Written Answers Nos. 1928-1954
1928. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he has examined the beneficial effects accruing from the introduction of minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Scotland; and when section 11 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 will be commenced in order that similar benefits can be gained here. [15953/21]
View answerMy Department monitors the impact of the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing in relevant jurisdictions on an ongoing basis and the measure is a continuing agenda item at meetings of the British-Irish Council.
The commencement of Minimum Unit Pricing is currently subject to a Government Decision which envisaged that it would be introduced in Northern Ireland and in the Republic simultaneously. My Northern Ireland counterpart, Minister Robin Swann, recently stated that the measure will not be introduced in Northern Ireland before May 2022 and on that basis I am considering alternative approaches.
1930. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests which have been administered by private providers and analysed by public laboratories in each week since 1 January 2021. [15957/21]
View answer1931. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests which have been administered by private providers and analysed by private laboratories in each week since 1 January 2021. [15958/21]
View answer1932. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the results of Covid-19 tests administered by private providers and analysed by private laboratories are reported to the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15959/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1930 to 1932, inclusive, together.
In Ireland, the national testing strategy for COVID-19 involves testing people who meet the case definition (people with symptoms), their identified close contacts, and established serial testing programmes. It is directed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and coordinated by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The national testing strategy has been implemented to ensure that:
- test results are reported to the relevant stakeholders (for monitoring and surveillance purposes as COVID-19 is a notifiable disease);
- contact tracing activities are initiated (where appropriate);
- an incorrect test result does not lead to false reassurance resulting in individuals failing to seek the necessary medical help. During this time, the individual may also unknowingly spread the virus.
Tests in the public system are provided free of charge and there is currently sufficient capacity in the system for testing through this pathway. Members of the public are advised to follow the HSE guidance in respect of testing which is available on the HSE website.
Under the Infectious Disease Regulations (S.I. No. 53/2020 - Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 which amended the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981 (S.I. No. 390 of 1981), all medical practitioners, including clinical directors of diagnostic laboratories, are required to notify the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) / Director of Public Health of certain diseases, including COVID-19.
The MOH also reports such cases onwards to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). This is to ensure that test results are reported to relevant stakeholders for monitoring and surveillance purposes and to investigate cases, thus preventing spread of infection and further cases. This requirement also applies to all private testing services who are, therefore, legally obliged to report positive Covid-19 case to the relevant authorities.
As Minister for Health, I do not have statutory responsibility relating to the provision of private COVID-19 testing providers. However, the HSE has published guidance for private testing laboratories undertaking SARS-CoV-2 testing to ensure that all tests are reported and dealt with in an appropriate manner and in line with our infectious disease regulations.
Where the HSE becomes aware of any specific issues with private laboratory reporting, they engage directly with the private testing laboratories to resolve any issues. They communicate the HPSC guidance and monitor the market for new providers to ensure they are aware of their obligations.
Persons who test positive from an antigen test from a private company will not be reported to the HSE. These are unvalidated tests taken outside of the national testing strategy and without appropriate clinical governance and operational arrangements.
Factual, up to date and accessible public facing information on private testing is published on the HSE website at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/private-testing-for-covid-19.html. The HSE advises that if you test positive in this case, you should self-isolate and call your GP. They will arrange for you to avail of a free PCR test within the public testing system.
1933. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the processes and facilities in place to properly dispose of syringes and other medical and biohazardous waste arising from the national Covid-19 vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15969/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1934. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the payment options available for persons to pay fines, charges or bills issued by his Department; and if there are plans to provide further online payment facilities. [16295/21]
View answerUnder section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, fees are paid to the Department for licences. These fees are paid by organisations such as pharmaceutical companies and research bodies. These fees are paid to the Department of Health through on-line banking.
Receipts coming into the Department are made through online banking.
The Department of Health does not issue fines, bills or charges to the general public. Receipts are accounted for in Appropriations-in-Aid.
1935. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific tree planting schemes his Department envisages to promote and encourage large-scale planting for private landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13871/21]
View answerMy Department actively promotes afforestation as a land use and the current Forestry Programme 2014-2020, which commenced in 2015 and has been extended to the end of 2022 recently, consists of 11 separate measures to encourage the planting of forests by land owners with a focus on afforestation of private lands. The Forestry Programme 2014 -2020 is 100% exchequer funded and represents State investment in the forestry sector of some €482m over its lifetime.
Measures included in the programme are voluntary and comprise the main Afforestation Scheme (incorporating Native Woodland Establishment, Agro-Forestry and Forestry for Fibre), the Forest Roads Scheme, the Woodland Improvement (Thinning, Tending and Continuous Cover Forestry) Scheme, the Seed Stand & Seed Orchard Scheme, the Neighbourwood Scheme, the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme, the Deer Shelter & Fencing Scheme, and the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Scheme.
My Department’s main Afforestation Scheme includes 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix and covers 100% of the cost of establishing a forest. The scheme also pays an annual premium to the landowner of up to €680 per hectare payable each year for 15 years.
This approach has resulted in over 28,000 hectares of forestry having been planted on private lands during the course of the Programme so far.
Landowners who are interested in receiving information and advice on the available supports provided by my Department are encouraged to contact their Farm Advisor or Teagasc Forestry Advisor. Teagasc provides advisory services to all private landowners on forestry related matters for free. In addition, details on all Forestry Grant Schemes are available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/642e6-forestry/.
1936. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that there is sufficient legislation to deal with the challenge of wandering and stray horses in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13874/21]
View answerThe Control of Horses Act 1996 is the primary legislative instrument for dealing with stray and wandering horses.
Under the Act, Local Authorities may adopt bye-laws and take a range of actions including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences and the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of straying horses which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. The Local Authorities may also prosecute offenders under this Act.
While current legislation is considered sufficient, the Control of Horses Act, 1996 is currently under review with a view to simplifying and streamlining it. The Department will be further engaging on this with stakeholders.
1937. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the fishing capacity of the bottom grown mussel sector in Ireland and the resources available to it were last assessed and made public with reference to Article 22 of Regulation EU 2013-1380 on The Common Fisheries Policy in relation to the rightsizing of fishing fleets to match the available resource. [13891/21]
View answerArticle 22 of EU Regulation 1380/2013 requires Member States to report on the annual capacity of their fishing fleets. The majority of vessels in the Irish bottom grown mussel sector are registered in the aquaculture segment of the Irish fishing fleet which is not included in the capacity ceiling for the Irish fishing fleet and, accordingly, is not subject to an entry/exit regime.
Vessels in the Aquaculture Segment are restricted to use in the management, development and servicing of aquaculture areas. As part of a service to aquaculture installations, such vessels may collect mussel seed, subject to certain restrictions. In the case of those vessels registered in other segments, these would be reported under the appropriate segment.
1938. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the financial circumstances of the Irish bottom grown mussel industry; and if he will engage with the sector to ensure that there is a strong and properly regulated management structure in place to ensure the fishery is regulated and that Irish registered boats are given a fair chance and opportunity to make a living, as he called for during the passage of the Sea Fisheries Amendment Bill in 2019. [13892/21]
View answerThroughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Government has made available financial and other supports for employees and businesses negatively impacted by the Pandemic. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Wage Subsidy Scheme have supported incomes of employees and the self-employed in the seafood sector. Government has also made available low-cost loans to seafood businesses for working capital and other purposes.
The Bottom Grown Mussel Consultative Forum is a consultative body that was established pursuant to a recommendation of the 2008 expert group report The Rising Tide. The Forum meets annually and it makes recommendations on matters affecting the bottom grown mussel sector, including the mussel seed fishery.
Mussel seed fishing is subject to a prior consent process. Accordingly, mussel seed fishing which may impact on Natura 2000 sites must undergo screening for and, if necessary, appropriate assessment to determine if the activity will have a significant adverse impact on the features of the Natura 2000 site. In order to assess the potential impact, the local fishing industry is invited to submit a Fisheries Natura Plan for assessment and consideration.
1939. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that the four fishermen (details supplied) who successfully won their court cases will have the option of availing of compensation or decommissioning schemes made available to their colleagues in other sectors in the time ahead. [13893/21]
View answerThe fisheries quota transfers to the UK, agreed as part of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the UK, will have impacts on certain segments of our fishing fleet, and on marine support services and coastal communities dependent on fishing. The quota reductions for Ireland are disproportionate compared to other Member States and will lead to a loss of €43 million per year in fish quotas when the reductions are fully phased in by 2026. Some of the quota reductions will begin to be felt by our fishing industry when the full annual EU quotas for 2021 are determined shortly.
I have established a Seafood Sector Taskforce, comprised of representatives of the seafood sector and other relevant actors, to examine the likely impacts and report to me with their recommendations for mitigation and support measures. The Taskforce will produce an interim report within two months, focusing on recommended arrangements for a voluntary fleet tie up scheme to temporarily counter the impact of the reduction in quotas and the final report will be delivered within 4 months and will address recommendations to adjust and re-balance certain segments of the fleet with the reduced fishing opportunities available and any other recommended initiatives to support our seafood sector and coastal communities. The Taskforce will also consider and recommend constructive actions that would help to alleviate the inequitable relative contribution of quota share by Ireland in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
At this time, I cannot pre-judge the recommendations of the Taskforce in terms of which fleet segments or other operators should be targeted for any particular supports but the focus is on those segments most impacted by the outcome of the Trade & Co-operation Agreement.
1940. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the availability of peat (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13916/21]
View answerIn relation to peat extraction, my Department has no involvement in its regulation. This is a planning process under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license process, under the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Regarding the future use of peat moss in the horticulture sector, on 7th September 2020, Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, published a report on the review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry. The review report was prepared by an inter-agency working group following on from the submissions from stakeholders.
After publication of this report, Minister Noonan proposed the establishment of a working group to include representatives from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and industry stakeholders under an independent chairperson to examine the issues identified during the review. In this respect, the working group will address the key issues raised in the report itself, including future use of peat by the horticulture sector. The first meeting of the independent working group took place on 4 March.
In addition, my Department is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date. It has also recently sought further research be conducted here to explore alternatives to peat based growing media for horticultural production in this area in its latest Research Call for 2021. These must be available, affordable and sustainable and meet quality as well as environmental requirements.
1941. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Bord Bia inspectors are still performing on-farm inspections during level 5 restrictions given the potential risk of spreading Covid-19 when it is not deemed essential work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13946/21]
View answerAll issues relating to the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes are operational matters for Bord Bia.
However, as a matter of policy, I should advise the Deputy that, in line with COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines, Bord Bia introduced remote audits in April 2020 and suspended on-site auditing of the members and applicants certified to the Bord Bia schemes in order to protect the health of auditors and members and to be compliant with the public health measures and national effort in curbing the spread of the disease.
In that regard, I am advised that the approach undertaken for the Bord Bia Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS) and Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) Audits is applied as follows:
Restriction Level 1,2 and 3 - Remote or on farm audit - Farmers will have the option of completing either a remote audit or an on-farm audit whichever they are most comfortable with.
Restriction Level 4 and 5 – Remote audit only as is currently the position.
1942. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider changing the criteria to become eligible to allow nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law to use a herd number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/21]
View answerA herdnumber is an administrative device, issued by my Department for the purposes of disease control. A herdnumber, therefore, does not imply ownership of lands, ownership of any animals tested or kept under that herdnumber or entitlement to payments under any schemes operated by the Department.
There are two roles associated with a herdnumber - a herdowner and a herdkeeper.
Under existing criteria, it is possible for more than one person to have an interest in the herd such as spouses, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law etc. There is already a standardised process in place for registering the interests of more than other persons, companies or institutions in the role of Herdowner. The form ER1.1 used for this purpose can be found here: gov.ie - Apply for a flock or herd number (www.gov.ie)
Amendments to a herd number must be requested in writing to the relevant Regional Veterinary Office. If there is more than one person named as a herdowner, then the appropriate request to change details must be signed by all relevant parties.
The role of Herdkeeper can only be assigned to one natural person over the age of 18. Regardless of ownership, the herdkeeper is responsible for the day-to-day care and welfare of the herd.
1943. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if landscaping is permitted during level 5 restrictions,, in particular hedge trimming that is seasonal in nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/21]
View answerFor public health reasons, the Government has advised that people should stay at home except in a number of situations, including if they are travelling to and from work where the work is considered to be an essential service. Those essential service providers are listed at: (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c9158-essential-services/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dfeb8f-list-of-essential-service-providers-under-new-public-health-guideline/) and Regulations are in place to support these measures.
The measures are based on expert advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and are kept under ongoing review by that group, with the over-riding consideration being the protection of public health in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department cannot adjudicate on individual cases. It is a matter for each company/individual to assess, based on the current published information, whether they are involved in providing any of the essential services which are currently permitted.
1944. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal of a basic payment commonage reduction by a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14019/21]
View answerThe person named submitted an application for the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme on 5th May 2020. As a result of the standard verification checks carried out by my Department, a parcel claimed on this application was identified as having being burned in the closed period of 1st March to 31st August, which resulted in an overclaim.
The person named was written to by my Department on 19th November 2020 outlining the current position with regard to his 2020 BPS application and the options available to him in relation to this over claim, including the right to seek a review. The person named sought a review of this overclaim on 30th November 2020, and further information was submitted in relation to this review on 25th January 2021. My Department is currently reviewing this information and will be in direct contact with the person named shortly in this regard.
1945. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the legislative basis which determines the regulation of farriery in Ireland; the conditions and or qualifications necessary in order to operate as a farrier; his plans to propose additional legislation or regulation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14054/21]
View answerAt present, there is no legislative basis for the regulation of farrier services in Ireland. Therefore, there are no mandatory conditions or qualifications necessary in order to operate as a farrier.
Powers conferred on the Minister by section 54A (inserted by section 2 of the Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Act 2012 (No. 25 of 2012)) of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 (No. 22 of 2005) allow for the creation of regulations for certain animal health professionals including farriers. My Department officials are currently engaging with stakeholders across various professions and the Veterinary Council of Ireland in the development of such regulations.
1946. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the monthly targets for private licences with ecology input excluding Coillte felling licences for each month for the remainder of 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14057/21]
View answerLast year, the Department established a Project Management Unit to oversee the backlog of forestry licences that were awaiting assessment by an Ecologist and established monthly targets up to February this year, which are reflected in a published dashboard.
Project Woodland which was recently launched by my colleague, Minister of State Senator Pippa Hackett, will oversee the Mackinnon report on improvements to our licencing processes and procedures. This includes the setting of targets which will now be dealt with by the Working Groups set up under the project. The project revolves around four Working Groups, which will focus on the licence backlog; the future of forestry; devising a fit-for-purpose organisational structure; and, streamlining the licensing process. It is being overseen by a Project Board, chaired by DAFM Secretary General Brendan Gleeson, and reports to Minister-of State Hackett.
Specifically, Working Group 1 has been charged with tackling the backlog. A key deliverable for this Group will be publishing a process for reducing the backlog to achieve targets which the Group will agree on. These new targets will be incorporated into a new dashboard and published when they are available.
1947. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14081/21]
View answerAn application for the Native Woodland Scheme was submitted on behalf of the persons named in June 2020 and is currently referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit. An ecologist has been assigned to the application and, on initial overview, the ecologist has determined the that additional information will be required.
The application lacks information on access, removal of invasive species, facilitation of natural regeneration and the planting of native species. In addition to this, there is reference to small streams and rivulets occurring, but they are not indicated on the map and no information is given as to the impact of operations on these streams, or how they will be protected during operations.
The ecologist will complete their preliminary review and a letter will issue to both the applicant and their registered forester, setting out in full, the information sought. Once that information is received by my Department and if it fully addresses the questions raised, the ecological assessment of the application will be completed.
1948. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if same will be reviewed. [14104/21]
View answerThis is an operational matter for Teagasc who deliver the Green Cert Programme at Ballyhaise College.
I have requested Teagasc to examine the matter and provide a response directly to the Deputy within 10 days.
1949. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to designate the native black bee as a protected species and to stop the importation of other bees whose existence in Ireland will undermine the redevelopment of native honeybees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14119/21]
View answerI fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, my Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. These supports include funding to carry out applied research through the National Apiculture Programme, grants to national beekeeping associations and grant aid to fund capital investments for beekeepers.
My Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of this honeybee species and specifically apis mellifera melliferra. In 2021, funding has been allocated for an innovative queen rearing project. My Department also supports the work of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society.
Regarding designation as a protected species, honeybees are not listed under the EU habitats directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) which lists the most endangered species across the EU.
In relation to the importation of honeybees into Ireland, this is allowed under regulations governing intra-Community trade with other EU Member States. The specific health requirements for trading in bees are laid out in Council Directive 92/65/EEC. All imports of bees must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of export. The reason for this is to ensure that imported bees are healthy and do not harbour pathogens or parasites that may be harmful to our native bee stocks.
1950. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to ensure that proper regulation and fairness is applied to beef factories to ensure that beef farmers are properly paid for their produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14134/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government for 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. I expect to launch a public consultation on the NFO in the coming weeks.
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.
Neither the NFO, nor any public authority, will have the power to determine the price paid by meat processors.
1951. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14168/21]
View answerThe applicant named submitted payment claimd under both the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage and Dairy Equipment Scheme TAMS II on 8th May 2020.
A number of issues arose with the supporting documents provided and query letters have issued advising of the action needed to address the issues. The applications will continue to be processed subject to verification that the applicant has addressed the issues raised.
1952. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures put in place to prevent the importation of the small hive beetle, athena tumida; if a risk assessment for this pest has been carried out; and if not, the reason. [14249/21]
View answer1953. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are importation bans on honeybees from countries in which athena tumida has been detected; and if not, the reason. [14250/21]
View answer1954. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to protect the native Irish honeybee, apis mellifera mellifera, from being genetically diluted from the importation of non-native honeybees. [14251/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1952 to 1954, inclusive, together.
I fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, my Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. These supports include funding to carry out applied research through the National Apiculture Programme, grants to national beekeeping associations and grant aid to fund capital investments for beekeepers.
My Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of this honeybee species and specifically apis mellifera mellifera. In 2021, funding has been allocated for an innovative queen rearing project. My Department also supports the work of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society.
In relation to the importation of honeybees into Ireland, this is allowed under regulations governing intra-Community trade with other EU Member States. The specific health requirements for trading in bees are laid out in Council Directive 92/65/EEC. All imports of bees must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of export after a physical inspection of the bees and their packaging has taken place. This is to ensure that imported bees are healthy and do not harbour pathogens or parasites that may be harmful to our native bee stocks, including the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida). The health certificate also outlines the import restrictions that apply on areas that have confirmed cases of the small hive beetle.
The European Commission Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed plays a key role in ensuring that Union measures on animal health are effective, including risk assessing and reviewing the measures in place for the small hive beetle. This committee is currently reviewing these measures.
