Written Answers Nos. 228-247
228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the pigmeat sector is adequately supported in a highly competitive environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25522/23]
View answerThroughout my time as Minister, I have provided support to the pig sector as I am aware of its importance to the economy. In particular, I provided significant targeted support to the pig sector last year in the context of ensuring the long-term viability of the sector at a time when all pig producers were dealing with enormous pressures.
As the Deputy will be aware, on 23rd March 2022, the EU Commission announced the provision of exceptional adjustment aid to producers in agricultural sectors which have been impacted by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The exceptional aid allocation to Ireland was €15.8 million in EU funding and the Government approved my proposal to allocate €13 million of this EU funding to support to the pig sector.
A total fund of €13 million was made available for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 (PEPS2), a voluntary scheme for pig farmers, to support the viability of this important sector. The scheme, provided for a payment of up to €100,000 per farmer and all eligible applicants were paid before the payment deadline.
The PEPS 2 was in addition to the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme which I announced in February 2022, funded by the Exchequer to support commercial pig farmers. This scheme provided for a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer and again all payments have now been processed under that scheme.
In addition to the two support packages detailed above, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) administers finance schemes financed by my Department in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. These finance schemes can be used by pig farmers for working capital finance and provide additional valuable support.
Teagasc has dedicated, ongoing advisory supports for pig farmers.
My Department continues to monitor the market situation closely and engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges arising from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. My Department also has ongoing stakeholder engagement with the sector through the Pig Roundtable.
Pig prices paid to primary producer have increased from mid 2022; and for week commencing 14th May 2023, the price paid was €221.65/100kgs, which was an increase of 32.87% on the same period in 2022.
229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the poultry production sector here remains viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25523/23]
View answerAs in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term.
Poultrymeat, which is a high protein food source, has seen an increase in demand in recent years and this increase has seen a 13% increase in the average price paid in March 2023 when compared to the average price paid 12 months ago. The March average price for 2023 is 16.69% and 17.05% higher than the average price paid in March 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Poultry throughput for 2022 was slightly down on 2021 (-2.45%) with a total of 107.7 million birds processed. CSO figures, released for March 2023, show that the the volume of poultry meat exports rose by 17.79% to 112,299 tonnes in 2022 and the monetary value of Irish poultry exports for 2022 rose by 30.37% to just over €313.2m, when compared to 2021 figures, which were 95,342 tonnes and €240.35m respectively.
The UK (€245.9m) accounted for 78.5% of exports. The Netherlands (€19.4m), France (€9.0m) and Germany (€7.1m) also featured prominently as Poultry Meat export destinations in 2022. Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department. Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030.
I am aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. The Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.
Poultry is normally reared under contract to processors, for a pre-agreed price, and therefore poultry producers are not typically subject to the same price fluctuations as other farmers.
I am also very aware of the contribution of the poultry production sector to Irish agri-food as a whole, supporting significant levels of direct employment as well as their role in supporting rural economies and the wider national economy and I firmly believe that the poultry production sector in Ireland remains viable.
230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the cereal growing sector is adequately supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25524/23]
View answerThe tillage sector is an important and integral component of the agri-food industry making a significant contribution to overall agricultural output estimated at over €1 billion at 2022 farm gate prices.
The importance of the tillage sector is recognised in the Food Vision 2030 strategy and in the Climate Action Plan 2023 where a target is set out to increase the area in tillage to 400,000 hectares. This is well founded given that the sector is one of the most carbon efficient sectors of Irish agriculture.
To help achieve this target, I recently established the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group which had its first meeting on 11th May 2023. This group brings together all relevant stakeholders to set out a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 2030.
In recent years, I have also introduced several measures to support the tillage sector.
Last year, I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) which contributed to the increase in tillage area of 20,000 hectares or 6% from approximately 320,000 hectares in 2021. Just under €10.1 million was paid out to 3,622 farmers on an area of approximately 25,000 hectares under the Scheme. This Scheme is continuing for 2023 with a budget of €10 million.
I more than doubled the budget for the Protein Aid Scheme from €3 million to €7 million in the CAP Strategic Plan 2023 - 2027.
I also secured the Straw Incorporation Measure as a new measure in the CAP with an annual budget of €10 million. This measure sees farmers earn up to €10,000 for straw chopping and incorporation with associated environmental, climate change and biodiversity benefits. In 2022, just under €11.1 million was paid out to 2,527 farmers on an area of over 50,000 hectares.
Our new Agri-Environmental Scheme (ACRES) includes a broad range of actions that are relevant to tillage famers while the new Tillage Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS contains a broader range of investments and a higher investment ceiling of €90,000.
231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the battle against bovine TB continues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25525/23]
View answer232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which ongoing efforts are made to identify the causes of intermittent outbreaks of bovine TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25526/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown.
It causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland. This battle against TB continues in 2023.
There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.
As of 31 May 2023, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence has slightly increased to 4.50% compared to 4.33% at same time last year. In the past 12 months 4,667 herds were restricted, compared to 4,570 in the previous 12-month period. An increase of 97 herds restricted (2%).
Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown, in addition the expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on increasing TB levels also,
As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:
• movement of cattle with undetected infection.
• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
• spread across farm boundaries.
• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or
• spread from infected badgers to cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
As I said, I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which all food imports into this country remain subject to Irish and EU standards in respect of husbandry, processing and production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25527/23]
View answerAll food placed on the market in Ireland must conform to the European Union's food safety standards. These standards place specific food safety requirements on businesses placing food on the market in Ireland or in any other EU member state. These requirements, which are laid out in a series of European regulations, apply to all food businesses whether they are primary producers, processors, retailers or importers of food. They set clearly defined standards for all stages of the food supply chain and place a legal responsibility on food businesses to comply with them. Food businesses are in turn subject to regulatory checks, called official controls, which are laid out in EU Regulation 2017/625, by inspectors either from my Department, the HSE or Local Authorities depending on the type of food being produced or the stage of production and supply. The purpose of these controls is to ensure the food businesses are operating in compliance with the requirements of EU and national legislation.
Imports of food into the EU are similarly subject to mandatory official controls at defined border control posts to ensure that they conform with all of the EU's food safety standards. Officers from my Department operate in four border control posts in Ireland, at the ports of Dublin and Rosslare, and Dublin and Shannon Airports. These officers carried out just over 95,000 import controls in 2022.
Food imports that are subject to import controls at BCPs include products of animal origin and foods of non-animal origin that could present food safety risks. The controls required include documentary, identity and physical inspections including laboratory analysis at frequencies laid down in EU legislation. Consignments found not to comply with these requirements are rejected and are either destroyed or re-exported to the country of origin, in compliance with the rules laid down in EU Regulation 2017/625.
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to encourage compliance to meet emission reduction targets, while at the same time ensuring that the agri-food industry is not damaged given the prospect of world food shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/23]
View answerIreland is one of the most food secure countries in the world. In fact, Ireland has come second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has rmber of policies and strategies in place to ensure agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed.
My position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve this target.
In the Agriculture chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2023, I have proposed measures around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.
There is no doubt that some livestock farmers will take up diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation including to areas such as Organics, Forestry, Tillage and the provision of feedstock for Anerobic Digestion as we increase the production of renewables. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that there is no risk to food security, even if some farmers choose to diversify.
In terms of examples for improvement, we have seen the key role the Economic Breeding Index has played in dairy production over the last decade. I am keen to explore how we can, with the necessary commitment of all stakeholders, extend the work we have already done to improve the genetic profile of the herd in recent years.
My ultimate aim is to future proof our beef and dairy sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. Ireland's agri-food sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class dairy and beef sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve these multiple objectives.
235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied that Irish fishermen will retain their fishing entitlements into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25529/23]
View answerThis Government is committed to addressing the challenges facing our seafood sector following the adoption of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), which has been the most significant and enduring challenge faced by the fisheries sector in generations. I can assure the Deputy that I am pursuing all opportunities at EU level to help address the unequal burden sharing whereby Ireland carries an excessive burden of the EU quota transfers to the UK and I am constantly seeking opportunities for Ireland to increase fishing opportunities where possible.
At the Agri-Fish Council in March I expressed my disappointment that the Commission, in its recent Communication on the functioning of the CFP, did not completely address the impact of the TCA. I have consistently made clear throughout the review process that the Irish Government’s assessment is that the substantial changes brought about in fisheries policy as a result of the TCA requires that a comprehensive review of the CFP be carried out that would support changes to deliver a fair and equitable policy. This review of the implementation of the CFP presented a timely opportunity to address the inequitable impact of the quota transfers under the TCA. However, the existing CFP legal framework does allow for changes to quota sharing arrangements between Member States which could be used to address the impacts of Brexit. I will continue to raise this issue with the Commission and fellow Member States to seek increases in fishing opportunities for Irish fishers.
The increase in fishing opportunities due to long term conservation and sustainability under the framework of the CFP must also be noted. Scientific information on the state of the fisheries exploited by the Irish fleet is compiled by the Marine Institute and is published in the Stock Book each year. The most recent Stock Book, 2022, contains 75 stocks that are subject to the scientific advice of the Marine Institute. From the 75 stocks, 40 are assessed as being sustainably fished in 2022. This number has grown consistently every year since 2013.
This positive trend has led directly to increases in the quotas in 2023 for some of Ireland’s most important commercial stocks including Prawns (nephrops), Celtic Sea Monkfish, Hake and Megrim and North-west Haddock and Whiting.
The reopening of the Spurdog fishery, after it was closed for over ten years to rebuild that stock, is a positive example of sustainable practices bearing fruit. In addition, the North West Herring fishery will be re-opened this year as a commercial fishery. This fishery was closed, other than for the collection of data for scientific purposes, since 2015. Furthermore, the most recent EU-Norway negotiations for 2023 resulted in over 4,000 tonnes of additional Blue Whiting quota for Ireland.
We are seeing the positive results of taking necessary tough action when needed. It will be important that we manage all these fish stocks in order to continue to build on the progress that has been made to date.
I will continue to pursue all opportunities to increase the fishing opportunities for Ireland’s fishing fleet. The Programme for Government sets down an ambitious programme of actions that promote a sustainable seafood industry and I am committed to working to continue to build on the progress that has been made to secure a sustainable future for our fishing industry and the coastal communities which depend upon it.
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which investigations into child abuse continue vigorously, in order to ensure the safety of children in the home or in institutional care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25506/23]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, is the statutory body with responsibility for child protection and welfare services. In cases where an allegation of abuse is made, the first consideration is the immediate safety of the child. The information contained in the referral is reviewed to determine whether an assessment is required. Where an assessment is deemed necessary, information is gathered to identify risk of harm to a child and the steps, if any, required to keep the child safe.
At the end of January 2023, the most recent period for which figures are available, there were 22,418 cases open to social work nationwide. This figure includes cases at all stages from referral and assessment, children listed on the CPNS and children in alternative care. 70% of these cases were allocated to a named social worker. Other cases received a service from dedicated duty teams or rotating social workers on a duty roster.
The placements of children in alternative care, both foster care and residential care, are subject to the Placement of Children in Care Regulations 1995 and the National Standards for Foster Care 2003 and the National Standards for Children's Residential Services 2018. Adherence to foster care standards is monitored by HIQA and inspection reports are published on HIQA's website. Adherence to residential care standards is monitored by both HIQA (in the case of Tusla operated centres) and Tusla (in the case of private and voluntary operated centres).
If a child appears to be at risk of harm or neglect, the concerns should be reported to Tusla. Anyone can report a concern about a child to Tusla, and information on how to do so is available on the Tusla website. If a child is at immediate risk or in danger, An Garda Síochána (AGS) should be alerted without delay.
237. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige cad é an meastachán ar chostais a bhainfeadh le bliain saor in aisce a mhaoiniú i naíonra lán-Ghaeilge le haghaidh gach linbh réamhscoile is sine ná 2 bhliain agus 8 mí d’aois a bhfuil cónaí orthu sa Ghaeltacht. [24713/23]
View answerNíl mo Roinn in ann freagra cuimsitheach a thabhairt ar an gceist a chuir tú isteach a Theachta mar nach bhfuil sonraí ag Riarthóir na Scéime, Pobal, faoi gach páiste atá ina gcónaí i gceantair Ghaeltachta. Dá bhrí sin, ní féidir ach meastachán a sholáthar bunaithe ar an eolas atá ar fáil faoi láthair tríd an Ardán Luathbhliana maidir le clárúcháin reatha ó 22.05.23.
Aithníodh 68 seirbhís san iomlán le conradh ECCE 2022/2023, a chuireann cúram agus oideachas luath-óige trí Ghaeilge ar fáil, agus atá lonnaithe i gceantar Gaeltachta. Bunaithe ar mheánluach na gclárúchán in aghaidh an linbh sna seirbhísí seo, measann Pobal go bhfuil 18 leanbh ar an meán cláraithe i ngach seirbhís. Is é €69 an chaipitíocht sheachtainiúil ECCE in aghaidh an linbh lánaimseartha (15 uair sa tseachtain).
Mar sin, bunaithe ar an eolas seo, meastar gur thart ar €3.209m an costas measta a bhaineann le bliain saor in aisce a mhaoiniú i naíonra lán-Ghaeilge do pháistí réamhscoile os cionn 2 bhliain agus 8 mí d’aois sa Ghaeltacht.
18 (clárúcháin sheachtainiúla lánaimseartha ag €69) x bliain an chláir (38 seachtain) x 68 (seirbhísí aitheanta) = thart ar €3.209m.
238. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if mobile and software applications from a company (details supplied) will be banned from Government devices to protect users’ data from being passed to state security services, in light of information outlined in a media report. [25369/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that certain mobile and web applications from a company (details supplied) are blocked from use on the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) laptops and PCs and the official space on DCEDIY mobile phones. The blocked applications include Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. These applications may be accessed from the separate personal space on DCEDIY mobile phones. DCEDIY are guided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the National Cyber Security Centre on security matters, including on any further measures that may be required to protect users’ data from being passed to state security services.
239. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the situations, if any, where childcare providers are required to hold a public services vehicle licence as part of the core funding contract with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25413/23]
View answerCore Funding is a payment to Partner Services designed to support quality, sustainability, and enhanced public management, with associated conditions in relation to fee control and cost transparency, incorporating funding for administration and to support the employment of graduate staff.
There is no requirement under Core Funding to hold a Public Services Vehicle licence. The conditions of Core funding can be accessed here: Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement .
240. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 418 of 18 May 2023, if he will provide details of the practical concerns he is referring to regarding the operation of the Houses of the Oireachtas arising from the introduction of maternity leave for Members. [25428/23]
View answerThe Government is very committed to ensuring that Members of the Oireachtas can avail of maternity leave and I have indicated my intention to bring forward legislative proposals as a stand-alone Bill.
However, before legislative proposals can be brought forward, the practical implications regarding issues, such as how allowances to Members should be dealt with, must be considered and resolved.
The operation of the Houses of the Oireachtas in the first instance is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and my officials are engaged with the relevant officials on the practical implications of introducing maternity leave.
241. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if SI 121/2018 remains in force; if not, when and how it was revoked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25464/23]
View answerSI 121/2018 remains in force and it has not been revoked
As the Deputy is aware, access to suitable accommodation for international protection applicants is severely constrained at present. The number of international protection applicants (IPAs) and Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) arriving in Ireland has continued at pace over the last 12 months and is expected to remain at elevated levels for the foreseeable future.
Due to the sheer scale of the present crisis there are over 500 people seeking protection currently unaccommodated in the State. The Department is working tirelessly to identify suitable accommodation and is availing of all offers made to it to ensure all International Protection applicants are accommodated.
242. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether his Department is considering utilising privately owned modular housing developments for accommodation for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25478/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked extensively to accommodate over 83,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, of which 60,000 have sought accommodation from this Department.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, the Department has contracted in excess of 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 770 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
I am advised by my officials that within the work of the Government Accommodation Working Group established by the Taoiseach discussions are taking place on the feasibility of accessing privately owned modular developments and the steps involved. To date, my Department have not contracted any private modular developments.
243. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the grants and supports available for the purchase and maintenance of through-floor lifts used by people with disabilities outside of the housing adaptation grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25483/23]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility for the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability. I do not have any role or function in relation to this grant, or any similar grants for the purchase and maintenance of through-floor lifts used by people with disabilities.
244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 425 of 18 May 2023, if the developer is unilaterally extending the scale of the development, which appears to be in excess of that authorised by way of exemption or other arrangement; if the scale of the work to date is entirely associated with the use authorised by his Department of the house in question; if, as indicated by the local authority, this extra development is in breach of planning regulations; if this can be clarified in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25490/23]
View answerThe Department has been informed that the provider for the property in question lodged an application for a Declaration pursuant to section 5 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, on 8 May 2023.
This declaration concerns the proposed use of the property as accommodation for persons seeking international protection, and for certain limited internal works carried out to update and maintain the property.
The Department is not aware of any extensive development works on this site other than the preparation of the property for residential use while ensuring that the protected structure is maintained.
The planning matters at hand are being addressed between the Council and the owner of the property directly. The Department will await the outcome of those proceedings.
245. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the cost to allow new recruits of Tusla to carry over their annual leave entitlements from private social work or care employers. [25534/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
246. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health with regard to the healthy age friendly homes programme, the amount of resources under the programme that have been allocated; and the number of older people that have benefitted from the scheme. [25475/23]
View answerHealthy Age Friendly Homes has been operating in 9 pilot local authorities since June 2021, and will be expanding nationally later this year to all local authorities. The programme received €5.2m in funding as part of Budget 2023 to facilitate this rollout, which will include the recruitment of a national manager, 6 regional managers, 44 local coordinators, and 15 administrative staff. Recruitment is currently underway and is expected to completed this summer to coincide with a formal launch. The programme will also carry out a 3-year evaluation with an academic partner, which will be the subject of a competitive tender process later this year.
Since the programme launched in 2021, local coordinators have carried out 3,434 home visits to older people and provided 6,036 supports in the categories of health, housing, community, and assistive technologies. Examples of the kinds of supports older adults can avail of are listed below, but are non-exhaustive. The local coordinator works directly with the older adults in their homes to identify their needs and what supports can be put in place to help them live healthier and more independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
• Health: facilitating access to a GP, public health nurse, home help, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, primary care centre, and meals on wheels.
• Housing: information and advice on applying for housing adaptation grants, mobility aid grants, housing aid for older people, the SEAI home energy efficiency grants and retrofits, as well as advice on home security (door locks, alarms, panic buttons, etc.).
• Community: links to befriending services, access to library services or local community groups, further education, and physical activity advice.
• Assistive Technologies: devices available to participants include falls detectors, bogus caller buttons, wearable devices/pendants, and carbon monoxide detectors.
247. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the reason 14 step-down beds in Clonakilty Community Hospital are no longer in use, in particular where there is enormous pressure on the hospitals in Cork to have patients transferred to these types of step-down facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25326/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
