Bernard Durkan
Question:231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which a national rare disease strategy is evolving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6289/21]
View answerRare Diseases
Questions (231)
Written answers
A National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland (2014 – 2018) was launched by the Minister for Health in July 2014. This is a generic policy framework for rare diseases. The scope of the plan is broad given that there are approximately 8,000 rare diseases affecting millions of EU citizens; and consequently, there can be a dearth of expertise and knowledge about some rare diseases, simply because they are so rare.
Many of the major recommendations of the plan have already been implemented. In December 2013 the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases was established as a joint initiative between the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. The opening of the National Rare Disease Office, (NRDO) in 2015 was a significant milestone for people living with a rare disease, their families and their healthcare professionals. Prof Eileen Treacy is the Director of the National Rare Diseases Office, whose purpose it is to provide current and reliable information about genetic and rare diseases to patients, families and healthcare professionals.
On foot of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer’s (CCO), review of all the national clinical programmes in April 2019, it was recommended that the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases be operationalised and incorporated into the National Rare Disease Office. From 01 September 2020, the NRDO has become the main contact point and driver for national HSE rare disease projects and initiatives. In line with Slaintecare proposals and the National Model of Care for Rare Diseases 2020, The National Rare Disease Office have plans to implement integrated care pathways for all rare diseases. The work of the NRDO is being overseen and governed by HSE Acute Operations. This means that the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases is being wound down and any outstanding projects transferred to the NRDO.
Building on the significant progress to date, a number of themes for inclusion in a roadmap for the coming period have been agreed with the Rare Disease Task Force, which comprises the main rare disease advocacy groups; Rare Disease Ireland, the Medical Research Charities Group (MRCP), and the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry (IPPPOSI). Those themes identified for future progress, include: Patient Awareness; European Reference Networks; Research & Registries; Access to Services; Access to Medicines; Diagnosis; Education & Training and Legislation & Policy.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (232)
Bernard Durkan
Question:232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects pharmacists to receive Covid-19 vaccinations in the months ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6290/21]
View answerWritten answers
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
The next group to be vaccinated (Group 3) are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in direct patient contact roles will be vaccinated in Group 2. This includes HCWs working in public, private, and voluntary settings. Other HCWs, not in direct patient contact, will be vaccinated in Group 4.
Product Labelling
Questions (233)
Matt Carthy
Question:233. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when his Department’s new language scheme will be finalised; if he plans to direct that all medical labelling be conducted in a bilingual format, that is, Irish and English; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6294/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is currently drafting a revised Language Scheme in accordance with Section 15 of the Official Languages Act 2003 to cover the period 2021-2023. The scheme will concentrate on the provision of services by the Department itself through Irish to the public e.g. Departmental speeches and press releases, public health advice, website content, replies to correspondence received in Irish. It is expected that the revised language scheme will be finalised and approved by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media by the end of March 2021.
There are no plans to introduce mandatory bilingual (Irish and English) labelling for medicines or medical devices authorised for use in Ireland.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (234)
Matt Carthy
Question:234. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if evidence suggests that vitamin D intake assists in curtailing the impact of Covid-19; if he plans to promote the consumption of vitamin D among the wider population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6295/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy is advised that the existing guidance on vitamin D was updated in November 2020 and advises that adults aged 65 and older take a 15 microgram (600 IU) daily supplement for bone and muscle health.
An evidence synthesis paper on vitamin D and COVID-19 prepared for NPHET was discussed at its meeting of January 28. The NPHET agreed that efforts should be made to increase awareness of existing guidance; and that adults spending increased time indoors or are housebound or in long-term residential care or have dark skin pigmentation are also recommended to take a daily vitamin D supplement.
These recommendations for the use of vitamin D are being incorporated into wider messaging, and additionally are being communicated across the health service, including nursing homes and social care settings as necessary.
There is currently no plan for a campaign providing vitamin D supplements to certain groups. The NPHET agreed that at present there is insufficient high-quality evidence with respect to vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and noted that ongoing developments, particularly Randomised Control Trials, in this area be monitored by the NPHET with guidance reviewed accordingly.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (235)
Róisín Shortall
Question:235. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the arrangements for vaccinating nursing homes for religious communities; if nursing homes for religious communities were omitted from the initial list for the vaccination programme; the number of homes and residents, respectively affected; the steps he is taking to ensure that the residents in these homes receive vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6309/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (236)
Réada Cronin
Question:236. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health his plans to substantially increase the number of accredited psychotherapists and counsellors for public health patients in the State given the dearth extant and the greater need due to Covid-19 and particularly as this relates to services for north County Kildare both for adults and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6310/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (237)
Seán Canney
Question:237. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will utilise retired nurses and doctors to help in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine over the coming months given that they have the necessary skills and experience and the utilisation of such persons could help reduce the costs of the nationwide roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6313/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (238)
Neale Richmond
Question:238. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if his Department started to engage with the EMA regarding the procurement of Covid-19 vaccine doses for Ireland in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6319/21]
View answerWritten answers
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is the body that considers ‘conditional’ marketing authorisation for certain vaccines, depending on whether the data submitted are sufficiently robust and complete to show the quality, safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. These recommendations are then submitted to the European Commission for final decision. As such, it has no role with regard to procurement of vaccines.
Ireland is participating in a Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of Member States to procure suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19. Six APAs have been negotiated by the Commission under this process to date. The timing of all deliveries cannot be confirmed at this time, and it is expected that some of these APAs will include deliveries in early 2022.
The Commission is engaged in ongoing discussions with vaccine manufacturers, and Ireland will consider any proposals that arise from the discussions when made available.
Animal Feedstuffs
Questions (239)
Carol Nolan
Question:239. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an impact assessment has been conducted by his Department with respect to the Irish feed industry following the imposition of duties on products listed in EU-US WTO Aircraft Dispute - Regulation 2020/1646; if he will consider introducing supports for the grain and feed sector in this scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6259/21]
View answerWritten answers
I appreciate the impact that recent developments in the ongoing WTO-adjudicated Airbus and Boeing disputes have had on the grain and feed sector. On 9th November 2020, the EU decided to impose tariffs on a range of US exports to the EU, including beet pulp and cane molasses. These tariffs came into effect on 10th November 2020. It should be noted that one of the European Commission's criteria for product selection in this instance is that the EU is not reliant on the US for the supply of these particular products, and that there are alternative sources of supply.
There are no plans at this point to put measures in place to support the industry as a result of the imposition of these tariffs.
Questions regarding the process accompanying Regulation 2020/1646 are a matter for An Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
I, and my officials, stand ready to engage with the sector to discuss its concerns in this matter.
Felling Licences
Questions (240)
Seán Sherlock
Question:240. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a felling licence will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6040/21]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a tree felling licence for the person named was received in June 2018 and has been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit. The application site is near two designated sites, the Blackwater River SAC and the Blackwater River Callows SPA. Therefore, the impact of any felling operations on the sites and the surrounding area, must be carefully considered before deciding on the licence application.
A letter requesting the provision of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was issued in September 2020. No response has been received to date. This file will not be progressed until the NIS is submitted.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (241)
Colm Burke
Question:241. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of plans to reopen point-to-point horse racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6050/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Government has requested that Point to Point racing be discontinued under current regulations relating to COVID-19. HRI has informed this Department that this request is being complied with.
The pre-eminence of the protection of public health in the current pandemic situation is at the fore of such considerations.
The situation will continue to be actively monitored.
Forestry Sector
Questions (242, 243)
Brendan Griffin
Question:242. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average time the forestry appeals committee takes to determine a decision in relation to appeals; his views on the optimal time the committee should take when determining an appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6057/21]
View answerBrendan Griffin
Question:243. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific engagements he has had with the forestry appeals committee in order to ensure that its multiple divisions increase their sitting days and output in view of the licensing crisis facing the forestry and timber industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 243 together.
The Agriculture Appeals Office and the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) operate independently of my Department.
After introduction of new legislation in October 2020 which provides for sub-divisions of the FAC, an additional three divisions were set up and there are now four divisions of the FAC hearing appeals. The FAC consists of external appointees and existing Agriculture Appeals Officers. Additional resources were provided to the Agriculture Appeals Office in the 3rd quarter of 2020 to deal with the backlog of appeals and additional external members were also appointed to serve as Deputy Chairpersons and ordinary members.
Prior to the introduction of the new legislation in October 2020, the FAC was hearing an average of 24 licences per month. Since the sub-divisions were established, they are now hearing an average of 60 licences per month. As to the question of the average time it take to determine an appeal, there are currently 339 licences awaiting decision - 164 of those are scheduled with 175 awaiting scheduling. The table below shows which years those appeals refer to - the vast majority were lodged in 2020 and we expect all to be dealt with by the end of June, 2021.
|
FAC Licence Appeal Status |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Totals |
|
Open (By Licence) |
33 |
296 |
8 |
339 |
|
Scheduled for hearing inc. Jan |
32 |
130 |
0 |
164 |
|
Total to be scheduled |
1 |
166 |
8 |
175 |
Given the 150% increase in output, the FAC must be cognisant of maintaining a high standard of process and procedure. The FAC, in consultation with the Agriculture Appeals Office, continues to review ways in which greater efficiency can be achieved across the four divisions of the FAC, while not impacting the quality of the work.
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
Questions (244)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:244. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagements he has had with his European counterparts to secure support for the amendment 269 worded operations located in the remote Irish Islands, Greek Islands and in the Croatian islands of Dugi Otok, Vis, Mljet and Lastovo in the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (COM(2018)0390 – C8-0270/2018 – 2018/0210(COD)); if this amendment will be supported which will give special recognition to Irish islands in the new EMFF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6114/21]
View answerWritten answers
In June 2018, the European Commission published its proposals for a Regulation on the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund for the 2021-27 period, as the successor to the present EMFF 2014-20. Following a period of negotiation in both the European Council and European Parliament, and subsequent trilateral negotiations between the co-legislators and Commission, agreement was reached in December 2020 on the Regulation. The Regulation is expected to be enacted by April 2021.
The amendment referred to by the Deputy was tabled by the European Parliament. I understand the section to which the amendment relates was later changed during the course of the negotiations and the amendment was not accepted by the co-legislators.
I agree with the Deputy on the importance of supporting our island communities and welcome the agreement on the new EMFAF which will help to support a sustainable blue economy for coastal and island areas.
Fishing Vessel Safety
Questions (245)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:245. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department will re-engage with a person (details supplied) to examine possibilities to compensate as a result of stability issues which were discovered on a vessel that they purchased from another European state rendering the vessel unfit for sea and unsafe and which left them in serious financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6115/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the very unfortunate situation of the person named.
The purchase of a fishing vessel is a private commercial transaction between the vendor and the purchaser with the responsibility for ensuring the authenticity of the details of the vessel being purchased resting with the purchaser.
The core issue here relates to the safety and safety certification of the vessel purchased. My Department has no function in relation to the safety certification of Fishing vessels. The safety of fishing vessels, including matters relating to stability, is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Brexit Issues
Questions (246)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:246. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements that have been agreed with the UK Government to allow Irish fishers to fish inside the 12 nautical mile limit in Northern Ireland; if any Irish vessels have been registered to date; the number that have sought to be registered; when these arrangements will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6116/21]
View answerWritten answers
In respect of the Northern Ireland (NI) 0-6 nautical mile zone, my Department has submitted three lists totalling 32 vessels to the EU Commission seeking authorisation to fish in the NI 0-6nm zone. However, none have yet been authorised to fish in the NI 0-6nm zone by the UK authorities.
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) covers access for EU vessels to the UK 6-12 nautical mile zone and, for UK vessels, to the EU 6-12 nautical mile zone in ICES divisions 4c and 7d-g, which does not cover the waters around Northern Ireland.
By way of derogation, Article FISH.10 of the TCA allows EU vessels access to the waters around Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man where track record of fishing activity can be demonstrated on more than 10 days in any of the three 12 month periods beginning on 1st February 2017 and ending on 31st January 2020.
Fishing Industry
Questions (247, 248)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:247. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to seek increased quotas to fish stocks during upcoming European negotiations following the Brexit trade deal which will have a significant impact on Ireland’s TAC’s in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6117/21]
View answerPádraig MacLochlainn
Question:248. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek increased share of fish quotas for species haddock, monk fish, hake, nephrops and mackerel based on the amount of fish caught by Irish vessels averaged over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6118/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
At the time of the December 2020 Council of Fisheries Ministers (15-16 December), the agreement on the future relationship with the UK, including a fisheries agreement was not yet in place. Therefore, Fisheries Ministers agreed to set interim Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for the first quarter of 2021 to ensure continuity for the EU fishing fleet in the early part of the year, pending the outcome of consultations with UK.
I have sought increases in the provisional TACs for a number of seasonal stocks and the Commission has recently published a proposal to increase the provisional TACs for Nephrops in the Porcupine, Blue Whiting and Celtic Sea Whiting.
In accordance with the EU-UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement (TCA), the Commission will engage in consultations with the UK on the setting of fishing opportunities for 2021 on behalf of the EU. These consultations, which are being conducted by video conference, commenced this week. Member States attend the formal Plenary meeting. Regular co-ordination meetings through the Council Working Party are held during the negotiations where the Commission updates the Member States on issues/progress and the Member States set out their positions and respond to issues as they develop. Ireland is represented by officials from my Department. Industry representatives attend the Plenary meetings and are consulted on an ongoing basis.
The share allocation of stocks between Member States was established as a principle of the first Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in 1983 and was based on the average catch of each Member State over a period of reference years (track record). The only exception to this relates to the Hague Preferences, on the basis of a special recognition agreement of the underdeveloped nature of the Irish fleet and the heavy control responsibility on us when Ireland joined the EU. The Hague Preferences give Ireland an increased share of traditional stocks (cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice) when TAC levels reduce below a specified level.
Any change to the existing system of quota allocations would require a majority of Member States to agree under the qualified majority voting system. This would require other Member States to give up existing quota shares. Any change to relative stability would involve a loss for some other Member States and therefore poses particular challenges in a qualified majority voting context.
The CFP is reviewed every 10 years and the next review is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2022 when the European Commission will report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the CFP. The EU Commission has advised that it intends to commence the Common Fisheries Policy review process following clarity on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. The review is expected to be detailed and comprehensive. At EU level, it is expected that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage actively in the review work including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States.
I will consider how Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the upcoming review of the CFP, including the interaction with stakeholders, to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities. I have previously stated that I am committed to using all opportunities including through the review of the CFP to secure additional quota shares where possible for Irish fishers.
Fishing Industry
Questions (249)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:249. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when fishers will be informed of their allocated quota for horse mackerel in 2021; the reason there has been a delay in releasing this quota to Irish fishers when fishers from other European member states have received their allocation and have been fishing since the beginning of January 2021; when the allocation will be finalised and released to fishers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6119/21]
View answerWritten answers
In preparation for the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, after which a large number of fishing stocks would become shared, the December Fisheries Council set provisional quotas for Member States that will, for 2021, be set following consultations with the UK. On 18th December, provisional fishing opportunities for stocks shared with the UK were set at December Fisheries Council.
The TACs for the period 1st January to 31st March 2021 were set for most stocks at 25% of last year's TACs and quotas. However, I made a strong case that some fisheries are seasonal and are fished in the early part of the year and secured an increased TAC and quota for these stocks including Horse Mackerel where the TAC and quota was set at 65% of the 2020 quota for the period 01 January to 31 March 2021.
In order to allow Irish-registered fishing vessels to commence fishing for Horse Mackerel from 1st January 2021, on 22nd December 2020, the Department issued fishing authorisations and catch limits for Horse Mackerel for the fishing period 1st January 2021 to 31st March 2021. The available quota, as set at the December Council, was allocated in accordance with Ministerial policy for this stock with 10% held back for any adjustments arising from quota balancing of the 2020 Horse Mackerel fishery. This quota balancing is currently in progress and will be completed as early as possible.
We are seeking an increase in the provisional TAC for a number of our important seasonal stocks, including Horse Mackerel, in order that these fisheries reflect normal fishing patterns in the year. However, the Commission proposal on increasing the TACs for the first three months does not include horse mackerel. We will press for this increase in the provisional TAC and quotas for this stock to be made available up to the end of March.
I am currently considering a request received from Industry representatives to increase the catch limit of Horse Mackerel to vessels for the Spring period on the basis of securing an interim swop of this stock from other Member States.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (250)
Seán Sherlock
Question:250. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of point-to-point racing. [6128/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Government has requested that Point to Point racing be discontinued under current regulations relating to COVID-19. HRI has informed this Department that this request is being complied with.
The pre-eminence of the protection of public health in the current pandemic situation is at the fore of such considerations.
The situation will continue to be actively monitored.
Fishing Licences
Questions (251)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:251. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the feasibility of issuing non-transferable transition Irish fishing licences to the fishers based in this State and who hold a UK fishing licence as suggested by some campaigners. [6130/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 transferred the functions of sea-fishing boat licensing from the Minister to the Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats, which operates on an independent basis subject to criteria set out in that Act and Ministerial Policy Directives. The Licensing Authority is the Registrar General of Fishing Boats, an official of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or, under the superintendence of the Registrar General, the Deputy Registrar General of Fishing Boats. All applications for sea-fishing boat licences are considered by the Licensing Authority.
As Minister, I have responsibility for policy in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing under Section 3(3) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003, as amended by Section 99 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. In this context and, as referred to above, Section 3 of the Act makes provision for Ministerial Policy Directives to issue to the independent Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats. I am, however, precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to individual cases, or a group of cases, with which the Licensing Authority is or may be concerned under Section 3(5) of the 2003 Act.
The licensing and registration of Irish sea-fishing boats is in accordance with National and EU legislation and Policy Directives issued by the Minister. If a vessel is already licensed and registered as a fishing vessel in another jurisdiction - be that another EU Member State or Third Country - it must be removed from that register and relinquish its existing licence before it can be licensed and registered as an Irish sea-fishing vessel. In order to be licensed and registered on the Irish Fishing boat Register, a vessel must comply with the EU and national rules for licensing of a fishing vessel including meeting safety standards and providing replacement capacity in terms of tonnage (GT) and engine power (killowatts).
Fishing Industry
Questions (252)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:252. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the quota allocation or financial benefit accruing to the Irish fishing industry from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Greenland and a new protocol that will strengthen fisheries co-operation for the next four years with the possibility of a two-year extension. [6134/21]
View answerWritten answers
Earlier this month, agreement was reached between the EU and Greenland on a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement.
This agreement covers the same species that are provided for in the current protocol, namely Cod, Redfish, Greenland Halibut, Northern Prawn, Capelin and Grenadier. Ireland does not have fishing opportunities for the species under the current protocol.
Mackerel has also been included in the agreement at a 0 TAC level. The protocol provides that any quota of Mackerel transferred by Greenland in the future will be dependent on Greenland signing the Coastal States Sharing Arrangement on the management of mackerel with the EU.
In the event of any additional fishing opportunities becoming available under the renewed Protocol, I have asked my officials to ensure that they are pursued.
Beef Industry
Questions (253, 264)
Brendan Griffin
Question:253. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will appoint an independent meat regulator with statutory powers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6164/21]
View answer
Niamh Smyth
Question:264. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6293/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 264 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to the establishment of a new authority called the National Food Ombudsman (NFO) to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive. The NFO, whose remit will include the beef sector, will have a specific role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. It is important to be aware, however, that the Ombudsman will not be able to determine commodity prices.
Establishment of the NFO is ongoing and firstly requires the drafting of a statutory instrument to transpose the UTP directive before the deadline of May 2021. Legislation is then required to establish the new office of the NFO. It is intended that there will be a national consultation process on the functions of the NFO prior to the primary legislation being enacted.
With regard to the work of the Beef Taskforce on transparency, the completion of the three market transparency studies commissioned by my Department will be an important step towards improving visibility of the complex supply chain which is integral in fostering trust and enhancing supply chain relationships. These studies will act as an important starting point for driving increased transparency. It is more important than ever that we all work together given the unique set of challenges currently faced by the sector. Continued strong and constructive engagement in the Beef Taskforce is key to meeting these challenges
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (254)
Paul Kehoe
Question:254. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider point-to-point as an elite sport in terms of employment but also in terms of the money generated to the economy in order that it can return in the coming weeks taking into account the stringent protocols put in place through work with organisations and a person (details supplied) since meetings were resumed in 2020. [6082/21]
View answerWritten 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.
Government has requested that Point to Point racing be discontinued under current regulations relating to COVID-19. HRI has informed this Department that this request is being complied with .
The economic impact of the cessation is of concern, however, the pre-eminence of the protection of public health in the current pandemic situation is at the fore of such considerations.
The situation will continue to be actively monitored.
Animal Breeding Regulations
Questions (255)
Seán Sherlock
Question:255. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to combat the rise of puppies from puppy farms being transported between Scotland and Ireland.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6173/21]
View answerWritten answers
The movement of animals, including pet animals, into Ireland, is governed by EU legislation, which aims to ensure the health and welfare of the animals concerned. In relation to the movement of dogs, the rules also protect against the introduction of rabies or Echinococcus multilocularis (tapeworm) to Ireland (Ireland is free of both diseases).
According to EU law, dogs moved into Ireland must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. They must be accompanied by an EU animal health certificate in the case of a commercial movement, which must be signed by an Official Veterinarian in the country of origin, and must be treated against Echinococcus. Dogs moved commercially from a third country into Ireland are checked at a Border Control Post. Where the Department is provided with information about alleged unlawful movements, it investigates as appropriate.