Written Answers Nos 673-689
673. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of persons admitted to accident and emergency departments in each month in 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of the persons subsequently admitted to hospital as inpatients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12922/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
674. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when the new hospital for County Galway will proceed to planning; when construction will commence; when the hospital will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12923/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan provides €10.9 billion to invest in infrastructure, equipment and additional service capacity for the public health sector. This represents an increase of 165% in capital funding over the previous decade.
It is important to recognise that this is a long-term plan which provides for a large number of Health developments across the country, including both national programmes and individual projects, across acute, primary and social care.
We must ensure that we carefully plan the use of this capital funding so as to meet the population needs and achieve value for money.
As is to be expected with a ten year plan, many proposals, including an elective-only hospital in Galway, are at an early stage and will require to progress through appraisal, planning, design and tender before a firm location, timeline or funding required can be established.
675. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be placed in respite care in a hospital. [12950/18]
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.
676. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the projects mentioned in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 that come under his Department's remit or bodies under its aegis; and the estimated completion dates for each project in tabular form. [12992/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe capital funding for Health in the ten years of the National Development Plan 2018 to 2027 provides the investment for a solid, ambitious plan which will improve our health services.
The major priority Government projects comprise (my Department has provided a timeline where possible):
- the National Forensic Mental Health Services Hospital (NFMHSH) at Portrane (to be open in 2020),
- the new Children’s Hospital (to be open in 2022) along with the Paediatric Outpatient and Urgent Care Centres at Connolly (2019) and Tallaght (2020) Hospitals,
- the redevelopment of the National Rehabilitation Hospital Phase I and II (Phase I to be operational in 2020)
- the National Plan for Radiation Oncology at Cork University Hospital (to be commissioned in 2020) and University Hospital Galway,
- the Primary Care Centre Infrastructure Programme (throughout the ten years of the Plan),
- the relocation of the National Maternity Hospital to the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus,
- the long-term residential accommodation programmes for older people (Community Nursing Home Programme) and persons with a disability to address regulatory standards for accommodation (throughout the ten years of the Plan).
Health capital projects and programmes currently underway will continue and these major priority projects will require the bulk of the notified capital allocation over the initial period of the Plan, 2018-2022.
It is important to recognise that this is a long-term plan, which will roll out over ten years and includes provision for a large number of developments across the country. As is to be expected with a ten-year plan, many proposals are at an early stage and, as with all capital development proposals, will require further appraisal, planning, design and tender before a firm timeline or funding required can be established.
677. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to issue new commercial licences to pick cockles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11827/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraScientific assessments of sea-fish stocks are carried out by the Marine Institute, the statutory body whose function is (inter alia) to undertake sea-fisheries research, assess and advise on the sustainable exploitation of the marine fisheries resources in the waters around Ireland and on the impacts of fisheries on the ecosystem. My Department’s role in sea-fisheries is to manage fishing opportunities available to the Irish fishing fleet and to prepare and oversee implementation of relevant policies in keeping with the Common Fisheries Policy.
Under European food safety law, harvesting of shellfish, such as cockles, for placing on the market must only take place from classified production areas. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is Ireland's competent authority for the classification of live bivalve mollusc production areas. I have no role in relation to this process and, by law, the SFPA is independent in the performance of its functions.
If fishing for cockles is proposed for an area within or adjacent to sites protected under the EU’s Natura 2000 environmental legislation, then the proposed fishing activity needs to be assessed to determine the potential impacts of such fishing on the features of those Natura 2000 sites. The process governing the assessment and consideration of fishing activity within or adjacent to Natura 2000 sites is set out in the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) (Sea-fisheries) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 290 of 2013).
I am not aware of any requests to develop a new commercial fishery for cockles at this time. I would encourage members of the fishing industry looking to explore the potential for a viable fishery to bring their proposals to their Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum for discussion and consideration. Further information on the Inshore Forums can be found online at www.inshoreforums.ie.
678. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has satisfied himself that there is adequate legislation in place to protect the welfare of exotic animals and pets; if a robust regulatory framework for the licensing, monitoring and inspection of such animals will be ensured; his plans for new legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12236/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides for the welfare, including during a sale, of all animals. The Act says anyone who owns or controls an animal for sale or supply must ensure that the animal is kept in suitable accommodation; is provided with adequate food and water; the sale or supply of the animals does not cause it avoidable or unnecessary suffering; that precautions are taken to prevent the spread of disease among animals; and that the animal is safeguarded against fire and other hazards. Also, the Act provides that an animal may not be sold to anyone under 16 years of age, or given as a prize to anyone under 16 unless he or she is accompanied by an adult.
EU Directive 92/65/EEC (the "Balai Directive") provides for the authorisation of organisations such as zoos that move certain animals between EU Member States.
TRACES (TRAde Control and Expert System) monitors intra-EU trade and the importation of animals, and therefore serves as a record of movements of animals between EU Member States.
Other legislation under the remit of the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, including the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, also provides for the protection of animals.
The European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulation 2011 restricts the importation, distribution, sale or release of approximately 70 species of plants and animals considered to be harmful invasive alien species of national concern. It is an offence to breed, reproduce or release an animal listed as an invasive alien species.
Animals covered by the EU Habitats Directive, such as otters and bats, are afforded strict protection and may not be sold in pet shops.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) regulates international trade in close to 35,000 species of plants and animals. It seeks to ensure that international trade in listed species is sustainable, legal and traceable.
679. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost to his Department of negative interest rates on deposits held; the details of same for agencies under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11729/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA commercial bank commenced charging negative interest on the bank accounts of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with effect from 1st August 2017.
From that date until the end of February 2018 a total cost of €979.07 has been incurred.
Banking costs incurred by agencies under the control of my Department are an operational matter for the agencies themselves.
680. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 451 of 23 January 2018, when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11746/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of January 1st 2017.
The first payment due to the person named is in respect of the 2017 scheme year. The 85% payment for 2017 has been processed and payment should issue to the person named shortly. The balancing 15% payment for 2017 will be processed in due course according to the regulatory requirements.
681. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the basic payment and areas of natural constraints scheme and associated schemes will be paid to a farmer (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11748/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for consideration under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC) was received from the above person named on 20 April 2017.
An issue has arisen with regard to grazing rights on a number of the land parcels declared on the BPS and ANC application of the person named. The processing of the application cannot be completed until this outstanding issue is resolved.
My Department is liaising on an ongoing basis with the solicitor of the person named above with a view to resolving the land issue.
682. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the compensation that will be made available to farmers who have been impacted as a result of the adverse weather conditions, particularly farmers who experienced problems with the collection of milk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11755/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThroughout the period of adverse weather conditions caused by recent adverse weather conditions, my Department was directly involved in a co-ordinated response as a member of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG), convened by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the lead Government Department on Severe Weather Incidents.
While the South and East of the country bore the brunt of the storm and its after effects, many other areas experienced disruptions to daily life and the business of farming to a greater or lesser degree. Because the storm occurred at this time of year it proved particularly disruptive as farmers coped with challenging weather conditions alongside the normal busy workload of Spring: calving and lambing and winter feeding. The key on-farm challenges revolved around preventing the freezing up of water supplies at a critical time for lactating animals, the provision of fodder and shelter to stock against the worst of the snowfall and dangerous conditions for farmyards and environs. Delayed turn-out of some stock is increasing the demand for fodder and accommodation. In this regard it should be noted that the targeted, localised scheme to provide a subsidy for long distance transport of fodder is open and available to farmers affected by fodder shortages in the West and North West of the country.
Throughout this period and immediately afterwards Department staff together with Teagasc worked at local level to ensure that the farming community had access to the best advice on how to cope with the numerous issues thrown up by the storm. To support those in more immediate difficulties the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine emergency phone line for animal welfare issues remained open and attended at all times. All requests for support were responded to.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the significant assistance the farming community provided within the wider local community at this busy time as they looked in on neighbours, cleared roads and helped to restore access to more remote rural areas.
At dairy sector level my Department worked closely with all stakeholders and with industry to minimise disruption to critical activities including milk collection services. I am happy to be able to report that all major issues were resolved in the shortest possible time thanks to the coordinated efforts of farmers, industry and my own Department staff.
683. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent by his Department on third party public relations advice, communications advice, online advertising and public awareness campaigns from January 2017 to date in 2018, by year, month and company engaged in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11759/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vast bulk of my Department's advertising is in respect of press notices in the specialised farming press, provincial and national newspapers. This expenditure includes the publication of Statutory Notices that are required to comply with various national and EU legislative requirements. Decisions on the placement of notices are made on a case by case basis, depending on the nature of the advertisement and the target audience.
2017
|
Name of Company engaged |
Amount spent € Third party public relations advice |
Amount spent € Communications advice |
Amount spent € Online advertising |
Amount spent € Public awareness campaign |
|
Agriland |
Nil |
Nil |
*10,773 |
|
|
MediaVest |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
149,124 |
|
Ear to the Ground |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1,875 |
|
ICMSA Dairy Digest |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
2,500 |
|
ICSA Magazine |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1,000 |
|
Irish Farmers Journal |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
19,188 |
|
Irish Farmers Monthly |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
17,220 |
|
MOB Media |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
799 |
|
Distilled SCH |
Nil |
Nil |
9,410 |
nil |
|
All Good Tales |
5,965 |
Nil |
Nil |
nil |
|
Jobs.ie |
Nil |
Nil |
1,882 |
|
|
Irish Rural Link Co-operative Soc. as lead for the consortium running National Rural Network |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
23,568 |
|
Agricultural Advisory Alliance/Farmers Handbook |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
3,198 |
|
Crann |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1,700 |
|
Farm TV |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
28,998 |
|
Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
2,417 |
|
Select Media |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
3,174 |
|
Society of Irish Foresters |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
450 |
|
ITGA Forestry Yearbook |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
3,247 |
*Amount refers to Online advertising for a Public Awareness Campaign
2018 to date
|
Name of Company engaged |
Amount spent € Third party public relations advice |
Amount spent € Communications advice |
Amount spent € Online advertising |
Amount spent € Public awareness campaign |
|
Agriland |
* 2,460 |
1,230 |
||
|
Mediavest |
30,143 |
|||
|
Irish Farmers Monthly |
1,464 |
|||
|
Recruit Ireland Ltd |
183 |
|||
|
Irish Rural Link Co-operative Soc. as lead for the consortium running National Rural Network |
2,150 |
*Amount refers to Online advertising for a Public Awareness Campaign
684. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 534 of 27 February 2018, if further details regarding the one new licence application for the cultivation of finfish and the one application for the renewal and review of an existing licence will be supplied; if the applications were granted licences; the purpose of the licences; the species covered by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11788/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe aquaculture licence applications referred to by the Deputy are currently under consideration by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation.
The legislation provides for a period of statutory and public consultation. Consideration of the applications in question has not yet reached this stage of the process. Accordingly, the release of information earlier than provided by statute would undermine the process and could create the public perception that the decision making process would be unduly influenced.
As the licence applications in question are currently under active consideration as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
685. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive 2016 GLAS and organics balancing payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11814/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra686. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive 2017 GLAS and organics balancing payments; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11815/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 685 and 686 together.
The person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received full payments in respect of 2015 and 85% of 2016.
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks to allow for the issue of payments.
Once the payment in respect of the 2016 scheme year is cleared, the application will be processed in respect of the 2017 scheme year. GLAS payments are being made on a weekly basis.
The Organic Farming Scheme payment will be processed following successful processing of GLAS payment.
687. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to restrict bottom trawling fishing within six miles of the shoreline; if his attention has been drawn to the impact this may have on the small shore-based fishing communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11820/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I have no current plans to restrict bottom trawling inside the 6 mile zone, I am considering a full public consultation on possible measures that could be applied within this zone.
I have been working closely with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and the six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums to ensure that the needs of the inshore fisheries sector, including both coastal and island fishers, are taken into account and that we act to protect the future of our valuable coastal and island communities.
The issue of trawling by larger vessels within 6 nautical miles has been raised by a number of stakeholders and concerns about the relatively open access for large trawlers to inshore areas have been noted. My Department is currently preparing a range of possible measures for inclusion in a consultation paper. I hope to be in a position to present this paper for a full public consultation in the coming weeks.
The potential impact of limiting access to different categories of vessels has been the subject of preliminary scientific and economic reports by both the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. There has also been some preliminary engagement with fisheries representative groups in respect of those reports. The consultation paper from the Department will set out a range of possible measures and their potential impacts.
A full public consultation will allow us to understand the views of all stakeholders.
688. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares per county for which an application for the ANC scheme for 2017 was received in tabular form. [11823/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see in the following table as requested the number of hectares per county for which an application for the ANC scheme for 2017 was received:
|
County |
Declared Area of ANC (including Island area) - hectares |
|
Carlow |
23,818.94 |
|
Cavan |
132,819.85 |
|
Clare |
192,502.09 |
|
Cork |
239,860.28 |
|
Donegal |
279,935.49 |
|
Dublin |
5,635.38 |
|
Galway |
353,729.71 |
|
Kerry |
312,285.58 |
|
Kildare |
17,082.48 |
|
Kilkenny |
60,294.02 |
|
Laois |
52,776.04 |
|
Leitrim |
99,437.81 |
|
Limerick |
85,016.53 |
|
Longford |
67,530.07 |
|
Louth |
19,712.90 |
|
Mayo |
338,364.39 |
|
Meath |
40,155.38 |
|
Monaghan |
96,566.92 |
|
Offaly |
76,170.69 |
|
Roscommon |
155,846.01 |
|
Sligo |
116,490.41 |
|
Tipperary |
161,660.88 |
|
Waterford |
59,916.80 |
|
Westmeath |
91,512.63 |
|
Wexford |
44,495.64 |
|
Wicklow |
82,973.09 |
689. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farm payment appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11841/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application for consideration under the 2017 Basic Payment Scheme on 14 June 2017. As the BPS application was received after the 9th of June, the latest date for the receipt of late applications in 2017, it incurred a 100% late penalty and therefore no BPS payment is payable.
The person named subsequently appealed this decision and a letter regarding the outcome of his appeal issued directly to the person named on 8 March 2018. The appeal was not accepted and the person named was advised of his right of appeal to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
