Written Answers Nos. 564-584
564. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 324 and 325 of 6 October 2022, if she will provide a wider breakdown of the locations from which scrambler bikes referenced were seized in 2021 and to date in 2022. [57964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
|
Region |
Total |
|
Dublin Region |
143 |
|
Southern Region |
70 |
|
Eastern Region |
29 |
|
North-western Region |
16 |
|
TOTAL |
258 |
565. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice if an allowance will be made for persons in possession of a firearm (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57974/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to the proposed new section 3DA of the Firearms Act 1925, which was approved as a new section 10 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 at Committee Stage in the Dáil on 8 November 2022.The proposed new section 3DA (2) of the Firearms Act 1925 provides that on the day that is three months after the relevant date, any firearm certificate for a semi-automatic centre-fire rifle that was first granted after 18 September 2015, and that was in force immediately before the relevant date, shall stand revoked. The “relevant date” is the date that the section shall come into operation. I am proposing this section on public safety grounds, in line with a previous public announcement by the then Minister on 18 September 2015. It is important to note that the intention to introduce this measure has been a matter of public record since that date. I share the concerns of An Garda Síochána in relation to public safety and equally, I also acknowledge the dedication and responsibility of the owners of legally held firearms in the State. In this regard I note that this measure has been a long standing recommendation of An Garda Síochána which was taken into account by the then Minister when she made her public announcement on 18 September 2015. I refer to this measure as a cap, as opposed to a ban, given that it will allow persons who previously held a firearms certificate for these types of rifles before the date of the then Minister’s announcement on 18 September 2015 to continue to renew their certificates. The cap on new licences for semi-automatic centre fire rifles was among a number of measures identified during the substantial review of firearms licensing undertaken between 2014 and 2015; this included consultation with the public, stakeholders and the relevant Oireachtas Committee.Firearms certificate holders who obtained firearms certificates in respect of semi-automatic centre fire rifles after 18 September 2015, will have their certificate revoked. The intention to revoke such certificates has been public since the Minister’s announcement in 2015, and in the intervening period steps were taken to raise awareness that any new certificates for these firearms stood to be revoked when the cap was introduced. The Commissioner’s Guidelines on the Practical Application and Operation of the Firearms Acts, which are publicly available, directs licensing officers and applicants to consider the upcoming restriction when an application to be licensed for one of these rifles is made. My Department has also advised Registered Firearms Dealers seeking to import these rifles that they would become unlicensable when the new legislation was enacted.
I believe that this is an appropriate and balanced measure given that it is forward looking from the then Minister’s public announcement in 2015 and not retrospective from before that date.
566. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the total yield earned from each safety camera zone under the Garda safety camera contract to date in 2022, in tabular form. [58000/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will revert to her when this is to hand.
567. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of additional Garda cars vans allocated to each Garda district within Dublin metropolitan region to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from each Garda district within the DMR to date in 2022. [58025/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that at 28 October 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,297 vehicles attached to the Garda feet. This represents an increase of almost 2% since end December 2021 when there were 3,240 vehicles assigned to the Garda fleet nationwide.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of cars and vans allocated to and removed from the Garda fleet in the DMR at 18 November 2022.
|
Allocations DMR |
Cars |
Vans |
Total |
|
18/11/2022 |
14 |
6 |
20 |
|
Removals DMR |
cars |
Vans |
Total |
|
18/11/2022 |
22 |
4 |
26 |
I am further advised that a breakdown by district can be found in the attached spreadsheet.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html
568. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of mountain bikes attached to each district within the Kildare division as of 14 November 2022. [58026/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the distribution of resources across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána recognise the need to be visible and accessible in communities but are also conscious of taking necessary actions to reduce their carbon footprint.
In Budget 2023, the government announced that An Garda Síochána would purchase an additional 130 mountain bikes.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that as of 14 November 2022 the number of mountain bikes attached to each district within the Kildare division is as follows.
|
Districts |
Numbers |
|
Naas |
2 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
|
Leixlip |
4 |
|
Total for Kildare division |
11 |
569. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice when the 2021 annual report for An Garda Síochána will be published. [58027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The Commissioner is also responsible for compiling the annual report under the Act and submitting the report to the independent Policing Authority for their consideration.
The Policing Authority has recently approved the Garda Annual Report for 2021 and has submitted it to me as required. The Report is currently being considered by officials within my Department. The Report will be brought to Government and then laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in the near future.
570. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice the reason that a 24-hour ban on gambling advertising is not being considered under the Gambling Regulations Bill 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58040/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 was approved by Government for publication and will be published to this House shortly. The Bill provides for a comprehensive and far reaching set of checks and balances in respect of gambling advertising. The Bill contains provisions to protect children from gambling.
In particular, the Bill prohibits advertising portraying gambling as attractive to children and advertising that encourages or seeks to exploit a child to gamble.
Under the Bill it will be a criminal offence for a licensee to sponsor -
(a) an event where the majority of persons attending or competing are children,
(b) an event aimed at children,
(c) an organisation, club or team in which children are members,
(d) a premises that is used by an organisation, club or team in which children are members, or
(e) a public activity that appeals to children
The Authority will have power to develop codes relating to the prohibition of sponsorship.
The Bill provides for a watershed prohibiting the broadcast of gambling advertising on television and radio between the hours of 5:30am and 9:00pm. This was on foot of the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process. The Bill does not provide for an outright ban, which may have a disproportionate impact or unintended consequences.
In addition to the watershed provisions, the Bill provides for a wide ranging power to allow the Authority to prescribe the times, place and events where gambling advertising can be broadcast, displayed or published, and allows the Authority to specify the frequency which advertising can be broadcast, the duration of advertisements, and the volume / amount of advertisements that can be shown.
The Bill includes additional protections address sponsorship and the supply of branded clothing and merchandise by gambling companies. The Bill provides for an offence of manufacturing, selling or supplying clothing or merchandise featuring branding of a gambling licensee/gambling activity aimed at children. This measure includes items that are provided free of charge.
The obligations on licensees and other persons are enforceable and are tied to sanctions and offences. This will afford greater flexibility in dealing with the complexity of the issues and future developments in relation to the advertising of gambling services and activities rather than a blanket ban.
571. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a breakdown of the number of Garda CCTV schemes and community CCTV schemes; and the number of cameras in each scheme by locality in tabular form. [58042/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána. Regrettably this information was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy again once it is to hand.
|
Table A – Garda CCTV Scheme locations and cameras |
||
|
No. |
Location |
No. of cameras |
|
1. |
Dun Laoghaire, George’s Street, Patrick St. Areas |
12 |
|
2. |
Dun Laoghaire, Convent Road |
4 |
|
3. |
Store Street, King Street area North Inner City |
13 |
|
4. |
Store Street, Popular Row/ North Inner City |
8 |
|
5. |
North East Inner City |
44 |
|
6. |
Pearse Street |
33 |
|
7. |
Tallaght |
35 |
|
8. |
Ballyfermot |
18 |
|
9. |
Finglas Road Area |
9 |
|
10. |
Finglas/Cabra |
7 |
|
11. |
Corduff, Blanchardstown |
8 |
|
12. |
North Clondalkin |
13 |
|
13. |
Blanchardstown |
8 |
|
14. |
Carlow Town |
6 |
|
15. |
Carlow, Potato Market |
14 |
|
16. |
Kilkenny |
15 |
|
17. |
Portlaoise |
15 |
|
18. |
Tullamore/Offaly |
14 |
|
19. |
Duleek & Donore |
6 |
|
20. |
Dungarvan, Waterford |
7 |
|
21. |
Waterford Courthouse Area |
2 |
|
22. |
Tramore Town |
14 |
|
23. |
Waterford |
33 |
|
24. |
Dungarvan, Waterford, Davitts Quay area |
8 |
|
25. |
Mullingar |
16 |
|
26. |
Athlone |
26 |
|
27. |
Bray |
14 |
|
28. |
Ennis, Clare |
15 |
|
29. |
Anglesea Street |
38 |
|
30. |
Hollyhill/Apple College Rd. Cork |
2 |
|
31. |
Fermoy |
11 |
|
32. |
Kinsale Town – Bandon |
12 |
|
33. |
Schull |
8 |
|
34. |
Bantry |
18 |
|
35. |
Macroom |
11 |
|
36. |
Tralee |
24 |
|
37. |
Limerick, Henry St. |
32 |
|
38. |
Tipperary Town |
12 |
|
39. |
Clonmel |
2 |
|
40. |
Galway Town Centre |
18 |
|
41. |
Drogheda |
13 |
|
42. |
Dundalk |
11 |
|
43. |
Castlebar Town Centre, Mayo |
19 |
|
44. |
Castlebar, Lough Lannagh area, Mayo |
8 |
|
45. |
Westport, Mayo |
26 |
|
46. |
Tourmakeady, Mayo |
2 |
|
47. |
Sligo |
26 |
|
No. |
Local Authority Area |
Locality |
Number of Cameras Specified in Funding Application |
|
1. |
Carlow County Council |
St Mullins |
16 |
|
2. |
Kerry County Council |
Killarney Outer |
20 |
|
3. |
Kerry County Council |
Ballyspillane |
12 |
|
4. |
Kerry County Council |
Killarney Town Centre |
30 |
|
5. |
Kilkenny County Council |
Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny |
10 |
|
6. |
Laois County Council |
Borris in Ossory |
Maintenance grant only |
|
7. |
Laois County Council |
Mountmellick Neighbourhood watch |
48 |
|
8. |
Laois County Council |
Woodenbridge |
11 |
|
9. |
Laois County Council |
Donaghmore Community Alert |
18 |
|
10. |
Leitrim County Council |
Carrick on Shannon |
11 |
|
11. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick -Newcastlewest |
12 |
|
12. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Castleconnell |
6 |
|
13. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Askeaton |
4 |
|
14. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Abbeyfeale |
6 |
|
15. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Kilmallock |
7 |
|
16. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Rathkeale |
7 |
|
17. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Adare |
5 |
|
18. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Caherconlish |
4 |
|
19. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Croom |
5 |
|
20. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Murroe |
4 |
|
21. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Pallasgreen |
3 |
|
22. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Cappamore |
2 |
|
23. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Patrickswell |
5 |
|
24. |
Limerick City and County Council |
Limerick - Foynes |
3 |
|
25. |
Longford County Council |
Longford County Council |
Maintenance grant only |
|
26. |
Louth County Council |
Moneymore |
6 |
|
27. |
Louth County Council |
Rathmullen |
6 |
|
28. |
Mayo County Council |
Ballina |
Maintenance grant only |
|
29. |
Monaghan County Council |
Monaghan Town |
8 |
|
30. |
Sligo County Council |
Cranmore Regeneration Sligo |
3 |
|
31. |
Wexford County Council |
Wexford County Council |
12 |
|
32. |
Wexford County Council |
Courttown/Riverchapel |
8 |
|
33. |
Wexford County Council |
Gorey Town Park |
5 |
|
34. |
Wicklow County Council |
Arklow Town, Wicklow |
11 |
|
35. |
Wicklow County Council |
Blessington Town Centre |
34 |
572. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice if a proposed Garda Station in Laytown is included in the current An Garda Síochána capital programme. [58082/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Commissioner is responsible for all decisions related to the Garda Estate and that such works are progressed by the Office of Public Works in close cooperation with the Garda authorities. I welcome the recent announcement by the Garda Commissioner that Laytown Garda Station will be redeveloped as part of the forthcoming Garda Capital plan.
573. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of 24 March 2022, the number of review applications that have been received since the scheme closed in 2019; the number of applications granted on review; the number of applications and review applications currently being processed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Refugee Protection Programme Humanitarian Admission Programme (IHAP) was announced in May 2018.
The processing of applications made under the IHAP programme is the only element of the IRPP that remains under my Department's remit following the transfer of this function to the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth on 14 October 2020.
The programme allowed holders of an international protection status in Ireland, (i.e. refugees with Convention or Programme Refugee status), holders of Subsidiary Protection grants, and Irish citizens to make a proposal to me to bring to the State their family members who are nationals of one of the top ten major source countries of refugees as identified by the UNHCR Annual Global Trends Report.
I can confirm that no new applications have been received since the scheme closed in 2019. Since the closing of the scheme 85 review applications have been received with 34 granted, 36 refused and 15 on hand at various stages of processing.
574. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied). [58087/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe citizenship application of the person referred to by the Deputy was approved and their Certificate of Naturalisation will be awarded at one of the next in-person citizenship ceremonies being held by my Department, on the 5th and 6th of December 2022, in the Killarney Convention Centre (Gleneagle Hotel).
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.
575. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the initiatives that are being pursued to ensure public order and safety on streets. [58128/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Justice, I am acutely aware of the effect that crime and anti-social behaviour can have on the quality of life for all communities. The government are committed to taking action to tackle anti-social behaviour. This includes:
- Giving An Garda Síochána additional tools and technology to fight crime in a digital era by introducing legislation to provide for body worn cameras, improved community CCTV schemes and expanded use of ANPR.
- Providing the Gardaí with new powers to seize and stop the illegal use of scramblers.
- Giving local people and local representatives a say in how to make their communities safer through the new Community Safety Partnerships.
- Providing a range community sanctions to be used to address criminality, reduce reoffending and provide protection to the public.
- Introducing legislation to criminalise the grooming of children to commit criminal offences.
- In parallel, we will continue to roll out the community intervention programme “Greentown” which seeks to break the link between children who are engaged or at risk of engaging with a criminal gang.
In addition to policy and legislative action being taken by government, there are a number of ongoing enforcement operations in place that are aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour.
As the Deputy will be aware, Garda Operation Citizen commenced in October 2021. Operation Citizen aims to reassure the public that Dublin is a safe place to live and work, through high-visibility patrolling and community engagement.
Operation Citizen achieves these aims through increased patrols of the city centre, including 100 Garda members patrolling each weekend evening. These increased patrols are supported by members from the Garda Public Order Unit and other specialist units, assigned specifically to the city centre. There are also Garda members assigned specifically to patrol the River Liffey boardwalks and their environs at night.
Operation Citizen is not an isolated response. It works in tandem with a number of different operations currently ongoing in the city centre. These include Operation Saul, which aims to provide a safe environment for commuters travelling in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and Operation Spire, which tackles on-street drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in the O'Connell Street area.
There are also Garda operations in other major urban centres. As the Deputy may be aware, Operation Copóg was commenced in 2021 to combat the sale and supply of drugs in the St Mary's Park area in Limerick. I am informed that it was reformulated to include an enhanced community policing presence, supported by other specialist units in the Limerick Division, and will continue. Operation Copóg is only one element of wider strategies to deal with anti-social behaviour and organised criminal activity in the Limerick Region.
There is ongoing support by the Government for An Garda Síochána, including the unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated under Budget 2023. This level of funding will support recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda members and an additional 400 Garda Staff in 2023. Coupled with further reassignments of Gardaí to operational frontline policing and the continued roll out of the new Operating Model with its focus on community engagement, I am confident that An Garda Síochána will continue to protect communities, combat anti-social behaviour.
Our new Local Community Safety Partnerships will form a core part of how we implement this collective responsibility to make our communities safer for all. They will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns.
Currently three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships have been established with an independent Chair and full-time Coordinator appointed to each pilot Partnership, including in Dublin’s North Inner City.
Another key support my Department is helping to provide to local communities is the Community Safety Innovation Fund (CSIF). Launched in April, the Fund redirects money which is the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and others.
I am particularly pleased to note that six innovative projects in the Dublin region received funding this year, including the Community Safety Wardens project around Wolfe Tone Square in Dublin’s North Inner City, and a number of projects focusing on improving outcomes for young people. In addition, a proposal to extend the Community Safety Wardens proposal to cover O’Connell Street and surrounding areas is currently being finalised.
Improving outcomes for our young people, and diverting those most at risk away from crime, is a key part of our response to anti-social behaviour in Dublin and across the country.
An additional allocation of €6.7m was provided in Budget 2022 and another €2.5m in 2023 to ensure the delivery of key objectives in the Youth Justice Strategy, in particular the expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the Youth Diversion Projects, which are fully funded by my Department.
These projects provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protecting local communities.
576. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the impact that junk food marketing is having on children in Ireland (details supplied); if he will take steps to stop the targeting of children in relation to the advertisement of junk food; his views on banning advertisements for junk food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe WHO European Regional Obesity Report, published earlier this year, warns of the serious health risks associated with rising levels of obesity. In the European Region, overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions, with prevalence levels higher among males (63%) than among females (54%). In Ireland, overweight and obesity pose an increasing challenge, with one in five children and almost 60% of the adult population now living with overweight or obesity, according to the Healthy Ireland Survey, 2019. The Healthy Ireland Survey,2022 is due to be published in the coming weeks and will provide an update on overweight and obesity levels in Ireland, after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The policy instrument for addressing obesity in Ireland is “A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), which was launched in September 2016, under the umbrella of the Healthy Ireland Framework, our national policy for health and wellbeing in Ireland.
The OPAP covers a 10-year period, up to 2025, and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. Implementation of the OPAP is overseen by a cross-sectoral and cross-Departmental group, the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG), chaired by the Department of Health. Deliverables under the OPAP are also reflected in a number of key policy documents, including the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan and the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan (HI SAP). The review of the OPAP is scheduled to be published in the coming weeks.
The OPAP recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted issue and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. This is also emphasised by the 2022 WHO European Regional Report. The OPAP also includes most of the recommended policy actions in the WHO 2022 report. Childhood obesity is a key priority under the OPAP, as is reducing the inequalities underlying obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have not only higher levels of obesity but are also facing challenges in accessing healthy food in the current cost of living crisis.
In relation to the issues around advertising and marketing of unhealthy foods aimed at children, significant work is ongoing at both EU and national levels to restrict such marketing.
At an EU level, since 2020, Ireland and Portugal have co-led a Work Package on Restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and adolescents under the EU Joint Action “Best ReMaP” (Best practices in Reformulation, Marketing and public Procurement), working with 15 other Member States which is due to complete its work in 2023. This includes proposing a revised WHO Nutrient Profiling Model for use throughout Europe in implementing the Audio-Visual Media Services Directive. This model will also be used in the EU Codes of Practise templates, adaptable by Member States, for use with non-broadcast media, including digital media; product placement (including multi-buy options) and sponsorship. As part of this Work Package, a Digital Media Monitoring Framework is being developed for EU-wide use.
Member States have also recently established National Intersectoral Working Groups, to facilitate the implementation of the food marketing tools developed by the Joint Action Best-ReMaP and the integration of policies into national legislation after the end of the Joint Action.
An EU Protocol aimed at monitoring unhealthy food marketing to children is well underway which is expected to draw on existing WHO Protocols, address gaps that may exist, and create substantive guidance and hands-on materials to support MS and institutions wishing to carry out food marketing monitoring.
The EU Framework for Action is the final deliverable of the Joint Action Best-ReMaP Work Package 6, expected to be finalized by September 2023. This framework will contain all the tools developed by the Work Package, including the WHO/EU harmonized Nutrient Profiling Model, the EU coordinated monitoring protocol and technical guidance to implement best practices when restricting marketing of unhealthy foods to children as mentioned above.
With regard to current rules in Ireland regarding advertising, sponsorship, product placement and other forms of commercial promotion aimed at children or broadcast in or around children’s programming, these are contained in the Childrens’ Commercial Communications Code (CCCC). This is a statutory broadcasting code issued by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland pursuant to section 42 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
In relation to specific legislation which seeks to address the promotion of “junk food”, my colleague, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaelteacht, Sport and Media, is currently bringing a Bill through the Oireachtas which will do just this. The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022, which has completed all stages in the Seanad and has passed the first three stages in the Dáil, will dissolve the BAI and establish a new regulator, Coimisiún na Meán.
Under the Bill, broadcasting codes will ultimately be superseded by media service codes, which will apply to both video-on-demand and broadcasting services. Furthermore, An Coimisiún will be enabled to make online safety codes which apply to designated online services, such as video-sharing platform services (e.g. YouTube). Similar to broadcasting codes such as the CCCC, media service and online safety codes may provide for the regulation of commercial communications relating to foods or beverages which may be the subject of public concern in respect of the general public health interests of children. The consultation process for a new CCCC is expected to be undertaken by the new Media Commission, Coimisiún na Meán, following the enactment of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill. As the Department responsible for public health policy, the Department of Health would expect to contribute to, and be consulted on, the making of any codes by Coimisiún na Meán relating to the advertisement of food or beverages at children.
577. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the current position of the south Westmeath Hospice facility. [57263/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
578. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the measures that are in place or that are planned to streamline the processing of medical card applications for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57268/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland as part of the EU response. Upon arrival, refugees from Ukraine are granted temporary protection status. Under this measure, they are considered ordinarily resident in Ireland for a limited time period and are entitled to access health care services, in line with other refugee groups and Irish citizens.
It is a priority for my Department and the HSE to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are provided with appropriate health and social care services. Ukrainian refugees are entitled to apply for a medical card to access primary care services for each adult and child dependent as well as ongoing care of priority medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illness.
There is a simplified and streamlined process to apply for a medical card and the HSE Ukrainian webpage (www.gov.ie/Ukraine) outlines this process. Having a GP is not a requirement for applying for the medical card, as one can be assigned afterwards.
Over 45,000 medical cards have been granted to Ukrainian refugees to date.
Ukrainian refugees can seek medical care while awaiting a medical card. For those with urgent medical needs, healthcare services are provided through the public hospital system. Ukrainian refugees can also receive health care services including access to Covid-19 vaccinations, GPs, community care and hospital or emergency care, as well as access to services for children’s health, mental health, disabilities, maternity care, older people and many more.
The HSE has arranged a range of bespoke GP services for those accommodated in hotels and other settings. The exact model for each site varies, however all have access to GP Out-of-Hours services, while those staying in private accommodation can register with local GPs.
It is vital that we continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. I will continue to work with the HSE to ensure every health support we can provide is made available.
579. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the process by which an application can be submitted for a communication device for a person (details supplied); the timeframe for processing and making a decision on same; and if the device will be made available at the earliest opportunity in order to assist the person with their communication. [57283/22]
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.
580. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been allocated to the establishment of the national psychology placement office as recommended in the HSE psychology report of January 2021; when he expects the office to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57286/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
581. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the current policy for the management of urgent cases within children’s disability network teams; if a CNDT can carry out a diagnostic assessment without instruction from the assessment of needs’ division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57288/22]
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.
582. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he or any officials from his Department or from bodies under the aegis of his Department travelled to the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference; the number who travelled; the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57317/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is represented at the COP27 climate conference, which takes place in Sharm el-Sheikh from 6 to 18 November 2022, by a national delegation led by Mr Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for the Environment Climate and Communications. This delegation includes representation from six Government Departments, including two officials from the Department of Health. The final costs incurred from participation in COP27 are not yet known.
583. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of any legal claims brought by women following consultations by telemedicine under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; if he is contemplating introducing support services for person who may be or who already been adversely impacted following their access to telemedicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57329/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health is not aware of any legal claims brought by women following a consultation via telemedicine.
As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) worked together in 2020 to put arrangements in place to allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely.
For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it became possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e., before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.
There is ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to monitor service provision, facilitate the smooth-running of the service and resolve any issues that may arise. However, as restrictions began to ease, it became timely to revisit the Model of Care to review its operation and consider whether remote consultation as part of a blended approach to termination of pregnancy care should be continued post the COVID-19 public health emergency period.
At the request of the Department, the HSE conducted a review of the Revised Model of Care for Termination of Pregnancy.
The review of the Model of Care for the Termination of Pregnancy Service found that the majority of providers within primary care feel that a blend of remote and in-person care is optimal.
In-person consultations allow provision of personalised care and allow potential problems to be identified and mitigated, while remote provision improves access for many women and addresses geographical and logistical barriers. It also alleviates some of the difficulty associated with the mandatory 3-day waiting period.
The review found that the provision of a remote consultation as part of the termination of pregnancy service is safe, effective and acceptable to both service users and providers.
The findings of this review are currently being examined as part of a deliberative process. The consideration of appropriate next steps will form part of this process.
584. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 290 of 15 September 2022, if he will provide an update on the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57365/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am concerned at the situation that has arisen for patients of the orthodontic practice in Oranmore and their families. As this case is the subject of “in camera” High Court proceedings there are restrictions on the extent of information that can be made available.
Since this situation first came to the attention of my Department, my officials have been working with stakeholders seeking assurances that everything possible is being done by relevant parties to resolve the concerns of patients affected. I met with patient representatives and local representatives on 8th September to hear their specific concerns and consider what can be done to support these patients.
On 7 October, the Dental Council issued a communication to the patients of the practice detailing the undertakings that have now been given to the High Court by the registrant. These undertakings set out the process by which patients will be referred to an alternative specialist orthodontist or orthodontists, with patient consent. While the High Court process is continuing, this is a very positive development that will facilitate the process to ensure continuity of care for patients. I am hopeful that this process will ensure that patients are referred so that their orthodontic treatment plans can continue.
The Orthodontic Society of Ireland (OSI) is also coordinating with its members in an effort to ensure that ongoing care is restored.
I appreciate that presently parents feel that this transfer of care is taking time and are very concerned. In view of this, my officials will continue to work with stakeholders to enable and support a solution for patients.
