Written Answers Nos. 791-810
792. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health when the issue of medical card holders being unable to access dental appointments will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28139/22]
View answerI have been concerned for some time that medical card patients in some parts of the country have been experiencing problems in accessing dental services. The problem became particularly acute over the last couple of years as a significant number of contracted dentists chose to opt out of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS).
I secured an additional €10 million in Budget 2022 to provide for expanded dental health care for medical card holders including the reintroduction of Scale and Polish.
To address the concerns of contractors about the viability of the Scheme, I am also using an estimated €16 million of an underspend in this year’s estimate allocation (€56 million) to award fee increases across a number of items including fillings and restorations.
The combination of these two measures represents an estimated total additional investment of €26 million in the Scheme this year over and above what was spent on the Scheme in 2021, €40 million.
Following consultation with the Irish Dental Association, these new measures came into effect on 1st May.
The changes to the Scheme, are interim measures designed to secure services for medical card holders pending a more substantive reform of dental services to align with the National Oral Health Policy. Work on that longer-term project has already commenced and it is estimated it will take 1-2 years to complete.
The HSE will assist anyone who is still experiencing problems accessing a service.
793. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to address cost-cutting and staff shortages in the HSE dental section; when the free school dental exam will resume for all school classes for which the exam was available pre-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28140/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
794. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the details of his plans to provide locum cover for rural based general practitioners, specifically within the HSE South CHO4 catchment, to cover for unavoidable absences; if he is developing a plan to establish a national locum register or regional register of available general practitioners as has been developed to cover absent teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28158/22]
View answerGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS (General Medical Services) contract with the HSE to provide services without charge to patients who hold a medical card or a GP visit card. GPs are reimbursed by the HSE for the provision of those services primarily on a capitation basis, with a range of additional support payments and fees for specific items of service.
GPs contracted under the GMS scheme with a panel size of 100 patients or more receive a contribution towards the cost of securing locum cover for certain types of leave, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, adoptive leave, study leave, and Covid-19 leave. Where a GMS GP has difficulty in securing locum cover where it is required, the relevant HSE Community Health Organisation will assist the GP in providing locum cover where possible.
The 2019 GP Agreement includes a commitment to undertake a strategic review of GP services within the lifetime of the Agreement, to examine how best to ensure the provision of GP services in Ireland for the future. The Government is open to considering other options of support for general practice as part of the strategic review. The outcome of this review will inform future contractual changes, with preparatory work for the review having begun this year.
795. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28159/22]
View answerThe expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Programme is a priority for me as Minister for Health, and I am pleased to report recent progress in this area.
A ninth condition, ADA-SCID (Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) was added to the NBS programme on 23rd May 2022. This important development means that all newborn babies in Ireland will now be screened, as part of the ‘heel prick’ test, for this rare condition which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
I wish to acknowledge the significant work undertaken by a range of stakeholders and staff in the HSE to get to this important milestone for families in Ireland. In particular, the commitment of HSE NBS group and the National NBS laboratory at CHI in Temple Street is acknowledged, and reflects the thorough and complex planning process which is required for implementation.
The independent, expert National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC), which makes recommendations to me and my Department, is currently progressing further expansion of the NBS programme.
The NSAC has commissioned HIQA to undertake a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) looking at the addition of other SCID types to the NBS programme. I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee on this condition after the HTA process is finalised later this year.
The expansion of the NBS programme is being informed by the international experience and approaches of other countries in expanding such programmes.
In addition to the scientific and technological information required to make evidence-based decisions about expansion, there are a number of ethical, legal and societal issues which arise when planning an enduring population-based programme of this nature. Decisions in relation to population-based screening can be complex and challenging and it is vital that Ireland continues to employ a robust, methodologically sound and detailed analysis of the evidence in each and every case.
The NSAC continues to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including clinicians and patient advocates, as it considers the further expansion of the NBS programme.
The Committee is also progressing its consideration of proposals that it received in response to its first Annual Call held in late 2021, which includes consideration of any proposals in relation to the expansion of the NBS programme.
In conclusion I wish to assure you that I am committed to the expansion of the NBS programme, and I look forward to receiving further recommendations and advice from the NSAC in the time ahead.
796. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement the recommendations of the Scally report by placing the National Screening Advisory Committee on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28160/22]
View answerI am pleased to update that significant progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of Dr Scally's Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck screening programme.
As of the end of March 2022, just three (3) of the 170 actions arising remained to be completed. All three (3) remaining actions are ‘in progress’, and further updates in completing these actions will be reported in the quarterly progress reports published by my Department.
I recently asked Dr Scally to conduct a final progress review of implementation of his recommendations, and this is now underway. Progressing this final review is in line with our Programme for Government commitments, including the advancement of the women’s health agenda.
Through the recommendations from his reports, Dr Scally has already made a considerable contribution to developments in our health system and ensuring Ireland has a robust screening service, which will enable our progress towards the ultimate goal of elimination of cervical cancer.
The establishment of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) in 2019 represented the implementation of relevant recommendations in Dr Scally's report.
Dr Scally had advised that Ireland should establish a National Screening Committee and provided a draft service specification for consideration within the report which was drawn from international best practice. The Committee was established in 2019, and set up with an eminently qualified chair, as well as a broad and diverse membership, including members representing the public voice. The approach taken here is closely aligned to the approach in the UK, where the national screening committee is also on a non-statutory footing.
The NSAC is now well established and recently published its second annual report which detailed significant progress in 2021. I was particularly pleased to see the level of public response to the Committee's first Annual Call for proposals, with a total of 53 submissions now undergoing consideration by this expert, independent committee.
The NSAC will publish its full work programme when it has finalised its assessment of all proposals received in the Annual Call 2021. However, I am pleased to note that the Committee has already made some decisions, including in relation to the existing national cancer screening programmes. Following submissions from several sources, including from BreastCheck, the Committee has asked HIQA to look at the evidence for extending the age range for breast screening. It has also asked HIQA to look at the age range for bowel screening.
The Committee has made one recommendation to me so far in 2022, for the adoption of a clinical guideline in the BowelScreen programme, which was submitted to the Annual Call by the programme. I recently approved this recommendation which will be implemented by the BowelScreen programme.
The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NBS) Programme is a priority for me, and the NSAC has been progressing work on this expansion.
I am pleased to report recent progress in this area with a ninth condition, ADA-SCID (Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) being added to the NBS programme on 23rd May 2022. This important development means that all newborn babies in Ireland will now be screened, as part of the ‘heel prick’ test, for this rare condition which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
The NSAC has also commissioned HIQA to undertake a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) looking at the addition of other SCID types to the NBS programme. I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee on this condition after the HTA process is finalised later this year.
797. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a full-time residential care place will be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28164/22]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I am referring the question to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
798. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department have plans to introduce new schemes to help a group of farmers (details supplied) enhance their income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27247/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ contains a commitment to seek to resolve the issue of support for the category of farmers known as Forgotten Farmers.
I am examining options to address the issue of forgotten farmers both through the next CAP and also through other measures to support this group.
I am committed to helping this cohort of farmers and I will bring forward proposals as soon as possible. Many of these farmers find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own and we will work with them to address this issue.
799. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with other Government Departments in respect of the delivery of farm safety programmes and initiatives in schools at both primary and secondary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27248/22]
View answerI thank Deputy Burke for asking this question on such an important topic.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has primary responsibility for Health and Safety on farms. My Department is fully supportive of their work and assists in the promotion of safe farming practices as well launching initiatives that promote farm safety, health and wellbeing.
Over the past 10 years, 22 children have died on Irish farms. In order to reduce the rate of fatal and serious accidents and to instil the message of farm safety into children from a young age, Agri Aware, AgriKids and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), supported and funded by my Department, teamed up to bring the Farm Safe Schools programme to Irish classrooms in spring 2022 for the second year running.
This collaborative, programme aims to engage, educate and empower Irish children to become farm safety ambassadors and in doing so help create a safer, brighter future on Irish farms by assisting teachers in educating their students about the potential dangers associated with farming and agriculture. This year over 452 primary schools and 19,500 pupils are taking part in the programme.
My Department also took an active role in the revision of the Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science Curriculum in 2019. An important element in the revision of this curriculum was the development of the course content on farm safety.
800. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work that his Department is carrying out to vary the species of trees in plantations in Ireland, with a view to encouraging more native species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27249/22]
View answerThe Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) contains a target of supporting 30% broadleaf planting annually. An average of 24% broadleaves has been planted during the programming period to date.
The Programme provides significant supports for afforestation and includes 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix. Six of these 12 planting categories focus on the establishment of broadleaves. It is a requirement that all new afforestation must include at least 15% broadleaves. The earlier years of the Programme saw lower rates of broadleaf planting averaging 20% in 2015. I am pleased to say this figure has increased each year reaching 41% in 2021 and 58% year to date in 2022.
This increase has come about as a direct response to incentives put in place by my Department to encourage the planting of broadleaves. This includes increasing the financial supports available from 2018 onwards following the mid-term review of the Forestry Programme. My Department have also launched the Woodland Environmental Fund and the Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Scheme, both of which incentivise the planting of broadleaves and in particular native trees.
As the Deputy may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas through the vehicle of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
On 4th April 2022, the new legislation was signed into law by the president. This amendment was necessary to remove the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare.
It is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting. The exemption for the creation of up to one hectare of native woodland will be available through a Departmental scheme which is under development.
A national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. An extensive public consultation process on the new strategy is underway. The new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. Species diversity will be an important consideration for the new Programme and I am confident that the Afforestation Scheme that will be introduced next year will continue to incentivise the planting of native species.
801. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is engaging with local authorities with regards to the implementation of tree strategies for local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27250/22]
View answerThe development of Ireland’s next Forest Strategy and shared national vision for trees and forests is currently underway.
Project Woodland, established by my Department has made significant progress in the last 12 months preparing the ground for a wide range of public and stakeholder engagements. The purpose of this consultation is to provide the basis for drafting a shared national forest strategy.
An online public consultation on the vision for forestry was launched on 16th March and closed on the 27th April 2022 with over 3,000 responses received. These responses are currently being examined and will provide important feedback on a range of areas which will help shape the next forest strategy.
A Deliberative Dialogue of 100 people, representative of the general demographics of the population, took place on 10th and 14th May 2022. This event provided a platform for a diverse group of people to learn about forests and to discuss the future of Irish forests.
A forest public attitudes survey and a community engagement survey have also been completed.
Bilateral meetings have been ongoing with key stakeholders and as part of this process my Department will be meeting with the County and City Management Association to hear the views of local authorities on the draft shared national vision and the development of the new forest strategy.
The Department will examine all the different consultations that have taken place and provide a summary of the main findings which will be publicly available. It is expected that this work will be completed before the end of June.
It is worth noting that the Department, in association with the Tree Council of Ireland, has published a comprehensive Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees. This is aimed at landowners in ownership of roadside trees and should help local authorities as the information provided will contribute to the mitigation of possible risks associated with such trees, while promoting their benefits.
802. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current position with regard to ash-dieback disease; if there is a particular programme for monitoring these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27251/22]
View answerFollowing the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback disease in October 2012, on imported trees used in forestry plantations, surveys for the disease have been conducted year on year since.
In addition to forest surveys, staff in the wider Department conducted surveys in horticultural nurseries, garden centres, private gardens, roadside landscaping and farm agri-environment scheme plantings.
In recent years Ash dieback disease has been found to be widespread in all 26 Counties. At this point it is unlikely that there are any forest plantations in the Country without some level of infection from the disease.
Ash Dieback Disease is widely distributed in locations outside forest plantations, in hedgerows, garden trees and along motorways.
Elsewhere in Europe, Ash dieback disease occurs right throughout the natural range of ash.
803. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposed deployment of the SmartBay Observatory for connection to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Galway Bay sub-cable (details supplied) that was presented by the Marine Institute and an organisation on 21 May 2022 at a recording studio in An Spidéal, Contae na Gaillimhe; the reference number of the foreshore consents lawfully providing for the proposed imminent deployment of the SmartBay Observatory infrastructure utilising the SEAI sub-sea cable; the action he will take to ensure any and all structures connected to the SEAI Galway Bay sub-sea cable are fully and lawfully-authorised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27303/22]
View answerAs the issue referred to in the Deputy's question relates to activities undertaken by the Marine Institute (MI), I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Marine Institute for direct response.
804. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail the reference number of the foreshore consent (details supplied) authorising the deployment of the devices at issue; the action that he proposes to take to ensure that no structure is erected or placed at the foreshore location the subject of High Court Order [2019] IEHC 824 without lawful authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27305/22]
View answerAs the issue referred to in the Deputy's question relates to activities undertaken by the Marine Institute (MI), I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Marine Institute for direct response.
805. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the relationship between the Marine Institute and a company (details supplied); the services and total funding exchanged to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27306/22]
View answerAs the queries referred to in the Deputy's question relate to operational/administrative matters pertaining to the Marine Institute, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Marine Institute for direct response.
806. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has since granted foreshore consent for the proposed deployment at the marine test site at issue of the SmartBay observatory and or for any other structure or device, as advertised and presented by the Marine Institute and a company (details supplied) on 21 May 2022 at Stiúideo Cuan in An Spidéal, Contae na Gaillimhe; the action that he proposes to take to ensure that no structure is erected by the Marine Institute or related contracted entities without lawful authorisation at the foreshore location the subject of High Court Order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27307/22]
View answerThe Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the responsible authority for the issue of a Foreshore Licence in this case.
I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Marine Institute for direct response in relation to operational matters arising.
807. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding that this Government will receive from the EU crisis reserve fund; the level of funding the Irish Government will top it up with; and the additional supports that this funding will provide for farmers in this deepening escalation of input prices. [27412/22]
View answer822. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to allocate funds from the European Crisis Reserve; the level of co-financing that will be provided by the Government; and the timeframe for delivery of emergency funding measures through the reserve. [27654/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 807 and 822 together.
On 23rd March, the EU Commission announced the adoption of exceptional adjustment aid to producers in agricultural sectors which have been impacted by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The aid provided for was granted as a measure supporting agricultural markets following the transfer of funds from the reserve for crisis in the agricultural sector.
The exceptional aid allocation to Ireland was €15.8 million in EU funding and there are detailed requirements and conditionality attached to this allocation; set out in Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/467 of 23rd March 2022.
On 13th April, I announced the Government's approval for exceptional aid supports of €15.8 million for the pig and horticulture sector, which will be funded from Ireland's EU allocation for exceptional adjustment aid. The approval was for €13 million for the pig sector and €2.8 million for the horticulture sector to support ‘High-wire’ protected glass house producers of tomatoes, cucumber and peppers, field vegetable producers, mushroom producers and commercial apple producers.
EU countries are required to notify the Commission of the measures to be taken before 30 June 2022 and to pay the supports by 30th September 2022. My officials are developing the schemes at present and it is envisaged that payments will be made as soon as possible.
In addition to this use of the EU exceptional aid provision, and in acknowledgement of the need to address the multiple impacts of the illegal invasion in Ukraine on food supply chains and food security, significant funding has already been allocated towards Exchequer funded measures including a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector, and the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme.
808. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a grant scheme to incentivise farmers to install solar panels on the roofs of sheds and farm buildings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27580/22]
View answerMy Department currently provides grant aid through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) to assist our farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms.
Solar energy for on-farm use is grant aided under the Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage and Safety Scheme, Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme, the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme measures under TAMS. The solar PV systems grant aided under TAMS includes Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels for water heating under the Pigs and Poultry scheme.
It is also proposed that support for renewable energy investments will continue under the new Capital Investment Scheme as part of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) submitted to the EU Commission for approval last December.
My Department is also working closely with Minister Eamon Ryan, whose Department launched the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in December 2021, which are a suite of new measures which that Department has introduced for renewable production this year.
I will continue to engage with Minister Eamon Ryan and his Department and I am examining all ways to support farmers in this area.
809. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are currently in place to enforce home quarantine for pets and exotic animals travelling into Ireland from foreign countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27609/22]
View answer810. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protocols that are in place to report non-compliance with home quarantine measures for pets and exotic animals travelling into the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27610/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 809 and 810 together.
Home Isolation is currently an option only for pets accompanying Ukrainian refugees. No other pets entering Ireland have the option of home isolation. This is a temporary measure which is being kept under review and on-going risk assessment.
Recognising the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine, temporary humanitarian arrangements have been put in place, to allow people travelling from Ukraine to Ireland to be accompanied by their pets, even if the pets are not in full compliance with EU Travel Regulations. In accordance with Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and, by way of derogation from the conditions provided for non-commercial movements of pet animals, Member States may, in exceptional situations, authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals which do not comply with the conditions in Regulation (EU) 576/2013.
Where Ukrainian pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine veterinary services are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. These measures include microchipping animals, providing tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination for pets, as required.
Pet owners are provided with information translated into Ukrainian, on how to manage their pet in home isolation, where relevant. Department staff follow up with the pet owners to advise them on the necessary requirements to bring these pets into compliance with EU Pet Travel regulations. My Department staff have arrangements in place with private veterinarians to provide the treatments to bring Ukrainian pets into compliance at no cost to their owners. This exceptional response is being kept under review. Official isolation for pets can be introduced if deemed necessary.
Home isolation is being monitored and enforced by Authorised Officers of the Department's Regional Offices in conjunction with staff based in Headquarters. Follwing any necessary treatment and instruction at the points of entry, Department staff maintain contact with the owners by phone/email/post with follow-on instructions/direction on home isolation and any other requirements for their pets. Follow up risk informed home-visits are carried out by authorised officers as necessary.
Private Veterinary Practitioners have been issued instructions on how to deal with these pets, and have received documents in English and Ukrainian for pet owners. Any non-compliances noticed during these communications and visits are to be reported to the Department.
All this information is available on the Department's website in English and Ukrainian. Members of the public who have concerns about the non-isolation of Ukrainian pets should contact the Department's regional offices with the necessary details.
