Written Answers Nos. 937-956
939. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if he plans to seek an extension in relation to those provisions of Part 3 of the Health Act 2020 that are due to expire in June 2021; the factors that will be reviewed prior to any decision to seek an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24699/21]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising consideration of the need for an extension of the provisions referred to by the Deputy and will bring such proposals as may be necessary to the Government. Key considerations will relate to the evolving national and international epidemiological situation with regard to Covid 19 and an assessment of the ongoing public health risk in Ireland.
940. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the status of a surgery appointment for a child (details supplied). [24701/21]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
942. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will consider funding a pilot outreach youth service in Dublin 12 through the CDETB (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24703/21]
View answerFrom the information provided, this project would appear to fall under the ambit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Innovation and Youth and in particular the targeted youth scheme 'Your Place Your Space' (UBU).
I understand that 'Your Place Your Space' provides out of school supports to young people. These supports offer a wide range of quality activities, which are mainly community-based. By providing this place and space, UBU aims to enable all young realise their maximum potential.
I note that the City of Dublin Education and Training Board has a role in the delivery of the targeted youth scheme.
It is recommended that you contact the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Innovation and Youth for further information on how to access UBU funding.
The Department of Health has an agreement with CDYSB to ensure that an efficient and effective structure is in place to facilitate the management and monitoring of the activities, expenditure and general governance of interim funded community based drugs initiatives through the drug and alcohol task forces, for which CDYSB acts as a channel of funding for the Department of Health.
943. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason for his and NPHET's reasoning behind the decision to allow dining in hotels for hotel guests but not to allow indoor dining in restaurants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24710/21]
View answerThere has been considerable progress in reducing infection levels since the peak of the wave of infection in late 2020/early 2021 because of the widespread commitment and adherence by the public to the public health measures in place. While there is still a high level of infection nationally, the situation is considered reasonably stable and significant progress is being made in relation to the roll-out of our vaccination programme.
In recognition of the improving situation, the Government announced a roadmap on the 29 April for the gradual lifting of some restrictions over the next two months, with a particular focus on allowing more outdoor activities. A range of measures will be eased in May, with a further easing of measures in June subject to the epidemiological situation at the time.
It is important to note that while there is now scope to ease public health measures, the approach must continue to be cautious, gradual and on a phased basis, with sufficient time between any easing of measures to assess the impact. This will be critical to ensuring the protection of the gains of recent months, the protection of those most vulnerable, and the protection of health and social care, education, and childcare services.
As part of the plans announced by Government, a phased reopening of the hospitality sector is envisaged. From 2 June, accommodation services can reopen and from 7 June outdoor services in restaurants and bars can resume. The resumption of indoor hospitality more broadly will be considered at the end of June. As set out above, there is still a high level of infection nationally, therefore this phased approach is recommended to ensure that reopening is sustainable.
It is important to note that indoor restaurant and bar services within hotels and other accommodation facilities must be restricted to overnight guests/residents only. This is currently the case for those staying in these facilities for essential purposes and is also in line with previous practice for these facilities during periods of Level 3 restrictions.
Significant progress has been made on suppressing the virus over recent months due to the huge effort of people across the country. By working together, we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society in Ireland. We all must continue to do everything possible to continue to avoid the virus spreading and to support the safe reopening of activities over the coming months.
944. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason hotel quarantine facilities in County Cork have not been activated for visitors arriving into Cork Airport requiring them to travel to Dublin to quarantine there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24714/21]
View answerThe Mandatory Hotel Quarantine System operates a number of designated facilities in the Dublin area in order to meet the current flow of arrivals into Ireland, the majority of which are currently arriving through Dublin airport.
There are regular assessments of the numbers arriving at other points of entry, including Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Rosslare Europort and the Port of Cork, to ensure that the system has the capacity to meet demand for rooms in designated facilities. At present, arrivals in non-Dublin points of entry are low enough to cater for using a direct transfer service to Dublin.
If there is a increase of arrivals at any of the non-Dublin points of entry, consideration will be given to designating a facility in a closer geographical location.
945. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consultation or preparatory work he has undertaken to prepare for the possible holding of the National Ploughing Championships under continued public health restrictions. [23867/21]
View answerA decision regarding the hosting of major public events in the context of the current public health measures has not yet been made.
The National Ploughing Association runs the National Ploughing Championships and any decisions in relation to the 2021 event will be taken by that organisation, based on public health advice. My Department has provided a functioning office, offering services to our customers at the Ploughing Championships for many years.
Similar to other years, if this year's Championships do go ahead, the Department will observe all prevailing public health guidance necessary to keep our customers and staff safe.
946. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings the audit and investigations division of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have had with his officials in respect of investigations relating to horses and the seizure of banned substances and remedies in the past ten years to date; and the number of instances in which his officials have provided the audit and investigations division of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland with access to and or copies of files from his investigations unit over the same time frame. [23717/21]
View answerOfficials from several Divisions of my Department frequently engage with, and meet, staff in the Audit and Investigations Division of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Details of the numbers of such engagements and meetings are not readily available.
I can confirm that information is shared by officials of my Department with the FSAI to support its regulatory mandate and that this sharing is appropriate and lawful.
947. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the study into the Dinish Wharf construction site investigation works at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre, County Cork is due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23732/21]
View answerThe Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 established the concept of fishery harbours in the State and invested their management in the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine took over responsibility for the Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) in October 2007. Castletownbere is one of six Fishery Harbour Centres, the others are located at Ros an Mhíl, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth and Killybegs.
This year, I allocated further funding of €11.77 million for the ongoing maintenance and development of Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre during 2021.
It is not intended to publish the study into the Dinish Wharf construction site investigation works at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre, County Cork. Site investigation works and accompanying reports are technical reports generally used to inform technical engineering design of structures and, as such, are not generally published by the Department.
948. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the hydrodynamic modelling studies for the proposed marina extension project at An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre, County Kerry is due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23733/21]
View answerThe Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 established the concept of fishery harbours in the State and invested their management in the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine took over responsibility for the Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) in October 2007. An Daingean is one of six Fishery Harbour Centres, the others are located at Castletownbere, Ros an Mhíl, Dunmore East, Howth and Killybegs.
This year, I allocated further funding of €1.12 million for the ongoing maintenance and development of An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre during 2021.
It is not intended to publish the report on hydrodynamic modelling studies for the proposed marina extension project at An Daingean Fishery Harbour Centre, County Kerry. Hydrodynamic modelling studies and accompanying reports are technical reports generally used to inform technical engineering design of structures, and as such are not generally published by the Department.
As is the case for all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any decision with regard to projects will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities.
949. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the cost-benefit analysis of Ireland’s bovine TB programme is due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23734/21]
View answerA Cost Benefit Analysis of the Bovine TB Eradication Programme was commissioned by the Department in 2020 following consultation with farm organisations in drafting the Terms of Reference.
The first draft report, prepared by Grant Thornton, was circulated to all members of the TB Forum on Friday 26th March 2020. The draft findings were presented at the second meeting of the Finance Working Group set up under the TB Forum on 15th April.
A constructive discussion took place in relation to these findings and Grant Thornton will take account of this feedback in preparing the next draft. It is envisaged that the amended draft will be discussed at the Finance Working Group before the final report is published in the coming months.
950. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a compensation scheme for a sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23741/21]
View answerMy Department is continuing to engage with the Poultry Working Group (PWG) regarding its proposal for establishing a disease aid fund for the poultry sector. My officials met again with the PWG at the end of April and have proposed dates for further meetings with the PWG in May and June. The PWG is working hard on behalf of the sector and has been very pro-active in engaging with my Department on this matter.
I fully understand the sector’s aim to seek mitigation, insofar as is possible, of the disease risks that their members face. I would like to highlight that some excellent supports are already in place for a number of important diseases for the sector, including High Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Salmonella.
My officials continue to examine the additional measures that could potentially be utilised within the EU State Aid Regulations, to establish a funding support system for the sector in the face of poultry disease challenges.
The importance of improving biosecurity at farm level to prevent disease outbreaks in the first place cannot be overlooked. The Department has made available, at no cost to the poultry producer, biosecurity risk assessments, which are delivered by Animal Health Ireland trained veterinary practitioners, for commercial broiler and layer units. The set of recommendations provided guides the producer on how to improve the standard of biosecurity on the farm and reduce the likelihood of disease incursion. “Prevention is better than cure” is a cornerstone of Animal Health Policy.
The Department has also expressed its support in principle for the establishment of a health programme for the poultry sector operated by Animal Health Ireland. This would operate in partnership with the poultry sector and has excellent potential to improve the overall health of the national flock, as well as the standard of biosecurity on farms, thus reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.
951. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the reduction in herd numbers for farmers in the BEAM scheme is being calculated; the average number of farmers to date who have had to reduce their herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/21]
View answerThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
Just over 33,000 participants joined the scheme and, in doing so, gave a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the reference period 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019 as recorded on the Department's AIM system. Article 1 (3) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132 clearly sets out that measures taken by Ireland shall be aimed at reducing production or restructuring the sector.
The nitrogen being produced on BEAM participants holdings is calculated on a daily basis against the stock profile on the holding each day. The annual nutrient excretion rates for bovines within the BEAM schemes are based on the Nitrates Regulations (S.I. No. 605/2017) and table six within it. For example, cattle (0-1 year old) are calculated as producing 24kg of nitrogen per year which equates to 0.6575kg per day.
In light of the difficulties some farmers were experiencing in meeting this reduction arising from COVID-19 Government Public Health restrictions, I sought approval from the EU Commission in January 2021 to bring in an alternative reduction period for those who require it. In that context, since 19 March 2021, BEAM participants can (using agfood.ie) select the alternative reduction period of 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 over which to meet their 5% reduction. This facility remains opens until 21th June 2021 and to date, some 4,500 BEAM participants have opted for the deferred reduction period.
The Department continues to provide a monthly update to all BEAM participants with the bovine figures up to 31st March 2021 now available on agfood.ie. The monthly letter for May containing these bovine numbers will issue to BEAM participants this week.
952. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he or his Department have had with the European Commission, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the UK Government, formal and informal, to re-establish the voisinage arrangement for fishing rights between the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland; the reason for the delay in re-establishing these rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23758/21]
View answerThe Voisinage arrangements are long-standing reciprocal arrangements which have allowed fishing boats from Northern Ireland access to fish within the 0-6 nautical mile zone of the territorial waters of the State and vice versa. The European Commission has confirmed that the arrangements are preserved under the EU-UK Trade & Co-operation Agreement by Article FISH.19 ‘Relationship with other agreements’. The application of the arrangements post-Brexit is governed by the Sustainable Management of External Fishing Fleets Regulation (2017/2403).
Regarding applications by Irish sea-fishing boat owners to establish those who wish to be authorised to fish in the Northern Ireland 0-6 nautical mile zone, the Department has regularly submitted lists of the applicant vessels to the European Commission seeking authorisation for them to fish in the Northern Ireland 0-6 nautical mile zone. However, none have yet been authorised to fish in the Northern Ireland 0-6 nautical mile zone by the UK authorities. The Department is continuing to review applications from Irish sea-fishing boat owners and additional applications will be sent on to the European Commission at regular intervals. As of 30th April 2021, details of 190 vessels have been provided to the European Commission.
953. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the control plan under the Common Fisheries Policy has been removed; the discussions he has had with the vessel owners and processors regarding this change; the arrangement he plans making to ensure that all fish can now be weighed immediately on land in a food secure way at each and every landing place and pier; the reason non-quota species are included in this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23765/21]
View answerIreland has received a Commission Implementing Decision revoking the approval of the Irish control plan submitted for the weighing of fishery products in accordance with Article 61(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
It should also be noted that the 2012 Control Plan, prior to its revocation, provided that the Irish authorities may have permitted fisheries products to be weighed by relevant operators after transport from the place of landing provided that they were transported to a destination on the territory of Ireland, as the Member State concerned. The derogation as was set out in the 2012 Control Plan covered both quota and non quota landings.
The monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues of this nature are exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. As Minister, I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters such as this.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) will set out new procedures in relation to this changed position. The Authority has, I understand, already written to industry representatives to make them aware of the situation and also met with a sub group of the Sea Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee, Industry Representatives and operators on the matter. A further meeting with the full Sea Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee has also been scheduled.
The Deputy’s queries as to the implications of the Commission’s revocation of the control plan on operational matters such as safety, costs etc are matters for the operators who have responsibility to weigh fish before transport and the SFPA as the control authority.
954. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a second BVD test can be carried out on the herd owned by a person (details supplied); the action to be taken by his Department and herd owner; the costs involved; and the reason for the change of rule in this regard. [23773/21]
View answerThe national BVD eradication programme was established in 2013 and is directed by Animal Health Ireland’s BVD Implementation Group, which is made up of a variety of industry stakeholders including farm organisations.
In 2013, 13,877 (0.67%) BVD infected calves were detected in 9,484 herds (11.27%) and this fell to 720 (0.03%) BVD infected calves detected in 403 (0.56%) herds in 2020. While this represents considerable progress, there has been a growing frustration among farmers that the disease has not yet been eradicated. The objective now is to advance rapidly towards eradication.
The rules for the recognition of national BVD-free status have been set out in the EU Animal Health Law which came into effect in April 2021. In summary, to achieve BVD freedom, 99.8% of herds comprising 99.9% of animals in the country must be free of BVD and there must be no confirmed cases of BVD in the country for a minimum of 18 months.
Notwithstanding the great progress made over course of the programme to date, the industry Implementation Group has concluded that the BVD freedom will not be achieved in the short to medium term without a significant intensification in the controls applied to herds where BVD test positive calves are identified. The Group agreed on the following enhanced measures to the Programme, which were put in place since this year in order to progress to BVD free status for Ireland:
1. No confirmatory testing of calves on their initial test;
2. Movement restrictions in test positive herds to prevent the onward movement of any potentially transiently infected cattle;
3. Blood testing of all animals in herds in which test positive animals have been identified to detect any unidentified infected cattle; and
4. Vaccination of breeding animals in these herds for two years to prevent the generation of any further BVD infected calves.
On the basis of this enhanced programme, the Department is providing considerable support to the programme by financing the blood sampling, laboratory testing and the vaccination elements of these enhancements. These supports vary based on herd size, but have been estimated at €22 per cow in breeding herds.
While these measures may be an inconvenience to those herds affected, the disease itself is a cause of considerable economic loss to Irish farmers, with the cost per infected cow estimated at a conservative €63. The national screening programme is currently costing farmers in the region of €7-9m per year. Re-testing of screening-test positive animals has the potential to prolong the time period within which Ireland can achieve BVD free status and prolong the need for this national herd screening. It is of critical importance that all farmers work with the Department and AHI in bringing the programme to a successful conclusion, and achieve BVD free status for Ireland. It is envisaged that individual testing of calves will cease on the attainment of BVD freedom.
As regards the herdowner concerned, a nominated trained veterinary practitioner will work with the herd to conduct an epidemiological investigation, all animals in the herd will be blood tested for BVD with removal of any positive or inconclusive animals and all female animals aged over 12 months will be vaccinated. These measures will be funded by my Department.
955. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding and supports that have been provided to the fishing industry on offshore islands in each of the past five years. [23819/21]
View answerMy Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme is the principal source of financial supports to our seafood sector. The Programme includes a range of support schemes that were open to the fishing sector over the past five years, including fishers based on our offshore islands.
This included the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme, which aided capital investments on board fishing vessels, such as for energy efficiency, quality enhancement, health and safety, and value adding. The Scheme also aided capital investments ashore to support fishers in complying with the landing obligation, such as investments by fishing cooperatives in infrastructure such as cold storage and handling equipment.
Separately, the New Fishermen Scheme provided aid to young fishers to acquire their first fishing vessel, while the Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme provided aid to inshore vessels for value adding investments ashore such as ice-machines and refrigeration, and aided organisation of inshore fishers through the regional and national inshore fisheries forums and funded development of their inshore fisheries strategy.
The Producer Organisation Scheme supported recognised fisheries Producer Organisations towards the costs of their Production and Marketing Plans and Annual reports, their costs of attending expert meetings and their costs of disseminating information to their members. The Scheme also offered aid to groups of fishers seeking recognition as a Producer Organisation, including office furniture, IT and telecommunications equipment and professional advisory services.
The EMFF Programme also funded Bord Iascaigh Mhara to provide a broad range of services to the fishing sector, including technical advisory services, technical development of fishing gear and practices, training and development, networking and organisation, innovation support services etc.
Each of the above schemes and services was available to fishers on our offshore islands and these were administered by BIM. However, BIM does not separately record if customers are based on our islands and so the amount of funding support to our island fishers cannot be provided.
956. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the practice of issuing TB herd history letters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23834/21]
View answerI recently launched the new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030. The implementation of this strategy is overseen by an established TB Forum group along with being supported by three working groups – a scientific group, implementation group and finance group will ensure that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. I am committed to driving down the rates of bovine TB as quickly as possible as I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional burden TB places on farm families.
As we are dealing with an infectious disease, the strategy is not set in stone - it is a living document which will be subject to amendment and refinement on an on-going basis. The issue of herd history letters and reports is covered within this new strategy whereby it outlines when it is proposed to send further advisory communications to farmers on how to reduce the risk of TB in their herd, the contents of such letters will be discussed with the TB Forum in advance and any decisions on implementation will be informed by these discussions.
The objective of these letters was to provide farmers with information about their own herds to help to mitigate the risk of a TB outbreak. The next TB Forum meeting is due to take place at end of May. This new TB Strategy is available on www.bovinetb.ie.
