Written Answers Nos. 765-790
765. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of passenger locator forms completed to date in November 2020; the number of follow-up phone calls made to persons that completed a passenger locator form in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40415/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor 1st – 30th November 2020 there were over 96,000 COVID-19 Passenger Locator Forms completed.
The Passenger Locator Form was launched in an online format in August and supports an enhanced system of engagements with arriving passengers, including the targeting of key public health messages via SMS. Passengers may be contacted by SMS or phone call to verify their address in Ireland.
From 09 November travellers with an essential function or need, as listed in the recent EU agreement of 13 October, are not required to restrict their movements while exercising the essential function and are not requested to verify their address.
Over 27,000 incoming passengers confirmed their place of address via SMS and more than 24,000 additional phone calls were made to verify place of address. In November 2020 78% of incoming passengers, who were not travelling for an essential function, verified their place of address. It must be noted that Passenger Locator Form data is not static, as passenger contacts via SMS and calls in November may relate to passengers that arrived in late October.
766. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 25 November 2020, if all 100 of the ministerial notifications received by his Department of terminations carried out here under section 11 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in the year 2019 contained signatures from two medics as required by the Act (details supplied). [40422/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, section 11 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 states that a termination of pregnancy may be carried out where two medical practitioners are of the reasonable opinion, formed in good faith that there is present a condition affecting the foetus that is likely to lead to the death of the foetus before, or within 28 of, birth. Section 11 (3) states that a termination may not be carried out unless each of the two medical practitioners involved has certified his or her opinion in this regard.
Section 19 of the Act makes provision for the certification required, and the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (Certification) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 596 of 2018) set out the prescribed form for certification under the Act. Two medical practitioners are required to sign the certification form in order for a termination of pregnancy to be carried out under section 11 of the Act.
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 does not require the certification form containing medical practitioners’ signatures to be forwarded to the Minister. Rather, such certification forms are retained as part of the patient’s confidential medical records.
Under section 20 of the Act, and the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (Notification) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 597 of 2018), a notification form must be sent to the Minister in respect of any termination of pregnancy carried out. Such notification forms do not require the signature of the two medical practitioners involved in carrying out a termination of pregnancy under section 11 of the Act.
Further to section 20, subsections (3) and (5) of the Act, the detail on notification forms received by the Minister in respect of terminations of pregnancy carried out in a given year are published in the form of an Annual Report.
All of the information permitted to be published under the Act for terminations of pregnancy carried out in 2019 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 30 June 2020 and subsequently published the same day in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 - Annual Report on Notifications 2019
767. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be assessed by the National Rehabilitation Hospital; the date by which the person will be assessed; the further actions that will be taken to ensure the person receives the necessary care and treatment to meet their needs; the interim measures that are being taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40429/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
768. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of talks with a group (details supplied) in relation to the CervicalCheck tribunal; the reason for the breakdown of talks; the steps he is taking to resume talks and address the concerns of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40431/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been engaged with the 221+ Patient Support Group on a number of issues in relation to the CervicalCheck Tribunal and how CervicalCheck cases are dealt with more generally. While significant progress had been made through meetings and correspondence, it was not possible to resolve all of the issues raised by the group in the way that they wanted them to be addressed.
In a letter of 20 November 2020, the group indicated their disappointment with the government's position in respect of the Tribunal and CervicalCheck cases, and that they did not intend to continue with discussions in respect of the matter.
However, I will continue to work with my Department to address the concerns the group have raised where it is possible and I would welcome the opportunity to meet the group.
Two particular issues of concern raised by the group related to the statute of limitations and access to the Tribunal in the event of a recurrence of cancer.
The Group raised a concern that some women eligible for the Tribunal may now be outside the Statute of Limitations as a result of the delay in establishing the Tribunal, which was due to the global pandemic and issues with regard to Tribunal membership. It was not possible to address this concern by extending the statute of limitations retrospectively; as advised by the Attorney General however, I have received Cabinet approval to develop a proposal to address any such claims, should they arise. I have written to the Group informing them of the government's commitment and that I am willing to discuss this with them.
In respect of how the Tribunal will deal with the issue of recurrence, this issue has been examined in great detail by the government and the previous government and I have engaged in extensive consideration on this most sensitive issue. The Tribunal will make awards relating to recurrence in the same way as the High Court. That is, an additional amount can be made as part of the Tribunal settlement, to factor in a future chance of recurrence. An advantage of the Tribunal over the courts is that, if a claimant does not wish to accept the amount awarded by the Tribunal, they can appeal to the High Court, an extra step that would not be available if the claimant had gone directly to the High Court. However, just like the Court system, a claimant cannot return with a second claim in respect of the same event years later.
I am satisfied that the CervicalCheck Tribunal remains the most appropriate venue for CervicalCheck claims. It is, of course, entirely up to women affected as to whether or not they want to use it.
769. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 802 of 24 November 2020, if vitamin D is available free of charge to medical card patients over 65 years of age in view of advice from his Department on same; if it will be covered under the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40433/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy
770. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to address the existing limitations on the Covid-19 follow-up of passengers from Northern Ireland landing at Dublin Airport in terms of the passenger locator form or other; the correspondence he has received from his ministerial counterpart in the Northern Ireland Assembly and his response to same; if issues of data sharing have been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40435/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October, the Irish Government adopted the EU “traffic lights” approach to intra EU travel and has taken decisions on what public health measures will apply to international arrivals. All passengers continue to be legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. With regards to sharing passenger locator data with counterparts in Northern Ireland, I am supportive of work towards finding an appropriate legal and data protection structure to facilitate this and officials from my Department are engaged with NI counterparts on the matter. I have also discussed this bilaterally with Minister Swann. North South cooperation on international travel is continuing. Notably, the two jurisdictions recently cooperated on engagements with passenger arrivals from Denmark in the context of the outbreak on mink farms in that country.
771. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details of all the campuses, public sector buildings and offices that have adopted the tobacco-free campus policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40446/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 'Tobacco Free Campus' is a Health Service Executive initiative I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
772. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the timeline for reopening of the Keltoi facility in the Phoenix park. [40447/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
773. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of publicly run rehabilitation treatment beds that were open in January 2020; and the number currently open. [40448/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
774. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans for the opening of a dedicated long Covid clinic in Galway and other such clinics around the country for persons suffering from Covid-19 symptoms and other debilitating health issues months after their initial infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40453/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to examine the matters raised by the Deputy and respond to her directly as soon as possible.
775. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the proportion of his Department’s budget allocated to mental health from 2010 to 2019 and to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40455/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Funding as a Percentage of Health Budget 2012 - 2020
|
Year |
Allocation (NSP) - €m |
% of Total Health Budget |
|
2012 |
707.0 |
5.7% |
|
2013 |
733.0 |
5.8% |
|
2014 |
765.8 |
6.5% |
|
2015 |
791.6 |
6.2% |
|
2016 |
826.6 |
6.1% |
|
2017 |
853.1 |
6.4% |
|
2018 |
917.8 |
6.7% |
|
2019 |
987.4 |
6.3% |
|
2020 |
1,031.3 |
5.2%* |
*As per June 2020 Revised Estimates incorporating Covid-19 Funding. 5.8% as per Dec 2019 Revised Estimates.
It should be noted that mental health was only established as a separate division within the HSE in 2012 hence there is only detailed budget information available from that date onwards.
Between 2012 and 2020 the allocation for Mental Health Services has increased by 46%, or €324m. Mental Health continues to be a priority for the Government. Budget 2021 saw an additional €50 million allocated to HSE Mental Health Services, signifying the Government’s continued commitment to mental health and the priority it deserves.
Of the €50 million addition funding announced for 2021, €23 million has been allocated to commence the implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision in 2021. €15 million will assist with evolving challenges arising from Covid-19. The remaining €12 million, will help address existing level of service costs.
776. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason mental illness is listed as only for those under 16 years of age to qualify for the long-term illness scheme; if he will consider removing the age limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40457/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the scheme are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, including mental illness in a person under 16 years of age. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme or the age limit in relation to mental illness at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, will be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
777. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a medicinal cannabis licence will be granted to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40505/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Department does not comment on individual cases the following information sets out how a clinician may apply to the Minister for a licence to treat a patient with cannabis-based products.
Ministerial Licence under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016
Cannabis is strictly controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977 to 2016, and the Regulations and Orders made thereunder. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Under the Misuse of Drugs legislation products containing THC are strictly controlled and possession is unlawful except under licence.
Medical practitioners and patients are encouraged to consult the Department of Health website which contains information on medical cannabis, including clinical guidance on the use of medical cannabis and details on how a medical practitioner may apply for a Ministerial licence for medical cannabis.
In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.
It is important to note that the medical decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process.
Further information can be found at the following links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1a5c4e-applying-to-the-minister-for-health-for-a-medical-cannabis-licence/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e35cb4-ministerial-licence-application-process/
778. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has informed him if all retailers met the 12 November 2020 deadline for the structural separation of alcohol under the public health legislation. [40507/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnforcement of the provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act and for public health law on tobacco control, cosmetic products, drinking water, food safety, sun beds control and infectious diseases is a matter for the Environmental Health Service division of the Health Service Executive. I do not receive reports from the Environmental Health Service on compliance with individual provisions of the vast array of public health legislation which that Service enforces on an ongoing basis.
779. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if retailers that have failed to meet the 12 November 2020 deadline for the structural separation of alcohol under the public health legislation have been contacted regarding their failure to meet the deadline; the steps he now plans to take; and if he plans to instruct the HSE to take prosecutions under the legislation. [40508/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnforcement of section 22 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 on the separation and visibility of alcohol products and advertisements for alcohol products in specified licensed premises is a matter for the Health Service Executive. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
780. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if his attention been drawn to the petition from an organisation (details supplied) to pay nursing interns the same rate as healthcare assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40510/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, the Health Care Assistant initiative (whereby student nurses and midwives were offered temporary contracts to work as Health Care Assistants) began in April 2020 and ceased in August 2020. This was in response to the Covid19 outbreak and was only ever intended as a temporary measure to provide additional support to the national effort, it also offered some protection to the ongoing education of student nurses and midwives as their clinical placements had ceased. Student nurses and midwives who took part in this initiative received payment of the first point of the Health Care Assistant salary scale, €28,493. The rate was also temporarily applied to those 4th year nurses and midwives on paid work placements.
Since then, the regular pay for 4th year student nurses on paid internship increased by 2% on 1st October this year. The annualised salary for this group is now €21,749 (or €10.72 per hour) for general nursing and midwifery and €22,229 (€10.96 per hour) for psychiatric nursing.
My Department is currently engaging with the nursing unions on matters of concern for student nurses at the present time. In that context, my Department is also currently reviewing allowances for student nurses on clinical placements and expects to conclude this review shortly.
781. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if his attention been drawn to the petition from an organisation (details supplied) to provide full health and safety protection to students, including payment if they contract Covid-19 and have to go on leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40511/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to engage with nursing unions on matters concerning Student Nurses on at the present time.
My Department completed an interim review on the 19th November that confirmed the educational and welfare protections that are in place for those student nurses and midwives on clinical placement at the present time.
These protections span supports for those on clinical placement who have lost part time employment, right through to occupational health and illness supports that are available while this pandemic is ongoing. The review also concluded that placement was possible and would remain subject to regular review by the Department, HSE and HEIs.
For those student nurses and midwives on 4th year paid rostered internship, they are covered by existing HSE sick leave schemes and other supports in place for employees who contract COVID-19.
782. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing students who contracted Covid-19 since the outbreak in March 2020, by month in tabular form. [40512/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to an operational matter, I have referred it to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
783. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 5% reduction of bovine livestock manure nitrogen under the beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, scheme will be waived for participants in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties it has led to regarding the movement of livestock for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39590/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the €75m Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. This aid was granted to provide temporary market adjustment support in response to a specific market disturbance as outlined in Ireland's notification to the EU Commission and the 5% reduction was part of the conditionality sought by the EU.
Approved BEAM participants have given a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 as compared with the period 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 as recorded on Department systems. It remains a central requirement of the programme and has been since it's inception. While there has been intermittent disruption to mart sales over the reduction period to date, the level of trade overall is comparable to the same period last year and the facilities to reduce or restructure a participating herd in line with scheme requirements remain in place.
A significant portion of participating farmers have already made the necessary adjustments to their herds to deliver the reduction required. Participants who need advice on how to manage this reduction can contact the Department or consult an agricultural advisor to work out which changes will make most sense on their farm. In addition, my Department will shortly be writing to participating farmers to with information to assist them in meeting the 5% commitment on their holdings.
My Department is also engaging with public and private agricultural advisors to ensure that their farmer customers are informed of their requirements.
784. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that will be put in place if the 5% reduction of bovine livestock manure nitrogen under the BEAM scheme is retained in order to help farmers meet this target; if the online system will be updated monthly to show current figures; the supports that will be made available for farmers who struggle with IT literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39591/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the €75m Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132. This aid was granted to provide temporary market adjustment support in response to a specific market disturbance as outlined in Ireland's notification to the EU Commission and the 5% reduction was part of the conditionality sought by the EU.
Approved BEAM participants have given a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 as compared with the period 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 as recorded on Department systems. It remains a central requirement of the programme and has been since it's inception. While there has been intermittent disruption to mart sales over the reduction period to date, the level of trade overall is comparable to the same period last year and the facilities to reduce or restructure a participating herd in line with scheme requirements remain in place.
A significant portion of participating farmers have already made the necessary adjustments to their herds to deliver the reduction required. Participants who need advice on how to manage this reduction can contact the Department or consult an agricultural advisor to work out which changes will make most sense on their farm. In addition, my Department will shortly be writing to participating farmers to with information to assist them in meeting the 5% commitment on their holdings.
My Department is also engaging with public and private agricultural advisors to ensure that their farmer customers are informed of their requirements.
785. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his contribution to the informal European Council meeting of 16 November 2020; if he highlighted the risks of importing third country beef to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39630/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the most recent Informal Video-conference of Agri-Fish Ministers on 16 November, I took the opportunity to again raise concerns about the very negative impact that the EU-Mercosur agreement could have on Ireland’s beef sector.
The inclusion of a significant Tariff Rate Quota for Mercosur beef in the final agreement underlines these economic concerns, and there are also very serious sustainability issues, among others, that need to be adequately addressed.
Following the conclusion of the headline political agreement of 28 June 2019, the Deputy will be aware that a whole-of-government review of the impact on Ireland was announced.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, in collaboration with my Department, commissioned Implement Consulting Group to carry out an Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland. I expect this review to be completed shortly, and it will inform the Government’s position in relation to the ratification of the agreement.
786. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on a GLAS appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39671/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been advised, however, that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate that an appeal was received from the person named on 4th November 2020.
The Appeals Office requested the file and a statement on the grounds of appeal from my Department and all relevant documentation have been forwarded to the Appeals Office.
I am advised that the appeal will shortly be assigned to an Appeals Officer for examination and I have been assured that the appeal will be dealt with in due course.
787. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of young farmers that received grant aid under the TAMS scheme by county from 1 January 2019 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39703/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date under the Young Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme of TAMS II, over €115 million has been paid to Young farmers. Since 1 January 2019, 2,210 payment claims have been paid and numbers of applications paid by county are broken down in the table below:
|
Carlow |
44 |
|
Cavan |
75 |
|
Clare |
82 |
|
Cork |
348 |
|
Donegal |
89 |
|
Dublin |
11 |
|
Galway |
162 |
|
Kerry |
108 |
|
Kildare |
35 |
|
Kilkenny |
125 |
|
Laois |
58 |
|
Leitrim |
27 |
|
Limerick |
97 |
|
Longford |
29 |
|
Louth |
21 |
|
Mayo |
102 |
|
Meath |
56 |
|
Monaghan |
55 |
|
Offaly |
90 |
|
Roscommon |
72 |
|
Sligo |
32 |
|
Tipperary |
172 |
|
Waterford |
89 |
|
Westmeath |
40 |
|
Wexford |
144 |
|
Wicklow |
47 |
|
Total |
2,210 |
788. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a full report on beef exports to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39712/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to CSO trade data, the value of beef exports to China increased from just under €65 million in 2018 to over €95 million last year, making it Ireland’s most valuable beef export market outside the UK and the EU. For this year, CSO figures show that nearly €52 million worth of Irish beef has been exported to China.
However, Irish beef shipments to China are suspended at present because of the confirmation of an isolated case of Atypical BSE in the national herd in May. Atypical BSE is believed to occur spontaneously in all cattle populations at a very low rate and has only been identified in older cattle. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) does not consider the incidence of Atypical BSE in determining a country’s BSE risk status.
Hence, the discovery of this case has no implications for Ireland’s 'controlled risk' status. This classification recognises that Ireland’s BSE controls are effective and that, under OIE rules, Irish beef can be safely traded internationally. Ireland's strong reputation for food safety and our excellent animal health status underpinned the export of Irish beef to some 70 international markets last year, and continues to provide the necessary quality assurance for consumers worldwide.
Under the terms of the bilateral protocol governing the export of beef to China, Ireland suspended beef shipments in late May, when the Atypical BSE case was confirmed, pending the outcome of deliberations by the Chinese authorities.
In early June, my Department provided a comprehensive epidemiological report for consideration by the Chinese authorities, demonstrating that there were no food safety or control systems implications arising from this isolated case.
Since then, my Department, in coordination with the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, has engaged frequently with the relevant Chinese Ministry to try to resolve the issue. I also raised the matter with China’s Ambassador to Ireland when Minister of State Martin Heydon and I met him in September.
Recently, in response to a request from the Chinese authorities, my Department submitted a detailed update on our official BSE controls. I understand that this information is currently being assessed by the Chinese authorities.
Ultimately, it must be recognised that the decision to resume trade remains a matter for the Chinese authorities. However, given the growing importance of the market for Irish beef, I will continue to respectfully press the case for a resumption of the beef trade whenever there is appropriate opportunity to do so.
789. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the diversification of food exports taken in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39713/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeveloping increased third country market access and furthering trade opportunities abroad are both integral parts of my Department’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit.
These goals are aligned with the strategic market development theme of Food Wise 2025, which outlines the significant potential for growth of our agri-food exports to new and existing markets, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Gulf region.
Ireland's food and drink exports have greatly increased in recent years, with a greater proportion going to non-EU markets. For example, in 2019, total Irish agri-food exports came to €14.5 billion - an increase of 6% on 2018 - and Bord Bia has indicated that half of this growth has come from markets outside Europe.
The Government's commitment to new market development has been illustrated by its appointment of my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., as Minister of State with specific responsibility for this task. In addition, my Department's international trade activities are being reorganised and further developed, as we deal with the twin challenges of Brexit and the Covid 19 pandemic.
Trade missions play a key role in market diversification. In recent years, successful visits have taken place to Turkey, China, Japan, South Korea, Algeria and Egypt, among others. Increased market access has been achieved through these visits, including the abolition of the age restriction on beef exports to Japan and the progression of beef access to South Korea. Destinations are selected strategically and in keeping with Bord Bia market prioritisation analysis.
Of course, our traditional "in person" method of developing trade with customers is not feasible currently. To that end my Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia, is holding a series of Virtual Trade Missions on five dates spanning November and December with customers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. These interactive engagements will include Irish exporters and existing and potential overseas customers. In addition, Minister Heydon and myself, together with Bord Bia, have held virtual engagements with key customers in Germany, US, UAE, UK, Japan, China and the Philippines in recent weeks.
My Department will continue to seek out and identify new markets, and I am ready to respond as appropriate to any opportunities that may arise.
790. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the complete list of institutes, centres and premises that are approved for EU trade in animals under EU Directive 92/65 laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the community of animals, semen, ova and embryos; if the list is publicly available on the website of his Department; and if not, the reason. [39739/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are eleven institutes, centres and premises currently approved on the register for EU trade in animals under EU Directive 92/65. They are;
Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork.
Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Tayto Park, Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co Meath.
Tropical World, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park, Coolnacon, Clonroche, Co Wexford.
Charles River Laboratories, Carrentrila, Ballina, Co Mayo,
Ardmore Open farm and Mini Zoo, Ballykilmurry, Ardmore, Co Waterford.
Galway Atlantaquarium, Salthill, Galway.
Iorras Products, Ballina, Co Mayo.
Clonfert Pet Farm, Maynooth, Co Kildare and
Wild Ireland, Dundrain, Burnfoot, Co Donegal.
My Department is currently updating this register, and it will be published shortly on the Department’s section of the Government Website.
