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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 3 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 598-625

Prison Visiting Committees

Ceisteanna (598)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

598. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the dates from when she was in receipt of each of the various prison visiting committee annual reports 2019; and when each was published on the website of her Department. [5925/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may appreciate, the work of the prison visiting committees has been heavily impacted due to the COVID 19 pandemic including insofar as the timing of the  submission of the 2019 Annual reports to my Department is concerned. 

The reports of the various Prison Visiting Committees were submitted over the course of 2020.  The first was received in March and the last was received in October. The date of receipt for each report is set out below. The practice is to bring all of the Visiting Committee reports to Government in a single memorandum for information, which was done after receipt of the final report.  Following that, all reports were then laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and were subsequently published on the website of my Department, on Friday 15th of January 2021.

Officials in my Department will be engaging proactively with the 12 Visiting Committees in 2021 to ensure a more streamlined and timely finalisation of the reports for the reporting next cycle. 

In addition, I can also confirm that a cross-functional Departmental review is underway on foot of the Programme for Government commitment to 'Review the existing functions, powers, appointment procedures and reporting processes for prison-visiting committees’' and I expect that the recommendations from that group will be available in Quarter 1 this year.

Prison

Date

Arbour Hill

11 March

Castlerea

22 September

Cloverhill

30 June

Cork Prison

1 May

Dochás

8 July

Limerick

20 July

Loughan House

13 October

Midlands

16 April

Mountjoy

31 March

Portlaoise

13 March

Shelton Abbey

16 April

Wheatfield

19 March

Residency Permits

Ceisteanna (599)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

599. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5926/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A decision on the citizenship application of the person referred to by the Deputy was issued by the Immigration Service of my Department on 10 February 2017. It is open to the applicant to make a further application for citizenship. However, any new application should address the issues outlined to the applicant at that time.

The person concerned has had a permission to remain in the State based on their parentage of an Irish Born Child until 1 February 2021. To ensure that people do not fall out of permission during the Covid-19 pandemic, six automatic extensions of immigration permissions have been provided, the most recent to 20 April 2021.  This automatic extension applies in the case of the person referred to by the Deputy and the renewal of the permission is on the same basis as the existing permission and the same conditions attach.

The extension provides applicants with the necessary time to make arrangements with the Immigration Service in Dublin or An Garda Síochána outside Dublin to ensure that their registrations are renewed in the normal way by that date. I encourage people to do so at the earliest opportunity and not to wait until April 2021. 

All renewals in the Dublin area are being processed online only since 20 July 2020, at: https://inisonline.jahs.ie. Renewals outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau through the Garda Station network.  Information is available at: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/reopening-of-registration-offices.html

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Visa Applications

Ceisteanna (600)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

600. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date on the determination of an appeal for a visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5927/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in Abu Dhabi on 9 August 2020. The reasons for this decision were set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicants at that time. An appeal of this decision was launched on 11 October 2020.

Appeals for applications of this type are processed in the order in which they are received, to be fair to all applicants. While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume of appeals received, their complexity, the possible need for the visa office to seek further information in relation to certain appeals and the resources available to process them.

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on the Immigration Service website. When making an appeal, the applicant should take into account the reasons for refusal listed in the refusal letter. The appeal should include any further information or additional documentation they wish to have considered, and should be sent for the attention of the Visa Appeals Officer, in the relevant Visa Office, where the matter will be considered afresh.

Full consideration will be given to any appeals received on behalf of the applicants, however the onus is on applicants to satisfy the Visa Officer that visas should be granted. Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the webpage for the relevant office.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Court Accommodation

Ceisteanna (601)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

601. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the number of courthouses that have been closed nationwide in each of the years 1997 to date in 2021, by county; if replacement courthouses were constructed; if so, the companies contracted to build same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5971/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made regarding the number of court houses that have been closed nationwide in each of the years 1997 to date in 2021.

I am informed that it will take some time for the Courts Service to compile this information, given the period of time encompassed and the scale of the task in checking and compiling the information.  The Courts Service has undertaken to provide a reply to the Deputy before the end of the month.

The Government is committed to ensuring adequate resources for the courts in order to maintain access to justice for all citizens. This commitment was reinforced recently with the highest ever budgetary allocation for the Justice sector including €158.8 million for the Courts Service. This included €8 million for the new Courts Modernisation Programme along with an additional provision of €5.7m for COVID measures to enable court sittings take place in a socially distanced and safe environment. A significant priority for my Department and the Courts Service in the years ahead will be to significantly invest in digital technology, to transform the experience of practioners and of court users.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (602)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

602. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice the status of the community-based CCTV grant aid scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5977/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Minister of State will be aware, community-based CCTV is governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006).  This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must also act as data controller, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded.  These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.  The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country. 

I can inform the Minister of State that work is at an advanced stage in the Department to prepare a General Scheme of a Bill to provide statutory underpinning for Garda overt recording, which will include CCTV authorised in local communities by the Garda Commissioner.  When enacted, this legislation will replace Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.  

As part of this work, the Department has engaged in extensive consultations with An Garda Síochána, the Garda Oversight bodies, the Data Protection Commissioner, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. It is intended that the Bill will provide a robust statutory framework for An Garda Síochána’s use of recording devices and will ensure that necessary safeguards are in place in relation to data obtained through the use of any such devices.

Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.  To date, 29 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants awarded totalling more than €752,000.  Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000.  I can confirm that funding continues to be available for 2021.

Last year the grant aid scheme was extended to cover not only new CCTV systems but also to allow funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete.  Applicants can now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

However in all cases, grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements, in other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Controller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

If the Minister of State is aware of groups wishing to avail of the grant aid scheme, further details are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie - and support and guidance is available to help interested groups through a dedicated email address, fundsadmin-comm-based-cctv@justice.ie.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (603)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

603. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the pilot programme for the community crime impact assessment led by the community and voluntary sector to Dublin 9 and 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5146/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government’s strategic response to addressing drug and alcohol problems in Ireland is set out in Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025. The strategy contains a commitment to develop and pilot a community crime impact assessment tool in order to measure the impact of drug-related crime and wider public nuisance issues on communities. This action is the responsibility of the community and voluntary sector.

The pilot programme for the community crime impact assessment aims to measure the impact of drug related crime and wider public nuisance issues on communities with a view to informing a collaborative problem-solving approach to tackle such issues, while also monitoring the effectiveness of the response through repeat assessments over time.

A number of training workshops is planned on the community crime impact assessment tool. It is suggested further information on the workshops is sought from the sector through the details attached.  

The Department of Justice is developing a community safety policy to help foster local communities that are safer for families, residents and businesses and that feel more secure. It is a crime prevention and harm reduction strategy that seeks to identify and address specific local community safety issues. Community safety can include issues relating to alcohol and substance abuse.

This policy will include the establishment of local community safety partnerships that will be responsible for developing a tailored and prioritised local community safety plan in conjunction with both the community and public services. The intention is to build the capacity of local residents to enable them to engage meaningfully in the local community safety partnership and grow local community leadership and participation. This will enable the local community safety partnership to function as a forum for dialogue between the community and service providers and strengthen trust in the people providing services.  

I expect that the community crime impact assessment tool with be of assistance to the local community safety partnerships.

Table

Garda Deployment

Ceisteanna (604, 605)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

604. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the sanctions available to gardaí to regulate employers who are in breach of the Covid-19 guidelines. [5224/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

605. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the sanctions available to gardaí to regulate employers who are in breach of the Covid-19 guidelines but have no premises, for example those in construction. [5225/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 604 and 605 together.

The current Regulations in effect providing for public health restrictions are the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 701 of 2020) as amended by both S.I. No. 4 of 2021 and S.I. No. 29 of 2021.

The regulations provide that members of the public and workers are not permitted, or otherwise granted, access to a premises in or at which a business or service is carried out, other than where access is necessary for the provision of an essential service or the operation of an essential retail outlet. This is a penal provision.

Section 31A of the Health Act 1947 as inserted by section 10 of the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest ) Act 2020 (No. 1 of 2020) provides that a “‘premises’ includes a building or any part of a building, any outdoor space surrounding or adjacent to the premises, whether or not used in conjunction with the premises, any land, premises, tent, caravan, or other temporary or moveable structure, ship or other vessel, aircraft, railway carriage or other vehicle (whether stationary or otherwise) and any storage container”.

The regulations also provide that leaving one’s place of residence without reasonable excuse is prohibited. The list of reasonable excuses is non-exhaustive. For the purposes of work, such reasonable excuse, includes a person leaving their place of residence in order to -

‘(a) work, comply with a contract of employment or contract for services, or otherwise engage in work or employment where -

(i) such work, compliance, or engagement relates to an essential retail outlet or an essential service, and

(ii) in all the circumstances, it is not practicable to so work, comply or engage in the person’s place of residence’.

This is a penal and fixed penalty (€100) provision.

Garda Deployment

Ceisteanna (606, 701)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

606. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he plans to provide additional powers to An Garda Síochána to prevent persons travelling to airports for the purpose of going abroad for non-essential reasons such as holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5318/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

701. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he plans to impose restrictions on movements by persons from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5324/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 606 and 701 together.

The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 29 of 2021) along with S.I. No. 30 of 2021 (Fixed Penalty Notice Regulations) came into operation on Monday, 1 February 2021.

These Regulations provide for the extension of the current public health restrictions to 5 March 2021. They also provide that a person whose place of residence is outside the State may not travel in the State without reasonable excuse. A non-exhaustive list of reasonable excuses applies for the purposes of this provision. It is a penal provision and a fixed penalty notice (€100) provision. In addition, the Regulations provide that a person whose place of residence is in the State shall not leave it to go to an airport or port for the purposes of leaving the State without reasonable excuse. This is a penal provision and a fixed penalty notice (€500) provision.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (607, 787)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

607. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the definition of "essential international travel" under the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5670/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

787. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the definition of "essential international travel" (details supplied). [5591/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 787 together.

I signed new regulations titled S.I. No. 29 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 on Friday 29 January last.

These Regulations outline the following to be reasonable excuses for travel to an airport or port for purpose of leaving the State :-

- To work, comply with a contract of employment or contract for services, or otherwise engage in work or employment

- To provide services to, or perform the functions of, an office holder appointed under any enactment or under the Constitution, or a member of either House of the Oireachtas, the European Parliament or a local authority

- To provide services essential to the functioning of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the State

- To attend, for educational reasons a primary or secondary school, or a university, higher education institution or other education and training facility, to the extent that it is necessary for such educational reasons to attend in person

- To accompany any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person, to one of the education facilities mentioned above

- To attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany, to such an appointment, any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person

- To seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, for any other person residing with the person, or for a vulnerable person

- To attend to vital family matters (including providing care to vulnerable persons)

- To attend a funeral

- To fulfil a legal obligation (including attending court, satisfying bail conditions, or participating in ongoing legal proceedings), attend a court office where required, initiate emergency legal proceedings or execute essential legal documents

- if the person is a parent or guardian of a child, or a person having a right of access to a child, to give effect to arrangements for access to the child by the person, or another person who is -

(I) a parent or guardian of the child, or

(II) a person having a right of access to the child,

- where the person is not ordinarily resident in the State, to leave the State.

Mobility Allowance

Ceisteanna (608)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

608. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the progress made by his Department to replace or provide alternatives to the mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes that it was decided to close in 2013 on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts; and the timeframe for a new scheme to come into operation. [5862/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

By way of background, two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport. The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts. 

In 2013, the Government also decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed. Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,648 people in receipt of the interim payments at September, 2020. 

At the whole of Government level, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 sets the overall framework for the equal participation of people with disabilities in society.  Monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which comprises key Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group.

Under the Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport and is committed to the continued development of accessible public transport in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities. 

Work is ongoing on the policy proposals for the provision of transport supports for people with disabilities. I intend to revert to Government with proposals in due course. Recent developments which will impact on the policy options include the following:

- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;  

- The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019.  The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs; and

- The Working Group established under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy by the Department of Justice and Equality which states that:- 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.” 

- The review of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passenger (Tax Concessions) Scheme by the Department of Finance.

Other transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State include the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; the Revenue Commissioners Disabled Drivers and Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme; and CLÁR funding, approved by the then Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (609)

James Lawless

Ceist:

609. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the full range of medical services and staff currently operational in the Kilcock primary healthcare facility, County Kildare; his plans for expanding the range of medical service available at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4994/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (610)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

610. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when the review of the fair deal scheme will be complete; if there will be a change to the way in which land value is considered; if other changes are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4995/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), 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 Report of the NHSS Review published in 2015 identified a number of recommendations for immediate implementation and a number of other complex issues that were deemed to require more detailed consideration. One such recommendation was the need to undertake a review of the pricing mechanism used by the NTPF, with a view to:

- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;

- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and,

- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.

A Steering Group was established to oversee and manage the NTPF's pricing review. The Steering Group is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There is considerable complexity in both the review and the potential scope of its implementation, which would interact with a broad range of policy initiatives and potential legislative developments that are taking place across the health and social care sectors. These complexities require a considered, integrated approach by the Department and its stakeholders.

The Pricing Review was completed and some preliminary consideration of it was provided by the NTPF to the then Minister in late 2019. Given the complexities involved and the potential far reaching impacts, including in relation to access to care for citizens, it was determined that further briefing and consultation would be required before the Ministers could consider the range of issues and complexities involved.

As the pandemic arose in early 2020, the Department has prioritised focus on supporting nursing homes and nursing home residents, noting the significant impact that COVID-19 has on such services and service users. A number of COVID-19 specific policy responses have been developed and implemented, including a Temporary Financial Support Scheme for private and voluntary nursing homes, which has paid out almost €67m to date in respect of 2020 and made a further €42m available up to the end of June 2021; supply of PPE on a free of charge basis; professional and expert advice, including clinical advice;  a series of serial testing programmes in nursing homes; access to a comprehensive package of training resources; redeployment of HSE staff to private nursing homes; and staff accommodation for nursing home workers. However, the importance of addressing long-term policy consideration with regard to the pricing mechanism is acknowledged. Minister Donnelly and I are currently considering the content of the review and the appropriate next steps.

Separate to the pricing review, the Department of Health has proposed a specific policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to cap contributions based on family owned and operated farm and business assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset. This change has been approved by Government and undergone pre-legislative scrutiny in the last Dáil. The stated policy objective of the general scheme of the Bill is to introduce further safeguards in the Scheme to further protect the viability and sustainability of family owned and operated farms and businesses that will be passed down to the next generation of the family to continue to work them as productive assets to provide for their livelihood.

Progress on the development of the Bill was negatively impacted by the dissolution of the last Dáil and by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, work on this legislation has continued to progress. I have exchanged letters with the Business Committee requesting a waiver to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny, given this was already undertaken in the previous Dáil. I have met with the Attorney General to discuss this legislation, and there has been an ongoing and active engagement between the Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General on the development of the legislation, which will be brought to the Houses of Oireachtas at the earliest possible opportunity. It is on the priority list for publication in the Spring legislative session.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (611)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

611. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be implemented to improve the delivery of health services in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if consideration will be given to the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied); the estimated timescale for an improved range of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4997/21]

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.

General Medical Services Scheme

Ceisteanna (612)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

612. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if persons from the Republic of Ireland currently staying in Northern Ireland and unable to return home due to Covid-19 travel restrictions can have their GMS prescription costs in Northern Ireland reimbursed by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5004/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the reimbursement of health expenses whilst on a temporary stay abroad is an operational matter, this PQ has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Separately, in light of the Pandemic individuals seeking to access health services should consult the relevant public health guidance and restrictions in place in the relevant jurisdictions.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (613)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

613. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify and address the fact that persons with cerebral palsy have been listed by the HSE in the high-risk category in respect of Covid-19 but do not appear as a high-priority group in the vaccination schedule; if it will be ensured that persons with cerebral palsy will receive priority in the roll-out of vaccinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5012/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.

The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.

The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin in February (subject to regulatory approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine). 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (614)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

614. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if essential travel for medical needs will be permitted to continue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5015/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I signed new regulations titled S.I. No. 29 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021) on Friday 29 January last.

These Regulations outline the following to be reasonable excuses for travel to an airport or port for purpose of leaving the State:

- To attend a medical or dental appointment, or accompany, to such an appointment, any other person residing with the person, or a vulnerable person

- To seek essential medical, health or dental assistance for the person, for any other person residing with the person, or for a vulnerable person.

Cancer Services

Ceisteanna (615)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

615. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cancer diagnoses in 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5017/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI), in its 2020 Annual Report, estimated that 24,793 invasive cancers (excluding Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer) were diagnosed annually in Ireland between 2018-2020. However, the full accurate data for 2019 and 2020 will not be available until the NCRI has collected and verified all data.

The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) have provided data below on the number of primary breast, lung and prostate cancers diagnosed for those patients attending symptomatic breast disease clinics, rapid access lung and rapid access prostate clinics. This data is only a subset of total cancers diagnosed in the public hospitals, and it does not include activity in private hospitals.

Data collected to date is only complete to November 2020 and there is likely to be some change when the data is fully validated. The figures are based on date of first attendance. 

Cancer Diagnoses

Cancer Services

Ceisteanna (616)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

616. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cancer patients who saw a consultant in 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5018/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The number of patients who attended Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics, Lung Rapid Access Clinics and Prostate Rapid Access Clinics in January-November 2019 and 2020 is set out below. These clinics operate in each of the 8 designated cancer centres (with a Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinic also in Letterkenny University Hospital as a satellite of University Hospital Galway). The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme advises that data on the number of patients who saw a consultant at symptomatic cancer clinics for other tumour types is not currently available.

Data for 2020 is available up to and including November and so the figures below compare the first 11 months of 2019 with the first 11 months of 2020.

Clinic 

Jan - Nov 2019

Jan - Nov 2020*

Symptomatic Breast Clinics - Urgent 

19,559

17,816

Symptomatic Breast Clinics - Non-Urgent

20,049

15,155

Rapid Access Lung Clinics

3,344

 3,018

Rapid Access Prostate Clinics

3,571

 2,740

* The more recent 2020 data is subject to final verification.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (617)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

617. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who saw a consultant in 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5019/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the number of patients who saw a consultant in 2019 and 2020, is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Cancer Services

Ceisteanna (618)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

618. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cancer procedures and surgeries conducted by type in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5020/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Health Services

Ceisteanna (619)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

619. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if concerns raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) about the actions of debt collection agencies following inpatient charges will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5023/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Patient charges, including the statutory in-patient daily charge, are a key element of the overall funding envelope of the Irish health system and are taken into account when agreeing the Annual Estimates and the subsequent preparation of the annual National Service Plan.

These charges typically include:

- Out-patient charges;

- Emergency Department charges;

- Daily in-patient charges; and

- Long-term stay charges.

There are cohorts of people who are exempt from these charges, including, but not limited to persons with full eligibility, women receiving services in respect of motherhood, children up to the age of six weeks, children suffering from diseases prescribed under section 52 (2) of the Act, and persons receiving services for the diagnosis or treatment of infectious diseases. There are no plans to review the list of exemptions to the statutory in-patient charge.

In addition, patients who opt for private in-patient services in public hospitals are liable for a range of private accommodation charges. There are no exemptions from these charges.

Non collection of debts owed directly impacts on the affordability of services provided by the Health Service Executive in any year. It is therefore incumbent on the HSE to take all reasonable steps to pursue amounts owed for services delivered. Debt collection agencies are engaged when normal billing arrangements have been unsuccessful.

The operational detail of this question is a matter for the HSE and I have asked them to respond to you directly in relation to that detail.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (620, 893)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

620. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if persons providing care within a support bubble are entitled to travel outside a 5 km radius to provide such care, given the confusion between members of the public and gardaí on the subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5025/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

893. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if a person who lives alone can be in a support bubble with a relative or partner who lives beyond the 5 km restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5956/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 893 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is currently at Level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19.

At Level 5, people are asked to stay at home as much as possible unless they have a "reasonable excuse" for leaving. 

The Regulations providing for these measures are set out in S.I. No. 701 of 2020 and S.I. 29 of 2021. Regulation 4. of SI 701 sets out a non-exhaustive list of reasonable excuses for leaving one’s home. This non-exhaustive list includes at 4. (2) (w) in the case of a person who is part of a paired household, to travel to an event in a dwelling in accordance with Regulation 5.

Information on Support Bubbles is available here:- https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3516d-support-bubbles/

Statutory Instruments relating to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here:- https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Pharmaceutical Sector

Ceisteanna (621)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

621. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health when he plans to commence section 53 of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020 as it relates to pharmaceutical assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5026/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020 is a large and complex Act which has been several years in development. 

Officials in my Department are liaising with the five health professional regulatory bodies to progress commencement of the Act's remaining provisions at the earliest opportunity.  The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) as the regulator of Pharmacists and Pharmacies in Ireland is one of these bodies.

However, the amendments brought about by the Act involve a very significant body of work for each of the regulators as changes are being introduced across complex areas such as to Continued Professional Development  for Pharmaceutical Assistants. Some of these changes require the drafting of new rules and may require public consultation etc.

The commencement of s.53(a) of the 2020 Act which relates to Continued Professional Development  for Pharmaceutical Assistants (PAs)  is scheduled for commencement on 1 October 2022.  The commencement date of s.53(b) which includes a provision for the PSI to supervise compliance by PAs with the Pharmacy Act and other enactments is still under consideration and it is not currently possible to provide a specific timeline.

Addiction Treatment Services

Ceisteanna (622)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

622. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the reason for the refusal to fund programmes specific to gambling addiction, given that the latest published data show that 8% of persons here suffer with problem gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5041/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 2014/15 Drug Prevalence Survey Research collected data on the extent of gambling on behalf of the Department of Justice and Equality. It estimates that circa 1 per cent of the population is affected by problem gambling.  

The Department of Health does not have a remit or the resources to fund gambling-specific addiction services.

The Department of Justice and Equality has overall responsibility for gambling regulation. It published the Inter-Departmental Working Group Report on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling in 2019.

The report addresses the social impact of gambling, including the issue of problem gambling.  It notes the social and health impacts of problem gambling and acknowledges that problem gambling can lead to social breakdown, with devastating financial losses and alienation of family and friends. Problem gambling can be associated with a range of harms including higher risk of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug misuse, physical and mental health issues, separation and divorce, unemployment and insolvency

The Inter-Departmental Working Group recommended that:

- funding be made available for research, training, and community interventions into treatment of gambling addiction.

- funding of public education and awareness raising programmes and the production of relevant information materials be supported.

- assistance be given in the provision of additional services to treat gambling addiction.

In order to meet these objectives, the Group recommended that a Social Fund, managed by the gambling regulatory authority should be established.

I support the recommendations of the working group report to address the social impact of gambling and to establish a social fund to support treatment services for gambling addiction. I have no funding to support organisations that deal only with gambling addiction or problem gamblers.

Departmental Reports

Ceisteanna (623)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

623. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health when the various sections of the national survey on drug and alcohol use in Ireland conducted by the Health Research Board will be published; the reason for the delay; and if he has received a draft copy of the survey to date. [5042/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Health Research Board is responsible for the national survey on drug and alcohol use, also known as the drug prevalence survey.

Ireland has good data on the use of drugs and alcohol at a national level. These data provide information on the nature, extent and consequences of drug and alcohol use. They assist in evidence-informed policy-making and planning of drug and alcohol services. The data also contribute to reporting on drug use at a European level.

The fieldwork for the 2018/2019 survey was completed by a third party organisation in March 2020.  The completion of the fieldwork for the survey was delayed due to difficulties in recruiting respondents. 

The third party organisation delivered the dataset to the Health Research Board (HRB) in August 2020 and HRB staff are currently analysing this dataset and preparing the report.

The report will include the findings from all aspects of the study and will ready for publication in the 2nd quarter of 2021. 

The Department of Health has not received a draft copy of the survey.  

I look forward to the publication of the survey by the HRB. It is important that the findings on trends in drug and alcohol use inform the mid-term review of actions in the national drugs strategy.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (624)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

624. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if community prison links workers can be included in the section 39 pay restoration process. [5045/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As we are aware, an agreement was reached by parties at the Workplace Relations Commission in October 2018, in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed by 50 pilot agencies.  Pay restoration commenced in April 2019 with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000.  Any outstanding balance would be paid in two equal amounts in 2020 and 2021, if due.

The agreement reached at the WRC noted that some of the organisations (approximately 250) which did not form part of the pilot phase are also likely to have pay restoration issues.  It stated that a process of engagement to address this would commence in 2019.  It is the organisations who were identified in that initial agreement reached at the WRC in 2018 that are included in this final phase of pay restoration.  I have asked the HSE to advise you directly if community prison links workers are included within this group. 

Since late 2019, there was a number of meetings between the parties at the WRC, in relation to this final phase.  The HSE have been costing this next phase of pay restoration and have asked those eligible 250 organisations, who were included as part of the WRC agreement, to submit an application which will be subject to assessment and verification by the HSE. 

I can confirm that following engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission in early December, the parties reached an agreement in relation to the 250 organisations.  A payment arrangement consisting of three phases was agreed with the first two payments to be made in 2021.

Parking Charges

Ceisteanna (625, 633)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

625. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the programme for Government undertaking (details supplied) on hospital car park charges for patients and visitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5055/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Canney

Ceist:

633. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct HSE hospital management to reduce the car park charges at UHG for cancer patients given that it is an additional burden on them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5104/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 625 and 633 together.

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to introduce a cap on the maximum daily charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals where possible, and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families.

My Department and the HSE are currently engaging on this issue.

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