Written Answers Nos. 420-438
420. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive will publish its review of failings in dental and orthodontic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
421. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to an association (details supplied) for its helpline and services; his plans to provide a nationwide network of Parkinson’s nurse specialists; his further plans to establish a deep brain stimulation programme here; if as an interim measure he will reduce travel outside Ireland under the treatment abroad scheme by making such pre- and post-operative services available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17836/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
422. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if the additional funding recently promised to support the national drugs strategy has been allocated; if there has been an increase to annual core funding to local and regional drugs task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17848/19]
View answerOn 06 March 2019, I announced additional funding of €1 million for the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy; "Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery". This funding, which will be provided on a recurring, multi-annual basis, will address the priorities set down in the Strategy including early harm reduction responses, emerging trends in substance misuse, and improving services for at-risk groups.
Working in partnership with statutory, community and voluntary sectors is central to this response. On 26 March, I met with the Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, and the HSE, to hear their views on how best to target the additional funding. The outcome of this consultation process will inform proposals, currently being developed, for the allocation of the funding. Further information on the criteria and proposed allocation of this new funding will be circulated to the Drug & Alcohol Task Forces and the HSE in due course.
This year my Department will also develop two new schemes to deliver an integrated public health approach to drugs and alcohol, as set out in the National Drugs Strategy. The first will provide targeted, appropriate and effective services for young people at risk of substance abuse, focused on disadvantaged communities. The second will support evidence-based approaches to mobilising community action on alcohol. Both schemes will have a fund of €250,000 on a multi-annual basis.
423. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if he will consider making fentanyl test strips available as a harm reduction measure to heroin users engaging with needle exchange services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17849/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
424. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has raised recently with the Minister for Finance issues regarding the cumulative lifetime cap of €70,000 on the amount of tax relief that can be availed of by young farmers as enacted in the Finance Act 2018; if there are changes foreseen in the applicability of this provision in view of the fact that there is a need to increase the number of young persons choosing farming as their professional career; and if he has raised the relevant state aid agriculture regulation with the European Commission. [17274/19]
View answerThe €70,000 ceiling on State aid relief in relation to certain agriculture tax measures is imposed by EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 702/2014 concerning state aid. This applies to all Member States and cannot be reviewed or amended unilaterally.
My Department has been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, although this ceiling on State aid remains effective, they are currently revising their published guidance manual on the stamp duty element of the relief. This revision will confirm that, where a young trained farmer receives or buys farmland from certain relatives and is eligible for ‘consanguinity relief’, this relief can be applied before the young trained farmer relief on the transfer of the land. As consanguinity relief operates by charging a reduced 1% rate of stamp duty (instead of the usual 6% rate on farmland), the amount of relief calculated under that scheme (i.e. state aid granted) would be significantly reduced for many young trained farmers, thus ensuring that they do not breach the €70,000 ceiling as a result of the young trained farmer scheme.
Supporting young farmers and generational renewal continues to be a priority and will form an important part of the CAP post-2020. My Department and I are actively engaging with other Member States and the EU Commission on these issues during the current negotiations on the new CAP proposals.
425. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on afforestation contracts as set out by an organisation (details supplied) with regard to the redigitisation of forest areas resulting in farmers' payments being reduced. [17276/19]
View answerIn 2006 my Department introduced a computerised mapping and payment system (iFORIS) which captures a digital representation of all forest areas that are part of grant funded contracts. Capturing the claim map in a digital form allows for the accurate measurement and calculation of the payment area. The process of electronically capturing the claim map is referred to as digitisation.
Digitisation of a forest area is initially carried out following receipt of an application for a forest grant and is based on the claim map submitted by the applicant (or his/her agent/forester). The claimed area is the total area of the forest plots specified by the applicant in the application. The digitised area of a contract (i.e. the entire plantation) is the sum of the areas of the individual forest plots comprising that plantation. For each plot contained in an application for payment, the digitised area is the entire area of the forest plot within the perimeter boundary of that plot measured by the iFORIS system.
The determined (payable) area of a forest needs to be distinguished from the total digitised area for grant payment. During the lifetime of a forestry contract (15-20 years under the afforestation scheme), periodic inspections and desk checks are carried out by the Department to confirm if the initially digitised area still corresponds with the actual size and composition of the forest planted and in accordance with scheme terms & conditions.
The determined forest area is calculated by excluding any ineligible areas (e.g. power line corridors, rock, gas lines, ineligible land, etc.) and may occasionally change due to, for example, the removal of trees, submission of revised mapping data by the applicant (or by the applicant’s agent/forester) or following desk checks against more recent ortho photography. Any difference between the determined area and the area claimed by an applicant requires a case-by-case investigation and the forest area may have to be re-digitised as a result. In cases where the determined area is found to be less than the claimed area or the previous determined area, a situation might arise where grant payments need to be adjusted to the newly determined area.
In implementing inspections, a fair and consistent approach is the objective of the Department at all times, and inspections by Department officers are guided by established standard procedures.
Where an area reduction is made by the Department, the applicant is notified and given an opportunity to seek a review.
426. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 29 March 2018, the latest data, excluding land used for tillage farming; and the number of farmers in each band of the range for the average BPS value per hectare. [17282/19]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded directly to him at the earliest opportunity.
|
Range of BPS Values Per Hectare: |
Livestock Unit Per Hectare: |
Number of farmers per band: |
|
0-100 |
0.49 |
16,561 |
|
100-200 |
1.17 |
66,458 |
|
200-300 |
1.74 |
29,750 |
|
300-400 |
1.86 |
5,507 |
|
400-500 |
1.93 |
1,638 |
|
500-600 |
1.73 |
727 |
|
600-700 |
1.77 |
436 |
|
700-800 |
1.57 |
303 |
|
800-900 |
2.18 |
232 |
|
900-1000 |
1.55 |
153 |
|
>1000 |
1.51 |
1,825 |
427. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Hilton quota regime in operation since 2009 pertaining to US and Canadian hormone-free beef exports annually to the EU in terms of tonnage and value from each country; and the amount of the annual quota that has been used each year by country in tabular form. [17283/19]
View answerThe ‘Hilton’ beef quota is the informal name of the tariff quota for the European Union, regulated by Commission Regulation (EU) No 593/2013, which provides for the opening and administration of tariff quotas for high-quality fresh, chilled and frozen beef and for frozen buffalo meat.
The quota has been in operation since 2009, with an initial allocation of 65,250 tonnes of high quality fresh, chilled and frozen beef, and 2,250 tonnes of buffalo. As of 2012, the quota consists of 66,826 tonnes of high-quality fresh, chilled and frozen beef, and 2,450 tonnes of buffalo. The suppliers are Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Canada/USA, Australia and New Zealand. The Hilton Quota beef enjoys a duty preference vis-à-vis the European Union Most Favoured Nation import regime.
The annual use of the quota for the period 2009 to 2019, as per information from the European Commission, is at the link, and is correct to 1 January 2019. The detail on the specific monetary value of these imports is not available.
428. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to designate a port (details supplied) as a designated port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17319/19]
View answerUnder EU regulations, vessels from a non-EU country may only land fish at a limited number of ‘designated’ ports. This is to aid control and compliance and to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activity. There are currently two Irish ports that have been designated for landings by vessels from a third country - Killybegs in Donegal and Castletownbere in Cork.
When the UK formally becomes a third country and the Common Fisheries Policy no longer applies to it, UK-registered vessels will be restricted to landing fish at those two ports. The vast majority (over 90%) of current UK fish landings into Ireland are to those ports.
However, if, as I very much hope will be the case, the Withdrawal Agreement is concluded, a transition period will apply where there will be no change to current practices for Irish or UK vessels at least until the end of 2020.
If, in the worst case scenario, where no agreement is reached and there is a disorderly Brexit, then, in that scenario, UK-flagged vessels wishing to land into Ireland would be restricted to landing in the two designated ports from that date.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is already facing a very significant increase in its regulatory responsibilities to deal with the potential implications of Brexit and its primary focus is ensuring that it is prepared to meet those to mitigate as far as possible the effects of Brexit on Irish registered vessels and Irish processors.
The position regarding the possible designation of additional ports for third country landings will be kept under review, in consultation with the SFPA, in the coming months in the context of unfolding developments regarding Brexit and available resources.
429. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contingences and supports in place to safeguard Irish wood producers and wood product businesses from all Brexit scenarios, including a no-deal Brexit; and the actions and documentation both online and offline required for wood product businesses to continue trading if the UK becomes a third country. [17322/19]
View answerWhile ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement is still the Government's primary focus, and preparations are continuing for all scenarios, greater priority has been given recently to preparations for a no-deal Brexit.
Over the past number of months officials from my Department have engaged extensively with the Irish sawmilling sector, wood packaging material producers and third country timber importers. Engagement with the sector has included visits by my officials to places of production, detailed consultations with stakeholder representatives including IBEC and Forest Industries Ireland, and direct discussions with companies operating in the sector. The objective has been to both explain the new phytosanitary import and export requirements that will arise as a result of the UK leaving the EU, and to inform my Department's own planning and communications activities. Follow-up to these engagements has involved email correspondence, one to one contact and the publication and update of relevant information on my Department's website, at https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/brexit/.
I have introduced a number of measures under the last three budgets aimed at improving competitiveness, and developing market and product diversification. I recently launched the Future Growth Loan Scheme which provides competitively priced loans for terms of 8-10 years that will support strategic long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment. Further information may be accessed on the DAFM website at: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/agri-foodindustry/agri-foodandtheeconomy/agri-foodbusiness/futuregrowthloanscheme/. This Scheme is in addition to, for example, the €78m Brexit package for farmers, fishermen, food SMEs and to cover additional costs related to Brexit introduced in Budget 2019.
My Department has also sharpened its Brexit communications strategy, which now includes an enhanced Brexit page on the Department’s website, the circulation of focused Trader Notices to the relevant sectors, the establishment of a Brexit Call Centre, central e-mail address and increased use of social media. I would urge Irish wood producers and wood product businesses to engage with these services as we continue our preparations for Brexit.
430. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) relating to the proposed changes to the limits for vessels over 18 m will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17346/19]
View answerThe matter referred to by the Deputy relates to the measures I announced in December which excluded trawling by large vessels in coastal waters inside six nautical miles. I announced this decision following an extensive and detailed public consultation process. Over 900 submissions were received during the public consultation comprising a wide diversity of views. I carefully considered the issues raised during the process, including safety concerns, and following a detailed evaluation, decided to exclude trawling by vessels over 18m in length overall from inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. Trawling for sprat by vessels over 18m will be phased out by 31 December 2021.
While the overall responsibility for safety at sea rests with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Sea Fishing Boat Licensing Authority will only issue or renew a Sea Fishing Boat Licence if the vessel has a current safety certificate.
As this review was carried out following a full and open public consultation, I do not see any basis for reopening this matter.
431. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason beef grading machines only grade one side of the carcase if it is technically possible for mechanical grading machines to grade both sides of a carcase; if the current machines on trial can grade both sides of a carcase; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the fat score on a carcase can vary dramatically on both sides of a carcase resulting in a dramatically different payment to the farmer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17356/19]
View answerThe authorisation of a mechanical classification system is governed by EU legislation (COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2017/1182). The existing system of mechanical classification in Ireland was approved in 2002/03. This mechanical classification system was authorised to grade only one side of the carcase. While it is technically possible to grade both sides of a carcase, in the development of the existing system prior to 2002/2003, the German manufacturer, in consultation with the German Meat Research Institute, found that the difference between grading two sides versus one side was statistically insignificant.
It is accepted practice across Europe where mechanical classification systems are used that only one side of the carcase is graded.
432. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated first and full-year cost of a proposal (details supplied). [17363/19]
View answerFollowing discussions about price transparency at the initial meeting of the Beef Roundtable, a commitment was given to develop a 'Beef Pricewatch' online tool to improve price transparency, the 'Beef Pricewatch' app was subsequently launched in October 2014. This app makes the following information available to farmers free of charge and in a very accessible manner: the average price at national and individual factory level for Steers, Heifers, Cows, and Young and Old Bulls.
It presents beef producers with a comparison for a representative group of animals in each category, such as the average R3 price for Steers and Heifers, and the average U3 price for Young Bulls. Behind these representative prices, the user is one click away from detailed information, at factory level, for prices across the entire 15 x 15 beef carcass classification grid. The App is updated on a weekly basis.
While there would be a small on-going staff cost in relation to inputting of the weekly prices, in terms of the cost associated with the running of this application by my Department, I can confirm that it is very minimal amount and would approximately be in the range of €300 to €700 per annum.
A costing exercise has not been carried out in the Department in relation to a price reporting system where processors report wholesale prices daily across all beef cuts sold.
433. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change technical files (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17367/19]
View answerThe technical files for each of the Geographical Indication (GI) Spirit Drinks (Irish Whiskey/Uisce Beatha Eireannach/Irish Whisky, Irish Cream and Irish Poteen/Irish Poitín) have, as of the 27th March 2019, been confirmed by the European Commission as meeting the required conditions laid down in Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks. This process involved a lengthy assessment and examination by the European Commission Services since their submission in 2014. There is currently no proposal to review the technical files.
My Department, working with other State agencies involved (Revenue, FSAI & HSE) in the verification controls of the production of the GI Spirit Drinks as required under Regulation 110/2008, reviews, on an on-going basis, the GI controls system, which in turn is audited by the EU Commission.
The Department’s Crop Variety Evaluation section conduct specific malting barley variety trials to evaluate new barley varieties with potential for use in production of malt for use by Irish brewers and distillers. Both agronomic suitability for growing under Irish growing conditions and malting performance are considered by maltsters, before a variety is chosen.
434. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will request the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea to revise its mackerel advice for 2019 in view of the recently published inter-benchmark report, which shows a large increase in the mackerel stock size; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17432/19]
View answerThe International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is a network of scientists from over 20 member countries including Ireland which provides advice on catch levels through a collaborative process by scientists from around the world including those from the Marine Institute here in Ireland.
Mackerel is Ireland's most important fishery economically and a healthy mackerel stock is essential for the Irish pelagic fleet and pelagic processing industry.
As a result of requests from Ireland and others, a series of ICES expert meetings were convened to an ‘inter-benchmark' – essentially a methodology review. Those meetings have now produced a report which proposes that a new assessment method should be applied to the mackerel stock.
ICES have now confirmed that they will proceed to review the 2019 advice utilising this new method with a view to publication before the 15th of May. It is not expected that the overall Total Allowable Catch (TAC) already agreed for 2019 will change in consequence of this new advice. Instead it is expected to confirm the TAC setting precautionary approach set down in the agreed Long Term Management Strategy adopted by the Coastal States which applied a 20% reduction for 2019.
Separately, catch advice for the stock for 2020 is due to be published by ICES in late September of this year following analysis of additional survey data to be gathered in the coming months.
When the ICES Mackerel advice for 2019 was published, I sought the views of the Marine Institute who advised that, while there was a rigorous analytical process conducted by ICES, there were some serious concerns regarding the relative weighting of some of the data inputs that were utilised. These concerns were also acknowledged by ICES.
Throughout the autumn, Ireland, working in cooperation with other interested Member States, sought an urgent review by ICES of the data inputs used in reaching their conclusions on the catch advice. Other Coastal States, as well as ICES themselves, supported this review.
The Mackerel Coastal States (EU, Norway, Faeroes, Iceland, Russia and Greenland) representatives are scheduled to meet following the publication of the new 2019 advice in May. Ireland, as always, will be represented by officials from my Department.
435. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 999 of 26 March 2019, the person or body that conducted the inspection; the location of same; when it took place; and the date the certificate of approval was granted. [17455/19]
View answerThe inspection was conducted by a team led by a Veterinary Inspector from my Department who was assisted by a consultant Marine Surveyor.
The main inspection was carried out in port of Ceuta on 13 - 15 March. A final pre-loading inspection of the vessel was conducted on 22 March in Waterford Port and a certificate of approval was issued by my Department on that date.
436. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number or percentage of employees in his Department and in the agencies under his aegis with intellectual disabilities; his plans to increase this number to promote and support the employment of persons with intellectual disabilities as outlined in the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17479/19]
View answer437. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and the agencies under his aegis track the numbers of employees they have with intellectual disabilities; his plans to do so in order to help set targets and increase workplace opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities such as those outlined in the national disability inclusion strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17496/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 437 together.
In accordance with Section 47(4) of the Disability Act 2005, my Department surveys all employees annually to establish the number of employees who have a disability. Disclosure by individuals of their disability status is voluntary and disclosure of the nature of the disability is also voluntary and is not required under the provisions of the Disability Act.
I would like to point out that my Department has exceeded the 3% minimum requirement for employment of people with disabilities under Section 47(4) of the Disability Act 2005 in each of the last 10 years.
My Department will continue to participate in projects such as the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme in order to provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities. In accordance with the recently-launched Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy, my Department will explore other initiatives with a view to increasing workplace opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
438. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a voluntary farm building relocation scheme further to flooding incidents has been established by his Department; if so, the number of applications received from each county under plans for farmyard relocation on foot of the severe flooding of winter 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17551/19]
View answerThe Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief announced the introduction of a once-off targeted Voluntary Homeowner Relocation Scheme in 2017. As part of the announcement, the Minister outlined that a feasibility study would be undertaken in relation to a potential once-off targeted scheme for Voluntary Farm Building Relocation.
The study to determine the feasibility of any future once-off targeted scheme for Voluntary Farm Building Relocation is being undertaken. My Department has evaluated a range of at risk farmyards, impacted by flooding, to see if any alternative remedial works can be undertaken to protect farm buildings at risk of flooding and is currently considering this evaluation.
