Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:201. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been on a waiting list for a long time without treatment. [47535/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Delays
Ceisteanna (201)
Freagraí scríofa
I acknowledge that waiting times are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018. Budget 2018 allocated additional funding in the region of €10m for the remainder of 2017 to fund patient treatment across a range of key specialties and procedures.
Under waiting list initiatives run by the NTPF, the NTPF liaises directly with hospitals to identify patients to be treated. The patients are then contacted to arrange the details of treatment.
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 HSE to respond to you directly.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (202)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47574/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (203)
Niall Collins
Ceist:203. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the changes introduced in budget 2018 with respect to the fair deal scheme; and the future treatment and possible discount on chargeable assets for farms and businesses. [47588/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. The amount of funding allocated to the NHSS in 2017 was €940m. This amount was increased to €949.7m in the recent budget.
When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners, and when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). These recommendations include examining the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. The programme for a Partnership Government has also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms. It is important to remember that the NHSS is largely underpinned by primary legislation and changes to the NHSS will require legislative implementation.
On this basis, I have requested legal advice from the office of the Attorney General regarding potential changes to the legislation that will address this matter. My department has also been cognisant of this matter in the context of this years estimates process. I have recently met with representatives from the IFA. to discuss various strategies that may assist with addressing their members concerns and have apprised them of the current progress. We agreed to meet again in the near future for further discussions. I am committed to this review of the position with regard to family farms and small businesses for the purposes of the financial assessment of the scheme and I hope to be able to clarify proposed changes before the end of this year.
HSE Funding
Ceisteanna (204)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:204. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the HSE provides funding for a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47607/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question refers to operational matters I have referred it on to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.
Forestry Grants
Ceisteanna (205)
Joe Carey
Ceist:205. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the forestry applications with regard to an area (details supplied) in 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017; the size of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47453/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department received 14 forestry applications for the District Electoral Division/townland in question for the years 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017. These applications included applications for approval for afforestation, for forest roads, for reconstitution and applications for payment of premiums on forestry plantations. As the area referred to by the Deputy is a DED/townland it is not possible for data protection reasons to provide a further breakdown of the figures as that could reveal details of individual applicants.
Knowledge Transfer Programme
Ceisteanna (206)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:206. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will be made to a person (details supplied) under the knowledge transfer scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47462/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Payments under the Knowledge Transfer Programme have commenced on a rolling basis by sector. The person named is a participant in the Knowledge Transfer Beef Programme and payments have commenced in respect of farmers in this sector who have completed all the requirements of Year 1. In a small number of cases, including this case, an issue has arisen in relation to processing the payment to the relevant bank account. This is currently being rectified, and it is expected that payment will issue shortly. In line with EU regulatory requirements, payment under this scheme will issue to the person named via their Knowledge Transfer Group Facilitator.
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (207)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:207. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not yet received the 75% advance of their 2016 single farm payment; if the payment issues will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47496/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Issues relating to the transfer of entitlements have caused a delay in relation to the Basic Payment for the person named. My Department have been in direct contact with the person named to resolve outstanding issues. The case has now been cleared for payment and the payment will issue in the coming week.
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (208)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:208. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a single farm payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47505/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted a 2017 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraint schemes application on 5 April 2017. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. Processing of this inspection necessitated the verification of the position on the ground by means of a field visit. The inspection results are now being finalised with the intention of issuing any payment due to the nominated bank account of the person named as soon as possible. In the event that any issues are identified from the inspection my Department will be in contact directly with the person named.
Agricultural Production Costs
Ceisteanna (209)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:209. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals he has put forward at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers on the need to reduce the cost of fertilisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47528/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am acutely aware that fertiliser is a major input cost on farms. Indeed EUROSTAT estimates that fertiliser is the third most important expenditure item on EU farms, accounting for €19.2 billion of input costs in 2014. In terms of Irish farms, the Central Statistics Office 2016 final estimates of Output, Input and Income in Agriculture identifies fertiliser expenditure at €508 million in 2016.
I have long believed that the elimination of fertiliser tariffs and anti-dumping duties is something that could help farmers reduce their input costs and this is something that I have actively pursued at Agri Fish Council in 2016 and 2017, both with the Commission and in consultation with my Council colleagues.
At the Agri Fish Council in June 2017, I asked the Commission to address the significant overpricing of fertilisers in the EU brought about by the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports.
Against that background I welcome the European Commission’s intention to conduct a partial interim review of the anti dumping measures applicable to imports of ammonium nitrate originating in Russia. The anti-dumping duties on Russian fertiliser imports range from €32.83 per tonne to €47.07 per tonne of ammonium nitrate with Nitrogen being the main nutrient used in Ireland relative to Phosphorus or Potassium.
I should point out, however, that member States are not ad idem on this point, and that while Commissioner Hogan acknowledged the desirability of bringing about lower prices, he has also indicated that, despite considerable efforts on his part both with other Member States and internally within the Commission, consensus will be difficult to achieve.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (210)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:210. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons participating in the beef data genomics scheme who have completed a beef carbon navigator, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47538/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability. As part of the scheme, applicants must complete a carbon navigator with an approved advisor and provide data for an annual update to their carbon navigator.
There are currently 25,340 participants in BDGP I and BDGP II.
24,597 participants have thus far completed their Carbon Navigator broken down by County in the table.
A total of 20,332 BDGP I participants have also returned their 2017 Carbon Navigator update which is required for full payment to issue to them when payments commence in 2017.
|
County |
BDGP I |
BDGP I 2017 Update |
BDGP II |
|
Carlow |
315 |
290 |
13 |
|
Cavan |
1156 |
976 |
59 |
|
Clare |
1800 |
1592 |
132 |
|
Cork |
1684 |
1433 |
97 |
|
Donegal |
1310 |
1136 |
93 |
|
Dublin |
58 |
51 |
1 |
|
Galway |
2527 |
2189 |
236 |
|
Kerry |
1255 |
1085 |
50 |
|
Kildare |
306 |
266 |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
576 |
521 |
34 |
|
Laois |
578 |
500 |
34 |
|
Leitrim |
910 |
807 |
68 |
|
Limerick |
774 |
654 |
47 |
|
Longford |
611 |
527 |
39 |
|
Louth |
222 |
187 |
14 |
|
Mayo |
2184 |
1909 |
174 |
|
Meath |
559 |
495 |
32 |
|
Monaghan |
810 |
697 |
54 |
|
Offaly |
568 |
498 |
39 |
|
Roscommon |
1323 |
1144 |
96 |
|
Sligo |
919 |
798 |
54 |
|
Tipperary |
975 |
821 |
65 |
|
Waterford |
338 |
280 |
9 |
|
Westmeath |
708 |
615 |
38 |
|
Wexford |
567 |
506 |
31 |
|
Wicklow |
386 |
355 |
21 |
|
Total |
23419 |
20332 |
1538 |
Knowledge Transfer Programme
Ceisteanna (211)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:211. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of approved persons who have applied to the knowledge transfer group scheme under the rural development programme 2014 to 2020 and to date in 2017 in the beef, sheep, dairy, tillage, equine and poultry sectors; the targeted number of groups formed; the number of groups finalised to date; the number of payments that will issue; the 2017 budget allocation for the KTG scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47539/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Knowledge Transfer is one of a suite of measures included under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and involves the formation of knowledge transfer groups across the beef, dairy, equine, sheep, tillage and poultry sectors.
Funding of €100m under the Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020 has been allocated for this measure, which involves Department approved agricultural consultants acting as Knowledge Transfer Facilitators administering groups operating over a three year period.
The number of applications received for Knowledge Transfer Groups and Participants is broken down between the sectors in the following table:
|
Total |
Beef |
Dairy |
Sheep |
Tillage |
Poultry |
Equine |
|
|
Number of Participant Applications Received |
20,252 |
10,072 |
4,258 |
4,310 |
885 |
248 |
479 |
|
Number of Group Applications Received |
1,190 |
581 |
268 |
251 |
55 |
13 |
22 |
It should be noted that a portion of those applications received did not meet eligibility requirements and therefore did not progress to take part in the Programme. Additionally a number of group facilitators and participants subsequently decided that they no longer wished to proceed in the programme.
To date approximately 19,100 farmers in circa 1,190 Knowledge Transfer Groups have actively participated in the Programme attending group meetings, approved Knowledge Transfer National events and completing Farm Improvement Plans and Animal Health Measures.
€23m is allocated in the Department's vote for 2017 in respect of the Knowledge Transfer Payments. Payments commenced at the end of October for participants who successfully completed Year One and are currently being rolled out across the six sectors.
Laboratory Facilities
Ceisteanna (212)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:212. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the review of the regional veterinary laboratories; and if all such laboratories will remain open. [47540/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) Laboratories are an integral part of the Department, providing critical scientific evidence and expertise (in animal health, food safety and plant sciences) which allows the Department to function effectively as a regulator, to deal with new and emerging risks and to rapidly respond to disease outbreaks and food safety incidents. The laboratories also provide valued services and advisory support to the farming community, the food industry and wider society.
The ambitious targets of the Agri-food industry for growth and development over the next decade, as set out in Food Wise 2025, must be underpinned by robust systems which protect and enhance our reputation as a producer of safe and wholesome food and one of the ways in which we must respond to this challenge is by developing a long-term strategy for the laboratories - building on existing capability and expertise in animal health, food safety and plant sciences, and ensuring we achieve both operational and scientific excellence.
This was the primary reason for tasking a Working Group led by Prof. Alan Reilly to undertake a comprehensive review of the Department’s Laboratories. This review has considered both the central laboratory complex at Backweston and the eight regional laboratories located at Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo. The Group has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:
- Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities;
- Re-organisation of Divisions and support functions within the Central Laboratory complex;
- Options for the future development of the Regional Laboratories – with a view to improving disease investigative and surveillance capability but with the over-riding imperative of maintaining and enhancing services to farmers; and
- Human resources management within the laboratories - with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning.
To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). My Department completed an initial consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the Working Group report (including on the options for RVLs) earlier this year. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the various options proposed will be undertaken shortly. My Department has tendered for independent economic expertise to carry out this CBA and a tender award notice has issued. Any decision I make on the RVLs will be informed by the consultative process and the outcome of the cost-benefit analysis.