laboratories or their subsidiaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19330/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have not had interactions with clinical pathology laboratories in my time as Minister for Health.
I am not aware of interactions involving my predecessors in this role, ministerial advisers or departmental officials with clinical pathology laboratories.
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the report on rare diseases; the parts of the recommendations already implemented or pending; the timeline for the implementation of the report in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19333/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017 the Department published a progress report on the National Rare Disease Plan and this is available on the Department’s website under ‘Publications’. An update is also provided on all 48 recommendations of the Plan and on progress to date.
Establishment of a National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases was one of the principal recommendations in the Plan. The Programme is responsible for assisting with mapping and developing care pathways for rare diseases; facilitating timely access to centres of expertise- nationally and internationally; and developing care pathways with European Reference Centres for those ultra-rare disorders where there may not be sufficient expertise in Ireland.
In line with the National Rare Diseases Plan, the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases and the Department of Health, encouraged designated centres of expertise in Ireland to apply for membership of European Reference Networks (ERNs) during the first round of calls from the European Commission for participation in European Reference Networks. Three of these centres are now represented on ERN network. Membership of ERNs will bring opportunities for engaging in research relating to Rare Diseases in keeping with the National Rare Diseases Plan. Further centres are expected to apply for membership or affiliated membership of ERNs when the next call takes place in early 2018.
The establishment of a National Rare Disease Office (NRDO) was a key recommendation of the Rare Disease plan. The office provides current and reliable information about rare diseases to the general public, health care professionals, researchers and policy makers. The National Rare Diseases Office is responsible for updating Orphanet Ireland. Orphanet is the international rare disease reference and information portal funded by the EU. The office also manages the National Rare Diseases Information Line (a Freephone service) and provides online information about rare diseases on their website.
A number of recommendations about access to appropriate drugs and technologies were contained in the plan. One chief recommendation in this regard refers to the HSE developing a Working Group to bring forward appropriate decision criteria for the reimbursement of orphan medicines and technologies; and that the approach should include an assessment system similar to that for cancer therapies established under the National Cancer Control Programme. The HSE Acute Hospitals Division has developed the terms of reference, required membership and reporting relationship for this committee. A Chairperson has now been identified and the Group met in March 2018 to start the process of identifying interested stakeholders and considering the remit of the Committee in relation to the assessment of drugs for rare diseases.
One of the recommendations of the National Plan for Rare Diseases was that the Health Identifiers Bill and the Health & Patient Safety Bill be published. The former was published in 2013 and enacted in 2014. The Individual Health Identifier part of the project is now being implemented by the HSE. A revised and much expanded General Scheme of a Health Information and Patient Safety Bill was approved by the government in November 2015 and published on the Department's website.
Two recommendations referred to training in rare diseases for healthcare professionals. The Department of Health has contacted formally the various healthcare representative and professional bodies about implementing these recommendations. The National Rare Diseases Office developed eLearning modules for healthcare professionals. These modules are available on HSE website.
The issue of rare diseases and of the creation of an all-island patient register has been raised in the context of on-going discussions at North-South meetings. It is also anticipated that the Model of Care for Rare Diseases will set out recommendations for rare disease registries. This model of care is in development by the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases. At the EU level, the Joint Research Centre is developing a joint European Platform on Rare Disease Registration which will promote EU level standards for data collection and contribute to the development of rare disease registries across the EU.
The Plan also recommended that an Oversight Implementation Group of relevant stakeholders, including patients' groups, be established to oversee and monitor implementation of the plan’s recommendations. This group was established by the Department of Health in 2015 and it has met on a number of occasions.
The National Rare Disease Plan continues to be implemented. The Department will consider the matter of a further plan as part of its Work Programme for 2018.
143. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason the Alzheimer’s disease day unit in Castlebar, County Mayo, is reducing its service from five to three days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of service users using the Alzheimer’s disease day unit in Castlebar, County Mayo; and if there are persons on the waiting list. [19336/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 145 together.
As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
144. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason the bus service that operates to bring patients to and from the Alzheimer’s disease day unit in Castlebar, County Mayo, is being cut and discontinued; and his plans for service users that cannot travel to and from the unit. [19335/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
146. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited in order to be sanctioned for works by the PCRS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19337/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
147. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of a fair deal scheme application by a person (details supplied); if the application will be expedited in view of the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19338/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
148. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19340/18]
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.
149. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if there is a levy (details supplied) on overnight hospital bed stays; if so, the reason the levy exists; the cost in this regard; the persons who are exempt from the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19343/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are, subject to certain charges, eligible for public in-patient hospital services. As provided for by the Health (Amendment) Act 2013, the current public hospital statutory in-patient charge for public in-patient and day-case services is €80 per day, subject to a maximum of €800 in any period of twelve consecutive months.
This nominal charge represents a contribution towards the overall cost of in-patient services and applies irrespective of the type of accommodation provided during an in-patient stay. There are a number of exemptions to this charge including where a person has a medical card, where a woman is receiving services in respect of motherhood and where a child is not more than six weeks old.
The Health Insurance Act 1994, (Minimum Benefit) Regulations 1996 (as amended), provide the prescribed minimum payments for an insured person availing of in-patient services in a public hospital, in line with the amount of the charge payable for such services under the Health Act 1970 (as amended). In this context, all health insurance companies are required to cover the statutory public in-patient charge. However, it is at the discretion of individuals as to whether the charge should be paid by their health insurer on their behalf or if they wish to pay for it themselves.
150. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the patient and child safety measures in place for Temple Street Children's Hospital; if he is satisfied that there are no concerns regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19344/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
