Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Written Answers Nos. 289-307

Personal Injury Claims

Ceisteanna (289)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

289. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to introduce more granularity to the book of quantum under recommendation No. 20 of the report on the cost of motor insurance; when it is planned to publish an updated book of quantum in 2019; if there will be a change in the methodology used to arrive at the book of quantum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22352/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is an independent statutory agency and I, as Minister, am not permitted in my executive function to interfere in any way with the day to day operations and functions of PIAB.

Section 54 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 sets out the principal functions of the Board. Section 54(1)(b) states: ‘to prepare and publish a document (which shall be known as the ‘‘Book of Quantum’’) containing general guidelines as to the amounts that may be awarded or assessed in respect of specified types of injury’.

The Book of Quantum, originally produced in 2004, was revised in October 2016. The publication was compiled by independent consultants and commissioned by PIAB. This revised Book of Quantum is based on a detailed analysis of 51,000 closed personal injury claims from 2013 and 2014 and includes compensation awards from Court cases, insurance company settlements, State Claims Agency cases and data relating to awards of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. It also contains more granular detail on injuries and new injury types and more narrowly defined compensation bands. The revised Book of Quantum constitutes solid research on prevailing levels of damages in personal injuries claims.

It is proposed in the General Scheme of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill 2018 that the Board will review the Book of Quantum every three years.  The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.  It is hoped to have the drafting of the Bill completed in Q 2 2018 and published thereafter.

I understand that PIAB are currently engaging with the judiciary in the context of the next Book of Quantum, as recommended in the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report.  PIAB are also considering the recommendation arising from the First Report of the Personal Injuries Commission in terms of linking future publications of the Book of Quantum to the newly standardised examination and reporting injury categories in the Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) scale.

Motor Insurance Regulation

Ceisteanna (290)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

290. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the progress on each action committed to under the cost of motor insurance report published in January 2017; the separate action and the original delivery date as first published in the report; and the actions under her remit in which the delivery date for an action has been missed or changed, in tabular form. [22471/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has lead responsibility for implementation of three recommendations from the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance that was published in January 2017. Work is progressing well on these recommendations, which include the establishment of the Personal Injuries Commission, and certain amendments to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003.

The Department co-leads on recommendation 16 (Ascertain and set out measures necessary to implement Pre-Action Protocols for personal injury cases) and recommendation 18 (Explore with the judiciary how future reviews of the Book of Quantum/guidelines might involve appropriate judicial involvement in its compilation or adoption). These recommendations are being advanced by the Department of Justice and Equality and PIAB respectively.

On 11 May 2018, the Department of Finance published the Fifth Progress Update of the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance and on the Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance. This document sets out the most up to date position for each of the recommendations and is available on the Department of Finance website www.finance.gov.ie. Set out in tabular form is the update on the three recommendations for which my Department has lead responsibility.

Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance update on recommendations relating to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation

Recommendation

Deadline

Action complete

Status

14

Establish a Personal Injuries Commission (PIC)

Establish a Personal Injuries Commission (PIC)

Q1 2017

Q1 2017

January 2017, PIC established, Chairperson and Members appointed.

PIC to investigate processes in other jurisdictions and to make recommendations to enhance the Irish claims process.

Q4 2017

Q4 2017

First report of the PIC published on 7 December 2017.

PIC to benchmark international PI awards with those in Ireland and report on alternative compensation and resolution models.

Q1 2018

Due Q2 2018

Reports 2 & 3 will be combined and submitted to Ministers Humphreys and Donohoe.

PIC to deliver its third report.

Q2 2018

Due Q2 2018

Reports 2 & 3 will be combined and submitted to Ministers Humphreys and Donohoe.

15

Assess within the current review of PIAB legislation, cases of non-cooperation such as non-attendance at medicals and refusal to provide details of special damages.

Review cases of non-attendance at medicals and refusal to provide details of special damages.

Q2 2017

Q2 2017

This issue is being addressed in the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill 2018.

Publish Heads of Bill to enhance the powers of PIAB

Q2 2017

Q2 2017

It is expected that the drafting of the Bill will be completed in Q2 2018 and published soon after.

17

Fully assess viable options for referring rejected PIAB assessments to judicial process on appeal basis so that facts established in PIAB process do not require to be re-established.

Review potential legal and constitutional restraints to the appeal style system.

Q4 2017

Q4 2017

The concept of a judicial appeal /review style system has been explored and this is detailed in chapter 9 of the Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance, published in January 2018.

The implementation of recommendation 15 to address cases on non-cooperation with PIAB and work on the introduction of a Pre-Action Protocol for personal injuries as per recommendation 16 should assist in narrowing down issues in dispute to make any subsequent court process more efficient.

Small and Medium Enterprises Supports

Ceisteanna (291, 292)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

291. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the management training schemes provided to small and medium enterprises and small businesses. [22472/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

292. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the management development grants programmes and business appraisal training programmes operating here for small and medium enterprises; the 2018 allocations for the programmes; and the number of participating businesses in tabular form. [22473/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.

Within the remit of my Department, the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and Enterprise Ireland (EI) are the providers of management training supports to SMEs. The leadership and management development programmes delivered by EI are a critical support for the scaling agenda and improving business performance. Enterprise Ireland runs a range of training programmes to assist entrepreneurs and companies to develop the skills required to start and develop a business; develop export selling capabilities; and further enhance and develop leadership and management development capabilities.

EI’s customised management development programmes are described in the following table and act to support companies with global ambition to start, scale and internationalise. These training programmes are open to large, medium and small enterprises.

Management Training Course

Leadership 4 Growth

Delivered in  conjunction with Stanford University this flagship programme is designed to   develop and enhance the leadership ambition, mindset and capability of Irish CEOs and their senior management teams to lead innovative, scalable companies, capable of achieving sustained international growth.

Innovation 4 Growth

Targeted at ambitious companies seeking to drive growth through innovation, this programme supports companies through an end-to-end innovation learning and practice journey to deliver on one or more innovation initiatives.

Go Global 4 Growth

Go Global 4 Growth is targeted at ambitious SME top teams from all sectors, committed to adapting and evolving their business functions to prepare for global growth. The programme offers participants world-class, SME-customised management education, delivered by   Ireland's fastest growing University, Dublin City University.

International Selling Programme

Targeting company management and sales staff, this 10-month programme enhances company ability to access new markets and accelerates export sales growth. Delivered in conjunction with Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) in partnership with a panel of world-class experts and practitioners.

HPSU Founders Forum

The HPSU Founders Forum has been created for CEO Founders who are HPSU Accelerate   clients and who have typically received Enterprise Ireland investment support. The Forum brings together CEO Founders who are committed to building and scaling their companies internationally.

In addition, there are a number of short programmes that are supported by EI.

The following table presents the 2018 budget allocation for management training programmes and the associated estimated number of participants.  As these training programmes are open to large, medium and small companies, EI is not in a position to provide a budget allocation and estimated participation rate for SMEs for 2018.  

Programme

2018 EI Allocation

(Estimate)

No. of Companies 2018

(Estimate)

No. of Participants 2018

(Estimate)

Leadership 4 Growth

1.584m

60

60

Innovation 4 Growth

218k

15

45

Go Global 4 Growth

623.5k

42

158

International Selling Programme

758k

90

90

Founders Forum

210k

60

60 

 EI will continue to review the management development training needs of companies to ensure that the agency can address the training needs of companies with global ambition.

 The supports offered by the LEOs can be broadly classified as falling under two general headings, (1) grant support, and (2) capability development.  The capability development supports offered by the LEOs are primarily programmes which facilitate entrepreneurial capability, mentoring, training and development. It should be noted that the Management Development Programmes offered by the LEOs are not grants to businesses, they are subsidised or free, depending on the specific programme.

The initial 2018 budget allocation for entrepreneurial capability, mentoring, training and development programmes for the LEOs is €7,997,750. This figure is allocated at the individual LEO level, and is not prescriptive in terms of the allocation for management development and business appraisal training programmes.

The 2018 LEO Performance targets in respect of training and mentoring are as follows:

Performance Metrics

2018 Target

Total No. of Training Courses

1,800

Total No. of Training Participants

28,000

No. of Core Training Programmes

1,520

No. of Start Your Own Business Training   Programmes

280

Number of Mentoring Participants

7,000

Registered Employment Agreements

Ceisteanna (293)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

293. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to the introduction of the new sectoral employment order, SEO, for the construction sector on 19 October 2017, if State contracts signed by companies following a successful tender award in which the previous SEO was in place and the project costs built into such contracts as a result have to be re-examined following the new SEO; if changes to labour rates of pay are now applicable; if her Department has been contacted by companies in this regard; and the impact this may have on small businesses. [22479/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In general, responsibility for issues relating to Government public procurement and State contracts resides with my colleague, Deputy Pascal Donohoe, Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure. 

My role in relation to Sectoral Employment Orders (SEOs) is specifically prescribed under legislation the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015. The construction sector SEO was the first Order made under this legislation and came into effect in October 2017.

The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 provides for a new framework under which proposals for wage setting in particular sectors can be considered. The 2015 legislation was in response to the striking down on constitutional grounds of the previous regime of Registered Employment Agreements.

The 2015 Act allows for applications to be submitted to the Labour Court either separately or jointly by worker or employer bodies that are substantially representative in the sector concerned. In the case of the construction sector SEO, the application was made to the Labour Court by an employer body.  The Court undertook its examination of the application in line with the legislation and this included a public consultation process with advertisements in the national print media seeking submissions to the application received by the Labour Court.

I would stress that it is open in this process for any interested party to make a submission to the Labour Court.  Parties that make a submission to the Court are subsequently invited to a further oral hearing at the Labour Court. I understand that in the submissions made to the Labour Court, none of these contained any significant reference to the impact of the introduction of an SEO for the construction sector on State contracts already signed.

Following examination by the Labour Court of the application based on submissions received, the oral hearing and drawing on the Court's knowledge and expertise in considering industrial relations aspects of the SEO application, the Court submitted a recommendation to me in favour of making a Ministerial Order for the construction sector.       

I have no function in the determination of the terms of the SEO which under legislation is a matter solely for the Labour Court. As Minister, my role under the legislation is to ensure that the Labour Court has undertaken the process for examination of an application in line with the criteria set down in the 2015 legislation including.  On that basis, I can either accept or reject the Labour Court recommendation.

In the case of the construction SEO, I accepted the Labour Court recommendation and confirmed it by Ministerial Order which had to be approved in advance by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The terms of the Order that set out the new rates payable in the construction sector came into effect from 19 October 2017.

As Minister at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation I am of course very conscious of the implications of wage increases on sectors of the economy. I am equally aware of the importance of maintaining industrial peace in sectors of the economy that are critical to the continued growth of our economy and are providing critical services.

Brexit Supports

Ceisteanna (294)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

294. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of applications received to the recently launched Brexit loan scheme by company size of less than ten, 11 to 49, 50 to 249 and more than 250 employees; the number of applications approved and not approved to date by firm size; and the number of loans granted to date. [22485/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Brexit Loan Scheme provides affordable working capital to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees that are or will be Brexit impacted and meet the scheme criteria.

The scheme features a two-stage application process.  First, businesses must apply to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to confirm their eligibility for the scheme. This initial application process requires businesses to use guidelines provided on the SBCI website to determine if they are eligible, and if so, to complete the eligibility form.  As part of the process, businesses must submit a business plan, demonstrating the means by which they intend to innovate, change or adapt to meet the challenges posed by Brexit. The SBCI assesses these applications and successful applicants receive an eligibility reference number.

Successful applicants can then apply for a loan under the scheme with one of the participating finance providers using their eligibility reference number. Participating finance providers are the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank with Allied Irish Bank following in June.  Approval of loans are subject to the finance providers own credit policies and procedures.  

The Scheme was launched on 28 March this year and metrics describing its uptake will be available at the end of Quarter 2, 2018.

Industrial Disputes

Ceisteanna (295)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

295. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the pay and conditions issues raised by a person at a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22486/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the ongoing industrial relations issues at the company referred to by the Deputy.

Ireland’s system of industrial relations is based in voluntarism and it has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to support the development of an institutional framework supportive of this voluntary system through which good industrial relations can prosper.

The industrial relations institutions of the State have been closely involved with the company in question and, most recently, the Labour Court issued two recommendations in relation to claims before it.

I understand that in both instances the Labour Court has recommended that in isolation from the claims before it, or any matter of recent history, the parties should engage to review the functioning of their relationship in a forward-looking frame. The Court was of the view that the employer and the trade union would benefit from constructive dialogue facilitated by an external expert and the Court was prepared to nominate an appropriate experienced person.

I would urge both sides to this dispute to remain engaged with the State's industrial relations machinery in order to resolve their differences.

Employment Rights

Ceisteanna (296, 297)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

296. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has reviewed the case of persons (details supplied); and her views on whether the employment practices of their employers were illegal and exploitative. [22501/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

297. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if pursuant to section 2B(5) of the Employment Permits Act 2003 she will use her discretion to institute civil proceedings under section 2B(2) in the name and on behalf of the four persons against persons (details supplied) for amounts of moneys to recompense them for work here and on Irish flagged vessels. [22502/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.

Following receipt of correspondence relating to this matter, it is currently under consideration by officials in my Department

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (298)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

298. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the reason for the delay in the publication of the report on investigative failures leading to the collapse of a trial (details supplied); when it is expected the report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22538/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An account of the investigative failures identified by Judge Aylmer is currently being finalised.  The purpose of publishing this account is to understand the factors that led to such mistakes being made and to take appropriate steps to address these shortcomings.

On 9 March, Judge Aylmer granted approval to publish some of the transcripts of the trial, limited to the rulings of the Court concerning investigative failures made on specific dates.  The account is now being finalised on this basis.

It is important that the account is in line with fair procedures, due process and natural justice.

It is intended that the account will be published as soon as possible.

Local Enterprise Offices Data

Ceisteanna (299)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

299. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of funding provided to local enterprise offices in County Cork to date in 2018; and the direct supports in place for small businesses via these offices. [22590/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Funding from my Department for Local Enterprise Development is allocated to the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) through the Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland. There are 3 LEO offices in County Cork; Cork City, Cork North/West and Cork South. Funding is allocated among the LEOs to support clients through the provision of grants (Measure 1) and soft supports (Measure 2), such as training and mentoring, and used to fund the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) programme. Details of the total funds drawn down by the 3 Cork LEO’s since 1 January 2018 to date is set out in the table.  

LEO Name

Total Drawdown 1st Jan 2018 to 17th May 2018

Cork City

€435,924

Cork North/West

€544,924

Cork South

€250,000

Total Drawdown

€1,230,848

The LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports for anyone who intends to start or grow their own business. There are 31 LEO’s located nationally. In the first instance, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service in relation to all relevant State supports available through agencies such as Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, Education and Training Boards, Credit Review Office, and Microfinance Ireland. The LEOs can also offer advice and guidance in areas such as Local Authority rates, public procurement and other regulations affecting business.

There are a range of supports available from the LEOs to assist start-ups. 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. These include feasibility grants (investigating the potential of a business idea) and priming grants (to part-fund a start-up). In 2017, almost €6.5 million in priming grants was approved for 294 new LEO clients across the country. It should be noted that the LEOs do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses).

The LEOs attracted 1,471 applicants to the recent Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition. IBYE is a programme run by the 31 LEOs with the support of my Department and Enterprise Ireland and is aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship as a career choice among young people. The competition is open to people between the ages of 18 and 35 with an innovative business idea and has an investment fund of up to €2 million.

The LEOs may be able to offer ‘soft’ supports in the form of training, such as a Start Your Own Business (SYOB) course, or assign a mentor to work with the business proposer. Over 3,700 participants attended SYOB courses run by the LEOs in 2017.

The Student Enterprise Programme (SEP), which is run by the LEOs, is the biggest enterprise competition for students in Ireland. It helps students to grasp real life skills associated with running a real enterprise including working as part of a team, managing production and finances, organising a sales and marketing campaign and liaising directly with customers, judges and the media. Over 22,000 second level students participate on the Programme each year.

The LEOs also run promotional events such as the National Women’s Enterprise Day and the Local Enterprise Week, which are aimed at, inter alia, promoting the LEO services and encouraging people to start or grow a business. These events are supplemented by LEO participation in other promotional events such as the National Ploughing Championship.

Anyone with a viable business proposal can also use the LEOs to make an application to MicroFinance Ireland, which 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. Successful applicants can avail of a more favourable interest rate from MFI if they make their application through the LEO.

A range of supports have been developed to assist LEO clients facing the challenges posed by Brexit, but many of these are beneficial for all micro and small enterprises, particularly those who are seeking to grow their business or explore new markets. These supports include:

- Information events around the country for core and non-core clients. The objective of these sessions is to enable companies to learn about the potential impacts and opportunities of Brexit, and to engage in a process of strategic planning to ensure their companies have a robust strategy in place.

- The information sessions are supplemented by an online Brexit SME Scorecard that LEO clients can complete to self-assess their readiness for Brexit. The Scorecard generates an immediate report which contains suggested actions and resources, and information on events for companies to attend, to prepare for Brexit.

- A key element of the range of LEO Brexit responses is a Lean4Micro programme, which was designed to encourage clients to adopt Lean business principles in their organisation to increase performance and competitiveness. This programme is relevant to all micro and small businesses.

- Along with the core LEO priming and business development grants, the LEOs are now offering a Technical Assistance for Micro-exporters (TAME) grant, which is designed to help LEO clients to find new markets and exports by part-funding expenditure incurred investigating and researching export markets, e.g. exhibiting at Trade Fairs, preparing marketing material and developing websites specifically targeting export markets.

- The Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVs) is a grant scheme designed to assist micro businesses to establish or enhance their online presence, which can also aid the Brexit transition.  It offers financial assistance of up to €2,500 along with training, advice and mentoring to help businesses trade online.

- The LEO Mentor Programme is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owners/managers who need practical and strategic one-to-one advice and guidance. Tailored mentoring is being rolled out to address Brexit-related business challenges.  The LEOs also share the Enterprise Ireland Mentor platform for their clients, which provides expertise regarding export matters, including in relation to export finance.

- The LEO Innovation and Investment Fund (LIIF) programme is a new scheme to support innovation in micro-enterprises and get them investor ready to scale their businesses. Successful applicants will undertake an intensive investor ready development programme, which includes one to one mentoring, focused on developing a robust business plan. Upon completion of the programme, the applicants pitch to a panel of LEO, EI and private sector representatives for grant investment which will go towards the execution of their investor ready business plan.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (300)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

300. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the State Claims Agency's dealings with those who have suffered adverse reactions from the Pandemrix swine influenza vaccine administered in December 2009; his views on whether it is best practice that court cases directly involving victims are avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22128/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I cannot comment on individual cases or matters that are the subject of litigation but I can provide background information on this litigation and clarify matters that are already in the public domain.

As of 9 May 2018, legal proceedings against the Minister, the Health Services Executive and GlaxoSmithKline Biological SA have been initiated by seventy individuals.  The plaintiffs allege personal injury in which they claim the development of narcolepsy resulted from the administration of the H1N1 pandemic vaccine.  The management of the cases transferred to the State Claims Agency on 15 October 2013 when the Taoiseach signed the National Treasury Management Agency (Delegation of Claims Management Functions) (Amendment) Order 2013. I have been informed by the Agency that cases before the courts in relation to the management of the discovery is the lead case.  It would not be appropriate for a Minister to interfere in the courts case management of these claims which are delegated to the SCA for management.

I am continuing to engage with the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Finance on what further improvements can be made to the legal framework governing the management of medical negligence cases.

The Department of Health, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together to provide a wide range of services and supports for those affected.  The HSE’s Advocacy Unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Government Departments to facilitate access to required services.  It is in regular contact with individuals affected.  Regional co-ordinators have been appointed to assist individuals by providing advice, information and access to local services.

 The ex gratia health supports include clinical care pathways to ensure access to rapid diagnosis and treatment, multi-disciplinary assessments led by clinical experts, counselling services for both the individuals and their families, discretionary medical cards for those who have been diagnosed have been provided to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication, physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessments.  Diagnosis of narcolepsy involves a specialised sleep study system which is currently only available in the Mater Private.  It is intended that diagnoses will be carried out in the Centre of Excellence for Narcolepsy in St. James Hospital.  This service will combine a new patient referral system with access to expert consultant and advanced nursing expertise for clinical diagnosis, access to the latest neurophysiological diagnostic techniques with overnight and daytime monitoring for both inpatients and outpatients, laboratory testing, brain imaging and genetic testing.  The HSE will continue to pay for access to the services, such as dietician and psychology services, that would have been provided in the Centre of Excellence from private providers to so that none of the affected individuals miss out on receiving these supports.

Respite Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (301)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

301. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding emergency respite services for persons with special needs in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the position regarding the provision of a facility for the purpose of emergency respite in County Kilkenny, such as one planned for Tullow, County Carlow; if respite services can be extended to the homes of persons with severe disabilities in counties Carlow and Kilkenny who are unable to travel or avail of transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22361/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (302)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

302. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health his views on the adequacy of services for persons with special needs between 18 and 65 years of age in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; if a review system for young adults with special needs in counties Carlow and Kilkenny upon reaching 18 years of age, which re-examines social, medical and educational needs, will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22362/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. 

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

Respite Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (303)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

303. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if the reported inconsistencies in the number of hours of respite care provided to persons with special needs in the different HSE areas across the south-east region will be examined; his views on whether every carer should engage in a carer needs assessment to allow a family to plan and support the provision of care safely in their own home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22363/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (304)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

304. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the provision of transport services for persons with special needs to day care centres in counties Carlow and Kilkenny is adequate for the families concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22364/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.  This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The provision of transport to adults with a disability attending HSE-funded day services is not a core health service, and the HSE endeavours to ensure that all service users access public transport, including rural transport services, if possible. This is in keeping with the principle of mainstreaming with a clear focus on ensuring persons with a disability have access to the normal range of services and participate in community life as far as possible.  In general, day service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass, so there should be no additional cost burden at an individual level. 

When a person cannot avail of a day service because they do not have transport to attend, some transport is provided by disability service providers on a case by case basis. As the question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. 

Speech and Language Therapy Provision

Ceisteanna (305)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which speech and language therapy continues to be available to pupils with a specific requirement in north County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22682/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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

Medical Card Eligibility

Ceisteanna (306)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

306. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if the possibility of extending the provision of general practitioner visit cards to those in receipt of the respite care grant in advance of budget 2019 will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22365/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In December 2017, the Government  announced that additional funding would be provided to enable all carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance to qualify for a GP visit card.  Government approval was given on the 11 April to provide GP services without fees to persons in receipt of either full or half rate Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit and to draft the Heads of Bill to legislate for this provision.  It is intended that this measure will be implemented this year, subject to the drafting and enactment of the necessary legislation.

There are currently no plans to extend GP visit Cards to persons specifically in receipt of a Carer's Support Grant (formerly known as the Respite Care Grant), however it is noted that many persons in receipt of this Grant will qualify for a GP visit card as the Carer's Support Grant is paid automatically to persons in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit.

Food Safety Standards

Ceisteanna (307)

James Browne

Ceist:

307. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the recourse available to a business or individual against which complaints that are subsequently proved to be unfounded are made to the Food Safety Authority; if there is provision against malicious complaints especially in circumstances in which the making of a complaint can damage a business, even if the complaint is not proven; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21994/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a matter for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), I have asked the FSAI to respond directly to the Deputy.

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