Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 24 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 193-217

Neuro-Rehabilitation Services Data

Ceisteanna (193)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

193. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of providing a community neuro-rehabilitation team in each of the nine CHO areas. [44040/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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.

Voluntary Sector Funding

Ceisteanna (194)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

194. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the additional funding which will be given to a group (details supplied) in view of the growth in the number of clients served by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44045/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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.

Significant resources have been invested by the health sector in disability services over the past number of years. This year alone, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has allocated €1.9 billion to its Disability Services Programme, an increase of €346 million since 2016.  The overall Budget for disability services in 2020 will be in excess of €2 billion.  Discussions in terms of how these monies will be allocated across the Disability Services Programme next year are currently underway as part of the HSE’s National Service Planning process for 2020.

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Ceisteanna (195, 197)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

195. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a petition regarding stage 3 melanoma (details supplied); the actions he plans to take regarding the points raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44048/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Declan Breathnach

Ceist:

197. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an inequitable situation which has arisen between public and private patients in respect of the treatment of patients with stage 3 melanoma by a company (details supplied) which has sanctioned the use of immunotherapy for its customers, which has been proven to be successful to prevent the cancer recurring in stage 3 patients; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this treatment is unavailable to public patients who have stage 3 melanoma despite his pronouncement earlier in 2019 that patients in public hospitals are not treated in a different way regardless of whether they have private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44053/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 197 together.

A standard process is in place for the HSE reimbursement of new drugs, and new indications for existing drugs. This assessment process is intended to arrive at decisions on the funding of drugs that are clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable. All cancer drugs which have been approved for reimbursement since 2012 have gone through this process.

Nivolumab (Opdivo) is approved by the HSE for reimbursement through the Oncology Drugs Management System for the following melanoma indications;

- As monotherapy for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults.

- In combination with ipilimumab is indicated for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults.

The HSE is considering an application received for reimbursement of Nivolumab (Opdivo) for the following indication (stage 3 Melanoma Cancer patients):

- As monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.

Meanwhile, I am not in a position to comment on the business decisions of a private health insurer on the medicines covered under their schemes.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (196)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44050/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 195.

Departmental Legal Cases Data

Ceisteanna (198)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

198. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the number of financial settlements reached by his Department and statutory bodies within his remit nationally; and the number which included confidentiality clauses in each of the past five years by organisation [44064/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy concerning medical negligence cases is not readily available. Accordingly, I have asked the State Claims Agency to collate the information and it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

My Department will also collate information on legal actions which were outside the remit of the State Claims Agency and will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible on the matter.

Primary Medical Certificates Applications

Ceisteanna (199)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a primary care medical certificate will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44121/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

National Children's Hospital Administration

Ceisteanna (200)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

200. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the concerns raised in the August 2019 minutes of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board with regard to the satellite centres in Blanchardstown and Tallaght; the original budgeted cost of each of the satellite centres; if the cost of the satellite centres will exceed the original budgeted cost; if so, the amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44181/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital.  I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.

Greyhound Industry Data

Ceisteanna (201)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

201. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 79 of 15 October 2019, the number of runners, greyhounds injured, greyhounds that died or were put to sleep and the causes of the injuries and deaths in each greyhound track for the period 1 January 2019 to date in 2019, by month in tabular form. [43886/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.  Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 

Please see attached the requested details in tabular form as supplied to me by Bord na gCon.  

Instances of fatalities in greyhounds at stadia are extremely rare and are regrettable when they do occur. I have received assurances from Bord na gCon that best practice regarding veterinary care and advice is followed in every case.

Injury Breakdown Q1

Injury Breakdown Q2

Injury Breakdown Q3

Injury Breakdown Jan - Sept

Fish Farming

Ceisteanna (202)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

202. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions taken in respect of the commitment contained in the programme for partnership Government that the potential for the development of onshore close containment fish farming as an emerging technology will be explored; the long-term strategy for the development of onshore close containment fish farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43887/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to exploring the potential for the development of onshore close containment fish farming as an emerging technology.  Separately, my Department’s National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development, published in 2015, proposes 24 actions to drive the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector and grow production in the sector by 45,000 tonnes by 2023. The Plan targets a 30% increase in production derived from onshore close containment recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Considerable international developmental effort is being put into land based RAS systems. A number of technological challenges need to be overcome to make RAS economically viable.

An Bord Iascaigh Mhara funded a 2015 study by the Irish Salmon Growers Association ‘Potential for Land Based Salmon Growout in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) in Ireland’. The report describes in detail all technical aspects of RAS production and system design and operations. It also covers important biological aspects of land based salmon production.

As part of my Department’s €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme, an aquaculture Knowledge Gateway Scheme is being implemented by BIM.  In close collaboration with aquaculture enterprises and researchers, the Scheme aims to develop knowledge, innovation and technology in the aquaculture sector to ensure its sustainable development. An important part of the focus of the Scheme will be the applied research and development on RAS identified in the National Strategic Plan. This may take the form of applied research undertaken by BIM on behalf of the sector or initiatives from industry operators or research institutions. Universities and Institutes of Technology can avail of 100% grants up to a value of €500,000 under the Knowledge Gateway Scheme to conduct research, studies and trials into RAS technology, while aquaculture enterprises can receive grants of 50% with a value of up to €200,000.

To further incentivise RAS developments, I made 50% grants up to value of €1 million available to aquaculture enterprises under the EMFF Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme for capital investment in commercial RAS developments. 

In 2019, BIM is continuing its research into Recirculating Aquaculture Multitrophic Pond Systems (RAMPS), which has been underway since 2016, funded through a number of EMFF grants under the Knowledge Gateway Scheme.  RAMPS is a novel production method developed by BIM. The system involves utilising cutaway peatlands and poor agricultural land for freshwater fish production. The system has the potential to significantly increase Ireland’s aquaculture production of organic produce in a sustainable and cost-effective way. The project involves cultivation of perch and trout in earthen ponds utilising duckweed and algae for bioremediation. Subsequently, it is envisaged that the duckweed will be harvested and may be utilised in the cosmetic, animal protein and pharmaceutical sectors.

Meat Processing Plants

Ceisteanna (203)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

203. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports he will put in place for small abattoirs that process sheep skins and cattle hides and that may cease trading due to market conditions. [43904/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that small abattoirs do not fall under the remit of my Department.

They are approved and supervised by the the relevant Local Authority and therefore falls under the remit of the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government.

Forestry Grants

Ceisteanna (204)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

204. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a forestry application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43905/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An application for Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, was submitted on behalf of the person named in November 2018.  My Department is obliged to carefully vet all applications for the scheme, considering any potential impacts the afforestation may have.  These include impacts on any archaeological and environmental assets and on the surrounding landscape. 

The application was referred to my Department’s Archaeologist and then to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).  The application is hydrologically connected to the River Moy SAC, which is an important SAC for salmon, among other species. 

My Department’s Ecologist is also reviewing the application and will consider the SAC and the peat soils found on site, along with any possible effects that may occur during the full rotation on water quality.  It is likely that a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be required.  Further information on this will be provided to the applicant and their registered forester, when the Ecologist has completed the review.

Agriculture Scheme Payments

Ceisteanna (205)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

205. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the basic payment scheme and the area based schemes payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44000/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An application under the 2018 Basic Payment Scheme was received on 9 May 2018. During processing, issues arose regarding  the eligibility of four of the land parcels declared. The eligibility review is ongoing for the parcels concerned. However, payment will issue in the coming weeks on the remainder of the eligible land declared.

An application under the 2019 Basic Payment Scheme was received on 25 April 2019 and, as above, payment will issue in the near future on the remainder of the eligible lands declared, pending the outcome of eligibility review.

Departmental Legal Cases Data

Ceisteanna (206)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

206. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of financial settlements reached by his Department and statutory bodies within his remit nationally; and the number which included confidentiality clauses in each of the past five years by organisation. [44054/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is not possible to provide the information requested in the required time.  I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
The information requested is set out in the following table. As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within ten days.

Year

Number of Settlements

Confidentiality Clauses *

2015

8

1

2016

9

2

2017

11

2

2018

12

3

2019

14

0

* With the exception of cases settled through mediation, which provides for absolute confidentiality, the State Claims Agency settles very few claims subject to a confidentiality agreement. The Agency does not formally record, on its IT system, the fact that any individual settlement is bound by a confidentiality clause, therefore this information is not readily available.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Staff

Ceisteanna (207)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

207. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of new personnel employed by Inland Fisheries Ireland, both temporary and permanent, in 2018 and to date in 2019; and the job titles of each. [43877/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Inland Fisheries Ireland's current authorised staffing level is 312 full time equivalent and it is also sanctioned to employ additional temporary seasonal staff on an annual basis. The details requested by the Deputy are in the tables.

2018

Job Title

Permanent

Temporary

Grand Total

Administrative Assistant Grade IV

3

3

Assistant Inspector

1

1

2

Catchment Care Officer

1

1

Fisheries Assistant

12

12

Fisheries Officer

39

39

Fisheries Project Animator

1

1

General Operative

7

7

Ghillie

2

2

Human Resources Business Partner

1

1

Junior Data Entry of Log Books

1

1

Junior Fisheries Assistant

1

1

Learning & Organisational Development Manager

1

1

Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

1

1

Research Officer

1

1

Technician

4

4

Grand Total

4

73

77

2019

Job Title

Permanent

Temporary

Grand Total

Admin Support (Officer), Catchment CARE, INTERREG Project

1

1

Administrative Assistant Grade IV

1

1

Data Manager

1

1

Education & Outreach Coordinator

2

2

Fisheries Assistant

12

12

Fisheries Officer

10

39

49

General Operative

1

1

Ghillie

3

3

Health & Safety Assistant

1

1

National Strategy for Angling Development Director

1

1

Payroll and Pensions Executive

1

1

Research Officer

1

1

Technician

2

2

Grand Total

14

62

76

Landfill Sites

Ceisteanna (208)

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

208. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 17 September 2019, if tenders have now been invited for the project; the closing date for receipt of tenders; the number of contractors invited to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43901/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I refer to the reply to Question No 530 of 15 October 2019. The position is unchanged.

Electricity Grid

Ceisteanna (209)

John Lahart

Ceist:

209. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the contacts and responses to date his Department has received from the ESB regarding a documentary (details supplied) earlier in 2019 in which it was revealed that the ESB had polluted the Dodder River as a result of poor maintenance of utility equipment and had shielded this from the public for many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43917/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department can confirm that a protected disclosure was made to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in May 2018 on these and other issues and the matter has been and continues to be dealt with in accordance with the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. The Department continues to engage appropriately with the individual concerned and the company on the matter which is ongoing. Nevertheless, these issues are primarily operational matters for the Board and management of the ESB.

Just Transition Fund

Ceisteanna (210)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

210. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to ensure a just transition in Bord na Móna in view of further concerns regarding the future of 2,000 jobs expressed by the group of unions following a meeting with management at the end of September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43932/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland’s necessary transition away from carbon-intensive sources of energy, towards more sustainable, renewable energy sources, will have a significant impact on the workers in these carbon-intensive sectors, their families, and the Midlands as a whole. Government has committed to delivering a whole of Government approach, and to working with local stakeholders, to ensuring that a just transition is provided to those impacted by the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Further details of this comprehensive whole of Government response to support the region through the transition will be announced shortly. Budget 2020 includes a number of measures that form part of this response. These include:

- €6 million for a Just Transition Fund;

- €5 million for bog restoration and rehabilitation; and

- €20 million to deliver a new model to group housing upgrades.

The Just Transition Fund will be initially targeted at the Midlands and will support retraining and reskilling workers and assist local communities and businesses in the Midlands to adjust to the low carbon transition. There will be further engagement with local stakeholders, including the Midlands Transition Team, on the application of the funding.

The bog restoration and rehabilitation fund will support the National Parks and Wildlife Service to restore to their natural habitat 1,800 hectares of bog. This restoration will return these bogs to carbon sinks once more, which, over the next 5 years, will result in 28 million tonnes of carbon being stored. 70 jobs will be created in Year One, rising to 100 as the programme develops.

The delivery of a new model to group housing upgrades together is set out in the Climate Action Plan. The €20m allocated in the budget will be targeted at the Midlands and will support an estimated 400 jobs directly and indirectly, as well as significantly upgrading the social housing stock in the region during 2020.

I have also announced that a Just Transition Commissioner will be appointed. This Commissioner will engage with all relevant stakeholders in the Midlands, including Bord na Móna, the Midland Regional Transition Team, Trade Unions as well as the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). This appointment will be part of the Government’s Just Transition Plan, which is currently being led by the Department of An Taoiseach. Further details on this role will be provided as part of an announcement on the All-of-Government response to support the Midlands region through the transition.

Energy Efficiency

Ceisteanna (211)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

211. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding funding streams which are available to gym owners and fitness entrepreneurs to assist with the significant costs associated with purchasing self-power generating treadmills and exercise bicycles, thus ensuring the business has a higher degree of energy self-sufficiency and incentivises companies to be more green conscious, energy efficient and environmentally aware; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43936/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department supports businesses through a range of supports and grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

As the scope for reductions in energy or related carbon emissions from the technologies the Deputy mentions is limited, and as the focus for grant supports needs to be on technologies with the potential to deliver the most effective impact (i.e. significant users of heat or electricity), no specific supports are envisaged for this type of equipment. However, the Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) grant scheme can be applied to any investment project where energy is a factor. EXEED has supported a number of projects in the Leisure Sector. Power generating treadmills and exercise bikes could form part of an overall investment in an energy efficiency project in a leisure centre.

Beyond the specific grant supports available, the SEAI also provides information and advisory services to businesses. These range from an SME guide to energy efficiency and case study examples of best practice to advice on energy efficiency design. New online audio-visual modules for businesses focusing on energy efficiency opportunities are also being developed and will be available in the coming months.

By availing of these supports and improving their energy efficiency, businesses can cut costs as well as carbon, free up resources that can be invested in more productive activity, improve their competiveness, resilience, and green credentials. I would encourage all businesses to engage with SEAI to benefit from these supports.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (212)

John Lahart

Ceist:

212. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the impediments there are to banning single use plastic bottles. [44005/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Article 18 of the EU Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste prohibits Member States from impeding the placing on the market of their territory of packaging which satisfies the provisions of this Directive. Plastic bottles fall under the definition of packaging for the purposes of this Directive.

However, we are committed to leading the way in reducing single use plastics and are working both at a national and European level to tackle the problem. The Government has:

- Agreed that Government departments and bodies will no longer purchase single-use plastic cups, cutlery and straws

- Strongly supported new EU legislation on Single-use Plastic (SUP), which will ban straws, cotton bud sticks made from plastic, plastic plates and cutlery, plastic coffee stirrers and plastic balloon holders

- Commenced a clean oceans initiative to collect, reduce and reuse marine litter and clean up our marine environment (by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine)

- Commissioned a review to establish the best way to reach a 90% collection target for beverage containers, after which the Minister will announce the necessary actions

- Introduced a new law to ban microbeads (by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government).

We have committed to a 90% separate plastic bottle collection target and a 55% recycling target for all plastic packaging. Further consideration of measures to tackle single use plastics will be undertaken in the context of developing a Circular Economy Strategy.

Angling Sector

Ceisteanna (213)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to revoke by-law 806 relating to Inland Fisheries Ireland as it relates to salmonid waters in view of the fact that there was no appropriate assessment carried out prior to its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44007/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Conservation and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-law No. 806, 2006 (copy attached for information) provides for the following conservation measures:

- A bag limit of 4 coarse fish in any one day,

- Prohibits the killing of any coarse fish greater than 25 cm in length,

- Prohibits the sale of any coarse fish in Ireland (excluding NI); this provision will not apply to fishing tackle dealers and fish bait suppliers who have been granted an exemption by Inland Fisheries Ireland.

These conservation objectives remain relevant and, accordingly, I do not think it would be appropriate to revoke the Bye-Law.

Waste Disposal Charges

Ceisteanna (214)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

214. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the special weight allowance for waste collection services will be put in place for those households that have a person with incontinence. [44041/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since mid-2017, a range of charging options have operated, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste. This provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging was not introduced. A Price Monitoring Group (PMG) was established in mid-2017 to monitor the on-going cost of residential waste collection to homeowners across Ireland as the ‘flat-rate structure’ was being phased out. While fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend has been relative price stability.

My Department has been examining this issue in detail and has engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representative organisations and the HSE, in an effort to see how best to provide a financial support to persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear. However, there are complex issues at play in this area, which are understandable given the sensitive nature of the medical data in question.

Waste Disposal Charges

Ceisteanna (215)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

215. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated full-year cost of monitoring the prices of residential waste collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44044/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A Price Monitoring Group (PMG) has met on a monthly basis since September 2017 to monitor the on-going cost of residential waste collection to homeowners across Ireland. The group monitors 26 service offerings across the State (comprising 19 individual companies with several of those being monitored in more than one area). To date the PMG has cost €47,810. Further information on the PMG is available at www.dccae.gov.ie.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (216)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

216. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he plans to hold a public consultation process as part of the preparation of the long-term strategy of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44047/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is currently in the process of preparing Ireland’s Long-Term Strategy to meet the requirements of Article 15 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action. This preparation of this Strategy will be informed by Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Plan, as well as the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019, which was published in June of this year.

In parallel with this requirement, the Climate Action Plan commits the Government to evaluating in detail the changes required to adopt a more ambitious commitment of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as part of finalising Ireland’s long-term climate strategy.

It is my intention to hold a public consultation on this ongoing work during November. This will build on public consultations that were already undertaken on the development of the draft National Energy and Climate Plan and the ongoing engagement that I am undertaking through a series of regional roadshows in relation to the implementation of the Climate Action Plan.

Trading Online Voucher Scheme

Ceisteanna (217)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

217. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount allocated to the digital trading voucher scheme in budget 2020; and the number of digital vouchers expected to be provided under the scheme in 2020. [44051/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is an initiative specifically designed to support small and micro enterprises to trade online. Funded by my Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland through the national network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), the scheme offers financial assistance of up to €2,500, subject to matched funding, to help small businesses to develop their online trading capability. This is coupled with training, mentoring and networking supports. Small businesses, with 10 or fewer employees, less than €2m in turnover, and that have little or no capacity to trade online, are eligible to apply.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme budget forms part of my Department's Communications Programme budget for 2020. Detailed allocations at subhead level will be published in the revised estimates volume in December 2019. It is anticipated that in the region of 1,250 vouchers will be approved in 2020, which is of the same order as 2019. The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is, however, demand-led and as a result the level of funding drawn down by the LEOs is dependent on the level of approved applications.

Barr
Roinn