Written Answers Nos 194-213
194. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of leases with upward only rent clauses, that were in place for agencies under his Department at the start of 2011; and the number of such leases currently in operation. [6169/13]
View answerWith reference to the State Bodies that fall under my Department’s remit, decisions relating to property leases are an operational matter for the state bodies themselves. My Department does not record such information nor is it required to do so.
195. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will set out his policy on sea lice controls; if he will address the concerns raised by the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers that there is a significant threat, to the health of wild fish, on account of sea lice emanating from the massive industrial fish farms he plans to locate off the west coast of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6239/13]
View answerMy Department’s policy on sea lice controls is strictly evidence based.
The control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:
- The inspection regime is totally independent of the industry.
- Data obtained as a result of inspections is published.
- Treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.
The controls in operation are regarded by the EU Commission as representing best practice internationally.
Applications for licences for the cultivation of finfish are assessed by my Department under the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Foreshore Act 1933 as amended.
The legislation provides for extensive consultation with stakeholders including Inland Fisheries Ireland which has responsibility for wild salmon stocks. The legislation also provides for a period of general public consultation. All observations received are given the fullest consideration by my Department.
196. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an agri environment options scheme payment for 2012 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6241/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payments totalling €476.63 and €2,844.00 issued in respect of 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks for 2012 issues were identified in relation to the claimed areas on the Natura Commonage action. Officials in my Department are finalising the application of the person named with the intention of issuing payment as soon as possible.
197. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration being given to the development of onshore coastal fish farms; if he considers such fish farms to be inherently less environmentally harmful than offshore fish farms; the evidence he relies on in arriving at his position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6242/13]
View answerApplications for licences in respect of aquaculture developments are assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997. All such applications are assessed by my Department and its technical and scientific advisors having regard to the details of the application and any issues raised under the statutory and public consultation phases of the application process. All observations received from stakeholders are given the fullest consideration by my Department.
198. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his policy on sea lice controls compares with those in existence in other countries which engage in fish farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6243/13]
View answerMy Department’s policy on sea lice controls is strictly evidence based.
The control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:
- The inspection regime is totally independent of the industry.
- Data obtained as a result of inspections is published.
- Treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.
The controls in operation are regarded by the EU Commission as representing best practice internationally.
199. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any retired public sector workers from his Department, or any other part of the public sector, currently on his Department's payroll, for example, for sitting on a committee or preparing a report, but not exclusively these two areas; the number on the payroll; the cost to his Department; the services being delivered for this money; and the way that the positions were originally advertised. [6258/13]
View answerOne Assistant Secretary General was re-engaged by my Department on a contract basis which is due to expire 28 June 2013. His current contract, which will expire at the end of the EU Presidency, involves a total cost of €63,553.50. This is calculated at half the rate of the normal Assistant Secretary General salary. His duties involve policy matters relating to the meat and dairy sectors including EU Presidency related functions.
A retired Principal Officer has been re-engaged for a single limited period contract to work on specific matters related to the Irish Presidency of the EU. The cost from October 2012 to date is €3,557.64.
One Senior Research Officer who retired on 29 February 2012 is currently engaged on a contract for services basis for a limited period carrying out replacement SRO work. His contract is due to expire on 1 March 2013 and will not be renewed. Since his engagement on 12 March 2012 the cost to my Department was €34,956.73.
In addition, one Clerical Officer recruited by the Public Appointment Service is in receipt of a Public Service pension. The annual cost to my Department in this case is €21,283.
Normal pension abatement rules have been applied in these cases.
200. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has concerns that the plans to sell Coillte's harvesting rights, to private commercial interests, will lead to the imposition of restrictions on access to forests on the part of the private owners, and in view of the fact that the open access policy operated under Coillte's management may conflict with their aim of maximising return on investment. [6285/13]
View answerFurther to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA have been actively engaged in recent months with Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets.
The process is at an advanced stage and, aside from the identification and valuation of the forestry assets, a number of issues have been identified in relation to the possible harvesting rights concession. Public access to recreational land is one of the issues so identified. I am aware that Coillte provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing the long tradition of open access to the State owned forests and land. All of the issues, and the measures, if necessary, to address them, require detailed consideration. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion and no decision has been taken, as yet.
201. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of a disadvantaged areas payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6298/13]
View answerUnder 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, eligible applicants are required to have met a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a retention period of six consecutive months, in addition to maintaining an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the scheme year.
While the holding of the person named was confirmed as having satisfied the twelve-month average, it did not satisfy the six month minimum requirement. Therefore, unfortunately, no payment is due to the person named under the 2012 Scheme.
202. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money held on deposit or in short-term bank investments by each Government or State agency or body under his Department's remit; the rate of interest at which the deposits are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6328/13]
View answerThe following are details of the monies held in accounts by the non-commercial State bodies under the aegis of the Department. The statement reflects the position as returned to the Department of Finance in January 2013.
|
State Bodies |
Deposit @ 31/12/12 |
Rate of Interest on Deposit |
|
Teagasc |
€25.4m Interest Bearing A/Cs €1.4m Current A/C /Cash €26.8m Total |
Range 0.20% - 4.56% 0% |
|
Bord Bia |
€3.5m Interest Bearing A/Cs €1.7m Current A/C €5.2m Total |
Range 1.7% - 1.5% 0% |
|
Marine Institute |
€0.6m Interest Bearing A/C €0.8m Current A/C €1.4m Total |
0.05% 0% |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
€0.5m Interest Bearing A/C €0.5m Current A/C €1.0m Total |
0.75% 0% |
|
National Milk Agency |
€1.0m Interest Bearing A/C €1.0m Total |
2.25% |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
€3.0m Interest Bearing A/C €3.0m Total |
0.75% |
|
Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board |
Nil |
- |
The above amounts are reflective of the wide and varying range of activities of the bodies concerned. The funds will be used to meet a combination of working capital, accrued liability and, where relevant, capital needs and it is a matter for the management of each body to decide on what banking arrangements is best suited to their respective corporate needs. In the case of Teagasc, the funds on deposit relate primarily to external research funding (€15m) that was advanced to Teagasc by research funders under competitive Calls for Proposals in order to fund national and EU research projects in the agriculture and food sector. The remaining funding (€10.4m) is allocated to various capital projects to provide new research and education facilities at various locations throughout the country and to upgrade existing Teagasc buildings. The funding will be spent as costs are incurred.
203. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal to the disadvantaged areas appeals committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6347/13]
View answerThe appeal of the person named has been forwarded to the DAS Appeals Committee for consideration; when that Committee has adjudicated on this appeal, the person concerned will be notified of its decision, in writing.
204. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost to the State, per annum, for a child in foster placement with a family, including weekly-monthly payments to the family, plus ancillary costs. [6214/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
205. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the per capita funding paid to foster agencies by the Health Service Executive has been reduced by 33%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6215/13]
View answerMy Department has sought the information requested by the Deputy from the HSE and I will provide the Deputy with the information as soon as it becomes available.
206. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are any retired public sector workers from her Department, or any other part of the public sector, currently on her Department's payroll, for example, for sitting on a committee or preparing a report, but not exclusively these two areas; the number on the payroll; the cost to her Department; the services being delivered for this money; and the way that the positions were originally advertised. [6260/13]
View answerThe only retired public servants on the payroll of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs are two civilian drivers whose positions are coterminous with my position as Minister. The drivers work on a week on/week off basis to drive my private car on official business. Each driver receives €631.75 per week in respect of these duties.
207. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of money held on deposit or in short-term bank investments by each Government or State agency or body under her Department's remit; the rate of interest at which the deposits are held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6330/13]
View answerThere are no funds held in reserve by my Department in commercial bank deposit accounts or in short term bank investments.
The statutory agencies under the remit of my Department include the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the Family Support Agency, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the National Educational Welfare Board. The banking facilities used by these bodies are an internal operational matter for each organisation and they have been individually requested to furnish the information directly to the Deputy.
208. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the amount spent in 2012 to provide transport for patients travelling from Kerry to Corks hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6218/13]
View answerIn general, people with outpatient and hospital appointments are expected to make their own travel arrangements, using private or scheduled public transport. The exceptions are for dialysis, cancer (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) and post-operative transplant patients, where transport may be provided. In these cases, the patient's appointment or treatment should be directly related to the condition. Transport may also be provided where, in the clinician's view, the patient would be unable to make the journey without clinical assistance or where the patient must be transported on a stretcher.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
209. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a personal assistant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6100/13]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
210. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an appointment to see a consultant in Dublin will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6102/13]
View answerUntil recently, there was no standardised collection of outpatient waiting list data, which meant that the scale of the issue was unmeasured and consequently no special action was taken to address it. This Government is changing that. The Special Delivery Unit is now dealing with the issue of outpatient waiting lists on my instruction, with the assistance of the NTPF.
Work has commenced on the systematic and automatic collection of waiting time data at an individual patient level, in a standardised format, from all hospitals providing an outpatient service. This will be the first time that such detailed data will be available at a national level from all hospitals. The collection and analysis of outpatient waiting time data will allow the SDU and the NTPF to address issues at regional, hospital, speciality and consultant levels. The Special Delivery Unit and NTPF recently published the first set of validated outpatient waiting time data, on www.ptr.ie. Published data is broken down by region and by hospital.
The target maximum waiting time for a first outpatient appointment in 2013 is that no patient should be waiting more than 12 months by the end of November. Hospitals will be held responsible and accountable for ensuring that patients are seen in outpatient departments within this maximum waiting time. The Special Delivery Unit and the NTPF will assist hospitals in targeting their resources towards those patients who are waiting longest and ensure that they are seen, assessed and appropriately treated. In parallel with reducing the numbers of those waiting longest, the Special Delivery Unit will also commence work with the HSE Clinical Programmes to reform the structure, organisation and delivery of outpatient services to ensure that the right patient is seen by the right health professional at the right time.
The goal of the measures outlined above is to improve access by implementing an Outpatient Service Performance Improvement Programme that will underpin a radical transformation of how outpatient services are delivered in Ireland.
I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the HSE, who will respond directly to the Deputy in relation the particular case referred to the Deputy's question.
211. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if there will be demographic funding available this year; if so, the amount of money that has been budgeted to provide such funding; if so, the amount that will be provided per applicant; the expected number of people who will require demographic funding this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6103/13]
View answerDemographic pressures will unavoidably affect the provision of health services in 2013. The population of Ireland has grown very rapidly in recent years, and the 2011 Census confirms a continuation of this trend, though at a more moderate pace. Furthermore, the distribution of the population across age groups is also changing with numbers in the older age groups growing in absolute terms but also representing a higher proportion of the total population. At the other end of the age spectrum, Ireland has experienced high rates of fertility by EU standards for many years and this continues to be the case.
The Governments acknowledges the financial pressures caused by changing demography, and €90m has been allocated in the current year to mitigate the effect of these pressures within the health sector. This will be applied against a range of cost pressures which are detailed in Appendix 1 of the HSE's National Service Plan 2013 which is available on their website.
212. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if he or the Health Service Executive provide any grant assistance to persons with severe disabilities who require a mobility scooter in order to lead an independent life as much as possible; if he will provide the relevant details of any scheme which the aforementioned persons could avail of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6115/13]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
213. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to support and or training programmes available, either wholly or partially, under the authority of his Department that assist persons with high functioning autism spectrum disorders to transition to supported employment once they reach age 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6133/13]
View answerThe HSE, through its Occupational Guidance Service, works with schools, service providers, service users and families to identify the training needs of people with disabilities. The Occupational Guidance Officer provides one to one advice, support and guidance to enable individuals with a disability aged 16 to 65 years, including those with high functioning autism, to make an informed choice about their rehabilitative training and occupational options. The provision of work-related training is the responsibility of SOLAS and the Department of Education and Skills, while life-skills training and general day services are provided by the HSE.
The aim is to address the needs of individuals in one or more of the following ways:
- health-funded rehabilitative training;
- health-funded day services;
- SOLAS-funded vocational training; and
- and extension to education placement for a specified time.
The plan for each individual is dependent on:
- final decisions by service users where more than one service model may be considered;
- approval, if requested, to extend current educational placements; and
- capacity of providers to make best use of available resources.
Rehabilitative training is designed to equip participants with the basic personal, social and work-related skills that will enable them to progress to greater levels of independence and integration in the community. There are currently 98 people with high functioning autism attending RT programmes - 60 are aged 23 or under. Providers of RT programmes for people with autism include the National Learning Network, Tusicint, Kite and Advocates for Personal Potential.
An additional €4 million demographic funding has been allocated to the HSE in 2013 to address the needs of young people with disabilities who are due to leave school this year.
