Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:192. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an ACRES payment will issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26638/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAgriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (192)
Freagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into Tranche 1 of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), under the Co-operation approach, with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2023.
I can confirm that an interim payment for the person named, amounting to €5,000, issued on 28th February 2024.
Final payments to ACRES participants are commencing this week, and will continue over the coming period as contracts clear for payment. These will take into account the interim payments already made to the relevant participants.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (193)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:193. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the climate resilient reforestation scheme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26656/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Forestry owners who harvest trees are already subject to a replanting obligation.
The proposed Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme aims to provide supports at reforestation that incentivise species and structural diversity. This can result in an increase in the resilience and adaptiveness of the forest land to climate related threats.
My Department is currently developing a system to allow applications for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme to be accepted electronically. Development is at an advanced stage and it is our intention to launch the Scheme in the coming weeks.
Many forests in Ireland have been established and managed under an even-aged management structure and there is a need for a greater balance between these and forests managed under closer to nature silviculture, such as Continuous Cover Forestry and semi-natural forest.
This intervention will be delivered through a Reforestation Scheme with 3 Elements:
1: Reforestation for Continuous Cover Forestry
2: Reforestation for Native Woodlands
3: Reforestation for Biodiversity and Water Protection
All elements will be subject to my Department's Forestry Standards, including the accepted species, origin and provenance list. Grant funding will be available and can be used for measures that ensure successful re-establishment, such as planting, plant protection (e.g. fencing) and maintenance.
Animal Breeding
Ceisteanna (194)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:194. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will initiate a full audit into the alleged issuing of duplicate passports by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26663/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am not aware of any allegations of non-compliance with regard to the issuing of duplicate passports by the named organisation. The identification and registration of equine animals is underpinned by EU legislation, namely, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/963. It requires equines to be identified by a ‘single lifetime identification document’ commonly known as an 'equine passport' which can be issued by the competent authority, or as applicable, by a delegated body. In the case of our jurisdiction, delegated bodies are authorised 'Passport Issuing Organisations' which includes the named organisation.
This legislation provides for the issuing of duplicate identification documents and the rules concerning this. A duplicate identification document may be issued where the original document is lost or the animal is identified outside the required timeframe i.e. 12 months from the date of birth. These document are marked to exclude the equine animal from slaughter for human consumption.
I understand that the procedures in place for the application process in the organisation in question include a veterinarian scanning and recording the microchip, taking a hair sample for DNA analysis and certifying the information provided. The organisation is in a position to verify the duplicate application against the original documentation before issuing a duplicate identification document.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (195)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:195. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to address capacity in delivery of services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26591/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ensuring access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government.
The level of capacity has risen substantially year on year between 2022 and 2023 as evidenced by survey data collected by Pobal, by administrative data from Core Funding and the National Childcare Scheme and registration data collected by Tusla. However, there is also evidence that demand for places is increasing and, for certain cohorts, outstripping supply. This is partly driven by the significant improvements in affordability that have been achieved in recent years.
The range of funding schemes delivered by my Department support the delivery of capacity by the sector, through the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, the National Childcare Scheme, the Access and Inclusion Model and Core Funding, as well as Equal Start which was recently launched.
In addition, my Department supports the delivery of capacity through capital funding. Capital funding has been allocated to the early learning and childcare sector under the revised National Development Plan (NDP). This will enable significant investment in early learning and childcare.
In 2024 and 2025, my Department is delivering capital investment through the Building Blocks Capacity Grant. The primary focus of the Building Blocks Capacity Grant Schemes is to increase capacity in the 1-3 year old, pre-ECCE, age range for full day or part-time care. The schemes will operate between 2024 and 2025. It will operate over two strands, an Expansion scheme and an Extension scheme to support existing services to increase capacity. The Expansion scheme offers funding for internal reconfiguration projects valued at between €50,000 and €100,000 that increase capacity. This scheme is now closed and Pobal have recently notified the applicants of the outcome of the appraisal process.The Extension scheme will offer funding for larger scale projects to enable existing services to build new capacity on their current premises. Further detail on the scheme will be made available in the coming weeks to allow services to prepare their applications. Participation in Core Funding is a requirement of both strands. Cavan County Childcare Committee is available to provide support to services from Cavan that are applying for capital funding or any other funding stream.
Rights of People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (196)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:196. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there has been any progress from the Cabinet committee on implementation of the UNCRPD (details supplied). [26239/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Children and Education and Disability was established with a mandate to oversee the implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the area of disability, with a particular focus on the forthcoming new National Disability Strategy.
Ireland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018. The next National Disability Strategy will be the first such strategy published since ratification and will realise a key Programme for Government commitment to develop a plan for the further implementation of the UNCRPD in Ireland. The next National Disability Strategy will provide a framework for whole-of-government action on disability, acting as a coordination and accountability mechanism and ensuring the advancement of a coherent vision for disability policy. My Department is leading discussions across government for the development of actions under the Strategy. In this context, the Cabinet Committee on Children and Education and Disability has been a vital forum for Ministerial leadership, driving momentum and setting out an agenda for an ambitious and transformative next National Disability Strategy.
The Cabinet Committee has also had a focus on children's services. Following on from a Government decision in May, a targeted initiative focussed on long waiting families is being developed by the HSE. This waiting list initiative will result in 2,500 privately sourced AONs and intends to support families, on a CHO by CHO basis, by targeting those children waiting longest for AON, allocating AONs by order of application in line with statutory obligations.
Where the Cabinet Committee takes an additional focus on education, this is a matter for the Minister for Education.
Mother and Baby Homes
Ceisteanna (197)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:197. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason an institution (details supplied) was not included in the mother and baby homes redress scheme; if he will consider the inclusion of the institution in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26614/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme is designed to provide payments and other benefits to people who spent time in one or more of the Mother and Baby or County Home Institutions, that were identified by the Commission of Investigation as having a main function of providing sheltered and supervised ante and post-natal facilities to single mothers and their children. The institutions covered by the Payment Scheme are set out in Schedule 1 of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act, which was signed into law on 11th July 2023.
Nazareth House, Sligo, was identified as a “residential children’s home” in Chapter 2 of the Social History section of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes - www.gov.ie/en/publication/89e43-chapter-2-institutions/ . In this chapter the Commission considered the different types of institutions that existed and whether or not they could be classified as Mother and Baby Homes. Nazareth House was not investigated by the Commission of Investigation because it was not an institution that provided ante and post-natal facilities. For this reason it is not included in this Payment Scheme.
Education and Training Boards
Ceisteanna (198)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:198. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that the Laois-Offaly Education Training Board youth service grant allocation is the lowest of all 16 ETBs; if he will seek to immediately increase grant allocation for Laois-Offaly Education Training Board to enable an increase in service-provision capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26642/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the time of the launch of the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme in 2020, allocations made to all Education and Training Boards (ETBs) under this scheme were based on the number of youth services that operated under the predecessor schemes in each ETB functional area. Laois-Offaly ETB's allocation has increased since then on a similar basis to that for other ETBs. When additional funding becomes available, services are introduced on the basis of a competitive selection process informed by key geographic and thematic areas in each ETB area.
In 2024, Laois-Offaly ETB is being allocated a total of €813,637 to support service provision in relation to youth services, the details of which are set out in the table below.
Over €424,500 has been allocated to youth services in Laois-Offaly ETB under the UBU Your Place Your Space Scheme. An additional €12,000 has been allocated to the ETB under the Resilience and Effectiveness Scheme 2024, which enables funded organisations to develop capacity as well as to engage in and expand on innovative and responsive service delivery types to cater for and respond to emerging needs.
Furthermore, Laois-Offaly ETB has received €36,333 for the new Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative in 2024 while €75,000 has been allocated to support the integration of young Ukrainians under the Migrant Integration Fund. In addition, Minor Grant Scheme funding of €50,000 has been made available to the ETB in 2024 to provide additional programme related costs associated with the provision of universal youth work supports for all young people.
My officials have begun work on a review of the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme which will consider, inter alia, how to address the situation of ETBs in receipt of lower annual funding allocations.
Laois-Offaly Education Training Board Allocation 2024
|
Funding Stream |
Allocation 2024 |
|
UBU Your Place Your Space Funding Scheme |
€424,510 |
|
UBU Resilience and Effectiveness Scheme |
€12,000 |
|
ETB Youth Grant |
€133,250 |
|
Local Youth Club Grant Scheme |
€82,544 |
|
Migrant Integration Fund |
€75,000 |
|
Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative |
€36,333 |
|
Minor Grant Scheme 2024 |
€50,000 |
|
Total |
€813,637 |
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (199)
Seán Canney
Ceist:199. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to the HSE for the provision of mobility scooters to suitable persons to increase their independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26624/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances free of charge to eligible people (such as those with medical cards or those on the Long-Term Illness scheme) following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community.
The HSE provides these aids and appliances to a wide section of the community including older people, people with diverse chronic illnesses, and people with disabilities. Provision is based on an appropriate clinical assessment, the funding available within local budgets, and a determination of the most appropriate product that will meet the eligible person’s needs. Mobility scooters are among the many products provided. Further information regarding the Community Funded Scheme can be found at:
www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/ .
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE and is primarily based on an assessment of means. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. Further information regarding medical cards can be found at:
www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/ .
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in the 1970s prescribing 16 conditions covered by the Scheme. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. Further information regarding the LTI Scheme, including the conditions covered, can be found at:
www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/ .
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (200)
Pa Daly
Ceist:200. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect a physiotherapist appointment at University Hospital Kerry, having been referred by their GP. [26551/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Investigations
Ceisteanna (201)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:201. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if the family of a person (details supplied) who died of a cardiac arrest on 19 August 2018 in Wexford, can finally be given an external report as to what happened to their father’s body in University Hospital Waterford morgue. [26558/24]
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.
Tax Exemptions
Ceisteanna (202)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:202. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on the reply by the Minister for Finance to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 11 June 2024; his further views on whether the VAT exemption for counsellors and psychotherapists should be implemented ahead of the opening of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board; if he is pursuing this position with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26562/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy should note that tax policy, including the application of VAT exemptions, is a matter for the Minister for Finance. As I previously mentioned, my Department has become aware of inconsistencies in the Department of Finance’s tax policy in relation to regulated and unregulated professions, including in relation to counsellors and psychotherapists. My Department is committed to engaging further with colleagues in the Department of Finance on these issues to ensure alignment of tax policy with national health policies.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (203)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:203. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26574/24]
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
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (204)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:204. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of people nationwide currently awaiting the physical provision of home care hours, by county and by waiting times, on a monthly basis, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26581/24]
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.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (205)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:205. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason pegvaliase, a game-changing medicine for a handful of phenylketonuria patients, has taken more than four years to go through the various stages of the HSE's appraisal process (details supplied); where this currently is in the system; the other steps required; when they will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26584/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (206)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:206. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26595/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (207)
Seán Canney
Ceist:207. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will make the electronic monitoring sensor available for all patients with diabetes free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26647/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Diabetes is a complex condition that can require management across the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery, including self-management support as well as care delivered through general practice, community specialist care and hospital inpatient specialist care.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide an alternative approach to using blood glucose test strips for self-monitoring of blood glucose, by measuring glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (a thin layer of fluid around the cells). These systems comprise of sensors (self-administered subcutaneously, typically in the upper arm and replaced every 7 to 14 days depending on the system), transmitters (or combined sensors and transmitters), and a mechanism to display the results (readers/receivers or smart device application).
HIQA published a HTA of CGM in adults with type 1 diabetes on 29th September 2023. This is available at: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/rapid-health-technology-assessment-continuous .
In line with the advice from HIQA, and due to the budget impact associated with CGM sensors, the HSE established a single reimbursement application system from 1 December 2023 for all CGM sensors on the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement support for CGM sensors under the community drug schemes is for people with type 1 diabetes regardless of age. An application for reimbursement support of CGM sensors can be submitted for any patient, and each application is reviewed by the HSE-Medicines Management Programme (MMP) on a case-by-case basis.
In 2021, the State paid approximately €20m for the provision of CGMs to type 1 diabetics. In 2023, the cost had increased to €55.7m. From January 2021 to December 2023, the number of individuals provided CGMs increased from about 6,000 to 16,900.
There has been significant service development and investment by Government in supporting people with type 2 diabetes. There has been a significant shift in the quality and delivery of diabetes care in recent years, with more patients being provided with care in the community and at an earlier stage.
The inclusion of diabetes as one of four chronic diseases in respect of which adults who hold a medical or a GP visit card receive ongoing, planned care from their GP through the Chronic Disease Management Programme also represents a major step forward in assisting those living with diabetes to manage their condition.
Significant resources have been allocated under the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme to establish Specialist Diabetes teams within community hubs to better support GPs to manage people with complicated type 2 diabetes.
Where necessary, GPs can refer these patients into ECC Chronic Disease teams, where further specialist services are provided, such as podiatry, dietary advice, and if necessary, access to consultant-level care in the community.
Under the GP Agreement of 2023, all women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes since January 2023 are included in the CDM Preventative Programme. Access to this service commenced in November 2023.
Funding has been allocated to develop a National Diabetes Register which will facilitate enhanced patient care management.
To date, a Health Technology Assessment of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes has not been undertaken, and as a result there is limited information available to support the extension of reimbursement support for CGM sensors to those with type 2 diabetes. The cost of such an extension could be significant.
However, in the absence of a diabetes register it is challenging to accurately estimate and project the total patient cohort involved – this is why I have prioritised the investment in and the establishment of a National Diabetes Registry.
I am aware of the needs of the diabetes community and the challenges faced by those living with the condition. Officials in my Department continue to engage with the HSE Diabetes clinical team in consideration of the future development of diabetes related services to support as many people as possible, in a variety of ways.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (208)
John Lahart
Ceist:208. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the availability of the drug skyrizi (risankizumab-rzaa) for patients with severe Crohn’s disease, given the delays due to price negotiations and its current availability in the UK and Europe. [26650/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (209)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:209. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health how inflation in healthcare costs in the public sector compared to general inflation between 2020 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26657/24]
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.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (210)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:210. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has plans to commission a comprehensive national study on the impact of housing conditions on health in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26660/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (211)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:211. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting for home help who have been approved in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26662/24]
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.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (212)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:212. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the percentage of home support hours delivered by health care assistants directly employed by the HSE in each year since 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26665/24]
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.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (213)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:213. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be implemented to improve health services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26677/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Services available annually and on demand include an examination including preventative elements, two fillings, extractions, and a scale and polish. More complex care, such as dentures, additional fillings and a broader range of treatments for patients with additional needs and high-risk patients, are available subject to the approval of the local HSE Principal Dental Surgeon.To support practitioners to provide care under the Scheme, I approved a range of measures that were put in place on 1 May 2022 to introduce and reintroduce elements of preventative care and increase the fees paid to dental contractors for most treatment items by 40-60%. These measures have improved access to care - in 2023, 154,864 additional treatments were provided under the DTSS, with over 26,700 extra patients treated when compared with 2022.In the longer term, the Government is committed to reforming dental services, including the DTSS, through the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy (NOHP), Smile agus Sláinte. An implementation plan for the 2024-2026 phase of rollout is being drafted by my Department and the HSE, for consultation and subsequent publication in the third quarter of this year. The HSE is committed to the design and development of packages of expanded preventative care, and will consult with the profession this year on this draft design, as the first phase of reform of the DTSS.