Written Answers Nos. 207-228
207. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if and when the consumer-directed home support scheme can be rolled out nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33031/23]
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.
208. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health to explain the discrepancy between the 8,876 combined termination procedure and aftercare claims under the primary care reimbursement scheme in 2022, whilst just 8,156 notifications of termination were officially received in 2022, which amounts to an unaccounted-for €324,000 being paid to abortion-performing doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33040/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 20 (1) of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, a notification of each termination of pregnancy carried out under the legislation must be notified to the Minister for Health within 28 days of it being carried out. Section 20, subsections (3) and (4), require the Minister to prepare a report on the notifications received in a given year not later than 30 June the following year and thereafter to lay it before the Houses of the Oireachtas and arrange for its publication.
Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services are provided free of charge in line with the 2018 Act. GP provision of TOP services is predominantly via the GP contract where GPs are reimbursed via the Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme (PCRS) for the consultations undertaken with patients in respect of terminations (there are two consultations required to carry out a termination in early pregnancy). The Department has engaged with the PCRS in the HSE to cross-check the total number of TOP claims made against the number of statutory notifications received. Figures received from the HSE indicated that approximately 8,844 second consultation claims were made in 2022. Section 20 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 provides a narrow statutory framework for the notification to the Minister of terminations of pregnancy and provides for a limited data collection, ensuring protection of the personal information and identity of people accessing termination of pregnancy services – as such cross analysis of different data sets is challenging.
The Department will continue to engage with the HSE, with a view to remind all service providers of their obligations under section 20 of the 2018 Act.
209. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason for the discrepancy between the 6,683 combined termination procedure and aftercare claims under the primary care reimbursement scheme in 2021, whilst just 4,577 notifications of termination were officially received in 2021, which amounts to an unaccounted-for €947,700 being paid to abortion-performing doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33041/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 20 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, medical practitioners are required to notify the Minister, with prescribed details of a termination of pregnancy.
Under the Act, the Minister is required, not later than 30 June in each year, to prepare a report on the notifications received under section 20 during the immediately preceding year. The Minister is also required, as soon as may be after preparing the report, to cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
The Report for 2021 was published on 13th July and covers the period 1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021. The overall notifications received by the department were substantially lower than observed in previous years, the total number of notifications received in 2021 was 4,577. This is substantially lower than that of 2020 (6,577) and 2019 (6,666). The Department has identified the lower notification numbers, and in the interest of openness and transparency, the Minister for Health has published a supplementary note highlighting the matter, with all of the available information.
In response to the lower number of notifications for 2021, the Department of Health has been engaging on an ongoing basis with the HSE to remind GP’s and hospitals of their obligation to return all notifications for termination of pregnancy as required under the Act.
210. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the pay and any other benefits, including any loyalty payments/bonuses or other benefit-in-kind, of each chief executive of State/semi-State body or other public body under the aegis of his Department for each year since 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33054/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have issued the Deputy's question to each of the Non-Commercial State Agencies, and the HSE, and on receipt, the responses will be provided to the Deputy by way of separate cover.
211. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently consider developing a green field hospital facility to service Athlone (details supplied). [33064/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy has already received the information requested.
212. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason the podiatry service provided by the HSE in the health centre in Glenties, County Donegal, is unavailable to service users; when it is planned to recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33065/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health he number of vacant HSE podiatry services positions in County Donegal, by location; the plans to fill any such vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33066/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
214. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health whether he will instruct the HSE to schedule a follow-up appointment and resolve the issue of the case of a person (details supplied). [33067/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
216. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he can confirm his availability for a meeting with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33101/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth I and my officials from the Department of Health have met with The Alliance, a newly formed support network for smaller, family-run nursing homes, several times, most recently on 10 May. Through regular correspondence, the Department and I continue to engage with The Alliance. I recognise that The Alliance represents an important voice within the sector and their input is valued. The Department of Health will be in contact with The Alliance to arrange a meeting as soon as the schedule allows. The Department recognises the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue with stakeholders as we continue to discuss matters relevant to the operation and funding of nursing homes and ongoing matters relating to the operation of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
It is important that lines of communication are maintained with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that nursing home care continues to be provided to older people that is accessible and affordable for everyone, and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings whilst simultaneously maintaining comfort levels and standards of care.
217. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health to outline, in tabular form, the number of emergency department attendances in 2022 in St. James's Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, the Mater Hospital and St. Vincent's University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33121/23]
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.
218. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health to outline, in tabular form, the number of inpatient beds in St. James's Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, the Mater Hospital and St. Vincent's University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33122/23]
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.
219. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient and outpatient appointments that have been cancelled at University Hospital Limerick in Q1 and Q2 of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33123/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
220. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of instances in which his Department used unlicensed software and/or lapsed licenced software in the past ten years to date; the associated expenditure on same to remedy the situation; and the software that was used. [33158/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation described has not arisen in the Department of Health.
In line with my Department's policies, unlicensed software is not permitted. Controls are in place to ensure unauthorised\unlicensed software cannot be installed.
221. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when the national guidelines in respect of wigs/hairpieces and post-mastectomy products will be published; the funding to be allocated for the implementation of the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33176/23]
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.
222. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what measures are being taken to support Ireland’s labour supply with the skills needed to meet labour demands under residential retrofitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33087/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has set an ambitious target to retrofit 500,000 homes by 2030. The Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction & Retrofitting, 2023 to 2030 and Skills for Zero Carbon – The Demand for Renewable Energy, Residential Retrofit and Electric Vehicle Deployment Skills to 2030, have outlined a number of recommendations in both residential retrofitting and the wider Green Skills area. To grow capacity and delivery output targets in line with these recommendations, DFHERIS is developing and delivering a number of strategies that will increase skills supply through the current network of skills provision available across the tertiary education system. Important steps towards delivering on this target are the increased numbers enrolling on Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) courses and the establishment of a dedicated Construction and Green Skills Programme Office within SOLAS last year. This office works with ETBs nationally and is focused on developing programmes and initiatives to drive forward this reform agenda with a particular focus on the construction sector.
The SOLAS Green Skills for FET Roadmap 2021-2030 was launched in March 2022 incorporating the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Green Skills Action Programme, which began in 2021. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan commits to expanding NZEB and Retrofit upskilling and reskilling programmes and includes the provision of 4,550 retrofit and NZEB places.
Education and training relevant to the skills needed in the retrofitting and construction sector are delivered through more than fifty programmes running in the four established NZEB Centres of Excellence operated by Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and Cork Education and Training Board (CETB). CETB’s Centre of Excellence is the most recent addition to this network, and I officially opened this Centre on 22nd May this year. Two further Centres of Excellence are also due to be established in Mayo-Sligo-Leitrim ETB (MSLETB) and City of Dublin ETB (CDETB), with courses currently delivered in MSLETB in advance of this opening. Courses are also delivered by Tipperary ETB.
Following progress in developing this national network of Centres of Excellence in retrofit skills training, including NZEB skills, the number of workers availing of these opportunities has increased steadily since the first centre was opened in 2020. Numbers have risen from 363 to 793 enrolments in 2021 and to a record 2,034 enrolments in 2022. This reflects an increase of 118% between 2020 and 2021 and 156% between 2021 and 2022. There have been 1,569 enrolments between January and the end of June 2023. Please see the table below for further detail.
|
NZEB Starters at Activity Level January to April 2023 |
|||||||
|
Location: |
Jan. |
Feb. |
March |
April |
May |
June |
Total |
|
Cork ETB |
4 |
5 |
0 |
8 |
118 |
9 |
144 |
|
Laois and Offaly ETB |
139 |
102 |
116 |
164 |
93 |
119 |
733 |
|
Waterford and Wexford ETB |
78 |
47 |
46 |
84 |
56 |
51 |
362 |
|
Limerick and Clare ETB |
30 |
35 |
57 |
29 |
35 |
75 |
261 |
|
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB |
0 |
12 |
25 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
48 |
|
Tipperary ETB |
0 |
0 |
0 |
21 |
0 |
0 |
21 |
|
Total |
251 |
201 |
244 |
306 |
313 |
254 |
1,569 |
The courses are free, fast and flexible with weekend and evening provision available. In many cases, where a person has an existing construction-related qualification, knowledge or experience, they can learn these skills quickly, usually within three-four days. Courses for beginners are also available.
The National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas also provide a 1 day tailored introductory programme for Transition Year and Leaving Cert students to give them a better understanding of NZEB principles while using a mixture of practical skills and theory.
223. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on changes to the borrowing framework for technological universities. [32859/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2022, the Government confirmed approval for a new policy led by my Department, to provide State assistance to stimulate the development of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institutions. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the State providing financial support in the construction of student accommodation, and underpins the policy commitments set out in Housing for All.
Investment of €1m in 2023/2024 has also been announced to support the TU’s in conducting activation feasibility assessments to ascertain student accommodation needs in campus locations. This will include data led projections of demand and engagement with local authorities to examine potential vacant stock.
Department officials and I have had continuous engagement with the sector in relation to the feasibility study. On the 22nd of June I announced the commencement of phase one of this study as part of the Governments’ commitment to support TUs in the development of student accommodation strategies.
The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, facilitates lending by the HFA to institutions of higher education, including TUs. My Department and I are working with relevant Government Departments and Agencies to explore the development of a specific borrowing framework for the Technological University (TU) sector. The options arising from the TU feasibility study will inform this ongoing engagement. It is anticipated that any borrowing framework would in the first instance prioritise the provision of student accommodation in line with commitments in the Government's Housing for All plan.
224. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a SUSI application by a person (details supplied); if there are any considerations for single parents in relation to SUSI applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32882/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have sought an update from SUSI in respect of the individual referred to by the deputy. The student submitted an appeal to SUSI regarding the rate of grant awarded on the 14th June 2023. The Appeals Officer determined that she had been correctly assessed as a mature dependent student and refused her appeal on the 16th June 2023, advising her of her right to appeal further to the Student Grant Appeals Board within statutory timelines. To date, the student has not submitted an appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the college attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
Also, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed if eligible in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education, including approved postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie.
225. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can confirm that funding (details supplied) comes from the National Access Plan, and for the avoidance of confusion, that this does not constitute new or additional funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32958/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn inclusive higher education system is a national and European priority. Inclusion is one of the six strategic goals set out in my Department’s Statement of Strategy. My priority is to deliver a more equitable higher education system.
The fourth National Access Plan 2022-2028 was launched on August 31 2022 setting out our ambition to support inclusion and diversity in our student body, address the wider struggles and challenges for students, and deliver sustainable progress across the higher education sector.
Budget 2022 provided an additional dedicated investment of €35 million. (€5 million over 7 years) to support the objectives of the National Access Plan. Part of this funding has been allocated to a new PATH initiative - PATH 4.
PATH 4 Phase 1 was launched in 2022 with objectives of supporting the embedding of Universal Design (UD) approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs to benefit all students and in particular autistic students and enable the building of capacity in HEIs for greater participation by students with intellectual disabilities in higher education. 19 HEIs received a total of €3 million in Phase 1 to support these objectives.
PATH 4 Phase 2 involves a competitive call for proposals to Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) for additional course provision in Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. I launched the competitive call on the 29th of June 2023. This asks HEI’s to consider how they can enhance provision for students with an intellectual disability and a total fund of €9 million over 3 years is available, from funding secured in Budget 2022, to support enhanced provision. A lot of consultation has taken place with students to inform this call for proposals and I look forward to receipt of proposals for consideration later this year.
226. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a series of queries related to funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32959/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn June 28th 2023, I announced a significant milestone in the development of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), under the Department's Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Fund (IURF).
NCAD prepared an application for funding under the IURF in respect of a proposed development for the college. During my visit to the college, I confirmed that the Department felt that there was sufficient evidence to merit that this proposal should proceed through to the next stage to development of a Preliminary Business Case in line with the Public Spending Code.
The Preliminary Business Case will examine the best way to address capacity and demand constraints, to permit increased research related to the remit of NCAD and secure the college's historic buildings for the future. This will take place within the context of strategic alignment with Government policy and the preliminary demand analysis for the college.
In respect of the Devolved Grant referred to by the deputy, NCAD received funding in the amount of €283,382 as announced on 26 June 2023, in line with the provisions for that particular scheme. This is separate to and independent of the progression of the IURF project for the college.
227. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a series of queries related to funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32960/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAcross the Higher Education System, funding has been provided under Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative for programmes which provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities in areas of identified skills need. On 7th June 2023, a combined total of 11,213 places on 357 courses were launched under Springboard+ 2023 and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1, provided by public and private higher education providers around the country for the academic year 2023/24.
Regarding the academic year 2022/23, there were a combined total of 13,928 places in 392 courses that were launched under Springboard+ 2022 and HCI Pillar 1. Please find attached the list of courses available under these initiatives and their providers, for both 2023/24 and 2022/23, presented in tabular form.
Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 offers free or 90% funded higher education places to jobseekers in need of upskilling or reskilling to allow them to re-enter the labour market, and returners and those in employment who wish to upskill or reskill to meet specific emerging skills needs. Most programmes are delivered either fully online or in a blended format, making them fully accessible. All courses are informed by engagement with enterprise and provide job-readiness training, with most courses offering the opportunity for work placement, project-based learning or industry site visits, where appropriate.
Full details on Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) courses, the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the website: www.springboardcourses.ie.
228. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has a policy when it comes to making announcements, specifically in relation to the need to make it clear to the public whether additional funding is being made available for an initiative, or whether this is existing money that has already been announced, in order to avoid confusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32961/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department does not have a specific policy regarding announcements and the distinction between new funding and previously announced funds, I can assure the Deputy that the Department places great emphasis on clear and open communication with the public.When making announcements, my Department prioritises accuracy, context and plain language to ensure clarity and avoid any misunderstandings.
