Written Answers Nos. 910-929
910. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the reason that the adult respite carer hours for a person (detailed supplied) provided by a service have not been restored to their pre-pandemic level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32753/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
911. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if staff hired by private companies which are in turn contracted by the HSE, such as private security staff working at Covid-19 testing centres will be included in the Covid-19 recognition bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32754/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
While my Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that on January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
The HSE and my Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. Rolling out the payment to eligible non-HSE and non-Section 38 employees is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered.
Officials in my Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. I have asked that information be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
I am also mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above front-line workers faced.
In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
912. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive access to occupational and physical therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32755/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
913. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) is entitled to the pandemic bonus for health professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32791/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
While my Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that on January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
The HSE and my Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. Rolling out the payment to eligible non-HSE and non-Section 38 employees is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered.
Officials in my Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. I have asked that information be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
I am also mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above front-line workers faced.
In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
I would also like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
914. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the up to date position with a number of houses on the grounds of a HSE facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; the position with the upgrade of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32792/22]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
915. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason that there is no common policy vis-à-vis visiting arrangements throughout various units in the west; if he will advise regarding a specific unit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32794/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
917. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1098 of 22 March, 2022 when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32802/22]
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.
918. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with union representatives for non-consultant hospital doctors who have voted in favour of taking industrial action; the steps he is taking to address their concerns regarding working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32804/22]
View answerI wish to reaffirm my and the Government’s commitment to addressing the issues that led to non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) voting in favour of industrial action. I want to achieve this through engagement with the IMO and NCHDs.
I confirmed at the recent IMO AGM that the Government is committed to reducing NCHDs working hours and improving their working conditions. The HSE and other health sector employers must honour the terms of the NCHD Contract and ensure that NCHDs benefit fully from those terms. NCHDs should not have to work unsafe and illegal hours. They must be given access to training and be able to take annual and study leave and get paid for hours worked. The number and ratio of training posts for NCHDs will be increased and training opportunities for all doctors improved.
I have written to the HSE asking that they engage and resolve these issues and have been assured that they will work collaboratively with NCHDs and the IMO to do so.
920. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the regulation of aquaculture activities will be transferred to the newly established Marine Area Regulatory Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32567/22]
View answerMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
The 2021 Maritime Area Planning Act provides for the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), a new state agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government which will be responsible for consenting and enforcement functions under the Act.
Following significant consideration of the matter, it was concluded by Government decision that development and activities for which the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the appropriate Minister will continue to be regulated under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and the 1933 Foreshore Act as amended and are thus excluded from the scope of the new consenting regime. This continues to enable an applicant to apply for both an aquaculture licence and relevant foreshore licence from one Government source.
My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as the MARA is established to ensure provision is made for early, effective and ongoing engagement on any developments which may affect the marine areas utilised by the seafood sector.
921. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the dissection studies completed by Teagasc (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31886/22]
View answer922. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reward for premium cattle with a grading classification of E=3=, in which increments on the grid are at six cents, kg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31887/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 921 and 922 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the price paid for beef is a matter for the industry and the farmers who supply cattle. Beef carcases are classified or graded in accordance with EU Regulations using the EUROP scale for conformation and a scale of 1 to 5 to indicate fat cover. This classification or grading result is used by the industry to determine the price paid to farmers. My Department compiles weekly price reports based on weighted averaging of prices across all relevant sectors.
Furthermore, I understand that the payment system (grid) makes use of sub-classes to determine the price paid, with the aim of rewarding farmers for producing the better quality and higher value carcasses.
The Deputy refers to the dissection studies carried out by Teagasc which contributed to the development of the price grid. I understand that this structure was based on detailed discussions between the farming organisations and Meat Industry Ireland.
923. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made in considering the Pig Stability Fund as proposed by the IFA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32023/22]
View answerThe Department has had many engagements with relevant stakeholders in relation to the proposal referred to in the Deputy's question and on the situation in the pig sector in general. Significant support has been made available to the pig sector in the context of the current market disturbance.
In February, I announced the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme (PEPS), with a fund of up to €7 million, for commercial pig farmers. This was an urgent, short-term response to assist producers that would be viable but for the extreme current circumstances, and allow space for a more medium-term adjustment to market signals. Farmers were able to receive a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer. All payments have now been processed.
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.
The Government approved my proposal to allocated €2.8 million of this EU funding to support the Irish horticulture sector, with the remainder dedicated to supporting the pig sector. On 13th June, I announced the opening of applications for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 (PEPS2). A total fund of €13 million is being made available for this voluntary scheme for pig farmers, to support the viability of this important sector. Details of the scheme, which is open for applications until 11th July, are available on my Department's website:
www.gov.ie/en/service/0067f-pig-exceptional-payment-scheme-2/
924. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work carried out to date by the independent expert commissioned to work on the availability of peat suitable for the horticultural market; and the number of horticultural growers that have been assisted by the work of this independent expert. [32024/22]
View answerOn 17th January 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage published a working paper that set out a series of actions to support the horticultural growers who are dependent on peat as a growing medium.
One of the actions under the remit of my Department was to commission an independent expert to work with all suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers. This independent expert was commissioned at the end of March 2022.
The independent expert has met with relevant stakeholders in the horticulture sector and in the peat extraction sector to try and identify available peat stocks and to identify suitable sub 30-hectare sites for the extraction of peat that may be used for domestic horticultural use. In addition to meetings with stakeholders and own research, a peat stock survey was devised and circulated to relevant stakeholders in the peat extraction sector.
The independent expert’s work is nearing completion and a final report is expected in a matter of weeks.
I assure the Deputy that we are leaving no stone unturned to protect the horticulture sector.
925. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made on identifying alternatives to horticultural peat; if he will provide details of the work done to date in relation to this; if he will identify the specific alternatives studied identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32025/22]
View answerGood progress is being made on identifying alternatives to peat for horticulture.
Following a competitive research call, the Department recently committed €1.69 million to a research project ‘Beyond Peat’. The project is being led and co-ordinated by Teagasc Horticultural Development Department, with project partners from the Technological University of the Shannon, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Northern Ireland.
The aim of the project is to identify full and partial replacements for peat within professional horticulture, preferably from materials sourced within Ireland.
An initial focus of the project is to evaluate near to market alternatives to peat-based growth media in several key cropping scenarios. These alternatives will include the use of forestry materials, such as bark, wood-fibre, composted green waste and coir.
Additionally, the use of native materials as feedstocks for the creation of alternative growth media is also being investigated. The research is underpinned by an assessment of the sustainability of alternative candidate materials, through the use of Life Cycle Analysis. The project commenced on 1st February 2022 and will run for a period of five years until 2027.
My Department is also funding two sustainability research projects through the EU Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables. The first project is looking at spent mushroom substrate and how this could be potentially used as a peat replacement material within the wider horticulture sector.
The second project is investigating the sustainable replacement of peat in mushroom casing material and ongoing shelf and house trials are reporting good progress.
926. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the horticultural sector has sufficient supplies of horticultural peat and alternatives to alternative peat; the engagement he has had with the representatives of the sector; what was discussed at these engagements; what resulted from these engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32026/22]
View answerMy Department regularly engages with the horticulture sector on a range of issues impacting the sector including in relation to peat supply and peat alternatives. Industry representatives have raised concerns around peat supply for the horticulture sector following a recent court ruling.
On 17th January 2022, my Department in conjunction with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications and Housing, Local Government and Heritage published a working paper that set out a series of actions to support horticultural growers who are dependent on peat as a growing medium.
One of the actions under the remit of my Department was to commission an independent expert to work with all suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers. This expert was commissioned at the end of March 2022 and is currently compiling a report of their findings which is expected in a matter of weeks.
My Department continues to support and facilitate research in the development of alternatives to peat for horticulture and is funding the ‘Beyond Peat’ project with a budget €1.69 million. This project commenced in February 2022 and is a significant step in assisting the horticulture sector to transition from peat as a growing media to sustainable alternatives.
My Department is also funding two sustainability research projects through the EU Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables. This support is being reflected in ongoing shelf and house trials on peat alternatives in the mushroom sector and good progress is being reported by industry.
The peat supply needs of the horticulture sector for the coming period will be met through existing stockpiles of peat, ongoing supply from Northern Ireland for the mushroom industry and an element of peat imports from outside of Ireland.
927. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 8 October 2020, the degree to which matters have progressed since 2020 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32030/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware this is an application under the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) which was accepted by my Department in December 2020. Standard referral letters issued to Kildare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in February 2021.
A further information request letter issued to the applicant and forester on 2nd June 2021 requesting stock proof fencing. However no reply was received by my Department. As a consequence a further letter of request issued to the forester and applicant on 1st October 2021. This letter advised the applicant that the application would be withdrawn if there was no response after four weeks. As no reply was received subsequently from the applicant or forester and as such the application was withdrawn on 15th November 2021.
928. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the reason the composite price agreed in the establishment of the Beef Market Taskforce has been changed by Bord Bia; if the composite values are no longer available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32031/22]
View answerBord Bia has confirmed that there has been no change to the methodology used for the composite Irish beef price in the beef market tracking tool developed as an action under the 2019 beef sector agreement. This tool remains available on Bord Bia's website and provides a comparison of a composite Irish beef price and an export benchmark of prices in the key export markets for Irish beef.
929. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of Irish beef exported to Japan in 2021 and the first five months of 2022. [32215/22]
View answerAccording to CSO data, the value of Irish beef exports to Japan for the whole of 2021 was approximately €27.6 Million. The value of Irish beef exports from January to April in 2022 (the latest month for which data is currently available) was just under €9.7 million.
