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Tuesday, 9 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 445-464

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (445)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

445. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will now be assessed under the schools list; the arrangements in place to provide these assessments as a priority for children that lost out in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10468/20]

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Written answers

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Maternity Services

Questions (446)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

446. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps taken throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate the safe face-to-face attendance when appropriate by women that are pregnant for regular check-ups and if necessary, treatment with their general practitioner and also with relevant consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10469/20]

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Written answers

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (447)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

447. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to appoint a person to conduct an independent inquiry as to the way in which the issue of protecting patients in nursing homes from Covid-19 was handled from a date (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10470/20]

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Written answers

On foot of a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendation, on 23 May a COVID-19 Expert Panel on Nursing Homes was established, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort.

The purpose of the Panel is to examine the national and international responses to the COVID-19 crisis, and to examine the emerging best practice. The main objective of the Panel is to provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months. COVID-19 is a new disease, which can present atypically in the frail elderly, and new evidence and best practice in its management are constantly emerging.

The Terms of Reference of the Expert Panel are:

1. Provide assurance that the national protective public health and other measures adopted to safeguard residents in nursing homes, in light of COVID-19, are appropriate, comprehensive and in line with international guidelines and any lessons learned from Ireland's response to COVID-19 in nursing homes to date;

2. Provide an overview of the international response to COVID-19 in nursing homes utilising a systematic research process;

3. Report to the Minister for Health by end June 2020 in order to provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months.

This independent Panel is chaired by Professor Cecily Kelleher, Principal of the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, UCD. Professor Kelleher will be joined by Professor Cillian Twomey (Retired Geriatrician), Petrina Donnelly, Group Director of Nursing, RCSI Hospital Group, and Bridget Doherty, representing the public interest.

Health Services Funding

Questions (448)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

448. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the additional financial support provided to section 39 organisations from March to May 2020; the measures he is taking to ensure the future viability of such organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10474/20]

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Written answers

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

Horse and Greyhound Fund

Questions (449)

Niall Collins

Question:

449. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the planned funding for the horse and greyhound fund in 2020; and the amount contributed to horse and greyhound racing in each of the years 2010 to 2019. [9700/20]

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Written answers

Horse 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. Both bodies are corporate and separate legal entities to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 (No.20 of 2001), the horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund).

Monies are paid out of the fund in the ratio of 80% to HRI and 20% to Bord na gCon as specified in Section 12 (6) of the Act.

The Fund allocation from 2010 to 2020 is as set out below.

2020 - €84 million

2019 - €84 million

2018 - €80 million

2017 - €80 million

2016 - €74 million

2015 - €68 million

2014 - €54.22 million

2013 - €55.02 million

2012 - €56.29 million

2011 - €57.29 million

2010 - €59.264 million

Organic Farming Scheme

Questions (450)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

450. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the increase in funding planned for 2021 for the organic farmers scheme; if changes are planned to the minimum qualifying score which would bring more organic farmers into the scheme; the reason for the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9657/20]

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Written answers

The Organic Farming Scheme has been one of the most successful schemes under the current Rural Development Plan (2014 - 2020). It will fully consume the budget of €56m that was allocated to it for the period 2014 to 2020.

The Scheme has more than achieved its targets in terms of new land converted and the maintenance of organic land. Latest figures indicate that there are now some 74,000 hectares under organic production, an increase of nearly 50% on the position at the start of the Programme in 2014.

As there has been a delay in agreeing the EU budget and the new CAP reform regulations, transitional arrangements will be made to provide legal and financial certainty for RDP schemes for 2021. The European Commission has therefore introduced draft transitional Regulations to cover the period between the current RDP which expires this year and the commencement of the next. These transitional regulations which will govern the position of schemes in 2021 have not yet been finalised.

Meat Processing Plants

Questions (451, 452, 453, 454, 455)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

451. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of suspected Covid–19 cases at a meat plant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9667/20]

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Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

452. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in meat plant factories nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9668/20]

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Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

453. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of the confirmed cases of Covid-19 at a meat plant (details supplied) which led to hospitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9669/20]

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Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

454. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of confirmed cases of Covid –19 in meat plant factories nationally that led to hospitalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9670/20]

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Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

455. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he could not share the specific details of each meat plant and their individual exposure to Covid-19 in Dáil Éireann on 20 May 2020 for legal reasons; if so, if the legal opinion in relation to same will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9671/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 to 455, inclusive, together.

The information with regard to the numbers of workers tested or positive in meat plants is a matter for the personnel involved, the Food Businesses and the Health Service Executive

A national Outbreak Control team has been established by the HSE to deal with all issues relating to Covid 19 in meat plants. My Department is represented on this committee and it is expected that recommendations, including any in relation to testing, will issue from this group in due course. Any clusters of cases in individual meat plants, in common with clusters in other workplaces, are dealt with by local HSE-led outbreak control teams.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (456)

Niall Collins

Question:

456. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason greyhound tracks here were denied the opportunity to stage greyhound race meetings nationally from the same date as horse racing meetings in view of the importance of the greyhound industry nationally and the number in employment in the industry; and if an assurance will be given of equal treatment in the future in this regard. [9703/20]

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Written answers

Horse 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 the 1st May 2020, the Taoiseach set out a roadmap for easing the Covid -19 restrictions, which began on Monday 18th 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 set out in the plan.

Through my Department, both HRI and Bord na gCon engaged in this consultation process and I was fully supportive of this engagement.

Following a meeting of Government on Friday 5th June 2020, it was confirmed that greyhound racing could resume behind closed doors from Monday 8th June 2020, subject to strict protocols, in line with the resumption of thoroughbred horse racing.

I have been assured that Bord na gCon will continue to put public health considerations at the forefront of its activities, and detailed protocols have been prepared by the body for operating in the current environment.

Pesticide Use

Questions (457)

Michael McGrath

Question:

457. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in relation to the use of an active substance (details supplied) used in essential herbicide crop protection products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9751/20]

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Written answers

Diquat is has been widely used as a crop desiccant, including for the desiccation of haulm in potato crops. Following an EU review process, which concluded in 2018, the active substance approval was withdrawn. This decision was implemented through Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1532.

Withdrawal of approval was due to risks identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in relation to the areas of human health and the environment. Various risk mitigation options were evaluated by Member State technical experts following the EFSA review but could not be shown to allow safe use. Product authorisations were withdrawn by 4 May 2019 and the last allowed date of use was 4 February 2020.

It is within the competence of individual Member States in certain circumstances to issue emergency approvals, for a short period, under Article 53 of Regulation EC No 1107/2009. However, when deciding in respect of any emergency authorisation, my Department carefully considers the specific reasons why use of a product may be sought and potential impacts on human and environmental health that could arise from its use. Due to the risks identified during the recent assessment process, it is not proposed to issue emergency approval at this time.

I understand that both Teagasc and the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board in the UK have carried out trials with alternative products and also physical removal of haulm by flailing.

Meat Processing Plants

Questions (458)

Brian Stanley

Question:

458. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether all further inspections of meat plants should be carried out unannounced; and if not, the reason for having announced inspections. [9765/20]

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Written answers

All meat processing and slaughter plants whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU regulations relating to food safety, animal health and welfare. Large scale slaughter plants operate under the supervision of my Department, while smaller scale abattoirs are supervised by the Local Authority Veterinary Service.

In accordance with EU Regulation No. 625 of 2017, food processing plants and cold stores under the supervision of my Department are subject to a risk-based official control strategy which is determined by DAFM, based on the activity of Food Business in question.

All Food Businesses are subject to unannounced official controls, but there is provision for notice to be given to the Food Business Operators in advance of undertaking official controls at a Food Business premises. My Department undertakes the required number of unannounced inspections as envisaged by the relevant Regulations.

Hen Harriers

Questions (459)

Niall Collins

Question:

459. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payments made to landowners in counties Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Tipperary by county in circumstances in which land has been designated for the hen harrier in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9770/20]

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Written answers

My Department makes payment to landowners through the Hen Harrier Programme and through the Conservation of Farm Birds (Hen Harrier) option in GLAS.

The Hen Harrier Project is operationally independent of my Department and is run by a Hen Harrier Project Team. The information below is sourced from the Project Team. The Hen Harrier Programme has 1,524 participating farmers.

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Totals

Cork

0

0

0

205,068.07

46,1736.2

0

66,6804.28

Kerry

0

0

0

256,961.32

52,1113

4,720.6

78,2794.92

Limerick

0

0

0

302,350.64

57,8325.7

2,303.5

88,2979.8

Tipperary

0

0

0

227,900.03

34,4997.7

0

57,2897.7

Under GLAS, farmers with hen harrier habitat qualify for a payment of €370 per hectare per year. The table below gives a breakdown of payments made under GLAS in respect of the Hen Harrier action to participating farmers in Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Tipperary for scheme years 2015-2019:

County

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

County Totals

Cork

208,811.38

1,353,357.33

1,643,434.69

1,649,143.77

1,616,215.64

6,470,962.81

Kerry

199,680.09

1,170,258.96

1,399,544.16

1,392,157.93

1,361,439.73

5,523,080.87

Limerick

341,757.54

1,781,551.76

2,075,389.10

2,066,725.23

2,053,555.39

8,318,979.02

Tipperary

116,273.77

743,305.02

907,885.37

904,951.19

899,053.58

3,571,468.93

Food Quality Assurance Scheme

Questions (460)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

460. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be a review of quality assurance payments in view of the fact that they are perceived as unfair to farmers that sell via the mart system. [9851/20]

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Written answers

I assume that the Deputy is referring to bonus payments paid by beef processors on cattle which meet certain criteria.

These bonuses are entirely commercial arrangements between suppliers of cattle and their processors and are not a matter for my Department.

Beef Industry

Questions (461)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

461. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason factory fit cattle pricing fell approximately €150 a head to €3.53 per kilogram and the price drop was not passed on to the supermarket customer and the farmer suffered the price loss not the supermarket or the processor. [9852/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, prices for beef and other commodities is a commercial matter which I, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine nor my Department, have any role in determining.

I am acutely aware of the issues presented to the agri-food sector in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and I am aware that the beef sector is particularly exposed given its reliance on external trade and the food service and hospitality markets.

My officials and I have ongoing contact with all the key stakeholders across both the beef and dairy sectors. More than ever in the ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, I am aware of this need for ongoing contact as the situation has evolved. My Department and I are working to ensure that business and services to farmers can continue, keeping food and other processing facilities operational, ensuring that payments and commercial activities that are necessary to protect farm incomes can continue.

There are likely to be significant economic impacts for the agri-food sector, arising from reduced demand in key markets around the world. The loss of high value food service customers is already of significant immediate concern.

The response to the economic impacts on the sector should include a strong, shared EU response, using the instruments available in the Common Agricultural Policy. I have already highlighted to Commissioner Wojciechowski the serious consequences for farmers and the food industry and the need to ensure that the full range of market supports available under the Common Market Organisation Regulation are made available. These supports include Aids to Private Storage and Exceptional Aid measures, flexibilities when it comes to on-farm inspections and early payment of the Basic Payment Scheme.

Following Ireland’s efforts in leading an agreed EU-27 statement on the need for further supports, the Commission have introduced Aids to Private Storage for Dairy (SMP, Butter, Cheese), Beef and Sheepmeat. Private Storage Aid (PSA) is a risk management tool/safety net available to EU producers of certain agricultural products under the CMO regulation (1308/2013). The aim is to facilitate producers to store the product for a stipulated temporary storage period.

I am also working with my colleagues in Government to ensure that all businesses, including those in the agri-food sector, get access to suitable supports, and the measures in place are being kept under review.

My Department and agencies will continue to monitor the impacts on the agri-food sector as the situation evolves, and to provide appropriate supports to the sector. My Department remains in constant contact with stakeholders right across the meat and dairy sectors to share information on emerging issues and contingency planning, and we will continue to develop appropriate supports as the situation evolves.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (462)

Frank Feighan

Question:

462. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the introduction of a subsidy scheme for farmers will be considered to encourage them to spread ground limestone on their land holdings to promote the natural growth of grass and to reduce the need for fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9855/20]

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Written answers

The maintenance of soil pH is critical for agronomic performance and environmental sustainability due to its direct effect on nutrient availability. Nutrient management planning is therefore an integral part of the nutrient use efficiency on farm.

The application of lime is a key component of nutrient management planning. The usage of lime has declined in recent decades although sales have stabilised in recent years. There is ongoing research, advisory emphasis and industry promotion on the importance and benefits of lime application to our soils and this has helped to raise awareness and promote usage amongst farmers.

An interim review of the Nitrates Derogation was carried out in 2019, following which farmers in derogation must now put in place a farm scale liming programme from 2020, which provides an opportunity for these farmers to improve efficiencies and to reduce their environmental footprint. A review of Ireland Nitrates Action will be conducted this year whereby nutrient management planning will be reviewed.

In many instances, the improvements in fertiliser efficiency resulting from the judicious application of lime may reduce input costs on farms and improve profitability.

Forestry Sector

Questions (463)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

463. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding forestry groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9873/20]

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Written answers

The aim of the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) Schemes is to provide participating private forest owners with the knowledge they require to actively manage their own forest, mobilise their timber resource, and secure a valuable income from the crop in the market. All private forest owners are eligible to participate, irrespective of their forest currently being grant funded under the Forestry Programmes or not. Participants set their own learning agenda, led by a facilitator who is a professional forester. All private forest owners are eligible to participate in groups, irrespective of whether their forest is grant funded.

I am pleased to confirm that I opened this year’s Forestry KTG Scheme on 27th May 2020 following the successful implementation of the scheme in 2018 and 2019. Applications to establish and run a national network of Knowledge Transfer Groups are now invited from forestry groups, forestry companies and individual forestry professionals. Once approval has issued by the Department, successful applicants will then invite forest owners to take part in the group they are running.

In accordance with the Scheme’s Terms and Conditions, each Knowledge Transfer Group can have a maximum of 20 participants. The minimum number of participants per KTG is 10. This means that an Organiser can apply for 2 KTGs with 10 participants each. Organisers should bear in mind that the average attendance over the seven meetings/events must be 10 or more in order to qualify for the full organiser payment where one or two KTGs are being organised as part of a KTG Application.

Approved KTG Organisers can receive a payment of up to €6,500 for each group they facilitate. Participants are eligible to receive €70 per meeting attended, provided they have participated in at least 4 of the 7 KTG meetings and events.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government currently has measures in place which will be subject to updates and modifications over the coming months. The purpose of launching the scheme now is to allow time for organisers to recruit members to their groups, with a view to commencing meetings later in the year in line with the public health guidelines. The scheme will, of course, be kept under review in light of those guidelines.

Basic Payment Scheme

Questions (464)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

464. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/20]

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Written answers

The new legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy 2021 - 2027 were launched in June 2018 by Commissioner Hogan. The proposals outline a greater environmental ambition post-2020 and recognise the role the agriculture sector has to play in helping Member States achieve their environmental and climate change targets.

Negotiations on the CAP proposals are ongoing and, while significant progress has been made, decisions on a number of key issues have still to be agreed upon. These include the proposed new green architecture, which is aimed at achieving a higher level of climate ambition.

The CAP Strategic Plan Regulation introduces GAEC ll in Annex lll with a view to protecting wetland and peatland ecosystems. This text is still subject to change as negotiations are ongoing. Ireland has requested clarification of the meaning of “protection” from the Commission, and this will help to inform the implementation of measures at farm level.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to actively participate in the negotiation process and work with my European counterparts to secure the best possible outcome for the Irish agri-food sector.

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