Written Answers Nos. 142-166
142. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has engaged and-or consulted with a public relations online advertising agency regarding social media advertising and online promoted content in 2018 and to date in 2019; and the amount spent by company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11142/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department engaged with two such agencies in 2018 as part of the promotion of public information campaigns. The agencies were engaged in order to assist in targeting specific demographic groups which were targets of the campaigns but which may not be as effectively accessed through traditional channels such as broadsheet newspaper advertising.
PHD media were paid a total of €139,266 in 2018 as part of the "What would you do?" national awareness campaign on domestic violence. This encompassed spending on social media (€17,470), Google Adwords (€20,336), Video on Demand (€28,449), online content partnerships (€48,713) and digital display ads (€24,298).
Spark Foundry were paid a total of €4,298.88 in 2018 as part of the Department's annual fireworks awareness campaign in the run up to Halloween. This consisted of €3,868.38 on online promoted content and €430.50 in online campaign management fees.
My Department has not accrued any such expenditure thus far in 2019.
143. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of reports received by An Garda Síochána of insurance-related fraud since October 2018 under the guidelines for the reporting of suspected fraudulent insurance claims by insurance entities to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11245/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that reports of insurance-related fraud are received by An Garda Síochána, and statistics are not held by my Department.
I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána in relation to the information sought by the Deputy, and my officials will forward this information to the Deputy directly on receipt of same.
144. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide data on prison sentences and the length of sentences over the past 20 years; the data or analysis done on the different categories of sentences served and statistics on early releases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11272/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that information in relation to data on prison sentences and length of sentences since 2007 is available on the the Irish Prison Service website www.irishprisons.ie. The information can be found in the Information Centre – under Statistics & Information. Statistics available include monthly information note statistics, snapshot statistics and yearly statistics on the web page.
Data relating to prison sentences and length of sentences prior to 2007 are contained in the Annual Reports of the Irish Prison Service which are only available in hard copy. The data is provided in the attached documents.
I am further advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that statistics in relation to early releases is not recorded in the compilation of annual statistics by the Irish Prison Service. However, since 2015 the number of prisoners on temporary release are recorded, this information is available on the Irish Prison Service website www.irishprisons.ie. The information can be found in the Information Centre – under Statistics & Information - daily prisoner population.
145. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the data on prisoner numbers and equivalent numbers for 1999, 2009 and 2019; the accommodation statistics for 1999, 2009 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11273/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the data on prisoner numbers and equivalent numbers for 1999, 2009 and 2019 and the accommodation statistics for 1999, 2009 and 2019 are outlined in the following table.
|
- |
05/03/2019 |
05/03/2009 |
05/03/1999 |
|
Number in Custody |
3,985 |
3,811 |
2,783 |
|
Bed Capacity |
4,244 |
3,611 |
2,790 |
146. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies in which Enterprise Ireland has an equity stake by amounts (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10986/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated value of the equity portfolio of Enterprise Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10987/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount the equity portfolio of Enterprise Ireland generated in income in 2017 and 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10988/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the maximum equity stake Enterprise Ireland can take in a company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10989/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 149, inclusive, together.
Enterprise Ireland provides financial support to companies via grant and equity investment. Equity investment is made in the form of ordinary shares, convertible shares and preference shares for capital projects greater than €250,000, to support high potential start-ups and high-risk projects in line with EU State Aid legislation, Irish legislation and EI policy.
The following table represents Enterprise Ireland’s ordinary share equity investment in 709 companies which equates to circa 1/3 of the portfolio on an investment costs basis.
|
% of share equity investment |
No. of Companies |
|
<=5% |
197 |
|
>5% and <=10% |
500 |
|
>10% and <14% |
10 |
|
>30% |
2 |
|
Grand Total |
709 |
The overall cost of Enterprise Ireland’s equity portfolio as at 26th March 2018 was €336 million. The direct equity portfolio generated €26.8 million in 2017. The 2018 figures are unavailable until the publication of the Enterprise Ireland annual report in Q2 2019. Enterprise Ireland’s current policy is not to exceed 10% of the voting share capital of a client company. However, there are certain situations in which this is unavoidable and currently 1.7% of the portfolio exceeds the 10% threshold.
150. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if IDA Ireland has the power to take equity stakes in client companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10990/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe IDA is authorised by my Department to provide a range of financial supports in the form of employment, capital, research and development, environmental and training grants. These grants are an important means of encouraging companies to invest in Ireland, particularly in regional locations.
With regards to equity stakes in client companies, under Section 31 of the Industrial Development Act 1986 (as amended), IDA Ireland does have the power, subject to strict criteria, to subscribe for shares in certain undertakings. The IDA, however, has never exercised this power to date.
151. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation her plans to protect high street retail in view of the increasing impact of online shopping; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11008/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Retail Consultation Forum, which I chair, 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 jobs growth in the sector. As the largest private sector employer in the country (90% Irish-owned) that supports jobs in every city, town and village in the country I understand the importance of the retail sector.
It is clear the retail sector is undergoing an exciting but also challenging transformation as the digital economy provides a different retail experience for consumers across Ireland and beyond. Digitalisation has increased the scope for competition in the retail sector, as reflected in the growth in online shopping and changing consumer preferences in terms of how people are shopping in town centres. Sustaining physical retail outlets requires adaptation: many retailers now offer multiple sales channels to sell their goods, from physical stores, to social media, mobile apps and websites.
Towns are places not only to live in, but to work in, do business in and invest in. The Retail Consultation Forum and my Department produced 'A Framework for Town Centre Renewal' in 2017 to help towns and villages across Ireland with a step by step plan for town centre renewal, which brings together all the key stakeholders in the town to work collaboratively to enhance their local town or village. At a collaborative level, Town groups can work together to improve footfall and customer experience in town centres through various measures such as enhancing accessibility, public spaces, and tackling vacant property. For detailed advice, Town groups can engage with recommendations set out in the Framework.
The Framework also serves as a support document for towns and villages applying for funding streams under Project 2040 including; the €2 billion Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and the €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which can be leveraged to support the regeneration and viability of town centres.
All businesses, regardless of size or sector, in today’s competitive environment must ensure to build their online capability in order for them to expand their market reach nationally and internationally and enhance their competitiveness. Retailers are now operating through an omni-channel approach where their physical and online stores complement each other.
Last September, I introduced a new pilot Online Retail Scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland, with a total fund of €1.25m. I announced eleven successful applicants from Call 1 on the 1st March 2019 in Skibbereen, Co.Cork. A second call will issue later this year. The pilot Online Retail Scheme supports retail businesses of 20 employees or more who are ready to strategically grow their online capability. Eligible expenditure under the Scheme includes activities such as research, strategy development, implementation and training. In recognition of the strong role the retail sector plays in supporting regional development and vibrant communities, at least 50% of the total number of grants awarded under the Scheme will be prioritised for retail SMEs with their headquarters outside of county Dublin, subject to applications meeting the minimum standards required.
Retailers can also engage with the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) as the first-stop-shop front line service assisting in delivering business growth and jobs for the small & micro-enterprise sector. The LEOs are the first port of call 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 nationwide actively promote the Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVS) on behalf of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The TOVS offers matched financial assistance of up to €2,500, along with training and advice, to micro companies (10 or less employees) who want to establish an online presence for the first time, or who wish to expand a basic existing website to incorporate a more substantive online trading capacity.
Since the start of the scheme in July 2014 to date over 5,000 micro companies have availed of the TOVS including 1,103 LEO client companies.
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 are focused on different elements which aim at maximising outputs from investment in online trading such as:
- Marketing, focused mainly on development of an online/mobile marketing strategy
- Social Media, with the majority of programmes focused on educating the client base on how to use the different social media platforms to support their business
- eCommerce Sales Strategy, including how to convert website visits into sales
- Search Engine Optimisation, including web analytics and video optimization for web.
As Chair of the Retail Consultation Forum, I will continue to engage with the retail sector in relation to opportunities and challenges arising in relation to digitalisation in the sector.
152. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if the planned children’s research and innovation centre at the new national children’s hospital will be partly funded by her Department or agencies under her remit; if so, the expected amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11022/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe future Children’s Research and Innovation Centre (CRIC) is the planned new facility for paediatric research and innovation that will be located on the St James’s campus. The CRIC will be developed adjacent to the existing St James's Hospital campus research facilities and will be built using separately raised funds.
I understand that the potential for contribution to the cost of research facilities from a range of funding sources, including existing children’s research organisations, philanthropy sources, universities and competitive funding calls of the agencies under my Department are being explored.
At this point in time there is no specific funding commitment from my Department or agencies.
I would point out that all research funding awarded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is done so following rigorous international peer review. Successful research projects are funded based on research excellence as opposed to allocation to specific organisations. There are no current funding proposals from the centre to the agencies of my Department.
153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent on social media advertising and online promoted content (details supplied) in 2018 and to date in 2019 by campaign and social media platform used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11114/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she has engaged and or consulted with a public relations online advertising agency regarding social media advertising and online promoted content in 2018 and to date in 2019; and the amount spent by company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11131/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
Details of expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices during 2018 on social media advertising and online promoted content are set out in the following table. To date in 2019 no amount has been spent in this regard; projects where the use of social media may be considered worthwhile will be considered on a case by case basis.
|
Company /PR Online Ad Agency |
Social Media advertising |
Online promoted content including side bar, above the line, pop website ads |
Campaign |
Social Media Platform |
Amount spent |
|
Spark Foundry |
Targeted LinkedIn campaign to promote awareness of Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the launch of the first call for funding |
Promoted Post |
Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund |
Linkedin Creative |
€5,651.01 |
155. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she is taking to protect supply chains of manufacturers and distributors connecting with the UK and the rest of the EU 27 after 29 March 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11199/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs it stands, the UK is scheduled to leave the European Union as of 11pm on Friday, 29 March 2019. While many Irish businesses already have plans in place to mitigate the impacts of Brexit, I am conscious that a proportion of businesses have delayed their Brexit planning due to the degree of uncertainty in the UK surrounding the Brexit negotiations and the withdrawal process. As we approach the withdrawal date, I am urging all businesses to prepare, make all necessary decisions, and complete all required administrative actions.
My Department and its agencies have been consistently advising businesses and their representative bodies that it is crucial that they check their supply chains for vulnerabilities to Brexit impacts, contact their UK suppliers, service providers, logistics companies, wholesalers or distributors, to seek assurances about the continuity of the goods and services they rely on to do business, and assess whether it makes business sense to find an alternative supplier in the EU.
Extensive work has been ongoing in my Department and across Government to help businesses prepare for all Brexit eventualities and to raise awareness about supply chain implications as well as all of the other potential Brexit impacts. It is important that businesses understand that there are supports and advice available to help them prepare for Brexit.
My Department and its agencies are fully engaged in preparing Irish businesses for Brexit and have participated in the Government of Ireland’s series of Getting Ireland Brexit Ready events in Cork, Galway, Monaghan, Dublin, Limerick and Donegal. As part of awareness-raising activities, EI continues to roll out regional Brexit Advisory clinics. To date, these clinics have been held in Letterkenny, Tralee, Portlaoise, Claremorris, Cootehill, Charleville, Dublin, Galway, Dundalk, Waterford and Limerick. Further events are planned in Galway, Cork, Letterkenny and Dublin ahead of the withdrawal date.
EI has also been running a PrepareforBrexit communications campaign, featuring the Brexit SME Scorecard and the PrepareforBrexit.ie website, which offers information on the likely impacts of Brexit on Irish businesses and how these impacts might be mitigated. The Brexit SME Scorecard is an interactive online platform that can be used by all Irish businesses to self-assess their exposure to Brexit. EI has also made available a Be Prepared Grant which offers up to €5,000 for exporting client companies to conduct further research and use external expertise to develop a Brexit Action Plan.
Funding to the Local Enterprise Offices has been increased by 22% and they, along with InterTradeIreland, are offering a range of Brexit focused supports to companies, including those engaged in cross-border trade with Northern Ireland. InterTradeIreland continues to offer its Brexit: Planning Voucher, which makes available financial support of up to €2,250 towards professional advisory services to address Brexit-related challenges. This week, I launched the Brexit: Implementation Voucher, which offers up to €5,625 to businesses to implement critical changes identified in their Brexit planning phase.
The LEOs offer Brexit supports to micro and small businesses through the 31 LEOs nationwide. These include a “Technical Assistance for Micro-enterprises” grant, designed to support qualifying businesses to diversify into new markets, enabling companies to explore and develop new market opportunities. This is accompanied by tailored mentoring to address Brexit-related business challenges, and targeted training on specific Brexit challenges.
After the withdrawal date, businesses that continue to buy goods from the UK will be classed as importers. This has the potential to cause further disruption to supply chains. Businesses are encouraged to contact Revenue to understand the changes that may affect them once the UK leaves the EU. Businesses are also urged to contact their suppliers and service providers to seek assurances about the continuity of the supply of their goods and services post Brexit.
Where standards and conformity assessment are areas of potential concern, businesses are encouraged to contact the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), which provides support and guidance to Irish businesses and industry to mitigate Brexit effects on standards and certification. For businesses importing chemicals from the UK, the Health and Safety Authority's (HSA) Chemicals Helpdesk is available to help prepare for Brexit.
For further information, as well as more detail on the supports available, businesses should consult my Department's Getting Business Brexit Ready page at dbei.gov.ie/BrexitReady.
156. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will report on the plans of Enterprise Ireland to promote and support companies diversifying into new foreign markets in 2019 and 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11200/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiversification beyond the UK is now an urgent imperative for Irish enterprise and is one of the key pillars of Enterprise Ireland’s Eurozone Strategy to 2020. This Eurozone Strategy is part of Enterprise Ireland’s overarching Strategy to build scale and expand reach. Export diversification is a strong defence against Brexit challenges.
While the UK is and will continue to be our number one market the Government’s ambition through Enterprise Ireland is to drive the exports of Irish companies beyond the UK, by 50 per cent by 2020. Last year, the Government launched the Global Footprint Initiative and my Department is funding Enterprise Ireland to strengthen its presence in 14 locations in 2019. This increased presence abroad will build on Enterprise Ireland’s work in 2018 when it helped Irish companies win 1,504 new contracts, open 402 new offices overseas and brought 1,023 international buyers to Ireland.
Within the Eurozone region, currency stability, free trade agreements negotiated by the EU and export growth potential are just some of the key opportunities available to Irish exporters.
In addition, membership of the Single Market and Customs Union is a core element of our economic strategy. The Single Market is based on harmonised standards which have been good for Irish business. Regulatory certainty and standards provided by EU frameworks contribute to competitiveness and growth in Irish industry, as they facilitate trade and help businesses to sell into a wide range of markets.
In addition to access to the important EU markets, the EU is the world’s largest trading block and has preferential trading agreements with over 50 countries, with more under negotiation. The International Trade Mission and Events Schedule for 2019, which was launched recently, covers a total of 207 events within Ireland and international locations to include 73 ministerial led trade missions and events.
Of this, 31 trade events are planned to Northern Europe to include 14 trade missions which include Germany and France, the Mobile World Congress Digital Technologies event in Spain, the Money 2020 Fintech Event in Amsterdam and the Paris Air Show aviation trade event.
Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy for 2017-2020 is to support more start-ups with global ambition to build scale and expand their reach. The ambitious target set under this strategy of creating 60,000 new jobs by the end of 2020 is fully attainable.
157. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the status of additional jobs created over 2018 in the Border region. [11276/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently published Q4 2018 CSO Labour Force Survey employment figures are overall very positive. Figures show that overall, employment continues to grow strongly with 50,500 jobs created in the year from Q4 2017 to Q4 2018. This brings total employment to 2,281,300, the highest number at work ever recorded.
The Border region has shown excellent progress in employment levels since the launch of the Regional Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017. From Q1 2015 (baseline year) to Q4 2018, a total of 8,200 more people are now in employment. However, from Q4 2017 to Q4 2018 there has been a reduction in the number of people in employment in the Border region of 2,400, representing a reduction in the total number of people in the labour force during the period.
From Q1 2015 (baseline year) to Q4 2018, unemployment has more than halved in the Border region falling from 8.6 percent to 3.8 percent, the lowest level in any region in the State
We remain committed to achieving an overall jobs uplift of between 10 and 15 per cent in each region by 2020 and to bring and/or maintain unemployment levels in each region to within at least one percentage point of the State average.
To that end, in April 2018, I asked all the Regional Action Plan for Jobs Implementation Committees, including the North-West and the North-East regions, to start a process to refresh and refocus all Regional Plans to ensure their relevance and impact out to 2020, so that they continue to deliver jobs across the country, in every region, and are robust enough to address the challenges we face, including Brexit.
The outcome of this refresh process is nine new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020, which build on the very strong progress made on employment creation under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017. I am currently in the process of launching the new Plans, with eight Plans launched to date, including for the North-West and the North-East.
Shaped from the ‘bottom-up’ by regional stakeholders, and overseen by my Department, the new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 complement national level policies and programmes emanating from the ‘top-down’ and, there is strong alignment with Ireland’s national enterprise policy, Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the forthcoming Future Jobs Ireland initiative.
The principle behind the Regional Enterprise Plans is collaboration between regional stakeholders on initiatives that can help to realise the region’s enterprise development potential so that all regions can meet and exceed the regional job creation targets set to 2020. These stakeholders include: the Local Authorities, the LEOs, the enterprise agencies, the Regional Skills Forum, tourism bodies, private sector ‘enterprise champions’, and others.
It is also important to note that as well as meeting the numerical targets, it is also about creating jobs that are of good quality and sustainable over the longer term.
The Government is focused on this agenda at the national level through the Future Jobs Ireland initiative, and we are focused on this agenda through these new Regional Enterprise Plans.
158. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a child (details supplied) will be called for an outpatient appointment at the earliest date possible. [10971/19]
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.
159. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if Pembrolizumab has received marketing authorisation here and in the EU, respectively, for the treatment of cervical cancer. [10972/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that Pembrolizumab does not have a marketing authorisation for the treatment of cervical cancer in Ireland or the EU.
160. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 18 December 2018, the status of a model of care; when same will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10980/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the report of the Working Group on a Model of Care for Lymphoedema is expected to be considered by the HSE at its next Leadership meeting.
The recommendations arising from the report will be considered by my Department once they become available.
161. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10994/19]
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.
162. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the status of the restoration of radiotherapy services in Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11012/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National Plan for Radiation Oncology, radiotherapy is available in five public hospitals: St. James's Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital in Dublin, as well as Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. Radiotherapy services for public patients are also provided in two private facilities in Waterford and Limerick under the aegis of Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway respectively. Meanwhile, arrangements are in place for patients from the North West to have treatment at the North West Cancer Centre in Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Derry. There are no plans to provide radiotherapy services at Sligo University Hospital.
The National Plan for Radiation Oncology provides a model of care involving the concentration of activity and expertise to facilitate high quality radiation oncology treatments for patients in line with best evidence and international best practice.
163. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the status of efforts being made by the HSE to meet the long-term operational funding of a service provider (details supplied) in County Donegal; when a decision will be made with respect to meeting the core funding needs of the provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11028/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
164. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason research in motor neuron disease is not funded by the HSE (details supplied). [11029/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor Neurone Disease (MND) is one of the rarest neurological conditions, with a poor prognosis; 70 per cent of people with the most common form of MND (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)) will die within three years from becoming symptomatic. In Ireland, approximately 110 people die each year from MND.
The Health Research Board (HRB) is Ireland's lead agency for funding and support for health research. Over the period 2009-2018, HRB awarded €9,728,407 to research specific to ALS/MND and a further €4,717,366 to mechanisms of disease related to neurodegeneration. Research activity covered by this funding spanned applied biomedical, clinical, population health sciences and health services research and examined the causes, progression, clinical treatment and management of the disease. The level of funding disbursed by the HRB for ALS/MND and neurodegeneration more generally, reflects a strong level of interest and expertise in these areas in the Irish health research system.
165. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to improve out-of-hours disability services in counties Cork and Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11034/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
166. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive a MRI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11035/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
