Written Answers Nos. 406-427
Leader Programmes
406. Deputy Thomas Pringle   asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will consider simplifying the application process for Leader funding in view of the fact it can be burdensome for small community groups which do not have access to professional advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24559/17]
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): With a budget of €250 million up to 2020, the Leader programme is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and has the capacity to deliver significant outcomes for rural areas. I am committed to implementing the Leader 2014-2020 programme as efficiently and as effectively as possible. However, I am also aware that concerns have been expressed regarding some of the administrative processes related to the programme, and I want to see these issues resolved to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, last Wednesday, 17 May 2017, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering Leader, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions to streamlining the current administrative and application procedures.
The forum, which was attended by more than 70 people, was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined and where the burden on project applicants could be reduced.
Following on from very constructive feedback at the forum, I gave a commitment to the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies present that I would implement a number of the suggestions put forward, while being mindful of the regulatory requirements associated with this EU co-financed programme.
My officials are currently reviewing and prioritising all of the contributions made at the forum and will introduce improvements to the Leader administrative procedures as soon as possible. I am confident that these improvements will assist in the delivery of the Leader programme to the benefit of rural communities throughout the country.
Departmental Bodies
407. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the new Moore Street oversight committee will be established and operational. [24596/17]
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I would firstly like to put on record my sincere appreciation to the members of the Group and to the Deputy himself for the report that they have recently presented to me. The Moore Street Consultative Forum, which was independently chaired by a former Departmental Secretary General, included local and Oireachtas political representatives, 1916 relatives, street traders and other stakeholders. It was set up in a bid to bring together the full range of views on the matter and it held its inaugural meeting in September 2016. In the meantime, it has reviewed numerous presentations and submissions from a range of interests, looked at a variety of official and other reports, interviewed relevant public officials and other experts and examined a large body of work from within its own membership. This extensive programme of work has culminated in the series of recommendations contained in the report that was presented to me in the last few weeks.
I welcome the fact that the report is seeking a way forward based on consensus. I believe that its recommendations can help breathe new life into the area, while at the same time retaining its sense of history and tradition. In addition to its particular association with the 1916 Rising, there are other relevant aspects of the street and surrounding area that also need to be taken into account, including the range of State, public and private property holdings and ownership and, of course, the presence of the street traders themselves who do so much to give the area its unique ambience and place in the life of our capital city.
The report has looked carefully at all these elements and I am pleased that it signals the potential for a mutually successful outcome to be agreed between the relevant parties, balancing the perspectives of all the key stakeholders. I am fully supportive of this collaborative approach and I want to see the work already done being continued so that we can progress to the next stage and see tangible results on the ground.
Critical to this will be the establishment of the new Advisory Group that the report itself identifies as the most effective way to move forward with its recommendations. I have now proceeded with the setting up of this Group under the Chairmanship of Dr Tom Collins.
I understand that its first meeting is taking place later this week.
Arts Funding
408. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on artist run studio spaces; if she will consider extending specific supports to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24598/17]
410. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland is considerably behind its European counterparts with regard to state support for artist run spaces. [24600/17]
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 410 together.
I am aware of the issue regarding the provision of affordable studio space, particularly as a result of the changing property market. In general, I would consider that local approaches driven by artists, local arts officers and the owners of vacant buildings are best suited to respond to the specific local circumstances involved and provide the most effective outcomes.
However, my Department is in discussion with the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and the OPW to consider some possible short-term and longer-term approaches to the issue, both in relation to specific issues in Dublin and to wider national approaches. In addition, as part of the Government’s initiative on the North East Inner City, I awarded a grant of €35,000 this year to Fire Station Artists' Studios, Buckingham Street, to assist in providing additional studio space in conjunction with Dublin City Council.
In terms of investment by my Department, I recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for 56 arts and culture centres across the country. This capital scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces.
A full list of organisations to benefit from funding under Stream 1 and 2 of the Arts and Cultural Capital Scheme 2016-2018 is available on my Department's website.
Furthermore, I recently announced a new small capital grants Scheme (Stream 3) which will be geared towards providing grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit. Organisations with artists' studios will also be eligible to apply under this new scheme. This scheme is now open for applications with a closing date of 12 noon on 16 June 2017.
Arts Funding
409. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will consider lifting the budget limits on the per cent for the arts scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24599/17]
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): My Department has responsibility for the promotion of the Per Cent for Art Scheme and set out guidelines in 2004 to assist project managers to operate the scheme and to provide a common national approach to its implementation. However, funding for the scheme is part of the capital cost of the project and falls to the relevant public authority responsible for the specific construction project involved. The current cap was set by Government in 1997. The Per Cent for Arts Scheme guidelines assist with its implementation. The scheme is now well-known and embedded in all public infrastructure works. The public have become familiar with the works of art on our roads, but there are also art works resulting from the scheme in schools, hospitals and all buildings funded by the taxpayer. Public art is not confined to sculptures; it has also resulted in performances, new writings and compositions. Given the period which has now elapsed since the cap was last adjusted in 1997, I have asked my Department to consider the matter further and to report to me on possible options for reviewing the cap.
Question No. 410 taken with Question No. 408.
Departmental Correspondence
411. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her Department has received a request for additional funding for a project (details supplied) in Cork city in addition to the €12 million already committed by the Government; the process in order to assess such funding requests; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24617/17]
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): The Cork Events Centre is a project being developed and managed by Cork City Council. My Department allocated €12 million to the City Council towards the cost of the Centre. This allocation is subject to a Service Level Agreement with the City Council to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements in relation to major capital projects. My Department recently received correspondence from Cork City Council stating that the developer has informed the Council that the overall project costs has risen to €65 million which is an increase of approximately €12m. My Department has not yet been supplied with full details of the increased costs at this stage. Cork City Council has been asked to provide additional information on the cost increases and once furnished my Department will consider the matter further.
Leader Programmes Administration
412. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she will take to streamline the process of administering grants and under the Leader programme to various groups; her views regarding the level of bureaucracy that is now attached to the scheme including the tardiness in ensuring that the approved schemes can proceed, which will minimise the impact for rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24738/17]
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): With a budget of €250 million up to 2020, the Leader programme is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and has the capacity to deliver significant outcomes for rural areas. I am committed to implementing the Leader 2014-2020 programme as efficiently and as effectively as possible. However, I am also aware that concerns have been expressed regarding some of the administrative processes related to the programme, and I want to see these issues resolved to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, last Wednesday, 17 May 2017, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering Leader, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions to streamlining the current administrative and application procedures.
The forum, which was attended by more than 70 people, was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined and where the burden on project applicants could be reduced.
Following on from very constructive feedback at the forum, I gave a commitment to the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies present that I would implement a number of the suggestions put forward, while being mindful of the regulatory requirements associated with this EU co-financed programme.
My officials are currently reviewing and prioritising all of the contributions made at the forum and will introduce improvements to the Leader administrative procedures as soon as possible. I am confident that these improvements will assist in the delivery of the Leader programme to the benefit of rural communities throughout the country.
Action Plan for Rural Development Implementation
413. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of phase 2 of the town and village renewable scheme; her plans to launch a pilot scheme before it is rolled out further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24772/17]
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Heather Humphreys): As part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, an enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2017 was launched on 13 April 2017 and will focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages. Funding of €20 million has been made available under the scheme, which will support up to 300 towns and villages over the next 15 months. The closing date for applications, which will be made to my Department through the Local Authorities, is 30 June 2017. As I have indicated previously, a pilot scheme to encourage residential occupancy in rural towns and villages, which will complement the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, will be launched in the second half of this year and will have a separate budget. The pilot will examine ways in which properties that are currently not in use in town centres can be renovated to allow them to be used for residential purposes. The scheme will be aimed at owner-occupiers.
Details of the scheme are being finalised in consultation with other relevant Departments and full particulars will be announced when the pilot scheme is launched later in the year.
Abuse in Hospitals
414. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to issue an apology or support for a person (details supplied) who suffered abuse as a young woman in a hospital. [24188/17]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Helen McEntee): This issue has been previously raised in a similar PQ last year by the Deputy. The individual was advised of the response received by the HSE in relation to her specific case and was also advised that if she considered a criminal offence was committed against her while she was a patient, then it was open to her to make a complaint to An Garda Síochána for investigation. I understand she has since been in touch with them. As this is an on-going concern I cannot make any statement on the matter.
On a more general point, I should also add that the involuntary admission of persons to a psychiatric hospital or unit in the 1950s and 1960s was governed by the 1945 Mental Treatment Act. The 1945 Act allowed for the admission and detention without their consent, of a person as a 'temporary patient' or a 'person of unsound mind' following an application received and accompanied by a medical certificate, signed by a doctor and on foot of a reception order signed by a consultant psychiatrist.
I would acknowledge that there were no specific provisions in the 1945 Act for an automatic right of appeal to an independent judicial body against a person's involuntary detention in a psychiatric hospital. However, the Act did provide patients with the right to write a letter to the Minister for Health, the Inspector of Mental Hospitals or the President of the High Court. It also required the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, in the course of his inspections, to visit any patient "the propriety of whose detention he had reason to doubt".
The Deputy will be aware that the Mental Health Act 2001 significantly modernised procedures relating to involuntary admission by establishing for the first time independent Mental Health Tribunals which review, and affirm or revoke detention orders. Patients now have the right to be heard and to be legally represented at the Tribunal.
In addition, following the publication in 2015 of the Expert Group Review of the Mental Health Act 2001, work is underway at official level on the preparation of the General Scheme of a Bill to revise the 2001 Act on the basis of the recommendations of the Expert Group.
Vaccination Programme
415. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health his views on whether an independent agency is required to undertake studies on the content of contaminating DNA and RNA retroviruses and metal toxicants and other potential contaminants in the HPV vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23979/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As contamination of licensed medicinal products is a matter for the Health Products Regulatory Authority, I have referred the PQ to the agency for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Provision
416. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of chiropodists in County Kerry to treat medical card holders; the names and addresses of each; the current waiting list for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23980/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
417. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for hip replacement surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23981/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): 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.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
418. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for hip surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23982/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): 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.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
419. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for hip surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23983/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): 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.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Health Services Data
420. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 10 May 2017, the details for each of the 90 designated centres due to comply with 2021 regulations; the proposed scheduling of works in respect of each centre; and the stage each of the designated centres is at in respect of the works in question. [23987/17]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Helen McEntee): Significant work has been undertaken by the HSE in determining the most appropriate scheduling of projects over the multi-annual period from 2016 to 2021, within the phased provision of funding, to achieve compliance and registration. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this development, must comply with DPER guidelines and EU directives and will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. These stages include appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, some of which may overlap, the review of costing estimates and finalisation of financing.
The following table shows the status of the various projects at Q1/2017. Replacement accommodation for some facilities will be combined in a single location. | | County | Facility | Status at Q1 2017 | Projected construction completion |
|---|
| 1 | Cavan | Lisdaran Unit for the Elderly, Cavan GH | Operational | n/a | | 2 | Cavan | Ballyconnell Community Services | Detailed Design | Q1, 2019 | | 3 | Donegal | Killybegs CNU | Detailed Design | Q1, 2017 | | 4 | Donegal | An Fál Carrach/Falcarragh CNU | Detailed Design | Q2, 2020 | | 5 | Donegal | Buncrana CNU | Detailed Design | Q4, 2018 | | 6 | Donegal | An Clochán Liath/Dungloe Community Hospital | Detailed Design | Q3, 2018 | | 7 | Donegal | Carndonagh Community Hospital | Detailed Design | Q2, 2019 | | 8 | Donegal | Letterkenny CNU to replace Lifford | Design Feasibility | Q3, 2021 | | 9 | Donegal | Letterkenny CNU to replace Ramelton | Design Feasibility | Q3, 2021 | | 10 | Donegal | Letterkenny CNU to replace St. Joseph's | Design Feasibility | Q3, 2021 | | 11 | Donegal | Ballyshannon CNU to replace The Rock CNU | Design Feasibility | Q4,2019 | | 12 | Donegal | Ballyshannon CNU to replace Shiel Hospital | Design Feasibility | Q4,2019 | | 13 | Leitrim | St. Patrick's Hospital, Carrick-on-Shannon | Design Feasibility | Q3, 2021 | | 14 | Monaghan | St Mary's, Castleblaney | Operational | n/a | | 15 | Monaghan | Oriel House, Monaghan | Design Feasibility | Q4, 2018 | | 16 | Sligo | Nazereth House, Ballymote (extension) | Tender & Contract | Q1, 2018 | | 17 | Sligo | St John's Community Hospital, Sligo | Phased delivery | Q4, 2019 | | 18 | Galway | Áras Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua/ Carraroe | Operational | n/a | | 19 | Galway | Áras Rónáin, Inis Mór/Aran Islands | Detailed Design | Q4, 2017 | | 20 | Galway | Áras Mhuire, Tuam | Appraisal | Q4, 2021 | | 21 | Galway | St Anne's CNU, Clifden | Appraisal | Q4, 2021 | | 22 | Galway | Merlin Park, Units 5 & 6 | Appraisal | Q4, 2021 | | 23 | Mayo | St Augustine's, Ballina | Operational | n/a | | 24 | Mayo | McBride CNU, Westport | Operational | n/a | | 25 | Mayo | Dalton Home, Claremorris | Operational | n/a | | 26 | Mayo | St Fionnán's CNU, Acaill/Achill | Operational | n/a | | 27 | Mayo | Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar | Construction | Q4, 2017 | | 28 | Mayo | Áras Deirbhile, Béal an Mhuirthead/ Belmullet | Construction | Q1, 2017 | | 29 | Roscommon | Plunkett CNU, Boyle | Operational | | | 30 | Roscommon | Áras Mháthair Phóil CNU, Castlerea | Operational | n/a |
Table contd.| 31 | Roscommon | Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon | Appraisal | Q3, 2021 |
|---|
| 32 | Clare | Regina House, Kilrush (Phase 2) | Operational | n/a | | 33 | Clare | Ennistymon CNU (Phase 2) | Operational | n/a | | 34 | Clare | Raheen CNU | Construction | Q2, 2019 | | 35 | Clare | St Joseph's CNU, Ennis | Appraisal | Q1, 2021 | | 36 | Limerick | St. Ita's, Newcastle West | Detailed Design | Q4, 2018 | | 37 | Limerick | St. Camillus', Limerick | Design Feasibility | Q2, 2021 | | 38 | Tipperary | St Conlon's CNU, Nenagh | Appraisal | Q3, 2020 | | 39 | Tipperary | Dean Maxwell CNU, Roscrea | Appraisal | Q2, 2021 | | 40 | Cork | Bandon Community Hospital | Construction | Q3, 2017 | | 41 | Cork | Kinsale -3 phases;
phase 1 completed. | Construction | Phase 3 completed by 2020 | | 42 | Cork | Bantry General Hospital | Construction | Q1, 2017 | | 43 | Cork | Dunmanway CH (St. Anthony's) | Construction | Q1, 2017 | | 44 | Cork | Cois Abhainn, Youghal | Construction | Q2, 2017 | | 45 | Cork | St Patrick's CH, Fermoy | Detailed Design | Q4, 2018 | | 46 | Cork | Skibereen CH (St Anne's) | Detailed Design | Q3, 2018 | | 47 | Cork | St Joseph's CH, Millstreet | Detailed Design | Q1, 2019 | | 48 | Cork | Youghal Community Hospital | Detailed Design | Q1, 2019 | | 49 | Cork | Castletownbere CH
(St. Joseph's) | Detailed Design | Q4, 2017 | | 50 | Cork | Middleton CH & Long Stay Unit | Appraisal | Q3, 2021 | | 51 | Cork | Clonakilty CH & Long Stay (Mount Carmel) | Appraisal | Q2, 2020 | | 52 | Cork | Kanturk Community Hospital | Design Feasibility | Q1, 2019 | | 53 | Cork | Cork City (St. Finbarr's) | Design Feasibility | Q1, 2021 | | 54 | Cork | Macroom Community Hospital | Design Feasibility | Q2, 2019 | | 55 | Kerry | Listowel Community Hospital | Detailed Design | Q4, 2018 | | 56 | Kerry | Cahersiveen Community Hospital | Appraisal | Q3, 2020 | | 57 | Kerry | Killarney CNU
(St. Columbanus) | Appraisal | Q4, 2021 | | 58 | Carlow | Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow | Detailed Design | Q1, 2019 | | 59 | Kilkenny | St Columba's Hospital, Thomastown | Appraisal | Q3, 2021 | | 60 | Tipperary | St Patrick's Hospital, Cashel | Appraisal | Q3, 2021 | | 61 | Waterford | St Patrick's Hospital,
John's Hill, Waterford City | Tender & Contract | Q1, 2019 |
Table contd.| 62 | Waterford | St Joseph's & Dungarvan Community Hospital
(all phases) | Detailed Design | Q4, 2021 |
|---|
| 63 | Wexford | New Houghton Hospital, New Ross | Appraisal | Q3, 2018 | | 64 | Wexford | Gorey District Hospital (phased) | Appraisal | Q1, 2019 | | 65 | Dublin | Dalkey CNU, South Dublin | Detailed Design | Q3, 2019 | | 66 | Dublin | Leopardstown Park Hospital | Appraisal | Q2, 2021 | | 67 | Dublin | Royal Hospital, Donnybrook | Appraisal | Q1, 2020 | | 68 | Wicklow | St Coleman's, Rathdrum | Design Feasibility | Q3, 2021 | | 69 | Dublin | Bellevilla CNU, South Circular Road | Equipping & Commissioning | Q1, 2017 | | 70 | Dublin | Tymon North, Tallaght (replacing Crooksling) | Tender & Contract | Q3, 2019 | | 71 | Dublin | Peamount Hospital, Newcastle | Tender & Contract | Q1, 2019 | | 72 | Dublin | Meath Hospital CNU | Detailed Design | Q1, 2019 | | 73 | Dublin | Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross | Appraisal | Q4, 2021 | | 74 | Dublin | Cherry Orchard Hospital | Appraisal | Q3, 2021 | | 75 | Kildare | St. Vincent's, Athy | Appraisal | Q4, 2021 | | 76 | Wicklow | Baltinglass Community Hospital | Construction | Q2, 2017 | | 77 | Laois | St Vincent's, Mountmellick | Operational | n/a | | 78 | Longford | St Joseph's Care Centre, Longford (phased) | Construction | Q2, 2021 | | 79 | Louth | St. Oliver Plunkett, Dundalk | Construction | Q1, 2017 | | 80 | Louth | St Joseph's Hospital, Ardee | Appraisal | Q3, 2021 | | 81 | Louth | St Mary's Hospital, Drogheda | Appraisal | Q2, 2020 | | 82 | Meath | St Joseph's, Trim | Operational | n/a | | 83 | Offaly | Ofalia House CNU Edenderry | Construction | Q1, 2017 | | 84 | Offaly | Riada House, Tullamore | Construction | Q1, 2018 | | 85 | Westmeath | St Vincent's Care Centre, Athlone | Detailed Design | Q3, 2020 | | 86 | Dublin | Seanchara combined with Clarehaven (Glasnevin) | Tender & Contract | Q3, 2018 | | 87 | Dublin | Clarehaven combined with Seanchara (Glasnevin) | Tender & Contract | Q3, 2018 | | 88 | Dublin | Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown | Design Feasibility | Q2, 2021 | | 89 | Dublin | Grangegorman to replace Chapel View, St. Mary's Hospital | Design Feasibility | Q2, 2021 | | 90 | Dublin | Grangegorman to replace St. Clare's, Glasnevin | Design Feasibility | Q2, 2021 |
Respite Care Services Provision
421. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason respite services at Carndonagh community hospital in County Donegal were recently disrupted for some service users; the efforts being made to ensure that services resume without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23988/17]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Helen McEntee): As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage
422. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health his plans to make the life changing drug Respreeza available to all persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23990/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Services
423. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 10 May 2017, the issues which were identified as poor practises in the recently published HIQA 2016 overview which led to services being placed on his Department's regulatory risk register; the services placed on the register; the number of these services that required regulatory action; the immediate and longer term actions his Department have taken further to his Department reviewing the said report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23994/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): The reply to PQ No 22273/17 contained a clerical error and I have written separately to the Deputy on this matter. In cases where nursing home services or residential services are considered high risk or are under consideration for cancellation and or refusal of registration, they are placed on the HIQA's Regulatory Risk Register. Regulatory Risk Register meetings are convened fortnightly and consider all of the services on the register. The Regulatory Risk Register is chaired by the Director of Regulation/Chief Inspector who holds ultimate responsibility for all decisions made in respect of services that are monitored and regulated by HIQA under the Health Act. The Department has no input into HIQA decisions to place services on their risk register.
Hospital Appointments Status
424. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment at Letterkenny University Hospital for hip replacement surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23996/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): 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.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Elder Abuse
425. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the actions he is taking regarding raising the awareness of elder abuse; the steps he is taking to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23999/17]
Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Helen McEntee): The Health Service Executive published its national safeguarding policy and procedures, Safeguarding Vulnerable People at Risk of Abuse, in December 2014. This safeguarding policy was the first such HSE policy to encompass both elder abuse and concerns of abuse relating to people availing of disability services. The HSE has established a number of structures to implement its national safeguarding policy, including a National Safeguarding Office and a National Safeguarding Committee. Safeguarding and Protection Teams to deal with issues arising in this area have also been established in each of the nine Community Healthcare Organisation Areas.
There will be a national awareness raising campaign with regard to highlighting the Abuse of Vulnerable Adults during 2017. This campaign is being co-ordinated by the National Safeguarding Committee, which is an intersectoral committee made up of a number of state agencies and relevant non-governmental organisations. The campaign will focus on both the abuse and neglect of older persons and persons with disabilities. The HSE sponsors the National Safeguarding Committee and has provided financial support for the work of the Committee including the work on the awareness campaign. The campaign will include the use of printed media, radio interviews and images in newspapers.
COSC, the State Agency with responsibility for the prevention of domestic violence, has also recently launched a "What would you do?" campaign regarding raising awareness of domestic violence. The campaign focuses on a different theme each month and as June 15 is World Elder Abuse Day, COSC will run advertisements on television and radio stations focusing on elder abuse during the month of June.
Drugs Payment Scheme Administration
426. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the person or body with regulatory responsibility over pharmacies to ensure that they are correctly administrating the drug payment scheme and other prescription charges and are not charging customers for more than 12 payments of the DPS per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24011/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage
427. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding St. John's Wort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24014/17]
Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. |
Page
of 84
