Thursday, 15 Jul 2021

Citizenship Applications

Ceisteanna (298)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

298. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38727/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 7 October 2020. The application continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

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 at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, 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 Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (299)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

299. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice her plans for the expansion of Garda CCTV in Cork city to deter criminal activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38732/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The rollout of community CCTV schemes across the country has benefitted many communities, helping people to feel safer in their local areas. It is a priority of mine to ensure that community groups continue to be supported in their valued contributions to their local CCTV schemes while ensuring sufficient and proportionate oversight of statutory data protection considerations.

Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. 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.

The scheme was extended in 2019 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.

The scheme is open for applications from all counties. 34 schemes have been funded to date with commitments of almost €940,000 made to these schemes across 10 counties and I can confirm that funding continues to be available for 2021. Further details are available to download from my Department's website and support and guidance is available to help interested groups through a dedicated email address.

The Deputy will be aware that community-based CCTV is governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (Section 38(3)(c)) and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework sets out a number of safeguards, requiring 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 operated since 2006.

As the Deputy will be aware, the general scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recordings) Bill was published on 27 April. This new bill will also cover CCTV authorised in local communities by the Garda Commissioner. I intend to conduct a further review of the terms and conditions of the current scheme to bring it into line with the proposals for this new legislation, and in keeping with the commitment in the Programme for Government. Once this review is completed, appropriate guidance will issue to An Garda Síochána on the control and supervision of CCTV systems. This new legislation is intended to replace Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.

Prison Service

Ceisteanna (300)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

300. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of complaints made by prisoners’ family members to the Irish Prison Service in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38780/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The information sought is not readily available, it will need to be collated and verified by officials within the Irish Prison Service. When this data is to hand I will contact the Deputy directly.

Naturalisation Applications

Ceisteanna (301)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

301. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) considering that no reply has been forthcoming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38784/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 11 December 2017. The application continues to be processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision in due course.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. The nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

My Department aims to respond to all Oireachtas Mail immigration queries within 10 working days. I regret that it was not possible to do so on this occasion, while the necessary enquiries were being made with the citizenship team. However, I understand that a response has now issued and I hope the Deputy will agree that the facility generally works well and provides very timely responses.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (302)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

302. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans for an easing of restrictions on passengers who are also partners of Irish nationals travelling into the country (details supplied). [38847/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

From 16 June 2021, my Department lifted certain country specific and temporary entry and transit visa restrictions which were brought into effect on 28 January 2021. As a result of this decision, nationals from South Africa, Brazil and some South American countries are no longer visa required.

The criteria and requirements for visa required countries are kept under regular review in consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. For nationals from a visa required country, long stay visa and preclearance applications are currently being accepted and processed by my Department.

It remains the position that my Department is not currently accepting any short stay visa applications, except for cases that fall under the Emergency/Priority criteria set out below. The suspension of short stay applications will continue to be reviewed in consultation with the relevant authorities in the coming weeks as public health restrictions on international travel and the measures introduced as part of the Government’s efforts to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19 are eased.

The Priority/Emergency cases that will continue to be accepted and processed include the following:

- All long stay employment applications, supported by a work permit or atypical permission;

- patients travelling for imperative medical reasons;

- transport workers or transport service providers, including drivers of freight vehicles carrying goods for use in the territory as well as those merely transiting;

- pupils, students and trainees who travel abroad on a daily basis and Third-country nationals travelling for the purpose of 3rd level study;

- Join Family applications;

- Preclearance applications from de facto partner of an Irish national, de facto partner of a Critical Skills Employment Permit holder, or of a non EEA researcher on a Hosting Agreement and family members looking to join a UK national in Ireland;

- persons travelling for imperative family* or business reasons;

- Persons entitled to avail of the provision of the EU Free Movement Directive;

- diplomats, staff of international organisations and people invited by international organisations whose physical presence is required for the well-functioning of these organisations, military personnel and police officers, and humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their functions;

- passengers in transit;

- seafarers;

- journalists, when performing their duties.

Departmental Properties

Ceisteanna (303)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

303. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff by location and function in each office of her Department nationally by location; if the property is State owned or leased; and the detail of these leases in the case of those properties on a lease in terms of cost, term and next break date. [38854/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The number of staff by location and function in each office of my Department is provided in the table below, along with the information requested on whether each property is State owned or leased. The Deputy will appreciate that the costs of leases are commercially sensitive.

Buildings occupied by Department of Justice	Number of Staff	Function	Leased/Owned	Occupied by
51 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 HK52	265	Corporate, Transparency, Criminal Policy, Criminal Governance, Criminal Service Delivery, EU Affairs	Owned by OPW	Fully occupied by DoJ
13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02XK70	219	Immigration Service Delivery, Operations, Corporate	Owned by OPW	Shared with An Garda Síochána
Timberlay House, 79/83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2	157	Corporate, Immigration Service Delivery	Leased by OPW	Fully occupied by DoJ
Border Management Unit, Dublin Airport	151	Immigration Service Delivery	Owned by DAA	Shared accommodation
Second Floor, Bishop's Square, Redmond’s Hill, Dublin 2, D02 TD99	151	Corporate, Civil Legislation, Criminal Legislation, Civil Policy, Operations	Leased by OPW	Shared accommodation
Floors 4 and 5, 26-30 Chapter House, Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D02 C7W6	111	Corporate, Immigration Service Delivery	Leased by OPW	Shared with the Public Appointment Service who are the main tenant
7/8 Ely Place, Dublin 2.	111	Corporate, Criminal Service Delivery	Leased by OPW	Shared building
Financial Shared Services, Deerpark Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93KH28	105	Corporate	Owned by OPW	Shared with PSSC
6-7 Hanover Street, Dublin 2, D02W320	81	IM&T, Immigration Service Delivery, Operations, Corporate	Owned by OPW	Fully occupied by DoJ
Government Offices, Rosanna Road, Tipperary E34N566	76	Immigration Service Delivery	Owned by OPW	Shared with An Garda Síochána
Birchgrove House, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary E53 HY05	16	Immigration Service Delivery	Leased by OPW	Shared accommodation
Irish Passenger Information Unit, Skybridge House, Dublin Airport	4	Immigration Service Delivery	Leased by DoJ (temporary accommodation)	Shared accommodation – lease expires 30th November 2021

Gambling Sector

Ceisteanna (304)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

304. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice when measures will be introduced to curb online gambling in view of the well-documented problems arising from such gambling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38884/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.

As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, I expect to be in a position to publish the Scheme of the Bill in Q3 2021, and will seek Government approval for the drafting of the Bill on that basis.

Work is underway in my Department on the legislation to develop the necessary modern licensing and regulatory provisions for the gambling industry. This involves a major updating of the proposals of the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill which was published in 2013.

A considerable amount of further work has been done in the meantime. The Inter-Departmental Working Group on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling reported in 2019 and a European Commission funded report on the structure of a gambling regulator was produced in late 2019. The task now is to bring all three elements together, and having regard to the on-going evolution of the gambling industry, into one coherent scheme of a Bill that will deliver on the Programme for Government commitment.

My objective is to ensure that gambling will be a safe, fair, crime free and entertaining activity for the majority of those who take part in it. The new legislation will ensure that the regulatory authority is given sufficient powers to protect consumers and, in particular, minors and those vulnerable to problem gambling behaviour.

It is envisaged that operators offering activities in whole or in part online, will be subject to the same licensing terms and conditions as any other licensee, with any necessary additions. When established, the regulator will have the necessary enforcement powers for licensing and powers to take action where individuals or operators are failing to follow rules and regulations.

In addition to the publication of the General Scheme, it is intended to finalise the appointment of a CEO Designate by the end of the year, providing a clear path towards the regulator being fully operational in early 2023.

Peace Commissioners

Ceisteanna (305)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

305. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice if he will expand the role of peace commissioners to include the signing of forms which would prevent the need for persons to attend a Garda station to have such relevant forms signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38895/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

As the Deputy may be aware, Peace Commissioners are appointed (and may be removed from that appointment) by the Minister for Justice under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924.

The powers and duties of Peace Commissioners consist primarily of:

- Taking statutory declarations

- Witnessing signatures on documents if required by various authorities

- Signing certificates and orders under various Acts

- The Courts of Justice Act 1924 also gives Peace Commissioners the power to issue summons and warrants but these powers are less frequently used these days.

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no plans at present to review or expand the current powers and duties of Peace Commissioners.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (306)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

306. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí stationed in each Garda station in County Wexford by station in each of the years 2011 to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38917/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will appreciate, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of Garda business, which includes the deployment of members of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in this independent function.

As of 31 May 2021 there were 328 Gardaí assigned to the Wexford Division, which represents an increase of 20% since 2011 when there were 273 Garda members assigned to the Division. These Garda members are supported by 44 Garda staff.

Extensive information is available on my Department’s website in relation to the numbers of Garda members and their assignment by station nationwide, and may be found at the following link: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce.

This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána.

Details in relation to the number of Garda civilian staff nationwide are also available on my Department's website at the following link: justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Staff.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (307)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

307. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the number of motorised vehicles in each Garda station in County Wexford by station and by vehicle type in each of the years from 2011 to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38918/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner and his management team, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of vehicles assigned to the Wexford Division from 2011 up to including 30 June 2021, the latest date for which figures are available. For security reasons An Garda Síochána cannot provide vehicle allocations by Garda Station.

Garda Fleet Wexford	Cars	Vans	Motorcycles	4 x 4	*Others	Total
30/06/2021	53	8	2	2	0	65
31/12/2020	54	10	2	2	0	68
31/12/2019	48	11	1	2	0	62
31/12/2018	49	12	2	3	0	66
31/12/2017	50	10	1	1	0	62
31/12/2016	48	10	2	1	0	61
31/12/2015	41	8	2	1	0	52
31/12/2014	39	7	1	1	0	48
31/12/2013	29	7	2	2	0	40
31/12/2012	32	4	2	1	0	39
31/12/2011	39	4	4	2	0	49

*The category 'Others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (308)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

308. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda bicycles in each Garda station in County Wexford by station in each of the years from 2011 to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38922/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

The Deputy will be aware that in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner and his management team, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles and bicycles. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Garda bicycles in each Garda station in County Wexford, in each of the years from 2011 to date is as follows:

Year	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Wexford	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
New Ross	1	1	1	1	1	1	3	3	3	3	3
Enniscorthy	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Gorey	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Courtown	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1

International Protection

Ceisteanna (309)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

309. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for international protection. [38939/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

For reasons of maintaining full confidentiality, it is not my Department's practice to comment on whether an application for asylum or subsidiary protection has been made in the State. An applicant for such protection status, or their legal representative, should contact either the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate.

The IPO may be contacted: by email to info@ipo.gov.ie; by telephone to the IPO Customer Service Centre at 01 6028008 or in writing to Customer Service Centre, International Protection Office, 79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

The IPAT may be contacted either: by email to info@protectionappeals.ie; by telephone at 01-4748400 (or Lo-Call 1890 201 458), or in writing to Corporate Services Division, The International Protection Appeals Tribunal, 6-7 Hanover Street East, Dublin D02 W320.

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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) 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.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (310)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department has been appraised of a situation (details supplied) and if she will refer the matter to the Garda Ombudsman. [38940/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including all Garda operations. As Minister, I have no role in Garda operational decisions. Similarly, the Courts are independent in the exercise of their functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law.

As the Deputy will also be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the body designated in law to receive and, where it deems appropriate, investigate concerns from members of the public regarding the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána. Any member of the public with a complaint about the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána has the option to contact GSOC about their complaint. The independence of the Ombudsman Commission is key to its role and is enshrined in the law. As Minister for Justice, I have no role nor can I comment on any concerns that are submitted to GSOC.

Insofar as it is suggested that a person may have purported to be a member of An Garda Síochána

who was not a member, it is an offence under section 60 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to impersonate a member of An Garda Síochána. Any concerns about such activity should be reported to An Garda Síochána for investigation.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (311)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when she expects the refurbishment improvements works to a Garda station (details supplied) to be completed; when the station will commence operating as a community policing centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39035/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including decisions relating the Garda estate. In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

However to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have requested the information from An Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.

The refurbishment works at Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station are ongoing, having recommenced in early May 2021 following the reopening of the construction industry and easing of public health restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OPW has advised that the expected completion date of the construction programme at Fitzgibbon Street is 6 August 2021, following which the building will be handed back to An Garda Síochána for fit out and ICT installation. It is anticipated that the building will be completed for operation as a Garda station during the fourth quarter of 2021.

Crime Prevention

Ceisteanna (312)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

312. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice the steps that are being taken to address the surge in scam calls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39036/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can assure the Deputy that scam calls, which include the criminal activity known as phishing, are taken very seriously by my Department and are the subject of ongoing engagement between An Garda Síochána and the banking and technology industries.

I am advised that work is ongoing in An Garda Síochána to tackle this issue, including, but not limited to, the issuing of advisory notices to members of the public warning against this criminal tactic and advising how to proceed should they be targeted.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) proactively engage with telecommunications providers to suspend Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) numbers which are suspected to be being used to commit fraud.

I am further informed that this engagement does not involve the invoking of any legal power, and it is the experience of GNECB that telecommunication companies based in Ireland will provide assistance in the suspension of such numbers, upon notification that a VOIP number or other number is being used to commit fraud offences.

I understand that the use of 'spoofed numbers' involves a process wherein a suspected caller/fraudster uses technology to disguise their number from the recipient of the call, by changing their Caller ID. This is manifested, for example, in cases such as where a suspected fraudster calling from abroad will set the Caller ID to look like an Irish number (landline or mobile) to lull the recipient into a false sense of security.

I am advised that telecommunications companies have informed the GNECB that they have no control over the use of ‘spoofed numbers’ and it is extremely difficult to identify the source of these calls.

I am assured, however, that both the GNECB and the GNCCB continue to engage with telecommunications service providers regarding phishing scams in this jurisdiction and the identification of criminals involved.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (313)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

313. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of resumption of technology for appointments in each hospital. [31617/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The HSE has been working since 14th May last to recover the effects of the cyber attack on its systems. The attack had the impact of removing access to most patient and care systems as well as the central business systems of the HSE. Over the last weeks many of these systems have been recovered and services have recommenced. There was a priority focus on key systems in the hospital and community areas with a view to resuming vita services. Some of the key areas recovered included, radiotherapy, laboratory, imaging, pharmacy, mental health systems, email and patient administration systems.

At present most systems are operational and services are returning to normal activity and the HSE is updating its systems with data for the period when they were working mostly on paper based processes.

Substance Misuse

Ceisteanna (314)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

314. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the numbers attending meetings for an addiction service (details supplied) can be increased. [31624/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Frankie Feighan)

The Department has developed guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes. The guidance recognises the important role of drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes in helping individuals to build recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use. The latest guidance on the holding of addiction meetings for drug and alcohol support groups was published by the Department on 26 January 2021.

This guidance recommends that for attendance at indoor meetings the maximum number of participants is 15 people (including leaders). It notes that the specific number should be determined by the capacity of the venue to ensure 2 metres social distance and should be adjusted accordingly in smaller venues.

This guidance is subject to ongoing review and updating to reflect public health advice, Government decisions on restrictive measures and emerging issues.

the Government approach throughout 2021 will be guided by the following overarching objectives:

- Reduce case numbers to a very low level and keep them low

- Complete vaccination of all those indicated for and accepting of the vaccine as quickly as possible

- Continue to protect the most vulnerable to the disease, and priority public services of health and

social care, education and childcare.

The Government approach throughout 2021 is guided by the following overarching objectives:

- reduce case numbers to a low level and keep them low

- complete vaccination of the population as soon as possible

- continue to protect the most vulnerable to the disease and priority public services.

As we reopen society, it is important that people stick with the public health guidelines. The Delta continues to pose a threat. Those who are vaccinated should feel comfortable meeting with other fully vaccinated people in all settings. Unfortunately, the Delta variant continues to present a risk to those of us who are unvaccinated or waiting for a second dose of vaccine - we need to continue to follow the public health advice, manage your contacts, avoid crowds, wear a mask, wash your hands and most importantly get your COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered to you.

The scope to increase numbers attending indoor meetings or events is dependent therefore on the rollout of the vaccination programme.

My officials will continue to engage with AA and other recovery groups to explore the scope to increase attendance at indoor meetings, in line with public health advice.

Health Service Executive

Ceisteanna (315)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

315. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE staff that took part in the pilot of the Digital Covid Certificate here; the findings of the pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31640/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

Medicinal Products

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

414. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health when a drug will be approved for use; if an emergency use authorisation can be made for a time sensitive case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32818/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

428. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the reimbursement process for zolgensma; the progress made on this issue to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32926/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 316, 331, 335, 355, 356, 368, 370, 375, 414 and 428 together.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE, the company must submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list. Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.

In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria, including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.

HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).

I am advised by the HSE that, in April 2020, the NCPE received a reimbursement application dossier for Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma). On 13 May 2020, the NCPE completed a rapid review with respect to this application and recommended a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Zolgensma compared with the current standard of care.

The HTA was undertaken as a part of the Beneluxa collaboration between Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium, with Austria acting as a reviewer in the Belgian procedure.

The HTA was completed in May 2021 and pricing/reimbursement negotiations have commenced July 2021.

A final decision on the pricing/reimbursement application for Zolgensma will be made in accordance with the 2013 Health Act.

Questions relating to specific individual patients are an operational issue and are therefore a matter for the HSE. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars me as 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.

However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

Vaccination Programme

Ceisteanna (317)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

317. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he has considered engaging with NIAC on giving those who received a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine (details supplied) an mRNA vaccine as their second dose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31682/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Ireland's COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccine as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health. The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis.

Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.

The current Guidelines state:

There are currently four COVID-19 Vaccines authorised for use in Ireland. The vaccines are not interchangeable. For vaccines that have a two-dose schedule, the same vaccine should be used for both doses. The NIAC will continue to review the evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of a heterologous vaccination strategy (using a different vaccine for the first and subsequent doses of a multi-dose schedule) as it becomes available.

You can read the guidelines at: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (318)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

318. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to cervical cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31683/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE.

Members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.

However, in this case, my officials will follow up directly with the Deputy in relation to this representation.

People can also contact the CervicalCheck programme directly if they have any queries on freephone 1800 45 45 55. The National Screening Service also provide information on their website.