Written Answers Nos. 628-643
628. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trainers' licences granted annually from 2018 to 2022 inclusive under the Greyhound Trainers Regulations 1961, in tabular form; the number that were revoked annually; and the number of previously registered trainers that are deemed ineligible to register. [24767/23]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
629. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise the measures that his Department have put in place to reduce administrative issues arising from the application process for the basic income support for sustainability scheme and the related eco-scheme and complementary redistributive income support for sustainability scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24771/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to helping farmers to submit their scheme applications on-time and to assisting farmers to rectify any issues identified on their application, to allow payments to issues as promptly as possible in 2023.
My Department opened the online application process for the 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability and other area related schemes on the 28 February 2023. The closing date for applications is 29 May 2023, which provides farmers and advisors the longest possible application window to submit their application. The online application is intuitive, dynamic and user- friendly, alerting applicants of errors as they move through the application.
To reduce the administrative burden of applying for the various schemes available, the farmer can apply for a total of nine area-based schemes on the one application portal. The nine area based schemes include the following schemes:
• Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS)
• Complementary Redistribution Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS)
• Eco Scheme
• Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF)
• Protein Aid
• Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC)
• Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM)
• annual claims for Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and/or Organic Farming Scheme (OFS), if applicable.
It has been a requirement since 2018 that the the Basic Payment Scheme application is 100% online and this continues to be the case under the new CAP. The online system is designed to present the applicant with scheme options if the farmer is eligible for such schemes.
The online application process for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability and other area-based schemes facilitates early pre-checking of applications providing the opportunity to rectify errors without penalty. For example, the preliminary checks process allows farmers an early opportunity to correct land errors without penalty up to June. My Department issued some 7,138 Preliminary Check notifications in 2022 and in addition, over 9,000 letters were issued where problems were identified. Preliminary Checks will commence again in June this year. Separately, from 2023 online applicants will benefit from Area Monitoring System checks affording farmers another opportunity to correct land errors without penalty up to 2 October 2023. This will enable many farmers to resolve issues at the dedicated Direct Payments helpdesks and at the National Ploughing Championships this year.
My Department has led in the development of a geo-tagged photograph application (app) for use on Smartphone and mobile devices. The app, known as AgriSnap, enables farmers and advisors/consultants to take geo-tagged photographs using their Smartphone and submit them securely to Department in an efficient and seamless manner. The introduction of AgriSnap will allow farmers and advisors to upload a geotagged photograph using a Smartphone in a secure and prompt manner. This will facilitate a faster turnaround of queries by the Department.
With the introduction of the new Eco scheme in 2023, my Department carried out the mapping of features for the new scheme and released them in September 2022 as “indicative estimates” to aid the 2023 application process in relation to Eco scheme Agricultural Practice 1 (Space for Nature). My Department also made available a farmers' stocking rate information in September 2022, to aid the 2023 application process in relation to Eco scheme Agricultural Practice 2 (Extensive Livestock Production).
A range of supports have been put in place during the application window for farmers to make their online applications in 2023, which include the in-person BISS Clinics offering one-to-one access to Department officials. Department officials are working with farmers throughout more than 25 locations around the country to ensure their 2023 applications are submitted correctly and on time. Other supports such as a dedicated online email address and a dedicated help desk telephone line supplemented by “how to” guides and videos are also in available to help farmers submit their applications. In the run up to the 29 May closing date, Department officials will also be follow-up with farmers and advisors, for example if applications are still in draft and not submitted.
630. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of farmers receiving notification of significant reduction in payments under the new basic income support for sustainability and related schemes in comparison to the previous basic payment scheme; the supports that are being offered to farmers who have received a payment reduction in real-terms and who rely on these payments to meet outgoings, loans and bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24772/23]
View answerThe BISS (Basic Income Support for Sustainability) scheme replaced the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2023. This means that the BPS plus the Greening payment is replaced by a single BISS payment. The value of all payment entitlements reduced in 2023 based on the financing available for each Direct Payment Scheme. The reason for this is the addition of new schemes and an increase in the payment rates for other schemes, such as Voluntary Coupled Support and Complimentary Income Support for Young Farmers.
From 2023 there are two new schemes, the Eco-Scheme, and the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) Scheme or more commonly known as ‘front loading’. In Table 1 below is an example to demonstrate the new payment structure for a sample case.
Table 1: Examples of Payment Structures
|
Payment Structure in 2022 |
Payment Structure in 2023 |
||
|
Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Average payment entitlements unit value |
€180 |
Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS)Average payment entitlements unit value |
€155 |
|
Greening Payment at 44% |
€80 |
Eco scheme (per hectare) |
€62 |
|
CRISS (per hectare) |
€43 |
||
|
Sum payment in 2022 |
€260 |
Sum payment in 2023 |
€260 |
This is assuming participation in the schemes mentioned above and it is important to note that payment rates will vary depending on the uptake by farmers for each scheme. Convergence will continue in 2023-2026 with all payment entitlements reaching 85% of the BISS national average by 2026.
I am very aware of the importance of Direct Payments to all farmers, and I have ensured that there has been extensive consultation with farmers and farm bodies on the development of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan in line with EU Regulations by means of Townhall meetings and other in person events. In addition to this My Department has hosted information sessions, Direct Payment application clinics, and created online prediction tools to ensure all farmers are aware of the financial impacts of the restructuring of Direct Payments.
631. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person's (details supplied) single farm payment was effected last year; if he would reconsider the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24807/23]
View answer632. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person's (details supplied) GLAS scheme has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24808/23]
View answer633. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why a persons' (details supplied) GLAS application was not looked at favourably; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24811/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 631 to 633, inclusive, together.
The person named applied successfully for GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2016.
The GLAS contract was selected for an on-farm inspection on 9th March 2022. During the course of this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the scheme were noted and outlined in the Notification of Findings letter which issued to the person named on 30th August 2022. The option to appeal this decision was also outlined.
The person named subsequently submitted a request for a review of the inspection findings which was received on 19th December 2022. The Regional Inspector upheld the original decision and notified the person named by letter dated 21st February 2023.
With regard to a reduction in non-GLAS scheme payments, this has occurred due to the penalties outlined above. The Department can confirm that all monies in relation to these penalties have now been recouped in full, from GLAS and other Department scheme payments.
I have made enquiries and I understand that an appeal has been lodged to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
634. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the horse and greyhound racing industries are grossly more funded than any other sports; if he agrees that there are many projects that could bring better social benefits (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24843/23]
View answerAccording to the 2021 Power Report, commissioned by RCÉ, the greyhound industry provides and supports considerable employment both directly and indirectly across the Irish economy. It is estimated that in 2019, the industry supported 4,150 full-time and part-time jobs in the economy. In addition, there are 6,211 active greyhound owners. The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the greyhound sector is estimated at 10,361.
The 2023 Deloitte Report into the Social and Economic Impact of Irish Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing, commissioned by HRI, indicates that the total direct and stimulated expenditure of the Irish breeding and racing industry is estimated at €2.46 billion in 2022. In addition, it is estimated that the industry supports the direct and indirect employment of 30,000 people.
I am satisfied that the funding provided to the sector provides significant economic and social benefit, in rural and urban areas.
635. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he had examined the range of crops included in the tillage incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24912/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) last year in response to the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The Scheme is a support measure for farmers to incentivise the increase in eligible tillage crops.
A payment of €400/ha was made on eligible tillage crop area. To qualify for the payment, there must have been an increase in the total tillage crops grown on the holding in 2022 versus 2021. Eligible crops under the Scheme included barley, wheat, oats, rye, oilseed rape, maize and beet.
The Scheme delivered €10.1 million in support for the sector last year and has been acknowledged as contributing to the estimated 6% increase in tillage area, or an additional 20,000 hectares in 2022.
The Tillage Incentive Scheme will continue in 2023 with a budget of €10 million. We have been working on developing the Scheme for 2023 which included a review of the eligible crops. The details of the Scheme will be available shortly.
636. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full-year cost of recruiting one additional WTE senior superintending veterinary inspector and one additional WTE district superintendent for his Department, in tabular form. [24984/23]
View answerAll staff in my Department are placed on a corresponding Civil Service pay scale according to their grade. The annual pay scales for Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspectors (SSVI) and District Superintendents (DS) in my Department are listed in tabular form below. Please note that, apart from in exceptional circumstances, new entrants to the Department would begin on the first point of the relevant scale.
|
Grade |
Point 1 |
Point 2 |
Point 3 |
Point 4 |
Point 5 |
Point 6 |
Point 7 |
Point 8 |
Point 9 |
Point 10 |
|
SSVI (PPC) |
113,684 |
118,476 |
123,286 |
127,425 (max) |
131,507 (LSI 1) |
135,579 (LSI 2) |
|
|
|
|
|
DS (PPC) |
43,572 |
46,759 |
49,943 |
53,112 |
56,330 |
59,565 |
62,784 |
66,023 (Max) |
68,389 (LSI 1) |
70,755 (LSI 2) |
max = Maximum of salary scale
LSI 1 = First Long Service Increment
LSI 2 = Second Long Service Increment
637. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his Department's policy for people between 20-65 years of age currently in nursing homes to transition to independent living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24780/23]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising the matter,
I recognise that nursing homes can, at times, be appropriate care options where the person concerned has a clinically assessed complex medical and social care requirement that cannot be supported in the person’s home.
Nonetheless, for some people under the age of 65, nursing homes are not an appropriate setting, and alternative, more sustainable supported living solutions are needed to give them greater independence and choice in their daily lives.
There is a clear Government commitment to reduce and provide a pathway to eliminate the practice of inappropriately accommodating young people with serious disabilities in nursing homes and to facilitate where appropriate, people under 65s who wish to live elsewhere. In this context, work has been ongoing between my Department and the HSE to address nursing home care of people under 65 who wish to live elsewhere.
Ombudsman's Report. Published in May 2021, the Ombudsman's Wasted Lives: Time for a better future for younger people in Nursing Homes looked at the appropriateness of the placement of people under 65 in nursing homes.
The Ombudsman’s report recommendations cover a range of themes including funding, informed consent, quality of life, access to services, navigating the system and policy and human rights. Of the 19 recommendations in the Ombudsman’s report 17 of the recommendations are led by the HSE. 2 recommendations in the report are led by the Department DCEIDY and the Department of Health.
In response to the Ombudsman’s report, the HSE is co-ordinating a programme of work to review and implement the report’s recommendations for which the HSE has accountability.
In October 2022, the HSE established a national Implementation Steering Committee (ISC) This group has representation from HSE Acutes, Community Operations and service users with lived experience. The aims of this steering committee are to; oversee the implementation of the recommendations set out in the Ombudsman’s report, provide a level of assurance regarding the health, safety and dignity of residents aged under 65 years living in nursing home settings, and, ensure the efficient transition to alternative care settings where appropriate.
In order to ensure completion of the programme of work to the highest possible standard, the Steering Group established a Stakeholder Reference Group, with representation and engagement across the wider health, social care and disability sector.
Five workstreams, comprised of membership from the sector with the relevant expertise and people with lived experience are being established to carry out distinct recommendation implementation work.
1. Quality of life and model of Service development2. Funding and personal finances3. Services access and navigation4. Informed consent policy and human rights5. NH U65 survey (previously SRF project)Work has commenced under each of these workstreams.
Investment The ‘Wasted Lives’ report recommended an annual budget to assist young people with disabilities inappropriately placed in nursing homes to leave, if that is their preference, and to support and enable them to enter into more appropriate living arrangements.
In 2023, Specialist Community-Based Disability Services received funding of c. €2.5 billion to provide a range of services and is spent in line with nationally agreed policy for disability services. Services include Residential and Respite Services, Day Services, PA and Home Support Services, and Therapeutic Supports.
In 2021 this Government provided for a Pilot Scheme as part of the HSE National Service Plan (NSP) to enable 18 people, with an investment of €3m, under the age of 65yrs to move from nursing homes to move to more appropriate homes in the community. To end 2021, 14 had moved into the community.
Budget 2022 provided a further allocation of €5.5m (part-year funding) to address the situation of people with disabilities who may be inappropriately placed in nursing homes, thus commencing the move of a further cohort of individuals. In 2022, 22 transitions took place.
The transitions to the community have been to own home (adapted), family home (adapted), new council house (adapted) and specialised residential services.
In addition to supporting individuals who wish to transition into the community, the HSE is also funding enhanced quality of life supports for individuals who through either will and preference and/or assessment of need will be continuing their placement in the Nursing Home. For these individuals, the aim of these supports is, to improve the daily life of these younger people, while they are still in a nursing home or to help them prepare for a future transition.
The HSE has informed me that as of February 2023, 6 individuals have moved from nursing homes to more appropriate homes in the community, and 34 individuals have received enhanced quality of life supports, to support continuing their placement in a Nursing Home.
638. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when respite care will be approved for a person (details supplied); when long-term residential care will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24812/23]
View answerAs this is a service related matter, on an Individuals case , I am referring it to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
639. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth why a young person with intellectual disabilities (details supplied) has been denied respite hours despite repeated promises over the last two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24835/23]
View answerAs the query relates to service matters, I am referring to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
640. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when emergency funding will be provided for the placement of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24914/23]
View answerAs this relates to service matters , I am referring it to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
641. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects the neurological rehabilitation team in CHO7 to be in place to deliver services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24916/23]
View answerAs the query relates to service matters, I am referring it to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
642. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of residential places for people with a disability currently being provided as of 1 May 2023 or the latest date available; and if he would provide a tabular breakdown by CHO area of same. [24919/23]
View answerAs this is a service related matter , I am referring it to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
643. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of staff in community neuro-rehabilitation teams in each community healthcare organisation, in tabular form; the specific medical or healthcare posts in each team in each CHO; and the estimated full-year cost of providing a full neuro-rehabilitation team in each CHO. [24921/23]
View answerAs the query relates to service matters, I am referring it to the HSE for direct response to the Deputy.
