Written Answers Nos. 361-383
361. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [27875/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to studies and research that has been commissioned and is currently ongoing. A list of such studies is set out in the following table.
|
Name of external Consultant/Organisation |
Report Title |
Date of Commission |
Publication Status |
|
Mazars |
Financial and Governance Analysis of certain Credit Co-operatives |
7th November 2018 |
This project is nearing completion and the report is expected by end Q2 2019. It is not the intention to publish this report. |
|
Herlihy Access Consultancy |
Development of Access Policy for the Workplace Relations Commission |
2018 |
For publication shortly |
|
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) |
Review of SME and Entrepreneurship Issues and Policies in Ireland |
March 2018 |
Work in progress – Final report to be published in second half of 2019 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Employment Survey 2018 |
05/09/2018 |
Q2 2019 |
|
Ergo Systems |
ICT Security Review |
January 2019 |
Not yet completed. Internal report not intended for publication |
|
Clarion Consulting |
ICT Strategy Development |
October 2018 |
Not yet completed. Internal report not intended for publication |
|
Cruinn Associates |
Design Skills Report (Working Title) |
May 2019 |
Expected to be published early 2020. |
|
Kevin Duffy |
Employment Law Guide |
22 May 2019 |
For inclusion in various WRC publications |
362. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the documents published by her Department since 1 January 2016 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27899/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the policy documents and strategies published by my Department in the period in question are set out in the following tables.
2016
|
Policy Framework for Design in Enterprise in Ireland |
|
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact Report |
|
Annual Employment Survey Report |
|
R&D Budget Report |
|
‘Inspiring Partnership – Ireland National IP Protocol 2016’ and related Resource Guide |
|
Ireland’s European Research Area Roadmap 2016 |
|
Department Statement of Strategy 2016-2019 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2016 Third Progress Report |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2016 Second Progress Report |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2016 First Progress Report |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2015 Fourth Progress Report |
|
Action Plan for Job: Dublin 2016-2018 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2016 |
|
Policy Framework Design In Enterprise In Ireland |
2017
|
Review of RDI Supports Available to Businesses in Ireland (Independent Report) |
|
Economic and Enterprise Impacts from Public Investment in R&D in Ireland (Research and analysis) |
|
Evaluation of Enterprise Agencies Overseas Office Network |
|
Review of Capita Expenditure on Research, Development and Innovation (2000 – 2016) |
|
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact Report |
|
Annual Employment Survey Report |
|
Higher Education in R&D Survey Report |
|
R&D Budget Report |
|
A Framework for Town Centre Renewal Publication |
|
Ireland’s National Plan on Corporate Responsibility 2017-2020 |
|
Building Stronger Business: Responding to Brexit by competing, innovating and trading |
|
Patents Office Strategy Statement 2017-2019 |
|
Patents Office Customer Service Action Plan 2017-2019 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2017 Third Progress Report |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2017 Second Progress Report |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2017 First Progress Report |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2017 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2016 Fourth Progress Report |
|
Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World |
2018
|
Enterprise 2025 - Renewed |
|
Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy |
|
Dominant Cities in Small Advanced Economies (research and analysis) |
|
Review of the Enterprise Agency Economic Appraisal Model |
|
Focused Policy Assessment of Start-Up and Equity Supports |
|
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact Report |
|
Annual Employment Survey Report |
|
R&D Budget Report |
|
Research Priority Areas 2018 to 2023, |
|
CSR Check 2018 – Progress Report on Towards Responsible Business |
|
Innovation 2020 Research Priority Areas 2018 to 2023 |
|
Report of the Interdepartmental Group on the Review of Economic Migration Policy, September 2018 |
|
Workplace Relations Commission Statement of Strategy 2019 – 2022 published on 18 December 2018 |
|
Department Statement of Strategy 2018-2021 |
|
Focus on Sectors |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2018 First Progress Report |
|
Enterprise 2025 Renewed: Building Resilience in the face of global challenges |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2018 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2017 Fourth Progress Report |
2019
|
CSR Check 2019 – Towards Responsible Business 2nd Progress Report |
|
National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019-2025 |
|
Innovation 2020 Progress Report 2018 |
|
‘Ireland’s National IP Protocol 2019 – A framework for successful collaboration’ and related Resource Guide |
|
The Labour Court Strategic Plan 2019 -2022 published on 28 June 2019 |
|
Action Plan for Jobs 2018 Second Progress Report |
|
Future Jobs Ireland 2019 |
363. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the estimated full-year cost if the budget for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission increased by 10%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28070/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budget allocation for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in 2019 is €12,577,000 as set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019 (REV) publication. A 10% increase (€1,257,700) would lead to a hypothetical total allocation of €13,834,700 for the CCPC.
365. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the status of plans for HAA cards for survivors of mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27456/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs published the recommendations of the First Report of the Collaborative Forum of Former Residents of Mother and Baby Homes on 16 April, 2019. The Report contains 43 recommendations in total, including 21 health and well-being recommendations relating to healthcare provision and health assessment and screening.
My Department has established an Interdepartmental Working Group to undertake an assessment of the report's health and well-being related recommendations, given their range and complexity, and will develop proposals for a package of health and well-being supports, including access to any necessary health and social care measures for former residents of relevant institutions. The Working Group, which comprises representation from this Department, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Health Service Executive, is currently examining the scale and scope of healthcare supports which may be provided and is due to report back to Government in September 2019.
366. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if asylum seekers in temporary accommodation are granted medical cards; the process for accessing such medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28281/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Asylum seekers living in direct provision must complete and submit a Medical Card application form to the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Medical Card Unit (NMCU) for assessment.
Medical Cards are issued to Asylum Seekers where their application is supported by relevant documentation (confirmation that they are in receipt of Asylum Seekers Weekly Payment). Medical Cards are issued to Asylum Seekers for one year and are subject to normal review thereafter.
367. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health when funding for the promised extension to the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital will be provided. [25571/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive's National Capital & Property Steering Group are currently considering an application for capital developments at the Emergency Department, the Medical Assessment Unit and additional bed capacity at Mayo University Hospital. The HSE has informed my Department that further information has been requested by the Steering Group in relation to this application. It is expected that this information will be provided in advance of the next meeting of the Steering Group in September 2019.
This project at Mayo University Hospital is at the very early stages of development. It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals, including this one, must progress through detailed appraisal, planning and design, procurement, construction and commissioning stages before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The availability of funding, the relative priority and the stage in the project's lifecycle determines the timeframe for the delivery of capital projects such as the proposed capital developments at the Emergency Department and the Medical Assessment Unit at Mayo University Hospital.
Our plans for the 2019 bed capacity programme include preparation of 202 beds, including 10 additional beds in Mayo University Hospital, during 2019, with a view to bringing this extra capacity into operation early in 2020.
Mayo University Hospital is an integral part of the Saolta Hospital Group providing health services and care to the people of Mayo and the west of Ireland. The Hospital provides quality patient care, delivered safely by skilled and valued staff, through the best use of available resources. This Government is committed to developing services and infrastructure at Mayo University Hospital.
368. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some cancer patients (details supplied) triaged as urgent are being informed that they must wait two years for appointments; if these patients can be fast-tracked for appointments in view of the fact that their condition is urgent; if they can be treated through the NTPF; the steps he is taking to resolve the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27454/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraRapid Access Clinics (RACs) for patients with suspected breast disease (symptomatic breast disease clinics), prostate or lung cancer symptoms were established by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in the eight designated cancer centres (with a satellite symptomatic breast disease clinic in Letterkenny University Hospital) in the period 2009-2012. Rapid Access Clinics provide multidisciplinary care for breast, lung and prostate referrals.
Target times, within which patients triaged as urgent should be seen, are in place for the Breast, Lung and Prostate clinics. The performance of each hospital in meeting these targets is monitored by the NCCP and reviewed at monthly meetings with the Department of Health. The NCCP liaises on an on-going basis with hospitals to identify measures that can be taken to improve performance, where necessary.
As the Deputy's question relates to a specific service delivery issue, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
369. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment with a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27455/19]
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.
370. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason an offer to paint a facility (details supplied) was refused by the HSE. [27461/19]
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.
371. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who has recently been discharged from hospital will receive an urgently required hospital bed at their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27463/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
372. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the purchase of a facility (details supplied) in County Sligo; his views on whether the opportunity to purchase same should not be missed in the interest of providing care for persons with an intellectual disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
373. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 22 May 2019, the length of time the design team is at stage 1 of the preliminary design; if there is a timeline to commence stage 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27474/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
374. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be provided with an appropriate homecare package to allow the person to be discharged from hospital and return home. [27487/19]
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.
375. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 357 of 14 May 2019, the progress being made to arrange an early assessment and operation at University Hospital Waterford for a person (details supplied); if an immediate assessment will be arranged; the options available to patients triaged as urgent other than waiting for 12 months; if the NTPF can be used in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27512/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious that waiting times are often unacceptably long and of the burden that this places on patients and their families. In this regard, the Government is committed to improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures.
The joint Department of Health/HSE/National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) Scheduled Care Access Plan 2019 was published in March and sets out measures to improve care for patients waiting for scheduled care in 2019 by reducing waiting times for inpatient/day case treatment and outpatient appointments.
The NTPF works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an inpatient/day case waiting list for surgery, having been referred on to such a list following clinical assessment by a consultant/specialist at an outpatient clinic.
The key criteria of the NTPF is the prioritisation of the longest waiting patients first. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for NTPF treatment, it is solely on the basis of their time spent on the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List. The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.
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.
376. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the strategies and policy proposals published by his Department since 2014, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27523/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I have surveyed the Department and the collated replies will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.
377. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the HSE strategies and policy proposals published since 2014; the number of these which have been launched by him or his predecessors, by a Minister of State or featured ministerial participation in the launch in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27524/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
378. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the reason gynaecology services have been removed from a community hospital (details supplied); if they will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27525/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this query relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
379. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the reason he is not immediately releasing the de Buitléir report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27527/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Independent Review Group established to examine private activity in public hospitals (the "De Buitléir Report) has been received and is being examined in my Department. It is a comprehensive examination of private activity in public hospitals and contains a small number of recommendations.
Detailed consideration of the Report by my Department officials is ongoing and covers a range of issues, which have also been discussed in engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of the Taoiseach. It is intended that the De Buitléir Report will be published when this consideration is complete.
380. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a post (details supplied) in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27533/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.
381. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for hip surgery in University Hospital Waterford. [27543/19]
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.
382. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the purpose of the recent establishment of two subsidiaries by a group (details supplied); and if this means the group will now commence owning and investing in private hospitals and clinics. [27546/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra383. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if his Department, as shareholder of a group (details supplied), is now engaging in a strategy to purchase private hospitals and clinics. [27547/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 382 and 383 together.
Since 2008, Vhi has been empowered to acquire, manage, operate and maintain medical facilities (Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2008, section 7). The same Act allows Vhi to form subsidiaries to perform any of its functions under the Acts (excluding the main health insurance business which is carried out by only one subsidiary).
As a part of authorisation by the Central Bank, Vhi was restructured to separate the many functions of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board. The Vhi Group Structure continues to evolve in response to business needs. The group currently comprises the following subsidiaries and associated principal business activities:
- Vhi Group DAC is the Group Holding company.
- Vhi Insurance DAC is a regulated insurance undertaking, underwriting private medical insurance in Ireland, and is regulated by the Central Bank.
- Vhi Healthcare DAC is a regulated insurance intermediary providing sales and policy administration for the group's private medical insurance and other insurance businesses, and is regulated by the Central Bank.
- Vhi Group Services DAC provides shared services to the Group Companies.
- Vhi Health & Wellbeing Holdings DAC is the holding company for Vhi’s health and well-being services, including Vhi Swiftcare, Vhi Hospital@Home , Medical Screening and Employee Assistance Services. Vhi Health and Wellbeing DAC is the operating company that delivers health and well-being services to Vhi customers and is also responsible for developing healthcare solutions that will meet the future healthcare needs of Vhi’s customers.
- Vhi Abbey DAC and Vhi Portfolio DAC own, operate and develop properties from which Vhi Health & Wellbeing Services are provided. Vhi took full ownership of Swiftcare in September 2017.
Vhi is a commercial company operating in a highly competitive market and it seeks to pursue its strategic goals to meet the current and future healthcare needs of its members. Including through its full ownership and development of Swiftcare, Vhi has been increasingly involved in the provision of healthcare services. As Minister for Health I do not have a role in the day-to-day commercial decisions of Vhi or its subsidiaries. My Department officials meet regularly with Vhi senior management to discuss governance matters, financial performance and the strategic direction of Vhi to ensure I am briefed on important developments, some of which are commercially sensitive. My Department officials and I will give due consideration to a concrete proposal in relation to a private medical facility if and when one is received from Vhi.
