Written Answers Nos. 311-330
311. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the projected date by which every nursing home will have received the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9299/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
312. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the protocol for ensuring that nursing home residents who were originally unable to receive the vaccine whether due to illness or other reasons will receive the vaccine when they are able; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9300/21]
View answer313. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the protocol in the case that a nursing home resident is unable to receive the second dose of the vaccine within the recommended 21-day period due to illness or other reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9301/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card renewal will be complete in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
316. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the imminent sale of a site (details supplied); the communication he has had with Longford County Council on the further use of the stadium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9248/21]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Longford Greyhound Stadium is a privately operated greyhound track that ceased operations in March 2020.
Accordingly, my Department has no remit with regard to the future use of the stadium.
317. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an aquaculture licence application by a person (details supplied). [9022/21]
View answerMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at: http://www.alab.ie.
My Department’s records indicate that an application was made for an aquaculture licence by the person referred to by the Deputy for a site in Castlemaine Harbour and was considered by my Department. On 25 September 2018, following consideration of all aspects of the application, it was determined that the application could not be approved. This determination was published by my Department in the normal way and subsequently ALAB notified my Department that an appeal had been received in respect of this application.
As ALAB is currently considering the appeal as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending the conclusion of that process.
318. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the quotes and prices for cattle has fallen in factories after extra funding being allocated to them to offset the impact of Covid-19; and the steps that can be taken to address the issue. [9052/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, prices for beef and other commodities is a commercial matter which neither I, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine nor my Department, have any role in determining.
I am acutely aware of the recent price volatility in the beef sector and I am conscious that the beef sector is particularly exposed to factors such as COVID, given its reliance on external trade and the food service and hospitality markets.
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. My Department is also working actively to ensure that Irish beef has access to as many high value markets as possible.
The nature of all markets is that the price will fluctuate especially in the case of market disturbance, as has been evidenced during the COVID-19 crisis and that caused by uncertainty surrounding Brexit. My Department provides a range of financial aids to support beef farm incomes and to support economic and environmental efficiency.
319. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the list of priority vessels allowed to fish in UK waters; the way in which the list was drawn up; if the process was communicated to vessel owners; if communication issued to a vessel owner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9073/21]
View answerWithin the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and UK, access arrangements are set out in Article 8 Fish. This Article sets out: provided that TACs have been agreed, each Party shall grant vessels of the other Party access to fish in its waters in the relevant ICES sub-areas that year. Access shall be granted at a level and on conditions determined in those annual consultations. In relation to the main access arrangements, the Agreement also provides that the outcome of the consultations should normally result in each Party granting:
(a) access to fish stocks listed in the Annex to the Agreement - these are the stocks that are shared between the EU and UK subject to at a level that is reasonably commensurate with the parties respective shares of the TACs;
(b) access to fish non- quota stocks in each others EEZ's at a level that at least equates to the average tonnage fished by that Party in the waters of the other Party during the period 2012-2016; and
(c) access to waters of the Parties between 6 and 12nm in ICES divisions 4c (southern North Sea and 7d-g (English Channel, south - west coast of England and part of south - east coast of Ireland) to the extent that Union fishing vessels and UK fishing vessels had access to these waters on 31 December 2020.
I have asked my Department to work to ensure that fishing vessels which traditionally fished in UK waters will be granted such access by the UK authorities.
While authorisation for access for all licensed and registered fishing vessels has been sought from the UK authorities, at this time approval has been granted to tranches of fishing vessels which have been identified as requiring such access.
The UK Authorities authorised access on a staged basis initially on 31 December for 141 vessels which were identified, in consultation with the Producer Organisations, taking into account vessels that were most likely to fish in the first week of January. The vessels were identified in the days before the end of the year taking into account the Department's understanding of the fisheries and in consultation with the four Producer Organisations (Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, Irish Fish Producers Organisation, Irish South & East Fish Producers Organisation and the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation).
In relation to vessels targeting mackerel in the RSW Pelagic segment and in the Polyvalent segment, these were specifically identified because mackerel is fished only in UK waters at the start of the year. In addition for the first tranche of 141 vessels, I understand that the POs identified vessels in their organisations which they were aware of as likely to fish in the start of the year in UK waters.
Since the 31st December 2020, the Department has sent lists of Irish vessels to the Commission to request authorisation, by the UK authorities, for these vessels to fish in the 12- 200 nm UK EEZ based onlicence holders who contacted the Department seeking such access and those that had fished in UK waters in 2019 or 2020 based on relevant records. As of today (Monday 15th February), a total of 243 vessels have received a UK licence and an authorisation from the Department for access to the12-200 NM UK EEZ.
The Department is currently inviting applications from the licence holders of Irish sea-fishing boats who wish to apply for access to fish in:
- the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (12-200 nautical miles only) and/or;
- the 0-6 nautical mile zone of Northern Ireland.
In this regard, a letter was issued on 10th February 2021 to the licence holders that had not already received a UK licence and Irish authorisation to fish in UK waters (12-200 NM UK EEZ).
Details regarding the application process are available on the Department's website at:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/99c1c-access-to-uk-waters/
In relation to the vessel that the Deputy has made reference to in the Details Supplied, I have been informed that, from Friday 8th January 2021, this vessel has been approved to fish in UK waters (12-200 NM EEZ). This vessel was initially issued with a temporary licence by the UK Authorities to last until the 21st January 2021. This temporary licence has now been replaced with a 'full' UK licence that will expire on the 31st December 2021. Furthermore, in relation to this vessel, I can confirm the following:
- an initial temporary authorisation (with expiry date of 21st January 2021) was issued by the Department by email on 8th January 2021;
- a second temporary authorisation (with expiry date of 11th February 2021) was issued by the Department by email on 21st January 2021;
- the full yearly authorisation (with expiry date of 31st December 2021) was issued by the Department by email on 4th February 2021.
320. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine the possibility of establishing an independent beef regulator separate and distinct from the proposed office of the national food ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9081/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to the establishment of a new authority, to be called the National Food Ombudsman (NFO) or similar, 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 have a role in determining price.
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 authority. 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
321. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contact details for the sections that deals with all ongoing and established grant funding in his Department and in each agency under the remit of his Department in tabular form. [9122/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available on my Department’s website which can be accessed using the following links:
gov.ie - Contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (www.gov.ie)
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/73aea-schemes-and-services-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/
As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
322. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the number of aquaculture licences currently in appeal for a harbour (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9157/21]
View answerUnder Section 40 of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, decisions in respect of aquaculture licensing may be appealed to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB), which is an independent body established by Statute for the specific purpose of considering such appeals.
In relation to the applications referred to in by the Deputy, ALAB has notified my Department that it has received appeals against the decisions not to grant these aquaculture licences in Castlemaine Harbour.
As the Board is currently considering these appeals as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending the conclusion of that process.
323. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9163/21]
View answerThe Department met with DG Environment in Brussels in late 2017 on a number of forestry issues including the mid-term review of the Forestry programme, planting on unenclosed land and broadleaf planting. In relation to unenclosed land, the Department proposed that the implementation on the ground of two new documents on site classification and environmental requirements was sufficient to remove the 20% rule.
Following this meeting, the Commission responded in writing outlining their position. In this they "recognised the efforts of the Forestry Service to introduce a system of environmental impact assessment into the afforestation approvals process, but we did not find these documents sufficiently clear to give us all the reassurances we would need to consider that the system was now failsafe with regard to environmental protection, which might justify lifting the 20% rule".
Their conclusion was that from "a closer look at the two documents is that, in their current state, these do not appear to provide a sufficiently clear or stringent system to reassure us that environmental risks from afforestation are a thing of the past so rendering the 20% rule an unnecessary safeguard against inappropriate afforestation."
The new Forestry Programme which will be under preparation soon offers an opportunity to examine this issue again and my Department in consultation with all stakeholders will be doing this.
324. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the beef task force meetings will be live streamed in the interest of transparency and accountability; if he will consider appointing an independent regulator for the industry; if an analysis has been carried out by his Department with regard to such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9228/21]
View answerThe Beef Taskforce was established in 2019 to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector. The Taskforce provides a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Beef Sector Agreement of 15th September 2019, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. Minutes and documents relevant to the meetings of the Taskforce are published on my Department's website in the interests of full transparency.
With regard to the proposed appointment of an independent regulator for the meat sector, as the Deputy will be aware, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to the establishment of a new authority, to be called the National Food Ombudsman (NFO) or similar, to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive. The authority, whose remit will include the meat 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 authority will not have any role in determining price.
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 authority. It is intended that there will be a national consultation process on the functions of the authority prior to the primary legislation being enacted.
325. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on providing a DNA system of traceability for the beef sector; if he has examined the cost of such a system and the positive impact it might have on the price of beef, the efforts to eliminate meat fraud and cattle smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9230/21]
View answerI am satisfied that the national bovine herd already has a robust traceability system. My Department's Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system is a database which records and maintains the identification and movement data in respect of cattle and other livestock in accordance with the requirements of EU and national law.
AIM consists of a comprehensive web-based database of the origin, identity, movements and life history of all cattle born in or imported into the country. AIM receives movement information from livestock marts, live export points and slaughter plants, ensuring the prompt recording of all movements of cattle to and from these premises. The origin, identity, movements and life history of animal(s) consigned to marts, slaughter plants and live export assembly centres are checked against the database before it is permitted to be consigned for movement to another holding, to enter the food chain or export.
I am not aware of a detailed proposal for a DNA traceability system as referenced by the Deputy, or the costs that might be associated with such a system which would add to the cost of beef production.
326. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the beef task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9235/21]
View answerThe members of the Beef Task Force were appointed by former Minster Creed in good faith, as representatives of the sector as a whole, with a view to carrying out the important task of implementing the Beef Sector Agreement of 15th September 2019.
Further to previous engagement with the parties referred to, my view remains that my Department will not and should not be drawn into intra-organisation issues about a change of representation on the Beef Taskforce.
327. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 331 of 11 February 2021, if his officials assisted gardaí and or were questioned by gardaí in respect of the matters in advance of the Circuit Court adjudication in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9276/21]
View answerNo records of Department officials being interviewed by the Gardaí in relation to this matter have been located on file in my Department.
I wish to reiterate that the issues raised are a private matter between the persons named and a third party and my Department has no role in this issue.
328. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he is putting in place to allow for the recommencement of the point-to-point spring season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/21]
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.
Government has requested that Point-to-Point racing be discontinued under current regulations relating to COVID-19. HRI has informed my 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.
329. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live cattle exported to the UK in each of the years 2015 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9291/21]
View answerThe data requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below
|
Year |
Number of live cattle exported from Ireland to UK (Including NI) |
|
2015 |
65,932 |
|
2016 |
31,403 |
|
2017 |
31,894 |
|
2018 |
30,103 |
|
2019 |
39,151 |
|
*2020 |
70,598 |
* Please note the 2020 figures are not yet finalised and may be subject to change
Source: AIM Division, DAFM
330. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live sheep exported to the UK in each of the years 2015 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9292/21]
View answerThe intra-EU movement of animals is recorded on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), which is the EU-wide online management tool for all sanitary and phytosanitary requirements on intra-EU trade and importation of animals, semen and embryo, food, feed and plants.
My Department uses the TRACES system to record all sheep movements in terms of both imports and exports for the purposes of slaughter, breeding and fattening between Ireland and all other jurisdictions.
The total number of live sheep exported from Ireland to the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) for the years 2016 – 2020 are listed below. It should be noted that records for sheep movements on the system are not available prior to 2016.
|
Year |
Number of live sheep exports to United Kingdom |
|
2016 |
2,216 |
|
2017 |
1,123 |
|
2018 |
158 |
|
2019 |
312 |
|
2020 |
295 |
