Pat Deering
Ceist:141. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive orthodontic treatment. [32457/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraOrthodontic Services
Ceisteanna (141)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Medical Qualifications
Ceisteanna (142)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the procedure to be followed to facilitate a person (details supplied) who is an Irish citizen, whose primary degree in medicine was through the medium of French and who is now anxious to obtain a position as a doctor here; the extent to which pre-registration examination is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32463/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Recognition of medical qualifications for the purposes of registration as a medical practitioner entitled to work in Ireland is a matter for the Medical Council. I have forwarded your request to the Medical Council for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Ceisteanna (143)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:143. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to have a person (details supplied) admitted to Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24, for an urgent procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32489/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
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.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (144)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:144. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the planned closure of a centre (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the terrific benefit to families of this centre and the huge loss its closure is to them; his plans for a replacement unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32492/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Ceisteanna (145)
Clare Daly
Ceist:145. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 386 of 4 October 2016, his views on the impact on a person's dignity of allocating daily pocket money under the fair deal scheme, where some persons residing in nursing homes are allocated as little as €6.34 per day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32502/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While it is the preferred option to support older people in their own homes for as long as possible, there will always be a cohort of people who require quality long term residential care. The aim of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme 'A Fair Deal' is to enure that long term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone assessed as needing it, and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. My reply to Parliamentary Question number 386 of 4 October 2016 outlined the financial contribution which participants in the Scheme make towards the cost of their care, regardless of whether they choose a public, private or voluntary care facility. An individual financial assessment is carried out for each applicant to the Scheme.
My reply to Parliamentary Question 386 also described the many safeguards contained in the Scheme, one of which is to ensure that an applicant keeps a personal allowance of 20% of his/her income or 20% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (non-Contributory), whichever is greater. This is in recognition of the fact that, although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home such as social programmes, newspapers or hairdressing. Part 7 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract in writing with each resident on their admission to the nursing home. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should never be charged fees which are not set out in the contract. The Department of Health and the HSE are not a party to such contracts which are concluded between each resident and their nursing home.
Furthermore, registered providers of nursing home care are obliged to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure. Concerns about additional charges should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies and, from 24 August 2015, complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.
A further safeguard contained in the Scheme relates to certain items of expenditure known as allowable deductions which can be taken into account for the financial assessment, such as health expenses, payments required by law, rent payments and borrowings in respect of a person's principal private residence, maintenance payments, and payments in respect of the maintenance of dependent children.
Importantly, where an applicant's assets include land and property held in the State, the contribution based on such assets may be deferred and collected from their estate. This is to ensure that a person does not have to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for long term nursing home care.
A list of Nursing Home Support Offices are provided on the HSE website. An applicant's local Nursing Home Support Office will be in a position to provide information in relation to having a review of their financial assessment. This can take place if 12 months have passed since the initial financial assessment or the most recent review, or if the HSE is satisfied that there has been a material change to the person's financial circumstances.
Disability Support Services Expenditure
Ceisteanna (146)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:146. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the annual per capita costs for each of the years 2012 to 2016, inclusive, listed against the names of each of the 72 residential centres for adults with intellectual disabilities reviewed by the working group on congregated settings in 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32505/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
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.
Disability Services Funding
Ceisteanna (147)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:147. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if, in conjunction with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, projections have been made in respect of the level of local property tax increase necessary to ensure the long-term funding of local authorities in respect of the additional demands being imposed upon them consequent on his Department's combined policies of decongregation and implementation of the social care model for adults with a learning disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32506/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Minister for Health has no role in relation to the setting of property tax or the funding of Local Authorities.
National policy on decongregation is designed to ensure that people with disabilities are empowered to live independent lives in a place of their own choosing. Under the National Housing Strategy for people with a disability, Local Authorities play a role in relation to providing housing for people moving out of congregated settings in the same way that they are required to provide social housing supports for all citizens who cannot afford to provide a home for themselves.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Ceisteanna (148)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:148. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he is taking regarding the likely increase in methane emissions due to the expanding beef and dairy herds. [32497/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the Whole of Government approach to climate policy, officials from my Department are working closely with other Departments and in particular, with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment as the lead in this area. We continue to seek an appropriate and consistent policy on climate and agriculture policy that is guided by an approach to carbon neutrality that does not compromise our capacity for food production. This work is overseen by Government through a hierarchy of committees and sub-groups, with independent advice from the Climate Change Advisory Council, as appropriate. These committees and groups include the Cabinet Committee and Senior Officials' Group on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action, a Technical Research and Modelling Group and a Domestic Climate Finance Group.
Under the 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, a National Mitigation Plan is being prepared. Food Wise 2025 – the strategic plan for the sustainable development of agri-food sector over the next decade - provides a framework for the agri sector to engage with the national mitigation plan. Food Wise builds on its predecessor and focuses on the continued growth in the value of Irish agri-food including dairy production. While this is likely to mean some increase in dairy numbers, it is not expected that there will be a significant increase in overall cattle numbers.
There is a strong commitment in Food Wise 2025 to measure and monitor the sustainability credentials of the sector. As part of the implementation of Food Wise, an Environmental Sustainability Committee has been established. This implementation process will include evaluation and assessment of the delivery of sustainability and mitigation actions.
In addition, my Department will continue to engage with research initiatives to further assist with the refinement, development and deployment of new and innovative practices to further reduce GHGs that are associated with agricultural production.
Aquaculture Licence Applications
Ceisteanna (149)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:149. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for an aquaculture licence (details supplied) is still being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32356/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is currently examining the legal status of the aquaculture licence application referred to by the Deputy having regard to the requirements of the applicable legislation concerning the matter of Public Notice.
In the circumstances, as the application is under consideration as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the case at this time.
Basic Payment Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (150)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:150. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the 2016 basic payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason for the delay in issuing this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32380/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2015 the person named formed a Registered Farm Partnership with two other individuals. My Department has received three Transfer of Entitlement applications in 2016 seeking the transfer of entitlements out of this Registered Farm Partnership by Division of Entitlements. My Department has also received two Transfer of Entitlement applications in 2016 seeking the transfer of entitlements by merger of two or more holdings into a separate Registered Farm Partnership of which the person named is a member.
These applications are currently being processed and are expected to be finalised shortly. When finalised the person named will be notified in writing with a view to payment issuing shortly thereafter.
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (151)
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:151. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of the single farm grant will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32401/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application for payment under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme in respect of the person named has been fully processed and payment will issue in the coming days.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (152)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:152. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding agriculture payments for a person (details supplied); when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32407/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted a 2016 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint scheme's application on 4 May 2016. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on-farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (153)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:153. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding agriculture payments for a person (details supplied); when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32408/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted a 2016 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint scheme's application on 12 April 2016. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on-farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being processed with the intention of issuing any payments due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (154)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:154. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding agriculture payments for a person (details supplied); when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32409/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application under the 2016 Basic Payment Scheme and Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 13 April 2016. Full payment has issued to the nominated bank account of the person named in respect of both these schemes.
TAMS Applications
Ceisteanna (155)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:155. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for TAMS II in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32424/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted an application for grant aid under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme of TAMSII on 24 June 2016, under Tranche 3 of the Scheme.
The application did not pass all the administrative checks and was therefore rejected. The applicant was notified of this decision on 25 October 2016. The applicant has also been informed of their right to request a review of this decision or to resubmit an application under a future Tranche of the Scheme.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (156)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue under the basic payment scheme and areas of natural constraint scheme for 2016 to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32425/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2016. Payment under ANC has issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on 20 October 2016.
The person named also submitted a 2016 Transfer of Entitlements application to my Department seeking the transfer of entitlements by way of sale as Transferee. This application is currently being processed by my Department and when completed the person named will be advised in writing of the outcome and payment under the Basic Payment Scheme will issue shortly thereafter.
Food Prices
Ceisteanna (157)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department have managed to address the concerns raised by the farming community in its various submissions through representative organisations, pre-budget or otherwise; if he remains satisfied regarding the stability of the agrifood sector, with particular reference to its ability to compete on home and international markets and having due regard to the cost of inputs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32476/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since taking up office, one of my priorities has been to address the impact of the sustained period of lower commodity prices on farmers. I met with a range of stakeholders in advance of the recent Budget and I have been engaged, both at National and EU level, to address the issues involved and to ensure that we continue to have a sustainable and resilient sector. As part of the recent Budget, I announced a “three pillar strategy” to alleviate the pressures of income volatility through:
- Lower Cost Finance: I announced plans for an 'Agri Cashflow Support Loan' fund of €150 million, which will support highly flexible loans at an interest rate of 2.95%, for amounts up to €150,000 and for terms up to six years.
- Tax Measures: I agreed with my colleague the Minister for Finance an adjustment to the current 'Income Averaging' system, allowing for an opt-out in an exceptional year.
- Farm Payments: Spending on farm schemes through the Rural Development Programme will see €601 million go directly to farmers in 2017, including a new €25 million sheep welfare scheme and increased participation in GLAS, BDGP & TAMS. his is on top of €1.2 billion paid through the Basic Payments Scheme.
Regarding the agri-food sector generally, the Food Wise 2025 strategy contains recommendations aimed at improving value-added and productivity at farm and food industry level through a focus on sustainability, efficiency, knowledge transfer and innovation. Realising the ambitious growth projections set out in Food Wise will be challenging, particularly in the context of Brexit, but I am confident that the strong implementation process for the strategy, led by the High Level Implementation Committee which I chair, will deliver results.
Specifically on the cost of inputs, we will of course remain vigilant in the current market environment but the CSO's agricultural input price index decreased by 1.0% in August 2016 compared with July 2016 and decreased by 4.7% in the 12 months to the end of August.
Agrifood Sector
Ceisteanna (158)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the continued level of investment here in the food sector, including all aspects of dairy, beef, lamb, pig meat, poultry and fish, with particular reference to the maximisation of employment throughout and the need to ensure a reasonable income in the future for those involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32477/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Food Wise 2025, the ten year strategy for the agri-food sector published in July last year identifies the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and sets out an enabling strategy that will allow the sector to grow and prosper. Food Wise includes over 400 recommendations on cross-cutting themes of sustainability, innovation, human capital, market development and competitiveness; as well as specific sectoral recommendations. Food Wise 2025 foresees the creation of 23,000 additional jobs in the agri-food sector all along the supply chain from primary production to high value added product development. While realising this growth projection will be challenging following the UK referendum, a combination of diversification of markets and identifying opportunities in existing markets can deliver long term growth.
The implementation process for any strategy is vital for its success. I chair the Food Wise High Level Implementation Committee (HLIC), with high level representatives from all the relevant Departments and State agencies. The committee reviews progress on detailed actions on a quarterly basis, in order to identify and solve problems quickly. Stakeholders regularly present to the committee on priorities for particular sectors or themes in enabling and delivering sustainable growth in investment and employment to benefit the agri-food sector.
Opening markets is a priority. In 2015 my Department secured market openings for beef in USA, Canada, Iran, Oman and the Maldives, for sheepmeat and pigmeat in Oman and the Maldives, for pigmeat in South Africa. Extended access to the Philippines market was also secured for beef, sheepmeat and pigmeat and this work continues in close cooperation with producers and industry.
The launch of the Bord Bia Thinking House in September now offers client companies access to cutting-edge global research and innovation resources. This facility will be supported by an increase in the number of Bord Bia marketing specialists working in the areas of qualitative research, data mining and analysis, brand and innovation. These complement the range of market promotion and quality services, specialist Bord Bia personnel available to companies and talent development programmes with a high retention rate within the industry.
In relation to meat, the Meat Technology Centre, hosted in Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, now establishes an internationally leading centre of excellence for meat processing research and innovation. It will be market-led and informed by leading meat firm stakeholders and expert meat research capabilities through the technology cycle. Ambitious plans and investment are underway also in relation to fisheries and seafood.
Enterprise Ireland supports food and drink companies to scale through investment, development of management capability, improving competitiveness and innovation. This includes investments in building Dairy industry capability in the form of Food for Health Ireland (FHI), and the recently launched Dairy Processing Technology Centre. Lean manufacturing and leadership programmes also enhance company capability. Enterprise Ireland also works with international food companies as they develop their activities in Ireland, and seeks to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). In the past three years Enterprise Ireland have approved funding of €138m to the industry between 2013 and 2015. This support leveraged an estimated investment of €995m by the industry.
Cereal Sector
Ceisteanna (159)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine having regard to the return of the 2016 harvest, if he remains satisfied regarding the future of the cereal sector, with particular reference to the need to meet specific targets in return for a reasonable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32478/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry. Ongoing commitment to this sector is underlined in the Food Wise 2025 report for the industry. This action plan for the Agri-food sector contains over 400 recommendations and identifies many areas for growth in the tillage sector, particularly in the very important and successful distilling and craft brewing industries, high-end health foods and value-added niche foods and ingredients.
I recently chaired a meeting with the main stakeholders in the tillage sector. This meeting provided a platform for the stakeholders to express their views and concerns on the challenges they are facing but equally to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead for the industry.
In recognition of the challenging environment this year on tillage farms, I informed the meeting that I had directed my officials to prioritise the processing of all payments this year including the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the areas of Natural Constraint Scheme, GLAS and AEOS which are in total worth over €1.5 billion annually to the Agriculture Industry.
In relation to the BPS and Greening Payment, I was pleased to arrange for advance payments to commence on 17 October, the earliest possible date by which payments can begin under the governing EU Regulations. By the end of last week, some €735 million had been paid out to 112,922 farmers and these payments are ongoing.
At the meeting with tillage stakeholders, I outlined that one of my priorities was to provide low-cost more flexible finance and in this regard I was happy to announce on Budget Day plans for a €150 million Agri Cash Flow Support Loan Fund. Developed in conjunction with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), by leveraging EU and Exchequer funding totalling €25m from my Department to deliver a total loan fund of €150m, it will support highly flexible loans for up to six years, for amounts up to €150,000. The interest rate applying is 2.95% and the product will be available to livestock, tillage and horticulture farmers. Loans to tillage and horticulture farmers will be provided in line with agriculture State Aid de minimis requirements. This loan product is aimed at alleviating the pressures of income volatility and will enable farmers to improve the management of their cash flow and reduce the cost of their short term borrowings.
In addition, the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 contains measures to support the establishment of Knowledge Transfer Groups across the main farming sectors. A Knowledge Transfer Group for the Tillage sector is currently under way.
An amendment to the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 also provides for the inclusion of a Tillage Scheme under the suite of measures provided under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme. It is anticipated that the Tillage Scheme will open for applications in the near future.
In addition to these specific recent initiatives, my Department operates ongoing schemes and programmes in relation to seed certification and crop variety evaluation. These schemes ensure that only the best quality seed is available to growers and that Irish cereal yields remain among the highest in the world.
The changing landscape of global arable production requires us to take a fresh look at our tillage industry, to ensure that it is best positioned to withstand possible future threats and to avail of the new opportunities which may present themselves.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (160)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he can continue to support producers in Northern Ireland in his capacity as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine at Council of Ministers' meetings post-Brexit, with particular reference to the need to ensure the minimum disruption to all aspects of the industry on this island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32479/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the UK referendum I have been and will continue to work very closely with my NI counterpart Michelle McIlveen and DAERA to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for our agri-food producers that will be of benefit to producers on both sides of the border.
On a more general note, both I and my Department officials are very aware of the potential disruption to the agri-food sector from an all island perspective and have been working closely with our Northern Ireland counterparts since the outcome of the referendum result, with this in mind. At the North South Ministerial Council Plenary Summit in Dublin in July, Ministers agreed on ten specific actions to optimise North-South joint planning and engagement on key issues arising as a result of the referendum. The ten-point plan includes a full audit of key North-South risks and likely impacts and this work is already underway across all Government Departments. I also held discussions with Northern Ireland Minister Michelle McIlveen at the Plenary Summit in July and this was followed by a meeting of senior officials from DAFM and DAERA, later that month for an initial exchange of views on the implications of Brexit for the agri-food sector.
A further meeting was held between the Secretary General of my Department and the Permanent Secretary of DAERA on 4 October. Following this meeting, both Departments are currently putting together a joint work programme that will form the basis for ongoing co-operation over the coming months.