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Wednesday, 23 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 158-182

Vaccination Programme

Questions (158)

Hildegarde Naughton

Question:

158. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health if a general practice which accepts medical card patients is allowed impose an administrative charge of €20 when administering the flu vaccine to a person over 65 years of age who is in possession of a medical card or general practitioner visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43748/19]

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Written answers

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for adults in an at-risk group including pregnant women and children aged 10 years or older, who can get the flu vaccine either from a GP or pharmacist. Younger children in an at-risk group can get the flu vaccine from their GP.

The vaccine and consultation are free for those with a medical card or GP visit card, whether provided by a GP or a pharmacist. For those who do not have a medical card or GP visit card, the vaccine is free but they may be charged for a consultation fee.

Patient Transfers

Questions (159)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

159. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the provision of funds on the discharge of a person (details supplied) to a suitable specialist centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43752/19]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

HSE Reports

Questions (160)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

160. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 350 of 15 October 2019, when the considerations of his Department of the HSE Valproate response project report will be completed; when the report will be published; if a copy will be made available to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43754/19]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department will consider the HSE’s report on the Valproate Response Project over the next two weeks, and I will then receive a briefing on the report. No decision has been taken regarding potential publication of the report. I will ask the HSE to make a copy available to the organisation referred to by the Deputy.

Health Services Data

Questions (161)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

161. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of terminations of pregnancy that have been carried out since the repeal of the eighth amendment and subsequent legislation by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43777/19]

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Written answers

Under section 20 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, a notification of each termination of pregnancy carried out under the legislation must be notified to the Minister for Health within 28 days of it being carried out. 

The Minister must prepare a report on the notifications received in a given year not later than 30 June the following year, and lay it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This report may then be published.

Therefore, no information on notifications received under the Act will be released until after the annual report for 2019 has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on or before 30 June 2020.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (162)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be seen for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43778/19]

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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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (163)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a cataract operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43779/19]

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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 National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

HSE Staff Remuneration

Questions (164)

John Brassil

Question:

164. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if a breakdown will be provided regarding a salary arrears payment to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43804/19]

View answer

Written answers

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Budget Measures

Questions (165)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

165. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost in 2020 of the increase in general practitioner card coverage thresholds announced in budget 2019. [43805/19]

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Written answers

Budget 2019 provided for a 10% increase across all GP Visit Card weekly income thresholds which came into effect from April 1st, 2019. The full year cost of this measure in 2020 will be dependent on a number of factors, including the number of additional applications made to the HSE, the timescale within which these are made and the number of applicants who are found to qualify for this benefit.

Health Services

Questions (166)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

166. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) can be reviewed and a refund expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43837/19]

View answer

Written answers

As the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Meat Processing Plant Inspections

Questions (167)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

167. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the factories which have been found by departmental inspectors to be in breach of regulations in the grading and trimming of beef and sheep carcasses to date in 2019; the offences discovered in each factory; the penalties or warnings issued to the offending factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43696/19]

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Written answers

To date in 2019, there have been 499 unannounced inspections conducted in 32 beef factories. During these inspections, classification officers monitor carcase classification, weights and trim. To date, one  factory has been fined for excess carcase trimming of three carcasses. It is intended to publish the names of all factories that have been fined in 2019 on the Department website in due course.  

While the classification of beef is compulsory under EU legislation, sheep classification is not mandatory by EU legislation and is implemented as an industry initiative.

Beef Exports

Questions (168)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

168. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress being made to open up the Iranian market for beef exports; the trading barriers which remain at international or EU level to transit exports to the country; and the other factors that may be acting as barriers to increasing meat exports to Iran. [43701/19]

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Written answers

The Iranian market is already open for beef and sheepmeat exports.

A veterinary health certificate for the export of Irish beef to Iran was agreed in March 2013. According to the CSO, trade has been negligible in recent years. Officials from my Department participated in a successful trade mission to Iran and Turkey in April 2016 which resulted in a bilaterally agreed veterinary health certificate that allowed Irish sheepmeat access to the Iranian market.  However, no sheepmeat exports have been recorded by the CSO since the market was opened in October 2016.

Trade with Iran is hindered by a combination of unfavourable trading conditions, plentiful supplies from lower-cost competitors and non-regulatory or financial barriers.  In relation to the non-regulatory barriers, work is ongoing at EU level to facilitate efficient commercial transactions between businesses in member states and Iran.

Organic Farming Scheme

Questions (169)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

169. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 493 of 15 October 2019, the breakdown between Exchequer and EU funding for the allocation in 2020; and the breakdown in funding in 2019. [43702/19]

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Written answers

The Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Processing Industry is a 100% exchequer funded scheme and has a budget of €1.2m in both 2019 and 2020. 

The Organic Farming Scheme is a co-funded scheme under Ireland's RDP and has a budget of €11m in 2019 and €12m for 2020 and is funded at a co-financed rate of 53%.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (170)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

170. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on comments that Irish product will be displaced from the British market and for Irish farmers to prepare for Brexit and prepare for tariffs on Irish food exports to the UK (details supplied); and the financial supports which will be put in place for farmers immediately in these scenarios. [43703/19]

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Written answers

A no-deal Brexit would pose enormous challenges for the agrifood and fisheries sectors in particular by virtue of their exposure to the UK market.  The UK recently published their temporary tariff regime. The exact impact that these tariffs will have on agrifood trade is impossible to determine, and this includes how trade flows might change in response. However, it is clear that the imposition of these tariffs, and any other regulatory burden imposed on goods entering the UK, would particularly negatively affect Irish farmers and Irish food exports to the UK.

My Department has taken steps to mitigate the impact of Brexit over a number of budgets including through the provision of low cost loans, the €300m Brexit Fund and the €300m future growth loan scheme.  We have also supported market diversification efforts in order to reduce our exposure to the UK market. In addition, the threat of a no deal Brexit is being addressed through Budget 2020 by making €110 million available as a first tranche to help farmers, fishermen and food SME’s to navigate the challenges that a no deal Brexit would present. These measures include immediate support for our beef sector (€85m), support for our fishing fleet (€14m), €5m towards marketing in non-UK markets and necessary support to other sectors to improve competitiveness (€6m).

Additionally, the Commission announced a €50 million package for Irish beef producers - the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) is a demand-led measure, with both eligibility criteria and conditionality, i.e. farmers who meet the initial eligibility criteria then commit to meeting certain conditions to qualify for aid.  By the closing date for the scheme, over 34,500 farmers had applied for inclusion in the scheme with a total potential drawdown of €78m.

I can assure the Deputy that I and my officials are continuing with our Brexit preparedness work, within a whole of Government effort, to ensure the best possible outcome for the agrifood sector and that the appropriate financial supports are being put in place to support the sector.

EU Funding

Questions (171)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

171. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Irish farmers, and young farmers in particular, have been locked out of a €1 billion EU loan scheme (details supplied) launched in April 2019; when he first received confirmation that this scheme would not be offered here; if he has had discussions with the Minister for Finance or with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland regarding opening the loan scheme here; and the reason for not opening it. [43704/19]

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Written answers

I can reassure the Deputy that Irish farmers are not being excluded from any scheme being offered by  EU or the European Investment Bank (EIB). 

I welcomed the announcement in April of a €1 billion loan programme by Commissioner Phil Hogan and EIB Vice-President Andrew McDowell, aimed at increasing access to funding for EU farmers, especially young farmers. This programme allows Member States and financial institutions operating across the EU to engage with the Commission and the EIB to develop schemes tailored to their own individual needs and requirements.

Ireland, through my Department and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in partnership with the Department of Finance and the SBCI, has already engaged with the EIB & the European Investment Fund (EIF) to develop the Future Growth Loan Scheme.  It is being delivered through participating finance providers nationally and will make up to €300 million of investment loans available to eligible Irish businesses, including farmers and the agrifood & seafood sectors.

The loans are competitively priced (an initial maximum loan interest rate of 4.5% for loans less than €250,000), will be for terms of 8-10 years and will support strategic long-term investment in a post-Brexit environment. A minimum loan amount of €100,000 applies up to a maximum of €3,000,000 per applicant. However, considering the needs of Irish farmers, I have negotiated a specific minimum of €50,000 for them.

This is a financial product that was previously unavailable in Ireland, hence the involvement of the various public bodies to bring it to market. The unique characteristic of the Scheme is that loans up to €500,000 are unsecured making it a viable source of finance for young and new entrant farmers, especially the cohort who do not have high levels of security. It will also serve smaller-scale farmers, who often do not have the leverage to negotiate for more favourable terms with their banking institution.

Food companies have identified long-term investment finance of up to ten years as a critical need which is currently unavailable in Ireland.  I am happy that the Government have been able to deliver this product and its effects will be felt all along the food production chain from primary producer to processor.

The Scheme which launched earlier this year has been open for loan eligibility applications through the SBCI website since 17th April and there has been a good level of demand from farmers.

One of my priorities is to improve access to finance for the agrifood sector. I look forward to continuing to work nationally, with the Commission, with the EIB/EIF and others to ensure that Irish farmers have access to appropriate financial products to enable them to sustain and develop their individual enterprises.

Rural Development Programme

Questions (172)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

172. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 29 November 2018, the status of developments on the issue; if his Department has completed its analysis on the effect of the changes in the implementation of financial instruments following the adoption of EU Regulation 2017/2393 during the period; and the status of the latest developments with the monitoring committee. [43705/19]

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Written answers

The ex-ante assessment for the use of financial instruments within Ireland’s European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programmes has been completed and is available on the Department’s website at the following link:

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ruralenvironmentsustainability/ruraldevelopmentprogrammerdp2014-2020/

The report was presented to the Rural Development Programme Monitoring Committee in September 2017, following which, a written public consultation on the ex-ante assessment was held to hear the views of stakeholders on the proposed use of Financial Instruments.

My Department assessed the feedback from the RDP Monitoring Committee and considered the public consultation responses. My Department also considered the effect of the changes in the implementation of Financial Instruments following the adoption of EU Regulation 2017/2393 during this period.

In April 2019, I decided on the following actions points with regards the introduction of FI under the RDP and the EMFF OP:

1. That a Financial Instrument not be introduced for either the RDP or the EMFF at this time.

2. That the lessons learnt in conducting the FI ex-ante assessment and consultation exercise be taken into consideration in the design of the CAP Strategic Plan 2021 -2027 and the next Operational Programme for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

3. That an update of the ex-ante assessment for the use of FI, including working capital be considered in the ex-ante evaluation of the CAP Strategic Plan 2021-2027 and the next Operational Programme for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

The Monitoring Committee for the Rural Development Programme was kept informed at all stages of the process and was notified of my decision on 24 April 2019.

Hardship Grant Scheme

Questions (173)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a hardship grant application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43776/19]

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Written answers

The Hardship Grant is designed to alleviate the additional feed costs incurred by some herdowners whose holdings are restricted on foot of a herd retest during the period 1 November to 30 April and where animals are retained and fed during periods of restriction.

The herdowner in question did not make an application under the hardship scheme in 2018. Applications under the scheme cannot be made retrospectively and, as his herd is no longer restricted for TB, he is not currently eligible to apply for the grant.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (174)

John Lahart

Question:

174. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of publicly funded electric car charging as opposed to charging points in residential and commercial business places points he envisages will be in place by end of each of the years 2020 to 2022; and the locations of same. [43670/19]

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Written answers

The Climate Action Plan sets out a range of actions to support the delivery of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. These actions include developing the infrastructure to stay sufficiently ahead of demand. There are currently over 650 standard public charge points and 95 fast chargers (the majority of which are operated by the ESB) in Ireland.

I am in the process of increasing the level of investment in charging infrastructure. Under the first call for applications from the Climate Action Fund, funding of up to €10 million will support ESB eCars to develop a nationwide, state-of-the-art electric vehicle fast charging network, with ESB eCars also investing €10m. This project includes the installation of 140 fast chargers consisting of 90 150kW chargers (each of which will be capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously) and upgrading 50 existing standard chargers (each consisting of 2 charge points) to 50kW chargers The project will also involve replacing over 500 existing standard charge points with next generation high reliability models.

This is a multi-annual project and is expected to be fully completed by 2022. The locations of the chargers that will be installed as part of this project have not been finalised. However, a provisional map of the planned network, showing indicative locations, was developed by ESB eCars and has been published on my Department’s website.

I expect approximately half of the 140 new fast chargers to be installed by the end of 2020 bringing the total to over 160 fast chargers. This is expected to further increase to over 200 by the end of 2021 and over 230 by the end of 2022.

In August, I announced funding to support the rollout by Local Authorities of up to 1,000 on-street public charge points for electric vehicles over the next 5 years. This is to cater mainly for electric vehicle owners who rely on on-street parking as their primary means of parking near their homes. Under the scheme, which opened for applications last month, Local Authorities can apply to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for funding. Budget 2020 provided funding of €2 million for the scheme that will allow up to 400 charge points to be supported next year. The rollout of on-street charge points over the coming years under this scheme is dependent on the uptake of this support by Local Authorities.

Under the Climate Action Plan, the government will develop an overarching charging infrastructure strategy with a target to be set for the supply of infrastructure to stay ahead of demand. In that strategy, we will review and update the targets (currently set out in the National Policy Framework for Alternative fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017-2030) for the supply of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, taking into account the proposed uptake of electric vehicles set out in this plan.

Waste Management Regulations

Questions (175)

Seán Haughey

Question:

175. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider granting additional powers to local authorities to allow them to deal with the large amount of wooden pallets which end up as discarded rubbish and disposed of legally and illegally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43676/19]

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Written answers

The European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014 are designed to promote the recovery and recycling of packaging waste. They are intended, in particular, to facilitate the achievement of the targets for the recovery of packaging waste established by the Directive. Ireland surpassed the material specific target of 15% for wood packaging, which encompasses wooden pallets, with a 74% recycling rate in 2017. Under the Regulations producers, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers are obliged to segregate the packaging waste arising on their own premises into specified waste streams including wood, and have it collected by authorised recovery operators for recycling. A pilot targeted packaging enforcement project has been in operation since 2017 with the aim of promoting compliance with the Regulations, spreading awareness of the policy and legislation and developing best practice in areas of common interest without prejudice to the statutory responsibilities and obligations of the local authority or the compliance scheme. Each local authority is responsible for the enforcement of the Packaging Regulations in their functional areas and I am satisfied the necessary powers are available to them for that purpose.

Energy Infrastructure

Questions (176)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

176. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the meter replacement programme as part of the national smart metering programme will be rolled out in north-east areas of County Cork. [43793/19]

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Written answers

The Smart Meter Upgrade is a meter replacement programme which will result in the upgrade of over 2 million meters to modern, smart-ready technology. These new generation electricity meters are also being rolled out across Europe and internationally. The upgrade to smart meters will encourage energy efficiency, support an increase in renewable power on the energy system, and result in lower overall costs for consumers. The installation of smart meters is a key enabler for the energy transition to a decarbonised system as outlined in the Government's Climate Action Plan. This is a very significant energy infrastructure project. The rollout will occur in a structured and phased basis, commencing with an initial delivery of 20,000 meters by year end, rising to 250,000 meters by end 2020 and a further 500,000 meters every year from 2021 to 2024.

On 2 September 2019 ESB Networks commenced the rollout in Portlaoise and Bandon and their surrounding areas. North east areas of county Cork are not included in the short term schedules but these will be reviewed in the new year. ESB Networks have committed to ensuring that customers will be given plenty of notice ahead of their meter replacement.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (177)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

177. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the provision of broadband in an area (details supplied) will be investigated. [43740/19]

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Written answers

Every home, farm, school and business in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband – no matter where they are located – following the Government’s decision to approve the appointment of a preferred bidder to the National Broadband Plan. The premises referenced by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie . The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP.

The Deputy makes reference to the premises' proximity to a commercial deployment of high speed broadband. This deployment is part of eir's commercial roll out of high speed broadband to 300,000 predominantly rural premises, in line with a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.

eir’s rural investment in high speed broadband is an entirely commercial undertaking which is now coming to a conclusion, and not part of the planned State Intervention network. Although the deployment is monitored under the terms of the Commitment Agreement, it is not funded by the State and it is not planned, designed or directed by my Department in any capacity.

Decisions made by private telecommunication operators relating to the roll out and siting of infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland are undertaken on a commercial basis. I have no statutory role or function in such commercial decisions of private operators, and therefore cannot direct operators regarding infrastructure installation or delivery of services.

Since the Government decision in May 2019 to appoint NBI as the Preferred Bidder for the National Broadband Plan contract, work has continued on the due diligence necessary to conclude the contract. This process is progressing towards contract award, which is expected before the end of the year. The network deployment will commence shortly after that.

The Bidder has indicated that the NBP State intervention will take an estimated 7 years from the beginning of deployment. A deployment plan will be made available by the Bidder once the contract is signed. In the first year of roll out, the Bidder will deploy approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across all counties. It is anticipated that between 7 and 23 BCPs will be deployed in each county. BCPs will provide a community based high speed broadband service, enhancing online participation and allowing for the establishment of digital work hubs in these locations.

The Bidder is aiming to pass 133,000 premises at the end of the second year, with 70-100,000 passed each year thereafter until roll out is completed.

Work continues on finalising the contract and in parallel to this work, I am considering the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Communications Committee report which was published recently. I will bring my deliberations of the report to Government in due course.

Waste Disposal Charges

Questions (178)

Seamus Healy

Question:

178. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the urgent need for the provision of a support grant for families that face increased refuse charges due to the fact a family member uses incontinence pads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43797/19]

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Written answers

Since mid-2017, a range of charging options have operated, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste. This provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging was not introduced. A Price Monitoring Group (PMG) was established in mid-2017 to monitor the on-going cost of residential waste collection to homeowners across Ireland as the ‘flat-rate structure’ was being phased out. While fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend has been relative price stability. My Department has engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representative organisations and the HSE, in an effort to see how best to provide a financial support to persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear.

My Department has been examining this issue in detail, however, there are complex issues at play in this area, which are understandable given the sensitive nature of the medical data in question.

Driver Licence Renewals

Questions (179)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

179. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NDLS has discretion to reissue driver licences to a person whose driver licence has lapsed for a time greater than the allowed period; his views on whether a holder of a full licence and competent driver who allowed their licence to lapse should not have to go through the designated number of driver lessons and the associated costs of the licence to re-obtain a full licence to which they were previously a holder of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43692/19]

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Written answers

It is set out in legislation that an application for a driving licence must be accompanied by a certificate of competency (issued to a person upon passing a driving test) unless the applicant is or was for any period within the period of 10 years preceding the date of the application, the holder of a driving licence or recognised driving licence issued by the competent authority of a Member State.

Therefore the NDLS does not have any discretion to reissue a driving licence to a person whose licence has lapsed for a time greater than the allowed period.

Given the length of period, namely ten years, during which a lapsed licence may be renewed, it is appropriate that applicants who have not held a licence for such a lengthy period should secure a certificate of competency, having regard to the importance of ensuring the safety of our roads.

Road Network

Questions (180)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

180. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will exercise his power under the Roads Act 1993 to designate the R132 as a national route in view of the status of the road at Julianstown, County Meath, as the 16th busiest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43695/19]

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Written answers

Section 10 of the Roads Act 1993 as amended by Roads Act 2007 provides for the classification of national, regional  and local roads and as such periodic reviews are undertaken in that regard.

As regards the possible re-classification of the R132 as a National Route, I have  not received a request from Meath County Council for the re-classification of the route.

Rail Services Provision

Questions (181)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

181. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if orders have been placed for carriages that can meet the requirement in the context of European guidelines regarding minimum spaces on trains for bikes; if not, if this requirement will be part of the tendering (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43706/19]

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Written answers

I think it is important to be clear as to the status of the European Parliament's discussions last year on this issue.

In November 2018, the European Parliament adopted its "first reading" position in relation to a proposed recast of the existing Regulation on rail passenger rights.  In adopting that position, and as is normal in the European legislative process, the Parliament put forward amendments to the text as first proposed, including an amendment in relation to the carriage of bicycles on trains.

The proposed recast of the existing Regulation remains under consideration by the Council of the European Union.  The legislative process remains ongoing and therefore the final text is not yet agreed, including any text as proposed by the European Parliament.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the procurement of additional rail fleet.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply regarding the specific issue raised.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Road Safety Authority

Questions (182)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

182. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the support available for families (details supplied); if public transport costs will be reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43717/19]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services.  I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten

working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
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