Written Answers Nos. 750-774
750. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will create a pathway for persons who are at risk due to underlying healthcare conditions to see a specialist and receive a letter to present to their employers to allow them to cocoon or work from home to protect their health. [9610/20]
View answerThe Government has published a Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business to ease the Covid-19 restrictions and reopen Ireland’s economy and society in a phased manner from 18 May.
In relation to people with underlying health conditions, the Roadmap states the following:
“The continued protection of people aged over 70 and those with underlying health conditions is in line with recommendations of WHO, ECDC and EU Commission which all recognise the importance of protecting the vulnerable populations. International and national evidence shows that those over 70 years and people with specific underlying health conditions are groups with an elevated risk for COVID-19. On this basis, it is recommended that the cocooning measures for the over 70s and for those in at risk groups be continued”.
Any future changes to the current public health measures and recommendations in place will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria set out in the Roadmap and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
On 9 May the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” was published. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. It is designed to be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
In relation to vulnerable or at risk workers the Protocol advises that if an at-risk or vulnerable worker cannot work from home and must be in the workplace, employers must make sure that they are preferentially supported to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres. However, employers should enable vulnerable workers to work from home where possible.
The Protocol is not static. There will be ongoing engagement at a national level between stakeholders on its implementation and it is subject to change in line with the latest public health advice or other developments in order to maximise the protection it will afford in our workplaces.
751. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason haemochromatosis patients are having their treatment deferred indefinitely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9611/20]
View answerThe initial focus of the Government’s response to Covid-19 was aimed at measures required to interrupt the transmission of Covid-19 and related steps. In regard to health considerations, this included that all non-essential surgery, health procedures and other non-essential health services were postponed.
The postponements accord with the National Action Plan published on 16 March, which sets out that elective and OPD activity should be restricted in order to maximise patient flow through hospitals. A key consideration in taking this approach was to prevent infection risk to patients in an evolving situation. Consideration is currently being given to how to increase delivery of services beyond time-critical essential services in line with the recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making. This will include implementation of processes to mitigate risks associated with Covid-19 for both patients and healthcare workers.
Individuals with hereditary haemochromatosis can continue to donate blood at all Irish Blood Transfusion Service fixed and mobile blood donor clinics free of charge. The IBTS has advised that first time donors have been restricted from attending clinics because of Covid-19. Hereditary Haemochromatosis donors will need to make an appointment with the IBTS before attending a clinic. Individuals wishing to donate must fulfil the eligibility criteria that is laid out on their website www.giveblood.ie.
752. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of additional beds which have been opened in the public hospital system since the onset of Covid-19; and the current number of hospital beds in the public hospital system. [9612/20]
View answerThe Department of Health is working with the HSE to increase acute capacity in hospitals throughout the country. In the context of the current COVID-19 Pandemic response, the HSE advised on 24 May 2020 that an additional 324 acute beds have opened since March, bringing the current total of acute beds in the system to 11,907 excluding critical care capacity. The HSE’s Critical Care Programme Census from September 2019 reported that there were 255 adult critical care beds in public hospitals. At an early stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, additional funding was provided to the HSE to increase the number of critical care beds. 42 critical care beds have been funded since March in addition to the baseline critical care capacity already identified in hospitals.
In line with the HSE’s Critical Care Major Surge Preparedness Planning Framework, surge plans for further capacity for each Hospital Group have been developed in order to create additional capacity if required. The HSE confirmed that this included 2,118 acute beds (1,633 day case beds and 485 inpatient beds).
753. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of requests for capital health projects which have been made and which have not been precommitted under existing capital plans but have been applied for; the estimated cost of such requests; and the projects with precommitted funding for each year for the next five years and front-loading of funding. [9613/20]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
754. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in which local authorities can reopen their tennis courts and cemeteries to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9742/20]
View answerThe services referred to by the Deputy are not matters within the responsibility of the Minister for Health. The responsibility for providing guidance in relation to a particular sector of the economy or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity. Local authority services are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that it remains the Government's policy under the Roadmap that people should not undertake non-essential travel outside of the restrictions as set out under each phase.
755. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to establish a new easily accessible, dedicated telephone line and-or email for relatives of residents and staff in nursing homes and other congregated settings in order to raise concerns regarding the care or management of the centre with the relevant authorities. [9748/20]
View answerIn accordance with Regulation 34 of S.I. No. 415/2013 - Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013, registered providers of nursing home care are obliged to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies and complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has engaged with the nursing homes' established complaint’s procedure.
The HSE also operates a feedback and complaints process, "Your service, Your say". Details of how to make a complaint or provide feedback to the HSE, including contact details for the Office of the Confidential Recipient are available on the HSE website.
Separately, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) welcomes information about designated centres for dependent persons, reviews all information about services received and evaluates it against the regulations and standards.
Concerns can be communicated to:
- Phone 021 240 9646
- concerns@hiqa.ie Email
- IQA, George’s Court, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
As a regulator HIQA has no legal role in examining individual complaints, however, the Authority does take into account all information it receives, including complaints from the public, when carrying out inspections and this range of information informs a risk-based approach to regulation.
756. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the amount that has been spent on advertising in 2020 by his Department and its agencies on social media platforms (details supplied) in tabular form; and the name of each campaign advertised. [9840/20]
View answerThe Department of Health’s spend on advertising to social media platforms from 1 January - 31 May 2020 is set out as follows.
|
Company |
Description |
Amount |
|
|
Healthy Ireland Fund |
€3,394.80 |
|
|
Healthy Ireland Fund |
€5,537.00 |
|
|
Healthy Ireland Fund |
€2,460.00 |
757. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason greyhound racing is not resuming at the same time as horse racing in view of the fact that the greyhound racing could be run behind closed doors in a very safe environment ensuring social distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8874/20]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. Similarly, Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
On 1 May 2020, the Taoiseach set out a roadmap for easing the Covid -19 restrictions, which began on Monday 18 May. The Government plans to reopen the economy and society in a slow and phased manner. The roadmap sets out five stages for unlocking restrictions, at three-week intervals.
On publishing the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, the Government expressed a willingness to engage and consult with sectors on possible changes to the timings in the plan.
Through my Department, HRI was engaged in this consultation process from the outset and I was fully supportive of this engagement. I would like to commend HRI and the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board for the protocols which they have developed, with the aim of safeguarding everyone's health and ensuring that racing will resume in a safe and appropriate manner.
My Department will now assist other sectors under its remit with their engagement in the same process where appropriate, bearing in mind at all times, the pre-eminence of the protection of public health.
Bord na gCon is fully engaged with my Department officials on this matter.
758. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations in place regarding the spraying of MCPA; if there is a minimum distance requirement for spraying near domestic residences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9059/20]
View answerThe use of plant protection products (PPPs) in Ireland, including products containing MCPA, is governed by Statutory Instrument 155 of 2012 and Statutory Instrument 159 of 2012. Both of these S.I.s are based on, and give effect to, EU legislation on PPPs. Users of PPPs shall apply the principles of good plant protection practice. These are published by my Department and provide the basis for the proper and appropriate use of these products. With regard to products containing MCPA, there is currently no specified minimum distance established between the area to be sprayed and residential property, as the bystander exposure risk assessment does not require it.
I would also highlight the fact that several specific regulatory measures for MCPA products have been introduced in recent years. These include a reduction in the maximum allowed application rate, an extended prohibited use period, a requirement for a 5-metre buffer zone to protect watercourses and a mandatory water monitoring programme in priority drinking water catchment areas.
Products containing MCPA are subject to re-registration in the next 1-2 years and all relevant issues will be examined again as is normal practice during this process.
759. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the exclusion of boats licensed for aquaculture from the voluntary fleet support scheme for the fishery sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8320/20]
View answerI announced on 8 May, a Covid-19 Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for fishing vessels in the Polyvalent, Beam Trawl and Specific segments of the fleet, to be implemented under Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014-20, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. The purpose of the scheme is to address the supply of fish to market so as to better balance the supply of fish from these vessels to the available market demand for these fish. The Scheme will be operational from 1 June and will allow vessel owners of fishing vessels to voluntarily opt to tie up for a maximum of two months over the period June to August.
The Scheme will support the fixed costs incurred by the vessel owners and is designed to complement the Covid-19 wage supports and loan arrangements already being provided by Government to the fishing sector and indeed other sectors of our economy. The supports to fixed costs available under the Scheme range from €6,000 per month for a maximum of two months for the very largest vessels over 24 metres, to €500 per month for a maximum of two months for the very smallest vessels under 6 metres in length. More details available at the following link: http://www.bim.ie/schemes/covid-19-temporary-fleet-tie-up-scheme/
The Scheme is implemented under article 33 of the EMFF Regulation (508/2014) which allows aid to fishing vessels only for temporary cessation of fishing activities. Vessels in the aquaculture segment of the fleet are not included in the scope of the Regulation and, accordingly, their inclusion in the Tie-up Scheme is precluded.
760. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) relating to the culling of animals will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8376/20]
View answerThe person named had a TB breakdown in 2011 during which a number of calves were identified as reactors. The calves were euthanised on farm with the consent of the herdowner.
My officials have engaged extensively with the herdowner over the past several years on this issue. He has had a number of meetings with senior officials of my Department and, most recently, in November of last year. I am satisfied that the matter has been handled in full compliance with Department guidelines and was carried out in the best interests of animal health and welfare in the circumstances pertaining to the herd at the time.
761. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for a felling licence will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8504/20]
View answerAs part of this application, a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was requested and this has been received from the person named.
The NIS and the application documentation is now being examined and a decision on the application is expected to issue within a matter of weeks.
762. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of plans to ban fur farming. [8546/20]
View answerMy Department is in the process of preparing a Bill to provide for the phased introduction of a ban on fur farming which will include a prohibition on mink farming. Along with animal welfare considerations, social and economic aspects in relation to the industry need to be taken into account. The Bill will make it illegal for any new fur farms to be established and will put in place phase out arrangements for the small number of current operators. This will allow for an orderly wind down of the sector and allow time for employees to find alternative opportunities.
The necessary work to prepare the appropriate legislation is ongoing within the Department.
763. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason it is a condition of the voluntary fleet support scheme that vessel owners surrender their fishing licence to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8598/20]
View answerI announced on 8 May, a Covid-19 Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for fishing vessels in the Polyvalent, Beam Trawl and Specific segments of the fleet, to be implemented under Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014-20, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. The purpose of the scheme is to address the supply of fish to market so as to better balance the supply of fish from these vessels to the available market demand for these fish. The Scheme will be operational from 1 June and will allow vessel owners of fishing vessels to voluntarily opt to tie up for a maximum of two months over the period June to August.
The Scheme will support the fixed costs incurred by the vessel owners and is designed to complement the Covid-19 wage supports and loan arrangements already being provided by Government to the fishing sector and indeed other sectors of our economy. The supports to fixed costs available under the Scheme range from €6,000 per month for a maximum of two months for the very largest vessels over 24 metres, to €500 per month for a maximum of two months for the very smallest vessels under 6 metres in length. More details available at the following link: http://www.bim.ie/schemes/covid-19-temporary-fleet-tie-up-scheme/
The Scheme is implemented under article 33 of the EMFF Regulation (508/2014) which requires that beneficiaries of aid for temporary tie-up suspend all fishing activity for the tie-up period and that the competent authority satisfy itself that the fishing vessel has stopped fishing. To comply with these regulatory requirements, it is appropriate that certain terms and conditions apply to the scheme, including surrender of fishing licence to the local BIM office at the start of the tie-up period. The licence can be immediately reclaimed when the tie-up period ends.
764. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding a cut to an ANC payment to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8641/20]
View answerThe person named submitted an application under the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) on 2 May 2019.
My Department reviews all agricultural land parcels in the country on a rolling basis with the whole country being reviewed every three years. All the latest available imagery is reviewed, and any ineligible features identified within a land parcel are removed. The area of the parcel is adjusted where necessary and, if appropriate, any overpayment is addressed. Scheme applicants are notified accordingly, and they are given the option, should they wish, to seek a review of any overclaims arising from this process.
Land parcels submitted under the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) by the person named were subject to this imagery review process. Following this review, the Maximum Eligible Areas (MEA) of two parcels were reduced which led to overclaims on these parcels and this resulted in a reduction of over 10% being applied to his 2019 BPS payment resulting in an overpayment being applied.
A letter issued to the person named on 26 March 2020 outlining the position and advised him of the options available to him, including the option of submitting geo-tagged photographs. An agricultural advisor submitted a response on behalf of the person named on 17 April 2020 stating that they did not agree to the reduced MEA on one of the parcels but did not submit any geo-tagged photographs as evidence to support this. Officials from my Department have been in contact with both the person named and the advisor. Should any geo tagged photographic evidence be received, a further review will be undertaken of these parcels under the 2019 BPS.
With regards to the ANC, the person named claimed 39.27 hectares. However, the maximum eligible area for payment under ANC is 34 hectares. The person named has been paid in full on 34 hectares on foot of his 2019 ANC application.
765. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer who has been accepted for the future growth loans scheme and has the relevant code that expires on 6 June 2020 can draw down the loan before that date; if not, if the code date will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8663/20]
View answerThe Future Growth Loan Scheme, co-financed by my Department, was launched in March 2019 and made €300m of investment loans available to eligible Irish businesses. Loans are competitively priced, for terms of 8-10 years, and support strategic long-term investment.
The Scheme has been in high demand with some of the lenders at capacity. However, because of the high demand, and recognising the significant and sudden financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses, the Government has announced that a second tranche, with up to 40% available to the agri-food sector, will be made available. Details of this second tranche will be announced shortly.
Eligibility codes, issued from the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, remain valid for six month from the date of issue. The applicant must provide the eligibility confirmation letter and code to the bank when applying for a loan. Approval of loans is subject to the bank's own credit policies and procedures. It is possible to renew an eligibility code by repeating the process of downloading, completing and signing an application form. This is a quick process and it ensures that any changed circumstances are taken into consideration.
766. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if derogation from a regulation (details supplied) can be obtained due to the cost of implementing this on both farmers and merchants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8749/20]
View answerEU Regulation 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products comes into effect in January 2022. This Regulation is binding in full and has direct effect on all Member States. There is limited national discretion available to Member States in relation to a number of the Regulation's provisions. It is not, however, open to any Member State to seek a derogation on the implementation date of this Regulation.
In 2004, European legislation established a requirement that all veterinary medicinal products that are intended for use in food-producing animals should be subject to a veterinary prescription. However, a 2006 EU Directive allowed for the maintenance of non-prescription status for certain veterinary medicinal products which did not present a risk to human or animal health or to the environment, and which met the specified criteria for exemption from veterinary prescription. Ireland availed of the exemption in Directive 2006/130/EC at the time and antiparasitics were allowed to continue to be available without prescription.
There is a similar exemption available under the new EU Regulation 2019/6. However, since that time, worldwide knowledge regarding the impact of extensive use of antiparasitics has changed. For example, antiparasitic resistance has been widely reported in parasites of livestock species in Ireland and globally, resistance is developing year-on-year and is now a significant animal health issue.
In 2019, the Health Product Regulatory Authority’s (HPRA) Advisory Committee for Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) established a Task Force to review the method of supply of antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products that are intended for food-producing animals against the criteria set out in Regulation 2019/6. A copy of the Report is available on the HPRA’s website www.hpra.ie.
The Report states that the available scientific evidence shows that antiparasitic veterinary medicines that are intended for use in food-producing species do not comply with the criteria for derogation from veterinary prescription specified in EU Regulation 2019/6. It also states that a consequence of this determination is that any such products that are supplied without veterinary prescription will need to be upregulated to supply under veterinary prescription. This brings Ireland in line with other Member States.
In accordance with existing national legislation, antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products for use in food-producing species that are supplied under prescription may be dispensed by veterinary practitioners, pharmacists and licensed merchants. This means that all current stakeholders that are already permitted to supply such products will be entitled to continue to stock them in the future but, from January 2022 onwards, a veterinary prescription will be required to dispense them.
My Department is committed to working with all stakeholders in considering how best to implement the new EU Regulations on veterinary medicinal products and plan to have a public consultation in Q2 2020. A dedicated email address has been set up for this purpose and I would encourage all interested parties to send their observations to vetmedregs@agriculture.gov.ie.
767. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of employees as of 1 May 2020 employed by Horse Racing Ireland; the breakdown of roles; and the funding the body has received in each of the past five years to date in 2020. [8781/20]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy regarding the number of employees as of 1 May 2020 employed by Horse Racing Ireland and the breakdown of roles is an operational matter for HRI and therefore that matter has been referred to the body for direct reply.
Funding under the Horse and Greyhound Fund received by HRI in each of the past five years and to date in 2020 is as set out as follows.
2020 - €32.750 million to date (€67.2 million total allocation for 2020)
2019 - €67.2 million
2018 - €64.0 million
2017 - €64.0 million
2016 - €59.2 million
2015 - €54.4 million
768. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of employees as of 1 May 2020 employed by the Irish Greyhound Board; the breakdown of roles; and the funding the body has received in each of the past five years to date in 2020. [8782/20]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy regarding the number of employees as of 1 May 2020 employed by the Irish Greyhound Board and the breakdown of roles is an operational matter for Bord na gCon and therefore that matter has been referred to the body for direct reply
Funding under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund received by Bord na gCon in each of the past five years and to date in 2020, are as set out as follows.
2020 - €14.7 million to date (total allocation for 2020 €16.8 million)
2019 - €16.8 million
2018 - €16 million
2017 - €16 million
2016 - €14.8 million
2015 - €13.6 million
769. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding licences for fishermen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8811/20]
View answerPolicy for the management of Herring Stocks was set down in 2012 and is available on the Department’s website at: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/seafood/seafoodpolicy/forms/
The Herring stocks around Ireland are currently in a very vulnerable state and ICES (the Internatial Council for the Exploration of the Seas) advised a zero Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for each of these stocks. For 2020, the EU Council agreed a very small TAC and quotas for the North West Herring stocks and for the Celtic Sea Herring stock to allow for the continued collection of scientific data which is set at a level that will not impair the recovery of these Herring stocks.
The number of new young fish entering the fishery each year, has been very low since 2013 and, as a result, the Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) of Northwest Herring – the total weight of the stock old enough to reproduce – has been declining. In 2016, a monitoring Total Allowable Catch (TAC) was established for this stock. This has been in place since to allow the collection of samples and to continue the scientific time series. Management arrangements for the North West Herring stocks under these exceptional circumstances are recommended and supported by Industry representatives, including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum which represents small boats. For 2019 and earlier years, the 2012 Herring policy was set aside. Recommendations from industry representatitives, which includes the NIFF, for the 2020 fishery is expected later in the year.
In the case of the Celtic Sea Herring stock, the SSB of this stock has been decreasing significantly since 2011. Last year, ICES advised zero catches in 2020. However, ICES suggested that a monitoring TAC for a sentinel fishery only should be conducted to allow for the collection of scientific data. In previous years, in accordance with Herring policy, the Celtic Sea Herring Sentinel fishery operated as an open fishery for vessels under 17m length overall confined to the Dunmore Box with 11% of quota set aside. The Management arrangements, under the Ministerial policy, for the Celtic Sea Herring fishery are recommended by the Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee, who includes representatives from the NIFF. The Department is awaiting a recommendation for 2020.
770. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for a forestry licence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8816/20]
View answer772. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a forestry road application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8900/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 770 and 772 together.
The application for a forest road works licence from the person named covers an area that is close to several designated sites including Doo Loughs, the Killarney National Parks and the Caragh River catchment. The effects the proposed operations may have on these sites must be carefully assessed, particularly as the Kerry County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 has declared the area as a high-sensitivity landscape and a primary amenity area.
My Department will carry out an Appropriate Assessment Report and Determination, which will take some time to finalise. However, it is open to the person named to engage a suitably qualified person to prepare a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The completed NIS will then be assessed by my Department’s Ecology Unit before giving a final determination on the application.
771. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider extending panels for departmental jobs which are valid for a two-year period in view of the fact that the hiring process is at a halt at present and therefore those high up on the panel may lose out as the period will have lapsed. [8877/20]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that a highly skilled, motivated and efficient workforce is in place to meet on-going business needs and avails of Workforce planning to identify and assess these needs on an on-going basis.
Staff recruitment is continuing in my Department at present. Posts continue to be advertised either by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) or by my Department's Human Resources Division. Two recruitment campaigns were advertised in the last week.
As things stand therefore, I do not believe it is necessary to extend existing competition panels for posts within my Department.
773. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a company (details supplied) has been in receipt of funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development or another State subsidy during the course of the Covid-19 public emergency. [9004/20]
View answerThe company named has not received any Covid-related subsidy from my Department.
In accordance with EU Regulation 1306/2013, my Department is obliged to ensure annual ex-post publication of all of the beneficiaries of CAP funding, both legal and non-legal persons, which shall remain available for two years from the date of the initial publication. The details that are required to be published relate to funding received by beneficiaries under the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Details of beneficiaries in relation to 2018 and 2019 are currently available on the Department's website.
The scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture grant aids horticultural producers and covers capital investments in specialised plant and equipment as well as emerging technologies specific to commercial horticulture production. Under the 2020 scheme, in the region of 170 applicants have been approved for funding. This nationally funded scheme is currently operational and information regarding individual applicants cannot be disclosed.
774. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if force majeure will be accepted in a GLAS 2 contract in respect a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9044/20]
View answerThe person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payments in respect of scheme years 2016 to 2019.
Section 20 of the scheme terms and conditions outlines the circumstances where force majeure may be applied. Any applicant seeking to avail of force majeure provisions must do so, in writing, directly to GLAS Section outlining their case and including any supporting documentation they wish to have considered.
There is no record of a force majeure request from the person named in respect of their GLAS contract.
