Written Answers Nos. 298-313
298. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the data protection impact assessments her Department has commenced since 15 May 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31505/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on 25 May 2018, my Department and its Offices have not commenced any Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) as no new data processing initiatives involving the processing of personal data have been proposed during that time.
My Department's Data Protection Officer (DPO)works actively with Business Units across my Department and its Offices who are responsible for specific functions that are particularly involved in the processing of personal data. This work includes the provision of practical advice and assistance in ensuring compliance with the GDPR, including the need for Data Protection Impact Assessments, where required.
300. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she has taken in her Department further to the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's statement (details supplied) that the Data Sharing and Governance Bill 2018 is needed to provide a legal basis for certain data transfers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31616/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Data Sharing and Governance Bill 2018 was recently published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Paschal Donohoe, T.D., and the Minister of State for Public Procurement, Open Government and eGovernment, Mr. Patrick O ’Donovan, T.D. following approval by the Government. The Bill is currently at Report Stage in the Seanad.
The purpose of the Bill is to improve the sharing of data between public bodies to reduce transactional costs for business and enhance the delivery and evaluation of public services. The Bill, which is compatible with the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), will also strengthen the governance arrangements for the management of data across the public service in accordance with national and EU data protection law.
My Department fully supports the forthcoming enactment of the Data Sharing and Governance Bill as it will reduce the administrative burden placed on individuals and businesses as they will not have to supply the same information more than once to public bodies. In the interim, my Department continues to ensure that data sharing practices involving the transfer of personal data are conducted in accordance with the Data Protection Acts 1988-2018.
301. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); if all documentation has been received by the relevant section; when the application is likely to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31081/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); if the application has successfully concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31083/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31084/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
304. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); if this application can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31085/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
305. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his plans to restore or replace the mobility allowance and motorised transport schemes, both of which were closed to new applicants in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31086/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,046 people (4,700 in 2013) in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist person with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three year period, was €5,020. Following the closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme, to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. The Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring / Summer session 2018.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I recently brought a Memorandum to Government for proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet agenda on 8 May last. I intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussion at Cabinet, in due course.
While I cannot comment on the specific proposals under consideration, I can confirm that the proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and ongoing work is being carried out by Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
306. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); the documentation outstanding; if the application has been brought to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
307. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of persons (details supplied); if the application has successfully concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31091/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
309. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a scheduled appointment for a person (details supplied) will proceed. [31100/18]
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, since 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.
310. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if the results of the independent external investigation regarding patients with carbapenemase producing enterobacteriaceae, CPE, in the University Limerick hospital group will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31105/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy understanding is that this report was commissioned by the University of Limerick Hospital Group (ULHG) and I have accordingly referred your question to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy. If you have not received a response from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
However, I would also wish to assure the Deputy that I take the risks of healthcare associated infections very seriously. In this regard, he may wish to note that I launched Ireland's National Action Plan on AMR last October. I have also declared CPE to be a public health emergency and it continues to be managed as such.
311. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when an application for new orthotics will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31125/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
312. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant nursing positions in St. Mary's Hospital, Dublin Road, Drogheda and in the Cottage Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth. [31129/18]
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.
313. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the arrangements in place to staff the increased 100 bed facility committed to for St. Mary's Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth. [31130/18]
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.
