Lisa Chambers
Ceist:148. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is looking for a biosimilar drug to treat SMA instead of reimbursing Spinraza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9979/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (148)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (149)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:149. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for an appointment with the pain management clinic in University Hospital Galway; the average waiting time in this regard; the steps he will take to reduce these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Improving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government.
I hope to publish the joint Department of Health, HSE and NTPF Scheduled Care Access Plan 2019 shortly. This will ensure an appropriate balance between high volume activities and offering treatment to complex long waiting patients.
This Plan for inpatients/day case (IPDC) and outpatients will set out the activity targets for the HSE in line with the National Service Plan, as well as those for the NTPF taking account of their increased funding totalling €75 million in 2019, to provide treatment for patients. I would strongly encourage all hospitals, including Galway University Hospital, to collaborate with the NTPF to identify waiting list initiatives.
The NTPF has advised that pain management clinics are listed under a variety of procedure codes throughout the Irish hospital system. In this context, the outpatient appointments for pain clinics at Galway University Hospital (GUH) are listed under ‘anaesthetics’ rather than ‘pain clinic’.
Waiting list figures show there are 1,266 patients on the Outpatient Waiting List for Anaesthetics, however it is important to note that this data does not differentiate pain clinic patients from other patients on that waiting list.
The number of patients on the IPDC Pain Relief waiting list in Galway University Hospital, and average waiting time is outlined below.
Total waiters and average wait time for Pain Relief in GUH - IPDC
|
Specialty |
Total |
Average wait time (Days) |
|
Pain Relief |
898 |
246 |
National Children's Hospital Expenditure
Ceisteanna (150)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 20 February 2019, the information that was being shared by this office with his Department regarding the national children’s hospital; the dates on which his Department was contacted by persons from this office regarding the national children’s hospital; if his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 20 February 2019 will be clarified, on the basis of the reply of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9985/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As per my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 20 February 2019, the position is that the Secretary General of my Department arranged a discussion with the individual concerned, in his capacity as a Board member of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, on 18 October 2018, relating to the completion of the Guaranteed Maximum Price process for the National Children's Hospital, which was underway. This information was provided in the reply to the Deputy's recent question in the interest of completeness. However, the discussion as set out in the reply was at the initiation of the Secretary General. The Secretary General had already received briefing and correspondence from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board on the process underway to finalise the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the project. In this context, he was interested in getting the perspective of the individual concerned as a member of the Board and arranged the discussion for this purpose.
Health Reports
Ceisteanna (151)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:151. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of the detailed action plan for 2019 for the implementation of Sláintecare; when the plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9986/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In September 2018, the Executive Director of the Sláintecare Programme Office commenced refining the Implementation Strategy into a detailed Action Plan for 2019. I can confirm that the Action Plan 2019 has been developed and, following the finalisation of the HSE's National Service Plan, Project Teams are now being established to drive delivery. The Action Plan will be published shortly.
The Sláintecare Programme Office is committed to transparency at all stages of the implementation of Sláintecare. The Programme Office will publish rolling plans annually and progress reports will be published on a biannual basis.
National Maternity Hospital
Ceisteanna (152)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:152. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the discussions regarding the governance and ownership of the new national maternity hospital; when the discussions will conclude; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9987/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A significant amount of work has been undertaken to develop a legal framework to protect the State’s significant investment in the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) relocation project, which involves the development of a new maternity hospital on the campus of St Vincent’s University Hospital at Elm Park.
The overall framework now being put in place will, unequivocally, copper-fasten the principle that patient care in the new hospital will be delivered without religious, ethnic or other distinction, and that any relevant medical procedure, which is in accordance with the laws of the land, will be carried out at the new hospital.
My Department continues to engage with both the National Maternity Hospital and St Vincent’s Healthcare Group in relation to this legal framework. Work to finalise the suite of legal documents is ongoing and is expected to be completed early this year.
Fish Quotas
Ceisteanna (153)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:153. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has a policy to ensure that islanders have priority access to the seas around their islands for fishing purposes; his plans to make a special fishing quota available to island residents at a low cost in view of the fact that when quotas were introduced a lot of islanders had a small catch record due to the fact that on many of these islands there were no safe harbours for trawlers and all fishing was done out of currachs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9771/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is long-standing Government policy that Ireland’s fish quotas are a national asset and there is no charge applied to the allocation of quotas. Ireland’s fish quota management system is designed to ensure the best possible spread both between fishing vessel operators and in terms of take up of quota throughout the year having regard to fishing patterns and market conditions. Many of the key inshore stocks on which the smaller fishing vessels rely are not limited by quota arrangements, for instance lobster which with crab are the mainstay for many small boats. Crab is subject to fishing effort limits (days at sea) set at EU level.
Quotas are managed based on the Minister's policy. Whitefish quotas are generally managed on a monthly basis and is not based on catch record. The Minister sets down catch limits for each quota stock following monthly consultation with the Quota Management Advisory Committee involving fishing industry representatives, including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum. The monthly catch limits applicable to whitefish stocks are dependent on the overall length of the vessel (the catch limit of a vessel which is over 55 feet (16.764m) in length overall, is double that of a vessel which is under 55 feet (16.764m) overall).
There are a number of pelagic stocks which are managed on the basis of the Minister’s policy for each stock. The policy for each stock was developed based on divergent criteria taking account of specific circumstances. There are a number of opportunities for vessels to target pelagic stocks which are open only to smaller fishing vessels and not based on catch record. For example, a boat of less than 18m overall length without a mackerel authorisation may avail of the catch limits for mackerel set down in the monthly Fisheries Management Notice for mackerel. The monthly catch limit is recommended by the Quota Management Advisory Committee and is usually set at 5 tonnes. A boat of less than 15m overall length fishing for mackerel by means of hooks and lines may without a mackerel authorisation, land up to 500kg of mackerel on any occasion.
Another example is herring stocks in the Celtic Sea. 11% of the national quota for Celtic Sea Herring is set aside for an open fishery. The fishery is open to boats <17m in length overall, with fishing confined to the "Dunmore Box" in the south east. This fishery usually operates from November to the end of the year. Interested boats are required to book in to the fishery in order to receive and authorisation and thereafter on weekly basis to receive a quota catch limit.
In the case of Horse Mackerel, 100t was set aside in 2018 for boats less than 12m to operate a fishery from June to the end of September. This will continue to operate in 2019.
Wildlife Control
Ceisteanna (154, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:154. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria used for the letting of hunting licences for wild deer on Coillte-owned forestry and land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9772/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:164. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that the wild deer population of Ireland has dramatically increased and that they are causing devastating damage to farmland, crops and causing a dangerous hazard on rural and national roads particularly in areas of County Tipperary; the status of the Irish Deer Management Forum; when a chairperson will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9882/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:165. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider establishing with local stakeholders, including farmers and local gun clubs county management committees to implement policies and best practice to deal with the issue of deer management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9884/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:166. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine issues affecting sustainable management of wild deer, having regard for human economic interest and farmers in addition to the best interests of deer; if, arising from such examination, he will formulate recommendations to the relevant Departments charged with responsibility for wildlife, agriculture and forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9886/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:167. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if culling will be introduced according to best practice guidelines adopted internationally and carried out by licensed hunters and local gun club members that are themselves certified as competent in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9888/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:168. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing measures such as a grant scheme for farmers to erect suitable fencing to protect crops and grassland that is continuously invaded and damaged by wild deer; his views on whether in certain areas, including County Tipperary, the wild deer population is at epidemic levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9890/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:169. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte has a deer management plan in place; if not, if one will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9891/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 164 to 169, inclusive, together.
Over the last decade, available evidence suggests that the geographic distribution of all species of deer has increased, but neither the precise distribution nor the population density of these species is currently known. Deer appear to be a localised issue in many areas. In this context, there is a significant challenge in attempting to ensure that the demands of agriculture, forestry and conservation co-exist and that deer populations are managed at sustainable levels, and in a responsible and ethical manner.
In 2015 my Department, together with the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action , which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are abundant. The Irish Deer Management Forum was established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments. The Report provides for a review of the workings of the Irish Deer Management Forum after three years. Both my Department and the Department of Culture Heritage and Gaeltacht are currently examining the future direction of the Forum and its aims in the context of representation on the Forum, agreed work plans and funding mechanisms.
Adoption of best practice is fully supported by both Departments and the majority of deer management stakeholders. Best practice guidance, adapted to Irish Conditions was published by the Irish Deer management Forum during 2018 and can be accessed via www.idmf.ie.
A number of initiatives have been carried out in Co. Wicklow with a view to defining locally-led approaches to cooperative deer management. My Department is currently supporting a project led by the Wicklow Deer Management Partnership and Wicklow Uplands Forum, aimed at improving cooperation between landowners and local hunters. This project builds on previous experience in Wicklow through projects such as the Ballinastoe Deer Management Project, the Calary Deer Steering Group and the Calary/North–East Wicklow Deer TB survey. These projects provide a good example for other local groups to follow, in areas affected by deer-related issues.
The Manor Kilbride Deer Management Group in West Wicklow has also produced very useful and practical code of practice for landowners, to guide successful deer management implementation on farmland, and to formalise agreements between landowners and hunters.
Through the Irish Deer Management Forum, Teagasc and a number of other stakeholders have agreed to examine methodologies for to measure the impact of deer in agriculture, and to improve awareness of deer issues and mitigation options among farmers.
My Department introduced a Deer Fencing and Tree Shelter Scheme to protect forests from predation by deer in 2018 as deer can cause serious damage to trees, particularly in native woodlands. Additionally, my Department has also engaged with the Society of Irish Foresters, Teagasc and Third Level Institutes in the delivery of deer management training to professional Foresters and Contractors.
Deer Hunter Licencing and Competence are matters for the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht and the representative bodies, clubs and associations for licenced hunters within the State.
The management of the Coillte forest estate is a matter for, and the responsibility of, the company as a commercial State Body. The questions in relation to same have therefore been referred to Coillte for direct response to the Deputy within 10 days.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (155)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:155. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when GLAS payments for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9836/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payments in respect of scheme years 2016 and 2017.
An issue arose in relation to the request by the applicant for a transfer of the GLAS contract which has delayed the 2018 Advance payment. The associated BPS application is now under a herd number and not under the partnership number as previously. Department officials are aware of this change and are actively working to complete the required change of client for this applicant.
Once this case clears validations the 2018 advance payment will be made. GLAS 2018 advance payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
GLAS Applications
Ceisteanna (156)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:156. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application by a person (details supplied) under the GLAS scheme will be considered. [9839/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 3 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2017 and has received the 2017 Advance payment including GLAS plus.
The participant was selected for an inspection and has requested a review of the inspection findings. The Department received this review request on 7 February 2019 and the case is currently being reviewed.
The participant will be notified in writing of the outcome once the review is completed.
Meat Processing Plants
Ceisteanna (157)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:157. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 19 February 2019, the locations these UK origin cows were slaughtered; the number of days these cows were resident in Irish herds before they were sent to slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9870/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to the answer given in Parliamentary Question No. 489 of 19th February 2019.
The statistics were extracted from the Department's Animal Identification Movement (AIM) database. On the Department's Animal Identification Movement (AIM) database the origin of an animal is based on the location of the particular herd it is born into.
With regard to animals imported directly from the UK for slaughter purposes in Ireland, the export location will be listed as the last animal movement outside the jurisdiction on the Department’s AIM database. The AIM database does not record animal movement histories before this point.
Animals moved for such purposes will move directly from the given import location in Ireland to the approved slaughter facility, and consequently do not spend any time in residence on Irish farms.
Table: UK Tagged animals by location of slaughter facility
|
Province |
2017 |
2018 |
|
ULSTER |
143 |
435 |
|
MUNSTER |
86 |
517 |
|
LEINSTER |
6393 |
4469 |
|
CONNAUGHT |
563 |
699 |
TB Eradication Scheme
Ceisteanna (158)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:158. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason representatives from a group (details supplied) were refused admission to the 2030 TB stakeholder forum; if they will be admitted to future stakeholder meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9871/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The TB Forum was established mid 2018 and has held a number of meetings. As the work of the Forum is nearing completion I do not envisage adding to the membership of this Forum.
Fallen Animal Collection Scheme
Ceisteanna (159)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:159. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to removing or amending the maximum travel distance of 125 km on offal in view of the fact that other toxic and chemical waste can be transported to mainland Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9872/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme is an integral part of the infrastructure underpinning Ireland’s successful livestock and meat processing industries, which have an estimated combined export value of €3 billion annually. The Scheme ensures primarily that fallen bovine animals over 48 months, which must be BSE-tested in accordance with EU legislation, are disposed of in compliance with all animal and public health and environmental regulations.
An operator is free to dispose of animals not eligible under the Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme to a licensed plant of his choice and the arrangements made are a commercial matter between them.
A review of the Fallen Animal TSE Subsidy Scheme was undertaken in 2013, in consultation with stakeholders. This review took into account a number of factors, including budgetary considerations, TSE testing requirements, Animal By-Product (ABP) regulations, the need to maintain competition and the need for an adequate collection and disposal infrastructure. The importance of having adequate rendering capacity especially in the event of a serious (Class A) disease outbreak was given high priority in the review of the Scheme.
A number of changes were introduced to the collection of fallen animals in 2013. Those included enhanced compliance provisions and putting limits on the distance material can be transported while maintaining a competitive aspect to the market.
Under the terms of the scheme the haulage distance for material to which the scheme applies from the intermediate plant (knackery) to rendering plant shall not exceed 125kms radius unless with the prior approval of my Department. The scheme also provides that, where there are not two or more rendering premises inside 125kms radius from the intermediate plant, then delivery is permitted to either of the two nearest rendering premises as measured by road.
The transport of other hazardous toxic or chemical waste is not supported under this scheme.
Livestock Issues
Ceisteanna (160)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:160. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he is apparently complicit in a private arrangement between organisations (details supplied) regarding the four-movement rule by allowing Department-funded electronic boards in marts to display information which could devalue animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9873/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Livestock marts play a critical role in the trade of animals in Ireland and it is essential that purchasers have the most up to date information to inform their buying decisions.
In May 2016 I launched the Mart Modernisation Grant Scheme which provided €300,000 in funding for new ringside display screens at marts to view the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) star ratings for beef breeding stock. The scheme was introduced to assist farmers in the purchase of breeding stock for participation in the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) to ensure compliance with the 4 & 5 star breeding requirements of the Programme.
The development of the 4-movement rule is a commercial matter in which neither I nor my Department have any role. However, I understand that the display of this type of information predates the introduction of this scheme in 2016.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (161)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:161. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there was legislation put in place to govern for the 16-month rule and 30-month rule on the QPS system; if they can be removed or altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9874/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Quality Payment System (QPS) introducing differentiated payments in respect of certain grades of cattle at slaughter plants was introduced in 2009 by agreement between Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
My understanding is that any additional bonus payments and the conditions attached to qualification for such bonus payments are determined by processors and their retail customers. Such conditions may include age limits. These are commercial arrangements and my Department has no role in their establishment.
Meat Processing Plant Inspections
Ceisteanna (162)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:162. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 184 and 185 of 20 February 2019, if the daily system check carried out at the start of each day in meat plants is overseen or carried out by Department officials; when a mechanical grading machine is found to be working out of sync following an inspection, the number of carcasses graded earlier that day by that machine that are rechecked manually, not in real time, to determine the accuracy of the grade and to pinpoint the stage at which the mechanical machine fell out of sync; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1184 of 20 April 2017 governs the monitoring of carcase classification, carcase presentation and weighing.
The overall performance of a machine is determined by officials from my Department. All carcasses are checked normally in real time on the slaughter line or on occasion in the chilling rooms to determine machine score. There is no mechanism to permit an officer to pinpoint exactly when the machine went out of tolerance.
The daily system check carried out at the start of each day in meat plants is carried out by the plants as part of their standard operating procedures and is not overseen by staff from my Department.
The number of Department inspections conducted annually significantly exceeds the legal requirement for the minimum number of inspections set down in EU legislation. In 2018, my Department conducted almost 550 inspections. This is an average of 20 inspections per factory per year, which significantly exceeds the legal minimum requirement of 8 inspections per year. At each inspection an average of 85 carcasses were inspected for correct classification and carcase presentation. The legal requirement is 40 carcasses per inspection.
Beef Exports
Ceisteanna (163)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:163. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he, with Irish meat plants, requested access to the Chinese market for bone-in beef; if not, the reasoning behind this decision; his plans to submit a request in view of the danger posed to Irish beef exports by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9877/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Market development including new market access is a key theme of the Food Wise strategy, and a fundamental response to the challenges posed by Brexit. Progress and prioritisation of my Department's market access work is made in full consultation with industry, including implementation of the Department's market access action plan, launched in April 2017.
My officials continue to liaise with their Chinese counterparts on a range of issues, including approval for additional plants under current beef access; and expanding beef access to include bone-in-beef. Progressing access for sheepmeat to the Chinese market will also be a priority for 2019.
Questions Nos. 164 to 169, inclusive, answered with Question No. 154.