Written Answers Nos. 147-176
147. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount of additional funding (details supplied) that has been allocated to section 38, 39 and private not-for-profit disability services; the amount of this funding that has been allocated to HSE managed and run disability services and private for profit disability agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37911/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
148. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a newly purchased dental X-Ray machine for Merlin Park Hospital will be fully operational; if there is an issue with the staffing of two orthodontist posts; and the reason there are ongoing delays in orthodontic treatments at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway. [37913/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
149. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will examine and expedite orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied) who has been on the waiting list for three years at Merlin Park Hospital. [37914/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 618 of 15 November 2016, the reason the HSE’s legal advisers drafted this memo in the first instance; the person or body that sought this advice; the person or body that approved its issuing; the rationale behind this information being requested from the HSE’s legal advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37952/16]
View answerAs the Deputy knows, I have made my own views on the memo in question clear and I am pleased that the HSE has apologised and confirmed that the memo does not reflect the policy of the HSE. It is not in accordance with the HSE's espoused values of care, compassion and trust. It was written as legal advice and should never have been circulated at hospital and staff level.
In relation to the specific queries you have raised, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
151. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the circumstances surrounding an incident (details supplied) which took place in County Longford on 11 November 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37959/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
152. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when a decision is expected on the drug respreeza zemaira; the status of the assessment by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics; the outcome when the compassionate use of the drug to patients runs out at the end of December 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37989/16]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In reaching its decision, the HSE examines all the evidence which may be relevant in its view for the decision (including the information /dossier submitted by the Company) and will take into account such expert opinions and recommendations which may have been sought by the HSE at its sole discretion (for example, from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics).
In considering an application, the HSE will also have regard to Part 1 and Part 3 of Schedule 3 of the 2013 Act. Part 3 requires the HSE to have regard to the following criteria:
1. the health needs of the public;
2. the cost-effectiveness of meeting health needs by supplying the item concerned rather than providing other health services;
3. the availability and suitability of items for supply or reimbursement;
4. the proposed costs, benefits and risks of the item or listed item relative to therapeutically similar items or listed items provided in other health service settings and the level of certainty in relation to the evidence of those costs, benefits and risks;
5. the potential or actual budget impact of the item or listed item;
6. the clinical need for the item or listed item;
7. the appropriate level of clinical supervision required in relation to the item to ensure patient safety;
8. the efficacy (performance in trial), effectiveness (performance in real situations) and added therapeutic benefit against existing standards of treatment (how much better it treats a condition than existing therapies); and
9. the resources available to the HSE.
I am informed that the HSE received a request and economic dossier from the manufacturer of Respreeza for maintenance treatment of emphysema in adults with documented severe alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency.
In June of this year the HSE asked the NCPE to carry out a health technology assessment on the cost effectiveness of this treatment. This assessment is still on-going. Once the assessment is completed, a summary report will be published on the NCPE website.
The HSE will then consider the NCPE assessment, and other expert advice, as part of its decision-making process for reimbursement. This decision will be made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE in line with the 2013 Act.
In relation to compassionate access schemes, I have previously asked manufacturers to show compassion and to maintain access compassionate access schemes for patients during the assessment process by the HSE and this remains the position. However, the operation of compassionate access schemes is at the discretion of manufacturers.
153. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38003/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
154. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding medicinal cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38008/16]
View answerMy Department is aware that cannabis for medicinal use has been legalised in some countries and that there have been several studies internationally on the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids for a number of medical issues.
Cannabis-based preparations are strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts. However, it is open for an Irish registered doctor to apply for a licence for such preparations for an individual, named-patient. Such applications will be considered on a case by case basis. The appropriateness of any particular treatment is a matter between the patient and their doctor.
Since becoming Minister for Health I have met with a number of patients and carers who believe that cannabis should be a treatment option for their medical condition.
I understand the concern of these and many other people who believe that cannabis should be a treatment option for certain medical conditions and I recognise the urgency and constant worry felt by patients with very distressing illnesses. As a result I am committed to urgently reviewing Ireland’s policy on medicinal cannabis.
I recently asked the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to examine the issue of permitting the use of cannabis-based products for medical purposes in Ireland. The HPRA’s statutory role is to protect and enhance human health by regulating medicines and other health products and it has the necessary clinical and scientific expertise to provide advice on this issue.
Separately the Oireachtas Health Committee has now also begun to examine the issue of medicinal cannabis.
I hope to receive the report from the HPRA and the output from the Oireachtas Health Committee early in the New Year and I will then be in a position to consider future policy and progress any legislative changes that may be recommended.
155. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38009/16]
View answerIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
156. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38068/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
157. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his plans to continue the process of dismantling the HSE and evolving it into a health commission in view of the programme for Government commitment in this regard. [34869/16]
View answerThe health service is currently embarked on a major programme of change. Over the last number of years, seven Hospital Groups have been created (with approximately six to eleven hospitals in each group) and nine Community Health Organisations have been established which manage primary, community and social care services.
Work is progressing on these new entities which will lead over time to a decentralisation of decision making, initially on an administrative basis. As well as representing major building blocks for universal healthcare, they comprise important initiatives in their own right with the potential to drive performance improvement and deliver significant benefits in terms of timely access to high quality care.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the continued restructuring of the HSE stating “We will continue the process of dismantling the HSE, evolving it into a Health Commission”. However, as I have previously stated, I do not intend to pursue further structural reforms while the work of the Committee on the Future of Healthcare is ongoing. The Committee has been tasked with developing a long-term vision and strategy for our health services and provides us with a real opportunity to achieve a sustainable political consensus on the future direction of Irish healthcare. I look forward to the outcome of the Committee’s deliberations early next year.
158. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the fluoridation of the water supply; if this will be reviewed at any point in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32060/16]
View answerWater fluoridation is the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental decay. The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. In 2002 the Forum on Fluoridation, which was established to review this policy, concluded that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. More recently, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population was conducted by the Health Research Board (HRB) on behalf of the Department. This review was published by the HRB in June 2015. The HRB found no definitive evidence that community water fluoridation is associated with negative health effects. A research project "Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth" (FACCT) is being conducted by UCC and supported by the HSE. Preliminary results indicate that children's oral health has been improving, fluoridated communities have lower levels of dental caries.
The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects on health and related matters. It advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, is a safe and effective method of protecting the oral health of the population.
159. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the Misuse of Drugs Act in order that the Garda can begin acting upon it accordingly, in relation to street dealing of tablets. [34823/16]
View answerThe Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2016 was passed by the Oireachtas on the 27th July 2016. The primary purpose of the Act is to protect public health by bringing certain substances which are open to misuse and known to be traded on the illicit market under the scope of the Misuse of Drugs legislation, thereby aiding the law enforcement activities of An Garda Síochána. These include so-called z-drugs - zopiclone and zaleplon.
The Act also controls the benzodiazepine phenazepam and a number of new psychoactive substances which Ireland is required to control under our EU and UN obligations, as well as two substances found in the headshop drug ‘Clockwork Orange’.
Controlling the substances in the Act was part one of a two-step process. Regulations and various Orders are also required to allow legitimate users (e.g. patients with a prescription, health professionals) to possess the substances. Four associated SIs are required to be made concurrently. Drafting of these Regulations and Orders is complex and technical in nature, involving significant consultation with State Agencies, but is at an advanced stage. Various sections of the Act will be commenced when the associated regulations are ready and this should happen in the coming weeks.
160. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason that a person with multiple sclerosis and diabetes can hold a long-term illness card for life but a person with a long-term mental health diagnosis such as schizophrenia is ineligible for the same card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37771/16]
View answerThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 prescribing the 16 conditions that are covered by the LTI Scheme: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme.
161. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the way in which Ireland is ranked in relation to OECD countries in relation to overall spending in health both public and private and Ireland's ranking for the public funding of health spending in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37772/16]
View answerBased on the most recent OECD estimates which refer to 2015 health expenditure, Ireland is ranked fifth highest among the EU 28 countries regarding total (public and private) spending per capita, at €3,922 per capita (adjusted for purchasing power parity) in 2015.
With regard to public spending on health care, the OECD estimates rank Ireland seventh among the EU 28 countries, at €2,713 per capita (adjusted for purchasing power parity) in 2015.
Data for 2015 are based on the OECD's own estimates and should be considered provisional.
162. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the targets that will be in the 2017 HSE Service Plan for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service teams staff levels in CHO 7 to bring them closer to the target set in A Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38049/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
163. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received the Teagasc report in respect of the tillage sector for 2016; if so, the number of hectares sown in 2015 and 2016, by county, in tabular form; and the total combined yield of grain tonnage for 2015 and 2016. [37789/16]
View answerThe Teagasc Final Harvest report for 2016 which my Department has just received estimates that the overall production of cereals for 2016 was a little over 2.2 million tonnes combined, down from a record 2.6 million tonnes in 2015. The report also estimates that the total cereal area sown fell by 4.9% in 2016, compared to 2015.
The table sets out on a county basis, the number of tillage hectares sown in 2015 and 2016, based on crop area declared under the Basic Payment Scheme. The Teagasc Report does not include information at this level.
|
COUNTY |
No. of hectares 2015 |
No. of hectares 2016 |
|
CARLOW |
19456.36 |
19379.58 |
|
CAVAN |
290.59 |
1018.58 |
|
CLARE |
124.46 |
414.07 |
|
CORK |
50061.63 |
49093.48 |
|
DONEGAL |
6628.15 |
6409.46 |
|
DUBLIN |
18021.52 |
18178.14 |
|
GALWAY |
4803.92 |
5828.85 |
|
KERRY |
2313.32 |
2390.81 |
|
KILDARE |
30916.417 |
31203.377 |
|
KILKENNY |
18186.33 |
17603.73 |
|
LAOIS |
18042.7 |
18031.89 |
|
LEITRIM |
28.64 |
211.53 |
|
LIMERICK |
1549.19 |
1627.13 |
|
LONGFORD |
448.73 |
943.99 |
|
LOUTH |
22428.06 |
22544.45 |
|
MAYO |
352.29 |
901.92 |
|
MEATH |
35815 |
35131.82 |
|
MONAGHAN |
506.04 |
631.52 |
|
OFFALY |
11172.971 |
11443.14 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
1002.08 |
1719.5 |
|
SLIGO |
141.76 |
313.91 |
|
TIPPERARY |
24534.878 |
24519.35 |
|
WATERFORD |
8967.55 |
8478.88 |
|
WESTMEATH |
6416.267 |
6683.667 |
|
WEXFORD |
55626.402 |
54858.88 |
|
WICKLOW |
11393.62 |
11215.97 |
|
Total |
349229.80 |
350777.624 |
164. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when applications will be accepted from tillage farmers for the TAMS II scheme. [37791/16]
View answerIt is anticipated that the Tillage Measure under TAMS II will be launched shortly and that the measure will be open for on-line applications from tillage farmers once launched.
165. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37810/16]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2016 Transfer of Entitlements application to my Department seeking the transfer of entitlements by merger of two or more holdings to a Partnership. The person named subsequently formed a partnership with another herd owner in August 2016. As this Partnership was formed after the 16th May 2016 this is deemed to be a 2017 Partnership for payment purposes.
The person named and the other party to the Partnership have been advised to this effect.
Payment under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme will be issued to the person named in the coming days.
166. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has further considered the position of those persons still participating in the AEOS whose contracts do not finish in 2016 and who have to make the choice whether they will finish out their AEOS scheme or leave it and join GLAS 3, in view of the fact that no commitment has been given that there will be a GLAS 4 round if they opt to complete their AEOS contacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37877/16]
View answerI recently launched the third tranche of GLAS with a view to bringing participation in the Scheme to at least 50,000 farmers and to utilise the full budget allocated to GLAS. The level of interest in the third tranche coupled with the level of participation in the Scheme from the first two tranches indicates that when the third tranche is finalised the available budget for the scheme will be fully utilised.
AEOS participants do, of course, have the opportunity now to transform their AEOS contract into a GLAS contract in the third tranche which would allow them benefit from a further 5 years participation in the new agri-environment scheme GLAS.
167. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of lands in counties Cavan and Monaghan in a programme (details supplied); the way in which this is monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37907/16]
View answerThe percentage of total forest cover in Cavan stands at 8.7%. This equates to 16,830 hectares, not all of which was planted under State planting programmes. Since 2000, the Government has grant-aided the afforestation of 4,887 hectares of forestry in Cavan.
In Monaghan the forest cover percentage is 4.3% or 5,600 hectares. Since 2000, 1,216 hectares in Monaghan have been afforested under the State forestry programmes.
All afforestation and new forest road projects (whether grant-aided or not) are required to have the written approval of my Department. All applications received are assessed to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the environment. The harvesting and replanting of trees takes place under licence. My Department has a suite of environmental guidelines and a Code of Best Forest Practice which sets out safeguards and principles to facilitate sustainable forest management.
168. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure a file is updated with information supplied and a suitable payment is made through the basic payments scheme without delay in respect of a person (details supplied). [37958/16]
View answerAn application under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 10 May 2016. He declared nine forestry parcels on this application. The application has now been fully processed with respect to the non-forestry parcels and any payments due will issue as soon as possible to the nominated bank account. The eligibility of five of the forestry parcels for Basic Payment has now been established and my Department will ensure that his Basic Payment entitlements and payments are re-calculated without delay taking these extra parcels into account.
Four of the forestry parcels declared are ESB corridors. In order for the ESB corridors to be made eligible for BPS, these corridors must be fenced off from the forestry, stock proofed, have independent access and be used for agricultural activity. If the person named confirms in writing to my Department that these corridors satisfy these criteria, their eligibility under the Basic Payment Scheme can then be reviewed.
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he envisages the opening up of new markets for beef, lamb and pigmeat in the event of restricted access to the UK after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37971/16]
View answerThere is a strong demand for meat globally and the role of the Department is to facilitate market access and to enable Irish exporters to take advantage of any opportunities that arise. 2015 was a very successful year for meat exports. According to Bord Bia, overall meat exports increased by €140 million to €3.5 billion.
Although exports to the UK and EU account for the majority of meat exports, I am very conscious of the importance of growing international markets as a valuable outlet for Irish beef, lamb and pigmeat production and very significant progress has been made in this context in recent years. Indeed this is a crucial component of the Food Wise 2025 Strategy, given the changing global demographics and emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere, and has been given an added impetus by the outcome of the UK referendum on Brexit.
While the results of the UK referendum pose a challenge, my Department and our agencies, in association with our stakeholders, have been giving careful consideration to the potential impacts of a UK exit, looking at the areas in which the greatest risks are likely to arise and on which we will need to focus when exit negotiations begin. As part of our overall contingency planning, the Department has established a dedicated unit to work on these issues and has convened a consultative committee of stakeholders to ensure a full exchange of information as the negotiations proceed.
One of my priorities now, particularly in the context of Brexit is to further increase the market opportunity for Irish food and drink internationally. We are after all an exporting nation with 90% of our food produce leaving the island. In this context Minister Doyle and I lead a very successful Trade Mission to China, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore in September. This Mission resulted in positive progress in relation to the next steps in terms of gaining beef market access to China, South Korea and Vietnam, including inter alia a commitment by Chinese officials in AQSIQ to expedite consideration of a technical inspection report from their visit to Ireland earlier this year as well as the submission of detailed beef questionnaires to the relevant authorities in South Korea and Vietnam.
Earlier this month, I led a Trade Mission to Morocco and my officials also travelled to Algeria, with a focus on live cattle exports. Live cattle exports to Turkey also commenced in September following our recent approval to export live cattle there. It is only through further increasing our footprint internationally that we will help to mitigate the effects of Brexit and develop our agri-food sector to realise its full potential.
Planning for Trade Missions during 2017 has now commenced and market access will be a key component of any such missions. Furthermore, my Department is currently in the process of reviewing its approach to market access and the resources allocated therein in accordance with new and emerging challenges and priorities, such as Brexit. The search for new markets will continue in conjunction with the industry and various stakeholders.
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he expects to be in a position to further develop markets for food exports throughout the European Union in an effort to compensate for restricted access arising from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37972/16]
View answerThe UK market is undoubtedly Ireland's largest trading partner, particularly for our agri-food sector, with up to 43% of our agri-food products being exported to the UK last year. It is important to remember that our trading relationship with the UK is not altered in any way until the negotiations that will dictate the terms and conditions of the UK’s departure are completed.
While the UK market is of great importance to our agri-food sector, it is important that we continue to diversify and seek growth opportunities into other markets in order to minimise our dependence on any one market. My Department's Food Wise 2025 strategy places significant emphasis on market development and we have been very active in our efforts to expand into new and emerging markets in recent years.
In particular, responding to consumer demands in emerging markets such as Asia and North Africa are seen as important export destinations for the Irish agri-food sector. In this regard, I led a very successful trade mission to China and Singapore in September, while my colleague, Minister of State Andrew Doyle led a Trade Mission to Vietnam and South Korea, also in September. More recently, I led a trade mission to Morocco and Algeria in early November.
Of course in tandem with these efforts we are also seeking to expand to markets throughout the European Union. Both Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland play a crucial role in developing as many markets as possible for our agri-food products. I and my Department will continue to be supportive of their efforts in this regard.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of bovines in the country at present including a breakdown between the dairy herd, suckler herd and steers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37973/16]
View answerThe population of the bovine herd in Ireland as at 28 November 2016 amounts to 6.608 million. A breakdown of this figure is set out in the table:
Beef Females: 2.484 million, of which 1.015 million are cows
Beef Males: 1.459 million
Dairy Females: 2.109 million, of which 1.312 million are cows
Dairy Males: 556,000
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department has examined the potential to establish new markets for fish and fish products over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37974/16]
View answerThe export performance of the Irish seafood sector remained very strong in 2015, recording a value increase of 6% to reach over €570 million. Total seafood exports have increased in value terms by 53% since 2010. Whilst our main EU markets (France, Spain, UK, Italy and Germany) continue to dominate our seafood exports (56% of total), our exports to international markets reached €187 million in 2015 (33% of total).
Since 2010, our seafood sector, supported by Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Enterprise Ireland, has focused much effort on developing business in the emerging seafood markets in Asia. In 2010, exports to the four main Asian markets (China, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea) accounted for 3% by value of our seafood exports. By 2015, that figure had reached 9%.
Bord Bia plays a key role in assisting the Irish seafood sector in developing sales in a number of emerging seafood markets through its international office network. Through the range of services provided to seafood clients in areas such as trade research, customer profiling, buyer-supplier contact events, in-store and online seafood promotions and trade awareness events, Bord Bia has been instrumental in assisting the Irish seafood sector establish a foothold in these markets in the past 5 years. Bord Bia has recently completed a Pan Asian market attractiveness study to identify the top 5 ‘high potential’ markets for Irish seafood exporters (outside of China). Bord Bia will focus its trade and market development efforts on Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan in 2017. This will be in addition to the China seafood development programme already in place.
My Department’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme is supporting Bord Bia’s increased seafood promotion effort through €800,000 additional funding per year. In addition, the EMFF Operational Programme is funding a suite of schemes implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara to support our seafood processing sector develop new value-added seafood products, put in place the capital investment to produce new and more seafood products, develop business and marketing strategies to take advantage of the export opportunities, and to work cooperatively with other seafood enterprises to develop marketing resources in potential export markets.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of new markets established for food over the past five years; the potential for this area in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37975/16]
View answerIn the past five years a total of seventeen new markets have been opened for Irish meat and meat-related products, while certification for Irish dairy products has also been secured in 12 new destinations during the same time frame. This however does not fully reflect the increased growth in exports to the following markets:
The value of exports to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.2 billion in 2015. The value of trade to these markets increased by 82% in the period 2010 to 2015. Exports to these markets now account for 21% of total food and drink exports compared to 16% in 2010. This growth in share of exports occurred during a period when total food and drink exports jumped by more than 45%.
Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with trade growing by more than 250% to €955 million, and led by China, which recorded a fourfold increase. Exports to other Asian markets more than doubled over the period to €300 million.
Trade to Africa grew by more than 50% over the period to €535 million.
Exports to the Middle East jumped by one third, to €380 million.
Trade to Central/South America was 60% higher at €91 million in 2015.
In term of product categories, the following trends were evident in emerging markets over the 2010 to 2105 period:
- Dairy - up by 76% to €1.16 billion. This equates to one third of total dairy exports.
- Seafood exports jumped by more than €170 million to reach €182 million in 2015.
- Pigmeat exports grew by 160% to €125 million.
- Beverage exports were 17% higher at €132 million in 2015
- Prepared Food exports, led by enriched dairy based powders, grew by 42% to reach €444 million
The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.
In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, Minister Doyle and I led Trade Missions to China, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore in early September. I also led a trade mission to Morocco in early November. During the year senior officials also led missions to Iran, Turkey and Algeria. All of these were undertaken in co-operation with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, and featured a wide range of participating businesses from the agri-food sector.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which traceability continues to be enforced in respect of all food imports into the EU directly and through third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37976/16]
View answerI attach great importance to the food and drink industries exports and their contribution to our economic recovery. Agri food exports account for 7% of GDP and continue to grow year on year.
My colleague, the Minister for Health, has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation and new EU food information regulations which were adopted by the Council of Health Ministers in December 2011. However, my Department plays a vital role in the enforcement of this legislation under service contract to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. My Department has assisted our colleagues in the Department of Health on the drafting of a new Statutory Instrument to bring the labelling of loose pigmeat and poultry meat into line with the origin labelling rules for packaged meat brought in on April 1st 2015. This requires businesses who sell meat loose in their premises to clearly identify the country of rearing and slaughter of the animal from which the meat is derived. The draft SI has been finalised and my Department has placed it on the Technical Regulation Information System for notification to all EU Member States and following on from the obligatory three month standstill period I am confident that the Minister for Health will be in a position to sign the SI, thereby bringing it into force.
Primary responsibility under EU law for the safety and traceability of food placed on the market lies with food business operators. The role of National Competent Authorities is to verify compliance with these requirements. This is done by inspecting establishments and auditing the food safety management systems which operators have in place. These controls are applied at different stages in the food supply chain. Regulation (EC) No. 178 of 2002 sets out the general principles and requirements of EU food law and stipulates that food business operators must, at all stages of production, processing and distribution within their business, ensure food law requirements are satisfied. In regard to traceability, the regulations require that food business operators have what is referred to as the ‘one step forward, one step backward’ traceability system. There are additional requirements for certain fishery and aquaculture products under the Control Regulation (Regulation 1224/2009 and Implementing Regulation 404/2011) from first sale to subsequent stages of production, processing and distribution up to retail.
My Department has a permanent veterinary presence at all its approved slaughter plants. Controls at plants only engaged in secondary processing are carried out at a frequency based on an annual risk assessment. An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Department-approved plant, including checks on physical identity, labelling and documentary checks for product originating in EU Member States and third countries. Labelling and documentary checks are routinely conducted by the Department.
The import of products of animal origin from third countries is governed by a comprehensive and robust legislative framework laid down at EU level, controlled by Member States in the first instance, and audited by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (formally the FVO), to ensure compliance with all of the relevant food safety standards. The legislation imposes health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards equivalent to those required for production and trade between Member States. Border Inspection Posts are operated by my Department. Import control procedures on products of animal and fish origin are highly prescriptive and strictly audited by the Directorate to ensure compliance. Inspection finding reports are published on the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety’s website.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the targets set in Food Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025 remain attainable; if the targets can be acceded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37977/16]
View answerThe main targets set out in the Food Harvest report published in 2010 were, by 2020, to increase the value of primary output by 33% and agri-food exports by 42% (both from a 2007-09 average baseline); and to increase value added production by 40% (from a 2008 baseline). In addition to these value increases, the dairy industry targeted a 50% increase in milk production by 2020, to be progressed following the abolition of milk quotas in April last year.
Progress on those targets was monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis. The fourth annual report “Milestones for Success 2014”, published in September 2014, showed that the sector had achieved very significant progress on these targets and illustrated the manner in which the Food Harvest 2020 vision of ‘smart, green, growth’ is being attained. The latest data available show growth of 34% and 32% for primary production and exports, respectively, versus the baseline period.
Food Wise 2025, the new ten year strategy for the agri-food sector published in July last year, is the successor to the Food Harvest strategy. It identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and provides an enabling strategy that will allow the sector to grow and prosper. Food Wise includes more than 400 specific recommendations, spread across the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, innovation, human capital, market development and competitiveness; as well as specific sectoral recommendations.
If these recommendations are implemented, the expert committee which drew up the Food Wise 2025 Strategy believes that the following growth projections are achievable by 2025: increasing the value of agri-food exports by 85% to €19 billion; increasing value added in the sector by 70% to in excess of €13 billion; and increasing the value of primary production by 65% to almost €10 billion. With regard to employment, Food Wise foresees the creation of 23,000 additional jobs in the agri-food sector all along the supply chain from primary production to high value added product development. Realising these growth projections will be challenging, but I am confident that they can be achieved.
In July this year, I launched the first annual progress report of Food Wise 2025: Steps to Success 2016. Food Wise Steps to Success showed that, of the 330 detailed actions which were due to commence in 2015 or 2016, 28% have been achieved or substantial action has been undertaken; and a further 67% have commenced and are progressing well. I believe that this is a good start and I will press on to get as many actions as possible completed within the next year.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the fish catch landed in ports here has fluctuated over the past ten years to date in 2016; the potential for improvement in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37978/16]
View answerThe data requested is held by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and I have requested the data from them. It is a significant amount of information and will take some time to compile, I will forward the details to you directly as soon as it is available.
Food Wise 2025, the Report of the 2025 Agri Food Strategy Committee, sets out a cohesive, strategic plan for the development of agri-food and fisheries sector over the next decade. The Committee has identified that opportunities will arise as a result of significant population growth and greater access to international markets. In addition, the Committee recognises that the increased pressure on global agricultural resources and the environment will offer potential further growth opportunity for the Irish agri-food and fisheries sector. It identifies over 400 recommendations to achieve sustainable growth and these will require a concerted and coordinated approach by primary producers, industry, Departments and State agencies.
One of these actions is to develop and initiate practical and competitive measures to attract additional landings into Irish ports and continue to invest significantly in necessary infrastructure at the Fishery Harbour Centres. In July a tender was awarded to Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd to develop a strategic roadmap to increase access to raw material from foreign landings. A BIM Steering Group will work with Poseidon to deliver on the proposed work plan. Poseidon has commenced engaging with stakeholders in Ireland, France, Spain and the UK to gain perspectives on the current status, opportunities, barriers and enablers regarding foreign landings.
Already work has begun for a multi phased Harbour Integrated Development Project for Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre. The new project will almost double the length of pier space on Dinish Island to over 400 metres, as well as providing a fit for purpose Harbour Administration Building and associated works on the mainland and is a direct response to the increase in fish landings into Castletownbere since the last major development became operational in 2010. We have seen a level of increased fishing activity that far exceeded any expectations with a 140% increase in the volume of fish landed and a 277% in the value of fish landed since between 2010 and 2015.
It is expected that BREXIT will impact on the seafood sector and we will need to evaluate the implications as the situation develops and consider appropriate responses and adjustments, where appropriate, in our strategy.
