Written Answers Nos. 92-116
92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which all documentation required except a national passport, which cannot be obtained from the Angolan authorities, has been received in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47617/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the processing of the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements, not only within the State but also at European Union level, and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
All persons making an application for a certificate of naturalisation are required to provide satisfactory evidence of their identity and nationality. This is usually in the form of a currently valid passport and may include other original supporting documents, such as a previously held or out of date passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate.
In rare circumstances where an applicant cannot produce their current passport, or a previous passport, birth certificate or other supporting documents the applicant will be required to provide a full explanation. Such explanation should, where possible, be supported by satisfactory evidence that they have attempted to obtain such documentation and correspondence from the relevant authorities or embassy responsible for the issuing of passports and birth certificates in their country, clearly stating the reasons the documentation cannot be provided. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) will consider the explanation given and, if satisfied it is for reasons genuinely beyond the applicant's control, may suggest alternative means to the person to assist in establishing their identity and nationality.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47618/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, if an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State, for confidentiality reasons it is not the practice to comment on such applications and the applicant or their legal representative should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate.
The IPO may be contacted either by email to info@ipo.gov.ie, by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. The International Protection Appeals Tribunal may be contacted either by email to info@protectionappeals.ie, by telephone at 01-4748400 (or Lo-Call 1890 201 458), or in writing to Corporate Services Division, The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 6-7 Hanover Street East, Dublin D02 W320.
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to indicate if a further review in respect of an application for naturalisation will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there is no record of a current application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to by the Deputy. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received, and every application is considered on its individual merits, regardless of whether the applicant had applied previously.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. There is no appeals process under the legislation. The fact that a person may have had an application refused does not preclude or disqualify them from submitting a fresh application in the future. Indeed, the letter advising an applicant of a negative decision also informs them that they may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. The letter advises that, when considering making such a re-application, they should give due regard to the reasons for the refusal which were contained in the submission attached to the refusal letter and that any further application will be considered taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
95. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he approved an application to grant legal representation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47647/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the person referred to in the question is a named party in one of the civil actions initiated against the Minister for Justice and Equality, Ireland, the Attorney General and the Garda Commissioner, relating to matters which arose during his tenure as Garda Commissioner.
In accordance with section 48 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, on the recommendation of the Acting Garda Commissioner and in accordance with normal procedures, I approved an application for the granting of State representation to the person concerned on 13 July 2018.
It is important to note that State representation does not constitute an undertaking or grant of indemnity. Nor does the granting of representation imply that a case is being defended, rather it simply means the party is legally represented. Prior to making a decision on the issue, I sought legal advice from the Attorney General.
As will be clear to the Deputy, the decision to grant State representation was taken in July 2018, some time prior to the recent report of the Disclosures Tribunal which was published on 11 October 2018.
Following the Tribunal’s report, all aspects of this and related civil actions are being considered in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. I can also confirm to the Deputy that I have asked the Attorney General to advise on settlement of this and related civil actions.
96. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline from the date on which a person (details supplied) notified him of that person's intention to resign to the date on which a candidate will fill the role; the steps this recruitment process will undertake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47648/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy notified my Department in June of his intention to retire in November of this year. Following this, my Department liaised with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) regarding a competition for recruitment and this culminated in the post being advertised on 28 September 2018, with a closing date for applications of 18 October 2018. The selection process is expected to be completed in December of this year with a new appointment following as soon as possible thereafter.
97. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if her Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency to date that has been achieved; the way in which this was achieved; if her Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for energy efficiency targets; if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47584/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is part of the Public-Sector Energy Monitoring and Reporting Programme. The 2017 Public Sector Energy Report is expected to be published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in the coming weeks.
The indicative data from this report shows an energy savings of 43% for my Department since 2006 , the baseline year used. This level of savings is amongst the highest of all Departments over the period. The Department delivered on the 2020 target of 33% during 2015.
The energy savings have been achieved through a number of significant reforms which include consolidating and downsizing the Department's physical footprint and moving into more energy efficient buildings.
In addition to this, the installation of more energy efficient ICT equipment and lighting along with an automated ‘PC power down’ protocol has contributed in achieving this reduction.
Despite exceeding the target early, the Department continues to engage in works, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, and will employ other initiatives to further increase its energy efficiency in the years ahead.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she can facilitate the construction sector by way of work visas for non-EEA countries in order to meet the shortage in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47610/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment permits system is managed through the operation of the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List (HSEOL) and the Ineligible Categories of Employment List (ICEL). These occupations lists are reviewed twice yearly to keep pace with rapid labour market changes and to be proactively identifying and addressing shortages as they arise. My Department has commenced the Quarter 4 2018 review of the lists of occupations for employment permits with a public call for submissions from stakeholders and interest groups requesting changes to the lists. The closing date for receipt of submissions was Friday 2nd November 2018. Submissions have been received in respect of a range of occupations including the construction sector, and those submissions are now being examined.
In light of the changing economy and as we continue towards near full employment, it is imperative that the employment permits system is correctly oriented to meet the State’s labour market needs. To that end, I recently published a report reviewing the economic migration policies underpinning the current employment permits system to ensure our policies are fully supportive of Ireland’s labour market needs, be they skills or labour shortages in certain sectors. The report confirms that our employment permits system is largely robust with some adjustment required to ensure continued responsiveness, setting out recommendations to be addressed over the short, medium and long term that will ensure that our employment permits system will play its part in supporting Ireland's labour market needs.
In order to have an occupation considered for addition to the HSEOL, or removed from the ICEL, there would need to be a clear demonstration of current recruitment difficulties and shortages across the EEA and that difficulties are not as a result of other factors such as salary, employment conditions or lack of upskilling opportunities. Organisations in the sector would need to provide the necessary data to substantiate their claims. A detailed evidence-based case requesting the addition of an occupation to the highly skilled list would then need to be put forward by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government as the lead Department for the sector, to my Department for review and consideration. This evidence-based case model was used successfully recently by the agri-food sector in demonstrating the difficulties experienced and the efforts made by that sector in sourcing labour from the EEA.
99. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 8 November 2018, the schemes that are being developed between her Department, the Directorate General for Competition and the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development on the development of schemes that do not fall under the general block exemption regulation; if these schemes will be operational before 29 March 2019; and if Exchequer funding will be required. [47650/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Officials are working with DG Competition and DG Agriculture on the development of schemes under the State aid Framework and the European Guidelines for State Aid in Agriculture, Forestry Sectors and Rural Areas.
The guidelines set out the conditions and criteria under which aid in these areas would be considered compatible with the Internal Market and we see potential in these guidelines to support investment of enterprises in Ireland's Food sector and other Brexit impacted sectors.
Part of this process is to explore our options to include small midcaps in the Future Growth Loan Scheme announced in Budget 2019. Support under this scheme for SMEs is being addressed under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).
DG Comp and DG Agri are working with us to progress matters as quickly as possible.
Should any further Exchequer funding be required, this would be a matter for discussion with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
100. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of participants on the rescue and restructuring scheme since it was established, in tabular form; and the amount drawn down to date. [47651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I want to assure the Deputy that my Department and agencies are working proactively with Brexit exposed firms to support their contingency planning and business transformation investments to prepare for Brexit potential impacts, to protect jobs and to build resilience, so that they do not reach the stage of needing rescue support.
The rescue and restructuring scheme was put in place for Undertakings in Difficulty and operates under the EU Rescue and Restructuring Guidelines. Under the scheme, an undertaking is considered to be in difficulty when, without intervention by the State, it will almost certainly be condemned to going out of business in the short or medium term. This scheme was put in place as it was considered prudent to have contingency measures in place so that my Department can respond swiftly to changing circumstances as necessary. However, I did not, nor do I expect that there will be a need for the State to provide rescue/restructuring aid to companies as there are supports in place that enterprises can avail of before they reach the point where they are almost certainly at the stage of being in severe difficulty and at risk of going out of business. This scheme is part of a belt and braces approach to supporting enterprise.
To date, no enterprise has sought rescue and restructuring aid.
101. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the latest whiplash data published by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. [47652/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the publication by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) of data on whiplash-related injury compensation awards resulting from road traffic accidents.
The publication of the data delivers on a recommendation from the First Report of the Personal Injuries Commission published in December 2017 and involved analysis of approximately 4,500 awards made in the first six months of 2018. The Report recommends that PIAB produce information going forward relating to the incidence of ‘whiplash’ soft tissue injuries. The suggested time frame for the implementation of this recommendation was end 2018.
The statistics show that in the first six months of 2018, 70.9% of all personal injury motor cases assessed by PIAB were whiplash related. The figure for drivers with whiplash-related injuries was 79% of all motor cases, and for passengers the figure was 69% of motor cases.
PIAB is an independent statutory body which assesses personal injury claims in Ireland. It assesses personal injuries compensation in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
102. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on the latest European Commission proposals for a digital sales tax; and the steps being taken to protect Irish interests. [47653/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Proposed Digital Services Tax is currently being debated at the Working Party on Tax Questions which is attended by Irish officials. At last week’s ECOFIN meeting, my colleague the Minister for Finance, outlined Ireland’s principled opposition to the introduction of such a tax.
Ireland has a number of concerns with the Commission’s interim tax proposals. These concerns include the short-term nature of the approach, the proposed move away from taxing profits to taxing revenues, the lack of a clear link between the proposed tax and evidence of value creation by digital business, and the potential impact on international trading relations from the adoption of a unilateral EU initiative on digital tax.
Ireland believes that taxation of the digital economy is a global issue which is best addressed at the OECD. In that context we believe that any solution must be long term, sustainable and recognise where value is created in digital business models.
Regardless of the final outcome, it must be borne in mind that Ireland’s corporation tax regime will continue to be competitive while also offering long-term certainty to international business. Crucially, our regime is underpinned by substance. Enterprise 2025 Renewed reaffirms our focus on export-led growth that is underpinned by innovation, talent and investments in place-making.
My officials and I, as well as the IDA, remain in regular contact with companies and with colleagues across Government as this area of international taxation evolves.
I will remain alert and responsive to any changes with regards to the taxation of the digital economy or indeed the overall global tax environment, working with colleagues across Government to ensure that Ireland can react and adapt when required.
103. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her views on Ireland's continued fall in the rankings of an organisation (details supplied) for the ease of doing business across 190 economies. [47656/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving our competitiveness and ensuring that Ireland is an attractive location to do business remains a key economic priority for this Government. We continue to monitor Ireland's competitiveness and analyse the factors that are crucial to attracting further investment in the country.
The World Bank Ease of Doing Business 2019 report compares the ‘ease of doing’ business in 190 economies using quantitative indicators. The report assesses the impact of 11 areas of business regulation: starting a business; dealing with construction permits; getting electricity; registering property; getting credit; protecting minority investors; paying taxes; trading across borders; enforcing contracts; resolving insolvency; and, labour market regulation.
In the latest report, Ireland achieved a high score of almost 79, which compares favourably with the top performing economy in the 2019 report, New Zealand, which achieved an absolute score of 86.5.
Ireland’s score means that it is the 23rd highest ranked economy in the world, the 8th highest ranked in the EU, and the 5th highest ranked in the Euro Area. Ireland’s continued high score, and high ranking, in the ease of doing business report is also reflected in Ireland’s strong economic growth, our trade performance, and the falling unemployment figures.
Looking at a more granular breakdown of the ease of doing business score, Ireland ranked highly in certain indicators, including ‘paying taxes’ (4th), ‘starting a business’ (10th), and ‘protecting minority investors’ (15th).
However, there is no room for complacency. The ranking is also a reminder of the intense global competition Ireland faces for exports and inward investment. Areas for focus are highlighted in other indicators, including ‘getting electricity’ (43rd), ‘trading across borders’ (52nd), and ‘enforcing contracts’ (102nd). Though the report did note that Ireland had made enforcing contracts easier by introducing a consolidated law on voluntary mediation.
Global uncertainty and Brexit has underlined the importance of ensuring strong productivity growth in Irish-based industries, a competitive advantage vis-à-vis our trading partners, and generating an uplift in enterprise export competitiveness to secure sustainable jobs and growth.
Ensuring enterprise stays at the forefront of innovative activity is vital to deepening the resilience of our enterprise base and necessary for success in global markets, which for a small open economy like Ireland, is necessary for creating sustainable growth. Building the foundations of future growth means we must further enhance the competitiveness of our business environment that should take into account the World Bank ease of doing business ranking.
My officials and the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) will establish what actions we can take to further improve our competitiveness, particularly in the areas where we are lagging competitors. The NCC will advise Government on specific actions to take in its forthcoming 2018 Competitiveness Challenge report.
In addition, the Future Jobs initiative – which is being led by my Department and the Department of An Taoiseach, to be published in early 2019 – will have a strong focus on improving productivity in the economy and its competitiveness.
104. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 25 October 2018, the reason there has been such a drop in companies participating in the 2013 to 2018 scheme compared to the 2007 to 2012 programme; and if there will be a successor programme to cover the 2019 to 2023 period. [47657/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is in the nature of seed and venture capital investing that it takes time to complete the investment process of funds participating in the Scheme. Accordingly, the 2013-2018 programme is still making investments and total investment is expected to be significantly higher once the investment period is finished. Allocations of capital to funds under the most recent Seed & Venture Capital Scheme were made over the period 2013-2018. To date 11 funds have received allocations and established funds under the SVC Scheme (2013-2018) to 2017. These funds are in the middle of their investment periods and are expected to continue to make additional new investments up to 2021. In addition, a number of other funds received an allocation under this Scheme in 2018 and these funds will also add to the total of new investments once they begin investing.
Following an extensive evaluation of Enterprise Ireland’s Seed & Venture Capital Scheme, a new programme of funding of €175m for Seed and Venture Capital Fund was announced on the 9th of October. The new Programme will be in place next year and will cover the period to 2024.
The fund is expected to leverage up to €525m in additional private sector funding to make available a total of €700m. Well over 100 innovative Irish companies are expected to benefit, with thousands of jobs created and hundreds of millions of euros in additional exports generated.
105. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the new online retail scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland will be made available to Irish-owned micro-sized firms with fewer than ten employees in the retail sector in order to enhance their online presence. [47658/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I am aware of growth in online retailing and understand the need for the retail sector to develop its online capability and enhance its competitiveness. In 2017, data from the CSO showed that 66% of Irish enterprises in the Wholesale and Retail Sector reported having a website or homepage, with only 28% able to facilitate online ordering.
The Retail Consultation Forum enables key issues affecting the retail sector to be discussed, with a view to identifying practical actions which could be taken by Government, or by industry itself, to support sustainable job growth in the sector. The new pilot Online Retail Scheme, administered by Enterprise Ireland for my Department, is a result of the work of the Forum's Working Group on the Digital Economy. My Department has worked closely with the Forum over the past two years to develop this scheme in line with the needs of the sector.
The new pilot Online Retail Scheme was launched in September with a fund of up to €625,000, which was later doubled to €1.25m as part of Budget 2019. The competitive Scheme is aimed at retail businesses who are ready to strategically grow their online capability and will support qualifying retail businesses of 20 employees or more with grants ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 on a 50% match funding basis. Successful applicants under the scheme may use the grant funding to support activities including research, strategy development, implementation and training. The first call was opened on 24th October 2018. The call will close on 5th December 2018 at 3pm.
The new Enterprise Ireland Online Retail Scheme is not available to companies with less than 20 employees. This is a pilot scheme, the purpose of which is to test and assess the potential impact of such a project. The nature of the scheme requires suitably qualified businesses who have the capability and ambition to adopt new business models and grow internationally. Peer-learning will be integral to the scheme, and participants will share their experiences with a view to shaping the scheme for the future. The full details of the Scheme are published on the Enterprise Ireland website.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEOs) are the first-stop-shop for anyone who wishes to start or expand a business, in terms of advice, training, sign posting to other support providers and, in certain circumstances, grant support. The LEOs offer a range of supports to assist Irish owned micro-sized firms to trade online including the Trading Online Voucher Scheme.
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS), supported by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and delivered through the LEOs offers matched financial assistance of up to €2,500 aimed at getting micro businesses (those employing 10 people or less) trading online. The voucher is supported with training and advice. Since the start of the scheme in July 2014 to the 30th June this year, over 4,600 micro enterprises have availed of TOVs.
The LEOs also offer a wide range of short training programmes to support their clients in building their online presence and to compete in the online marketplace. These programmes focus on different elements including; Marketing, Social Media, eCommerce Sales Strategy and Search Engine Optimisation.
106. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the progress to date for each of the action points made in the report Measures to Enhance Ireland's Corporate, Economic and Regulatory Framework, published in November 2017; if each such action point has been completed, not completed or is ongoing, respectively; and the revised deadlines for action points not delivered by the original timeframes, in tabular form. [47659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 2 November 2018, the Government published “Measures to Enhance Ireland’s Corporate, Economic and Regulatory Framework: Ireland combatting “white collar crime”. A comprehensive set of 28 measures was developed to augment the existing regulatory and legislative framework in Ireland in the area of corporate, economic and regulatory crime. The implementation of these measures is progressing across 3 Departments: Business, Enterprise and Innovation; Justice and Equality; and Finance.
There has been considerable progress on the delivery of these actions, with most of the actions either completed, on schedule or on track to be completed.
In terms of my own Department, the following table sets out the progress on implementation since that publication was launched:
Progress on Measures to Enhance Ireland’s Corporate, Economic, and Regulatory Framework
|
Action Point No. |
Action Point |
Timeline |
Progress/Revised Timeframe |
|
1 |
Develop legislative framework following appropriate consultation with stakeholders |
Q1 2018 |
Complete |
|
2 |
Publish the General Scheme of Bill |
Q2 2018 |
Ongoing. The General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to this decision will be published in Q4 2018 |
|
3 |
Pre-legislative scrutiny |
Q3 2018 |
Not completed. Timeline has been revised to Q1 2019. |
|
4 |
Publish Bill |
Q4 2018 |
Timeline has been revised to Q2 2019. |
|
5 |
Enact Bill |
Q2 2019 |
Timeline has been revised to Q4 2019. |
|
10 |
CLRG to publish its Report on Corporate Governance |
Q4 2017 |
Complete. |
|
11 |
DBEI to consider the CLRG Report and publish General Scheme of Bill as appropriate |
Q2 2018 |
Ongoing. It is intended that any proposals for legislative change, on foot of the Report, will be included in the General Scheme of the Bill to establish the ODCE as an agency. |
|
14 |
Initiate Public Consultation seeking views from stakeholders to inform transposition of the Directive |
Q1 2018 |
Complete. |
|
15 |
Transpose Directive |
Q2 2019 |
Ongoing. The transposition deadline of 10 June 2019 is expected to be met. |
|
16 |
Publish the Companies (Statutory Audits) Bill 2017 |
Q4 2017 |
Complete. |
|
17 |
Enact Companies (Statutory Audits) Bill 2017 |
Q2 2018 |
Complete. |
107. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the status of plans being made by the Health Products Regulatory Authority and-or the Health Service Executive to license and make available for reimbursement the drug Ocrevus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47456/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
The European Medicines Agency provided Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) with market authorisation in January 2018.
The NCPE completed a health technology assessment on 29 August 2018 for Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). They recommended that Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments.
On 4 October 2018 the NCPE completed a health technology assessment for Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) indicated for the treatment of adult patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). They did not recommend that Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) be reimbursed for this indication.
The HSE is the statutory decision-making body for medicine reimbursement. It will make the final decision on whether Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) will be reimbursed, taking into consideration the statutory criteria in the 2013 Health Act.
108. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47459/18]
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.
109. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47460/18]
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.
110. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if the HSE employs quantity surveyors directly; if they are employed on an ad hoc contract project basis; and if so, the reason therefor. [47465/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for this matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you.
111. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which the Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Act 2018 will commence; if he has encountered issues preventing its immediate commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47467/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill 2018 was enacted on 24 July 2018. This Act was introduced to correct typographical and technical errors in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, which will facilitate the subsequent commencement of Parts 2 & 3 of the Act. Parts 2 & 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 contain provisions relating to the regulation of donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) procedures carried out in the State, including dealing with the rights of children born as a result of those procedures. There are important administrative and operational arrangements to be put in place to facilitate the implementation of Parts 2 & 3, including the establishment of the National Donor-Conceived Person Register and the appointment of authorised persons under the Act. It is my intention that Parts 2 & 3 of the Act will be commenced as soon as possible.
112. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the timeframe in place for access to new medicines while tentative steps must be taken before a medicine is approved; and his views on whether the extent of the timeframe is problematic for persons suffering with certain conditions. [47471/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE, it must first submit an application to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
As outlined in the 2016 Framework Agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), whether to add the medicine to the reimbursement list, agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse it.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
I am keen to engage with industry and to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions which are in place and must also recognise the context of finite Exchequer resources.
I am aware that at the recent bi-annual meeting between my Department and the Irish Healthcare Pharmaceutical Association that this proposed dialogue was discussed. It is envisioned that this will take the form of a structured platform of engagement, building a stronger partnership between the State and industry to create better patient access to new treatments.
113. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of funding for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47474/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
114. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47475/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional financial resources will be allocated to address issues raised by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47478/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Traveller men have a life expectancy 15 years lower than the general population; the steps he will take to address this discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47498/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason the national Traveller health advisory committee has not been convened since 2012; if this committee will be reconvened without delay in order to address Traveller-specific health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47499/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra122. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the funding provided for the Traveller health budget in each of the past ten years; and if the investment in this budget for 2019 will be increased. [47500/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 120 to 122, inclusive, together.
Health and wellbeing are not evenly distributed across society. There are socially excluded groups who experience extreme health inequalities. Such groups include Travellers homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers and people with addiction issues. Inequalities in health are reflected in the mortality and morbidity rates of the population. Rates of chronic diseases are another indicator of health inequalities. A social gradient is also apparent in mental health. Reducing health inequalities can delivery real benefits for society and for future generations. It requires interventions to address the social determinants of health and to provide integrated and comprehensive healthcare services.
The health needs of Travellers' are documented in the landmark All Ireland Traveller Health Study, published in 2010 and funded by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health, through the HSE, provides funding in the region of €10m per annum for programmes to improve the health situation for Traveller communities. These include:
- primary healthcare projects, counselling services, family support programmes and men's health projects; dedicated public health nurses and related staff;
- mental health promotion and suicide prevention services in a culturally sensitive manner, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
A further €500,000 funding is provided through the Dormant Accounts Fund for initiatives aimed at improving Traveller mental health.
The Department recently convened a workshop on Traveller health needs. This involved representation from various policy units in the Department of Health, Community Healthcare Organisations within the HSE and Traveller organisations.
As Minister with responsibility for health promotion and social inclusion, I am very aware of the health inequalities experienced by Travellers. Significant measures have been undertaken across the health service to address these inequalities and there is ongoing and extensive engagement with Traveller organisations. I am committed to providing funding to address the acute health needs of Travellers, within the budgetary resources available.
116. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if surgery will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [47488/18]
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.
