Harney, MaryTuesday, 7 December 2010 |
Dáil Éireann Debate
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Order of Business
Question put:
Voted Yes 
Financial Resolutions 2011: Allocation of Time: Motion
Question put.
Voted Yes
Financial Resolutions 2011
Question put: “That Financial Resolutions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, be agreed to.”
Voted Yes
Question put: “That Financial Resolutions Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, be agreed to.”
Voted Yes
I move the following Financial Resolutions: Financial Resolution No. 10: Income Tax (1) THAT section 15 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No. 39 of 1997) be amended in the following manner for the ...
I refer to the tax wedge mentioned by Deputy Kenny. Even after the changes made today, Ireland will have the lowest tax wedge in the EU for a single person, at 31.4%——
——and the tenth lowest in the OECD. The rate of 31.4% places Ireland first in Europe and tenth in the OECD.
We are taking income tax, or take-home pay, back to where it was in 2006. With regard to the questions raised by Deputy Burton, it applies to all income other than income of less than €4,000. It doe...
Any income less than €4,004 is excluded but all income over €4,004 is included. This is applied at 2% up to €10,000, at 4% between €10,000 and €16,000 and at 7% above that.
No, I mentioned in my opening comments that if somebody on a salary of €26,000——
The health levy only applied to salaries over €26,000 and the income levy applied to salaries over €15,000. The minimum wage will still be excluded from tax but will be included in this charge.
Yes, that is correct.
I will explain. The health levy is going and approximately €2 billion from the health levy will go into the health service.
The health levy goes to fund the public health system, a total of approximately €2.1 billion in 2010 with a shortfall of €400 million because of the level of unemployment. We recently moved a Supplem...
The medical card exemption does not apply for anyone.
The medical card should be for medical needs and it has become a passport for school transport and many other things. We need to decouple it. One of the reforms being examined is to have a higher el...
Deputy Naughten referred to Members’ and Ministers’ pensions being hit by 4% but the figure is 12%. Pensions at our level will be hit by a 12% reduction. When the Minister referred to 4% he was refe...
The new minimum wage will be €15,000 and it will be outside the tax net.
The charge will apply but I said the income tax will not apply.
The income levy applied to it previously.
I take the Deputy’s point.
Question put: “That Financial Resolutions Nos. 10 to 14, inclusive, be agreed to.”
Voted Yes
I move the following Financial Resolutions. Financial Resolution No. 15: Stamp Duties (1) THAT for the purposes of stamp duty charged by virtue of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 (No. 31 of 19...
Financial Resolution No. 18 relates to capital acquisitions tax. This modifies group (a), (b) and (c) tax-free thresholds by 20%. These group thresholds depend on the relationship of the person maki...
The Commission on Taxation recommended that we substantially lower the rate of stamp duty but broaden its base and the Minister clearly took that on board in his budgetary decision to make the rate 1%...
We dealt with that before. They are being reduced by 10% and 25%, namely, 10% on credits and 25% otherwise. The same reduction of 25% applies to DIRT.
I will have to take advice on that because I understand the officials, too, must reflect on it.
Off the top of my head, if we are talking about everybody being equal, I would imagine it does, once one takes off the discount on the amount one actually pays. The officials will clarify that for me...
Question put: “That Financial Resolutions Nos. 24 to 33, inclusive, be agreed to.”
Voted Yes
Written Answers - Medical Cards
Was asked: the monetary value attached to a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There are two main factors associated with medical cards and GP visit cards, firstly the capitation and other fees paid to General Practitioners (GPs) and, secondly, the cost of drugs supplied to pati...
Written Answers - Job Losses
Was asked: her views on the closure of a company (details supplied) in County Kerry resulting in a loss of 31 jobs; if she or her agencies could take steps to reverse the closure; and if she will make a stateme...
Was asked: the reason the Health Service Executive announced it would no longer supply funding to a company (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Mental Health Services
Was asked: if she will facilitate an organisation (details supplied) which is a community and member-led project for people with self-experience of mental illness with the provision of office space, suitable fo...
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: when speech therapy will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when speech therapy will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Ministerial Appointments
Was asked: the names, titles and duties of each of the advisers, press officers, assistants and secretaries appointed by her; the annual salaries in each case; the pension arrangements in each case; and if she ...
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table: The Special Advisers are required to perform any duties which may be assigned to them as appropriate to the position of Special Advise...
Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 4 November 2010 when a response will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Compilation of the information sought by the Deputy in his original question involved a considerable amount of work by all units in my Department. The response is currently being finalised and will be...
Written Answers - Medical Cards
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded a medical card.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - Hospital Funding
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 14 October 2010 and the reply from the Health Service Executive of 4 November 2010, if she will confirm if an annual audit was carried out on the service ...
Written Answers - Hospital Redress Scheme
Was asked: when she last met with victims of Michael Neary or their representatives or both; if the issue of the excluded women under the terms of the Lourdes hospital redress scheme was discussed; if she made ...
Was asked: the measures she will take to fairly and justly meet the case and needs of those women whose suffering at the hands of the former obstetrician and gynaecologist Michael Neary has yet to be officially...
Was asked: the advice she has received that led her to decide that women who had reached their 40th birthday were not to be included under the terms of the Lourdes hospital redress scheme she established; and i...
Was asked: if she will meet again with a representative group of those women who have not been included with other victims of Michael Neary in accessing the State-established Lourdes hospital redress scheme and...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 to 92, inclusive, together. I recently met with Patient Focus in the context of the Report of the Drogheda Review, prepared by Mr. T. C. Smyth. The Lourdes Hospit...
Written Answers - Medical Cards
Was asked: if she will reinstate a general practitioner visit card for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - Care of the Elderly
Was asked: the consideration given by her to the prospect of an intermediate care option for aged and vulnerable persons rather than the current option of long-stay nursing home care; the discussions she has ha...
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Hospital Waiting Lists
Was asked: the current average and longest waiting times for an MRI in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
Was asked: the current average and longest waiting times for an appointment with an ophthalmologist in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together. As these questions relate to service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Departmental Staff
Was asked: the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Table 1 sets out the 2010 budget allocation and staff composition of the agencies directly funded by my Department. The information regarding staff reflects the position at the end of Quarter 2 2010, ...
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: if she will support a matter (details supplied).
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 16 November 2010, when a reply will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Was asked: the position regarding an application from the French authorities for a refund under the E111 scheme in respect of a person (details supplied).
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will receive the brain scan their general practitioner says they desperately need.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Health Service Staff
Was asked: her views on whether the response of the Dental Council of Ireland to its obligations under the Dentists Act 1985 to auxiliary dental workers has been adequate, given the fact that the only auxiliary...
The Dentists Act 1985 provides for the registration as auxiliary dental workers by the Dental Council of persons who have appropriate training and qualifications. Training to the level of Clinical De...
Written Answers - Medical Cards
Was asked: if she will review the circumstances in which a person (details supplied) was issued a general-practitioner-visit-only medical card, given that the assessed weekly income was marginally in excess of ...
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Cork on a orthopaedic waiting list will receive an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Health Service Staff
Was asked: if she will ensure that key community welfare staff, including the two community welfare officials, are maintained at the Darndale Health Service Executive office, Dublin 17, given the effect that th...
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: when a child in County Cork will receive an assessment and intervention service from a service provider.
Written Answers - Prescription Charges
Was asked: the annual savings to be achieved from the prescription charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the savings to be achieved from the prescription charge during 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together. Since 1 October 2010, medical card holders are required to pay a 50 cent charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by co...
Written Answers - Private Rented Accommodation
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused rent allowance even though they are on the waiting list for rehousing by Mayo County Council; and if she will make a statement o...
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - Vaccination Programme
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The national HPV vaccination programme commenced in May in secondary schools for girls in first year. The second phase of the HPV vaccination programme is now underway. During this calendar year, al...
Written Answers - Hospital Services
Was asked: the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Medical Cards
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 23 November 2010, when the information requested will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has again requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange for a reply to issue to the Deputy on this matter.
Written Answers - Hospital Services
Was asked: the number of persons awaiting endoscopy tests and the length of time they are on the waiting list at a hospital (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Departmental Records
Was asked: the date on which she will release all documents relating to the drug thalidomide; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Departmental Reports
Was asked: if the report that has been prepared on the provision of funding for voluntary agencies by a person (details supplied) has been furnished to her Department; the reason for the delay in the publishing...
Written Answers - Health Service Staff
Was asked: the total number of persons who could have applied for the voluntary redundancy scheme; the total number of persons who have applied for the Health Service Executive voluntary redundancy scheme; if s...
On 1 November 2010 I announced that the Government had approved a voluntary early retirement (VER) scheme and a voluntary redundancy (VR) scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health se...
Was asked: the total amount of funding made available to the voluntary redundancy scheme; in view of the lower than anticipated take-up of the voluntary redundancy scheme, the estimated cost of the scheme; and ...
On 1 November 2010 I announced that the Government had approved a voluntary early retirement scheme and a voluntary redundancy scheme for certain categories of staff in the public health service. The ...
Was asked: if any senior staff leaving under the early retirement and voluntary redundancy scheme will be taken back on a consultancy basis in the new year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The re-hiring staff of who have availed of either the Voluntary Early Retirement or Voluntary Redundancy schemes is clearly not allowed under the terms of these schemes. It is a specific condition of...
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Hospitals Building Programme
Was asked: the measures announced in the national recovery plan if she can outline the proposed state of the Kenmare community hospital project; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: when an application will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: when an application will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: if she will provide urgent orthodontic treatment for a child (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has been waiting for same since January 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Was asked: the position regarding a specific issue in the Health Service Executive (details supplied)
As the Deputy’s question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Was asked: if she will confirm that neither she nor any agencies funded by her have any involvement in providing accommodation for clients at an address in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a sta...
The details supplied by the Deputy does not provide sufficient information to allow my Department to investigate the matter. If the Deputy can provide more information I would be happy to investigate...
Written Answers - Health Service Staff
Was asked: the way she proposes to address the increasing dependence on agencies for employing nurses, considering the extra costs that this practice is costing the Health Service Executive; and if she will mak...
A critical part of the strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it is neces...
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: the number of home help hours allocated to County Mayo from 2007 to 2010, inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: the plans she and the Health Service Executive are putting in place to ensure the back to school clothing and footwear scheme will be paid on time next year; and if she will make a statement on the m...
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: the reason for the delays in this year’s payment of back to school clothing and footwear scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - Ministerial Appointments
Was asked: her in the past 12 months; the persons appointed; the income received; the body to which they were appointed; the term of office they will serve; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Where fees are approved, there are four categories of fees payable to chairpersons and directors of state-sponsored bodies. The applicable category is determined by the salary of the CEO of the body r...
Written Answers - Medical Cards
Was asked: when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied).
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied).
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: when a medical card will be granted to a person (details supplied).
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: when a decision on an application for medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied).
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - Grant Payments
Was asked: when funding will be released to a community play group (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Hospital Services
Was asked: if she will carry out an investigation of the claim in a recent service plan for Letterkenny General Hospital that the medical discharge rate at Letterkenny General Hospital in 2009 was 7,608 patient...
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Written Answers - Health Services
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Was asked: if full medical cards will be re-awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has applied to Cherry Orchard health centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Was asked: when a medical card will be restored to person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Written Answers - State Bodies
Was asked: the total capital spending allocated to the Health Service Executive in 2010; the total allocated moneys spent; the allocated capital spending within the HSE in tabular form; the amount allocated to ...
The 2010 Exchequer capital allocation for the Health Service Executive is €393.792m. An additional allocation of €50m is dependent on the proceeds of disposals of surplus properties. Gross capital ...
Was asked: the total amount of moneys owed to private firms by public bodies under the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter. In relation to the other agencies under the aegis of my Department, this is an operational matter for those bodies and my Departmen...
Written Answers - Industrial Disputes
Was asked: the number of industrial disputes, industrial actions including work to rule presently being engaged in by staff of her Department; when these actions were initiated; the individual subject matter of...
There are no industrial disputes or industrial actions being undertaken by staff in my Department at present.
Written Answers - Child Care Regulations
Was asked: the discretion, if any, local Health Service Executive officials have to alter, amend or change child-care regulations with reference to SI 604 of 2006 and regulation 8 in particular; and if she will...
Written Answers - Hospital Services
Was asked: the reason an appointment set for 14 October 2010 at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin in respect of a person (details supplied) was cancelled and rescheduled for 11 March 2011; if an earlier appointment wil...
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
| Last Updated: 31/03/2011 17:17:26 |
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