I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, to the House.
Adjournment Matters
Genetically Modified Food
Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Tá sé an-ghnóthach faoi láthair ach táim buíoch de as teacht isteach leis an ábhar seo a phlé. Is dócha go léiríonn an neamhchinnteacht a bhaineann leis an rún seo nuair a chuir muid isteach é cén Aire a bheadh ag plé leis cuid den chúis a raibh muid ag iarraidh na ceiste seo a chur maidir le bia GM nó genetically modified food. When we tabled this motion, we were confused as to whom it should be sent as it is not clear which Department has the remit for GM food because it crosses a number of different ministries. We need greater clarity and a more focused approach to genetically modified organisms.
Sinn Féin is of the view that the island of Ireland should be designated a GM-free zone. Given the importance we place on agriculture, and in particular on the agrifood industry, the reasons for this should be clear. Farmers are deeply concerned at the possibility of growing GM foods, as they fear the effect it may have on their crops. It would be extremely difficult to allow genetically modified organisms in part of the country, as it is difficult to control the dispersal of seeds through the air and GM seeds could have adverse effects on crops around the country. We call on the Government to work closely with its counterpart in the North.
Last year European Parliament voted to ensure that GMOs can be banned on the territory of individual member states on the basis of environmental and socio-economic criteria. Although I would have preferred to see a total ban, incorporating more criteria, such as health, this is certainly a step in the right direction. All the evidence shows that EU citizens do not want GM crops, and Ireland's reputation for high-quality and sustainably-produced food should not be jeopardised by its potential inability to ban GM production legally on the island. We should ensure that we as a member state take that step and ensure that GM foods do not take hold here or do not damage our reputation as a hub for the agrifood and organic food industries, two key areas for our industry. While the role of the North's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in relation to genetic modification is limited to the enforcement of European law controlling the import of animal feed stuffs and seed certification, nonetheless it is positive that the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Michelle O'Neill, is opposed to the growing of GM crops on the island of Ireland. Her predecessor, Michelle Gildernew, had discussed the issue of making the island of Ireland a GM free zone with both the former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, and his then Minister of State, Trevor Sargent. Ms O'Neill will continue to raise this with issue with the Government.
While it may be the case that the EU has taken action on GM food and progress has been made, it is inadequate, however, and far more needs to be done before this country with its potential for high-quality food production decides to open itself up to GM. The facts are that there is little or no scientific evidence of the safety of GM food. Many questions remain to be answered. There is little or no evidence that GM crops increase agricultural productivity. Multinational corporations are attempting to control the entire food system by patenting GM seed. Those who propagate GM crops claim they do so to save the hungry poor of the world. This is a difficult contention to support. Certainly they are making a small number of people extremely wealthy, and building up a significant industry for themselves. There is enough international experience to show GM crops have not solved the problem of food supply and have the potential to damage other crops. Their promotion inhibits research into more traditional and natural solutions to the problems associated with crop growth, disease and wastage.
There has been speculation in the media that licences were being prepared for the trial cultivation of GM crops in this country. That is the nub of the question. Will the Minister clarify Government policy on GM foods and which Department is responsible? If licences have been issued, to whom have they been issued?
Responsibility for matters relating to genetically modified organisms is spread across a number of Departments, as Senator Ó Clochartaigh has pointed out. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has responsibility for policy matters in relation to the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment and the contained use of GMOs. The Department of Health has responsibility for ensuring the safety of genetically modified food and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responsible for regulating the seed of certain species for marketing and cultivation, regulating animal feed that contains or is derived from authorised GM crops, developing a national strategy to ensure the coexistence of authorised GM crops with other crops and authorisation and control of marketing of pesticides for use on crops, including GM crops. Our legislation takes account of the common EU framework for assessment and control of GMOs, by which Ireland in common with all EU member states is bound. EU legislation on GMOs has been in place since the early 1990s. The deliberate release of GMOs is subject to the requirements of EU Directive 2001/18/EC. Under this directive, a community authorisation procedure is in place enabling the competent authority of each member state to contribute to the authorisation process. The Environmental Protection Agency is Ireland's competent authority in this respect. No cultivation of genetically modified crops, either commercially or for trial purposes, takes place in Ireland. Across the EU, only a small number of GMOs are authorised for cultivation. These include two types of genetically modified maize, known as MON810 and T25. A potato that is genetically modified for the production of starch was approved for cultivation in 2010, predominantly for use in the Nordic paper industries.
Members of the House may be aware that Teagasc recently sought a licence from the Environmental Protection Agency to undertake a series of field trial studies involving genetically modified potatoes. The potatoes in question, which are not approved for general cultivation in the EU, are resistant to potato late blight disease. The intention of the trial is to determine the potential impact of this technology on Irish ecosystems. The application will be subject to the terms of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2003. In accordance with these regulations, any entity that wishes to carry out a field trial or planting of a GMO crop must seek approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, as the competent authority under the regulations. Any future applications to develop or plant genetically modified crops will be assessed by the agency on a case-by-case basis under the requirements of the governing EU and national legislation. The determination of the licence application is a matter solely for the agency. Neither I nor my Department has any role in the matter. We are precluded from involving ourselves in such applications.
That was a comprehensive reply.
As usual from the Minister.
I am sure it has satisfied the Senator fully.
Almost.
An bhfuil ceist beag ag an Seanadóir?
I would like to ask a specific ceist. Will the Minister outline the Government's position on genetically modified foods? Is it in favour of them or against them? Will the Government agree to work towards the introduction of an island-wide ban on genetically modified foods?
The policy of the Government is that it is against genetically modified foods. As I outlined in my reply, the Environmental Protection Agency assesses certain areas on a case-by-case basis. I refer to animal feeds, for example, or to a number of issues relating to potato blight. It is clear that for the most part, the policy of the Government is to oppose direct human consumption of genetically modified foods.
Pyrite Review Group
I will not use all of my time. I am seeking clarification on the progress the Government is making on the issue of pyrite. There is no need for me to speak about the issue in detail. It is heartbreaking to visit people who are affected by this issue because their houses are falling apart. I have seen numerous examples of that in recent years. The pyrite-related damage that is being done to buildings and people's homes, as a result of bad planning and bad regulation, is unquestionably one of the most tragic hangovers of the Celtic tiger years. I am happy to give the Government a chance to deal with the issue and live up to the commitments it made. I understand that the pyrite review group, which was established by the Government, is to report imminently. I would like the Minister to give the House an update on when those who are affected by this matter will get some clarity on the Government's intentions in this regard.
I thank the Senator for raising this issue. I agree with him that it is a serious matter for the householders involved. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is not liable for these issues, I decided to establish an independent panel to examine them because I felt we were obliged to see what we could do to help people. I asked the panel to complete its work as quickly as possible. All Oireachtas Members from the constituencies that are most affected by this problem, including Dublin North, Meath East, Meath West, Louth, Kildare North and Laoighis-Offaly, have been invited to attend a meeting next Tuesday at which the chairman of the panel and his colleagues on the panel will ask for views and discuss ideas on the basis of the experience they have built up with the industry and with householders. This is the final step in the process before the panel produces its report. While the panel has some continuing work to do, I expect the completion and publication of the report to take place in a matter of weeks. Perhaps the Senator will have an opportunity to debate this issue further arising from that.
I will speak briefly about the overall question of building control policy. Even before the issues relating to Priory Hall and other developments arose, I was concerned about the failure to provide for proper building control within the framework of enforcement regulations that have been drawn up. I intend to make changes to the technical guidance document of the building regulations, in relation to certification. They will be sent out for public consultation in the near future. I hope they will be seen as a robust response to the difficulties that householders have had with pyrite and as a result of lax standards. I attach a very high priority to consumer protection in the area of quality construction of new dwellings. I look forward to receiving the panel's comments on the importance of dealing with this important matter. Through no fault of their own, householders have gone through a very difficult time. I hope that with the help of the panel, we can come up with proposals and recommendations that will assist them as quickly as possible.
I thank the Minister for his response. I look forward to the meeting he mentioned. Like the residents, I have put my faith in the response of the Government on this issue. We are concerned that it seems to be dragging on a little while the problems of residents are getting worse. The cracks in many houses are getting bigger as the weeks go by. I had a frightening experience last week when I visited a house that was built seven or eight years ago, but the cracks only became apparent in the last few months. I visited another house that is in the same boat. It is frightening that these problems can develop at any time. I look forward to the meeting and to a comprehensive response on this issue from the Government, which will have to take action to force insurers or other responsible interests to pay up. These houses will have to be fixed. None of these home owners has any resources to do that.
I accept what the Senator has said. We are all on the same page in relation to this matter. We want to help people who, through no fault of their own, were dealt a severe blow when products of a certain quality unfortunately got into the construction system. The results of that are evident when one looks at the condition of houses. I am determined to assist in trying to solve the serious problems that face many residents. I look forward to having constructive discussions to the end in the next few weeks. I assure Senator Byrne that even though I had hoped to receive the report by 1 March, I suspect we might get a better result because we have had to wait an extra few weeks. We might be able to work with the insurance companies, which he mentioned, and the industry itself to devise a framework within which people can be helped.
Garda Deployment
I welcome the Minister to the House. I have tabled this Adjournment matter on foot of speculation in the community of Miltown Malbay that a change will be made to the rostering of gardaí in the area. The Minister is familiar with the area because he visited it in the past. Miltown Malbay has a population of between 2,500 and 3,000 people and services a significant hinterland. The population increases significantly during the summer months because, as it is in a coastal area, tourism is a significant industry in the town. The Garda district headquarters is based in Ennistymon, which is approximately ten miles from Miltown Malbay and has a population of approximately 1,000. Lahinch, which is between the two towns, can have a population of up to 10,000 during the summer months.
The biggest fear for the people of Miltown Malbay is that the new rostering system will mean that the two or three gardaí who are currently based at the Garda station in the town will be based at the station in Ennistymon. There is a concern that if the station remains open on a rota basis only, the valuable knowledge of the gardaí who are based in Miltown Malbay will be lost. I refer to their relationships with the community and their intelligence on the ground, for example. In such circumstances, Miltown Malbay would become a remote outpost of Ennistymon, with the squad car being sent down when there is an emergency. The people in the area are worried that there will be a reduction in the quality of the community policing service provided by the local gardaí and that the relationship between the local community and the gardaí who are based at Miltown Malbay Garda station will diminish. There is a fear that this development will lead to the eventual closure of the station. I accept that is speculation at this stage. I hope the Minister can reassure us in his reply.
The Minister for Justice and Equality has asked me to thank the Senator for raising the matter. As the House is aware he is away and unable to speak on the matter. However, it provides me with an opportunity to set out, on his behalf, the precise position on the subject.
The development of a new roster for members of the Garda Síochána is one of the targets set by the Garda Síochána under the Croke Park agreement. Before getting into any detail on the Garda roster it is important to set out the context. The Croke Park agreement was put in place as part of a strategic response to an economic crisis. The agreement plays a key role in reform across the public service. The programme includes the reform of structures, operations and processes. Another key part of the Government's plan for reform is the reduction in numbers across the public service. This means that the Garda Síochána, like every other public sector body, will have to manage with reduced resources. The Garda Commissioner has reviewed, and will continue to review, all aspects of policing, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations.
One of the actions listed by the Garda Síochána was the development of a new roster. The Garda Commissioner has committed to roll out nationwide, on a pilot basis, the new roster at the end of April 2012. The aim of the new roster will be to match the varying policing demands across the country with the availability of resources. It will also improve the work life balance for members who have to work irregular hours on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis. The new roster will be more flexible and is aimed at having more gardaí on duty when the demand is greater. The new roster will enable Garda management to make more efficient use of available resources.
With the implementation of the pilot roster, Garda management will continue to closely monitor the allocation of resources, taking account of transfers and retirements, crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a district, divisional and regional level. The Clare Garda division will be subject to this same level of monitoring. The principal purpose of such monitoring is to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The Minister has asked me to assure the Senator that it will remain a priority for the Government to maintain front-line services at the highest level possible.
It is important for the House to realise that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel and that the Minister has no direct role in that matter. In this regard, the Commissioner has informed us that on 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of Clare Garda division was 296, with 33 assigned to the Ennistymon district. Three of these members are assigned to Miltown Malbay Garda station.
Reductions in numbers, whether in the Garda Síochána or elsewhere in the public sector, must be accompanied by reform and the new roster system will form part of the reform. New efficiencies must be introduced in order that, even with reduced staffing levels, the best possible service continues to be provided for the public. That need for efficiency is what underlies the development of a new roster.
The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of the Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service for the community. This will mean continuing to promote reform and introduce efficiencies, and the Commissioner will have the full support of the Minister in this regard. I am confident that the Garda will continue to maintain the confidence of the public and operate successfully as it has done so effectively since the foundation of the State.
That was a comprehensive response.
Absolutely. I thank the Minister for the reply. We will all support the Garda Commissioner in ensuring the greatest use is made of Garda resources and that it is done in the most efficient manner possible. That gardaí should be based in a station in Miltown Malbay as opposed to Ennistymon is cost neutral. No money would be saved by moving the three gardaí to a different Garda station as I am sure the Garda authorities realise. I look forward to the Garda Síochána engaging with the community in Miltown Malbay to ensure it brings the people of the community with it in regard to any proposed changes which I hope will be unanimously agreed. I hope there will be a meeting of minds on the matter.
Ambulance Service
I thank the Minister, Deputy Hogan, for coming to the House to take this Adjournment matter, although it does not come within his remit, on behalf of the Minister for Health.
Under the new model of the ambulance service the Health Service Executive wants to move to 24 hour on-duty cover with a view to eliminating the on-call duty. The Minister is familiar with the area being a regular visitor to Kerry and will know the Iveragh Peninsula and the Dingle Peninsula. The new proposed model has its merits and will work well in the midlands and areas where there are other stations around it.
In areas such as the Iveragh and Dingle peninsulas, where the next parish to the west is America, the model will not work well. The golden hour theory will go out the window because if the ambulance has left the Iveragh Peninsula or Dingle Peninsula it will take at least an hour to get the ambulance back again and another hour back to the hospital. Given the topography and the geographical lay out of the terrain which is vast it would take time to get an ambulance to the area. The present arrangement works well with 24 hour service either on-call or on-duty. The people have a service and know that if there are instances of cardiac arrest or stroke, there are people on the doorstep who will be available to help them. The people in those peninsulas have as much right to life as anybody else. We are continuously accused of killing off rural areas. I say, do not kill the people with it. An exception should be made for peninsulas because there is nowhere to go. The nearest ambulance service for a person in Waterville will be in the Killarney or Kenmare areas, almost 80 km away. There is no way an ambulance with get to the area on time in the event of a second mishap. Perhaps the Minister will have good news to the effect that the HSE is willing to look again at the Iveragh and Dingle peninsulas with a view to allowing a continuation of the present arrangement.
I am taking the Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly.
The HSE has confirmed that services are not being diminished in Iveragh or Dingle. However, traditional work practices within the National Ambulance Service are changing, as stations move from on-call to on-duty status.
Being on-duty means our highly trained paramedic crews are in ambulance stations and vehicles to respond to calls, rather than being called out to stations, which is inevitably slower in responding to emergency calls. It also means resources can be deployed dynamically, based on need and demand patterns, not location, producing more flexibility and responsiveness and giving better response times for people in Kerry and a better service.
Under the new system, Caherciveen will have 24 hour on-duty cover. Paramedics will be present at all times, with an on-duty ambulance during the day and an on-duty rapid response vehicle at night. With dynamic delivery, an on-duty emergency ambulance will be available from within the region as required.
I note that ambulance staff sought to eliminate on-call working, that it has been reduced from 44 to 16 hours a week and that this will continue as part of the improvement of regional services and response times. The HSE and unions are committed to ongoing discussions with staff on implementing the proposals, including Caherciveen and Dingle.
In phase 1 of the proposals, east Cork stations with night time on-call will move to on-duty 24/7, 365 days a year. The more rural stations, such as Castletownbere, Kenmare, Bantry, Skibbereen, and Caherciveen, are next, with the service evaluated after each phase. As Dingle will be considered in phase 3, no decisions have yet been made. With the unique geography of the peninsulas, they will continue to be serviced primarily by emergency ambulance, with an emphasis on on-duty rather than on-call arrangements. In the event of the ambulance being away from the area for a period, existing resources, either rapid response cars or emergency ambulances, will be dynamically deployed close to or on the peninsula to maintain an emergency response. Finalising the proposal depends on the work practice process, the national service plan and realignment of existing HSE resources to support reconfiguration of ambulance services in Cork and Kerry.
Current evidence suggests patient outcomes can be improved by better treatment and stabilisation at the scene, followed by ongoing treatment and transport to the most appropriate centre, even if it means longer transport times. Having an on-duty service enables a modern emergency response service, with paramedics, advanced paramedics, community first responders and GP out-of-hour services working together to respond to emergencies. This is consistent with international best practice and will ensure compliance with HIQA response standards. On-duty rostering is one of several service enhancements. Others include improved arrangements for control and despatch, practitioner deployment and inter-hospital transfers, all of which will allow the national ambulance service to provide a better, safer, more comprehensive and efficient emergency service for the people of Caherciveen and the Kerry region as a whole.
Is the Senator fully satisfied?
No. We had a meeting several months ago with representatives of the ambulance service and the HSE and received the same reply, word for word. We asked them to go away and review the situation and come back to us with proposals on how they would provide a service on the peninsulas. We do not believe this service will work in those areas, although I am not saying it will not work in the rest of the country. As I said, it has its merits. However, in these areas it will not work owing to the layout of the land. The ambulance service and the HSE were to come back to us on the issue, but we have heard nothing since. I am a little disappointed that they do not intend to review it or make any changes to the service. As such, I will continue to pursue the matter with the Minister. I will not give up at this stage.
The Seanad adjourned at 4.35 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 27 March 2012.