Peadar Tóibín
Question:363. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when and the way that children with underlying health conditions aged between 5 and 11 years of age can avail of a Covid-19 vaccine. [4138/22]
View answerVaccination Programme
Questions (363)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (364)
Chris Andrews
Question:364. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health if the staff in a service (details supplied) will receive the €1,000 bonus payment for frontline healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4142/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.
Disability Services
Questions (365)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:365. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for an electric chair in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4145/22]
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.
Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 334.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (367)
Róisín Shortall
Question:367. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to matters raised in a correspondence (details supplied) regarding a medical procedure for a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4171/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Food Industry
Questions (368)
Joe O'Brien
Question:368. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of County Dublin-based producers on the Food Producers Register; and the number of producers in each category as outlined in the registration form, such as, outdoor salad vegetables, indoor salad vegetables and soft fruit in tabular form. [3990/22]
View answerWritten answers
The total number of Dublin-based active Food Business Operators on DAFM’s Horticulture Register is 301. This figure is comprised of 126 registered Food Business Operators producing fruit and vegetables and 176 registered Food Business Operators producing honey (one registered Food Business Operator producing both). A breakdown of the commodities produced is provided in tabular form below.
|
Potatoes |
54 |
|
Outdoor salad |
26 |
|
Other field (e.g. brassicas, onions, root vegetables etc.) |
49 |
|
Mushrooms |
1 |
|
Indoor salad |
29 |
|
Other protected crops (e.g. herbs, etc.) |
19 |
|
Soft fruit |
11 |
|
Top fruit |
11 |
|
Sprouted Seed |
4 |
|
Wheatgrass |
3 |
|
Honey |
176 |
Forestry Sector
Questions (369)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:369. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the work being carried out on the matter of roads and thinning of forestry and the possible exemption from regulatory controls of these matters in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3999/22]
View answerWritten answers
Last November, as part of Project Woodland, my Department engaged the services of an external body with expertise in legal and environmental legislation to conduct a legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing. This external review is well underway and includes a review of the requirement for legal consent for thinning and forest roads.
The final report is due in February. Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we are committed to see a continued improvement in the overall forestry licensing area.
Forestry Sector
Questions (370)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:370. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all felling licences that are being issued at present are being issued to Coillte with nothing made available to the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4000/22]
View answerWritten answers
In 2021, my Department issued 2,877 tree felling licences. Of these, 1,532 were issued to Coillte Teo and the remaining 1,341 issued to private applicants. Since the start of this year, the Department has issued 112 tree felling licences to private applicants and 72 to Coillte.
Departmental Data
Questions (371)
Carol Nolan
Question:371. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has commissioned any polling of the general public related to possible or existing policies within the remit of his Department for the period 1 January 2021 to date; if so, if he will provide details of the policies; the costs incurred for each individual poll; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4037/22]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is set out in the attached table
|
Type of polling undertaken |
Proposed/existing policy |
Commercial Cost € |
|
A nationally representative, face to face, quota sample of 1,000 adults (aged 16+) was surveyed, representative of the Irish population. The sample was based on CSO Census 2016 figures for gender, age, region and area, as well as AIMRO agreed figures for social class. |
This polling was undertaken to help inform the Department in respect of public attitudes to afforestation in Ireland. The outputs of this research will contribute to the development of a new Shared Vision and Forest Strategy for Ireland. |
22,635 |
|
Webinar including questions and polls |
Public webinar to facilitate further consultation on the environmental assessment of the draft Agri-Food Strategy to 2030 (later named Food Vision 2030) |
4,740 |
|
Public Consultation on National Food Ombudsman/regulator or equivalent Office |
On the functions to be assigned to a new office as per commitment in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future |
Nil |
|
Public Consultation on the Environmental Assessment of the Draft Agri-Food Strategy to 2030 |
Common Agriculture Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 |
Nil |
|
Public consultation on the draft interventions proposed for Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 |
Common Agriculture Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 |
Nil |
|
Public Consultation on draft Scoping Report for the Environmental Assessment of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 |
Common Agriculture Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 |
Nil |
|
Broad Reach Survey on Food Safety and Food Authenticity in Ireland undertaken by Indecon as part of a project being undertaken with the support of the EU Commission as part of the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) |
Food Safety and Food Authenticity Strategy |
Nil (Funded by the EU Commission) |
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (372)
Denis Naughten
Question:372. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the agriculture appeals office has failed to furnish a date of an oral appeal sought by a farmer (details supplied) since 2016; when this appeal with be considered in full; the reason for such an inordinate delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4122/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is likely aware, the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been advised that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate that an appeal was received from the person named in 2014 and an oral hearing was held in September 2014 in relation to the appeal. A decision on the appeal issued in November 2014.
In December 2016, the person named again submitted an appeal in relation to the matter and the Agriculture Appeals Office replied in January 2017 to inform the appellant that the appeal was invalid. As a result, there are currently no oral hearings outstanding in relation to the person named.
A review of the Appeals Officer's 2014 decision was sought 2017 and I am informed that there has been correspondence between the Office and the appellant's representatives about this request. I am further informed that the Director has recently been in contact with the appellant's representatives to progress the matter. I am assured that every effort will be made to complete the review as soon as possible.
Agriculture Industry
Questions (373)
Paul Kehoe
Question:373. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the challenges faced by the pig industry particularly the gap between the cost of production and the amount that farmers are paid; if he is considering the ideas put forward arising from the emergency meeting held by representatives of the pig sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4150/22]
View answerWritten answers
Our pig farmers have always been remarkably resilient but I am acutely aware of the challenges they are facing at present.
The average price paid for pigs in Ireland has fallen in recent months, in line with trends across the EU. The 2021 average price was 8.71% lower than that of 2020. As of 16th January, the average grade E pig price came in at 141.02 €/100kg, 9.15% lower than the same week last year. However, this is still well above the EU average price of 132.48€/100kg.
At the recent European Council of Agriculture Ministers, I clearly expressed my concerns in relation to the difficulties facing the Irish pigmeat sector, both in relation to the ongoing impact of increases in fuel, fertiliser, feed and energy prices over recent times which are putting farmer margins under significant pressure, and the sustained nature of the difficulties being experienced on the pigmeat market. I sought the rapid deployment of appropriate solutions on both issues.
I met with members of the IFA Pig Committee last week to discuss concerns. Following this, Minister Heydon and I then met with the main banks to discuss the current challenges in the pigmeat sector and the importance of their ongoing support.
At this meeting I emphasised the importance of the pig sector, its overall resilience and the importance of their support to their customers through the current downturn in the business cycle. The key message was that farmers experiencing cashflow difficulties should engage with the banks as soon as possible to discuss options and that the banks remain committed to supporting their customers in the period ahead.
Separately, Minister Heydon and I, met with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to discuss the Brexit Impact Loan Scheme and the COVID- 19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, both of which are financed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. These finance schemes can be used for working capital finance and include features which address the current financial needs of pig farmers.
Minister Heydon chaired the Pig RoundTable this week and had a further detailed discussion with all stakeholders, including farm organisations and the processing industry, on the issues facing pig farmers. In terms of State supports Bord Bia outlined the significant efforts being made to promote quality assured Irish pigmeat on the domestic and export markets; and Teagasc outlined the dedicated advisory supports being provided to pig farmers.
My Department will continue to closely monitor the market situation and is examining possible measures to assist in supporting farmers through this significant market disturbance.
Forestry Sector
Questions (374)
Paul Kehoe
Question:374. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) requires a felling licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4158/22]
View answerWritten answers
The owner of the forestry concerned has been in touch with my Department in relation to removing areas planted under the above-referenced application. The forest owner advised that a plot was to be removed from the claimed area. The debt incurred was notified and has been repaid by the applicant. The area of forest has been amended and will be reflected in future premium payments.
In respect of removing the trees planted in the plot concerned, the Forestry Act, 2014 applies. Therefore a tree felling licence will be required before any tree felling takes place.
Library Services
Questions (375)
Neale Richmond
Question:375. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that all public libraries are equipped with devices (details supplied) that read text aloud to assist those with dyslexia or those with sight loss; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4026/22]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of a public library service is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. However, my Department provides funding to supplement investment by local authorities in their library services. Funding is provided as a contribution towards the cost of developing library buildings, technological capacity and other areas of activity that enhance local library services.
In 2019, capital funding of €690,000 was provided by my Department for sensory equipment and facilities in public libraries which were approved in response to a call for proposals to library authorities. The aim of this funding was to improve the library experience and services for children, teens and adults with sensory impairments, additional needs, learning difficulties, those on the Autism spectrum and their parents, guardians and carers. While this Call for Proposals included Assistive Technology such as C-PEN readers, no such readers were sought by the authorities.
In 2021, funding of €200,000 was made available under the Dormant Accounts Fund for a specific Digital Equity and Social Inclusion initiative, which included Assistive Technology, such as C-PEN readers. I understand that a number of local authorities purchased Assistive Technology as a result of this funding, including C-PEN readers.
As part of the Dormant Accounts 2022 Action Plan, a further €150,000 will be made available to library authorities for the Digital Equity and Social Inclusion Programme which will again allow for the purchase of Assistive Technology, such as C-PEN readers. This Call for Proposals will issue to all local authorities shortly and it will be a matter for each authority to submit their funding proposals to my Department for approval.
After-School Support Services
Questions (376)
Paul Kehoe
Question:376. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the grant funding available for afterschool clubs or activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4001/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides a range of supports to communities and groups nationwide in both urban and rural areas, helping citizens to participate in the development of their communities and providing funding to improve facilities.
The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides small capital grants to community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a focus on areas of disadvantage. Typical projects are the renovation of community centres, disability access projects and purchase of equipment. The 2021 €4.5 m fund is now closed but it is hoped to run the CEP again. It is normally advertised in each Local Authority area by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) who administer the grant on behalf of this Department.
In November 2021 my Department launched the Community Activities Fund. This is a €9m fund to support community and voluntary groups impacted by COVID-19. The Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment. Groups should contact the LCDC in their area for further details.
Departmental Data
Questions (377)
Carol Nolan
Question:377. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has commissioned any polling of the general public related to possible or existing policies within the remit of her Department for the period 1 January 2021 to date; if so, if she will provide details of the policies; the costs incurred for each individual poll; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4050/22]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that my Department has not commissioned any polling of the general public related to possible or existing policies within the remit of my Department for the period 1 January 2021 to date.
Rural Schemes
Questions (378)
Alan Dillon
Question:378. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if another round of the Connected Hubs Fund is planned; if so, when the fund will open for applications; the level of funding that will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4157/22]
View answerWritten answers
Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the potential of remote working hubs as key economic assets for our rural towns and villages. Notwithstanding the clear benefits to individuals and families in terms of quality of life indicators, remote working from hubs will also support local economies, reduce carbon emissions and may arrest or reverse the depopulation of certain areas.
My Department operates a number of funding schemes that focus on projects supporting remote working through the development of hubs and Broadband Connection Points as long-term, digitally-enabled community assets. To date, my Department has awarded over €100 million to projects involved in developing remote working facilities under programmes such as the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal.
Last year, I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs Call to applicants across all regions. This funding allowed for the expansion of existing hub facilities and remote working infrastructure in digital hubs throughout the country.
I am currently reviewing all my Department’s funding streams and I will make an announcement shortly on the plans for 2022.