Written Answers Nos. 860-883
860. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the specific charges by HSE and voluntary public hospitals for bone marrow donors; if his attention has been further drawn to the practice of charging donors for their stay in hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47018/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra861. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a reimbursement scheme is in place for bone marrow donors for the recoupment of expenses such as charges for overnights in hospital, transport to and from hospital, car parking and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47019/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 860 and 861 together.
The most suitable bone marrow donors are fully matched family members. There is no reimbursement scheme in place for related bone marrow donors. A statutory daily charge of €80 is levied (up to a maximum of €800 annually) where a person has been referred to a hospital for an in-patient service, including that provided on a day case basis. Medical card holders are exempt from this charge.
If a suitable donor is not available within the family, it is necessary to seek an unrelated donor. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service maintains a register of people who are willing to donate their marrow - the Irish Unrelated Bone Marrow Registry. The Irish Unrelated Bone Marrow Registry covers all hospitals costs and reimburses any expenses incurred by the donor.
862. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if the social care national office of the HSE has sanctioned the required €1 million refurbishment of the Maynooth community care unit in County Kildare; if not, when a decision is likely to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47048/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
863. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of emergency cardiac patients from the south east who were referred or transferred for treatment to hospitals in counties Dublin and Cork out of hours, for example, not including the hours primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PPCI, is available in University Hospital Waterford, in each of the years from 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47056/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
864. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac patients in the south east who were transferred to hospitals outside the region to hospitals in Cork, Dublin or elsewhere for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PPCI, in each of the years from 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47057/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
865. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 2 June 2016, the estimated timeframe for completion of a new accident and emergency department at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47059/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month, the HSE confirmed that funding of €100,000 will be made available in 2018 for the design phase of the new Beaumont ED project and will be included in the HSE's 2018 Capital Plan.
An EU procurement process will commence in early 2018 to progress the selection and appointment of a design team for the project.
The timeframe for the completion of the ED project will be informed by the work of the successful project team upon their appointment and this work will be undertaken in conjunction with Beaumont Hospital and the HSE.
866. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 356 of 2 November 2016, the amount spent on external legal advice in each of the years from 2013 to 2015; the names of the legal firms that provided advice to his Department in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47060/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is aware of the need to minimise costs and in general, avails of legal services and advice from the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. My Department has a Legal Unit, staffed by qualified legal professionals who provide advice on a wide range of international legal issues. Having such "in-house" legal experts reduces the costs which would be incurred if the Department was to engage externally for similar services. However, occasionally specialised legal services are required. Data requested are expressed in the following table.
|
Legal Advice |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Creagh, Crionna BL |
€615 |
||
|
Doyle, Emma BL |
€1,476 |
||
|
Feeney, Conor BL |
€22,854 |
€15,683 |
€11,685 |
|
Goode, Jennifer BL |
€2,153 |
€3,475 |
|
|
Hickey, Mervyn |
€6,181 |
||
|
Murray, Brian C BL |
€3,075 |
||
|
O'Hanlon, Helen Clare |
€2,030 |
||
|
Travers, Noel BL |
€1,691 |
€738 |
€5,074 |
|
William Fry Solicitors |
€6,969 |
€6,505 |
€998 |
867. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 426 of 14 February 2017, the number of these that are classified as urgent; the number of persons on the NTPF pre-planned procedures list for three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 18 months and more than 18 months, respectively; the procedures involved in each case; the number of these that are classified as urgent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47061/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince August, the NTPF publishes data for the Pre-Admit (or "To Come In") and Planned Procedures categories by hospital and hospital group each month. This data can be viewed on its website at www.NTPF.ie.
Patients who have a scheduled date for their admission are categorised as Pre-Admit or "To Come In" (TCI). Planned procedures refer to those patients who have had an initial episode of care and require recall for further treatment relating to that initial episode.
The Pre-Admit (or "To Come In") waiting list is broken down by a number of waiting time categories from 0-3 months up to 18+ months.
The Planned Procedure list is broken down by the following categories: 'Planned With Indicative Date - In the future', 'Planned With Indicative Date - In the past', 'Planned With To Come In Date' and 'Planned Without Indicative Date'. It should be noted that the planned procedure list is categorised in this way rather than in time bands because the waiting time is clinically determined (i.e. there may be a set time period which must elapse before a further procedure can be carried out.)
The NTPF National Inpatient/Daycase Planned Procedure Waiting List Management Protocol published in early 2017 sets out the national protocols for the management of waiting lists, including the scheduling of patient treatment. In order to ensure fair and equitable access to hospital capacity, this Protocol outlines the way in which patients should be scheduled for treatment. In line with best practice, patients should not be scheduled for treatment more than six weeks in advance.
868. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47087/17]
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.
869. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 274 of 17 October 2017, the sale prices, dates of sale and property descriptions for each of the completed transactions relating to the sale of a hospital (details supplied) and associated lands in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47090/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the HSE replied to you directly in this matter on 27 October 2017.
870. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if Vimizim was discussed at the drugs committee meeting on 14 September 2017; if so, the contents of the conversation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47101/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
871. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if he has received correspondence from Dublin City Council's special committee for fire and ambulance services and emergency management regarding the need for four additional ambulances to meet Dublin Fire Brigade's emergency medical service capacity needs; if his office received these requests from the council dated 10 February 2017 and 19 July 2017; the measures his Department has to support Dublin Fire Brigade's emergency medical service ambulance capacity needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47104/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI received correspondence from the Dublin City Council (DCC) Special Committee for Fire and Ambulance Services and Emergency Management seeking a meeting to discuss the possible transfer of ambulance call taking and dispatch from Dublin Fire Brigade to the National Emergency Operations Centre. However, Dublin ambulance service provision is currently the subject of a mediation process between DCC and staff associations, and in those circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to meet with the Committee at this stage.
872. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a pension for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46564/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will contact the Deputy directly to provide him with the contact details of the appropriate person within the Pensions section of Human Resources Division who will be able to assist further with this query.
873. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if specific programmes introduced for small and medium enterprises due to difficulties arising from Brexit will include the farming agri sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46810/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI and my Department, in co-operation with Government and other Departments and Agencies, are attempting to mitigate the more immediate impacts of the Brexit vote on the agrifood sector through a range of budgetary measures.
In Budget 2017 I introduced a number of measures to help minimise farm gate and business costs, including the introduction of a €150 million low cost loan scheme. Under Budget 2018, in partnership with my colleague, An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, we established a new “Brexit Loan Scheme” which will provide affordable, flexible financing to Irish businesses that are either currently impacted by Brexit or who will be in the future.
The new Brexit Loan Scheme aims to make up to €300 million of working capital finance available to SMEs and mid-cap businesses (up to 499 employees). Given their unique exposure to the UK market, my Department’s funding (€9 million out of total public funding of €23 million) ensures that at least 40% of the fund will be available to food businesses.
However, due to the different State Aid legislation covering primary production, this particular Loan Scheme will not be available to farmers and fishermen. However, I also secured funding of €25 million to allow my Department to facilitate the development of a new Brexit response loan scheme for farmers, fishermen and food businesses in 2018. I will be announcing details of this scheme in due course.
874. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the provision that was agreed on the pending trade deal that would allow Mercosur to export 70,000 tonnes of beef annually to the EU. [46211/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been no agreement on a Mercosur deal at this point. However, the commission has made an offer to Mercosur which includes a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) for beef. The TRQ offer is split evenly between fresh and frozen beef. A proportion of the fresh beef would be required to meet the definition of "High Quality Beef", and would therefore have to come from grass fed animals, and proportion of the frozen beef would be for manufacturing only.
I was deeply disappointed that the Commission decided to include beef in its offer during the last round of negotiations. I believe that this could not be coming at a worse time for the EU beef sector.
I and my officials have been very active in highlighting the potentially very damaging impact of a Mercosur deal on the European agriculture sector, and on the beef sector in particular. We continue to monitor the situation closely and respond as appropriate to developments in order to defend the interests of Irish farmers, working in close co-operation with my Government colleagues, particularly the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Taoiseach.
At political level, I have continuously raised the issue with my Member State colleagues and with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström, both within the Council of Agriculture Ministers and in written form. These efforts have been reinforced at official level through similar contacts with Member States and the Commission, particularly through the Special Committee on Agriculture and the Trade Policy Committee. The Taoiseach has also raised the matter with Presidents Juncker and Macron.
Most recently Ireland made the latest in a series of very strong interventions on this matter at the Trade Policy Committee in Brussels on 27 October, and I raised the matter at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg in October and again in Brussels this week. I have also worked very closely with a number of other Member States, most notably France, including in the production of a joint paper that was submitted to the European Commission on 26 September outlining our shared concerns. And I wrote to Commissioner Malmstroëm in early October reiterating my concerns in relation to the tabling of a beef tariff rate quota offer by the EU during the most recent round of negotiations. I should point out, however, that a number of Member States are strongly in favour of concluding a Mercosur deal as soon as possible.
I believe there is a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector. In this regard I believe full account must be taken of the findings of the Commission’s own assessment of the cumulative impact of trade deals on the agri food sector, and the potentially very damaging impact of Brexit on an already delicately balanced EU beef market.
875. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the bilateral meetings he has had with his European counterparts regarding the concerns of Irish and European beef farmers, who have campaigned for beef not to form part of the potential Mercosur deal. [46235/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was deeply disappointed that the Commission decided to offer a significant tariff rate quota for beef of 70,000 tonnes during the last round of negotiations. I believe that this could not be coming at a worse time for the EU beef sector.
I and my officials have been very active in highlighting the potentially very damaging impact of a Mercosur deal on the European agriculture sector, and on the beef sector in particular. We continue to monitor the situation closely and respond as appropriate to developments in order to defend the interests of Irish farmers, working in close co-operation with my Government colleagues, particularly the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Taoiseach.
At political level, I have raised the issue with Member State colleagues including the French Minister for Agriculture, Stephane Travert, and with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström.
Most recently Ireland intervened in the latest of a series of very strong interventions on this matter at the Trade Policy Committee in Brussels on 27 October. I also raised the matter at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg in October and again in Brussels this week. I have worked very closely with a number of other Member States, most notably France, including the production of a joint paper that was submitted to the European Commission on 26 September outlining our shared concerns. I also wrote to Commissioner Malmström in early October reiterating my concerns in relation to the tabling of a beef tariff rate quota offer by the EU during the most recent round of negotiations.
I believe there is a need for continued vigilance in relation to the conduct of these trade negotiations, and I will continue to insist that they are handled appropriately, and in a manner that safeguards the interests of the Irish and European beef sector. In this regard I believe full account must be taken of the findings of the Commission’s own assessment of the cumulative impact of trade deals on the agri food sector, and the potentially very damaging impact of Brexit on an already delicately balanced EU beef market.
876. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he has had with his European counterparts regarding agricultural issues, specifically Brexit, CAP reform, Mercosur and the renewal of glyphosate. [46236/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the early part of 2017 I engaged extensively with many of my counterparts in other Member States in an effort to sensitise them to the potential impact of an unfavourable Brexit agreement or no agreement, not only on Ireland but on the EU agri food sector generally. More recently at the Agri-Fish Council meeting in Luxembourg last month, I raised the issue of the impact of Brexit on Ireland’s agri-food and fisheries sectors, to ensure it remains at the forefront as the negotiations evolve.
CAP Reform
On the subject of CAP reform, I am in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan and my European counterparts in relation to maintaining a strong CAP budget post 2020 and my position on this matter has been articulated at official and political level and is well understood.
Discussions on the future of CAP post-2020 commenced in the middle of 2016 at many forums including an Informal Council in May last year hosted by the Netherlands and the European Conference on Rural Development held in Cork in September 2016. CAP reform was also discussed at the Agri-Fish Council meetings in March, July and September 2017.
I look forward to the Commission Communication on CAP post 2020 which is scheduled to be published on 29 November 2017.
Mercosur
On the issue of Mercosur, I and my officials have been very active in highlighting the potentially very damaging impact of a Mercosur deal on the European agriculture sector, and on the beef sector in particular. We continue to monitor the situation closely and respond as appropriate to developments in order to defend the interests of Irish farmers, working in close co-operation with my Government colleagues, particularly the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Taoiseach.
At political level, I have raised the issue with Member State colleagues including the French Minister for Agriculture, Stephane Travert, and with Commissioners Hogan and Malmström. The Taoiseach has also raised the matter with Presidents Juncker and Macron.
Most recently Ireland made a very strong interventions on this matter at the Trade Policy Committee in Brussels on 27 October. I also raised the matter at the Council of Agriculture Ministers in Luxembourg in October and again in Brussels this week. I have worked very closely with a number of other Member States, most notably France, including in the production of a joint paper that was submitted to the European Commission on 26 September outlining our shared concerns. I also wrote to Commissioner Malmström in early October reiterating my concerns in relation to the tabling of a beef tariff rate quota offer by the EU during the most recent round of negotiations.
Renewal of glyphosate
With regard to glyphosate, I have been observing the developments surrounding the renewal of approval of glyphosate with interest and I note that the Commission will table a proposal for renewal of the approval of glyphosate for a further five years, later this week. The Commission’s justification to table such a proposal is based on comprehensive and rigorous scientific evaluation, conducted by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency, and which was followed up by a comprehensive review undertaken by the European Food Safety Agency.
In essence, both reports have concluded that glyphosate does not pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans and can be used safely without putting consumers at risk. I am satisfied by the findings of both agencies and I support the Commission’s proposal for the renewal of glyphosate.
877. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which he received a report (details supplied) into the potential of the harness racing industry; when he will publish this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45642/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector was published on Wednesday 1st November, 2017. This report will provide the sport with a road map for its potential development and I will be supporting the recommendations within my Department’s remit from the outset.
The report can be accessed on my Department's website at: www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/horses/reviewoftheirishharnessracingsector/.
878. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give consideration to proposals by an organisation (details supplied) in the mid-term review of the forestry programme from 2014 to 2020. [45674/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome changes in my Departments afforestation scheme are being considered as part of the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2014 -2020. My Department is involved in detailed discussions with stakeholders on it, including on the issues raised by the Deputy. Obviously any proposals must have regard to the available budget and the liability accruing to the State in future years. I expect that the Review will be published in the coming weeks.
In relation to the Deputy’s proposal to reintroduce the farmer premium differential it is important to note that the non-farmer category also includes recently retired farmers and the family members of existing farmers. For this reason I am satisfied that the vast bulk of the money remains in rural Ireland. Reinstating the farmer/non-farmer forest premium differential is not an option currently being considered by the Department.
The Forestry Programme 2014-2020 will continue to pay the same premium to all landowners to ensure that the maximum amount of land is available for afforestation. All lands proposed for afforestation are assessed to the same silvicultural and environmental criteria irrespective of who owns the lands.
On the subject of ABE’s, I believe the existing provisions to pay landowners for areas left unplanted for environmental reasons are proportionate and adequate.
Under the current Environmental Requirements for Afforestation, between 10-15% of the afforestation site must be treated with particular regard to biodiversity, comprising a combination of open spaces and retained habitats and this includes setbacks beside habitats, watercourses, setbacks beside public roads and archaeological monuments that are not planted.
Up to 15% of this land set aside as Areas for Biodiversity Enhancement or ABE’s as they are known are fully eligible for grant and premium payments.
Where the area within an application has many areas not planted for environmental reasons, the Department under the afforestation scheme is limited to only paying on that amount of the unplanted area that amounts to 15% of the total project area. Situations do exist where, due to multiple sensitivities, the amount of area eligible for payment may exceed the 15% eligible area threshold, resulting in a landowner receiving a payment based on an area less than the gross area of the project. However, these represent a minority of cases and often, with good design, these ineligible areas can be excluded from the afforestation application and left as part of the open farm enterprise.
879. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in his Department's processing GLAS I payments for persons (details supplied); when payment can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45675/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons named were approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and have received all payments in respect of 2015 and the 2016 advance payment.
A Farm Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) must be submitted on behalf of each GLAS 1 and 2 participant to the dedicated online system before the 15% balancing payment or any future GLAS payment can issue. As this applicant has not submitted his NMP, the 15% balancing payment cannot issue. The applicant should check immediately with his adviser on the progress in submitting the NMP.
880. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 581 of 11 July 2017, the status of a case ( details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45676/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined to the Deputy in my response to Parliamentary Question number 581 in July, this is a complex case involving a number of interested parties.
The case has been prioritised by my Department and a number of legal issues are being progressed with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office who have been in correspondence with the solicitors for the persons referred to by the Deputy.
881. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional cost to the Exchequer based on participation rates on implementing over a full year the proposal (details supplied) in the midterm review of the forestry programme from 2014 to 2020. [45677/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of changes in my Department's forestry schemes are being considered as part of the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020. My Department is involved in detailed discussions with stakeholders on it, including on the issues raised by the Deputy. Obviously any proposals must have regard to the available budget, value for money and the liability accruing to the State in future years. I expect that the Review will be published in the coming weeks.
Based on 2016 planting levels the additional cost to the exchequer of implementing the proposed GPC 1 rate increases would be €461,700. This includes first and second establishment grants and 15 annual premiums. If this increase in rates was implemented the likely effect would be an increase in GPC1 planting. If GPC1 planting increased to 2010 levels (385 hectares) the additional cost would be approximately €1.6 million.
882. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional cost to the Exchequer based on participation rates on implementing over a full year the proposal (details supplied) in the midterm review of the forestry programme from 2014 to 2020. [45678/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on 2016 planting levels, the additional cost to the exchequer of implementing the proposed farmer premium differential rate increases would be in the region of €16 million. This includes the liability for all 15 annual premiums.
883. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional cost to the Exchequer based on participation rates on implementing over a full year the proposal (details supplied) in the midterm review of the forestry programme from 2014 to 2020. [45679/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIf the total forest area of an application does not increase as a result of the higher ABE threshold proposed, the additional cost to the Exchequer would be zero as the same area would be eligible for grant and premiums. However in this scenario the difference would be that the area eligible for payment would have fewer trees planted and thus would not be consistent with the aims of the afforestation programme.
However, if the area in each application were to increase by 20% from the current levels in order to facilitate the additional ABE, then this would have the same proportional increase in the level of grants and premiums that would need to be paid. In this scenario and based on 2016 planting levels, the cost to the Exchequer would be in the region of €15 million, without any additional trees planted.
