Written Answers Nos. 340-354
340. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice if she will publish a list of the provisions enacted under justice legislation since 1994 that have yet to be commenced in the area of serious crime prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10831/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy to provide this information as soon as it is available.
The following was provided on 16 June 2022:
|
Act |
Details |
Reason for not having been commenced |
When commencement order will be signed |
|
Criminal Justice Act 2006 |
Sections 101(10), 101(12)(c), 102, 103(1)(d), 103(4)(d), 107, 111(a) and 112(a) |
These are enabling provisions for the electronic monitoring of compliance with restriction of movement orders, to be used when such monitoring is to become operational. Work is underway within the Department of Justice to ascertain the most effective deployment of electronic monitoring, including looking at other jurisdictions where it was introduced, to see what lessons can be learned. |
Commencement arrangements will be informed by the results of the ongoing work on the most effective deployment of electronic monitoring. |
|
Sections 11-13 |
Sections 11 to 13 relate to electronic monitoring of persons on bail, to be used when such monitoring is to become operational (section 11 was further amended by section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2017). Work is underway within the Department of Justice to ascertain the most effective deployment of electronic monitoring, including looking at other jurisdictions where it was introduced, to see what lessons can be learned. Amendments to sections 28(3) (b), (c) and (d) of the Criminal Procedure Act 1967 – not commenced. |
Commencement arrangements will be informed by the results of the ongoing work on the most effective deployment of electronic monitoring. |
|
|
Section 19 |
Paragraphs (b) to (d) of section 19 provide for the transfer from the High Court to the Circuit Court of some bail applications. Currently, all applications (other than those reserved for the High Court, notably murder) are dealt with by the District Court, with the applicant (only) having a right of appeal to the High Court. The commencement of section 19 was deferred due to the strong reservations expressed by the Courts Service and the IPS about the added value of the proposed transfer of jurisdiction to the Circuit Court and the resource and logistical difficulties it would present. |
Those reservations are accepted and it is proposed to commence paragraph (a) of section 19 only in order to provide the prosecution with a right of appeal |
|
|
Criminal Justice Act 2007
|
Section 41 |
Section 41 provides for a new Garda Síochána Executive Management Board. Previously, this section was not commenced as separate arrangements were put in place in the form of the Policing Authority (established by the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015). Further governance changes are now under consideration as part of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, which is currently undergoing pre legislative scrutiny. |
It is intended that section 41 will be repealed as part of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill. |
|
Sections 36 and 38 |
Sections 36/ 38 were intended to address distance selling of firearms under the Firearms Directive 2008/51/EC. However, the Directive has since been transposed by S.I. 493 of 2010 without the need to commence these sections. |
Sections 36 and 38 will not be commenced and are to be repealed when a suitable legislative vehicle has been identified. |
|
|
Section 40 (insertion of new sections 9C to 9I to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990) |
Section 40 provided for new rules on import of realistic imitation firearms. The provisions are under review due to issues identified with how the rules would apply to import of such firearms for personal use. |
Commencement arrangements for section 40 are currently on hold pending further consultation on how the rules concerned are to be applied. |
|
|
Section 48(c)(iiii) |
The amendment to the Schedule of the Bail Act 1997 contained in section 48 cannot be commenced as it conflicts with a subsequent amendment made in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. This arose as both pieces of legislation passed through the Oireachtas at a similar time. |
Section 48(c)(iii) will not be commenced. Addressing the conflict will require primary legislation. |
|
|
Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 |
Sections 47 and 52 |
Sections 47 and 52 were repealed by the Criminal Justice Act 2011. The 2011 Act includes amendments essentially supersede the amendments made by the 2009 Act. However, the 2011 Act provisions including the repeal of section 47 and 52 of the 2009 Act, have not themselves been commenced. |
Regulations are required to be made before commencement can take place. This is under consideration in the Department. |
|
Criminal Justice Act 2011 |
Sections 5; 7(c); 9 (a), (c), (d), (e); 10; 11 and 12. |
Regulations required to facilitate commencement of Section 7(c) are being drafted. Commencement of Sections 5, 10 and 11 is consequential on commencement of Section 7(c). Section 9(a) concerning the questioning of persons detained pending access to legal advice which are being re-examined in the context of the Garda Powers Bill. Commencement of Sections 9(c), (d) and (e) is consequential on commencement of Section 9(a). Section 12 will not be commenced as the Act which this section proposes to amend has been repealed by Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014. |
The Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill is currently in drafting. It is intended to publish that Bill in Q3 this year and a decision will be taken on commencement on those provisions at that point. |
|
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 |
Section 20 |
Section 20, which relates to re-vetting, has not yet been commenced. An interdepartmental and interagency Garda Vetting Review Group established in 2021and led by the Department of Justice is currently considering recommendations on strengthening this vetting legislation including the matter of re-vetting provisions. |
Commencement of re-vetting provisions will be informed by recommendations of the Review Group and the Minister and Government’s consideration of same. |
|
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 |
Section 52 |
Section 52 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 provides for the offence of incest by females (contained in section 2 of the Punishment of Incest Act 1908) to be scheduled to the Criminal Procedure Act 2010. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences)(Amendment) Act 2019 amended the penalty for the offence of incest by females to provide for the same penalty to apply to both women and men. Repeal of section 52 of the 2017 Act is now under consideration following the commencement of the 2019 Act. |
The repeal of this section is currently under consideration. |
|
Criminal Justice Act 2017 |
Sections 2, 4, 7, 11 and 12 |
The reason the Criminal Justice Act 2017 is not fully commenced is as follows: Sections 2, 4, 11 and 12 are technical amendments concerning the questioning of persons detained pending access to legal advice which are being re-examined in the context of the Garda Powers Bill and section 7 concerns electronic monitoring and cannot be commenced until implementation arrangements are in place. |
The Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill is currently in drafting. It is intended to publish that Bill in Q3 this year and a decision will be taken on commencement on those provisions at that point. Section 7 will be commenced once all implementation arrangements are in place. |
|
Section 30(b)(ii) |
All courts except District 18 of the District Court are commenced. Waiting confirmation that video link facilities in place. |
||
|
Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 |
Section 30(d) |
Other than for the Central Criminal Court, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and the Dublin Metropolitan District of the District Court as screens not yet available. |
These provisions will be commenced as soon as the relevant facilities are in place. |
|
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2018 |
Section 32 |
This section makes the Legal Services Regulatory Authority a ‘State competent authority’ in respect of its anti-money laundering role. As the LSRA was not yet fully operational at the date of commencement of the Act, it was not possible to commence this section at the time. |
The role of the LSRA was further altered by the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2021. It is intended to commence section 32 of the 2018 Act in due course. |
|
Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2019 |
Part 13 (sections 91 to 94) (Extradition provisions) |
Not commenced as UK transition period was extended from end March 2019 to end December 2020. |
These sections will not be commenced as similar provisions later included in Part 16 (sections 108 – 111) of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Act 2020 replaced them. These sections were commenced with effect from 31 December 2020. |
|
Counterfeiting Act 2021 |
Section 29 not commenced. |
Section 29 has been given effect to by S.I. No. 408/2021 - European Union (Counterfeiting of Euro) Regulations 2021 |
Commencement of this section is no longer necessary due to SI 408/2021. |
341. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when the €1,000 bonus will be paid to healthcare workers. [10615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would again like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period. The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest that this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. This will be published as soon as possible. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
342. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the breakdown by hospital of the €19 million in additional funding for children in need of orthopaedic surgery; if the €19 million is additional baseline funding for each hospital; if not, if it is once-off funding; and the average waiting time reduction in each hospital for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, scoliosis and other acute orthopaedic surgery, in tabular form. [10528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for orthopaedic treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. One of the central priorities for me as Minister for Health is that waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures are improved, and that children receive the care that they need and deserve in a timely and appropriate fashion. In particular, a special area of focus for me and my Department is that of paediatric orthopaedics.
In January I asked the HSE to develop a dedicated plan to tackle scoliosis waiting lists this year. Earlier this month I met with senior officials of Children’s Heath Ireland (CHI) and the HSE, as well as senior orthopaedic clinicians from Temple Street, Crumlin and Cappagh, to discuss the finalisation of the proposals to increase orthopaedic activity at CHI. The plan proposes ambitious additional activity levels which will work to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end.
This latest initiative is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to address the issues facing these children. Both current and capital funding has been provided to a value of €19 million in 2022 to support this initiative.
More specifically, €3.4 million has been committed to support additional activity at Cappagh Orthopaedic hospital. This is the full year requirement associated with the €1.65 million that was provided from the Access to Care Fund in 2021 to support CHI paediatric orthopaedic activity at Cappagh. Furthermore, €4.7 million has been provided on a recurring basis since 2021 to fund an additional 24 beds at Crumlin and Temple street, and 2 high dependency unit beds at Crumlin. These beds will facilitate the increase in activity needed to reduce paediatric orthopaedic waiting times. A further €4 million has been committed for a theatre expansion programme across CHI sites to focus on paediatric orthopaedics. Capital funding of €4 million has been designated to support this initiative, which is included within the 2022 Capital Plan due to be approved shortly. Finally, €2 million has been provided for outsourcing initiatives for both inpatient and daycase procedures, as well as to meet radiology needs. Plans are currently being finalised by CHI in this regard.
Further details of the breakdown of these funds are provided for the Deputy in the attached document. Some of these figures are initial estimates and as such are subject to final review, agreement and potential revision on receipt of the detailed operational plan for delivery of this important initiative.
343. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [10541/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
344. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
345. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of community psychologists who are currently available for ongoing treatment and support of adult patients under the care of the Crosslanes psychiatric unit and Singleton House, Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10561/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
346. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of engagements, including online meetings, webinars, briefings and in-person meetings he or officials from his Department have had with the National Women’s Council of Ireland from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details of meetings that I or my officials have had with representatives of the National Women’s Council of Ireland are noted below.
Meetings with Minister Donnelly
I have met with the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) on five occasions since January 2019. The details of these meetings are listed below:
- 24 May 2019: Meeting regarding first anniversary of the historic referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment
- 20 November 2020: I met with the NWCI and other external (non-Department of Health) members of the Women’s Health Taskforce to discuss women's health and the work of the Taskforce.
- 14 December 2020: I met with the NWCI to discuss the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce.
- 19 February 2021: I addressed the Women’s Health Taskforce (including members of the NWCI) at the 9th Women’s Health Taskforce meeting.
- 1 June 2021: I met with the NWCI to discuss the review of the operation of Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018.
Meetings with the Women’s Health Taskforce
The NWCI is a key partner in ensuring women’s voices are represented throughout the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce. Representatives from NWCI participate as members of the Taskforce. Details of meetings between the Taskforce and the National Women’s Council of Ireland related to this partnership are outlined below:
- 26 September 2019: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 1st Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 31 October 2019: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 2nd Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 10 December 2019: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 3rd Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 23 January 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 4th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 6 February 2020: The NWCI co-hosted Women’s Health Taskforce Stakeholder Engagement Forum with the Department of Health.
- 3 March 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 5th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 22 September 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 6th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 3 November 2020: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 7th Meeting and other work.
- 10 November 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 7th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 8 December 2020: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 8th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 10 December 2020: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the Women’s Health Taskforce operation and NWCI role in coming year.
- 20 January 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 9th Meeting and other work.
- 26 January 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat and MCCP to discuss the radical listening exercise, a large-scale consultation process intended to maximise the participation of women across all life stages.
- 19 February 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 9th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 26 February 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the mental health workstream.
- 9 March 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat and DCEDIY to discuss gender budgeting.
- 7 April 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the mental health workstream.
- 14 April 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 10th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 4 June 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 11th Meeting as Taskforce members (link to output pack).
- 1 July 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 12th Meeting and other work.
- 2 July 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 12th Meeting as Taskforce members. (link to output pack)
- 27 July 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 13th Meeting as Taskforce members. (link to output pack)
- 27 August 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 14th Meeting and other work.
- 7 September 2021: NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss their input into the Radical Listening event on September 14
- 14 September 2021: The NWCI and Women’s Health Taskforce co-hosted a Radical Listening Stakeholder Event. (link to Press Release)
- 15 September 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 14th Meeting as Taskforce members. (link to output pack)
- 21 September 2021: NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat NWCI to introduce new NWCI Women's Health Officer
- 5 October 2021: NWCI met with the Women's Health Lead to discuss the radical listening exercises with groups of marginalised women prepared by the NWCI.
- 4 November 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the upcoming 15th Meeting and other work.
- 5 November 2021: The NWCI attended the Women’s Health Taskforce 15th Meeting as Taskforce members.
- 6 December 2021: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the launch of Women’s Health Action Plan 2022 and other work.
- 10 January 2022: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss their upcoming presentation on the findings of their Radical Listening exercise “Improving the health outcomes and experiences of the healthcare system for marginalised women” scheduled for 18th January 2022.
- 18 January 2022: The NWCI and Women’s Health Taskforce co-hosted an event presenting the findings of their Radical Listening exercise “Improving the health outcomes and experiences of the healthcare system for marginalised women” (link to Report)
- 10 February 2022: The NWCI met with the Women’s Health Taskforce secretariat to discuss the launch of Women’s Health Action Plan 2022 and other work.
Other Meetings
- 26 February 2019: The NWCI met with Department of Health and HSE Health and Wellbeing officials to discuss finalising Evidence Base Report, planning for WHAP.
- 2 May 2019: The NWCI met with Department of Health officials for a workshop meeting for preparing/planning/brainstorming for the WHAP, framing high level plan.
- 26th June 2019: The NWCI met with Department of Health and HSE Health and Wellbeing officials in finalising Evidence Base Report, discussing preliminary outcomes of workshop.
- 13th August 2020: Minister Butler and DoH officials met with NWCI to discuss Women's Mental Health.
347. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the current and capital breakdown by hospital of the €19 million in additional funding for children who are in need of orthopaedic surgery, in tabular form. [10588/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for orthopaedic treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. One of the central priorities for me as Minister for Health is that waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures are improved, and that children receive the care that they need and deserve in a timely and appropriate fashion. In particular, a special area of focus for me and my Department is that of paediatric orthopaedics.
In January I asked the HSE to develop a dedicated plan to tackle scoliosis waiting lists this year. Earlier this month I met with senior officials of Children’s Heath Ireland (CHI) and the HSE, as well as senior orthopaedic clinicians from Temple Street, Crumlin and Cappagh, to discuss the finalisation of the proposals to increase orthopaedic activity at CHI. The plan proposes ambitious additional activity levels which will work to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end.
This latest initiative is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to address the issues facing these children. Both current and capital funding has been provided to a value of €19 million in 2022 to support this initiative.
More specifically, €3.4 million has been committed to support additional activity at Cappagh Orthopaedic hospital. This is the full year requirement associated with the €1.65 million that was provided from the Access to Care Fund in 2021 to support CHI paediatric orthopaedic activity at Cappagh. Furthermore, €4.7 million has been provided on a recurring basis since 2021 to fund an additional 24 beds at Crumlin and Temple street, and 2 high dependency unit beds at Crumlin. These beds will facilitate the increase in activity needed to reduce paediatric orthopaedic waiting times. A further €4 million has been committed for a theatre expansion programme across CHI sites to focus on paediatric orthopaedics. Capital funding of €4 million has been designated to support this initiative, which is included within the 2022 Capital Plan due to be approved shortly. Finally, €2 million has been provided for outsourcing initiatives for both inpatient and daycase procedures, as well as to meet radiology needs. Plans are currently being finalised by CHI in this regard.
Further details of the breakdown of these funds are provided for the Deputy in the attached document. Some of these figures are initial estimates and as such are subject to final review, agreement and potential revision on receipt of the detailed operational plan for delivery of this important initiative.
348. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if the assessment panel has concluded that section 39 and section 10 front-line Dublin homeless network staff who worked in clinical and congregated settings comparable with those of front-line public health employees will receive the Covid-19 recognition payment. [10591/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to those staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites. The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices (eg: nursing homes and hospices that are private, public, section 39, voluntary etc.) that were affected by Covid-19.
The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many other individuals and organisations in our country who did so much during the pandemic. While I and the Government are sincerely grateful for this commitment, it is appropriate that public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They found themselves exposed to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or for those working from home. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the exceptional risks which these frontline healthcare workers faced.
349. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if the €19 million in additional funding for children who are in need of orthopaedic surgery includes capital or current expenditure committed to in the budgets for 2020 and 2021 or 2022; and, if so, if he will provide a breakdown of the amount that was committed to. [10595/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for orthopaedic treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. One of the central priorities for me as Minister for Health is that waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures are improved, and that children receive the care that they need and deserve in a timely and appropriate fashion. In particular, a special area of focus for me and my Department is that of paediatric orthopaedics.
In January I asked the HSE to develop a dedicated plan to tackle scoliosis waiting lists this year. Earlier this month I met with senior officials of Children’s Heath Ireland (CHI) and the HSE, as well as senior orthopaedic clinicians from Temple Street, Crumlin and Cappagh, to discuss the finalisation of the proposals to increase orthopaedic activity at CHI. The plan proposes ambitious additional activity levels which will work to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end.
This latest initiative is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to address the issues facing these children. Both current and capital funding has been provided to a value of €19 million in 2022 to support this initiative.
More specifically, €3.4 million has been committed to support additional activity at Cappagh Orthopaedic hospital. This is the full year requirement associated with the €1.65 million that was provided from the Access to Care Fund in 2021 to support CHI paediatric orthopaedic activity at Cappagh. Furthermore, €4.7 million has been provided on a recurring basis since 2021 to fund an additional 24 beds at Crumlin and Temple street, and 2 high dependency unit beds at Crumlin. These beds will facilitate the increase in activity needed to reduce paediatric orthopaedic waiting times. A further €4 million has been committed for a theatre expansion programme across CHI sites to focus on paediatric orthopaedics. Capital funding of €4 million has been designated to support this initiative, which is included within the 2022 Capital Plan due to be approved shortly. Finally, €2 million has been provided for outsourcing initiatives for both inpatient and daycase procedures, as well as to meet radiology needs. Plans are currently being finalised by CHI in this regard.
Further details of the breakdown of these funds are provided for the Deputy in the attached document. Some of these figures are initial estimates and as such are subject to final review, agreement and potential revision on receipt of the detailed operational plan for delivery of this important initiative.
350. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health his plans to add motor neurone disease to the list of illnesses covered by the long-term illness scheme. [10109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; Parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are no plans currently to extend the list of conditions covered, the LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
In the meantime, for people who are not eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €100 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The maximum payable under the Drugs Payment Scheme will be further reduced to €80 per month from 1 March 2022. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
351. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide funding for research into motor neuron disease. [10108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2012, the Health Research Board (HRB) has invested €9.1 million in research on many aspects of Motor Neuron Disease (ALS), through a variety of funding schemes that build capacity and leadership in ALS research in Ireland and generate new knowledge on many aspects of ALS. In addition, €3.2 million of the €9.1 million investment came from co-funding by the Irish charity Research Motor Neuron and European Joint Programming Initiatives, in particular the Joint Programme in Neurodegenerative Diseases which the HRB has been supporting participation in since 2011. Given the global impact of motor neuron disease, joining forces with European partners gives Irish researchers access to expertise and infrastructures outside of Ireland to advance their research.
Research has variously focused on gaining a better understanding of the causes of ALS; looking for diagnostic tools and potential treatments; population-based analysis of the environmental and genetic factors in ALS; healthcare and palliative needs, services and outcomes for patients with ALS; and improving cognition and daily function. In terms of active awards, the HRB has commitments of €1.4 million for research specific to ALS and plan to participate in upcoming Joint Programme in Neurodegenerative Diseases in the coming years, as well as supporting ALS research through its own schemes.
The HRB has invested a further €8.4 million since 2012 on research into understanding the aetiology of neurodegeneration more broadly and the most appropriate approach to services, with almost half (€4.8 million) of that investment in awards that are currently active. Of this funding, €6.8 million was co-funding from Wellcome Trust and European Joint funding programmes.
All funding schemes are run as open, competitive calls and all eligible applications are internationally peer-reviewed by experts in the field. Only those deemed to be of high quality, and for which funding is available, are supported. Given that the HRB disburses public monies, this is a very important process to enhance the possibility of positive outcomes from the research, and guard against waste and unusable research results. The HRB does not ring-fence funding for specific conditions and applications in all disease areas are welcome.
The Research Motor Neuron Ireland website (rmn.ie/current-research/) also lists an extensive list of research projects and funding sources, including the Health Research Board, through the HRB-HRCI Joint Funding Scheme.
352. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the rationale to no longer pay persons with lived experience, otherwise known as service users, family members and carers who are involved in the provision of recovery education; if this will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10596/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
353. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient mental health beds that are provided for children per CHO area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10597/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
354. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if interviews have been held for a position (details supplied) in north County Mayo; the current situation regarding the recruitment drive; when the position will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10600/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
