Written Answers Nos. 182-201
182. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to any instances where the public relations unit and or press office of his Department undertook to create social media accounts under false names, which were operated in order to further the messaging or communications of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4874/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the communications and engagement teams of my Department, including the press office, have never created social media accounts under false names to further the messaging or communications of my Department.
183. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the recruitment of new gardaí with respect to increasing diversity and gender balance in the force. [4907/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand.
184. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of new Garda vehicles allocated to the Garda Technical Bureau in 2022; the number of vehicles withdrawn from the Technical Bureau during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4982/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
As 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 role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of vehicles allocated to and removed from the Technical Bureau in 2022.
|
2022 |
Total |
|
Allocated |
1 |
|
Removed |
0 |
185. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of each category of public order training courses that were held in either the Garda training college or Garda headquarters in 2022; the number of gardaí per course; the duration of each course, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4983/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the Public Order Training delivered by the Garda College in 2022:
|
Course title |
Public Order Supervisor |
Public Order Instructor Basic |
Public Order Instructor Re-certification |
|
Number of courses |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Number of Gardaí per course |
6 |
29 |
28 |
|
Duration of course in days |
5 |
18 |
5 |
This Public Order Training was delivered in Mullingar.
186. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of vehicles seized by Garda authorities in the J district for having no insurance in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4984/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the enforcement of road traffic legislation. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
I have been provided by the Garda authorities with the table below, outlining a yearly breakdown of the number of incidents where a vehicle was seized under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act in the J District, for the offence of driving without insurance, in 2022, and up to 30 January 2023.
|
2022 |
2023 |
|
130 |
12 |
* Figures are based on incidents occurring from 01/01/2022 to 30/01/2023, inclusive.
All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 31/01/2023, and is liable to change.
187. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of road traffic collisions in each of the years 2019 to 2022 in each Garda district in County Waterford; the number that resulted in a fatality or serious injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4985/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the management and administration of Garda business, including all operational policing matters related to road traffic enforcement.
I can assure the Deputy that road safety remains a high priority for An Garda Síochána and for my Department, working closely in cooperation with the Department of Transport. Any serious injury or fatality is of immense concern.
The table below, provided by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of fatal, serious and non-serious collisions, which occurred in each District in Waterford Division in each of the years requested by the Deputy.
|
District |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Dungarvan |
43 |
24 |
34 |
48 |
|
Tramore |
36 |
21 |
31 |
32 |
|
Waterford |
100 |
67 |
85 |
89 |
|
Total |
179 |
112 |
150 |
169 |
The total number of collisions which occurred in Waterford Division, that resulted in a fatal or serious injury, are outlined below.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
35 |
23 |
26 |
23 |
It is worth noting that figures quoted above are based on incidents occurring between 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2022 inclusive and are operational and liable to change.
188. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda cars and vans attached to Dundalk and Drogheda Garda districts as of 25 January 2023; if he will provide the corresponding figures for 31 January 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4986/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
As 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 role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that at 31 January 2023 there were 3,350 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet. This represents an increase of 8% since end January 2021 when there were 3,128 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of vehicles assigned to Louth Division at 31 January 2021 and at 31 January 2023.
|
Louth Division 31/01/2023 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
Others |
Total |
|
ARDEE |
7 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
DROGHEDA |
23 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
30 |
|
DUNDALK |
29 |
6 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
37 |
|
Total |
59 |
12 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
77 |
|
Louth Division 31/01/2021 |
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4x4 |
Others |
Total |
|
ARDEE |
8 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
DROGHEDA |
16 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
|
DUNDALK |
29 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
34 |
|
Total |
53 |
11 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
68 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
189. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons arrested and charged with burglary offences in the R district on 24, 25 and 26 December 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4987/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably this information was not available in time and I will write to the Deputy again once the information is to hand.
190. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 509 of 13 December 2022, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4988/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Question No. 509 of 13 December 2022 refers to the Garda districts within the Dublin metropolitan region that have received additional Garda mountain bikes to date in 2022.
As the Deputy is aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 556 mountain bikes nationally.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that that there were no new mountain bikes issued centrally to the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2022.
The allocation of mountain bikes to assist members of An Garda Síochána with the policing of communities has been transformative in their mission to keep people safe. The use of this method of delivering policing by personnel in all Divisions nationwide has made Garda members more accessible to the public, and provided increased visibility to our communities across Ireland.
An Garda Síochána are committed to the continued use of this means of policing, and have advised that on two occasions tenders for the procurement of additional mountain bikes to replace and strengthen current fleet were advertised.
I am informed that neither tender raised a bid for this contract, and upon further investigation of the circumstances surrounding this, it has been established that the Covid-19 pandemic, allied to substantial shortages in the supply chain were overriding factors in the tender not being awarded.
It is intended to once again return to the market and seek a tender for the provision of mountain bikes in 2023. Consideration is also being given to the specification of bicycle available/required to ensure a successful process is undertaken.
I understand that Garda Divisions and Districts currently in possession of mountain bikes are encouraged to ensure the upkeep and repairs of bikes currently on hand, to achieve maximum benefit from allocated mountain bikes.
191. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 556 of 25 October 2022, if he has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4989/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Questions No. 556 of 25 October 2022 and No. 507 of 13 December 2022 asks when the contract for the provision of stab vests that are issued to frontline Gardaí was last put out to tender; and when this current contract is due to expire.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the contract for the provision of stab vests that are issued to frontline Garda members was last put out to tender in September 2020. This tender process was not completed, in the main as a result of legal challenges, which could not be addressed as the expert knowledge required, was no longer available.
I am advised that the current contract has expired and that An Garda Síochána are currently reviewing overall operational requirements and it is envisaged that the new tender process will be initiated in early 2023.
192. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of inspections carried out by Garda authorities in each district within the Dublin region on pubs, clubs and nightclubs to ensure full compliance with alcohol licensing legislation in 2022 and to date in 2023; the percentage of premises that were in breach of the legislation and the frequency in which inspections are carried out, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4990/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including liquor licensing inspections. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the tables below show the number of incidents on the PULSE system under the incident type 'Liquor Licensing Inspection of Premises No Offence Disclosed' reported in the Dublin Garda region during 2021 and 2022 (full year) and up to 26 January 2023. Incident counts are based on reported data and were collated based on operational PULSE data as of 27 January 2023.
'Liquor Licensing Inspection of Premises No Offence Disclosed' refers to the inspection by Gardaí of licensed premises under the Intoxicating Liquor Act and where no offence is discovered or detected at the inspection. If an offence is disclosed during an inspection, it is recorded as an offence of the relevant type. As such, there is no data available on the number of inspections where an offence is disclosed and it is not possible to provide the percentage of premises that were in breach of the legislation.
The Deputy may be aware that Operation Navigation was commenced in July 2020 and continued into 2021 to support public health measures related to licensed premises during the Covid-19 pandemic. Given some specific offences related to licensed premises were in effect for different periods of time during the pandemic this means this will have affected the figures for 2021. As such, the figures for 2021 are not directly comparable to 2022.
Table 1: Liquor Licensing Inspection of Premises (No Offence Disclosed) carried out in 2021
|
District |
Inspections |
|
Balbriggan |
108 |
|
Ballymun |
303 |
|
Blackrock |
266 |
|
Blanchardstown |
155 |
|
Bridewell |
* |
|
Clondalkin |
206 |
|
Coolock |
136 |
|
Crumlin |
535 |
|
Donnybrook |
134 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
268 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
213 |
|
Kevin Street |
20 |
|
Lucan |
36 |
|
Pearse Street |
151 |
|
Raheny |
107 |
|
Store Street |
231 |
|
Tallaght |
171 |
|
Terenure |
15 |
* Fewer than 10
Table 2: Liquor Licensing Inspection of Premises (No Offence Disclosed) carried out in 2022
|
District |
Inspections |
|
Balbriggan |
59 |
|
Ballymun |
141 |
|
Blackrock |
54 |
|
Blanchardstown |
54 |
|
Bridewell |
50 |
|
Clondalkin |
78 |
|
Coolock |
* |
|
Crumlin |
215 |
|
Donnybrook |
47 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
13 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
39 |
|
Kevin Street |
106 |
|
Lucan |
* |
|
Pearse Street |
624 |
|
Raheny |
79 |
|
Store Street |
132 |
|
Tallaght |
59 |
|
Terenure |
234 |
* Fewer than 10
Table 3: Liquor Licensing Inspection of Premises (No Offence Disclosed) carried out in 2023 (01/01/2023 – 26/01/2023)
|
District |
Inspections |
|
Balbriggan |
* |
|
Ballymun |
12 |
|
Blackrock |
* |
|
Blanchardstown |
- |
|
Bridewell |
* |
|
Clondalkin |
* |
|
Coolock |
- |
|
Crumlin |
30 |
|
Donnybrook |
* |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
- |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
* |
|
Kevin Street |
* |
|
Lucan |
- |
|
Pearse Street |
10 |
|
Raheny |
* |
|
Store Street |
10 |
|
Tallaght |
* |
|
Terenure |
29 |
* Fewer than 10
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the process to be followed by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5128/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to is the subject of a Deportation Order and any person subject to a Deportation Order can apply to the Minister, under section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), to have their Deportation Order revoked. That position applies equally to deportation orders made under section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and under section 51 of the International Protection Act 2015.
However, any such request, to have a realistic chance of having a favourable outcome, would need to be founded on new information or changed circumstances which were not put before the Minister for Justice, nor were capable of being put before the Minister for Justice, when the decision to make a Deportation Order was taken. Where such a request is made, the outcome of that request will be that the existing Deportation Order will either be ‘affirmed’ or ‘revoked’.
The person referred to should direct any further queries to the Repatriation Division of my Department's Immigration Service by email to repatadmin@justice.ie or by post to the following address:
Repatriation Division,
Immigration Service,
Department of Justice and Equality,
13-14 Burgh Quay,
Dublin 2,
D02 XK70
Ireland.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
194. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of male-born prisoners who are in women's prisons in Ireland; and the details of the crimes they were convicted of. [5190/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that on 30th January 2023 there are 2 prisoners known to the Irish Prison Service who were born male, but are now legally recognised as female under the Gender Recognition Act 2015. Both prisoners are being detained in a female prison for sexual offences.
As background for the Deputy, Prison Rules, 2007 (S.I. No. 252/2007) set out the minimum rules and regulations on all aspects of life in prisons in Ireland, including admission, accommodation, visiting rights, health, discipline, education, and so forth. Much of the daily operation of prisons is guided by the Prison Rules.
The Prison Service is responsible for the safe and secure custody of all persons held in prison.
Where a court makes an order committing a person to a prison, the Prison Service must accept that person into custody in whichever prison is specified by the court. While all prisoners committed are accommodated in accordance with their legal gender and having regard to their safety and the safety of the wider prison population, it should be noted that Irish prisons are not legally defined as 'male' or 'female' prisons.
On arrival in prison, all prisoners are brought to the reception/committal unit of the prison, where there is an opportunity to provide details as part of the committal interview process.
As part of that process and in assessing the needs of a prisoner, the Prison Governor will consider the risks posed to the prisoner themselves and any level of risk to other prisoners. This risk assessment will determine the regime necessary to ensure the safety of all prisoners and may include the accommodation of the prisoner on a restricted regime under Rule 63 of the Prison Rules. The Governor may also make a recommendation on the appropriate placement within the prison system, taking into consideration good order, security and operational issues, protection issues, available accommodation and the healthcare needs of the prisoner, as well as the safety and security of other prisoners and staff.
I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that they are currently drafting a policy for the management of transgender prisoners, which is expected to be finalised shortly.
195. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the current wait time for citizenship applications in the State; the longest anyone has been left waiting for citizenship; the number of staff currently employed for the purposes of processing citizenship applications; the number of staff employed as of January 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5220/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizenship division of my Department currently, has 113 staff assigned across all grades with a whole time equivalent of 105.73. The staffing levels in the Citizenship Division of my Department are kept under constant review and additional staff have been assigned to the team, as required.
On average, between 70 and 75% of the staffing total is dedicated to the processing of naturalisation applications. The below table contains the number of staff in the years requested:
|
Date |
Number of Officers |
|
January 2017 |
84 |
|
January 2018 |
89 |
|
January 2019 |
100 |
|
January 2020 |
104 |
|
January 2021 |
97 |
|
January 2022 |
111 |
* Cross divisional realignment in the Immigration Service relating to naturalisation occurred in 2016 therefore staffing numbers are not available before 2017. Significant structural changes were made to the Department’s organisational structure in 2019 which have benefitted citizenship division.
The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs. Unfortunately, due to unprecedented demand, and the legacy of the pandemic delays, processing times have been extended.
There are almost 26,000 applications on hand at various stages of processing with a small number greater than 5 years. There is a range of reasons why applications may be in the naturalisation process for lengthy periods.
I understand that many of the oldest files in the system have been put on hold at the request of the applicant. Periodic contact is maintained with the applicant and every effort is made to facilitate the applicant in the context of changing and sometimes challenging personal circumstances. While the onus remains with the applicant to complete the process the citizenship division maintains ongoing contact with the applicants.
In other instances, information requested from the applicant may be outstanding or there may be a delay in receiving supporting information.
In 2022 there were 13,613 Certificates of Naturalisation issued, including 1,719 in respect of minor applicants. This represents a 39% increase on the number of certificates issued in 2021 (9,780) and demonstrates my Department's commitment to processing applications in a timely manner.
There are ongoing developments and improvements being made to the citizenship application process. Significant reforms have been introduced for customers to streamline the number of proofs required to establish their identity and residency as part of the application process. A new scorecard was introduced to help applicants to complete their applications. Since this initiative went live, a preliminary review of applications received indicates that the quality of the applications has markedly improved.
I welcome this development which builds on other innovative measures introduced in the application process, including the deployment of “Tara” the e-chat bot, as well as e-payments, e-tax clearance and Gardaí e-vetting, and the removal of the requirement to provide the original passport when making an application, all of which have positively enhanced the applicant's experience.
196. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who died as prisoners in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023; and the cause of death, in tabular form. [5271/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the information relating to the number of prisoners who died in the State in each of the last ten years and to date in 2023 is provided in table 1 below and I would like to express my sympathies to the family and friends of each of those individuals.
As previously advised, the Irish Prison Service does not record the cause of death where the death occurred while the prisoner was outside the prison either on temporary release, renewable temporary release, full temporary release or unlawfully at large and the information available on cause of death is set out in table 2 below.
As the Deputy may be aware, all deaths in custody are notified to An Garda Síochána, who investigate where circumstances warrant, in addition to the inquest held in the Coroner's Court. The cause of death is determined by a jury on the basis of the information presented to the Coroner's Court.
The Deputy may also be aware that all deaths in custody and deaths that occur within one month of temporary release, are also subject to an independent investigation by the Inspector of Prisons.
Following this investigation, the Inspector of Prisons Office makes recommendations for improvement where appropriate. These recommendations are forwarded to the Prison Service for their attention and the final report is submitted to the Minister for Justice. Finalised reports and any associated Prison Service Action Plan to address recommendations are published in an anonymised form on the Gov.ie website and made available to the Coroner.
Further, the Irish Prison Service has a robust, internal review mechanism which assesses the circumstances of a death in custody, highlights accountability and actions taken in relation to the incident, and outlines lessons learned. This outcome review is reported to the Irish Prison Service National Suicide and Harm Prevention Steering Group, which is chaired by the Director General.
The circumstances of each death in custody and incident of self-harm are also examined by a suicide prevention group in each institution. The groups are chaired by the Prison Governor and include representatives from the various services including; Prison Doctor, Psychiatry, Psychology, Chaplaincy, Probation, Education, and Prison staff. The Groups are required to meet quarterly, or more often if necessary. Their examinations fully cover the background and circumstances of each death and their objective is to identify, where possible, measures which might be implemented to contribute to a reduction in the risk of deaths in the future.
Table 1: Total Deaths in custody from 2012 to 30 January 2023 inclusive that took place while the prisoner was in Prison, outside the prison on Temporary Release, on Renewable Temporary Release, Full Temporary Release or Unlawfully at Large:
|
Year |
In Prison |
Temporary Release |
Unlawfully at large |
Annual Total |
|
2023 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
|
2022 |
20 |
4 |
0 |
24 |
|
2021 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
|
2020 |
8 |
5 |
1 |
14 |
|
2019 |
14 |
7 |
0 |
21 |
|
2018 |
9 |
9 |
1 |
19 |
|
2017 |
10 |
4 |
0 |
14 |
|
2016 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
10 |
|
2015 |
15 |
8 |
0 |
23 |
|
2014 |
8 |
7 |
0 |
15 |
|
2013 |
9 |
5 |
0 |
14 |
|
2012 |
5 |
13 |
0 |
18 |
|
Total |
115 |
69 |
3 |
187 |
Table 2: Deaths in Custody 2012 to 30 January inclusive classified by cause of death as determined by Coroner:
|
Year |
Suicide |
Deceased took his own life |
Misadventure |
Natural Causes |
Open |
Narrative Verdict |
Unlawful Killing |
Inquest Pending |
Annual Total |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
20 |
|
2021 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
8 |
|
2020 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
8 |
|
2019 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
14 |
|
2018 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
9 |
|
2017 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
10 |
|
2016 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
2015 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
15 |
|
2014 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
2013 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
|
2012 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
Total |
13 |
2 |
11 |
18 |
6 |
4 |
1 |
60 |
115 |
197. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health his views on the impact of the European Commission's proposed timeline extension for the EU Medical Devices Regulation for notified bodies in Ireland. [5065/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings he has held with his European counterparts to discuss the EU Medical Devices Regulation and its impact on the certification of medical devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5067/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 258 together.
Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices and Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (‘IVDR’) have been fully applicable as of 26 May 2021 and 26 May 2022, respectively.
The overarching objectives of these new regulations are to significantly strengthen the regulatory system for medical devices and provide for a framework that is robust and consistent and serves to enhance public health across the EU by ensuring that medical devices are safe, perform as intended and afford benefits to patients and healthcare systems whilst also supporting innovation.
Implementation of the new regulations has not been without challenge and one of the core and longstanding challenges relates to the capacity of the system in certifying devices under the new framework, which has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. I am aware of the consequences of notified bodies not being in a position to certify devices at sufficient scale, thus causing a risk of significant disruption in the supply of medical devices to patients. Over the last number of months in particular, Ireland has dedicated significant time and commitment together with other stakeholders at a national and European level, in identifying solutions to this imminent challenge.
Significant work, led by the EU Commission has taken place over the past year in particular in responding to this challenge including gathering data from stakeholders on the market status of certification, the continued monitoring of same, dedicated engagement with notified bodies at an EU level to gather their feedback and insight on this matter and potential supports required, publication of the Medical Devices Coordination Group (MDCG) action plan via MDCG position paper 2022-14 which acknowledges that the data gathered to date indicates that there are multiple causes which require a mix of solutions and sets out a series of proposed action to enhance notified body capacity, access to notified bodies and manufacturers’ preparedness to facilitate transition to the MDR and IVDR and to avoid shortage of medical devices. The MDCG has committed to implementing and supporting implementation of these actions in a timely manner, to assess the progress made in response to same, the impact of the actions and an assessment of whether further actions will be needed and work in this regard is underway. The success of these actions will be dependent on full engagement and implementation by all stakeholders and monitoring of their effectiveness by the MDCG will be reliant on stakeholders providing the data necessary for the monitoring of the market. Most recently, and as you refer to Deputy, the EU Commission has proposed a conditional extension of the transition periods of the MDR due to the risk of significant disruption in the supply of medical devices due to the overall capacity of notified bodies remaining limited and with many manufacturers not yet sufficiently prepared to meet the robust requirements of the MDR by the end of the current transition period. To this end, urgent and decisive action was required to prevent a major EU-wide patient safety and public health threat. I therefore welcome the EU Commission's proposed targeted legislative amendment to the MDR, which I believe strikes the best balance between mitigating the impending risk of medical devices shortages while also ensuring the implementation of the new regulatory framework and my officials are working via EU fora to examine this proposal currently with a view to ensuring its speedy adoption in the interest of ensuring that the devices our citizens and health systems rely on, remain available. The proposal will afford more time to notified bodies and manufacturers to transition from the previously applicable rules to the requirements of the MDR, subject to specific conditions.
At a national level, my officials have engaged with notified bodies though engagement at EU fora and with our notified body here in Ireland thought the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to gather their views on this matter and supports required.
It is incumbent now on all stakeholders to recognise our respective roles in ensuring the full, timely and effective implementation of these new regulations and to have in place a regulatory system that delivers on its objectives.
With respect to engagement at EU level, Ireland has retained committed and ongoing engagement with the EU Commission and EU member states over the past several years in relation to these regulations. The HPRA are members of the above mentioned MDCG, which was set up under the regulations to support their full implementation. A number of working groups and taskforces under the MDCG are established to facilitate this objective and the MDCG has published a vast amount of guidance to stakeholders to date. Officials in my department also engage with EU partners in ensuring the successful implementation and application of these regulations and my department has committed significant resources to facilitate this work and most recently engage with the EU Commission in considering its recent proposal and working towards the swift adoption of same.
It is important to recall Ireland’s intervention at the EPSCO Health Council meeting in June 2022, at which my colleague Minister Feighan attended and raised concerns regarding implementation of these new regulations. Ireland’s lead member state intervention was well-supported by other member states. It must be noted that considerable work took place since the June 2022 EPSCO at EU level in response to the certificate capacity issue, as referred to above. At the EPSCO Health Council meeting in December last month, I attended and again raised concerns regarding the serious and stubborn shortfall in the number of devices certified to the new framework and called for a proposed targeted legislative amendment to strike the best balance between mitigating the impending supply risk while also ensuring the implementation of the new regulatory framework. Again, this intervention was widely supported by EU Health Ministers. It should be noted that even prior to last year, Ireland has intervened at several EPSCO Health Council meetings on this matter.
I am pleased to say that on 6 January 2023, the EU Commission submitted a proposal to the Council and to the European Parliament for a Regulation amending Regulations (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) 2017/746 as regards the transitional provisions for certain medical devices and in vitro d iagnostic medical devices. As mentioned, this targeted amendment is focused on allowing manufacturers and notified bodies additional time to transition from the previously applicable rules to the requirements of the Regulation, subject to specific conditions. Ireland is fully supportive of the amendment and is actively working at EU level to consider this file and work towards its imminent adoption in the interest of patient safety and public health.
Ireland continues to work actively and collaboratively with our EU partners on monitoring this situation. The full and effective implementation of the regulations, whilst ensuring that citizens and healthcare systems continue to have access to the devices they rely is a key priority for my department. It remains imperative that we continue to work collectively across the EU finding and implementing harmonized solutions to these challenges, in order to ensure that the new regulatory system is effective in practice and delivers on all of its objectives.
The full and effective application of these regulations remains a strategic priority for me and my department and I fully recognise the integral role that medical devices play in healthcare delivery and public health and the need to ensure that there is a sustainable, predictable and robust regulatory framework in place to underpin this sector. Ireland continues to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to implement these regulations fully and effectively and address challenges threatening same, ultimately ensuring that the benefits of these regulations are realised in practice.
198. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health what his Department is doing to resolve CORU registration delay issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5241/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, CORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator for regulating health and social care professionals. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), including setting the standards that health and social care professionals must meet to be eligible for registration and maintaining registers of persons who meet those standards.
There are two forms of application to CORU: applications for the recognition of qualifications received outside the State and applications for registration. An individual can only be admitted to a CORU register when they have demonstrated to their registration board’s satisfaction that they are suitably qualified, have committed to adhere to their profession’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, and are a fit and proper person to engage in the profession, which requires being vetted by the National Vetting Bureau.
At present the average processing time for applications for recognition is 69.5 days while the average processing time for applications for registration is 9.6 weeks.
I met with the Chairperson and CEO of CORU last year and raised the issue of timeframes for the recognition of qualifications and registration applications. Following our discussion, several measures have been initiated by CORU aimed at further reducing timeframes.
Until last year applicants were required to complete the recognition process before initiating the registration process unless they had confirmed job offers. All applicants are now invited to initiate an application for registration as soon as they have submitted a complete application file to the recognition department. This will have the effect of reducing the period of time required to both complete the recognition and registration process.
This is part of a suite of innovations that have been initiated following my discussions with CORU. Further steps underway include:
- Full transfer to an online application system
- Increased frequency of regulatory decision making (Registration Board meetings)
- Assignment of additional temporary staff resources
- Recruitment of additional expert assessors in ‘under pressure’ professions
- Development of a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution to improve communications with applicants
My Department will continue to support CORU in achieving its strategic vision and improving timeframes for all applicants into the future.
199. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason that women who suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy have to pay for vital medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4819/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the formal Reimbursement list. Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). I, as the Minister for Health, have no role in these decisions.
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).
The dedicated funding for Cariban® will help women who experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, during pregnancy. Cariban® is an Exempt Medicinal Product, i.e., it is not licensed with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland.
Only licensed products are added to the formal HSE Reimbursement List in line with the 2013 Act. There are three products containing doxylamine/pyridoxine licensed in Ireland:
- Xonvea® gastro-resistant tablets.
- Exeltis® gastro-resistant tablets.
- Navalem® modified-release hard capsules.
To date the market authorisation holder of Xonvea® has not progressed the pricing and reimbursement application further with the HSE. The market authorisation holders for Exeltis® and Navalem® have not submitted pricing and reimbursement applications to the HSE.
Following the recommendations of the HSE Medicines Management Programme, and to address the unmet need of patients with hyperemesis gravidarum, an exceptional arrangement was put in place to support the reimbursement of Cariban®.
Cariban® is now available under the community drug schemes – the General Medical Services (GMS) and the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) – on an individual patient basis for those patients who meet the criteria for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
Under the community drug schemes, Exempt Medicinal Products such as Cariban, must be Consultant initiated. However, whilst the original prescriber of Cariban® must be a consultant and specialist in the relevant field, the HSE will accept a GP prescription subsequent to the initial hospital prescription for approved patients.
If a licensed product was subsequently approved for reimbursement this arrangement could then be reviewed or revised.
The HSE therefore encourages clinicians, along with the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Clinical Programme for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and other healthcare professionals to encourage the market authorisation holders of the licensed medicinal products (Xonvea®, Exeltis® and Navalem®) to progress with the formal pricing and reimbursement process in Ireland.
200. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of acute inpatient beds at University Hospital Limerick at the start of each year from 2000 to 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4824/23]
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.
201. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of beds at University Hospital Limerick, by bed classification, at the start of each year from 2000 to 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4825/23]
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.
