Michael Healy-Rae
Question:930. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34762/17]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (930)
Written answers
Under 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (931)
Bobby Aylward
Question:931. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if the freestyle libre, a sensor for monitoring blood sugars for sufferers of diabetes, will be made available on the GMS and long-term illness card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34805/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Appointments to State Boards Data
Questions (932)
Catherine Martin
Question:932. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health further to parliamentary question number 1314 of 20 June 2017, the number of former TDs that applied for board positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34844/17]
View answerWritten answers
The nomination and appointment process for boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in legislation. In line with Government Decision S180/20/10/1617 of 2014 and Guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) currently advertises for board vacancies as they arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights under relevant legislation.
The applications from candidates who express an interest in being a member of a State Board are submitted to the Public Appointments Service (PAS). Information received by PAS in candidate application forms is confidential. PAS undertakes an assessment of all application forms to examine that they meet the criteria for the board position. The criteria that are checked on application forms relate mainly to the competencies and skills necessary to become a member of the Board. Being a former T.D. would not prevent a person being considered for membership of a Board as long as that person had the requisite skills and competencies to fill the position. Following the assessment by PAS I then receive details of the successful candidates that are deemed eligible to sit on that board.
I cannot therefore confirm the number of former T.D.s who applied for a board position of a body under my aegis.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (933)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:933. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgery appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34853/17]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Hospital Beds Data
Questions (934)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:934. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of beds the national children's hospital will have for the treatment of child and adolescent mental health issues incorporating eating disorders and acute CAMHS; the number of these beds that will be allocated for children in the greater Dublin area and for those living outside the greater Dublin area in view of a report presented to him on 7 July 2012. (details supplied) [34858/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (935)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:935. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34860/17]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Bord na gCon Administration
Questions (936)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:936. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide copies of a history of all valuations for Harold’s Cross greyhound stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33682/17]
View answerWritten answers
As I stated in my previous reply to the deputy in June the sale of Harold's Cross Greyhound Stadium is a transaction between Bord na gCon and the Department of Education and Skills.
It is my understanding that the sum of €23m plus vat was based on an independent valuation by the Valuation office and this was provided and accepted by the transacting parties in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform procedures governing the sale of state assets.
Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established in 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and improve and develop the greyhound industry.
The specific question raised by the deputy is an operational matter for the transacting parties.
Fisheries Protection
Questions (937)
Róisín Shortall
Question:937. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of super trawler activity in Irish waters; the name of each super trawler that has fished in Irish waters in each of the years 2014 to 2016 (details supplied); the number of observers that have been in place on these boats; and the number of boardings made by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority over this period and for the vessels specified. [34281/17]
View answerWritten answers
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. I am precluded from getting involved in operational matters including in relation to law enforcement.
In relation to the access so called ‘super trawlers’ have to Irish waters, I should point out that all foreign fishing vessels, on the north-west coast, are precluded from Ireland’s 12 mile fishing zone, other than for transit purposes and all foreign pelagic fishing vessels, including pelagic factory vessels, are also precluded from Ireland’s 12 mile fishing zone on the west coast. In addition, Irish fishing vessels equal to or greater than 36.58 m (120 ft) in length, are precluded from Ireland’s 12 mile zone.
Under Regulation the Common Fisheries Policy, changes to fisheries policy involving access or restriction to fishing opportunities or fishing areas come within the sole competency of the EU. Only the EU Commission may propose changes and any such proposal must be adopted under the co-decision process by the EU Parliament and EU Council.
In relation to the overall framework for fisheries control in the EU, in October 2009 a new regulation dealing with fisheries controls was adopted. Council Regulation 1224/2009 establishes a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy. Control and inspection is now focused where it is most effective through an approach based on systematic risk analysis. Inspection procedures are standardised and harmonised for all stages in the market chain, including transport and marketing. The Control Regulations were introduced so that there is a common EU level playing field and to provide for an effective range of controls across EU waters.
The SFPA and the Naval Service through the Fisheries Monitoring Centre have monitored the movements of these vessels when in our Exclusive Fisheries Zone, using the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and declared catches through Electronic Reporting System (ERS). The SFPA is reliant on the seagoing fishery patrol activity of the Naval Service to verify compliance of vessels not landing into Ireland. Further details of monitoring and control of fishing activities by all vessels within Ireland's 200 miles Exclusive Fisheries Zone may be sought from the SFPA who are the competent authority for Sea Fisheries Control within Ireland's Exclusive Fishery Zone.
I have asked that the SFPA provide the data requested on the monitoring and control aspects of your question directly to your office.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme Payments
Questions (938)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:938. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an AEOS payment will be made to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33687/17]
View answerWritten answers
The person named commenced their AEOS 2 contract on 1 September 2011. Payment issued in respect of the 2011-2015 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 2016 was the final scheme-year of payment for the person-named, re-checks on payments made for all scheme years had to be completed before the final payment could be processed. Payments in respect of the 2016 Scheme year issued in two parts: 85% on 19 June 2017; and the remaining 15% on 22 June 2017. There are no outstanding payments due.
Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme Applications
Questions (939)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:939. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a farm payment will be made to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33688/17]
View answerWritten answers
The person named was paid a grant under the Young Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme on 14 June 2017.
GLAS Payments
Questions (940)
Carol Nolan
Question:940. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment will be made to a person (details supplied); if the payment will be processed without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33737/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has no record of any GLAS application submitted on behalf of the person named and accordingly the question of a GLAS payment does not arise.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Questions (941)
Carol Nolan
Question:941. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be taken by his Department to ensure that the delay in respect of AEOS and GLAS payments does not arise again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33739/17]
View answerWritten answers
2015 and 2016 were exceptionally busy years in the development and roll out of the GLAS scheme. A dedicated online application and payment system was developed in house and over 50,000 farmers were approved into the scheme.
As I previously indicated unanticipated problems presented with the roll out of the new payment system some of which had to be resolved on a case by case basis.
I am satisfied that the lessons learned from the initial roll out of the system will result in a more effective delivery going forward.
Compensation Schemes
Questions (942)
Carol Nolan
Question:942. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in providing compensation to the 370 tillage farmers across the State that lost crops in the heavy flooding in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33740/17]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly I wish to acknowledge that the Tillage farmers have come through a very difficult period with poor market returns and very challenging weather conditions during the 2016 harvest. Following the decision by the IFA to end their occupation of my Department's Headquarters in Dublin I, along with my Department Officials, met with the IFA on Wednesday 12 July to discuss all aspects of a support measure for those cereal growers worst affected by the 2016 harvest conditions. These discussions are continuing with a further meeting planned.
However, as I stated at yesterday's meeting we must ensure that this measure covers as many as possible of those growers that need the help the most, and it must be done within the confines of the allocated budget. While some growers undoubtedly lost more that others, both in terms of area but also as a proportion of their harvest, we have to be very mindful that more support for some farmers would mean less for others. The final shape of the measure must find the correct balance in this regard.
I wish to confirm to the Deputy my commitment and support to the Tillage sector through the “Agriculture Cashflow Support Loan Scheme” and last month I welcomed the release of preliminary information from the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) regarding its uptake.
The banks advise that all of the remaining €150m is committed and is in the process of being drawn down. I am pleased at the very positive reaction by farmers, including tillage farmers, to the Scheme, which has proved that significant demand exists for low cost flexible finance. I have met with the Chief Executives of the participating banks to discuss this and other access to finance issues relating to the agrifood sector. I have asked the banks to respond positively to the demand that has been demonstrated by reducing interest rates and providing more flexible terms for cash flow loans in the future. Implementation of this Scheme is subject to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 (de minimis aid in the agricultural production sector). Support provided under the de minimis regulation complies with State Aid rules in the agriculture sector and does not require prior approval by the EU Commission.
As a further support to tillage farmers I also introduced the Tillage Investment Scheme under TAMS II which opened for online applications on 8 March 2017. The specific areas of investment include Minimum Disturbance Tillage Equipment, Sprayers, Rain Water Harvesting, Grain Storage and Grain dryers. This Tillage Scheme is the latest of the Targeted Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II) to be launched under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The Scheme is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). All applications must be made on-line, either by the farmer or by an adviser authorised to act on his or her behalf. The closing date for applications under the first tranche of the new scheme was Friday 30 June 2017. The second tranche is currently open. There was a significant level of interest in investments under this measure with a total number of 490 applications received in the first tranche. The GLAS scheme has seen a significant uptake, with measures such as green cover, minimum tillage and wild bird cover proving popular with the tillage sector.
As an additional support to cash flow on farms, including Tillage farms, up to €1.187 billion has been paid out under the Basic Payment Scheme to 124,222 farmers with payments ongoing. Payments of €202.4 million have also been made to 94,605 applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme.
Farm Data
Questions (943)
Michael Moynihan
Question:943. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of registered farmers over the age of 65 at present; the number of registered farmers under the age of 35 at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33895/17]
View answerWritten answers
The CSO's 2013 Farm Structures Survey indicated that approximately 37,700 or 27% of Irish farmers are over 65 years and 8,200 (6%) aged under 35. A full age breakdown can be found in the table. These figures compare with EUROSTAT data for 2013, which showed that 31% of all EU farm holders were over 65 and 6% are aged under 35.
|
2013 |
Number of Farmers |
% of Farmers |
|
< 35 |
8,200 |
6% |
|
35 - 44 |
22,800 |
16% |
|
45 - 54 |
34,800 |
25% |
|
55 - 64 |
35,600 |
26% |
|
> 65 |
37,700 |
27% |
|
Total |
139,100 |
100% |
Source: Farm Structures Survey, 2013. CSO.
Consultancy Contracts Expenditure
Questions (944)
Michael Moynihan
Question:944. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent by his Department in 2016 on external consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33899/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department uses private consultants to provide certain services when such an approach is more cost effective. In 2016 the cost of external consultants amounted to €3,275,399. Services included specialised Laboratory Services, Forestry Development, Computer Services, Marine Engineering Services, Audit and HR.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (945)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:945. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his Department is improving services and increasing supports for persons with disabilities during 2017. [34025/17]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to providing the supports necessary to enable staff with disabilities to participate fully in the workplace. My Department upholds the principles of the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service and makes key staff aware of their obligations under the Code.
My Department’s Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) is available to assist and support staff with disabilities, and their line managers, by providing necessary information, appropriate contacts, guidance, suggestions and advice. The DLO liaises with internal and external service providers to ensure that workplace accommodation requests are met as appropriate. For instance, information technology tools such as screen-reader programmes for the visually impaired are kept up to date and made available to any staff that require them.
My Department participates in initiatives such as Job Shadow and the Willing, Able, Mentoring (WAM) programme each year. The number of participants in the Job Shadow initiative in my Department has increased in recent years. The WAM programme involves six month work placements for graduates with disabilities and this year my Department will increase the number of WAM placements being made available under the programme.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (946)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:946. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the investment by his Department since March 2016 in County Louth and parts of east County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34060/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table:
|
County Louth/ County Meath/East Co Meath |
Title of Investment Initiative |
Investment € |
|
Louth |
Afforestation Grants |
182,636 |
|
Afforestation Premiums |
377,868 |
|
|
Reconstitution Grant |
5,629 |
|
|
Mart modernisation Scheme |
1,644 |
|
|
Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector |
135,081 |
|
|
Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2016 |
26,941 |
|
|
Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2017 |
18,750* |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Drogheda Animal Rescue Ltd |
19,500 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Dundalk Dog Rescue |
7,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Hollys Horse Haven |
16,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Louth SPCA |
23,000 |
|
|
Louth County Council |
Control of Horses |
5,450 |
|
Meath |
Afforestation Grants |
809,643 |
|
Afforestation Premiums |
2,845,093 |
|
|
Reconstitution Grant |
61,452 |
|
|
Woodland Improvement Grants |
43,162 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Dog Rescue Coolronan |
4,000 |
|
|
Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector |
108,714 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Last Hope Animal Charity |
10,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue |
4,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Meath SPCA |
1,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Mollies Animal Rescue |
3,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant Royal Dog Rescue |
2,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia Animal Welfare Grant National Exotic Animal Sanctuary |
14,000 |
|
|
Ex gratia ANIMAL Welfare Grant Dogs in Distress Ltd. |
11,000 |
|
|
Meath (Boyne Valley) |
Rural Innovation and Development Fund (Agri-Food Tourism) - Boyne Valley Food Series Marketing Initiative |
6,580 |
|
East County Meath |
Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector |
108,714 |
|
Meath County Council |
Control of Horses |
20,625 |
*Allocated funding available for 2017: payments will be made end 2017.
Legislative Process
Questions (947)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:947. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when consultation on the draft legislative provisions for his departmental remit to transpose Directive 2014/52/EU introducing substantial amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU will be provided; when such provisions are expected to be initiated (details supplied); the basis on which these provisions will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34300/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Housing, Planning, community and Local Government have taken the lead in the transposition and are in regular contact with the European Commission. This Department has transposed the Directive in respect of Forestry with effect from 24 May this year. We are now progressing with the transposition of the Directive into the Agriculture and Aquaculture sectors.
Brexit Issues
Questions (948)
James Browne
Question:948. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the post Brexit contingency plans in place for future agrifood trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34403/17]
View answerWritten answers
It is difficult at this juncture to anticipate what the post-Brexit trading relationship between the EU and the UK will be. However, given the very significant potential implications for the Irish agrifood sector, I have made it very clear that our key asks from the negotiations are:
- continued unfettered access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures;
- to minimise the risk from UK trade agreements with third countries prohibit the UK market from engaging in trade agreements third countries, for example by having the EU and UK move forward in parallel on trade policy after Brexit; and
- in fisheries, we want to maintain current access to fishing grounds in the UK zone in the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and north of Donegal and protect Ireland’s quota share for joint fish stocks.
In the meantime I, my Department and our Agencies have been engaging in a process of analysis, consultation and engagement so that we are best placed to both influence the negotiations and also to deal with whatever outcome the negotiations present.
I have already put in place measures to mitigate the short-term impacts arising from the fall in the value of sterling against the euro. These include the €150 million low interest agri-loan scheme and additional funding to Bord Bia to allow it to support businesses most severely impacted by these currency effects, including through its new Brexit Barometer service.
From a longer-term perspective, my Department is continuing to deepen its analysis of the potential implications of Brexit arising from, for example, tariffs on trade, border controls and certification, and divergence in regulations and standards between the UK and the EU. We have also intensified our consultations with the industry through the Stakeholder Consultative Committee and the All-Island Civic Dialogue process. And we have engaged comprehensively with our Member State counterparts, with the Commission and with the Barnier Task Force in order to ensure that the implications for the agrifood sector are fully understood and remain at the top of the EU agenda.
We have also been putting significant effort into our market diversification work with the aim of reducing our dependence on the UK market for agrifood exports. For example, I have led trade missions recently to South East Asia, the Gulf region, and to the United States and Mexico in order to develop market opportunities, and further missions will be undertaken during the remainder of 2017.
While I am still hopeful that the outcome of the negotiations will be positive for both the EU and the UK, I and my Department will continue to remain very focused on supporting the agrifood industry through the challenges ahead.
Legislative Process
Questions (949)
Catherine Murphy
Question:949. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when consultation on the draft legislative provisions for his departmental remit to transpose directive 2014/52/EU introducing substantial amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU will be provided for; when such provisions are expected to be initiated (details supplied); the basis on which these provisions will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34491/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Housing, Planning, community and Local Government have taken the lead in the transposition and are in regular contact with the European Commission. This Department has transposed the Directive in respect of Forestry with effect from 24 May this year. We are now progressing with the transposition of the Directive into the Agriculture and Aquaculture sectors.
Question No. 950 withdrawn.
Departmental Staff Remuneration
Questions (951)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:951. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of introducing a minimum wage of €15 an hour for all employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34583/17]
View answerWritten answers
Based on the introduction of a minimum hourly rate of €15, the estimated additional cost to the Departments payroll at present would be approximately €1,950,000. This figure however does not include the costs associated with Temporary Clerical Officers.
The parallel information in respect if State Bodies under the Aegis of this Department is a matter for the bodies themselves.