Written Answers Nos. 307-327
307. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 717 of 30 April 2024, the number of the integrated eye care teams that are not fully operational in each of the CHOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21083/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for steroid injections will be arranged as soon as possible in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21099/24]
View answerUnder 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.
309. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an audiology appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21100/24]
View answerUnder 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.
310. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he has received the final report of a working group (details supplied) on the medicines reimbursement decision-making process; when he plans to publish the report; what his plans are for reform of the reimbursement system on foot of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21107/24]
View answerIn February 2023, I published the Mazars Review which examined the governance arrangements around the HSE’s Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Process. The Report found that the reimbursement process is operating in line with the legislation and that it is delivering results in line with international norms. I fully support the recommendations contained in the Mazars report around improving the process, increasing transparency, providing easier access, and supporting value for money.
An implementation group has been established between my Department and the HSE to consider and progress the various recommendations contained in the Report. The membership of the Group includes representatives of the Drugs Group, the HSE, the NCPE, and the Department of Health. The Working Group has met frequently since its establishment, to consider the involvement of patients, industry, and clinicians, in each stage of the reimbursement process.
The Group has conducted two rounds of targeted stakeholder consultation. The insights gained from stakeholders have been considered by the Group as it continues its work on progressing the various recommendations of the Review. The Group’s work is now nearing completion and a report on this will be submitted to me in the coming weeks.
311. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if the HSE can provide a post operative bed for a person in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21108/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
312. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of applications received for a GP vacancy in Cavan (details supplied); the number of these applications that are to be progressed to interview stage; the timeframe for the interview process to take place; the timeframe for a GP to be appointed to this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21115/24]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. The State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. In the interim the HSE puts in place a locum or other appropriate arrangement to maintain GP services to the communities in question.
As the issue of GMS vacancies is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly regarding the recruitment process for the vacancy in Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan as soon as possible.
313. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will comment on a situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21154/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
314. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the spending to date on the development, implementation and rollout of the national maternal and newborn clinical management system for the HSE, in tabular form, and classed by company; the timeline or timeframe; and the purpose and desired or completed output. [21161/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
315. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the spending to date on the development, implementation and rollout of the HSE patient app, in tabular form, and classed by company; the timeline or timeframe; and the purpose and desired or completed output. [21162/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
316. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if an operation will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21163/24]
View answerI acknowledge that waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida services are unacceptably long. I am acutely aware of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has advised my Department that they are in direct contact with the family. As the Deputy’s query relates to a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for their attention.
317. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the awards made both with and without a tender process to management consultancy firms (details supplied) by his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2019 to 2024, in tabular form and classed by firm; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [21173/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy relating to my Department is provided in the below table.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
|
Supplier Name: |
Contracts between 2019 & 2024 |
|
Tata Consultancy Services |
No |
|
PA Consulting |
Yes |
|
Boston Consulting Group |
No |
|
Oliver Wyman |
No |
|
Bain & Company |
No |
|
Booz Allen |
No |
|
Indecon |
No |
|
Abtran |
No |
|
Supplier |
Description |
Value of Contract ex vat |
Amount paid ex vat |
contract timeframe |
desired or completed output |
|
PA Consulting |
Service Plan Support Slaintecare |
25,000 |
25,000 |
Quarter 4 2020 |
Support to Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office for National Service Plan development |
|
PA Consulting |
Multi-disciplinary Consultancy Services for Elective Hospitals Facilities |
389,910 |
386,370 |
Quarter 4 2020 - Quarter 2 2023 |
Delivery of a Programme Preliminary Business Case for elective hospitals along with project-level Preliminary Business Cases for elective hospitals in Cork and Galway. |
|
PA Consulting |
Onsite user training and enhancement of the usability of the Demand and Capacity Model |
14,515 |
14,515 |
Quarter 3 2019 |
User guides developed, enhancements to the model for usability, and training delivered. |
318. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what funding and supports are available to students studying psychotherapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20946/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
Not all courses are eligible for funding. As the Deputy has not specified a specific course I would encourage any student to check the institution and course they wish to study to see whether it is eligible for support on SUSI's website Approved Courses | SUSI.
I would also encourage students to discuss with the institution they plan on attending whether there are specific supports that may assist a student.
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
The rent tax credit may also be of assistance to students this is increasing to €750 per individual and €1,500 per jointly assessed couple for 2024 and 2025.
319. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the widow's pension is classified as reckonable income when applying for the SUSI grant, as according to SUSI, the widow's grant is not reckonable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20994/24]
View answerI can confirm that Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (both Non-Contributory & Contributory) Pensions are reckonable income under the Student Grant Scheme 2024 and are therefore not listed as income disregards under the scheme. The Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant is a once-off payment to widows, widowers or surviving civil partners with dependent children. This is listed as an income disregard in the Student Grant Scheme 2024 and therefore is not included when calculating an applicant’s total reckonable income.
320. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for details of the number of students in higher education who are living with sight loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21078/24]
View answerThe Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to higher and further education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities. The initial decision around disclosure about the need for support rests with the individual.
The number of students in the category of blind/vision impaired included in the most recent Resource Allocation Return for 2022/23 for the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) in eligible institutions is 276. This included students who include this category as their Primary and Additional Disability.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
321. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she intends to announce funding for local organisations under the community services programme Pobal fund. [21062/24]
View answerMy Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide a vast range of local services and to create employment opportunities, through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
Funding of €1m was made available for an open call under the CSP for specific services in March 2023, which resulted in 14 new organisations joining the programme in December 2023, supporting an additional 13 manager and 23 FTE positions. While there are no further calls for proposals anticipated at this time, interested organisations can provide contact details for a nominated person to be held on file should the programme open for new applications in the near future. Details should be sent to the following email address csp@drcd.gov.ie.
In addition, my Department also announced a new call for applications for Additional Funding Requests in September 2023, specifically for organisations currently funded under the CSP programme. Due to the high volume of applications received by Pobal in response to this call, the assessment process has taken longer than anticipated.
The applications are currently under review and it is expected that recommendations will be made by my Department in May, with applicants notified of the outcome of their application after that.
It should be noted that any additional funding will be considered in light of available budgets.
322. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of publicly funded contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) by her Department in each of the past ten years; the cost of each contract; and the purpose for which each contract was awarded. [18662/24]
View answerI can confirm that my Department does not have any contracts with the company referred to by the Deputy.
323. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the assistance her Department can provide for a playgroup (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18304/24]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025 represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for the development of rural Ireland. It sets out a range of actions for delivery across Government, and sets the strategic framework for the delivery of capital investment under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme.
The capital investment schemes implemented by my Department have seen record levels of investment in communities across Ireland in recent years through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Recognition Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. From the details provided by the Deputy, the funding of accommodation for this social enterprise may be eligible for my Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), subject to alignment with scheme criteria.
TVRS is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since its introduction over €177 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland and it has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. TVRS supports a range of activities from large scale capital projects to projects that enhance our streetscape and support the night-time economy.
As committed under Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, and in line with the Town Centre First Policy, scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
The 2023 Scheme had a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy to be achieved through projects focusing on regenerating our towns and villages and making them better places to live, work and raise a family. This includes the development of recreational spaces/amenities in town centres to make them vibrant hubs for community enjoyment and to increase footfall for local businesses.
I announced funding of over €20 million for 82 projects on Monday 29th April 2024. The 2024 TVRS is expected to launch in October 2024.
TVRS is administered through local authorities. Therefore it would be beneficial to liaise with Donegal County Council in relation to any potential application and other funding streams which they may have available.
324. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her Department's plans to support long, cross-county walking trails in order to optimise their development for the benefit of villages along their routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16697/24]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €113 million has supported more than 1,700 projects across the country.
Cross-country walking trails across rural Ireland have seen significant funding allocations under ORIS since the launch of the scheme. Examples include St. Declan's Way, Western Way and Miners Way. This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building the economic and tourism potential of rural areas. I am committed to building on the potential of the outdoor recreation sector and will continue to do so.
I launched Ireland’s first ever National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, in November 2022. It provides a strategic, collaborative framework to facilitate the consolidation and sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation sector.
My Department’s Walks Scheme contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on national waymarked ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. Significant progress has been made towards achieving this increased target. In January last I provided approval in principle for the addition to the scheme of 62 new trails across 17 counties. This brings to 142 the number of trails that have approval in principal to join the scheme. This is a significant increase from the 40 trails that were on the scheme in 2019 and demonstrates the level of interest in the sector.
Under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, I have also approved €300,000 for a Category 2 project led by Fáilte Ireland for the Beara-Breifne Way. The Beara-Breifne Way is a long-distance walking and cycling trail being developed from the Beara Peninsula in Cork, to Blacklion in Cavan. This project will develop plans for the trail quality and visitor experience to make a positive economic and social contribution to local communities along the trail.
I am committed to continuing to support the development of this trail through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Walks Scheme. Furthermore, I know the local Rural Recreation Officers funded by my Department will also continue to support development in this vital area.
325. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on when a decision will be made in respect of a funding application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21002/24]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications
The fifth call for Category 1 RRDF applications closed on 8 February, and I can confirm that an application for funding has been received in respect of the project referenced by the Deputy.
The application process for Category 1 proposals is highly competitive in nature, with all applications subject to rigorous assessment by my Department. A Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts, is also in place to assist with the selection process.
Once the assessment process is complete, my officials will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly.
326. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the rules/guidelines in relation to restricted dog breeds in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21004/24]
View answerThe Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 set out requirements that owners of 11 specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, must comply with.
In public, restricted dogs, and any crosses thereof, must be:
• securely muzzled,
• on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, and
• handled by a competent person over 16 years of age.
I am committed to improving outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland and in this context in November 2023, I increased ‘on-the-spot’ fines for offences under the Control of Dogs Act, including trebling the fines for most serious offences from €100 to €300. Multiple fines can be issued where more than one offence occurs.
In addition, I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to control of dogs issues. Membership of the stakeholder group will comprise a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts. This stakeholder group will also consider if legislative changes to the Control of Dogs Act are required. The first meeting of this group took place recently.
My Department is also supporting a national training programme for dog wardens to ensure consistency and a standardised approach to enforcement and to support shared learning across the country.
I believe it is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities, not just to the general public but also to their dogs. For this reason, I launched a major national awareness campaign to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs.
327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total expenditure she expects to be in a position to make in respect of rural and community efforts with particular reference to demographics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21131/24]
View answer328. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline her expectations in relation to proposed expenditure under the heading of local and community proposals with particular reference to the various needs emerging as determined by the most applicable criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21132/24]
View answer329. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications in hand to date from urban and rural community groups for assistance under schemes available through her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21133/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 327, 328 and 329 together.
My Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. In furtherance of this, my Department drafts policies and manages strategic interventions and funding programmes that support economic, social and cultural development in urban and rural communities.
Budget 2024 provides my Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. Included in this is over €205 million in funding available for the Rural Development Investment Programme, which includes schemes such as Town and Village Renewal, LEADER, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Local Improvement Scheme and CLÁR. These schemes provide much needed funding for capital projects that improve the quality of lives of those living in rural Ireland, and the experience of those visiting our rural heartlands.
Over €225 million in funding has been allocated for my Department’s Community Development Programmes. These include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and the Community Services Programme (CSP). These two programmes will have combined core funding of over €100 million.
Many of my Department’s programmes, particularly those that community groups may apply to, are administered by local authorities or Local Action Groups, allowing greater flexibility at local level to make decisions on local and community proposals and respond to emerging needs. Therefore, the number of applications on hand from urban and rural community groups for assistances under schemes are, in general, held in the relevant local authority or Local Action Group and not in the Department.
In delivering on our remit my Department liaises with stakeholders in communities around the country on an ongoing basis, including through the local authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies, to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of those communities.
I would encourage anyone interested in my Department’s funding schemes, to visit our website at gov.ie where details of existing programmes are published and future calls will be posted.
