Ivana Bacik
Ceist:290. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants. [63060/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraImmigration Policy
Ceisteanna (290)
Freagraí scríofa
The Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme opened on the 31 January 2022 and closed on 31 July 2022. This once in a generation scheme was designed to give long-term undocumented people without a current permission to remain in the State, the chance to regularise their status, access the labour market and begin their path to citizenship.
The criteria for the scheme was designed in line with the Programme for Government commitment, which is to bring forward a regularisation scheme to create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents. The period of four years undocumented residence, or three years in the case of applicants with children, is consistent with this commitment and was approved by Government.
The scheme was only open to those who did not have a current permission to reside in the State and would enable eligible applicants to remain and reside in the State and to regularise their residency status.
My Department recorded 6,548 applications in respect of 8,311 people under the scheme, including 1,108 minors which were submitted as a part of family applications. As of the 12 December 2022, 4,857 decisions have been issued to applicants and of these: 4,796 (97 %) are positive decisions, 94 (2%) are negative decisions, and 47 (1%) applications have been withdrawn by the applicants for various reasons.
All other applications continued to be processed and processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application. Applications where there is an existing deportation order will require additional processing.
Additionally, the International Protection strand of the Regularisation scheme, that opened on the 07 February 2022 and closed on the 07 August 2022, has recorded 3,193 applications up to 09 December 2022. To date 1,375 successful decisions have issued and an additional 1,017 applicants have been granted an equivalent permission by the International Protection Office. A further 396 applications were ineligible.
If a person did not meet the terms of the published scheme or did not apply and remains resident in the State without permission I encourage them to contact the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) of my Department or their local immigration office and take all appropriate steps to regularise their status. Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. A pragmatic approach is taken in relation to each case, which is considered on its individual merits.
Each case of an undocumented person in the State is dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the Department has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their position in the State.
Family Law Cases
Ceisteanna (291)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:291. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 9 November 2022, if there has been any further progress in the consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Minister McEntee recently held a public consultation on the topic of parental alienation, which provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders and citizens to express their views on this complex issue and inform my Department’s thinking on whether any legislative and/or policy changes may be required.
All views, opinions and experiences submitted as part of that consultation have been welcomed. The responses received are being carefully reviewed.
My Department also arranged for a separate strand of independent research on parental alienation to be carried out last year. I am pleased to say that a final report has been received by my Department and is now being reviewed.
It is expected that both the research and the public consultation will create a deeper understanding of the issue, and inform the Department’s consideration of policy and law in this area.
Work is ongoing to integrate these strands of work, and I expect to receive a report outlining the outcome of the research and consultation process and any resulting recommendations to arise from it early in 2023.
Visa Applications
Ceisteanna (292)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if an alternative system for registration for Stamp 4 can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63130/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned has a stamp 3 immigration permission to remain in the State until 16 July 2025. As the person concerned is a minor, they and their parent may attend at their local immigration office to request a change of permission. Any request for a change of immigration permission should be supported with all relevant documentation.
My Department's Registration Office in Burgh Quay is responsible for registering and renewing immigration permissions for customers residing in the Dublin area only.
Registrations and renewals for persons resident outside of the Dublin area are processed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) through the Garda Station network. The allocation of appointments for registration and renewal with GNIB, for some 50 locations nationwide, is a matter for An Garda Síochána, contact details available at: www.garda.ie/en/contact-us/station-directory.
Please see the below link which may be of further assistance. www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/registration-renewal-outside-dublin/
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (293)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:293. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the number of additional domestic violence refuge places provided to date in 2023; and the counties within which they are located in tabular form. [63133/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware the Government will establish a statutory agency with a dedicated focus on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue. Pending establishment of the Agency, responsibility for the allocation of funding for domestic violence services continues to be channelled through Tusla.
Response from Tusla below.
Attached, in Appendix one, please find breakdown of places provided in 2022; and the counties within which they are located.
In line with the priority which the Irish government is attaching to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence, Tusla will double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to 280.
It will deliver 24 new refuge spaces by the end of 2024.
In addition, by putting in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation now, including the development of a new statutory agency, Tusla will accelerate the number of additional spaces that can be opened each year.
|
County |
Number of Units normally operational 2020 pre-Covid (refuge and Safe Home) |
Number of units operational in 2021** (including refuge units; off-site refuge locations and Safe Homes) |
Number of refuge units operational in 2022 (either in the refuge or at an off-site location) |
Number of Safe homes operational in 2022 |
Number of DV Accommodation Units operational in 2022 |
|
Limerick |
14 |
14 |
14 |
0 |
14 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
7 |
6 |
7 |
2 |
9 |
|
Dublin |
35 |
29 |
29 |
20 |
49 |
|
Wicklow |
7 |
5 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
Clare |
6 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Galway |
4 |
9 |
9 |
0 |
9 |
|
Tipperary |
6 |
9 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Cork |
4 |
9 |
11 |
3 |
14 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Louth |
12 |
14 |
15 |
0 |
15 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Meath |
5 |
6 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
Waterford |
15 |
13 |
12 |
2 |
14 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Sligo |
3 |
3 |
N/A |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
144 |
140 |
149 |
31 |
181 |
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (294)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:294. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence. [63132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In June, the Government launched Zero Tolerance, the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
One of the overarching goals of the Strategy is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one. We will double the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the strategy, bringing it to 280.
The Tusla review of accommodation services for victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence identified priority locations where between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed. Further analysis undertaken identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact if prioritised.
In the initial phase of this work, we expect to have delivered 24 places in Wexford, Dundalk and Navan by 2024. The delivery of additional safe homes is also a key part of the response and it is expected to increase the number of safe homes by 15 this year.
In addition, by putting in place the correct structures to deliver additional refuge accommodation, including the development of a new statutory agency, we will accelerate the number of additional spaces that can be opened each year. Already, work undertaken implementing the Strategy has prepared the way for this, including a very significant increase in funding under Budget 2023.
An interdepartmental group is developing and progressing agreed processes and approaches to ensure we have the highest standard of refuge accommodation, delivered in the most efficient way.
Just last month, Minister McEntee was in Wexford to turn the sod on construction of the new Refuge there.
Developments in Navan and Dundalk are continuing to make progress at design and planning stages, while developments in the other priority locations are mainly focused on establishing local stakeholders and lead organisations and on site selection.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (295)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of rare and orphan drugs currently being evaluated for use in Ireland; the length of time that normally required for this process; the drugs that have taken an inordinate amount of time to evaluate and approve for use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62832/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (296)
Colm Burke
Ceist:296. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if the 35 children with cystic fibrosis whose age and genotype were not included in the initial deal with a drug manufacturer will now be included to provide access to the life changing medication, kaftrio (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62834/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Kaftrio has been a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, and I want to see it made available to everyone who needs it. This Government wants to ensure greater access to new and innovative medicines and has allocated significant additional funding for new medicines in recent Budgets. Since the beginning of 2021, 99 new medicines, or expanded uses of existing medicines, have been funded. This has included 27 for the treatment of rare diseases, including Cystic Fibrosis.
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.
I am grateful to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) for meeting with me recently, and outlining the concerns of the Cystic Fibrosis community. We discussed the recent statement from the Consultants providing care for these children, with all parties aligning in the view that the approach taken by the manufacturer, Vertex, is unfair to these children. I reassured CFI of the urgency with which the Government and the HSE are approaching the current situation.
I have been advised by the HSE that engagement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals is ongoing, which I hope can be quickly brought to a satisfactory conclusion for everyone.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (297)
Mark Ward
Ceist:297. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the nine community eating disorder teams expected to be operational by the end of 2022; if this target has been delivered; if there are any delays; and if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62839/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (298)
Mark Ward
Ceist:298. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update of the roll-out of the eating disorder network and the implementation of the HSE National Model of Care Plan for eating disorders; the target operational dates for the remaining adult and CAMHS teams for eating disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (299)
Mark Ward
Ceist:299. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the expected cost overrun for the construction and operation of a facility (details supplied) that was due to open in December 2021; the final cost of the construction and operation of the facility; when it will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (300)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:300. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the efforts his Department is taking to ensure all front-line workers employed by a Section 39 have received the promised pandemic bonus of €1,000 before Christmas 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62846/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (301, 317, 388)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:301. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the prescription of a medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Emer Higgins
Ceist:317. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if any progress is being made to make the medication cariban reimbursable when prescribed by a pregnant mother’s GP, as opposed to a pregnant mother’s consultant, as this would make cariban more accessible during early pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Patrick Costello
Ceist:388. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will allow a consultant to prescribe cariban, pyridoxine and doxylamine; and if his Department will engage directly with organisations (details supplied) and other expert bodies on the best way to implement same to maximise patient care. [63097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 301, 317 and 388 together.
As part of Budget 2023, I announced €32.2 million in funding for Women’s Health Initiatives in 2023, to include dedicated funding for Cariban® (doxylamine/pyridoxine). Cariban® is an Exempt Medicinal Product i.e. not licensed with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland. Following the recommendations of the HSE Medicines Management Programme, this product will be made available on an individual patient basis for those patients who meet the criteria under Community Drug Schemes (GMS, DPS) from January 2023 where Consultant Obstetrician initiated.
Under Community Drug Schemes, Exempt Medicinal Products must be Consultant initiated. However, whilst the original prescriber is a Consultant and specialist in the relevant field, the HSE will accept a GP prescription further to the initial hospital prescription for approved patients.