Peter Burke
Ceist:307. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of the transfer of a person (details supplied). [41056/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraNursing Staff
Ceisteanna (307)
Freagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Hospital Consultant Data
Ceisteanna (308)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:308. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant consultant positions, temporary and full time in Galway University Hospital; when such positions will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41058/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Data
Ceisteanna (309)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:309. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme at the end of September 2019; the average wait time; the length of time waiting by local health area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41059/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (310)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:310. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the refurbishment works at Kanturk Community Hospital, Kanturk, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41072/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive recently published its Capital Plan for 2019-2021. The plan includes capital funding for the Community Nursing Unit programme and also sets out the current status of all projects within the programme, including the refurbishment and extension of Kanturk Community Hospital, County Cork.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects and has advised that the project is currently at design stage. The planning application for the extension to Kanturk Community Hospital was lodged with Cork County Council in August.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
HSE Reports
Ceisteanna (311)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:311. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the annual national sepsis report will be published as a matter of urgency; if not, the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41081/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE National Sepsis Programme carries out important work to support the implementation of the National Sepsis Clinical Guideline, by bringing a focus on sepsis awareness and the promotion of early recognition of sepsis.
As you are aware, the HSE National Sepsis Programme publishes a sepsis report every year and organises an annual “Sepsis Summit”, which brings together healthcare providers, patients and carers.
As the publication of the HSE National Sepsis Outcome report is a service matter your question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
HSE Reviews
Ceisteanna (312)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:312. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health the weighting percentages to be used as part of the upcoming HSE FreeStyle Libre review decision making process that will be given to criteria (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41086/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (313)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:313. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if the reimbursement dataset specifically will cover only current HSE funded users of the FreeStyle Libre device; if not, if the Health Technology Assessment review will compare total blood glucose strip usage spend year on year [41087/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (314)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:314. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when additional resources will be provided to reduce delays in providing assessments and follow-up services for children in counties Cavan and Monaghan under the assessment of needs requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41106/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
National Dementia Strategy
Ceisteanna (315)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:315. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a pre-budget 2020 submission made by an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the need to improve resources for dementia care will be given consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41108/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The implementation of the 2014 National Dementia Strategy is being led by the National Dementia Office in the HSE, which has made substantial progress in developing evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia. Actions are being implemented progressively as resources allow and Dormant Accounts funding is allowing a number of key projects to proceed. The HSE is working with key partners, including the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, to implement specific elements of the Strategy, including the Understand Together awareness campaign and the attendant community activation programme.
With regard to the specific pre-budget submission referred to by the Deputy, the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE in 2020, including services for dementia, will be considered as part of the National Service Planning process.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (316)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:316. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 807 of 6 September 2019, if he will request that the children’s health Ireland monthly update reports on scoliosis related surgeries and waiting lists will include the number of patients under 16 transitioned to MMUH for first OPD spinal review appointment; the number of patients from the surgery list of Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, Crumlin referred to MMUH; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41118/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated by officials in my Department, and will be provided to the Deputy directly as soon as it becomes available.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (317)
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:317. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health his plans to meet patient demand and reduce public eye care waiting lists which are growing year on year with waiting times of up to two years now standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Home Help Service Eligibility
Ceisteanna (318)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:318. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a service for a person (details supplied) will be re-instated. [41151/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Psychological Services
Ceisteanna (319)
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:319. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of child psychology services across all of north County Kildare; the vacant posts at locations and the timeline within which they are planned to be filled; if there are temporary leave absences and attendant plans to recruit a temporary replacement to fill such gaps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41152/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Animal Disease Controls
Ceisteanna (320)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:320. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine the possibility of vaccinating hares to protect them from the deadly RHD2 virus which has been detected in a number of counties. [40681/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the emergence of RHD2 virus in hares and my Department is currently engaging with relevant stakeholders to determine the most appropriate response to this disease.
Beef Industry
Ceisteanna (321, 322, 351, 352)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:321. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to implement the provision in the agriculture motion adopted by Dáil Éireann on 26 September 2019 to implement the recommendation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission of 28 May 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40780/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDenis Naughten
Ceist:322. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to implement the provision in the agriculture motion adopted by Dáil Éireann on 26 September 2019 to request the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission under section 10(4) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 to carry out a market study and analysis on the nature and scale of consumer and beef farmer issues in the beef market and make recommendations, as appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40781/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDenis Naughten
Ceist:351. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to implement the provision in the agriculture motion adopted by Dáil Éireann on 26 September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40779/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDenis Naughten
Ceist:352. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to implement the provision in the agriculture motion adopted by Dáil Éireann on 26 September 2019 to ensure that his Department convenes a cross-sector implementation group to establish a publicly owned and controlled national beef supply blockchain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40782/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321, 322, 351 and 352 together.
All of the issues raised by the Deputy will be examined in the context of the Beef Task Force which I have recently established to oversee the implementation of the beef sector agreement which was reached on 15th September. This taskforce will be independently chaired by Michael Dowling and is comprised of representatives from my Department and relevant agencies, as well as key beef sector stakeholders. The Task Force will have its inaugural meeting next week.
In relation to specific issues raised which are already being progressed:
My Department, along with Bord Bia, has been working with the EU Commission to explore the implications and options to develop a PGI application for Irish grass fed beef, and will continue to do so.
EU Directive 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in business to business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain (UTP Directive) entered into force on 30 April 2019. EU Law requires that the Directive must be transposed into national law by 1 May 2021. An inter-departmental working group was established earlier this year made up of officials from my Department and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI). This working group is currently finalising a stakeholder consultation process which will invite submissions from interested parties on the transposition and enforcement of the UTP Directive.
As part of the Beef sector agreement of 15th September, the following Initiatives aimed at improving information along the supply chain will include the commissioning of:
- an independent review of market and customer requirements, specifically in relation to the four in-spec bonus criteria currently in operation in the Irish beef sector;
- an independent examination of the price composition of the total value of the animal, including the fifth quarter, along the supply chain; and
- a summary of competition law issues as relevant to the Irish beef sector.
Brexit Supports
Ceisteanna (323)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:323. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding for Brexit related initiatives available from his Department; the funding that has been drawn down to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40522/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table shows the funding and current state of play for Brexit related initiatives:
|
Title of Scheme |
Details |
Take up (as of 30 Sept. 2019) |
|
Agriculture Cash Flow Support Loan Scheme |
Developed in co-operation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) Funding of €150m Cash flow support facility, providing farmers with a low cost, flexible source of working capital loan amounts up to €150,000 for up to six years at an interest rate of 2.95% Scheme closed. |
Approximately 4,246 applications to the value of €145m Average loan size of €34,127 Average loan period of 41 months |
|
Brexit Loan Scheme |
Joint DAFM/DBEI/Dept. of Finance/SBCI Scheme Funding of €300m Operable 28 March 2018 to 31 March 2020 Loans of €25,000 to €1,500,000 per eligible enterprise Maximum interest rate of 4%, ranging from 1 year to 3 years At least 40% available to food businesses Unsecured loans up to €500,000 |
738 applications approved 194 loans progressed to sanction at bank level Total value of sanctioned loans is €43.5m 35 (with a value of €9.18m) relate to food businesses |
|
Future Growth Loan Scheme |
Joint DBEI/DAFM Scheme Funding of €300m available since 17 Apr 2019 Available to Irish businesses, including farmers and the agri-food & seafood sectors Applications submitted through the SBCI since 17th April 2019 |
1,283 applications approved 270 loans progressed to sanction at bank level Total value of sanctioned loans is €43.8m 151 (with a value of €16.7m) relate to farmers and to 22 food businesses worth €5.9M |
|
Beef Exceptional Aid Measure |
34,517 eligible applications received. A further 560 applications have been submitted under appeal from applicants that have been deemed ineligible but who have requested to be considered for inclusion in the scheme. Payments are scheduled to commence in December 2019. |
€78,192,380 in potential payments (not including allocations to the 560 appealed applications) Average payment €2,265 |
In addition to the above supports, I have introduced a range of other measures over the last two budgets to assist the agri-food sector in preparing to address the challenges posed by Brexit. These include:
- Direct aid to farmers;
- Capital funding for the food industry;
- Supports for Bord Bia and Teagasc to assist food companies prepare for Brexit including through market diversification and innovation.
In addition, I have led an intensified series of trade missions to develop and grow new markets to increase the sector's global footprint across the world, and to reduce our dependence on the UK market. I have appointed Attaches throughout the globe to further develop and deepen market access.
And, of course, our practical preparations for all potential scenarios, including a no-deal Brexit, continue to be progressed and refined through the whole-of-Government coordination structures that have been in place for some time.
Agriculture Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (324)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:324. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the BEAM scheme and the eligibility of farmers that had animals sent for slaughter to plants located in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40524/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The definition of eligible animal in the terms and conditions of the scheme https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/beam/ ) defines eligible animals as follows:
Eligible animal shall mean those bovine animals identified on AIM (Animal Identification and movement system) at midnight on 29 July 2019 as either those aged over 12 months presented to a slaughtering establishment approved under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations (SI 432 of 2009) in the period 24 September 2018 to 12 May 2019 inclusive, and/or those beef breed female animals with progeny born in the year 2018, which were sired by a beef breed bull.
In the first instance, the case made to the European Commission for an exceptional aid package for Irish beef farmers was based on the price reduction in Ireland, over the period of September 2018 to March 2019. The price received for export of animals to Northern Ireland was not included in this analysis. A clear link was required between the analysis supplied to the Commission in support of the package and the subsequent scheme notified to the Commission once that package was granted.
In devising a framework for the Scheme, a key aim was to ensure that the Scheme would be as easy to apply for and to administer as possible in order to minimise the burden on applicants and ensure the money could be paid out as quickly as possible in light of the financial difficulties being experienced. To this end, the scheme was designed around ensuring all eligibility criteria could be verified rapidly from the Department records. The Deputy should be aware that my Department only has access to records on the AIM system of animals slaughtered in Ireland.
An Appeals system is available under the scheme. Details of this can be found on the Terms and Conditions document for the scheme on the Dept of Agriculture Food and the Marine website: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/beam/.
Agriculture Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (325)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:325. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons selected for remote sensing eligibility inspection that submitted applications to the 2019 basic payment scheme and-or the 2019 areas of natural constraint scheme; the timeline for issuing payments under both schemes to those that have been selected for such inspections; the reason such inspections are yet to take place in some instances in view of the fact the deadline for the schemes was in May 2019; if he has explored carrying out such inspections in the period immediately after such scheme deadlines in order to ensure that payments are not delayed till late autumn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40525/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
EU regulations governing the administration of the Basic Payment Scheme, the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme and other area-based schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including Ground or Remote Sensing (Satellite) inspections where applicable, are fully completed to ensure eligibility with the various schemes requirements before any payments issue. There are certain minimum numbers of inspections that must take place annually under the various schemes.
The method of selecting of cases for inspection is set down in EU regulations and is undertaken by means of a risk analysis process with cases being selected on a risk and random basis. All cases to be selected for inspection must be eligible beneficiaries under the various schemes. Therefore the selection of cases for inspection, while commencing after the closing date for receipt of applications, i.e. 15th May, is an on-going process so as to ensure this specific regulatory requirement is adhered to.
My Department accepted late applications up to 9th June 2019, with a penalty deduction. Furthermore, as amendments to applications could be accepted by my Department up to 9th June, and allowing for the Preliminary Checks process whereby applicants could amend their application further up to 19th June as a result of issues notified to them by my Department, the details of the land to be subject to the inspection process cannot be finally established until these periods have elapsed.
The process of a Remote Sensing inspection involves a comprehensive review of the satellite imagery received at two stages during the year, and also the assessment of additional imagery, where required, to ensure that the actual claimed area in the application form corresponds to the area farmed by the applicant, that the crop types are as claimed and that ineligible land or features are not included for payment purposes. The governing regulations further prescribe that where it is not possible to make an accurate determination on the eligibility of a parcel or parcels of land by means of an assessment of the available imagery, a field visit must be undertaken to verify the position on the ground.
Some 6,840 applicants have been selected for a Remote Sensing inspection in respect of the various 2019 area-based schemes. As of 7th October my Department had received inspections results in respect of 62% of these cases for final processing. Of these cases over 78% have been finalised and processed to payment stage to date. Where an over-declaration in area is identified as part of the inspection process, officials in my Department will be in contact with the applicant. The issuing of the ANC payment is also subject to other checks in addition to land eligibility, e.g. stocking density and stock retention, which must be met before payment can issue.
My Department continues to finalise the outcome of Remote Sensing inspections on a daily basis to ensure that payments due are issued as quickly as possible.
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (326)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:326. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the first instalment of an ANC payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40550/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application under the 2019 ANC Scheme was received from the person named on 14 March 2019.
Under the 2019 ANC Scheme, eligible applicants are required to meet a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a retention period of seven consecutive months and to maintain an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the scheme year.
Payment under the ANC Scheme has not issued to the person named as, at this stage, the holding concerned has not satisfied the Scheme’s minimum stocking density requirements.
Twice weekly payment runs under the 2019 ANC scheme are currently taking place to ensure that payments issue to applicants as soon as possible once they have satisfied their requirements under the scheme.
Agriculture Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (327)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:327. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an area aid payment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40551/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted a 2019 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraints Schemes application on the 21st March 2019. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including, in some cases, remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing land eligibility inspection. This inspection has now been completed and the results have been processed to finalisation. Payment due under Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
Agriculture Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (328)
Pat Breen
Ceist:328. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40556/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named submitted a 2019 Basic Payment/Areas of Natural Constraints Schemes application on the 26th April 2019. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including, in some cases, remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing land eligibility inspection. This inspection has now been completed and the results have been processed to finalisation. Payment due under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (329)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:329. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if mussel seed fishing will be granted in Cromane, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40560/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I must advise the Deputy that he appears to have been misinformed on mussel seed fishing activities in Castlemaine Harbour, Co. Kerry. Records on file in the Department show that fishing was permitted to take place in each of the years from 2014 to 2018 with the sole exception of 2016.
EU environmental legislation, namely the Birds and Habitats Directives, provides protection for certain species, birds and habitats Ireland has designated approximately 80 marine Natura 2000 sites primarily located in coastal bays and estuaries where sea-fishing activities may occur. Castlemaine Harbour includes two Natura 2000 sites.
Mussel seed fishing is subject to a prior consent process; accordingly any mussel seed fishing which may impact on Natura 2000 sites must undergo screening for and, if necessary, appropriate assessment to determine if the activity will have a significant adverse impact on the features of the Natura 2000 site. In order to assess the potential impact, the local fishing industry is invited to submit a Fisheries Natura Plan for assessment and consideration. The most recent Plan was undergoing assessment in 2016. Further details on the assessment and plan process can be found online at: http://www.fishingnet.ie/sea-fisheriesinnaturaareas/
In August a survey by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) of the Castlemaine Harbour identified a seed bed overlapping with an area indicated as "unsuitable for fishing" in the Fisheries Natura Plan. As this area had been previously deemed unsuitable for fishing by industry it had not been the subject of screening for appropriate assessment in the first instance. The local industry was invited, if it wished, to have this area considered for fishing activity, to submit an amendment to the Fisheries Natura Plan to be screened and, if necessary, undergo appropriate assessment.
With assistance from BIM, the amendment was submitted to my Department on 17 September and referred to the Marine Institute for screening. The results of the screening report identified that the characteristics of the seed bed fall within the parameters of the Appropriate Assessment that was carried out on the Fisheries Natura Plan in 2016 and that a further assessment of the amendment to the Plan was not necessary. Accordingly, I adopted the amendment to the Plan and I directed that the reasons for this decision and the related documents be published online. The effect of this is that fishing will be permitted, subject to certain conditions.
It is important that the Deputy is aware that the process described above has been taking place for a number of years and that my Department and the marine agencies have been working closely with the industry representatives in Castlemaine Harbour to manage the fishing activities effectively with regard to the Natura 2000 requirements.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Ceisteanna (330)
Pat Breen
Ceist:330. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40570/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person named applied for the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme under TAMS II tranche 11 and was approved by letter dated 6 March 2019. The works in question are required to be completed by 6 March 2020.
This approval was issued subject to compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme which state that the lease must have 5 years to run from the date of final payment. Following a desk check, it was discovered that the lease did not meet with these requirements and the person named was requested to regularise the situation, in order to ensure that payment can issue when the approved works have been completed.
Livestock Issues
Ceisteanna (331)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:331. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the relevant document will be reviewed in order that only one importer is recorded in one transaction to protect the GDPR rights of each importer in relation to the movements of livestock manures and the way in which they are recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40574/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations 2017 (S.I 605 of 2017) farmers are required to maintain records of all organic fertilisers moved onto or off their holding.
The Department of Agriculture made available a form which provides the option to record up to three movements of organic fertilisers (livestock manures) and this was originally intended to allow for convenience if there is more than one transaction to the same destination on different dates. However, in light of current data protection legislation, the form has been reviewed and an updated version allowing only one entry has been published on the DAFM website.