Written Answers Nos. 182-187
182. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health to examine the inconsistencies and inequitable situation whereby the value of a person's house is assessed for three years only, but a farmer's land value is continued beyond three years under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16336/16]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. Participants' means are assessed on the basis of both their income and assets and in this context the principal private residence is assessed for a maximum of three years. There is no inequity or inconsistency here as this provision applies to all such residences, including those owned by farmers. In calculating contributions due, the Scheme does not differentiate between farms and other businesses. However, it is important to note that in specific circumstances, the farm or relevant business will, along with the principal private residence, be subject to the three year cap. These circumstances are as follows:
a. The applicant has suffered a sudden illness or disability which caused them to require care services; and
b. A substantial part of the working day of the applicant or their partner was regularly and consistently applied to the farming of the farm or carrying on of the relevant business until the onset of sudden illness or disability; and
c. A family successor certifies in writing that he or she will on a consistent and regular basis apply a substantial part of his or her working day to the farming of the farm or carrying on of the relevant business.
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. A number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. In advance of the Review, submissions were sought from groups or bodies who wished to make a contribution, and the Irish Farmers' Association made a submission in this context on which they expanded at a subsequent meeting with officials of the Department of Health.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners, and when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund. The Group will consider the submission already made by the Irish Farmers' Association.
The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to reviewing the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to remove any discrimination against small business and family farms. Any significant changes ultimately deemed necessary to the Scheme will require legislation and will accordingly be addressed together at the conclusion of the Review implementation process.
183. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the status of the much-needed primary care centre in Finglas, Dublin 11; and if he still has funding earmarked for it (details supplied). [16337/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
184. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will issue payment to a person (details supplied) under the agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16088/16]
View answerThe person named commenced their AEOS contract on 1 September 2010. Payment issued for the 2010-2014 Scheme years.
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 take place. As all AEOS 1 participants will be receiving their final payments under the scheme, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed. Officials are working through these files and payment will issue as soon as possible.
185. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine His plans to amend the statutory instrument that deals with the foal levy whereby this is payable in respect of a valuation placed on it by the owner of the stallion and not on the actual fee payable in these cases; if this is an equitable arrangement, given that there is no relationship between the levy and the stud fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16099/16]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The current Foal Levy, which was introduced in 2000 on a statutory basis, applies to all thoroughbred foals registered in Ireland. The Foal Levy is currently calculated, based on advertised value of the nomination fee of the stallion and with reference to SI 735 of 2011 which is the governing legislation.
The levy is collected by HRI, and I am advised that basing the levy on the actual amount paid in a private transaction between two parties would, at best, place a heavy administrative burden on collection system, and that there are significant questions as to the practicability of such an arrangement. Furthermore, I understand there is a significant volume of coverings for which no fee or a significantly reduced fee is paid. This is particularly the case at the top end of the market where foal shares are common.
HRI’s Foal Levy Committee reviews the rates, bands and structures of the levy on an annual basis and have also considered potential alternative methodologies to calculate the levy due. They have concluded that the current banded/tiered approach represents the most equitable and appropriate way of securing the vital funds needed for the breeding sector.
There is currently a very high compliance with the levy.
186. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of agricultural payments to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16153/16]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application on 31 March 2016. In 2015 the closing date for receipt of applications without penalty was 29 May. Under the Terms and Conditions of the BPS all applications received after 29 May were subject to a late penalty of 1% per working day with a 100% late penalty applied if received after 23 June.
On this basis the BPS application is the subject of a 100% penalty and accordingly not eligible for payment. However the application was accompanied by medical evidence requesting that the 100% late penalty be waived on medical grounds under force majeure. This appeal is currently being examined and an Official from my Department will shortly be in direct contact with the person named.
187. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will process and issue payments under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme 2; if he is aware that the delay is causing financial hardship and difficulties for families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16164/16]
View answerThe necessary IT development work is underway to enable applicants in the TAMS II Schemes who have completed works for which they were approved to make a payment claim.
I expect that payments will commence next month.
