Pauline Tully
Ceist:641. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the percentage of the number of GPs within Cavan-Monaghan who are registered with the type 2 diabetes cycle of care. [22944/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeneral Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (641)
Freagraí scríofa
The Diabetes cycle of care programme was introduced in October 2015. Under the programme, adult GMS patients, those who hold a medical card or GP visit card, with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes are eligible to be managed as part of the programme by their GP. This programme has largely been replaced by the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme which commenced in 2020 and has now been fully rolled out. The CDM Programme is for adult GMS patients who have one or more specific chronic diseases, amongst them Type 2 Diabetes.
In relation to the percentage of GPs in Cavan and Monaghan that are registered under the Diabetes cycle of care programme, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with this information as well information on the percentage of such GPs registered under the CDM programme, as soon as possible.
Pharmacy Services
Ceisteanna (642)
Robert Troy
Ceist:642. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he can share the submission Ireland made to the EU Commission in relation to the proposed new EU pharmaceutical legislation. [22962/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Thank you, Deputy, for your question on the EU Commission’s proposed revision of the pharmaceutical legislation.
By way of background, in November 2020, the EU Commission published its ‘Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe’ aiming to create a future-proof and patient-centred pharmaceutical environment in which the EU industry can innovate, flourish, and continue to be a global leader.
On 26 April 2023, as one of the actions under the above Pharmaceutical Strategy, the EU Commission published its proposals to revise the general pharmaceutical legislation. This was in the form of one proposed Directive and one proposed Regulation. Notably, this the first full revision of the pharmaceutical legislation in over 20 years and is significant to all stakeholders involved in the medicines’ ecosystem. The Commission’s aim of the pharmaceutical revision is to ensure access to affordable, available medicines, while maintaining the competitiveness of the EU pharma industry sector, combating antimicrobial resistance, and providing for compliance measures which reinforce environmental protections.
The Commission’s proposals are currently undergoing detailed scrutiny by all Member States through the Council Working Party on Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices. The Department of Health (DoH), as the lead Government Department responsible for this file in Ireland, is engaging closely in these deliberations.
To help inform the DoH’s position and ensure a whole-of-government view, the Minister for Health established a cross-Government and cross-Agency group; the Pharmaceutical Strategy Working Group (PSWG) in 2023, on which key stakeholders are represented. The DOH also held targeted consultations on some of the policy topics being discussed at Council, which included policy topics on security of supply / shortages and incentives. Deliberations are still taking place at national and EU level on this file.
Ireland’s current position on the Commission’s proposed legislation is outlined below. It is important to clarify that these positions may change in line with the ongoing deliberative process.
- Opportunities
IE supports the policy objectives of the Commission’s proposal and welcomes the commitment to optimise the EU regulatory framework to improve supply chain resilience and to address the risks of medicine shortages. IE is also supportive of the commitments to enhance environmental protection and counter antimicrobial resistance as well as the measures aimed at addressing unmet need and rare diseases. Proposals relating to adaptive clinical trials and the promotion of real-world evidence are also welcomed, given the importance of the ongoing assessment of the efficacy of new medicines in promoting positive health outcomes.
- Access and Shortages
As a smaller Member State, IE particularly welcomes measures aimed at improving access to medicines. Patients and health systems need access to new, innovative treatments, as well as older (off patent) products, generics, and biosimilars. In particular, IE welcomes proposals in relation to electronic product and patient information and enhancements around multi-country packs. Such measures will directly improve the availability of medicines to all patients across the EU. IE advocates for early and harmonised implementation of these proposals.
IE also supports measures aimed at addressing medicines shortages and the associated work under the wider EU Pharmaceutical Strategy.
- RDP Modulation
IE supports the intention behind this proposal by the Commission and believes that there is a need to address current inequities in market access across the EU which are evident, even for centralised medicines which are approved for use on an EU-wide basis.
IE believes that the proposed reduction of the baseline RDP and its further modulation needs to be critically analysed. We need to support the competitiveness of the EU pharma ecosystem, while achieving and maintaining the critical balance between access and innovation. Delays and uncertainty are detrimental to both innovator and generic manufacturers, as well as health systems. We believe that the Commission’s proposals in this regard need to be revised to mitigate against such delays. Addressing patient need and the sustainability of health systems is a core deliverable of this package, and IE strongly supports these objectives.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and ‘Transferable Exclusivity Vouchers’
IE welcomes measures to address AMR, which is a major global health threat. However, we have concerns that the current proposal could pose a financial risk to the EU given that the potential cost for health systems is challenging to quantify. Further consideration is therefore required on this issue.
To conclude, IE fully supports and aligns with the objectives of the EU Commission in proposing this legislative reform and is fully committed to the EU deliberative process to realise these objectives. IE is working to ensure that the correct balance is found between ensuring and enhancing access to and affordability of medicines while also ensuring the competitiveness and innovative attractiveness of the EU is maintained.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (643)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:643. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a hip operation for a person (details supplied). [22965/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (644)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:644. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of people in Roscommon and Galway on waiting lists for home care; the average wait time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (645)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:645. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a medical card application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who has cancer; if any further documentation is required to process the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22993/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (646)
Robert Troy
Ceist:646. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 564 of 14 May 2024, to outline any financial assistance available to patients dependant on oxygen tanks, especially towards the purchase of the cylinders of oxygen. [23001/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (647)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:647. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23009/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (648, 649)
Michael Creed
Ceist:648. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a HEAR grant application (details supplied) has been turned down; if his Department was aware of the personal circumstances of the applicant when refusing the grant and if the case will be reviewed. [22931/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Creed
Ceist:649. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the range of assistance available for a student at third level (details supplied). [22932/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 and 649 together.
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme 2024/25, an applicant who has a non legal guardian in receipt of the Guardians payment from the Department of Social Protection may have his application considered for the Special Rate Grant payment subject to meeting all other eligibility criteria.
The student referred to by the deputy has made an revised application to SUSI on the 9th May 2024 for the 2024/25 academic year. SUSI will be in contact with the student regarding documents required to verify his application. The student should include documentation relating to the Guardians payment.
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme is operated by the Irish Universities Association, on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and my Department has no remit for this scheme. Under HEAR each institution determines its own admissions policy, the number of places to be reserved, the allocation of those places, and the review and appeals processes. Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions.
I can advise the Deputy that the review and appeals process is in place to make sure that all HEAR applicants are treated fairly and that the assessment procedures have been applied consistently. Further information on the appeals process is available at: www.accesscollege.ie/hear/making-an-application/hear-review-and-appeals/.
Subsequently, applicants also have recourse to make an appeal to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s service is free, independent and impartial, and the applicant may wish to consider contacting the Ombudsman’s Office to see whether an appeals process is open to them.
Further information and contact details for the Ombudsman’s Office are available at: www.ombudsman.ie/publications/information-leaflets/The-Ombudsman-and-Education-services.pdf
The student should also contact the Access office of the college they wish to attend to discuss all the options that may be available. Details are available on the accesscollege.ie website: accesscollege.ie/hear/participating-colleges/
Question No. 649 answered with Question No. 648.
Medical Qualifications
Ceisteanna (650)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:650. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 318 of 2 May 2024, if it is his intention, in conjunction with the Minister for Health, to develop a strategic plan to provide the optimum number of healthcare professionals, including dentistry, to serve in the health service; if such a strategy would take account of the number of non-Irish students trained in healthcare in Irish universities who intend to return to their home country after graduation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22354/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ensuring an appropriate pipeline of suitably qualified professionals in healthcare professions, including oral healthcare, is a key priority for me and my Department. I want to build on the progress made in the last few years in expanding the number of places in these vital disciplines.
Healthcare programmes are, by their nature, complex to deliver. They require many parts of the system working together.
The Department of Health is receiving technical support under the European Commission Technical Support Instrument (TSI) 2021 to develop a Health and Social Care Workforce Planning Strategy and Workforce Planning Projection Model based on international best practice. These models recognise the differing employment retention patterns of EU and non-EU students.
A key outcome of project is the development of the necessary tools, processes, and technical capacity to produce rolling health and social care workforce planning action plans and implement targeted policy measures for health and social care workforce reform. Officials in my Department are engaging with the Department of Health and the project team to support this outcome.
To understand options for substantial expansion in key disciplines, the HEA conducted an Expressions of Interest process with the higher education sector. The options identified have the potential to transform the numbers of students who can take up places on these programmes and would represent a significant investment of public funding in our higher education institutions.
There are ongoing discussions with Government colleagues including the Minister for Health and Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on options to fund this expansion.
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (651, 652)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:651. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason SUSI will only reassess an applicant moving applicant class dependent to independent student after there is a three year break in studies, where that student is a mature student and living independently from their parents or guardians; does this policy discourage movement from level 8 to masters study; if this policy will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCian O'Callaghan
Ceist:652. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI has altered their independent living criteria to account for people availing of the rent-a-room scheme where they cannot provide the current necessary proof of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22382/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 651 and 652 together.
For student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if they have attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with their parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, they would be assessed as a dependent student i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.
Further information regarding class of applicant (independent or dependent) and the types of documentation accepted as evidence of living independently from parents is available from SUSI’s website: susi.ie/eligibility/applicant-class/.
An applicant can appeal a decision by SUSI and their case will be reviewed by SUSI’s Appeals Officer. The appeals officer may seek further information in cases where an applicant does not have the above documentary evidence for Independent Residency, such as in the case of renting a room. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on-line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
In advance of Budget 2025 this autumn, I will be publishing an options paper which will set out various possible measures to address the cost of education. I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to amend student supports. I will have regard to these options when making proposals in the context of budget discussions.
Question No. 652 answered with Question No. 651.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (653)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:653. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of new apprenticeship registrations in 2023 and to date in 2024, by type and by year in tabular form. [22422/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The total apprenticeship registration for 2023 was 8,712. A total of 2,599 apprentices have registered up to end April 2024.
The table at the link sets out a breakdown of new apprenticeship registrations by programme as at end-year for 2023 and up to 30th April for 2024. The programmes are further segregated into Craft and Consortia-led.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (654, 655)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:654. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship completions between 2014 and 2024, by type and by year in tabular form. [22423/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:655. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship dropouts between 2014 and 2024 by level of completion, by type and by year in tabular form. [22424/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 654 and 655 together.
The total apprenticeship registration for 2023 was 8,712. A total of 2,599 apprentices have registered up to end April 2024.
The table at the link sets out a breakdown of new apprenticeship registrations by programme as at end-year for 2023 and up to 30th April for 2024. The programmes are further segregated into Craft and Consortia-led.
Question No. 655 answered with Question No. 654.
Medical Qualifications
Ceisteanna (656)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:656. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places for medical students in Irish universities for each of the past ten years; and how many of these are used for international students. [22467/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enrolment data for medicine programmes is contained in the following table. This data was sourced from the HEA Student Records System and is the most up to date available.
The table shows the breakdown by domicile for medical student enrolments, both direct entry and graduate entry for the last 10 years available.
|
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
2015/2016 |
2016/2017 |
2017/2018 |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
|
|
Medicine (UG) |
4475 |
4800 |
4690 |
4730 |
4815 |
4950 |
4985 |
5125 |
5250 |
5360 |
|
(Other) EU |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
|
Great Britain |
2% |
2% |
3% |
2% |
2% |
2% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
|
Ireland |
54% |
52% |
59% |
53% |
51% |
48% |
48% |
47% |
46% |
46% |
|
Non-EU |
42% |
44% |
36% |
43% |
45% |
48% |
49% |
50% |
51% |
51% |
|
Northern Ireland |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
2% |
1% |
|
2013/2014 |
2014/2015 |
2015/2016 |
2016/2017 |
2017/2018 |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
|
|
Medicine (Graduate entry) |
1,360 |
1,465 |
1,515 |
1,535 |
1,575 |
1,580 |
1,630 |
1,700 |
1,680 |
1,725 |
|
(Other) EU |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
2% |
1% |
1% |
2% |
|
Great Britain |
5% |
4% |
7% |
7% |
7% |
7% |
5% |
3% |
3% |
3% |
|
Ireland |
57% |
56% |
52% |
51% |
50% |
50% |
50% |
52% |
53% |
51% |
|
Non-EU |
36% |
37% |
38% |
39% |
41% |
41% |
43% |
43% |
42% |
43% |
|
Northern Ireland |
1% |
1% |
1% |
2% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
Nursing Education
Ceisteanna (657)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:657. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places for student nurses in Irish universities for each of the past ten years; and how many of these are used for international students. [22469/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enrolment data in Nursing and Midwifery by domicile is presented in the table below.
This data was sourced from the HEA student records system and is the most up to date available. This data contains nursing enrolments on nursing programmes which are recognised by the regulator the Nursing and Midwifery Board Ireland.
The proportion of these enrolments which have Ireland as a domicile is consistently 98%.
|
2014/15 |
2015/16 |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 |
2022/23 |
|
|
TOTAL |
5,980 |
6,010 |
6,085 |
6,380 |
6,615 |
6,845 |
7,170 |
7,300 |
7,300 |
|
(Other) EU |
10 |
20 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
30 |
|
Great Britain |
20 |
25 |
10 |
15 |
25 |
10 |
20 |
10 |
5 |
|
Ireland |
5,890 |
5,900 |
5,990 |
6,280 |
6,510 |
6,755 |
7,050 |
7,170 |
7,185 |
|
Non-EU |
25 |
25 |
25 |
30 |
30 |
20 |
25 |
35 |
40 |
|
Northern Ireland |
35 |
40 |
30 |
25 |
25 |
45 |
55 |
60 |
45 |
|
Unknown |
- |
5 |
5 |
10 |
5 |
Third Level Fees
Ceisteanna (658)
Francis Noel Duffy
Ceist:658. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of further reducing third level fees to €1,000 in 2024-2025, and subsequently abolish these fees in 2025-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22577/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the State provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible full time undergraduate higher education students with students paying the student contribution of up to €3,000 per annum.
The State pays the student contribution (in full or part) on behalf of students who qualify under the student grant scheme administered by SUSI. In addition to this, a new student contribution grant of €500 was introduced last year for applicants whose income was below €100,000. This is a permanent reduction to the student contribution costs for qualifying students.
The data to allow for the costing of a €1,000 reduction in 2024/25 is not yet available. However, it is anticipated that the estimated costs of applying a student contribution reduction in 2024/25 would be of a similar magnitude to that in 2023/24.
The estimated costs for 2024/25 are as follows:
- €91.9 million to reduce the Student Contribution by €1,000;
- €183.8 million to reduce the Student Contribution by €2,000; and
- €254.7 million to remove the Student Contribution.
Please note that these figures are the estimated net cost to the State after adjusting for savings that would accrue on the student grant scheme. The figures may change as more up to date data becomes available.
Apprenticeship Programmes
Ceisteanna (659)
Francis Noel Duffy
Ceist:659. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of abolishing the contribution fee for apprenticeships in higher education in the 2024/2025 academic year. [22578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In advance of Budget 2025 this autumn, and as the previous Minister did last year, I will be publishing an options paper which will set out various possible measures to address the cost of education. I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to amend student supports. I will have regard to these options, including any options on reducing the contribution fee for apprentices in higher education, when making proposals in the context of Budget discussions.
Based on current projected registrations for apprenticeship programmes, the HEA estimate the cost to abolish fees for apprentices attending higher education in 2024/25 to be circa €14 million. Cost estimates are subject to change and an update is expected to be published in the cost of education options paper.
In Budget 2023 €8m was allocated for a once-off reduction of 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices in higher education. Not all of the 2023 allocation was spent and in Budget 2024 €3.8m was allocated for a once-off reduction of 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices in higher education.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (660)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:660. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a breakdown of the allocations from budget 2024 to the various universities of the student hardship fund, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22601/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) which was previously known as the Student Hardship fund is allocated based on an Academic year.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 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.
In Budget 2024 there was an increased allocation of €8.1 million announced by the Government. The breakdown of this extra allocation is set out in the table.
|
Institution |
Budget 2024 allocation to SAF |
|
Dublin City University |
528,695 |
|
Maynooth University |
506,593 |
|
University of Galway |
558,054 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
461,278 |
|
University College Cork |
602,451 |
|
University College Dublin |
684,565 |
|
University of Limerick |
516,042 |
|
Mary Immaculate College |
173,741 |
|
National College of Art and Design |
40,737 |
|
ATU - St. Angela's College |
48,708 |
|
Technological University of the Shannon |
527,979 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology |
72,418 |
|
Dundalk Institute of Technology |
203,874 |
|
SETU |
801,085 |
|
ATU Sligo |
266,210 |
|
ATU Donegal |
278,671 |
|
ATU Galway/ Mayo |
284,811 |
|
Munster Technological University |
468,588 |
|
TU Dublin |
952,157 |
|
Marino Institute of Education |
44,160 |
|
National College of Ireland |
61,247 |
|
Pontifical College |
7,217 |
|
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
10,718 |
|
Total Budget 2024 Allocation |
8,100,000 |