Tuesday, 5 Mar 2019

Written Answers Nos. 328-354

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (328)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

328. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect a hospital appointment. [10649/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Proposed Legislation

Ceisteanna (329)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

329. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when he expects the legislation to give effect to the proposed changes in the fair deal scheme will come before the Houses of the Oireachtas; the full extent of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10692/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The proposed policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), to cap contributions from farm assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. My Department is working on the development of draft Heads of Bill while considering a number of complex ancillary policy and operational matters which may need to be addressed in the proposed legislation.

It is intended that this proposed policy change, the 3 year cap, will be extended to eligible existing participants in long term residential care so that they are not disadvantaged, but that there would be no retrospective recoupment of contributions for those who have paid contributions over and above the 3 year period.

A draft General Scheme of a Bill is currently with legal advisers for advice and legal quality control review. As the Deputy is aware, there is presently a focus on matters relating to Brexit, including planning and preparing in a legal and legislative context. Unfortunately, this is having some impact on progressing this particular matter at this time. However, subject to legal advice, I expect to bring the heads of bill to Government soon. The changes to the Scheme will come into effect in 2019 subject to the legislative process.

Hospitals Funding

Ceisteanna (330)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

330. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 428 of 26 February 2019, if the tender documents for the diabetic centre at Sligo University Hospital have issued to the contractors; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the project went to tender mid-2017 and a contractor was selected mid-2018; if capital funding will be approved in view of the fact that the current unit being used for children with diabetes is perceived as dangerous for both staff and patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10719/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I understand the HSE has recently responded to you directly to advise that the tender documents for the Diabetic Centre at Sligo University Hospital have been finalised and are ready to issue to the contractors, subject to the availability of capital funding.

My Department and the Health Service Executive are currently engaged in a process to finalise the HSE Capital Plan for 2019. The HSE Capital Plan will determine the projects that can progress in 2019 and beyond having regard to the total available capital funding and the relevant priority of each project. All Health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, such as the Diabetic Centre at Sligo University Hospital, are included as part of this process.

Once the HSE has finalised its Capital Plan for 2019, it will then be submitted to me for consideration.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Ceisteanna (331)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

331. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the status of the revision of the task force handbook; and when the new handbook will be ready. [10730/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Drug and alcohol task forces play a key role in implementing the national drugs strategy, by assessing the extend and nature of the drug problem in local communities and in initiating appropriate responses, so that there is a coordinated approach involving all sectors.

The Department established a working group to review and update the handbook for drug and alcohol task forces in September 2018. The working group is considering the remit of the task forces to promote community involvement and to coordinate service provision in partnership with the statutory, community and voluntary sectors and the requirements for governance, financial management, decision-making and accountability.

The working group has representatives from task forces, the community and voluntary sector, the Department of Health and the HSE, along with an independent expert.

The working group is continuing its deliberations. It is anticipated that its work will be completed in quarter 2, 2019.

I look forward to receiving the report of the working group in due course.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Ceisteanna (332, 333, 334)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

332. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the former emerging needs fund which catered for a quick response to local issues and needs was productive in assisting drugs and alcohol task forces; and his plans to reinstate the fund. [10731/19]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

333. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if extra funding will be provided to drugs and alcohol task forces to meet the challenge of drug-related gangs in Dublin in view of the recent upsurge in serious drug-related anti-social behaviour in areas (details supplied). [10732/19]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

334. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the funding being provided to drug and alcohol task forces in 2019; the equivalent figures in each of the years 2014 to 2018; his plans to increase funding for same during 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10733/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 to 334, inclusive, together.

The Department of Health allocated funding of almost €100 million to the HSE for addiction services in 2019. The HSE National Service Plan 2019 sets out the type and volume of addiction services to be provided, having regard to the funding allocated.

In addition, the Department provides a further €28 million to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces through various channels of funding, including the HSE.

Implementing the health-led national drugs strategy continues to be a Government priority. Task forces have an important role in delivering the strategy at the local level.

I am committed to providing additional resources to enhance service provision under the national drugs strategy. I consider that resources should be directed towards those interventions which are most likely to lead to a reduction in problem substance use and positive improvement in public health, safety and well-being.

Within the limited envelope of resources available for drug and alcohol services in 2019, I am considering options for the provision of additional funding for addiction services and task forces. I will shortly be engaging with the task forces to outline my plans for additional funding for community initiatives to tackle the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

A table follows outlining the allocations to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces from 2014 to 2019.

Funding allocations to drug and alcohol task forces 2014 to 2019

LDATF	2014 DOH	2014 HSE	2015 DOH	2015 HSE	2016 DOH	2016 HSE	2017 DOH	2017 HSE	2018 DOH	2018 HSE	2019 DOH	2019 HSE
Ballyfermot	€461,150	€1,025,582	€255,446	€1,231,286	€255,446	€1,231,286	€255,446	€1,231,286	€255,446	€1,231,286	€255,446	€1,231,286
Ballymun	€632,817	€488,098	€422,958	€697,957	€422,958	€697,957	€422,958	€697,957	€422,958	€697,957	€422,958	€697,957
Blanchardstown	€179,305	€913,589	€179,305	€913,589	€179,305	€913,589	€179,305	€913,589	€179,305	€913,589	€179,305	€913,589
Bray	€573,860	€916,271	€573,860	€916,271	€573,860	€916,271	€573,860	€916,271	€573,860	€916,271	€573,860	€916,271
Canal Communities	€338,605	€1,141,309	€338,605	€1,141,309	€338,605	€1,141,309	€338,605	€1,141,309	€338,605	€1,141,309	€338,605	€1,141,309
Clondalkin	€388,114	€1,007,948	€388,114	€1,007,948	€388,114	€1,007,948	€388,114	€1,007,948	€388,114	€1,007,948	€388,114	€1,007,948
Cork	€411,988	€1,108,299	€411,988	€1,108,299	€411,988	€1,108,299	€411,988	€1,108,299	€411,988	€1,108,299	€411,988	€1,108,299
Dublin 12	€74,013	€990,134	€70,997	€993,150	€70,397	€993,750	€70,397	€993,750	€70,397	€993,750	€70,397	€993,750
Dublin NE	€422,251	€594,836	€422,251	€594,836	€239,971	€777,116	€239,971	€777,116	€239,971	€777,116	€239,971	€777,116
Dun Laoghaire	€94,676	€786,755	€94,676	€786,755	€94,676	€786,755	€94,676	€786,755	€94,676	€786,755	€94,676	€786,755
Finglas Cabra	€263,277	€627,960	€263,277	€627,960	€263,277	€627,960	€263,277	€627,960	€263,277	€627,960	€263,277	€627,960
NIC	€576,956	€1,652,623	€494,856	€1,734,723	€394,856	€1,834,723	€394,856	€1,834,723	€394,856	€1,834,723	€394,856	€1,834,723
SIC	€255,720	€1,788,337	€176,043	€1,868,014	€176,043	€1,868,014	€176,043	€1,868,014	€176,043	€1,868,014	€176,043	€1,868,014
Tallaght	€452,712	€782,240	€341,438	€893,514	€336,022	€898,930	€336,022	€898,930	€336,022	€898,930	€336,022	€898,930
Total LDATF	€5,125,444	€13,823,981	€4,433,814	€14,515,611	€4,145,518	€14,803,907	€4,145,518	€14,803,907	€4,145,518	€14,803,907	€4,145,518	€14,803,907
RDATF	2014 DOH	2014 HSE	2015 DOH	2015 HSE	2016 DOH	2016 HSE	2017 DOH	2017 HSE	2018 DOH	2018 HSE	2018 DOH	2018 HSE
East Coast Area	€58,200	€508,500	€58,200	€508,500	€58,200	€508,500	€58,200	€508,500	€58,200	€508,500	€58,200	€508,500
Midland	€307,810	€491,497	€136,816	€662,491	€136,816	€662,491	€136,816	€662,491	€136,816	€662,491	€136,816	€662,491
Mid-West	€147,982	€1,260,007	€147,982	€1,260,007	€147,982	€1,260,007	€147,982	€1,260,007	€147,982	€1,260,007	€147,982	€1,260,007
North East	€0	€927,813	€0	€927,813	€0	€927,813	€0	€927,813	€0	€927,813	€0	€927,813
North West	€272,485	€447,878	€258,633	€461,730	€258,633	€461,730	€258,633	€461,730	€258,633	€461,730	€258,633	€461,730
North Dublin City & Co.	€456,080	€321,184	€309,778	€467,486	€266,245	€511,019	€266,245	€511,019	€266,245	€511,019	€266,245	€511,019
South East	€0	€1,065,760	€0	€1,065,760	€0	€1,065,760	€0	€1,065,760	€0	€1,065,760	€0	€1,065,760
South West	€102,820	€696,497	€102,820	€696,497	€102,820	€696,497	€102,820	€696,497	€102,820	€696,497	€102,820	€696,497
Southern	€0	€973,178	€0	€973,178	€0	€973,178	€0	€973,178	€0	€973,178	€0	€973,178
Western	€136,994	€524,155	€136,994	€524,155	€136,994	€524,155	€136,994	€524,155	€136,994	€524,155	€136,994	€524,155
Total RDATF	€1,482,371	€7,216,469	€1,151,223	€7,547,617	€1,107,690	€7,591,150	€1,107,690	€7,591,150	€1,107,690	€7,591,150	€1,107,690	€7,591,150
Overall Total	€27,648,265		€27,648,265		€27,648,265		€27,648,265		€27,648,265		€27,648,265

Health Services

Ceisteanna (335)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

335. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be provided with a pair of new shoes as per the request of the person's general practitioner. [10735/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service

Ceisteanna (336)

Shane Cassells

Ceist:

336. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the contents of the 2018 survey carried out by a company (details supplied) in relation to the national ambulance service has yet to be released to all staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10749/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this concerns the release of results to HSE staff, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Cross-Border Health Initiatives

Ceisteanna (337)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

337. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have availed of the cross-border initiative; the procedures they underwent; if they have been reimbursed; the overall cost of each procedure in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10750/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Ministerial Hospital Visits

Ceisteanna (338)

John Brassil

Ceist:

338. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm a date to visit Kerry University Hospital as agreed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10756/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In December, I was pleased to meet with Deputies from Kerry to discuss University Hospital Kerry (UHK) and other healthcare services in the area. At the meeting, I accepted an invitation to again visit the hospital and some local health projects. My office is currently finalising my upcoming schedule and will provide notice before my visit.

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (339)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

339. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the reopening of a ward at a hospital (details supplied); the recruitment that has taken place to date in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10758/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As Minister for Health, I recognise that hospitals are increasingly operating at or above capacity, with year-round demand pressures that are further challenged over the winter months. It is against this background that the Health Service Capacity Review 2018 recommended an increase in acute hospitals beds of over 2,600 by 2031 to support the projected increase in demand for services in the years ahead.

Increasing capacity is therefore a priority for the Government. Over the past 18 months, an additional 241 beds have been opened.

A Capacity Programme for 2019 has been agreed, which provides for the following increases to capacity, as set out in the National Service Plan 2019:

- 78 additional beds are planned for 2019, including the 40-bed modular build in South Tipperary General Hospital, the 30-bed ward in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, 4 HDU beds in Cork University Hospital and 4 HDU beds in the Mater Hospital;

- 75 acute beds and 70 community beds to come on stream in 2019 as part of the Winter Plan 2018/19, of which 43 acute beds have already opened. This includes 5 beds in Letterkenny University Hospital which are due to open in Q1 of 2019;

- preparation of 202 beds, of which 16 are critical care, by quarter 4 2019 with a view to bringing this extra capacity into operation in the first quarter of 2020, including additional beds in Letterkenny University Hospital.

In relation to the Deputy's query on the status of recruitment of staff and other operational matters, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

Home Care Packages

Ceisteanna (340)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

340. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) who was granted four additional hours of homecare assistance per week in October 2018 is still waiting for the assistance; when they will receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10763/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Traveller Community

Ceisteanna (341, 342, 344, 345)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

341. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 29 January 2019, the status of the work undertaken in recommendation 73 of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy; if this action incorporates specific measures to address Traveller suicide; and if he will report on the issue [10765/19]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

342. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 29 January 2019, when a detailed action plan based on the findings of the All Ireland Traveller Health Study will be finalised; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10766/19]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

344. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if a planning advisory body for Traveller health to deliver the national Traveller health action plan will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10768/19]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

345. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the reason the national Traveller health advisory committee has not been convened since 2012. [10769/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 341, 342, 344 and 345 together.

Health and well-being 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.

The Department has undertaken significant measures across the health service to address the health needs of Travellers, including funding for the All Ireland Traveller Health Study. There is ongoing and extensive engagement with Traveller organisations on their health needs.

The Department and the HSE participate in various official structures which monitor the provision of healthcare services for Travellers. These include the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Committee and the Traveller Health Advisory Forum. The Department's Healthy Ireland Network also has Traveller representatives.

The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) sets out over 30 actions to address the health needs of Travellers and Roma. The Department and the HSE report regularly on the implementation of these actions to the NTRIS steering group, chaired by Minister David Stanton. One of the NTRIS actions is for the HSE to develop and implement a detailed action plan to continue to address the specific health needs of Travellers, using a social determinants approach.

I am fully committed to improving the health outcomes for Travellers and I look forward to receiving from the HSE its Traveller health action plan in due course.

Traveller Community

Ceisteanna (343)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

343. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 581, 582 and 584 of 15 January 2019, the status of the work of the oversight group working on the refresh of the A Vision for Change national mental health policy; the specific terms of reference for the group that place a particular emphasis on the Traveller community; when the group will report; if the report will be published; and if he will report on the issue. [10767/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Oversight Group are currently working on finalising the refreshed National Mental Health Policy 'Vision for Change' and it is expected that the final draft report will be complete before the end of quarter 1,2019.

The draft report will then need to be costed and agreed with key departments who have responsibility for implementing recommendations. It is expected that the final document will be published in quarter 2,2019.

The Terms of reference for the Oversight group follow. The refreshed policy is aligned Slàintecare priorities and takes a whole of population approach to accessing mental health services and seeks to meet the mental health needs of all individuals

'1(g) proposing policy changes that will benefit all those engaging with mental health services. A particular emphasis on social inclusion and the needs of vulnerable groups should be incorporated with a focus on reducing stigma and discrimination'.

Therefore the Oversight Group proposes that policy changes will benefit all those engaging with mental health services. The Terms of Reference for the Group place a particular emphasis on social inclusion and the needs of vulnerable groups, including the Traveller community, which will be incorporated into the final report with a focus on reducing stigma and discrimination. As a result, the report will not include a 'traveller specific' section.

I expect to table the final report for discussion in Dáil Éireann when the policy is finalised.

Terms of Reference for Oversight Group

A Vision for Change - Part II

1. Review and update the existing mental health policy A Vision for Change (2006) having regard to the Expert Evidence Review of international best practice, progress on current service developments in Ireland and the requirement of the Public Spending Code, with a particular focus on:

(a) primary prevention, early intervention and positive mental health, including having regard to the work underway with the Pathfinder Project and the Youth Mental Health Taskforce;

(b) integration of care and delivery systems between primary and secondary services taking account of the move to appropriate 24/7 service supports;

(c) development of E mental health responses;

(d) workforce planning, forecasting and skill-mix including mechanisms to attract and retain staff within existing national HR policy;

(e) emerging needs of vulnerable groups, people with co-morbidities and specialist needs informed by the relevant clinical programmes; and

(f) development of research, data and evaluation capability to ensure achievement of best mental health outcomes can be demonstrated with the resources available.

(g) proposing policy changes that will benefit all those engaging with mental health services. A particular emphasis on social inclusion and the needs of vulnerable groups should be incorporated with a focus on reducing stigma and discrimination.

2. Identify and consult on cross-sectoral and cross-societal responsibilities in the context of (1) above.

3. Align as far as possible the refreshed policy with existing national policies and implementation arrangements that have been developed since the publication of A Vision for Change (2006).

4. Conduct a consultative process with key stakeholders to inform proposals.

5. Produce, for submission to the Department of Health, an updated draft policy framework which sets out current and future service priorities within a time-bound implementation plan, for consideration by Government as a successor policy to A Vision for Change (2006).

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In accordance with the Public Spending Code, all Irish public bodies are obliged to treat public funds with care, and to ensure that the best possible value-for-money is obtained whenever public money is being spent or invested. The Public Spending Code imposes obligations, at all stages of the project/programme life-cycle, with the stages of the project defined as follows:

- Appraisal: assessing the case for a policy intervention

- Planning/Design: a positive appraisal should lead on to a considered approach to designing how the project/programme will be implemented

- Implementation: careful management and oversight is required for both capital and current expenditure. Ongoing evaluation should also be a feature of current programmes

- Post-Project or Post-Implementation Review: checking for delivery of project objectives, and gaining experience for future projects.

Questions No. 344 and 345 answered with Question No. 341.

Traveller Community

Ceisteanna (346)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

346. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 415 of 26 February 2019, the way in which the annual spend by the HSE for targeted measures to improve the health of the Traveller community is allocated, in tabular form; and the portion of the funding allocated annually specifically to deliver on suicide prevention services and supports. [10770/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

347. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of animals and the species that will be used in a large animal test facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10771/19]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

348. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the foreseen testing purposes for the use of animals in a large animal test facility (details supplied) other than those already outlined; the definition of new animal model systems; if the development of new lines of genetically-modified animals for research purposes is foreseen; if the creation of genetically-modified animals that are able to carry specific human diseases is foreseen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10772/19]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

349. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention or that of the HSE have been drawn to and whether it is considering the human relevant humane alternative approaches to pharmaceutical and other testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10773/19]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

350. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the success rates of animal experimentation and testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10774/19]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

351. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if he has taken into consideration his responsibility to promote the development and uptake of alternatives to the use of animals under article 47 of Directive 2010/63/EU for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. [10775/19]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

352. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if the animals in a test facility (details supplied) will be sold on to other facilities here or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10776/19]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

353. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the locations in which medical device preclinical trials are being carried out here in view of the comment in a tender (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10777/19]

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

354. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of medical devices tested on animals here each year; the percentage of tests legally required by the EU; the number of tests that lead on to human clinical trials; the success rates of the tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10778/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 to 354, inclusive, together.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority in Ireland responsible for the implementation of EU legislation for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. The Deputy's questions have been referred to the HPRA for a detailed response, and I have asked my officials to respond directly to the Deputy once that response is received in the Department.