Seán Sherlock
Ceist:504. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists employed in each CDNT; and the vacant positions in each CDNT relating to physiotherapists, in tabular form. [29023/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services Staff
Ceisteanna (504)
Freagraí scríofa
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 Staff
Ceisteanna (505)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:505. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of psychotherapists employed in each CDNT; and the vacant positions in each CDNT relating to psychotherapists, in tabular form. [29024/24]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (506)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:506. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of paediatric speech and language therapists employed in each LHO; and the vacant positions in each CDNT relating to paediatric speech and language therapists, in tabular form. [29025/24]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (507)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:507. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of paediatric physiotherapists employed in each LHO; and the vacant positions in each CDNT relating to paediatric physiotherapists, in tabular form. [29026/24]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (508)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:508. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of paediatric psychotherapists employed in each LHO; and the vacant positions in each CDNT relating to paediatric psychotherapists, in tabular form. [29027/24]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (509)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:509. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of paediatric audiologists employed in each LHO; and the vacant positions in each CDNT relating to paediatric audiologists, in tabular form. [29028/24]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (510)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when treatment can be expected in the case of a person (details supplied), which is urgent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29044/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (511)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a long-term illness card might issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29049/24]
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.
Education and Training Boards
Ceisteanna (512)
Robert Troy
Ceist:512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify the reason applicants cannot take part in ETB courses without a valid work permit, and if he intends to amend the criteria. [28693/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following further clarification from the Deputy'S Office, I understand that the applicants in question are those from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries. Without a valid work permit, access to Further Education and Training (FET) courses operated by the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) for those who are not citizens of the EEA, is dependent on their Irish Residency Permit (IRP) Stamp.
As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Justice has responsibility for immigration matters in Ireland. Education and Training Boards (ETBs) must adhere to permissions granted to individuals by the Department of Justice. Any plans to amend the criteria will be a matter for the Minister for Justice.
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (513)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:513. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when an allocation of funds will be given to the HEA for the provision of 2,700 low-cost student housing beds, which was promised last winter, given the urgent need for such beds and the fact that many universities have plans for such accommodation that could proceed rapidly if funding was approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28912/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In April, the Taoiseach and I announced the capital investment of €100m from the National Development Plan windfall allocation for delivery of student accommodation projects. This enables the progression of 1,014 beds across UCD, DCU, and Maynooth University under my Department’s short term activation plan. Funding under this measure is provided to higher education institutions to activate projects with planning permission that had stalled due to cost viability challenges. 30% of the new beds will be ringfenced for our target group of students.
The new Student Accommodation Strategy is in development following approval of the Long Term Policy earlier this year. This policy approach includes measures for increasing supply of student accommodation, reducing cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance, and promoting efficient use of existing stock and vacancy while supporting balanced regional development. It will continue to have a focus on the provision of digs accommodation.
My officials and the Higher Education Authority are working intensively on options proposals from the Technological University sector. An initial assessment report is expected from the HEA imminently, outlining the next phase of the proposal development.
In October last year the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) agreed a new €434 million student accommodation financing initiative to support higher education institutions in the development of affordable student housing. The EIB announcement stated that the new scheme has the potential to support the delivery of an estimated 2,700 new student beds across Ireland.
This EIB initiative provides a framework loan facility to the Irish Housing Finance Agency to provide finance directly to Irish public higher education providers to develop student accommodation. While I welcome the financing agreement between the EIB and HFA which will assist higher education institutions to finance future student accommodation projects, financing is a matter for each individual University as an autonomous body and is not administered or facilitated by my Department.
I can advice that for the current academic year there are an additional 1,021 beds available in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions with 674 of these in University of Galway. In addition, as of the 31st of May, HEIs have indicated that that there are approximately 134 rooms available in Galway for digs accommodation.
The most recent Building Information data (May 2024) supplied by the Higher Education Authority indicates that since 2017, 1,739 new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds have been built in Galway. Work is underway on site on an additional 403 bed spaces and planning permission has been obtained for a further 1,669 beds.
Rural Schemes
Ceisteanna (514)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:514. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of towns and villages in county Wicklow that have been awarded funding under the rural regeneration and development fund in the lifetime of this Government, broken down by funding level, location and year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28714/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland.
The RRDF supports the Our Rural Future vision of a thriving rural Ireland that is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing and development. It is also aligned with the Town Centre First policy.
Funding is allocated on a competitive basis to State-funded bodies. State-funded bodies are local authorities, Local Development Companies and other State agencies.
To date, 245 projects have been approved for RRDF funding of €577 million.
Since the formation of this government, two projects in county Wicklow have been awarded RRDF funding of almost €1.4 million. Details are set out in the table attached.
Funding awarded to Wicklow under RRDF since 2020
|
County |
Year |
Project Name |
Town/Village |
RRDF Amount Approved |
Description of Project |
|
Wicklow |
2020 |
Placemaking for Newtownmountkennedy |
Newtownmountkennedy |
€357,750.00 |
This project will develop plans to enhance the public realm in the town centre, with a view to improving the pedestrian experience and creating new focal points. |
|
Wicklow |
2022 |
Blueprint for Blessington |
Blessington |
€1,034,704.00 |
The project will develop plans for public realm works and includes the acquisition of a key town centre site for future development. |
|
€1,392,454.00 |
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (515)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:515. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of vacant WTE posts at the Charities Regulator; and the timeframe for which each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [28662/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Charities Regulator was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Regulator is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating Ireland’s charities.
While this Department has been assigned overall policy responsibility for the Charities Regulator, the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
The table below outlines the current vacant posts at the Charities Regulator.
|
Role |
Estimated timeframe to fill vacancy |
WTE |
|
Chief Executive |
*A recruitment process is currently in train and is due to conclude in Q3. |
1 |
|
Unit Manager (Higher Executive Officer equivalent) |
October 2024 |
1 |
|
Support Officer (Clerical Officer equivalent) |
October 2024 |
1 |
Rural Schemes
Ceisteanna (516)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:516. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of towns and villages in County Wicklow that have been awarded funding under the town and village renewal scheme in the lifetime of this Government, broken down by funding level, location and year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects across Ireland.
Over €3.4 million in funding has been approved for 36 projects in Wicklow since 2020.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities. They will be reviewed again in advance of the announcement of the 2024 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which is due to launch in quarter four of 2024.
Further details requested by the Deputy regarding the funding awarded in Wicklow under TVRS since the formation of this Government in 2020 are appended to this answer.
Control of Dogs
Ceisteanna (517)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:517. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the new Stakeholder Group on Dog Control has met; and when the group hopes to conclude its business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28763/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
In March 2024 I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation these issues. The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise.
The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The group has met twice to date: the most recent meeting took place on the 26th June. The work of the stakeholder group is complex in nature requiring full consideration of all aspects of both pieces of legislation under the remit of my Department and this will take some time. However, in view of recent events, I have asked the Chair to prioritise the issue of Restricted Dogs and this was the first issue to be considered by the stakeholder group at its recent meeting. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter as soon as possible once they have considered all the issues arising.
Control of Dogs
Ceisteanna (518)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:518. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the promised additional dog wardens will be appointed in the major cities around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28764/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All local authorities have a responsibility under the Control of Dogs Acts to employ at least one dog warden and provide a facility for stray dogs. It is a matter for each Local Authority to determine if additional dog wardens are required to meet their obligations under legislation.
Government established a working group in early 2023 to examine the current issues surrounding dog control and to make recommendations for improvements in the field. The report of the working group is available on Gov.ie. One of the recommendations of the report relates to the need for additional Dog Wardens. My Department is consulting with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Authorities on the implementation of this recommendation. I am pleased to advise that I have made significant progress in the implementation of the actions assigned to my Department in the working group report.
I recently increased ‘on-the-spot’ fines for offences under the Control of Dogs Act, including trebling the fines for most serious offences from €100 to €300. Multiple fines can be issued where more than one offence occurs.
In addition, I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation these issues. I have appointed John Twomey as Chair of the stakeholder group, which comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, farming interests, charities working in the field and animal welfare experts.
My Department is also supporting a national training programme for dog wardens to ensure consistency and a standardised approach to enforcement. This training commenced in April.
I believe it is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities - not just to the general public but also to their dogs. For this reason, I launched a major national awareness campaign to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs.
Finally, in addition to these measures, I also announced the establishment of a €2 million fund under a new Dog Control Support Initiative. This funding comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services and will make immediate and tangible improvements to the dog control service across the country.
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across Government to improve outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland.