Thursday, 26 Oct 2023

Written Answers Nos. 252-271

Agriculture Industry

Questions (252)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current strength of the dairy herd; the degree to which it has fluctuated or is likely to so do in the future, with particular reference to displacement by other enterprises in order to comply with the meeting of emissions targets; if due regard is being had for the possibility of a food shortage in the near to mid-future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47219/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am confident that the outlook for the Irish dairy industry remains very positive. The Irish dairy industry is one of our largest and most profitable industries. Our livestock farmers and the dairy sector is already very sustainable but it is my aim to build a stronger and more sustainable future for farmers and the subsequent generations of farmers. 

One of the standout aspects of Food Vision 2030 is that it has adopted a food systems approach. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be a world leader in sustainable food systems. This means that it will be profitable throughout (economic sustainability), have a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment (environmental sustainability), and have broad based benefits for society (social sustainability).

The number of Irish dairy cows currently stands at 1.65 million head. CSO statistics show that the total number of dairy cows in the country has increased every year for the last five years. There has also been continuous growth in the average dairy herd size since 2011, rising from 64 to 92 cows per milking herd currently. It should however be noted that increased production is driven by other factors as well as an increased herd, for example improved genetics.

I established the Food Vision Dairy Group last year to advance the actions for the dairy sector identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sector to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process. 

The first priority for the Group was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The Dairy Group submitted their final report in October 2022, which has been published on my Department’s website. The report identified measures which could contribute to reducing emissions. The publication was timely as it then served to inform the Climate Action Plan 2023 which was launched in December 2022. The implementation roadmap for actions outlined in the Plan will be contained in a supplementary annex of actions which was published in March 2023.   My Department will work collaboratively with the other Departments and agencies involved to implement these priority actions.

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.

Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the 2022 Global Food Security Index.  Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe. Increased input costs in the food supply chain are inflating food prices currently. Therefore, while there is no food shortage, there is a food availability issue for those on lower incomes. The EU communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems” has set out actions in the three areas of security, stability, and sustainability. 

Ireland also sees the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM) as having an important role in relation to considering and monitoring issues impacting on food security and affordability. In this context, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers will continue to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the EFSCM.

Food Industry

Questions (253)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which ongoing inspections of food and food products for export continues to ensure the highest possible standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47220/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under EU food hygiene regulations, Food Business Operators have the primary responsibility for producing safe food.

Officers from my Department conduct a comprehensive range of systematic and risk-based inspections and audits to verify that food businesses approved by my Department are operating in compliance with EU and national food hygiene regulations and that the food that they produce meets the highest food safety standards.

Forestry Sector

Questions (254)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the ongoing forestry development programme continues, with due regard for the necessity to use marginal lands as opposed to lands suitable for food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47221/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am pleased to advise that following on from recent State Aid approval from the European Commission, the Government adopted the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 on 6 September and the new Afforestation Scheme launched on the same day. This is a significant milestone for forestry that will allow for the expansion, protection and development of Ireland’s forests and forestry sector.  An afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per year has been set out in the Climate Action Plan and in order to achieve this it will be necessary to engage with all farmers, highlighting the complementary nature of forestry to farming.

The Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027 offers landowners a choice of 12 Forest Types which cover a broad range of planting options. It provides generous incentives to farmers in particular to re-engage with forestry. This can be seen in our increased premia rates for Afforestation. These increases range from between 46% to 66% , along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers across most Forest Types. 

Agroforestry has also been revised significantly to facilitate uptake. Agroforestry was first introduced to Ireland’s forestry support schemes in 2015, and the new Afforestation Scheme will increase the period for premiums from five to 10 years. To date, support has targeted the establishment of silvopastoral systems which combine forestry and pasture, including grazing and the growing of fodder. It is proposed to expand this in the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 with pilot schemes for both silvoarable and forest gardening systems.

My Department has also launched the new Native Tree Area Scheme recently, which builds on an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is our 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. 

It has been necessary to introduce some new application requirements to deal with environmental sensitivities and to restrict afforestation in a some areas due to concerns raised by the European Commission during our State Aid approval process. I remain committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade in an environmentally sustainable manner.

I am confident that the diverse range of forest types on offer, coupled with attractive grants and premiums in the new Forestry Programme, will support an increase in forestry afforestation and support scheme applications.  A comprehensive and well-subscribed forestry programme has the potential to deliver lasting benefits not just for climate change, but for biodiversity, wood production, economic development and quality of life.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (255)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to indicate, in the context of land management and maintenance, the extent to which land drainage continues to be central, notwithstanding encouragement towards rewilding and rewetting, given the tendency that land subject to water saturation may compact to the extent that necessary and adequate drainage cannot take place and consequently soils cannot be aerated; the likely steps to improve this position in order to protect agriculturally viable lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47243/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It has to be acknowledged that soil drainage poses particular challenges in Ireland. There is a great variety of soils and soil problems which means that every drainage challenge on soils is unique. My Department understands that drainage and drain maintenance may be required on farms.  However my Department advises that farmers considering drainage or drain maintenance should firstly conduct a site investigation, seek a professional diagnosis and a prudent assessment of the costs/benefits.  In addition it requires expert implementation of a planned project and due consideration of environmental factors such as potential damage to fish and their habitats, including impacts downstream. There is no “one size fits all” solution.

Also farmers must consider that certain drainage works may require approval under the Environmental Impact Assessment Agriculture Regulations (EIA). If the proposed land drainage works exceed 15 hectares, or the works are to be carried out within or may affect an Natural Heritage Area (NHA), a proposed NHA, a Natura 2000 site or a nature reserve or the proposed works may have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Assessment screening is required from my Department. Drainage or reclamation of wetlands can have a major impact on habitats and wildlife however, such works are not subject to EIA Agriculture Regulations. These activities are subject to planning permission under the Planning and Development Regulations.

Flood Risk Management

Questions (256)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which adequate provision is being made to protect the quality of Irish food-producing lands and farms, notwithstanding recent flooding, with particular reference to less reliance on flood plains and more emphasis on drainage to ensure agriculturally productive lands are protected from waterlogging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47245/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department recognises the impact that climate change is causing to the everyday activities of farmers in Ireland. Adaptation to climate change is a priority for my Department and key actions are set out in the Agriculture, Forest and Seafood Sectoral Adaptation Plan published in September 2019. This Adaptation Plan is about preparing our systems to deal with the inevitable changes in climate.

One of our Statement of Strategy objectives within DAFM is to promote measures to support farmers viability and resilience. Under Goal 3, the statement commits to developing a policy framework to improve viability and resilience, within the Agricultural Sector, with the aim of putting climate adaptation at the centre of resilience planning.

Externally DAFM is represented at the National Adaption Steering Committee, led by the Department of Environment, which is currently drafting the National Adaptation Framework and will have implications on the sector specific Adaptation Plans. DAFM also continues to liaise with the Climate Action Advisory Council to ensure there is annual progression in terms of adaptation policy within the Agriculture, Forestry and Seafood Sectors

The Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995 provide the Office of Public Works with powers for drainage and improvement of agricultural land and the undertaking of localised flood defence schemes to reduce flood risk in urban areas.  The Arterial Drainage Acts and SI 122 of 2010 Regulations also introduced OPW consent requirements for the creation and modification of watercourses, embankments, weirs and bridges.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (257)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Irish agriculture continues to compete strongly with other competitors in the Irish and European markets as well as third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47246/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Food Vision 2030 sets out a clear ambition to grow the value of Irish exports over the next ten years. This ambition will be realised by implementing actions that are focused on market diversification as well as investment in innovation at producer and processor level, which will drive the competitiveness of Ireland's agri-food offering on Irish and international markets.

In 2022 exports of agri-food goods were valued at almost €19 billion, an increase of €3.4 billion or 22% on 2021 driven by growth of exports of dairy produce by €1.7 billion, beef by €620 million, beverages by €297million and animal feed €150 million.

The export performance in 2022 also shows that destination of our exports was spread almost evenly across UK, EU and other 3rd countries outside of the EU market, respectively representing 32%, 34% and 34% of total exports in value terms. This export performance demonstrates that Irish products continue to be competitive on international markets and also underlines the resilience of the sector even in the face of recent challenges presented by geopolitical and global events such as Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the COVID19 pandemic and Brexit. 

I and my department continue to monitor market conditions and remains focused on supporting the sector to meet it growth and development ambitions. 

Special Educational Needs

Questions (258)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

258. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to address an issue with therapists in a school (details supplied). [47078/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (259)

Denis Naughten

Question:

259. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a child (details supplied) will receive an appointment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47174/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (260)

Seán Haughey

Question:

260. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an exception can be made for a child (details supplied) in order that they can have access to AIMS and-or ECCE, as has been recommended by the child's assessment team, given that they will not be accepted to playschool, crèche or Montessori without AIMS on the basis that they have not met necessary milestones for their age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47089/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) operates in tandem with the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme and as such, provision of AIM supports are directly linked with ECCE participation / hours of operation. AIM’s objective is to support the meaningful participation of children with disabilities in ECCE.

ECCE is available to all children within the eligible age range. The minimum eligibility age of 2 years and 8 months for the ECCE programme was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also had regard to the regulatory environment for early years’ education and care in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. 

Children born between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 will be eligible for their first year of ECCE in the 2024/2025 programme year.

I accept that the use of age limits in a scheme such as ECCE creates a situation whereby a child can fall just outside the age range, however, my Department has to place an age cut-off at some point, and in the interests of fairness and consistency there can be no discretion in this regard.

My Department does its best to ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for funding under the ECCE Programme and AIM.  In order to ensure objectivity and fairness, it is essential that clear rules exist for the scheme and that they are applied evenly.

One of the commitments within First 5, A Government Strategy for Babies and Children, was to undertake an end of year 3 evaluation of AIM. The evaluation report is due to be published later this year. Subject to evaluation findings and other relevant developments, Department officials will be considering enhancements to, and/or extension of, AIM to, for example, outside of ECCE hours and age range.

The parents may be advised to contact their local County Childcare Committee (CCC) for advice on the on options and suitable placements. Contact details are available at myccc.ie.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (261)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

261. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when therapists will be reinstated at a special school in Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47096/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.

International Protection

Questions (262)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

262. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will intervene in the case of a Ukrainian family who are living at a location (details supplied). [47136/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department is responding to the largest increase in the number of people seeking refuge in the State's history. Since February 2022, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked extensively to accommodate over 98,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, over 80% have sought accommodation from this Department, with the majority (over 58,000) placed in serviced accommodation.

As part of its move towards a more sustainable accommodation policy, my Department is working with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to develop the programme of rapid build modular homes for BOTPs. This programme aims to support BOTPs towards greater independence and self-sufficiency. It is supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which identifies families suitable for modular housing.

The situation in relation to the availability of accommodation for BOTPs arriving in Ireland remains extremely challenging. My Department has put in place procedures to enable Ireland to continue to meet its obligations under the Temporary Protection Directive and to ensure short-term accommodation is allocated in a fair and equitable manner. This includes the introduction of a refusals protocol.

Due to the acute shortage of accommodation, under the refusals protocol, if a person refuses an offer of suitable accommodation they will not receive further offers from my Department. My Department cannot provide alternative accommodation to people for reasons of employment, school, family reunification or other non-medical reasons. Exceptions will only be made for those with a medical vulnerability. Such cases will be subject to separate arrangements.

A person may at any time arrange accommodation privately and seek assistance from other State supports, such as Rent Supplement.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (263)

Martin Browne

Question:

263. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for excluding childminders who provide the ECCE curriculum from the core funding flat-rate allocation that crèches providing the same care can avail of; and if his Department has plans to make any other funding available to childminders who provide the ECCE curriculum. [47179/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

All Core Funding measures in Year 2 of Core Funding apply to registered childminders, except for the minimum base rate allocation. In line with the approach to Core Funding recommended by the Expert Group report, Partnership for the Public Good, the new funding model can, in principle, apply to registered childminders and centre-based provision, but there is a need to take into account differences in costs of delivery and other operational differences between childminding and centre-based provision.

Given these differences, it is not deemed appropriate to apply the minimum base rate allocation for registered childminders in year 2.

The future funding approach for registered childminders is being considered for Programme Year 2024/2025 and will be informed by the continued operation of the Core Funding pilot for childminders during year 2 and taking account of the commitments in the National Action Plan for Childminding (2021-2028).

Childminding initiatives are included in Budget 2024 and as well as extra funding for the NCS, €3m has been allocated to Tusla for the development of dedicated registration and inspections teams for childminders and an extension of Garda vetting supports to include childminders and their families, while an additional €280k has been allocated for 2024 for childminding initiatives to support actions under the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028.

During 2024, preparations will continue for the phased extension of regulation and supports to all paid, non-relative childminders, including through:

• The development and initial roll-out of pre-registration training for Childminders.

• Engagement and consultation with childminders on the draft regulations, as well as research to support the Action Plan.

• Increasing the number of regional Childminding Development Officers from 22 to 30, to enable childminders to engage and participate in training and supports at local level, with a Childminding Development Officer to be in place in every county from 2024.

• Testing the staffed local networks model to engage childminders in pre-registration training and supports.

Legislation is currently being drafted to remove the legal exemption of childminders from regulation, and draft childminder-specific regulations will shortly be published for the purpose of public consultation. Subject to legislative and regulatory changes, it is expected that childminders will be able to start registering with Tusla and taking part in the NCS from autumn 2024.

Childcare Services

Questions (264)

Martin Browne

Question:

264. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the progress in drafting new regulations for childminders; and if his Department can provide figures on the number of registered childminders it has consulted as part of the consultation process. [47180/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to extending regulation and supports to paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes over the coming years. The National Action Plan sets out a phased approach with a preparatory phase followed by an extended transition phase, to allow childminders a lead-in time for any requirements. This supportive, phased transition process aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for this reform.

The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 commits to opening the National Childcare Scheme to childminders at the earliest possible opportunity, though it will be necessary first to develop and introduce childminder-specific regulations, and to give childminders adequate time and support to meet regulatory requirements.??

Phase 1 of the National Action Plan, which began in 2021, is expected to take 3 years to complete. Phase 1 includes: development of new, childminder-specific regulations that are proportionate and appropriate to the home environment in which childminders work; development and roll-out of new, bespoke training for childminders; amendment of primary legislation to enable childminders to register with Tusla; and re-examining the funding and financial supports available for childminders.

Phase 1 will be completed when the exemption to registration has been removed from the Child Care Act 1991 and the childminder-specific regulations have been commenced. All childminders will then be able to register their services and access the National Childcare Scheme. 

A General Scheme was published earlier this year that set out plans for amendments to the Child Care Act 1991, including removal of the legal exemption of childminders from regulation. The General Scheme has completed Pre-Legislative Scrutiny.

To ensure that childminders are involved in the process of drafting regulations, I have ensured there are childminders on the Steering Group for the National Action Plan as well as on all four Advisory Groups, including the Advisory Group on Regulation and Inspection of Childminding. And that is also why engagement and consultation with childminders has been key to the process of bringing childminders into the scope of regulation ever since work on this began in 2016, when the Government established a working group on reform and asked Childminding Ireland to chair it.

As part of its work, the Working Group carried out a consultation with childminders through a survey of Childminding Ireland members and a discussion day that allowed more in-depth discussions with childminders from around the country. The Working Group’s report was published in March 2018, and a Draft Childminding Action Plan was published in 2019, for the purpose of public consultation.

The consultation on the Draft Childminding Action Plan took place in the second half of 2019. The consultation process included: an online survey, of which the majority of respondents were childminders; focus groups with childminders, in which a total of 205 childminders took part; and an open policy debate hosted by my Department to which key stakeholders, including childminders and groups representing childminders, were invited. The findings of the consultation process (which are published on my Department's website) informed the development of the National Action Plan for Childminding.

Consultation with childminders and parents will continue over the coming months when public consultation on the draft regulations is carried out.

Mental Health Services

Questions (265)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

265. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE staff, by job title, at a CAMHS centre (details supplied); the number of vacant staff, by job title, in this office; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [47163/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Questions (266)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

266. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if, in light of the embargo on recruitment in the HSE, existing staff who have been approved for transfers from one area to another will still be accommodated with their transfers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47045/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (267, 272)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

267. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health to outline the options available for a private patient to access GP services when they have moved to a new area and have been refused by all local GP surgeries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47046/23]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

272. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health what advice is being given to persons who do not have a medical card and will not be accepted by any GP practice due to books being closed; what option is open to persons in this regard who do not hold a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47105/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 272 together.

GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a contract with the HSE for the provision of health services. Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.

For GMS patients unable to locate a GP themselves, the HSE may assign an eligible person to be included on a medical practitioner's GMS list where that person has unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in their area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area), in accordance with the GMS contract.

People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private practitioners, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. Neither my Department nor the HSE have any role in assigning patients who do not hold a medical card or a GP visit card to a GP's patient list.

The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.

Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for. In addition, the enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was increased by 10%.

The recent GP Agreement 2023 announced in July, which provides for the expansions of GP care without charges to those who earn up to the median household income and to children aged 6 & 7, includes additional capacity supports to enable the expansion and retention of staffing within general practice. It includes additional supports for GP Out of Hours services also.

These measures will make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.

The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased in recent years, with 287 new entrants for this year and 350 places for new entrants planned for next year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% since 2015. Furthermore, the joint HSE and ICGP programme underway to bring up to 100 non-EU GPs to Ireland in 2023 will help to quickly improve access to GP services, particularly in areas with limited access. It is planned to bring to Ireland up to 250 more non-EU GPs by the end of 2024. 

Lastly, my Department and the HSE have commenced a Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (268)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

268. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to expedite an appointment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47049/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Staff

Questions (269)

Joe McHugh

Question:

269. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health to provide the terms of reference for the work EU consultants are carrying out at Letterkenny University Hospital currently; the duration of the contract, and contracted price for said work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47054/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible. 

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (270)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

270. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47065/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Medicinal Products

Questions (271)

Patrick Costello

Question:

271. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the reason certain anti-seizure medications are not covered under the long-term illness scheme, despite being used in the treatment of epilepsy, which is a specified condition under the LTI (details supplied); if he will provide details on the processes required to have these formulations of medications covered under the LTI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47071/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.