Written Answers Nos. 441-459
441. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if treatments for haemochromatosis such as scheduled phlebotomies are available under the long-term illness scheme; if not, if there are plans to extend the scheme with a view to include such treatments; the supports available to persons with the condition to assist with the cost of treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22642/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. Medical procedures are not covered by the scheme.
Haemochromatosis is not a condition which is covered under the LTI and there are no plans to extend the list of conditions.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
442. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of plans for the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22712/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to securing and further developing the role of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise as a constituent hospital within the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group. Since 2014, the focus has been on supporting the hospital to develop and enhance management capability, implementing changes required to address clinical service deficiencies, and incorporating the hospital into the governance structures within the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
Significant work has been undertaken to strengthen and stabilise current arrangements for services at the hospital to ensure that services that are not sustainable are discontinued and those that are, are safety assured and adequately resourced. Funding has increased by 35% relative to the 2012 budget and staffing levels have risen by 29% from the 2014 base. Governance and management arrangements in Portlaoise Hospital have been strengthened, additional clinical staff has been appointed and staff training, hospital culture and communications have improved.
As agreed at a meeting with Laois Oireachtas members, I am currently giving consideration to a process for wider consultation and no decision has been made on future changes to services at Portlaoise.
443. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the number of children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, ASD, by county in tabular form. [22717/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
444. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will examine an application by a person (details supplied) for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22722/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Services Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
445. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will examine an application by a person (details supplied) for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22723/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Services Executive to respond directly to the Deputy
446. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if he will examine an application by persons (details supplied) for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22724/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy
447. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding that has been committed to the clean-up of Haulbowline Island, County Cork; the amount that has been spent to date; the amount provided for in the 2018 estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22109/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was originally tasked with taking responsibility for the submission of an application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regularise the licensing status of the East Tip of Haulbowline Island in relation to the hazardous waste deposited on this site. The requirement for a waste licence at the East Tip arises from the outstanding measures necessary to comply with the judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union dated 26 April 2005 in Case C-494/01. To ensure that there were no legal obstacles to the Department undertaking the project, ownership of Haulbowline Island was formally transferred at Ministerial level in October 2013. The scope of the remediation was later extended by Government to include ground level remediation of the former steelworks factory site including the area of the island known as the South Tip. The Government approved a total ring-fenced budget of €61m for all costs associated with remediation of Haulbowline Island.
Funding for the remediation of the Haulbowline Island is ring-fenced in my Department’s Vote for this specific purpose and the remit of my Department relates only to the remediation of the island.
Cork County Council is appointed as my agent for the operational delivery of the remediation project. Cork County Council has a project office commissioned for managing the Haulbowline Island Remediation Project, which includes the East Tip, South Tip and steelworks sites.
My Department assumed responsibility for remediation works at Haulbowline Island in 2012. In the period up to 2017 expenditure was focussed on preparing for and securing the necessary planning and waste licence consents and upgrading the island infrastructure (bridge and access road) in anticipation of works. The funding is being provided through my Department’s vote, in accordance with the specific conditions set out by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, on an annual basis up to the completion date of the remediation works. The total expenditure incurred by the Department (including expenditure commissioned by Cork County Council acting as agents for the project and reimbursed through the Department) to the end of 2017 is just over €13m.
The Revised Estimates for Public Services allocates €10m to the project for 2018. The expenditure incurred in 2018 will be influenced by the nature of risks which may arise in remediation works on a site with a legacy as complex as Haulbowline Island. While the works and contractual arrangements have been designed to achieve cost-effective remediation, it is not possible at this point to be definitive about the final costs. The works being carried out on site include marine elements to prevent tidal incursions to the site, access and infrastructure works and capping the waste materials to render the site safe, stable and suitable for future uses. To date, I am advised that works are progressing well on the East Tip and are expected to be concluded in December 2018.
448. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the greyhound industry Bill; and when Second Stage will take place in Dáil Éireann. [21984/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved the General Scheme of the Greyhound Bill on 15th May 2018. Officials in my Department are actively engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) as part of the drafting process. In the absence of any unforeseen issues, I intend to publish the Bill at the earliest date.
449. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a hardship fund for those who suffered significant damage to glasshouses during recent storms but do not plan to rebuild; if the environmental benefits of bringing forward a compensation scheme to facilitate the removal of broken glass on the ground has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22007/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the very severe impact that storm Emma had on the Horticultural Sector and in particular on soft fruit and amenity plant producers.
As an exceptional measure in response to the storm, I directed my officials to re-open the 2018 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. This competitive grant aid scheme supports capital investments in specialised horticultural equipment and buildings that contribute to at least one of the scheme’s four objectives namely to: improve the quality of output, facilitate environmentally friendly practices, improve working conditions and promote diversification of production. The grant aid covers all areas of the horticultural industry; field vegetables, mushrooms, protected crops, nursery crops, soft fruit/apples, cut foliage, Christmas trees, bulbs and bee-keeping.
The re-opening of this scheme was targeted towards the soft fruit and amenity plant sectors in particular and approvals will be limited to growers that are proposing investments in response to damage caused by Storm Emma. This targeted measure gives these growers a window of opportunity to apply for grant aid to assist their business to recover from the effects of the storm.
The closing date for applications under the targeted re-opening of the Scheme was Friday 27 April. A total 12 applications were received by the closing date and approvals will issue shortly to successful applicants.
Notwithstanding the challenge for those that do not plan to rebuild, the priority following the storm was to restore the means of production. Accordingly, grant aid was made available only for works associated with construction or investment in replacement equipment. This has been provided for through the re-opening of the 2018 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector and there are no plans to facilitate a compensation scheme to facilitate the removal of broken glass.
450. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an agri-environment options scheme, AEOS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22105/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is a participant in the AEOS3 scheme. An inspection was carried out on 8 August 2016 and the participant was informed that there were non-compliances on each of the actions. A letter of findings issued on the 9 November 2016 advising the person named that the contract was rejected.
The person subsequently unsuccessfully requested a review by the Regional Inspector and also unsuccessfully appealed the decision to the Agricultural Appeals Office.
The inspection findings were subsequently updated by the inspector involved and a new letter of findings issued to the person named. A review of these findings has now been requested and is being considered by the Regional Inspector.
451. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a copy of the report on carrying capacity for Kilmakilloge Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process includes a period of statutory and general public consultation in respect of applications and licensing decisions are made following the fullest consideration of all aspects of each application including environmental, technical and public interest aspects.
In order to facilitate the aquaculture licensing process in Kilmakilloge Harbour my Department requested BIM to conduct a Carrying Capacity Study of the area. BIM has recently submitted to my Department a ‘Working Draft’ of the study report. This is not BIM’s final draft of the study report and it is expected that, in the normal way, further drafts will be generated in the course of ongoing communications and discussions with my Department.
Once the BIM report is finalised it will be included in documentation released to statutory consultees and the general public in accordance with the legislative provisions governing statutory and public consultation. Accordingly it would not be appropriate to release the information in question except in accordance with the requirements of legislation. This is to ensure fairness in procedures and allows for members of the public to have the same access and view the documentation in question at the same time during the public consultation phase.
In the meantime, as licence applications, including renewals, are under formal consideration by my Department as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
452. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the training and development and incidental expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22132/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the breakdown of the training and development and incidental expenses in respect of my Department for 2017 is as follows:
Training Costs: €1,065,633
This figure includes the cost of providing training to staff in the categories set out in the Table.
|
Training Type |
2017 - Cost € |
|
Academic Fees* |
280,839 |
|
Health & Safety Training |
38,022 |
|
IT Training (Specialist) |
346,353 |
|
Soft Skills/General Training |
320,263 |
|
Specialist/Technical Training |
80,156 |
|
Total Cost |
1,065,633 |
Costs incidental to training such as room hire and the purchase of refreshments such as tea and coffee are also included in the figures.
* The Funding of Academic Fees programme involves the provision of funding for staff to pursue academic courses relevant to their employment in the Civil Service.
453. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the travel and subsistence expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22148/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General conducts an annual audit of expenditure incurred by Government Departments as part of its Standard Appropriation Account Audit Programme. I can confirm that the audit of the Appropriation Account in respect of my Department is currently underway and once it has been completed, all expenditure items including travel and subsistence expenses will be published.
The breakdown of the travel and subsistence expenses (provisional figures) incurred by my Department in the year ending 31 December 2017 is outlined in the following table.
|
|
2017 Outturn (€000) |
|
(i) Home travel (ii) General Disease Control (iii) Foreign travel: (a) EU (b) Other |
4,658 2,270 495 339
|
|
TOTAL |
7,762 |
454. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consultancy services, value for money and policy review expenses incurred by his Department in the year ending 31 December 2017. [22164/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested in relation to details of consultancy services for 2017 is outlined in the following table.
My Department seeks to minimise the use of consultants and only engages consultancy companies when particular additional expertise is required for delivery of the services which support the business processes of the Department. Such services are used in areas where the Department does not have the necessary expertise or internal capacity to deliver the services and where it would not make practical, operational or economic sense to build up this capability within the Department. All contracts are negotiated with a view to achieving best value for money.
In relation to Value for Money (VFM) and Policy Reviews, my Department’s programmes are both carried out internally and did not incur any expenditure on consultancy in 2017.
Year 2017
|
Name of Consultancy company awarded contract |
Cost of Contract - € |
|
Mazars |
62,638 |
|
Keystone Procurement |
11,600 |
|
Indecon (Ireland) |
56,878 |
|
Aztec Management Consultants |
4,920 |
|
CMSE Ltd. |
984 |
|
RSK ADAS Ltd. (formerly ADAS UK Ltd.) |
321,988 |
|
Aztec Management Consultants |
4,920 |
|
Crowley’s DFK |
2,399 |
|
Colin Birkinshaw |
3,518 |
|
Danish Forestry Extension |
27,300 |
|
Drima |
51,144 |
|
Forest Environmental Research & Services Ltd. |
108,256 |
|
Henry Philips |
12,016 |
|
Flynn, Furney Environmental Consultants Ltd. |
26,682 |
|
IFER Monitoring and Mapping Solutions Ltd. |
36,132 |
|
RPS Australia West |
2,497 |
|
Silvalytics |
2,214 |
|
RPS Ireland Ltd. |
1,353 |
|
Danu Environmental (t/a Hydro-Environmental Services) |
2,161 |
|
Indecon International Consultants (continuation of 2016 contract) |
31,062 |
|
Aqua Fact Int. Services Ltd. |
36,900 |
|
Corrosion Prevention Ltd. |
4,360 |
|
Digital Land Surveyors Ltd. |
738 |
|
CST Group |
36,325 |
|
Corrosion Solutions & I.S Ltd. |
738 |
|
WYG Engineering (NI) Ltd. |
38,309 |
|
RPS |
190,659 |
|
Orica BQS Ltd. |
3,444 |
|
Geomara Ltd. |
4,743 |
|
Gavin & Doherty Solutions |
19,096 |
|
Doran Consulting Ltd. |
317,489 |
|
Landmark Geomatics |
2,829 |
|
C & A O'Connell |
4,428 |
|
M B A Planning |
6,298 |
|
G & L Consultancy Ltd. |
695 |
|
Fontus Environmental Solution |
5,000 |
|
Cronin Millar Consulting Engineers |
160,965 |
|
Mott McDonald |
52,671 |
|
Archaeological Diving |
12,227 |
|
Tadhg O’Keeffe |
74,229 |
|
Malachy Walsh |
63,623 |
|
JJ Campbell/Frontier |
7,826 |
|
Hydrographic Surveys |
3,326 |
|
SAL Laboratories/Concept |
2,018 |
|
Walsh Goodfellow |
3,813 |
|
Neat Design |
5,068 |
|
J&N Security |
6,704 |
|
MDK Analytical |
1,919 |
|
Ryan Hanley |
80,163 |
|
Micheal Williams Architect (Kane Williams) |
178,228 |
|
Remco |
33,496 |
|
Nicholas O’Dwyer |
96,586 |
|
Michael Barrett Partnership |
52,699 |
|
Malone O’Regan |
104,350 |
|
Dr Kenneth F Whelan |
13,600 |
|
Mary Moylan |
8,804 |
|
Lorcán Ó Cinnéide |
18,617 |
|
Mallon Technology Ltd. |
35,833 |
|
NTA Monitor Ltd. |
35,720 |
|
Accenture |
197,430 |
|
The Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
No Payment made to date |
|
Merc Consultants, Loughaunbeg, Inverin, Co Galway |
10,660 |
|
Institute of Public Administration |
2,185 |
|
Carraig Consultants Ltd. |
950 |
|
Smith Carter USA LLC (via OPW) |
43,800 |
|
Currie & Brown (via OPW) |
19,728 |
|
Total No of Consultants = 66 |
2,769,951 |
455. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22191/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was party to two applications to transfer entitlements in 2015, as a transferee. My Department has issued a notification to the parties concerned outlining that the applications to transfer these entitlements were deemed unsuccessful.
456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22238/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis person is fully up to date with all payments under the GLAS scheme. This includes the 15% balancing payment which issued as part of the first batch of the 2017 balancing payments to issue under the scheme last week.
457. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an additional green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment will issue to person (details provided) for lands that are located in a chough area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22268/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017 and has received the 85% advance payment in respect of 2017.
As the required Nutrient Management Plan and Commonage Management Plan have not been submitted this participant is not eligible for further payments. Both the participant and their advisor have been advised of the requirement to submit both plans immediately to ensure further payments and indeed participation in the scheme.
The Chough action was not listed on this application at the time of its submission and it is not possible to add additional actions at this stage.
458. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing a payment to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in respect of the basic payment scheme 2015 to 2017 payment and an areas of natural constraint, ANC, payment for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the Basic Payment Scheme, an application to transfer entitlements by way of inheritance was received from the person named. This is a complex case and my Department is currently working towards finalisation. My Department will contact the person named directly, with an update on the transfer of entitlements, allocation right and reference value, in the near future.
An application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme was received from the person named on 22 May 2015. Under 2015 ANC Scheme, all eligible applicants were required to meet minimum stocking density requirements on their holding. Stocking density could be satisfied by cattle, sheep, goats, deer and equines. Payment under the ANC scheme 2015 has not issued in this case as the holding concerned failed to satisfy these minimum stocking density requirements.
459. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a person (details supplied) can be re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for participation in the Sheep Welfare Scheme from this herd owner has not been received by my Department to date. An official from my Department will contact the herd owner directly to discuss the matter.
