Paul Kehoe
Ceist:149. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the way in which a person can access information (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7375/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (149)
Freagraí scríofa
Clinicians in all specialties engage regularly with family members about the treatment of patients in their care. In the case of patients in psychiatric facilities, the Mental Health Commission encourage the active involvement, from admission to discharge, of a resident and his/her family/carer or chosen advocate, where appropriate including the provision of adequate information.
In addition, the Expert Group Review of the Mental Health Act 2001 in its 2015 Report recommended that there should be greater ‘proactive encouragement for the patient at all stages to involve his/her family/carer and/or chosen advocate in the admission process and in the development of the care and treatment plan.
However, it is important to point out that clinicians can only discuss details of a patient’s condition and treatment with family members where the patient has specifically consented to the sharing of such information.
Where consent is concerned, psychiatric care is treated no differently to any other medical speciality. Whatever condition a patient suffers from, it is entirely a matter for the patient as to what his/her Doctor can disclose to family members. The safeguarding of patient confidentiality is a fundamental principle of medical ethics which dates back to the Hippocratic Oath. Confidentiality is both a patient’s right and a doctor’s duty.
Having said that, notwithstanding the fact that Doctors have a responsibility to protect their patient, there are circumstances where it may be necessary to disclose information about a patient where they are at serious risk of harm to themselves or others and this includes, for example, where a child or elderly person is at risk of violence or abuse. Medical Council guidelines specifically allow for this to happen and that course of action has always been available to Doctors.
In the case outlined by the Deputy, the person in question can ask the treating clinician if the patient has refused consent to share treatment. If still dissatisfied with the clinician’s answer, the person can raise the matter with the hospital manager or the complaints officer in the hospital.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (150)
Robert Troy
Ceist:150. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [7378/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Afforestation Programme
Ceisteanna (151)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:151. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the rate of premium payments for afforestation to ensure that full-time farmers receive a higher rate of payment than persons who are not dependent on farming for an income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7158/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current Forestry Programme (2014-2020) commenced in 2015 and offers an ambitious and attractive set of forestry measures aimed at increasing timber production and continuing to provide up to 12,000 jobs in the forestry sector while at the same time improving the quality of the natural environment. The afforestation scheme offers a fixed grant towards the costs, subject to the maximum laid down in the scheme’s terms and conditions. In addition, annual premiums are payable to new forests which qualify for an afforestation grant for a maximum period of 15 years.
There is no distinction between the rate paid to farmers, whether full or part-time, and non-farmers under the Programme as the aim is to make the afforestation scheme accessible to all landowners. It should be noted that the category of non-farmer includes those with an association with farming such as retired farmers, sons and daughters of farmers or other relatives who have inherited land and wish to retain their connection with the land. For this reason, I am satisfied that the bulk of forestry payments are paid to and remain in rural Ireland.
Consultancy Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (152, 153)
Clare Daly
Ceist:152. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of reports commissioned from firms (details supplied) in 2018; the firm that completed each report; and the cost of each report. [7170/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:153. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of consultants from firms (details supplied) contracted to perform work in 2018; and the amount spent on consultants from each firm. [7187/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that during 2018, my Department commissioned Deloitte to complete one feasibility study at a cost of €25,805 and Ernst & Young to complete the annual account for the EU Paying Agency, which is a requirement of EU law, at a cost of €516,000, of which €257,633 was paid in 2018.
My Department did not contract any individual consultants from the firms named.
Brexit Supports
Ceisteanna (154)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he will present to the European Commission in regard to the need to introduce a package of market supports and direct aid for farmers in view of the difficulties arising from poor prices for livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7206/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The agri-food sector is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and its regional spread means it underpins the socio-economic development of rural areas in particular. Brexit depending on the outcome has the potential to have a very significant impact on farmers and on the agri-food sector.
There are on-going discussions with the Commission regarding the difficulties facing Ireland, and the assistance that might be required for its agriculture food and fishery sectors.
I and my officials have been working very hard for quite some time to sensitise other Member States and the European Commission to the potentially very severe impacts of Brexit on the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors, and to the likelihood of specific supports being required in order to deal with these impacts. The institutions of the European Union are very well aware of the likelihood of a significant impact of a disorderly Brexit on Ireland’s economy because this has been part of the discussion from the beginning, and indeed this is explicitly recognised in the Commission’s own communication on contingency planning.
Most recently, I held a bilateral meeting with Commissioner Hogan to discuss the potential impact of a disorderly Brexit on the Irish agri-food and fisheries sectors. We discussed the unique exposure of these sectors to the threat of a disorderly Brexit, and the challenges that it could present. I stressed the need to be ready to deploy a range of measures to mitigate the potential impacts on farmers and processors, including through traditional market supports and exceptional aid under the CAP's Single Common Market Organisation regulation, and increased flexibility under State Aid regulations. Commissioner Hogan reiterated the EU’s readiness to respond and support Ireland, and we will remain in contact on these issues as the situation evolves.
Live Exports
Ceisteanna (155)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:155. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the additional measures he plans to introduce to enable growth in the live export trade in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7207/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Live exports are a critical part of the infrastructure of our livestock industry. They play a significant role in stimulating price competition and provide an alternative market outlet for farmers. My Department facilitates this trade, recognising its critical importance to the agri sector, while ensuring that live animal exports meet the highest welfare standards.
In 2017, I reduced the veterinary inspection fee payable on live exports of calves under 3 months of age from €4.80 to €1.20 – this has brought greater equity to the inspection fee regime.
In 2018, live exports of cattle increased by over 30% to 246,000 head compared to the previous year. This change was driven by an increase in exports to other EU countries – particularly calf exports. This growth trend has increased into 2019, with live exports totalling 5,000 in the first four weeks of the year – a 25% increase on the same period in 2018.
The live export market to third countries slowed in 2018 - in large part due to fluctuations in the Turkish Lira. The current restrictions in Turkey seek to reduce the pressure in its own domestic market. My Department will continue to engage with the Turkish authorities in an effort to see the resumption of live cattle trade at the earliest possible opportunity.
New health certificates for the export of cattle to Libya were agreed in November 2018, which increase the range of cattle that can be exported there. My Department is also engaging with the Egyptian authorities to secure the finalisation of agreement on three proposed health certs for the export of fattening, slaughter and breeding cattle. In January of this year, my Department reached agreement with Qatar on a health cert for the export of sheep for slaughter. I have extended an invitation to my Algerian counterpart to visit Ireland in early 2019. This follows earlier contact with Algeria, to try and reach agreement on revised and separate slaughter, fattening and breeding certs.
Despite these many positive developments for live export markets, I am also well aware of the challenges faced by the sector, including transport capacity and lairage capacity at Cherbourg. My Department officials visited Cherbourg in September last year to discuss the capacity issue with French officials and local lairage owners. My officials continue to meet with ferry companies to explore new routes to continental Europe or the potential for carrying livestock on existing routes, and to ensure that the greatest facilitation possible is afforded to livestock exporters in the important Spring period. The pending approval of a new ferry will contribute to addressing capacity issues.
In 2019 my Department will continue to facilitate growth in live exports, seeking out new markets and facilitating trade by reaching agreement on health certification.
Trade Agreements
Ceisteanna (156)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he will present to the EU agriculture Commissioner and the EU trade Commissioner regarding the need to protect farming interests here in negotiations concerning a proposed Mercosur trade deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7208/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
From an Irish perspective, we have been very consistent in urging caution in the EU's approach to the Mercosur negotiations, which present a very particular threat to the Irish and European beef sectors in particular.
Our position has been reiterated many times, for example by myself and by my colleague, Minister Andrew Doyle, at Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings, and by other Ministers in the relevant EU Trade policy fora. It has also been done through direct contacts with Commissioners Hogan and Malmstroem, and by the Taoiseach at European Council and through his own direct contacts, including with Commission President Jean Claude Juncker and French President Emmanuel Macron. I have also been working closely with Member State colleagues in this regard, and have remained in close contact with Commissioner Hogan on the matter.
With the latest round of negotiations now scheduled for 11-15 March 2019, I and my Department will continue to remain in close contact with the European Commission and with Member State colleagues, in order to reinforce Ireland's concerns.
In an overall sense there is undoubtedly 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. I also continue to stress that 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.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (157, 158)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:157. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas a paper on the application of genomics in the beef data and genomics programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7280/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDenis Naughten
Ceist:158. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an organisation (details supplied) is using the base year 2014 for improvements associated with the beef data and genomics programme; his views on whether it is appropriate to use it as the base year in view of the fact that the data for that year was skewed as a result of the fodder crisis in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7281/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is currently the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which provides Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) period. This scheme is an agri-environmental measure to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd by increasing genetic merit within the herd.
I recently launched the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP), a €20 million pilot scheme specifically aimed at further improving the carbon efficiency of beef production from the suckler herd, by measuring the weaning efficiency of suckler cows and calves.
The base year of 2014 was chosen for the BDGP as it coincides with the beginning of the programme. The potential impact of externalities, including the fodder issue stated, is factored into analysis of the data for decision making.
An evaluation of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme is currently on-going and the report will be published in due course.
My Department is pursuing a policy of ensuring that supports to the beef sector explicitly support and encourage suckler farmers to make the best decisions possible to improve both the economic and environmental efficiency of their farming system.
Beef Industry
Ceisteanna (159, 160, 161)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:159. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the national average beef calving statistic for calving intervals in each of the years 2008 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7283/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDenis Naughten
Ceist:160. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the national average beef calves per cow statistic in each of the years 2008 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7284/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDenis Naughten
Ceist:161. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average national carcase weight and confirmation scores for beef on beef in each of the years 2008 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7285/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 to 161, inclusive, together.
Information on the national carcass weight and conformation scores for beef is available here:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/beef/annualreports/.
The 2018 report is due to be published in the coming days and hard copies of the relevant reports from 2008 - 2018 will be sent to the Deputy's office when the 2018 data are available.
Statistics on calving interval and calves/cow/year for the national beef herd do not form a part of DAFM's standard reporting. These data will be compiled from the AIM system and forwarded to the deputy as soon as they are available.
My Department is pursuing a policy of ensuring that supports to the beef sector explicitly support and encourage suckler farmers to make the best decisions possible to improve both the economic and environmental efficiency of their farming system.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is currently the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which provides Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme (RDP) period. This scheme is an agri-environmental measure to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd by increasing genetic merit within the herd.
I recently launched the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP), a €20 million pilot scheme specifically aimed at further improving the carbon efficiency of beef production from the suckler herd, by measuring the weaning efficiency of suckler cows and calves.
Telecommunications Services Provision
Ceisteanna (162)
John Brassil
Ceist:162. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address the perceived poor to non-existent phone coverage and broadband service in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7163/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Providing telecommunications services, including mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services and make specific investments in particular locations.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce a report in December 2016, available on my Department’s website, which contained 40 actions to alleviate some of the coverage deficits across the country. An Implementation Group is overseeing the implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. The Implementation Group meets on a quarterly basis and publishes quarterly progress reports on the implementation status of actions.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Implementation Review 2017 published in February 2018, comprehensively outlines the progress made in 2017 on the actions identified by the Taskforce. Of the 40 actions, 29 had been completed, with work on the remaining 11 carrying into the 2018 Work Programme. Following close engagement with stakeholders at the inaugural National Stakeholder Forum 2017, an additional 23 new measures were identified for delivery in 2018.
The outcome of discussions at the second Annual National Stakeholder Forum held in October 2018 informed preparation of the 2018 Annual Review report, which will be published shortly together with the 2019 Work Programme.
In terms of addressing mobile phone and broadband blackspots various other initiatives are underway:
- My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development have worked together to achieve a greater consensus around site selection for telecoms infrastructure and therefore improve mobile phone coverage.
- A focus group was established to provide guidance with respect to categories of location where high quality reliable mobile coverage should be made available as a priority. The report of the focus group was published on my Department’s website on 31 August 2018. It is anticipated that the output of the focus group should influence the actions of the mobile network operators in their work to reduce mobile phone blackspots. It will also inform future policy within the Department with regards to priorities for mobile phone services.
- A working group has been established with the remit of investigating the feasibility of developing standardised policy for accessing and utilising State and publicly-owned assets for the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure.
- ComReg is delivering a composite national coverage map, which will, in tandem with its work on handset testing and activities to raise consumer awareness, allow people across Ireland to optimise the services available to them.
- ComReg has developed a licensing scheme which will enable households and businesses to use mobile phone repeaters to boost signals into their premises and bring immediate improvements in mobile coverage.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for 5G rollout, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage. Mobile operators’ commercial investment has also resulted in improved services, following ComReg's 2012 multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.
All of these initiatives should help enhance the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas, including in County Kerry.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (163)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the provision of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7164/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP. This intervention is the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible and I will bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks.
I note that the Deputy is making reference to the deployment of infrastructure by eir. This is part of that company’s ongoing rural fibre roll out to some 300,000 premises.
eir’s investment in high speed broadband is an entirely commercial undertaking, and not part of the planned State Intervention network. Although the deployment is monitored under the terms of a Commitment Agreement signed between the company and my Department, it is not funded by the State and it is not planned, designed or directed by my Department in any capacity.
The selection of what premises are to be served under eir’s deployment is a commercial decision for that company. My Department has no statutory authority or function to intervene in the company’s commercial decisions, nor in any decisions relating to the roll out and siting of infrastructure throughout Ireland by service providers operating in a liberalised market.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements.
Nuclear Waste
Ceisteanna (164, 165, 175)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:164. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Government is reportedly investigating the possibility of installing a radioactive waste facility in Newry, County Down, and the surrounding area of the Mourne Mountains; the steps he is taking to prevent same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7167/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas P. Broughan
Ceist:165. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Government is reportedly investigating the possibility of installing a radioactive waste facility at sites (details supplied) in Northern Ireland; the steps he is taking to prevent same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7168/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:175. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the reports that Newry has been earmarked as one of a number sites that is being considered for the disposal of nuclear waste as outlined in the British Government White Paper; the consultation that has taken place between local authorities in Northern Ireland and County Louth on the matter; if consultation has taken place with the British Government in respect of the proposal; the steps he will take to ensure this will not take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7307/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 165 and 175 together.
I refer to the reply to questions 563, 578 and 585 on February 12th 2019.
The position is unchanged.