Charlie McConalogue
Donegal · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“There are indications that the opt-out mechanism for the text and data mining exception is not working well in practice. Evidence gathered by the Danish Presidency showed that some activity is taking place on the licensing of works for AI, but that it is uneven across member states and subsectors of the creative sector.”
“The proposal involved the development of grass pitches, an Astroturf facility, flood-lighting and dressing rooms. The Football Association of Ireland wrote to my Department in 2023 stating that it no longer intended to proceed with the LSSIF-funded centre of excellence in Glanmire.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there are lower than average participation levels.”
“This is Ireland's first national strategy for diabetes and it sets out recommendations for action in relation to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and paediatric diabetes. The strategy marks a major milestone in diabetes care in Ireland and represents the development of a unified approach to its delivery.”
“It is anticipated that the final business case will be submitted shortly to my Department. In relation to the site in Glanmire, my Department has been informed that the property has now been leased to Riverstown Football Club by Cork County Council.”
“The structure of that payment, which was agreed between An Post and the postmasters, is designed to maintain and strengthen our post office network and to keep it sustainable, taking into account the number of post offices in an area, the distance to the next nearest post office and the rural nature versus the population base that it migh…”
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“The large scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF, was established on foot of the National Sports Policy 2018-2027, which was published in 2018. The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects. These are projects where the Exchequer investment is greater than the maximum amount available under the CSFF. In some cases, these are projects where the primary objective is to increase active participation in sport. In other cases, these are large scale venues or stadia where the focus is more related to social participation and high-performance sport. The scheme has a particular focus on NGBs of sport and local authorities. New swimming pool projects are also considered. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 with €86 million awarded to 33 different projects at that time.”
“As in previous rounds, grants were available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, national governing bodies, NGBs, and local authorities. Third level colleges, education and training boards, ETBs and schools could also apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations. Under CSFF 2023, applicants for local projects could apply for up to €200.000, which was increased from the previous maximum grant of €150,000. Maintenance equipment grants were capped at €40,000 and equipment grants of over €70,000 are only awarded in exceptional circumstances such as to NGBs. The maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance was increased from €300,000 to €500,000.”
“It resumed in 2012 with rounds in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2023. As the programme has evolved, increasing amounts have been made available to support new or improved facilities. Over 19,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.4 billion. These grants have directly improved sports facilities in every village, town and city and I have been fortunate, as have Members across the House, to see many of these for myself in our parishes since I was appointed Minister of State in recent months. The 2023 round of the CSFF received 3,211 applications and saw nearly €278 million allocated to 3,046 sports clubs and facilities, benefiting over 40 sports, as well as multisport facilities throughout the country.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an deis an t-eolas is deánaí a thabhairt don Teach faoi na pleananna forbartha atá againn don spórt agus táim ag súil le tuairimí na Dála a chloisteáil. I am glad to be here for these statements on investments in sport, a sector which is vital to our society both at local and national levels, and on the major sports events that Ireland hosts. The community sport facilities fund, CSFF, is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national levels. The fund aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and assists the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. The fund was previously known as the sports capital and equipment programme, which operated on an annual basis from 1998 to 2008.”
“It is a great joy to be here today as for the fourth time ever in our country's history we have an Irish holder of the yellow jersey. It will be hard to hold onto in the Tour de France, but it is wonderful to see. That is an event which we have seen in Ireland in the past. We are always open and willing to engage in relation to any opportunities that might arise in that regard. I thank the Senators for the opportunity to be here. I am always available to engage with them on an individual basis on queries and priorities they might have because all of them are passionate about sport and value the role sport plays in our lives, and indeed, the potential it has to play an even stronger role with all of us working together. I thank them for demonstrating that commitment today by having us attend.”
“Likewise, we have the Euro 2028 championship, which we will cohost with the UK, the cricket T20 championships, which we are also looking to cohost, and the Ryder Cup. We are always open and available to look at other opportunities. I join in the congratulations to Katie Taylor. It is great to see another fine and wonderful example of Irish sporting excellence.”
“Our Department is also involved in major events, which can enhance the offering of different sports and can be of significant economic, social and cultural benefit to the country, as well as from a political point of view as it can improve international relations. It can also be of real benefit in enhancing and encouraging further participation and excellence. Particularly through that and showcasing certain sports, there is the opportunity for participation, and indeed, to be able to avail of sports that we might not otherwise necessarily get the opportunity to see, such as the college classic game that will happen again this current summer, and an NFL game as well for the first time ever.”
“We want to get a full picture of that so that it can inform how we target and direct future sports capital or community sports facilities funding rounds. Senator Rabbitte spoke about the importance of access for people with disabilities. That needs to be intrinsic to what every sport does in order that they are accessible to all. It will continue to feature as a strong element in how we support clubs in their efforts to develop their facilities. We are also working with our national sporting bodies to make sure that disability access is core to their day-to-day work. Sport Ireland has appointed a new disability sport lead, Nora Stapleton, who is developing an approach for working with national governing bodies to ensure there is a key focus on accessibility for all.”
“It sets out a set of guidelines and principles that promotes the behaviour and conduct we expect from our athletes, coaches, supporters, officials, club members and parents or guardians. All national governing bodies were asked to use the national code of conduct template as an important opportunity to review their existing policies and procedures for handling code breaches to ensure we have a safe and respectful environment for all involved in Irish sport. The need for improved facilities was raised by a number of speakers. It will continue to be a key focus for the Government. We have asked Sport Ireland to work on identifying where the potential gaps are. Access to facilities can be patchy in different parts of the country and depending on the prevalence of different sports and access to them.”
“Our national governing bodies must now adopt Sport Ireland’s governance code for sport to avail of core funding. All of our national governing bodies are expected to demonstrate that they are fit for purpose and are compliant with key legal, governance, ethical, operational, risk management, taxation and fiduciary policies. That has been important in making sure that oversight is in place. It is ongoing work and we have seen a radical transformation in the governance of sport generally as a result of the approach that has been taken. Good governance should never be seen as an optional add-on or as a chore but rather as a vital part of a dynamic and enduring sports sector. Likewise, safeguarding is massively important. In August of 2023, Sport Ireland launched a new national code of conduct template for sporting organisations.”
“Senator Flaherty had a query about the next round of the community sports facility fund. We are looking at opening the fund to applications next spring and intend to have funding announcements by the end of next year. Generally, it is run in s two-year cycle. We have had two rounds of the large scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF, in 2019 and 2024. We hope to run the third round in a shorter timeframe than was the case for the first two. In the meantime, we will closely monitor the delivery of those projects that have been funded. If we can find additional funds, we will look at how we can support other projects. From a governance perspective, the establishment of Sport Ireland showed significant foresight and contributed significantly to the professionalisation of how sport is managed and delivered by our sporting bodies nationally.”
“Our national sports strategy, which was first delivered and published in 2018, committed to significantly increasing funding in sport over the life of the strategy, which runs until the end of 2027. That 80% increase has already been delivered. That funding is delivered mainly through Sport Ireland, which was established over 25 years ago, working closely with the national governing bodies, and also through the sports facilities fund and the large-scale sport infrastructure fund. Sport Ireland’s total funding is now up to €115 million, an increase of €54 million since 2018. Almost €270 million was allocated in the most recent round of the sports capital grant. This ensured that the applications of over 3,000 clubs for funding to develop their facilities were approved.”
“That is a tribute to the collective effort of everyone working together who has helped achieve that. What we have also seen over that time is a significant increase in participation and an increased appreciation of the importance of having sport and physical activity present in people’s lives. That, however, has put significant pressure on the need for facilities. Despite their much-improved facilities, there are very few sporting organisations that are not under pressure when it comes to space and capacity. That is something the Government is conscious of and supporting the further development of facilities is one of its key priorities. The Government has stepped up to the mark by providing additional funding.”
“It is invaluable and plays a massive role in communities and people’s well-being and health. It only happens because people at local level give of their time and commitment to make it happen. That, combined with the commitment of the Government and the organisation and professionalism provided by many of our national sporting bodies, delivers what is an important service to people and one that can enhance their lives. As a number of speakers said, we have seen that massively change and evolve over the last generation. I think we have only one person in the Oireachtas who is a post-millennium child so, as most of us will recognise, the facilities that most of the rest of us grew up with and experienced bear little resemblance to modern facilities.”
“I thank the Acting Chair and all the Senators for their contributions and their support for the role of sport in Irish society. I also thank them for providing the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, and me with the opportunity to address the Seanad. I acknowledge the presence in the Visitors Gallery of Mary O’Connor from the Federation of Irish Sport and thank her for the work her organisation does representing many of our national governing bodies. I want to touch on five key topics: funding, governance, safeguarding, facilities and major events. It is important to recognise, as all the Senators did, the massive role that sporting organisations and ordinary people play in making sport such an important part in all our lives. That is something the Government wants to support and something everyone in this House supports too.”
“I thank the Senators for their very clear message, their contributions and their articulation to the wider public of the importance of maintaining this service and of the understanding of that within the political system, including the Government. I also note the strong articulation to all who work in the post office network of how the service they provide is very valued. It must be valued by the Government in terms of the way we support them to be financially sustainable. Gabhaim míle buíochas leis na Seanadóirí. I look forward to continuing to work closely with all of them to ensure our network is supported throughout the country.”
“A protocol is in place regarding how An Post must engage with the Department of housing and heritage and the local authorities and under which they have the first call on any property. We have to see the buildings repurposed so that they continue to service the local communities in the way the post offices would have previously provided a key service to them. I met An Post this morning. I know the postmasters' union has been working closely with it. There is a very strong shared commitment to maximising the capacity of the postal network to provide services and, in terms of innovating, to making sure that An Post is at the forefront of developing new opportunities. That is something I have worked on with An Post and the postmasters' representatives.”
“As the post office service is very much at the centre of local communities, in some cases, the buildings in which these are housed have been at the centre of local communities. That is something I am conscious of. In recent times, we have seen some post offices move for co-location, which has worked very well for many postmasters and for the provision of services. However, we have to be very conscious that, where a transfer of location takes place within a town or village, particularly if the post office is in a heritage building, full consideration should be given to making sure the building stays at the heart of the community and remains part of community life.”
“There is a real willingness among postmasters and postal service staff to try to take every opportunity possible to see how they can be even more at the hub of service provision in local communities. That is something I certainly will be exploring to see what more is possible and what we can do in that space. We are also working on the technical pieces around the renewal of the three-year agreement, subject to state aid rules. This comes within the European Union state aid rules, so we are preparing the groundwork for that as we engage in the budgetary process regarding the final outcome. A few Senators mentioned post offices that are in heritage buildings and the importance of trying to maintain those.”
“Many Senators raised the renewal of the three-year agreement, which completes at the end of this year. That has delivered €10 million, for the first time, from the Government to support the post office network. I am committed to making sure we renew that and working to make sure it is as strong as possible. The postmasters' union has made a submission and an ask for €15 million. Obviously, the outcome is very much subject to budgetary negotiations, but I assure the union that I am working in every way possible to get the strongest possible outcome in that regard, and to get a renewal of that agreement that will see the post office network supported strongly by the State. I will also continue to work on and assess the opportunities to see how we can deliver and expand the services through the post office network.”
“I thank all the Senators for their contributions. The very large turnout of Senators, the fact so many are still present in the Chamber and the number who came in to contribute to this debate very much reflects the esteem in which the post office network is held, not just in the political system but in the minds of local communities. I also thank the Irish Postmasters' Union representatives for being here and for always strongly putting forward and advocating on behalf of the network and the role it can play. I assure them that in my role as Minister of State, I want to champion the post office network and make sure that it stays strong and vibrant. There are challenges. I want to work to support the post office network to address those to maintain post offices and keep them sustainable.”
“I welcome again the opportunity to engage with Seanadoirí today and to continue the work I am determined to lead out on, working and facilitating discussions between all parties, including An Post, postmasters and the Government, to ensure the post office network maintains a special role in our society. This is also the case to ensure we bring a conclusion, in as timely as fashion as possible, to the renewal of the three-year commitment, which will run out at the end of this year. We all recognise the importance of maintaining it and I commit to ensuring it is delivered. I look forward to working with all Senators in pushing it through and getting a good outcome in the budgetary process to make sure we continue to see strong post offices in every parish in the country. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. I look forward to the debate.”
“The public must also be encouraged to use the services available through the post office network to support their local post office and help ensure its future. Postmasters have a crucial role in the future of the network. I recognise and thank all postmasters and postal workers for their hard work, dedication, input and co-operation to date, and for their role in enabling the ongoing transformation of the network. Their support is needed as An Post seeks to win new business or bolster existing business and to explore opportunities to develop new or enhanced product lines.”
“Part of the strength of the post office brand, and one of its selling points, is that it reaches into all parts of our country. Equally, we must recognise that post offices are commercial entities and, as with any business, they need to continue to develop relevant commercial strategies to attract customers, drive footfall and generate growth. Supported by the Government, An Post must ensure its commercial viability and the continued fulfilment of its mandate to provide a mail delivery service and ensure a viable post office network. There can sometimes be a focus on the provision of particular services across the network or supports being put in place, but no one measure in isolation is going to provide the long-term sustainability of the network. All stakeholders will need to continue to work together.”
“Any support must, therefore, be utilised to allow time and space to enable new commercial initiatives and services to be developed. An Post fully understands the Government position, and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company. An Post has statutory responsibility for the post office network and, accordingly, it must actively explore opportunities to develop new or enhanced product lines for it. We want to have a sustainable post office network that is available to all of our citizens, both urban and rural, in the medium and long terms. The network is a core strength of An Post and the continued development of the network and its services is a vital component of its sustainability.”
“The programme for Government recognises this and commits to the Government partnering with An Post and local communities to identify and preserve heritage post office buildings that are no longer in operation. We have a protocol in place, working in the first instance with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to discuss possible options for buildings to which post offices may have been relocated, which we have seen instances of across the country recently. Equally, it is important to remember that this support aims to protect and nurture a sustainable and commercially viable post office network. It also aims to ensure access to important services across the post office network for citizens.”
“I am working with Government colleagues to secure future funding in line with this commitment and, in that regard, I await the outcome of the national development plan and budgetary processes. Pending the outcome of those processes, my officials will address the next steps in facilitating funding, namely, ensuring proper consideration of state aid provisions and ensuring an adequate legal basis for the payment of the funding. We should be aware that the Government support does not mean that all post offices will stay open, but it is our objective to make sure that, from a Government point of view, we do everything possible to maintain the footprint of post offices throughout the country.”
“As part of this commitment, the Government is currently providing An Post with €10 million in funding per annum over a three-year fixed term from 2023 to 2025. An Post disburses this funding across the post office network, with all contractor post offices benefiting from the Government funding, with the objective of securing the stability of the network. Over €25 million has been claimed for the network by An Post for the period from the start of 2023 until May last. In addition, the current programme for Government recognises the need to support Ireland's post office network. Under the programme, the Government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities.”
“Uncertainty regarding global trade is one of the many challenges facing the post office network, given that the network facilitates trade, and I am aware that postmasters are likely to be feeling the effects of this uncertainty. The network is undoubtedly also impacted by the continuing decline in mail volumes and the growth of digitalisation. It is not only nationally, but internationally, that mail and post office businesses are experiencing long-term structural challenges. Additionally, previous issues relating to the cost of living, in particular the effect of inflation and higher energy costs, have been felt by many small and medium enterprises, including the postmasters, and global events continue to cause challenges in this regard. The Government is committed to supporting Ireland's post office network.”
“I thank the Members for the invitation to speak on such an important topic. I welcome the postmasters’ representatives to the Visitors Gallery. As we know, the post office and postal network play an integral role in the economic life of our country and in facilitating delivery from SMEs and other businesses to consumers. However, I also recognise that post offices have an important social role, providing invaluable support for some of the most vulnerable in our society through the provision of social welfare payments, free postage to care homes and many other valuable services. The Department and the Government also recognise there are challenges regarding the network.”
“We will continue to use every option we have at domestic, EU and multilateral level to facilitate such an outcome. We look forward to continued dialogue with partners in the Middle East as we pursue this objective. I look forward to the continued co-operation of Members across this House in this pursuit and thank them for their contributions to this important debate this afternoon.”
“To do so, Iran will have to accept that its security lies not in threats and intimidation, but in positive relations with those around it and in negotiated solution to the concerns of many regarding its nuclear programme. Iran must embody that understanding in real changes to the course which has led it to its current isolation. If it does, we will be among the many states ready to engage positively with it. Ireland is committed to supporting dialogue to achieve diplomatic solutions for a lasting and sustainable peace across the Middle East. It is clear that military responses cannot bring lasting security to any of the conflicts that afflict the region. What is needed is sustained diplomacy and negotiation, with the support of the international community.”
“We must also recall the attack on the territory of Qatar by Iran even though the US military action on Iran did not originate there. Deputies will also be aware, as we have discussed many times, that there is a number of other concerns with Iran's policies which make better relations very difficult. These include internal repression, support for violent groups around the Middle East, support for radicalisation, attacks on Iranian exiles in Europe and significant assistance to Russia for its brutal and unjust war against Ukraine. There may be an opening now to reach a lasting solution to these issues. Iran has choices to make. The Iranian Government elected last year has said repeatedly that it wishes to reach less confrontational relations with its neighbours and the outside world.”
“We remain convinced that the implementation of the two-state solution is the only viable path to lasting security and a sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians and the wider region. Similarly, with regard to Iran, the recent conflict has certainly been a shock and a moment of real danger. Along with others, we used our voice to call for de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy and for both sides to step back from the brink. We are relieved that a ceasefire is now in place and that it continues to hold. Although both sides were targeting military objectives, many civilians were killed or injured in both Israel and Iran. Attacks on nuclear installations raised the spectre of the release of radiological material, although the IAEA has reported that this was ultimately limited to the sites in question.”
“When the rescheduled conference takes place, it will provide an important opportunity to advance discussions on concrete initiatives toward implementing this two-state solution. The importance of recognition of the State of Palestine and support for full UN membership for the State of Palestine is crucial for achieving a parity of esteem between Israel and Palestine, underpinning political pathways to peace and countering extremist narratives that serve to undermine these pathways. This is something Ireland knows from our own peace process. Our experience in Northern Ireland demonstrates that peacebuilding and conflict resolution work, if supported by political commitment at national and international level.”
“We need a permanent solution for peace and security for Israel and Palestine and the wider region. Ireland is also working at UN level on measures to push the dial forward. On the 12 June the UN General Assembly voted on a draft resolution that demands an immediate unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The vote took place during the tenth emergency special session of the UN General Assembly as part of the uniting for peace initiative. Ireland was proud to co-sponsor this resolution. Another shared priority with our European and regional partners at this time is the UN high-level international conference for a peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of a two-state solution. Regrettably, the conference has been postponed in response to recent developments in the region.”
“Our voices are always louder together, and the EU can play an important leadership role and must take action now. Pending an appropriate response at EU level, last week the Government approved the general scheme of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory Bill. The scheme delivers on the commitment in the programme for Government to progress legislation prohibiting the import of goods from the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, following the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion. The scheme has been referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for pre-legislative scrutiny and the first meeting on it was held yesterday. I thank Senator Frances Black for her continuing work on the issue. We need a ceasefire and a hostage release deal.”
“We are moving the dial. There must now be concrete options for follow-up action to the review, which will be discussed at this month Foreign Affairs Council. Ireland has consistently called for an adequate response at EU level to the July 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, notably as regards trade with Israeli settlements. Together with eight of our EU counterparts, the Tánaiste wrote to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on 19 June calling for the EU to undertake a detailed review of its compliance with the advisory opinion. This review will now be taken forward in parallel with the review of the association agreement. It is essential that the EU abides by its commitments under international law. Action at EU level is our preferred option.”
“We have paved the way for many of the policy advances we now see play out. At the Foreign Affairs Council in May, it was announced the EU will conduct a review of the association agreement with Israel. Ireland and Spain first called for such a review in February of last year. A clear majority of member states agreed on the need to send a strong signal to Israel to reverse course, halt its military operations and lift the blockade on life-saving aid. I welcome that the review of Israel's compliance with its obligation under Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement has now been finalised. It is clear from the review that Israel is in breach of its human rights obligations. This is a significant finding and the human rights Vice President of the Commission has said that she will communicate this clearly to Israel.”
“By mid-June, 93% of households also faced water insecurity, exacerbating public health risks. Israel must immediately lift its blockade and allow the full resumption of unimpeded humanitarian aid in line with humanitarian principles. Ireland has used every lever at our disposal to respond to this terrible conflict, and we are continuing to do so. At the Foreign Affairs Council last week, Ireland was not alone in wanting to keep the focus on Gaza and the West Bank amid the wider regional instabilities. The EU is united in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages and immediate unimpeded access to, and distribution of, humanitarian aid in Gaza. Ireland has been at the forefront of member state initiatives to press the EU to take further actions in the face of such appalling scenes.”
“Against this backdrop, Ireland's position has been clear and considered. We have not been afraid to use our voices and to take action. Over the past week the Tánaiste spoke with a number of his counterparts in the Middle East about the escalating hostilities. They all thanked Ireland for our consistent and principled position. Let me set out this position again. Ireland strongly condemns the continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza. We urgently need an end to hostilities and a permanent ceasefire. We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023. The taking of hostages is unconscionable and I call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages. A return to diplomatic talks is imperative. The entire population of Gaza is facing high levels of food insecurity. One in five faces famine.”
“The images we see from Gaza and the horrifying humanitarian situation are truly appalling. The trajectory of displacement and disenfranchisement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank is unfathomable. More than 56,000 people have been killed in Gaza. These are the ones whose deaths have been verified. Many more bodies lie beneath the rubble. Behind each number is an individual, a loved one, and a person who had ambitions, dreams, hopes and talents. I am also acutely aware of the situation in the West Bank. It is clear that Israeli authorities are taking measures designed to bring about the displacement of Palestinian communities. I am deeply concerned about the mass demolition of homes, buildings and infrastructure in camps across the West Bank. It marks the erosion of Palestinian life.”
“The Department of Health, the Department of education and the Department of further education have been working to ensure additional staff are trained to meet the needs. They have been seeking to recruit and there have been improvements over the past year to two years in regard to increasing the size of the team. There is significant demand that is not being met but the objective is to have more people coming through who can take up the positions and meet the needs. This is essential to affected children, and supports are essential to families. I thank the Deputy for raising this. I will ask the HSE to engage further.”
“Certainly, I will. Obviously, the parents have been through several challenges and the child has had a very difficult and challenging start to life. It is really important from the point of view of the State that the health service we provide be appropriate to the child's needs. It is important that incontinence pads be appropriate to and sufficient in number for the child to meet all his needs. I will certainly engage with the Minister for Health and her Department on this case and ask that it be fully considered and responded to. The Deputy raised the child development network therapies and teams. I am aware that there have been recruitment challenges in various parts of the country, including my county and the Deputy's. The challenge has primarily been the availability of therapists.”
“The scheme threshold is €80 per month. While there are no set limits on the quantity, the DPS claim must be supported by a valid prescription for the products. That outlines the policy, oversight and guidance. At the core should be appropriate care and supply for the individual. I will certainly take up the case with the Department and the Minister for Health following the Deputy's contribution.”
“Governance arrangements have been strengthened through the implementation of an integrated electronic management system to support the ordering, supply and distribution of incontinence wear products across all healthcare settings, including the home delivery service. The HSE advises that in circumstances where a person does not hold full eligibility, such as through a medical card or a long-term illness scheme card, reimbursement support for incontinence wear products is provided under the drugs payment scheme, DPS. This scheme provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances, including incontinence wear, exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.”
“The HSE advises that this is a person-centred delivery system which allows the individual or their carer to vary both the time of delivery and the amount of product delivered according to their specific needs. It is also possible to alter the location for a particular delivery should the need arise. The HSE also utilises the service provided by public health nurses and continence nurse advisers to assess individual patient needs to ensure the supply of incontinence wear products is appropriate. As part of the national service improvement programme for the community-funded schemes, the HSE has completed and implemented national guidelines in respect of incontinence wear products. These are published and are available on the HSE website.”
“The HSE provides a wide range of medical products and services under the community-funded schemes to eligible persons in accordance with the Health Act 1970, as amended. These are provided following assessment by a relevant health professional. The HSE oversees the provision and supply of incontinence wear products for eligible persons across the country. Provision is based on an appropriate clinical assessment and the determination of the most appropriate products that will meet the individual's needs. The provision of clinically appropriate incontinence wear products to eligible persons is administered within each health region under a national tender arrangement.”
“I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this matter. I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Health. I have the details and response on the guidelines and policy around incontinence pads. I will give the Deputy these as part of my response but I assure him that I will be following this case up further, on the back of his contribution, with the Department of Health and the HSE. The guidelines and policy are focused on the fact that the approach has to be person centred. It has to take into account the needs of the individual person, be it a child or adult, and has to be appropriate. I will certainly be taking this up following on from the Deputy's engagement on the floor of the Dáil this morning.”
“From the information I have, that is what happened regarding the proposals currently under consideration. The Deputy indicated they were at planning stage and there was an opportunity for people to participate and give their views in relation to that. It has come as a result of significant engagement, consideration and assessment as to the optimal approach to address the issues at Daly's roundabout. I will pass on the matter the Deputy raised today. It will continue to get significant consideration locally through the county council and local consultation process. I know the Deputy will stay actively involved in its consideration.”