Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 20 Nov 2019

Written Answers Nos. 166-185

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (166)

Shane Cassells

Ceist:

166. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of complaints of bullying and sexual harassment, respectively received by her Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form. [48030/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is committed to upholding the key aims of the Dignity at Work Policy, the Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service.  My Department is also committed to providing a work environment free from any form of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  Any complaints or issues raised in this area are treated seriously, fairly and in strict confidence.  Informal resolution and the use of mediation are strongly encouraged and explored before proceeding to formal investigation, and in many instances have proved successful in resolving matters.

During the period in question, one complaint was lodged in 2017 under Dignity at Work – the Civil Service Anti-bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy.

2016

2017

2018

2019

0

1

0

0

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Staff

Ceisteanna (167)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

167. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of vacant posts at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; the length of time each has been vacant for; when the vacancies will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48062/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions. As staffing matters generally are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Commission, I, as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, have no direct function in these matters.

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to vacant posts at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is set out in the attached table.

Vacant Posts

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (168)

Shane Cassells

Ceist:

168. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of employees of her Department that were dismissed in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date 2019; the reason for the dismissal of each employee; the number of employees suspended in the same period; and the reason for the suspension of each in tabular form. [48065/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department operates within the Civil Service policy framework for Human Resources, and in this regard it carries out its functions in accordance with the circulars and policies set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I have provided information in the statistical table below relevant to my Department.

It should however be noted, that the specific reason for the sanction / action is personal information relevant to the individual concerned and it is the Department’s practice not to share such information to ensure that confidentiality is protected. The sanction / action would however broadly relate to some kind of misconduct as defined under the Disciplinary Code, or relate to an officer not meeting the departmental requirements in respect of satisfactory performance / attendance under the Guidelines on Probation.

 

2016

2017

2018

2019

Dismissal/Termination of Contract

1

0

5

0

Suspension

0

0

0

0

 

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (169)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

169. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent on public relations, promotion and advertising for the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and Project Ireland 2040 since its publication in February 2018 by category (details supplied) in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48117/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The following table provides details of expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices on the amount spent on public relations, promotion and advertising for the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and Project Ireland 2040 since its publication in February 2018.

Type of Promotion/Advertising /PR e.g. radio advertising, print advertising etc.

 

Amount Spent in 2018

 

Campaign/Project Name

Targeted LinkedIn campaign and newspaper advertising to promote awareness among the business and research communities of the   Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the launch of the first call for funding

13,419

To promote awareness of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation   Fund and the launch of the first call for funding

Type of Promotion/Advertising /PR e.g. radio advertising, print advertising etc.

 

Amount Spent in 2019

Campaign/Project Name

Video Production

4,684

Video production for Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund Campaign

 

Brexit Preparations

Ceisteanna (170)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she has identified job creation prospects likely to fill voids arising from Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48161/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, a number of studies have been conducted on the economic and trade impacts of Brexit that point to the significant challenges that Brexit presents for employment in key sectors of the economy, and in certain regions of the country that are most exposed to Brexit.

Government has been upfront all along signalling that Brexit is damaging for the economy, gives rise to very few opportunities and is an exercise in damage limitation. Nonetheless, we are working across Government to create the best environment for businesses to grow, to innovate, to be competitive and ultimately, to create jobs.

In previous replies to the Deputy on this issue, I have set out the broad range of Brexit supports and measures put in place by Government as well as through the State Agencies under my remit, principally Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and InterTradeIreland. These initiatives are all aimed at helping businesses to compete, to diversify into new markets, to grow exports and to sustain valuable employment.

The Deputy will also be aware that Budget 2020 was framed from the perspective of a No Deal Brexit. In such a scenario, my Department will have immediate access to an emergency support package of €110 million. Funding will be available on day one of a crash-out to activate four specific schemes and other measures supporting those businesses most affected. The schemes will be available to vulnerable but viable firms with verifiable Brexit-exposure to help them adjust to the new trading reality and to develop new products and processes for export to new markets.

On a positive note, our economy has performed strongly in recent years with record numbers in employment as evidenced from the latest CSO figures that puts the unemployment rate at 4.8%. However, this strong economic performance cannot be taken for granted and must evolve to meet future challenges. 

That is why, in March this year, I launched the Future Jobs Ireland initiative. This is an ambitious, medium-term framework to create a sustainable, resilient and future-oriented economy in Ireland over the years to 2025.  Future Jobs Ireland aims to ensure that as our economy changes, and traditional industries and practices are disrupted, workers and enterprises are able to transition successfully. If we adapt now, our enterprises can stay competitive and our society resilient.

On 7 November my Department hosted a Future Jobs Ireland Summit with two hundred attendees from enterprises, representative bodies, academia, public sector and civil society. The aim of the Summit was for attendees to exchange ideas and input to the development of Future Jobs Ireland 2020. Along with the Department of the Taoiseach, my Department is working with other Government Departments and stakeholders to develop new commitments for Future Jobs Ireland 2020 which is expected to launch in early 2020.

Regional development is also a key priority for Government. The Regional Enterprise Plans to 2020 aim to continue to deliver jobs across the country, in every region, and to address the challenges we face, including Brexit. The Plans, which are shaped from the ‘bottom-up’ by regional stakeholders, and overseen by my Department, are crucial in meeting the Government’s ambition to create an additional 200,000 jobs, of which 135,000 are outside the Dublin region, by 2020.

A key objective of each of the plans is to have a further 10 to 15 per cent at work in each region by 2020, with the unemployment rate of each region within one percentage point of the national average. We want to ensure that we are creating quality jobs that are sustainable in the longer term, so that we can secure Ireland’s economic success, in line with the Future Jobs Ireland initiative.

Job Creation

Ceisteanna (171)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which innovation and technology continues to be a feature in the creation of new and replacement jobs in the future through innovation and technology; the degree to which she identified the full potential in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48162/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The environment in which our enterprise must grow and thrive is changing. Technological innovation is radically transforming our lives and will continue to do so. Automation, AI and other forms of technological innovation are expected to radically change many jobs, enterprises, and entire industries. The move to a low-carbon economy will also radically change important sectors of the economy and present new opportunities to those firms on the cutting edge of this transition.

Technological change is already impacting several sectors, such as manufacturing, finance, retail and transport. This presents challenges but also new possibilities - certain job roles will disappear or be redefined, and brand-new job roles will appear requiring new and different skillsets. We want Ireland to be at the frontier of technological developments by rapidly adopting new technologies to boost productivity and ensure that Ireland continues to be competitive internationally. To do this, we must enable and encourage innovation across sectors and firms. Increasing investment in research, development and innovation (RD&I) and promoting strong links between enterprise and the research community will assist in ensuring Ireland keeps its relative advantage in the tech world and increase the pace of development of the green economy.

On 10 March 2019, the Government launched Future Jobs Ireland 2019, the first in a series of annual reports as part of a multi-annual framework to ensure our enterprises and workers are resilient and prepared for future challenges and opportunities. This is a whole of Government approach and forms a key part of Ireland’s economic agenda over the medium term.

Future Jobs Ireland focuses on five key Pillars, namely:

1. Embracing Innovation and Technological Change;

2. Improving SME Productivity;

3. Enhancing Skills and Developing and Attracting Talent;

4. Increasing Participation in the Labour Force; and

5. Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy.

Each Pillar sets high level targets for 2025. For Pillar 1: Embracing Innovation and Technological Change, Future Jobs Ireland is targeting an increase in Gross Expenditure on Research & Development intensity from 1.4% to 2.5% of GNP by 2025. It is also aiming for substantial increases in the share of SMEs introducing product or process innovations and with marketing or organisational innovations.

Overall, Future Jobs Ireland 2019 includes 26 meaningful and impactful ambitions supported by 127 deliverables for completion in 2019. Future Jobs Ireland is delivering on a range of Ambitions in Pillar 1: Embracing Innovation and Technological Change. These are:

1. Position Ireland as a leading pioneer in technology adoption by investing in demonstrator sites and developing enabling frameworks and standards

2. Implement a strategic approach to maximise the benefits from digitalisation

3. Position the Public Service to be a leader in technology adoption and innovation

4. Establish Top Teams to realise opportunities presented by technological changes and the move to a low carbon economy

5. Increase the capacity of SMEs to engage in research, development & innovation

6. Incentivise SMEs to invest in new technologies

7. Develop Transition Teams to assist workers and sectors likely to be most challenged by our changing economy 

Through Future Jobs Ireland we have issued a further call under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and are developing further incentives to innovate; we are working to develop Ireland as a centre for developing and testing new technologies; we are delivering policy initiatives including an Industry 4.0 Strategy, a National Digital Strategy, and a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy; we are establishing Top Teams in Artificial Intelligence, GovTech and offshore renewables; we are further developing eHealth opportunities; and we are embracing the digital transformation of public services.

I also recognise the importance of innovation in securing a resilient enterprise base. This was reflected in Innovation 2020, Ireland’s national strategy for research and development, science and technology. My officials have now commenced work on a successor strategy to Innovation 2020 which will reflect our priorities in relation to research and innovation.  I envisage this being ready for implementation from 2021 on.

My Department and the Department of the Taoiseach are currently working with the other Government Departments and other stakeholders to develop new commitments for inclusion in Future Jobs Ireland 2020 which is expected to launch in early 2020.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (172)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

172. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent on bottled water and disposable coffee cups by her Department to date in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48183/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The expenditure incurred in 2019 to date by my Department and its Offices on bottled water and disposable coffee cups is set out in the following table.

 

Bottled Water

Disposable Coffee Cups

Department

[across 3 Dublin based buildings]

€6,019.48

Nil

Companies Registration Office including the   Registry of Friendly Societies

[across 2 buildings – Dublin & Carlow]

Nil

Nil

Labour Court, Lansdowne House, Dublin 4.

€1,337.03

Nil

Office of the Director of Corporate   Enforcement,

16 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

Nil

Nil

Patents Office, Kilkenny

€1,244.04

Nil

Workplace Relations Commission

[across 5 locations – Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Shannon,   Sligo. ]

€4,329.94  

€20 *

* Incurred in early January 2019 on foot of an order placed in late 2018, prior to the Government’s banning of certain single use plastics.

My Department has a very active “Green Team” with over 30 members spread across the Department and its Offices, and the members drive a range of green initiatives voluntarily in addition to their respective business unit roles.  

The work of the “Green Team” focuses on four pillars as part of our internal response to the climate action challenge. The four pillars span energy, water usage and conservation, waste management and plant life.

Bottled water coolers are typically provided across the various locations in areas which are accessed by members of the public such as reception and waiting areas, hearing rooms, meeting rooms and by Civil Service staff in our training rooms.

In 2019 we have reduced the number of water coolers in use across the Department offices in the Kildare Street, Dawson Street and the Earlsfort Centre buildings by over 60% and have replaced them with mains water filtration systems, where possible.

The Department does not purchase nor use disposable coffee cups. Staff are encouraged to use keep cups and reusable biodegradable bottles supplied by the Department.

Over the summer 2019, the “Green Team”, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, undertook some adjustment works on the water flow system underpinning the toilet facilities in the Kildare Street building. Thus far, this has yielded a significant daily saving on water usage by reducing the unaccounted for water by over 50%. We are exploring such adjustments in our other buildings.

In many offices we have also consolidated the use of single waste bins per staff member and moved to centralised bins per floor including enhanced recycling bins and food waste bins. This has significantly reduced the level of general waste along with plastic bags being used for waste collection.   

More specific details on the Department’s internal green initiatives for 2019 can be found in our Resource Efficiency Action Plan 2019 published on my Department’s website at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/DBEI-Resource-Efficiency-Action-Plan.html

Freedom of Information Data

Ceisteanna (173)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

173. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the date of each review and revision of the material published under the publication scheme of her Department as outlined in section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48200/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Freedom of Information publication scheme for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation was last updated and published via its website in August 2018. In line with the provisions of section 8(1)(c) of the FOI act, 2014 the scheme will be reviewed again within 3 years of that date. Material published under the scheme is updated on an ongoing basis.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (174)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

174. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the amount spent on public relations, promotion and advertising, including multimedia, in her Department in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019 (details supplied) in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48239/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The attached table provides details of expenditure incurred by my Department and its Offices on public relations promotion and advertising including multi-media over the period 2016 to date.

Table 1

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (175)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

175. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if pay restoration issues for section 39 organisation staff have now been fully resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48273/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The WRC agreement reached in October 2018 in relation to pay restoration for section 39 organisations provided for pay restoration in relation to 50 ‘pilot organisations’ in the first instance. Pay restoration for these bodies commenced in April of this year with further payments due in 2020 and 2021 as appropriate.

The WRC agreement also states:

“It is recognised that some of the remaining Section 39 organisations (estimated 250 approximately) are likely to have pay restoration issues and a process to address these will be agreed and the parties will commence engagement on this issue during 2019”

There have been initial engagements in recent months between the parties on this matter under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. It has been acknowledged by management that the resources available to deliver on this initiative will be a significant challenge for the HSE. It is also recognised that significant preparatory work will be required to determine the exact costs for pay restoration to this wider group.

I can confirm that this issue is being progressed by the parties at the Workplace Relations Commission.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Ceisteanna (176)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

176. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health his plans in relation to a centre (details supplied) in County Dublin which has reported a funding shortfall of €7 million since 2012 due to the gap between funding from the nursing home support scheme and the significant costs of meeting the high dependency needs of persons living with dementia and has indicated it will need to close its day care facility at the end of 2019. [47878/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is expected to support 23,042 people at any one time in 2019. The NHSS budget for 2019 saw an increase of €24.3m over 2018 making a total budget of €985.8m for 2019. In 2020, the NHSS will see a further investment in its budget of €45 million, bringing the total annual budget for NHSS to €1.03bn. This substantial investment will provide ongoing long-term residential care over the course of 2020 ensuring that the Scheme continues to deliver affordable and accessible nursing home care for our citizens with long-term care needs.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been designated as a body authorised to negotiate with proprietors of non-HSE registered nursing homes to reach agreement in relation to the maximum price(s) that can be charged for the provision of long-term residential care services to Nursing Homes Support Scheme residents. The NTPF established processes are the appropriate mechanism for engagement. The established processes include provision for an NTPF review mechanism where agreement is not initially reached in relation to the price.

The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of its function and negotiates with a nursing home on an individual basis. The Minister for Health does not have any role in this regard. I understand that the negotiation process is very active at present, with a meeting between the organisations held last week. I strongly encourage continuation of this engagement through the established mechanisms.

In relation to the day care service, the HSE has been in extensive engagement with the St John of God Hospitaller Services Group at St Joseph's and this engagement is also ongoing. The HSE met with representatives from St. Joseph's last week on this matter and I understand that this was a positive engagement that will continue over the next short while and I hope it will conclude in a resolution between the parties.

Respite Care Services Provision

Ceisteanna (177)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when additional respite services will be provided (details supplied) in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47885/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (178)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

178. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when funding will become available to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47886/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Dietician Service Provision

Ceisteanna (179)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

179. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of dietitians there should be in place per head of population in each CHO under Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47894/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Sláintecare is a high-level delivery programme, tasked with delivering a health and social care service that meets the needs of all our population.As part of the implementation of Sláintecare. there will be an introduction of resource allocation models to be implemented on a regional basis. These resource allocation models will be based on the population profile of the regions, which, it is intended, will capture the differing health needs of the region. As committed to in the Sláintecare Action Plan 2019, work is ongoing under the Population-Based Planning Programme to establish population quantum and profile by region, which includes factors such as age, deprivation and ability, with a view to developing a methodology for determining resources and integrated services on a regional basis.

Home Care Packages Data

Ceisteanna (180)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

180. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for home care package applications in County Kildare; the number of open home care package applications being considered in the area; the number of individual homecare packages being provided in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47895/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Primary Care Reimbursement Service Payments

Ceisteanna (181, 182)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

181. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE PCRS to re-examine the case of a person (details supplied) who has been refused phased dispensing without explanation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47898/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

182. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the process by which the HSE PCRS sanctions or refuses phased dispensing for individual patients; if a registered medical doctor is consulted in either the decision or in the appeal; if an appeal is permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47899/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (183)

Shane Cassells

Ceist:

183. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on purchasing mobile telephones for staff within his Department for work-related business in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019, by grade; if his Department has a contract with a mobile telephone company (details supplied) to supply mobile telephones if needed; if so, the name of the company; the date on which the contract for the supply of mobile telephones to his Department is next due to expire; and the robust steps taken to ensure that the costs incurred on work related telephones are the best value for the taxpayer [47923/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The table outlines the number of mobile phones and the total cost of purchasing for the specified years. The figures broken down by grade are currently being compiled and I will arrange for them to be forwarded to the Deputy in the coming days.

Year 

 2016

 2017

 2018

 2019 to date

 Number of phones 

 79

 50

 114

 114

 Cost (€)

 5,289

 3,795

 19,342

 25,387

My Department previously had a contract with Vodafone for the provision of mobile and telephony services, including the provision of mobile phones, which expired in 2016.

In 2016 the Office for Government Procurement advised that my Department continue with the existing supplier until a new framework was established.  This new OGP framework is now in place.  However, the tender competition to replace this contract was delayed due to competing priorities following the Department's HQ move to Miesian Plaza.

My Department is at an advanced stage of preparation with the OGP in relation to this tendering process and I expect that process to commence shortly.  Use of this OGP framework will ensure value for the taxpayer in relation to these costs.  

My Department offers a standard smartphone to officials at Assistant Principal grade and above. Requests for staff at other grades must have a clear business need and be supported by a business case. In exceptional circumstances, a higher specification phone and/or increased data package may be appropriate.  Such requests are considered on a case by case basis and must be supported by an appropriate business case.  My Department also monitors usage on an ongoing basis to ensure the most economical packages are assigned to each account.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (184)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

184. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for ENT appointments at Letterkenny University Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47931/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for Government. In this regard, the Government is committed to improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures.

Budget 2020 announced that the Government has further increased investment in tackling waiting lists, with funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) increasing from €75 million in 2019 to €100 million in 2020.

My Department is working with the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund to develop the Scheduled Care Access Plan 2020. The National Service Plan 2020 will set out HSE planned activity level for the year ahead, while the NTPF will work with the hospital system to provide additionality to improve access to inpatient/daycase treatment and with a particular focus on hospital outpatient services.

In this regard, I would encourage all hospital groups and individual hospitals to engage with the NTPF to identify waiting list proposals for the remainder of this year and for 2020. 

The information requested by the deputy is outlined in the following table.

Letterkenny University Hospital ENT Outpatients Waiting Times

0-3

Months

3-6

Months

6-9

Months

9-12

Months

12-15

Months

15-18

Months

18-21

Months

21-24

Months

24-36

Months

36+

Months

Grand Total

482

459

427

311

274

271

334

255

953

448

4214

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (185)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

185. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of staff in his Department by gender and pay grade in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47949/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The breakdown of the staff in my Department by gender and pay grade as of October 2019 is set out in the following table.

Grade

Female

Male

Headcount

FTE

Secretary General

1

1

1

Deputy Secretary

1

3

4

4

Assistant Secretary

4

3

7

7

Director

1

2

3

3

Principal Officer

25

20

45

43.43

PO Equivalent

7

6

13

10.73

Assistant Principal Officer

70

58

128

122.33

AP Equivalent

22

8

30

29.6

Adviser

3

3

6

6

Higher Executive Officer

60

37

97

89.56

Administrative Officer

24

22

46

45.6

Executive Officer

47

39

86

82

Clerical Officer

41

26

67

65.6

Temp. Clerical Officer

1

1

1

Service Officer

1

5

6

6

Civilian Driver

8

8

8

Barr
Roinn