PQs Entries
Parliamentary Questions: Public Expenditure and Reform
Posted October 12th, 2011
To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the Croke Park Agreement; if he has received implementation plans for this agreement from each Government department and State agency; the status of these implementation plans; the discussions he has had with the EU/IMF regarding the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
REPLY
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Mr Howlin) :
Under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, detailed action plans have been developed across each sector of the public service to underpin the change and reform process envisaged by the Agreement. The Action Plans were first developed in October 2010 and subsequently revised in January 2011.
Public service bodies in each sector were required to prepare their first detailed report on the progress being made in implementing their Action Plans last May and this formed part of the first annual review of the Agreement undertaken by the Implementation Body.
The second phase of progress reporting on the Agreement is underway at present. Sectors are due to submit updated progress reports to the Implementation Body during October. These sectoral reports will be examined by the Body and published on its website (www.implementationbody.gov.ie). It is expected that Action Plans will need to be revisited later in the year when decisions have been taken by Government on the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure.
The Government has indicated that the Public Service Agreement represents a key enabler to meeting its fiscal targets under its obligations under the EU/IMF Joint Programme of Assistance. The quarterly returns made to date by the Government under the Programme on public service numbers and the paybill have indicated that the numbers of public servants are falling and we are on track to meet the existing target of 302,000 public service posts by end 2011. Similarly, the Exchequer pay bill return for the first six months is in line with the 2011 pay bill targets.
The Government has indicated that it wishes to honour the commitments given in the Public Service Agreement. However, this will only be possible if the Agreement is implemented in full.
To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a consistent policy in place within the public service regarding absenteeism; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
REPLY
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform ( Mr Howlin) :
In relation to absenteeism across the public service each of the sectors has its own policy in place.
In the Civil Service, the area for which I have direct responsibility, the policy for sick leave is governed by a number of Circulars which are published on the Personnel Code and available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website. The procedures were recently updated and are set out in Circular 9/2010 which codifies the procedures for the management of sick leave. These procedures reflect best practice and include provision for return to work interviews, monitoring the patterns of sick leave and referral of officers to the Chief Medical Officer for the Civil Service.
The local government sector has been addressing the issue of attendance management and absenteeism for many years now, not least through the gathering and analysis of statistics from the annual Service Indicator Reports. A Policy and Procedure for Attendance Management issued in 2006 by the Local Government Management Services Board and these were revised and re-issued in early 2011.
In the Education sector the Department of Education and Skills has recently issued a circular concerning the Sick Leave Scheme for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools (Circular 60/2010 available on the Department of Education and Skills website). Circular letter 33/2010, also published by the Department of Education and Skills and available on the website, sets out the sick leave scheme for special needs assistants.
In the Health Sector, the Health Services Executive has published policies entitled ‘Managing Attendance Policy and Procedures’ and ‘Rehabilitation of employees back to work after illness or injury – Policy and Procedure’, designed to address absenteeism and to support staff in returning to work following illness or injury. Both documents are available on the HSE website.
In addition, my Department is initiating a review of sick leave provisions and will be bringing proposals to me on the matter.
Parliamentary Questions: Education and Skills
Posted October 12th, 2011
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give consideration to the request by the Children’s Ombudsman to extend the remit of that office to cover the working of the National Council on Special Education; if he has had discussions on this issue with the Ombudsman and with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as the NCSE is under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
REPLY
Minister Ruairí Quinn
The Office of the Ombudsman for Children was established under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 by the Minister for Health and Children.
On 3rd June 2011 responsibility for the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 was transferred to the Minster for Children and Youth Affairs. I understand that the Office of the Ombudsman for Children has been in contact with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs regarding this matter. I also understand that under this Act the inclusion of the National Council for Special Education within the remit of the Ombudsman for Children requires a draft Order to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and a resolution approving this order approved by each such House.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs have advised that they intend to consult with my Department and with the Ombudsman for Children before finalising a proposal on this matter.
Pending the making of any order by the Government to include the NCSE within the complaints and investigation remit of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the Office and the NCSE have agreed an interim process through which the concerns which had been brought to the attention of the Office would be brought to the direct attention of NCSE for response.
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way decisions were reached regarding the location of vocational education committee head offices; the person who made the final decision; the factors that were considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for existing vocational education committee head offices which will not be head offices once they are amalgamated with other VEC’s; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
-Simon Harris.
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the role of a vocational education committee sub office will be within the new configuration of VECs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
-Simon Harris.
REPLY
I propose to take questions 69, 70 and 71 together.
Last week, I finalised and announced my decision in relation to the location of headquarters of the merged VECs. In arriving at this decision, I considered a range of factors including the need to ensure that the location of a VEC headquarters will, to the greatest extent possible, facilitate staff redeployment under a redeployment scheme within the context of the Croke Park Agreement and the need to operate at lowest cost having regard to the accommodation available in existing locations.
I expect that headquarters staff of a merging VEC who are employed in an office which has not been designated as a head office or sub office of the new structure will move to the designated headquarters location as soon as feasible, although in all cases, a sub-office will be maintained for the immediate term in order to facilitate an orderly merger.
The role of headquarters staff of a merging VEC who are employed in an office which has been designated as a sub-office, and the use of offices which will no longer be used as administrative offices of VECs following the merger, will fall to be considered and worked through by the CEO of the merged entity in conjunction with my Department.
To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to assist graduate teachers who are currently unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
REPLY
Anecdotal evidence indicates that there is an over supply of teachers currently and that there are newly qualified teachers not yet holding teaching positions in schools.
My Department has introduced a circular which obliges schools to recruit unemployed teachers ahead of retired ones, in an effort to ease the difficulties for those who cannot find work in the profession.
In addition, the Deputy might also wish to note that the JobBridge National Internship Scheme has recently been extended to teachers. This provides newly qualified teachers with opportunities to undertake the necessary teaching duties to complete the process of probation and fulfil the requirements for full registration with the Teaching Council.
Parliamentary Question: Foreign Affairs and Trade
Posted October 12th, 2011
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Embassies this State has; the location of these Embassies; the current number of staff in these Embassies and the way staffing levels compare to each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the budgets provided to each of these Embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
REPLY
The response to this Parliamentary Question can be viewed here on the official Oireachtas website.
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Irish Embassies have a role in promoting Ireland as a tourism location; if he will consider seeking a more proactive role for our Embassies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
REPLY
The advancement of Ireland’s economic interests overseas is a key priority for my Department. This includes the promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination. Both at headquarters and through our Embassy network we work closely with all of the State Agencies including Tourism Ireland, which is tasked with helping to grow overseas tourism revenue and visitor numbers on an all-Ireland basis.
In all of the markets which Tourism Ireland has identified as priorities, under the Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy Strategy, there is a Tourism Ireland representative nominated to the local market team, which is chaired by the local Ambassador and includes the other relevant State Agencies. These teams prepare annual market development plans to ensure a coherent approach to Ireland’s promotional activities overseas.
Throughout the year Embassies jointly run many promotional events with Tourism Ireland, including Trade Fairs, industry events, showcase events and other activities. In cities where there is no Tourism Ireland Office, our Embassies and Consulates deal with public enquiries and serve as distribution points for brochures and other printed matter promoting tourism to Ireland.
The support which Embassies can provide in the promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination is particularly evident around the St Patrick’s Day celebrations which provide a unique opportunity to raise awareness of Ireland worldwide. This year, as in previous years, Embassies abroad worked closely with Tourism Ireland to co-ordinate promotional activity, including the “greening” of key international landmarks, organised by Tourism Ireland. Ambassadors co-hosted receptions and officiated at tourism related events.
I might add that in non-priority markets, where Tourism Ireland do not have an office, Embassies and Consulates also play an active role in promoting the Island of Ireland as a tourism destination.
Parliamentary Questions: Health
Posted October 12th, 2011
DÁIL QUESTIONS addressed to the Minister for Health (Dr. James Reilly)
To ask the Minister for Health his plans to recognise Fibromyalgia as an accepted Health Service Executive illness, allowing sufferers to benefit from a range of HSE supports and services, including home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Harris T.D.
REPLY.
Fibromyalgia is an distinct condition under the current version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). This classification of disease is the international standard by which diseases are classified and is accepted by Ireland and endorsed by the World Health Organisation. The diagnosis and management of Fibromyalgia takes place in a number of settings including primary care, specialist services and rehabilitation, if required. There are no plans to change the range of supports available to patients with Fibromyalgia.
To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to recognise Meineres disease as an accepted Health Service Executive illness, allowing sufferers to benefit from a range of HSE supports and services, including home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Harris T.D.
REPLY.
Menieres disease is an distinct condition under the current version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). This classification of disease is the international standard by which diseases are classified and is accepted by Ireland and endorsed by the World Health Organisation. The diagnosis and management of Menieres disease takes place in a number of settings including primary care, specialist services and rehabilitation, if required. There are no plans to change the range of supports available to patients with Menieres disease.
DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Health (Ms. Shortall)
To ask the Minister for Health his plans to remove the requirement for Apert syndrome sufferers to have to continually reapply for their medical cards; if his attention has been drawn to the stress that the current re-application requirement and procedure places on sufferers and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Simon Harris
REPLY.
Under the General Medical Card Scheme, medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of general practitioners services. Eligibility for the medical card is based primarily on the means of the adult and his/her spouse or civil partner. Two years is now the average period nationally for which an individual or family holds a medical card before formal review under the General Medical Scheme (GMS). The review process is an important quality assurance aspect of the management of the GMS.
The HSE has no plans to change these arrangements.
DÁIL QUESTIONS addressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Health (Ms. Lynch)
To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the implementation of the mental health strategy, A Vision for Change; the funding in place for the implementation of this plan; the timeframe on the implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris
REPLY.
The Government has prioritised the reform of the mental health service in line with A Vision for Change. This commitment was clearly shown in the Programme for Government which provides that €35 million will be ring-fenced annually from within the overall health budget to develop community mental health services and to ensure early access to more appropriate services for adults and children. This is currently being considered as part of the Estimates process for 2012 and future years. In addition, as 90% of mental health needs are dealt with at primary care level, the Government is committed to developing closer links between mental health services and primary care. It is envisaged that the provision of improved community-based services will ensure that people with mental health problems receive the treatment and after-care support needed to facilitate recovery.
A Vision for Change contains some 200 recommendations to be implemented over a 7 – 10 year timeframe. As implementation of the recommendations is primarily the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE), the HSE appointed an Assistant National Director as the national lead for mental health to ensure delivery of mental health services in line with Government policy. While it is accepted that progress on implementation has been slower than originally anticipated, services in many parts of the country are pressing ahead with implementation which includes the phased closure of psychiatric hospitals. Significant progress has been achieved to date including: shorter episodes of in-patient care, improved child and adolescent mental health services, fewer involuntary admissions and the involvement of service users in all aspects of mental health policy, service planning and delivery.
It is the Government’s intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved and my priority as Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health will be to further advance the implementation of A Vision for Change. Towards this end, I have asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific recommendations of A Vision for Change that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, structures and identifiable person(s) responsible for driving the change including delivery on the commitments in our Programme for Government. Issues related to staffing levels particularly in community mental health teams will be examined in this context.
A Vision for Change also recognised that all citizens should be treated equally and that access to employment for people with mental health difficulties should be on the same basis as any other citizen. We are endeavouring, through housing, education and community based health care, to provide the environment in which employment opportunities can be availed of by all on an equal basis.
To ask the Minister for Health his plans to address the major lack of adequate child and adolescent psychiatric services in County Wicklow; the services that are currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Harris T.D.
REPLY.
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
To ask the Minister for Health his policy on palliative care; if he will provide details of the implementation plan for this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Harris T.D.
REPLY.
Government policy in relation to Palliative Care is contained in the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001). The provision of modern, quality services is high on our agenda and is being approached in the context of overall health reforms as proposed in the Programme for Government In this context, our immediate aim relates to advancing the priorities as agreed in the HSE Service Plan for 2011 which includes;
· Implementing the various Care at End-of-Life projects, agreed between the HSE and the Irish Hospice Foundation, via the Dignity and Design Challenge Fund.
· Progress the National Children’s Palliative Care Policy.
· Develop a new Minimum Data for Palliative Care to give better information for future policies and services.
We also intend to progress various other initiatives, in line with overall resources and consultation with relevant stakeholders. These include progressing:
· The HSE Five Year/Medium Term Development Framework (2009-13).
· Bereavement Support Services
· The Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme
· On-going initiatives in relation to palliative care and advanced respiratory disease, heart failure and dementia.
The Department of Health will continue to liaise closely with the HSE, and relevant non-statutory providers, to ensure the best possible service provision for Palliative Care recipients.
To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of a hospice for County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Simon Harris
REPLY.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
To ask the Minister for Health the number of hospices here; the location of these hospices and the level of support, financial and otherwise, that these hospices receive form him and the public health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Simon Harris
REPLY.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Parliamentary Question: Justice
Posted October 12th, 2011
To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his policy on tackling domestic violence and supporting victims of domestic violence; the number of refuge centres in place for persons at risk of domestic violence; the location of these centres; the level of support they receive from him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris
REPLY.
The Government is very committed to tackling the scourge of domestic violence in this country. It is a very complex issue and a broad range of action is being taken across the country by many state and non-state organisations to prevent and respond effectively to such violence. Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department, has the key responsibility to ensure the delivery of a well co-ordinated ‘whole of government’ response by the organisations concerned to domestic violence.
Central to the Government’s policy on tackling domestic violence is the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2010 – 2014, which was developed by Cosc, in consultation with a broad range of partner organisations, and is available on Cosc’s website (www.cosc.ie). The strategy is a statement of the Government’s priority actions to address domestic violence up to the end of 2014. The main focus of the strategy is, on the one hand, to prevent the violence concerned and, on the other, to respond effectively to the violence. A Strategy Oversight Committee meets twice-yearly to review progress on the implementation of the strategy. The Committee, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, includes senior officials from key government departments and state agencies responsible for implementing actions in the strategy. In addition progress on the implementation of the strategy is driven and monitored by Cosc on an ongoing basis.
I am informed by the Department of Health that every HSE region in Ireland has at least one refuge providing crisis emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence. All but one (located in the Western region) are accessible on a 24 hour basis. The locations of refuges in each region are as follows:
HSE South (6 refuges) – Kilkenny, Kerry, Tipperary, Cork, Waterford, Wexford
HSE West (5 refuges) – Limerick, Galway, Clare, Donegal, Mayo
Dublin North East (5 refuges) – Coolock, Blanchardstown, Dundalk, Drogheda, Meath
Dublin Mid Leinster (4 refuges) – Bray, Athlone, Rathmines, Tallaght.
As regards support for domestic violence refuges provided by my Department, this year Cosc, through its Local Awareness Raising Grant Scheme, provided funding to 8 refuges totalling just over €21,000. In 2010 the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime, an independent body under the aegis of my Department, approved funding for 10 domestic violence refuges, mainly for the provision of a court accompaniment service. The funding involved came to a total of €207,345.
I am informed that state funding is also provided to domestic violence refuges by the HSE and by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I understand that in 2010 the HSE provided €10.5m. in funding for domestic violence refuges. The same year the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government provided in excess €1.9m. towards the maintenance costs of domestic violence refuges. The equivalent figure for 2011, up to the end of September, is over €1.3m. I am also informed that in both years additional funding, in the region of 10% of the Department’s funding, would have been provided by the relevant local authorities.
I would ask the Deputy to note that the information provided above is in relation to refuge centres, which is the subject of the Deputy’s question, but that the State also provides resources to domestic violence support services which are not refuge centres.
Parliamentary Question: Health
Posted July 20th, 2011
To ask the Minister for Health the membership of the Review Group on Guthrie Cards; the professional background of these individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Harris T.D.
REPLY.
To comply with Data Protection Legislation, a number of changes are required to the Newborn Screening Card and the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. In view of concerns expressed, the Health Service Executive (HSE) was asked to review the situation before the proposed changes take effect at year end. The Review is being undertaken by the National Newborn Screening Programme Governance Group, chaired by the Director of Public Health (Child and Adolescent Health).
The Group also includes;
- Consultant Paediatric Clinical Biochemist
- Chief Medical Scientist
- Risk Manager
- Project Manager of the National Newborn Screening Programme
- Bio-Ethicist
Parliamentary Question: Environment, Community and Local Government
Posted July 20th, 2011
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rules and guidelines his Department has issued in relation to noise pollution created by home owners and tenants; the measures that exist to enforce them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 20th July, 2011.
REPLY
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Mr. P. Hogan)
Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 provides local authorities with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise from any premises, processes and works. The Environment Section of the relevant City or County Council is the appropriate contact point for reporting a noise nuisance in this regard.
In addition, under section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, where any noise is so loud, so continuous, so repeated, of such duration or pitch or occurring at such times as to give reasonable cause for annoyance, then it is open to any person, or group of persons, to bring a complaint to the District Court. The Court may order the person or body making, causing or responsible for the noise to take the measures necessary to reduce the noise to a specified level or to take specified measures for the prevention or limitation of the noise and the person or body concerned must comply with that order.
The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance is available to download from my Department’s website at the following address:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Noise/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,1319,en.pdf
Additional information in relation to addressing noise caused by individuals in private rented accommodation and in relation to noise nuisance caused by local authority tenants is also available to download from my Department’s website at the following address:
Parliamentary Question: Health
Posted July 19th, 2011
To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the partnership approach in relation to the National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Harris T.D.
REPLY.
My responsibility as Minister for State for Primary Care includes overseeing the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. This Strategy is based on a partnership approach between the statutory, voluntary and community sectors and I intend that this will be continued.
Parliamentary Question: Environment, Community and Local Government
Posted July 19th, 2011
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be made available to the National Voluntary Drugs and Alcohol Service Providers in order to support them in carrying out their duties under the National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 19th July, 2011.
REPLY
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Mr. P. Hogan)
The former Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs entered into a contract to fund the National Voluntary Drug Sector for three years from 2008-2010 under the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector. The contract was extended until the end of June 2011. Organisations participating in the scheme were aware that funding beyond the contractually agreed timeframe could not be guaranteed and that the scheme was subject to review.
A comprehensive review of the scheme was carried out in 2010 and a new scheme, with amended criteria, was advertised in December 2010. 149 applications were received and 63 organisations were approved for funding under the scheme. The Community function transferred to my Department on 1 May 2011.
Funding under the new 2011-2013 scheme has been allocated following an objective and merit-based competitive process. The application from the National Voluntary Drugs and Alcohol Service Providers did not meet the qualifying mark for funding on this occasion. NVDASP has appealed the funding decision, and the appeal is currently being dealt with by my Department.
Parliamentary Question: Social Protection
Posted July 19th, 2011
To ask the Minister for Social Protection the schemes and funding she offers to fund the provision of school meals in primary and post-primary schools; if she intends to extend the school meals programme and reduce eligibility thresholds; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
- Simon Harris.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 19th July, 2011.
R E P L Y
Minister for Social Protection (Joan Burton T.D.):
The School Meals Programme operated by my Department gives funding towards the provision of food services for disadvantaged children through two schemes. The first is the statutory Urban School Meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department. The second is the School Meals Local Projects Scheme through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary groups who run their own school meals projects.
Funding under the School Meals local Projects Scheme is for food costs only and is subject to certain conditions. All food must be of suitable quality and nutritional value, and prepared and consumed in an appropriate environment. The type and range of meals provided, as well as the method and logistics of supplying the meals, are decided by the individual local groups and schools that operate the project. Responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the scheme lies with the school/group.
The budget allocation for the School Meals Programme for 2011 is €35m. Expenditure on the programme in 2010 amounted to € 34.96m.
Priority for funding under the Scheme is given to schools which are part of the Department of Education and Skill’s initiative for disadvantaged schools, ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools’ (DEIS). DEIS schools may apply for funding for all pupils, if they feel such a need exists. However, there is no entitlement to funding and all applications must be considered in light of the available budget for the scheme.
There are no plans to extend the School Meals Programme further or to amend the eligibility thresholds of the scheme at the present time.