Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Written Answers Nos. 533-553

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

International Protection

Ceisteanna (533)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

533. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 427 of 8 May 2024; of that number in IPAS provided accommodation at the end of March 2024, how many were in the international protection system awaiting either a decision on their international protection application or their application for leave to remain; how many had been granted status, either international protection or leave to remain; how many had received a deportation order; how many were persons in respect of whom the IPAS has been informed that they have been refused international protection and leave to remain but had not received a deportation order; how many do not fall within any of the forementioned categories; and if he will outline the basis upon which the latter group are provided accommodation by IPAS. [21825/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As at 31 March 2024, there were 28,478 individuals resident in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation. 5,762 persons with status were remaining in IPAS accommodation.

IPAS releases weekly statistics in relation to International Protection (IP) applicants, including a per-county breakdown of where IP applicants are residing. These statistics are located on the gov.ie website:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/07027-ipas-statistics/

As previously stated, the Department of Justice advises the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) after an application for International Protection has been determined. When an applicant is not successful in gaining leave to remain or status and a Deportation Order has been signed, the Department of Justice so advises IPAS. This is to allow the transition of the unsuccessful applicant from IPAS accommodation, if they have not already exited of their own volition. Information on the number of applicants in IPAS accommodation with a pending Deportation Order is a matter for the Department of Justice.

The Deputy has sought information on those who have not received a Deportation Order. The information received by the Department is specifically in respect of those who have received a Deportation Order. It is not possible for my officials to produce this information, which as explained, is not available to them.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (534)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

534. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 445 and 446 of 8 May 2024, the estimated breakdown of the 13,000 State-owned beds targeted by 2028 that would be specifically dedicated to reception and integration centres available to IP applicants for at least six months and accommodation centres available to IP applicants after six months until they exit the protection process, in tabular form. [21848/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As detailed in the responses to Parliamentary Question Nos. 445 and 446 of 8 May 2024, accommodation, in accordance with the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy, will be delivered through a blended approach of purchasing, turnkey deliverable and delivery on State owned sites. The breakdown of dedicated state owned Reception and Integration and Accommodation Centres will be dependent on the opportunities that arise from the multi-strand approach. Progress made on the CAS includes the launching on the 30th April of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the purchase or leasing of turnkey properties. The EOI requires properties submitted for consideration to be able to accommodate a minimum of 150 individuals.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (535)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

535. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated total capital cost of delivering the targeted 13,000 State-owned IPAS units under the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy; the breakdown of the estimated capital cost per unit and per centre for those under reception and integration centres and accommodation centres, in tabular form. [21849/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

On the 27th March 2024 Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS) for International Protection applicants. The strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.

Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the following multi-strand approach:1. Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units2. Conversion of commercial buildings3. Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties4. Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres5. Upgrading of IPAS Centres

The table below details the composition of accommodation from 2028 onwards

Accommodation Type	Bed Capacity	Ownership
Reception and Integration Centres and Accommodation Centres, at national standards	Up to 13,000	State Owned
In-Community Accommodation for vulnerable persons, at national standards.	Up to 1,000	State Owned, operated in partnership with NGOs.
Contingency Accommodation, at national standards	Up to 11,000	Commercial Providers
Emergency Accommodation	Up to 10,000	Commercial Providers

As detailed in the strategy, accommodation will be delivered through a blended approach of purchasing, turnkey deliverable and delivery on State owned sites. The breakdown of dedicated state owned Reception and Integration and Accommodation Centres will be dependent on the opportunities that arise from the multi-strand approach.

The department is in the early stages of planning its approach for the delivery of the increased state owned accommodation capacity. As part of the process an economic assessment is underway which will provide more detailed information on the full costings for the programme.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (536)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

536. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of State-owned modular units for accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection that are currently in development; and the stage of development of each project and the estimated average cost per project and per unit, in tabular form. [21850/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.

The programme is being progressed under the emergency derogations from planning that were provided for by Government under S.I. No. 306 of 2022 – European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations, 2022.

There were a number of issues that have arisen over the past few months relating to site conditions, remedial works, boundaries, ESB connections, etc. This has delayed earlier forecasted dates of completion and also has led my Department to make a decision to not fully complete the programme.

To date, 310 Units have been completed and now provide accommodation for 1240 BOTPs in 7 locations.

A breakdown of the locations that are currently in development and the stage of development of each project is provided in tabular format below.

Location	County	No. of Units	Max no. of individuals	Expected Occupancy
Backweston, Lucan	Dublin	132	552	August
PollBoy, Ballinasloe	Galway	64	256	August
Rathgoggin North, Charleville	Cork	66	264	August
Total		262	1,072

A further HSE site in Haywood, Clonmel has been identified as viable by OPW to accommodate 82 units. It is expected that works will commence mid May 2024.

The cost of each unit in all locations is approximately €145,000 per unit inclusive of supply, delivery and provision of loose electrical and household items. This is separate to the site development and utility connection costs relating to the overall development. As the project is still ongoing and further sites are under consideration, it is not possible to fully specify a final overall programme figure.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (537, 539)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

537. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of commercially owned modular units for accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection that are currently in development; and the stage of development of each project and the estimated average cost per project and per unit, in tabular form. [21851/24]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

539. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the average completion deadline for commercially-owned modular units dedicated to accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection; the average completion timelines for units procured in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the breakdown of the average completion timelines of units procured by county, in tabular form. [21853/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 539 together.

The information is not available in the manner requested by the Deputy.

My Department launched an online portal for developer-led modular accommodation on gov.ie where providers could submit expressions of interest (EOIs) in November 2023. The portal sought offers for developments with a capacity of up to 200 BOTPs, encompassing the site, units and all management services associated with them. My Department has currently paused accepting new Expressions of Interest for modular residential developments to accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).

Modular accommodation may potentially provide a further sustainable medium-term solution to assist in meeting overall accommodation requirements, allowing Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) to integrate into communities and possibly setting the stage for future housing development at sites. This programme will help establish the feasibility of the approach from a cost perspective and the capacity of the private sector to deliver appropriate solutions.

My Department is in the process of assessing the 129 EOIs received. It is my Department’s intention to draft a shortlist of EOIs that demonstrate a basis for further investigation, out of which proof of concept projects will be further discussed with Local Authorities. The proof of concept modular developments can be used to decant tourism accommodation beds in certain areas. It is still too early in the engagement and assessment process to determine timelines and delivery volumes.

Currently, there are no commercially owned modular developments under development as part of this programme.

International Protection

Ceisteanna (538)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

538. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the average completion deadline for State-owned modular units dedicated to accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection; the providing a breakdown of the average completion timelines for units procured in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the breakdown of the average completion timelines of units procured by county, in tabular form. [21852/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Modular proof of concept sites

Columb Barracks, in Mullingar, County Westmeath, was selected by Government in 2023 as 1 of 5 ‘proof of concept sites’ in order to examine the potential of rapid build ‘pod’ style accommodation.

My Department has been working as part of the Accommodation Working Group under the auspices of the Department of the Taoiseach to advance the requirements needed in order to place the ‘pods’ on this site in a timely fashion. Works commenced on this site in April 2023.

The first 49 pods have been filled by Ukrainian families. The first 20 units were occupied in December 2023 with a further 29 families being accommodated during February 2024. The remaining units are expected to be ready and occupied in May 2024, including 3 wheelchair accessible units, bringing the site to full occupancy with 62 families.

As the site is still being finalised, it is not possible to provide the information in the manner requested by the Deputy.

Rapid Build sites

As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.

The programme is being progressed under the emergency derogations from planning that were provided for by Government under S.I. No. 306 of 2022 – European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations, 2022.

The completion timelines are subject to any technical issues arising during construction. There were a number of issues that arose relating to site conditions, remedial works, boundaries, ESB connections. This delayed earlier forecasted dates of completion on sites included in the programme.

My Department does not collate the information in the manner requested by the Deputy in relation to the average completion deadline for State-owned modular units and the average completion timelines for units procured in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024. Below set out in tabular form, is a breakdown of the completion dates by phases and by county.

Breakdown by phases

Phase 1 Sites	Start Date	Finish Date
Ballinure Way, Mahon, Cork	25/10/22	31/05/23
Doorly Park, Sligo	30/11/22	07/07/23
Cluain Ard, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	30/11/22	21/07/23
Gortataggart Way, Thurles, Co. Tipperary	23/11/22	16/08/23
Kilian Place, Farnham Rd, Cavan	10/11/22	25/08/23

Phase 1 average completion time: 244.8 days

Phase 2 Sites	Start Date	Finish date
Spring Crescent, Rathdowney, Co. Laois	27/03/23	06/12/23
Clonminch Place, Clonminch, Tullamore	27/03/23	21/11/23

Phase 2 average completion time: 246.5 days

Phase 3 Sites	Start date:	Target finish date
Stonewell, Backweston, Co. Dublin	10/07/23	08/07/24
Rathgoggan Way, Charleville, Co. Cork	17/07/23	02/08/24

Phase 3 average completion time based on target completion dates: 373 days

Phase 4 Sites	Start date	Target finish date
Cluain Buí, Pollboy, Ballinasloe	29/08/23	02/08/24
Clonmel, Tipperary	Mid May 2024	Feb 2025

Phase 4 average completion time based on target completion dates: N/A as start date has not commenced for all sites

Breakdown by county

An average completion timelines of units procured by county is provided below, where applicable.

Cork

Site name	Start Date	Finish date/Target Finish Date
Ballinure Way, Mahon, Cork	25/10/22	31/05/23
Rathgoggan Way, Charleville, Co. Cork	17/07/23	02/08/24

Co. Cork average estimated average completion time: 300 days

Sligo

Site name	Start Date	Finish date
Doorly Park, Sligo	30/11/22	07/07/23

Co. Sligo completion time: 219 days

Mayo

Site name	Start Date	Finish date
Cluain Ard, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	30/11/22	21/07/23

Co. Mayo completion time: 233 days

Tipperary

Site name	Start Date	Finish date/Target Finish Date
Gortataggart Way, Thurles, Co. Tipperary	23/11/22	16/08/23
Clonmel, Tipperary	Mid May 2024	Feb 2025

Co Tipperary average completion time: N/A as start date has not commenced for all sites

Cavan

Site name	Start Date	Finish date
Kilian Place, Farnham Rd, Cavan	10/11/22	25/08/23

Co Cavan completion time: 288 days

Laois

Site name	Start Date	Finish date
Spring Crescent, Rathdowney, Co. Laois	27/03/23	06/12/23

Co Laois completion time: 254 days

Offaly

Site name	Start Date	Finish date
Clonminch Place, Clonminch, Tullamore	27/03/23	21/11/23

Co. Offaly completion time: 239 days

Dublin

Site name	Start Date	Target Finish Date
Stonewell, Backweston, Co. Dublin	10/07/23	08/07/24

Co Dublin estimated completion time: 364 days

Galway

Site name	Start Date	Target Finish date
Cluain Buí, Pollboy, Ballinasloe	29/08/23	02/08/24

Co Galway estimated completion time: 339 days

Question No. 539 answered with Question No. 537.

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (540)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

540. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21859/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The total costs incurred by my Department from 2019 to COB on 30th April 2024 are below in tabular form, broken down by name of publication or media group.

Publication	Total Spend
Mediaforce Group	126,888
Irish Times	167,724
Irish Independent	144,603
Irish Examiner	67,696
Irish Oifigúil	1,197
Seachtain	589
Kerry’s Eye	1,458
The Sunday World	17,875
The Sunday Business Post	40,008
The Sunday Independent	88,123
The Belfast Community Telegraph	7,682
Cork Evening Echo	3,576
Cork Independent	5,688
The Evening Herald	10,774
Irish Mirror	8,241
Irish Sun	5,682
Sunday Times	24,419
Woman’s Way	4,923
Gazette Group	4,558
Irish Daily Mail	9,248
Irish Mail on Sunday	9,428
Irish Farmer’s Journal	3,928
Ireland’s Own	1,802
The Irish Catholic	2,095
The Fermanagh Herald	2,721
The Star	8,573
Alpha Media Group Ltd	3,135
IW Publications Ltd	4,236
The Irish News	1,539
The Irish Voice	3,566
The Irish Echo	512
The Irish American	307
Hotel & Restaurant Times	760
Ulster Newsletter	6,725
RTE Guide	2,881
M Media Group PTY Ltd	23,962
The Irish World	684

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna (541, 542)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

541. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the urgent assistance that can be given to a number of families in Kilcock, County Kildare following the announcement recently by a childcare provider (details supplied) that children due to start primary school next year will now have no afterschool place and will be required to force alternative afterschool care, which is already at a premium; the procedure that each family can now follow given this unexpected announcement to secure appropriate local childcare given the pressure that many working families are already under; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21879/24]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

542. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports he can provide to service providers (details supplied) in order to assist them with capacity and service provision in the after-school care environment; and how parents who have provided all details to the NCS of their child, and a place is secured, but subsequently withdrawn, can be facilitated. [21904/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 542 together.

The availability of high-quality early learning and childcare is a key Government priority. My Department monitors Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) capacity on an ongoing basis, with a particular focus on responding to the unmet ELC needs of families.

My Department funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), which provide support and assist families and ELC providers with early learning, and childcare matters. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country are in a position to match children and families to services operating with vacant places and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need. Kildare County Childcare Committee can be contacted on: 045861307 or [e-mail]

Regarding the issue of National Childcare Scheme (NCS) awards, the NCS award follows the child. If a parent has a current CHICK they will have to provide that to the new ELC setting, who will register their details and, once the parent has confirmed these are correct, the subsidy will then start to flow to the provider. If a parent has a CHICK that is coming up for renewal, then the usual process applies: the parent will be contacted with details of how to complete a renewal application process which will generate a new CHICK. The new CHICK must be registered with the provider and the details confirmed by the parent in order for the continued payment of the subsidy.

My Department is progressing a broad range of actions to ensure the supply of ELC and School-Aged Childcare meets demand:

Core Funding, the funding scheme introduced in 2022, allocates funding for providers based on the cost of delivery. Though only in operation since September 2022, initial analysis shows that this new funding scheme has given rise to a growth in capacity. Budget 2023 allocated funding to secure a 3% growth in capacity for year 2 of the scheme, which has already materialised. Budget 2024 also secured funding to invest in a further 3% capacity growth from September 2024.

A new Supply Management Unit has been established within my Department to lead on this important work. The development of this function is akin to the Department of Education’s Forward Planning Unit. The Supply Management Unit is overseeing the allocation of new capital investment. €69 million was allocated to my Department over the period 2023-2025 under the National Development Plan to enable capital investment in the ELC sector. In February, I announced an €18 million capital grant scheme for the ELC Sector. The grant will provide for an immediate increase in affordable ELC places in 2024, and will be specifically targeted in areas in where they are needed most. It will be the first of two significant capital investment schemes, to be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

Question No. 542 answered with Question No. 541.

Pension Provisions

Ceisteanna (543, 644)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

543. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason health service workers who paid pension contributions in both jurisdictions cannot combine them for a HSE pension prior to retirement; if he believes that this is a barrier to the all-island approach to healthcare espoused by the Government; if there are reciprocal pension contribution arrangements with any other healthcare or any other public service employer in the EU or beyond; if he believes that this is a barrier to the free movement of staff throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21797/24]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

644. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason health service workers who paid pension contributions in both jurisdictions cannot combine them for a HSE pension prior to retirement; if he believes that this is a barrier to the all-island approach to healthcare espoused by the Government; if there are reciprocal pension contribution arrangements with any other healthcare service in the EU or beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21796/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 543 and 644 together.

There are no provisions in health sector superannuation schemes, or arrangements with the UK health service or any other health service in the EU or elsewhere for the combining of public health pensionable service.

Transfers of pension benefits from non-public service pension schemes, either within the State or outside, may be facilitated by way of Transfer Value taken into an Irish public service pension scheme, subject to the rules of the relevant pension arrangements and the taxation rules applying in the relevant jurisdiction.

Subject to the rules governing the relevant superannuation arrangements, it is possible for a person with a UK pension (private or public) to take a Transfer Value into an Irish pension scheme (private or public). However, a tax charge will ordinarily apply to the UK pension benefits on transferring them out of the UK, unless the overseas scheme to which they are being transferred has ‘Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme’ (QROPS) status.

Although many Irish public service pension schemes were previously QROPS registered, most such schemes have since been deregistered. The reason for this is that, in 2017, UK tax rules introduced an ‘overseas transfer charge’ that could fall due in certain circumstances and, where it does, the member and the scheme administrator “will be jointly and severally liable”, thus making an Irish public service employer (and ultimately the Exchequer) liable for an individual’s tax liability arising in relation to pension benefits accrued in a different State.

Where an individual is seeking to transfer their pensionable service across jurisdictions, it is advisable that they seek advice from their pension administrator(s) and/or the relevant tax authorities.

This Government is committed to improving healthcare services, enhance patient outcomes, and address health inequalities across the entire island. Given the similar health challenges faced by each jurisdiction, working collaboratively to maximise the potential for service planning and delivery is of the utmost importance and, as such, enhancing North-South cooperation will continue to be a priority for the Irish Government.

Departmental Inquiries

Ceisteanna (544)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

544. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to a letter delivered to his office from an organisation on 23 April 2024 requesting a commission of investigation into baby deaths, maternal deaths and catastrophic birth injuries (details supplied); and if he intends to act on this request. [21804/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Minister for Health is aware that the Taoiseach received a letter in relation to the matter outlined in this PQ and will respond directly to the organisation.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (545)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

545. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a person (details supplied) awaiting an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21177/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible

Health Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (546)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

546. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person in County Kerry will be called for an appointment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21182/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible

Health Services

Ceisteanna (547)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

547. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the measures his Department is taking to assist and support an initiative (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21187/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Dementia-Inclusive Communities Initiative has its origins in the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme, co-funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). As part of this Implementation Programme, Atlantic Philanthropies and the HSE provided funding of over €3.5 million for the Dementia: Understand Together stigma reduction campaign over the period 2015 to 2018.

Following the conclusion of the national TV campaign in 2018, the focus shifted to the development of a national framework to create Dementia-Inclusive Communities called Dementia: Understand Together in Communities . The HSE funded a Dementia Community Activation Coordinator through a Service Level Agreement with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland for a one-year period, and this post and programme costs were then funded through the Department of Health via the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Since Budget 2021, the Government has provided ongoing annual funding of €127,000 to support Dementia: Understand Together in Communities , which includes a national coordinator post. The HSE also provides ongoing funding to support communications that aim to build understanding of dementia and the lived experience of the condition. This includes promotion of the new Community symbol which acts as a symbol of support for people with dementia and a connecting thread for all the dementia inclusive activities happening across Ireland. The HSE has confirmed that total combined HSE and Department of Health funding for this initiative amounts to over €1.8 million between 2019 and 2024.

Dementia: Understand Together in Communities aims to mobilise a network of national organisations and local community champions across Ireland to develop Dementia-Inclusive Communities. It is a new and innovative approach that focuses on the power of peer influence in effecting change. The campaign seeks to build understanding around dementia in Ireland, and to inspire individuals, businesses, organisations and service providers to take action to support people living with dementia in their communities.

The campaign is led by the Health Service Executive (HSE), in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Age Friendly Ireland, Healthy Ireland, the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, and Age & Opportunity. The campaign working group includes representatives from these organisations as well as people with dementia and family carers.

Over 40 national organisations and 1,000 community champions are now supporting the campaign, including transport providers, retailers, libraries, galleries and museums, community and charity groups such as Men's Sheds and the GAA. People with dementia and family carers have also been involved from the outset, and local dementia alliances have formed in several counties. The Understand Together website (scanner.topsec.com/?d=2120&r=show&u=www.understandtogether.ie&t=a2baf53176200b1c3962d52654bcc6da3c9d7846) includes a national service finder and a sign up form for new community champions, and also hosts training for financial services, transport providers and retailers.

The Dementia: Understand Together campaign is founded in a strong evidence base. The campaign is measured by national surveys, digital and social engagement, media coverage, and events and engagement with partner organisations and community champions. Research findings show that the campaign has led to positive change in public awareness, understanding and attitudes around dementia. It has also led to tangible positive actions to support people with dementia in communities throughout Ireland, and the Government will continue to support this important initiative.

Dementia: Understand Together is one of a range of dementia initiatives that have received Government funding over the past four years. To support the implementation of the 2023 Dementia Model of Care, the Government has funded the establishment of diagnostic memory services including Memory Assessment and Support Services, Regional Specialist Memory Clinics and a National Intellectual Disability Memory Service. A range of post-diagnostic and community services have also been funded, including the National Dementia Adviser service, the national network of Memory Technology Resource Rooms, dementia day care at home, the return to full capacity of dementia day care centres and the establishment of weekend activity clubs for young onset dementia. Posts have also been funded to improve hospital care, and a dementia education programme for HSE home support workers is being rolled out. The Dementia: Understand Together in Communities campaign is being implemented in tandem with these initiatives, helping to ensure that people with dementia can continue to live as well as possible for as long as possible in their own homes and communities.

Health Service Executive

Ceisteanna (548)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

548. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 566 of 20 February 2024 to provide the total spend by the HSE on contractors for maintenance work (details supplied) in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024. [21194/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (549)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

549. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on any discussions between his Department and the Irish Dental Association on further revision of the dental treatment service scheme; the plans his Department and the HSE have to ensure that patients in Louth and Meath who have medical cards receive the timely treatment they need in the interim; if he will provide the most recent figures on the number of registered dentists in the scheme in both Louth and Meath as of 1 May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21198/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

It is a top priority for the Government to improve patient access to oral healthcare services through implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, Smile Agus Sláinte. Regarding service reform, the priorities for 2024, as captured in the HSE's National Service Plan, include:

• Development of a comprehensive phased policy implementation plan for the range of actions identified in the policy, including stakeholder engagement and resource identification;

• Progression of oral health and care packages for children aged from birth to seven years of age; and

• The design of clinical elements for reformed preventative care for adult medical cardholders as referenced in the policy.

As part of ongoing engagement with the IDA, officials from my Department met with IDA representatives most recently on Friday 12th April 2024 to facilitate the IDA to present its recent position paper and to discuss the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy.

I have asked the HSE to forward the requested data, the most recent figures on the number of registered dentists in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme in both Louth and Meath as of 1 May 2024, to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (550)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

550. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21208/24]

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Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (551)

James Lawless

Ceist:

551. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to examine an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21210/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (552)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

552. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the newly completed unit at St. Camillus' Hospital will open to patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21217/24]

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Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (553)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

553. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if, following the closure of the medical clinic in Emly, the HSE would consider running a monthly clinic in the building, with a nurse to take bloods, and so on, for older local residents, who are otherwise forced to attend GPs and run the risk of picking up an illness or infection or travelling a greater distance to Tipperary town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21220/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible

• Written Answers Nos. 512-532
• Written Answers Nos. 554-576