Written Answers Nos 1474-1497
1474. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the budget allocation for 2016 for each public and voluntary hospital detailing for each month to date in 2016 the profiled expenditure and the outturn in tabular form. [26328/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding to Acute Hospitals is provided on the basis that the HSE fully implement the revised HSE performance and accountability framework, as finalised by the HSE with the agreement of the Minister for Health and the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform.
The revised framework includes monitoring and reporting at the level of accountability. Detailed revised budgets for 2016 are being prepared from the hospital level up following the allocation of additional funding from the €500m provided to the HSE in July in the Revised Estimates. This process will commit each hospital group CEO to deliver on the budgets they have prepared. The process for the delivery of the revised budgets is nearing completion. When the updated profiles are finalised and approved they will be made available as requested.
1475. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of children on a waiting list for a wheelchair; the waiting times for children to receive wheelchairs; the funding provided annually since 2010 for the provision of wheelchairs for children on a county-by-county basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26329/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1476. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the Department which is responsible for the provision of nursing hours to enable disabled children to attend primary school; and the age at which a child with disabilities is entitled to attend school under the Constitution. [26330/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills is responsible for the education of all children, including children with a disability.
The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age, as defined in the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, while the Rules and Programme for National Schools provide that a child must be at least 4 years of age before she/he may be enrolled in a National School.
Although children are not obliged to attend school until the age of six, most children begin school in the September following their fourth birthday.
The age at which children, including children with disabilities, may attend a primary national school is therefore from 4 year old.
The Department of Education and Skills also provides an Early Intervention Programme for Children with Autism. Parents can choose to enrol children with autism in an early intervention class from the age of three, and where such a placement is not available, home tuition is approved. Home tuition is also provided to children with autism aged between 2½ and 3 years of age as they cannot enrol in an early intervention school class until they reach the age of three.
Additional pre-school education, is provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The principal vehicle for the delivery of pre-school education is the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme which was introduced in January 2010 and provides for early learning in a formal setting to children in the year before they commence primary school.
Children with disabilities will now have better access to pre-school services under a new Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) programme of supports, which was recently announced, on 15 June 2016, by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Details of the supports which will be available under the preschool AIM scheme can be found at www.preschoolaccess.ie which contains comprehensive information on the access and inclusion model and on how to apply for the new schemes and supports.
Responsibility for the provision of health related supports lies with the HSE in the first instance.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
1477. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for surgery will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) at an early date. [26431/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1478. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a five-year contract extension of the current CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24333/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. I understand that the Board has decided to reappoint the current CEO for a period of five years, and the necessary Ministerial consents have been provided.
A copy of the signed contract is to be forwarded to this Department prior to the CEO taking up his appointment.
1479. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the current guidelines on extending contracts states a CEO shall be appointed for not more than a single seven-year term; his views on the matter particularly on the way in which it relates to Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24336/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current guidelines on contracts for the CEO’s of State Bodies provide for a seven year period of appointment.
In the case of Horse Racing Ireland the Chairman of HRI made a case for an exceptional extension to the term of appointment of the CEO, based on a number of business imperatives. The appointment of the CEO is a matter for the Board of HRI under the relevant legislation. However, the consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is required.
In this instance both I and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform accepted the case made by the Chairman and provided the necessary consents for an exceptional appointment by the Board.
1480. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will correct the record of Dáil Éireann in regard to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 12 July 2016, in which it was stated that a business case submitted to him by Horse Racing Ireland for the reappointment of the incumbent CEO for a further five-year term had been submitted by the board or HRI, in view of the fact that the board had not, in fact, been consulted about this business case before it was submitted, nor had the board considered or agreed to any motion to reappoint the incumbent. [24390/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the Board, subject to the consent of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) made a case for an exceptional extension to the term of appointment of the CEO, based on a number of business imperatives.
The necessary Ministerial consents were provided based on the case made and I understand the Board approved the appointment on 21 July for a period of five years.
1481. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a subsidy is still in existence for the installation of electricity in slatted sheds and farm out offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24684/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder TAMS II grant-aid is available for wiring/rewiring existing farm buildings. In cases were electricity is not available at the site of the building, there is no grant-aid available to provide a connection to the grid.
1482. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are legislatively required term limits for the position of CEO of Horse Racing Ireland and if so, his views on the way these are currently being enforced. [25049/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. I understand that the Board has decided to reappoint the current CEO for a period of five years, and the necessary Ministerial consents have been provided.
Under the Irish Horseracing Industry Act, 1994 Section 3: The chief executive shall hold office on and subject to such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration)as may be approved of by the Authority with the consent of the Minister and Minister for Finance.
1483. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the consultations he undertook when he reappointed the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; if these consultations included consultation with the board of Horse Racing Ireland; if a business case was prepared in advance of this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25110/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the Board, subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The case made for the reappointment of the CEO in this case related to the short and medium term challenges facing the thoroughbred sector and the delivery of HRI’s strategic plan, the specialist skillset and performance of the individual in question and his membership on a number of prestigious international racing bodies.
1484. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland is employed on a contract of Indefinite duration; and if so, the financial implications of this for the Exchequer. [25167/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. Both the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have given sanction on an exceptional basis for the re-appointment of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland on the basis of a written contract limited to a maximum period of 5 years.
1485. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that the business case presented to his Department by the chairman of Horse Racing Ireland in support of the reappointment of the CEO was approved by the board of HRI prior to his sanctioning a five-year extension of the CEO’s contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25169/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the Board, subject to the consent of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) made a case for an exceptional extension to the term of appointment of the CEO, based on a number of business imperatives.
The necessary Ministerial consents were provided based on the case made and I understand the Board subsequently approved the appointment on 21 July for a period of five years.
1486. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State funding that has been provided to Horse Racing Ireland each year for the past five years. [25173/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table lists funding provided to Horse Racing Ireland through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund for the past five years.
|
Year |
Current €M |
Capital €M |
Total €M |
|
2016 |
49.8 |
9.4 |
59.2 |
|
2015 |
45.0 |
9.4 |
54.4 |
|
2014 |
39.376 |
4.0 |
43.376 |
|
2013 |
39.616 |
4.4 |
44.016 |
|
2012 |
40.63 |
4.4 |
45.032 |
|
2011 |
41.03 |
4.8 |
45.83 |
1487. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current remuneration of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; the remuneration package that has been attributed to this position each year for the past 15 years; and if the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland has received any bonus, financial or material in each of the years 2010 to 2016 to date. [25174/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The information requested by the Deputy is an operational matter for the state body, but can be found in the Horse Racing Ireland accounts which are available on the Horse Racing Ireland website. Horse Racing Ireland confirmed to me that the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland received no bonus, financial or material, for years 2010 to date.
1488. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to, and if he agreed with, the board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) which sanctioned for the CEO of HRI an annual salary of €190,773 which breaches the specified salary range for the position of HRI CEO by an excess of €26,542; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25745/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1575. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he agreed with and sanctioned the Horse Racing Ireland board's breach of salary guidelines for the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1488 and 1575 together.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. Under the Irish Horseracing Industry Act, 1994 Section 3: The chief executive shall hold office on and subject to such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration) as may be approved of by the Authority with the consent of the Minister and Minister for Finance.
In this instance, the consents provided permitted the board to retain the services of the CEO at his existing salary.
1489. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, or a body under its aegis, has any concerns regarding the introduction of flupyradifurone insecticide on bees or other environmental impacts; and if his Department has undertaken any investigation into the environmental impact of the introduction of this chemical to Ireland. [25880/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1551. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ban the use of the new insecticide flupyradifurone as its presence would negatively impact the bee population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25334/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1590. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to approve the insecticide flupyradifurone for use here; his views on the insecticide's potential impact on the bee population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26041/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1489, 1551 and 1590 together.
Flupyradifurone is a newly developed insecticide which gained EU approval in the later part of 2015. The Netherlands, as the Rapporteur Member State, was responsible for the initial EU evaluation. This evaluation was then peer reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Member States, resulting in its approval by the EU Commission and the Member States in December 2015.
Flupyradifurone is approved in the United States and is seen by the US Environmental Protection Agency as an alternative to more toxic insecticides such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids and organophosphates. The US EPA has advised that “As an insecticide, flupyradifurone is unusual in that laboratory-based studies indicate that the compound is practically non-toxic to adult honeybees. Studies show no adverse effect on overall bee colony performance or overwintering ability when compared to untreated colonies”. In addition, the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency has also issued a wide-ranging approval for this active substance.
There are currently no plant protection products containing flupyradifurone in Ireland. However, because of its environmental and human toxicology profile, it is possible that approval for its use in the amateur/home garden market in Ireland may be sought in the future.
The Netherlands, on behalf of the EU are currently evaluating plant protection products containing this active substance and will finalise their deliberations in the coming months. When this evaluation has been completed, Ireland will then consider the results and will be used as part of our decision making processes.
1490. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reconcile his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 449 of 12 July 2016 regarding the reappointment of the chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland (details supplied) and the subsequent denial by board members of HRI that the matter was discussed by the board and any such business case was submitted to him. [26193/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the Board, subject to the consent of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) made a case for an exceptional extension to the term of appointment of the CEO, based on a number of business imperatives.
The necessary Ministerial consents were provided based on the case made and I understand the Board subsequently approved the appointment on 21 July for a period of five years.
1491. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the young farmer capital investment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24874/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department reviewed the information received in this case and informed the applicant of the outcome of the review on 18 August 2016. The review was successful and the application is now being processed.
1492. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that all public appointments that come within the remit of his responsibilities have followed Government guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24331/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom a HR perspective, my Department recruits almost all staff through the Public Appointment Service (PAS). PAS recruits for the Civil and Public Service and its recruitment campaigns are operated in compliance with the Codes of Practice for Public service appointments. When an urgent need to fill a vacancy arises and PAS is not in a position to schedule a competition, my Department may decide to run the competition itself; the Department has a recruitment licence and always proceeds in accordance with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) guidelines.
Internal promotion competitions and any other competitions run by my Department are also operated in compliance with the Code of practice for Public service appointments.
The position in relation to the filling of vacancies on the boards of State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is that, other than those filled on the basis of nominations from specified organisations as stipulated in legislation, vacancies are advertised on www.stateboards.ie and processed in accordance with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) guidelines.
The appointment of Chief Executive Officers to the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the Board of each State Body, subject to my approval and that of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as required in the relevant legislation. The guidelines for such appointments are issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Exceptions have occasionally been made based on business imperatives, subject to obtaining the necessary consent.
1493. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the board of Horse Racing Ireland discussed or agreed the extension of five years for the current contract of the CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24334/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1494. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is normal practice for a chairman of a State board to seek approval from their board before seeking contract extensions for the company's CEO; his views on whether this is good governance and if it is in practice for all Government appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24338/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1495. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a chairman presents a business case to his Department does he and his Department presume the board have been consulted to give their agreement to same; if not, his views on whether this is best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24339/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1493 to 1495, inclusive, together.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the Board, subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions referred to by the Deputy are an operational matter for HRI.
1496. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 682 of 12 July 2016, when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24355/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll outstanding payments in relation to the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme, Single Farm Payment Scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme and the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme was issued in September 2016 to the legal representatives of the deceased person named.
The Herd-Number has been transferred under the 2016 Scheme year and a 2016 Transfer of Entitlements application has been received. When all related processing checks have been completed and this application has been finalised the entitlements will be transferred and payments under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme will issue to the first person named.
1497. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider re-opening the suckler cow scheme to new entrants for the coming year to facilitate those not already participating in it. [24367/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is a part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and provides Irish suckler farmers with some €300 million of funding over the next 6 years. The BDGP builds on the large investment in data recording and genomics which have been made in recent years and will continue to drive further developments and improvements in this area.
The BDGP has been agreed with the European Commission as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Plan (2014-2020) alongside a number of other schemes. I am conscious of the positive effect that the programme will have on the Irish suckler herd. It will help to improve productivity, profitability and carbon efficiency in the Irish suckler herd. I firmly believe that the scheme will deliver long-term and cumulative positive effects for both suckler farmers participating in the scheme, and farmers who buy the progeny of suckler cows for further finishing. It is a significant contributor to Ireland’s reputation as a producer of sustainable beef.
In relation to any possible reopening of the scheme, this will have to be considered in the context of an assessment of budgetary priorities, the operation of the Rural Development Programme and the potential impact both upon the scheme itself and other schemes.
