Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:907. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if the impacts of energy poverty on health are monitored by his Department. [5992/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel Poverty
Ceisteanna (907)
Freagraí scríofa
There is compelling evidence that the drivers of fuel poverty (low income, poor energy efficiency and energy prices) are strongly linked to living at low temperatures, and that low temperatures are associated with a range of negative health outcomes.
Conversely, energy efficiency measures can support good physical and mental health primarily by creating healthy indoor living environments with healthy air temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and improved air quality. The potential benefits of energy efficiency measures include improved physical health such as reduced symptoms of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, rheumatism, arthritis and allergies, as well as fewer injuries. In cold climates, energy efficiency improvements can lower rates of excess winter mortality.
Recent evidence shows that chronic thermal discomfort and fuel poverty also have negative mental health impacts (anxiety, stress, and depression). Energy efficiency improvements targeting fuel poverty can therefore improve mental, as well as physical well-being.
The Programme for Government commits to providing €5 billion to part fund a socially progressive national retrofit programme targeting all homes, but with a particular focus on the Midlands region and on social and low-income tenancies. Budget 2021 provided €109 million to support lower income households to retrofit their homes and participate in the transition. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty.
The Warmth and Wellbeing scheme is a major pilot initiative delivered under the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty and the Healthy Ireland Framework. This pilot scheme, which was launched in 2016 with a €20m investment, is led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with the Department of Health, and has been delivered by the HSE and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in HSE Community Healthcare Organisation 7 (CHO7).
The scheme has targeted deep energy efficiency interventions at people in energy poverty who are suffering from acute health conditions and living in poorly insulated homes. By retrofitting homes, the Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme aims to improve their internal air temperature and air quality, producing an improved quality of life for residents, reducing their energy bills and reducing impact on the health service through less frequent doctor/hospital visits.
An independent research project will take place in 2021 with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), following standard procurement processes. The LSHTM research team will conduct a health impact evaluation of the scheme, and will be delivered in 2021. This research will examine, among other matters, changes in hospitalisation rates and medication usage, general wellbeing and mental health and overall improvements in quality of life.
Research outcomes are expected to inform wider rollout of retrofit schemes in Ireland.
Nursing Staff
Ceisteanna (908)
Michael Ring
Ceist:908. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason an application by a person (details supplied) for registration is not yet completed in view of the need for suitably qualified and registered nurses in Ireland at present and considering that the application was submitted several months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6002/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The NMBI introduced its new online registration system, MyNMBI, in September 2020 which meant that a paper application, such as the one submitted in this case, could not be processed. The applicant was advised of this by NMBI and then submitted an online qualification recognition application, a necessary first step for those applicants who trained outside Ireland, on 7 January 2021.
The NMBI notified the applicant, on Friday 29 January 2021, that their qualifications recognition application was successful and advised them to submit a registration application as soon as possible. The NMBI has advised my Department that it will process this application quickly on receipt.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (909)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:909. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when chartered physiotherapists will receive the Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6003/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.
The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
The next group to be vaccinated (Group 3) are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group will begin this month.
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in direct patient contact roles will be vaccinated in Group 2. This includes HCWs working in public, private, and voluntary settings. Other HCWs, not in direct patient contact, will be vaccinated in Group 4.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (910)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:910. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will have an ASD assessment before they reach 18 years of age in the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (911)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:911. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for St. Vincent’s Hospital; if they are on the routine or urgent waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6014/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (912)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:912. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) was released from Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6015/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (913)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:913. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect an appointment in Sligo University Hospital neurology department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6016/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 914 answered with Question No. 831.
Respite Care Services
Ceisteanna (915)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:915. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the reopening of the Annalee Respite Centre, County Cavan; the timeframe for same; the number of families that can be catered for at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6036/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (916)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:916. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts he has made to secure a share of the bluefin tuna for Irish fishers for 2021 through engagements with the EU Commission and International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, ICCAT; and the details of the outcome of engagements on the matter. [4999/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bluefin tuna is a highly migratory large pelagic species which spawns in the Mediterranean and then migrates over a wide area of the North East Atlantic to feed. This migration brings some of the fish into the Irish 200 miles zone for part of the year. At the time we see fish in the Irish zone, there are also fish being caught in the international high seas and over a wide area from Spain to Norway. There is no survey from which the abundance in Ireland's 200 miles zone may be determined.
Ireland does not have a national quota for Bluefin Tuna. The available Bluefin Tuna quota is allocated each year to Member States on the basis of relative stability as established in the late 1990s. At that time, Ireland did not have a track record of commercial fishing for Bluefin Tuna and, accordingly, did not receive a quota allocation.
A small Bluefin Tuna by-catch quota is available to Ireland, primarily for use in our important Northern Albacore Tuna fishery and Celtic Sea Herring fishery where there can be Bluefin Tuna by-catch.
In 2018, Ireland was successful, for the first time, in securing agreement that allowed countries without a commercial quota to set up a catch-tag-release fishery to contribute to the collection of scientific data. A Catch-Tag-Release science-based fishery for authorised recreational angling vessels has been in place in Ireland since 2019 and supports the collection of valuable data on the migratory patterns of Bluefin Tuna in Irish waters.
The only way to obtain a share of the EU quota now would involve changing relative stability within the EU. The EU percentage share of the international TAC is set down and there is no likelihood that an international country will concede any share to the EU. This means that EU Member States, with a national quota, would have to give up a share of their allocation to Ireland.
The EU Commission has advised that it intends to commence the Common Fisheries Policy review process when there is clarity on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. The review is expected to be detailed and comprehensive. At EU level, it is expected that all stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage actively in the review work including the fishing industry, eNGOs and Member States.
I will consider how Ireland will prepare for and participate actively and effectively in the review, including the interaction with stakeholders to prepare Ireland's case and identify priorities.
Foreshore Issues
Ceisteanna (917)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:917. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 662 of 27 May 2020, the outcome of the report drafted by the marine engineering division on the construction of road approximately 400 m in length along the foreshore of Lough Foyle at Clar, Redcastle, County Donegal. [5000/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Further to Parliamentary Question number 662 of 2020, my Department’s Marine Engineering Division examined the site in question in May 2020 and has reported that a vehicle access track had been recently created or modified along the upper shore. The report outlines that the track referred to runs predominantly above the high-water mark but does crossover to the public foreshore for short distances. Matters above the high-water mark are a matter for the relevant local authority.
The Marine Engineering Division report suggests that the purpose of the track appears to have been to facilitate access to oyster sites.
As the Deputy is aware, the management of aquaculture and associated foreshore licensing function in the Lough gives rise to legal and jurisdictional complexities. Applications for Aquaculture licenses are considered by my Department under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act, and applicable EU Legislation. However, in the case of Lough Foyle, Section 2 of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act disapplies the Act to the Moville Area, as it is defined in the Foyle Fisheries Act, 1952.
The Good Friday Agreement provided for the establishment of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC). This body is one of the six North South Implementation Bodies created under the Agreement. The Loughs Agency, as part of the FCLIC, has been given responsibility for fisheries related matters in respect of both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough and the legislation envisages that the Agency will enter into management agreement with the relevant authorities in both jurisdictions with a view to assuming responsibly for aquaculture licensing within the loughs. Discussions in respect of the management agreement are ongoing. Negotiations regarding the jurisdiction of the Lough Foyle are, in the first instance, a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
My Department organises and participates in an inter-departmental working group which is pursuing a way forward in terms of the future management of aquaculture and associated foreshore activities on Lough Foyle, in parallel with a workable resolution of the complex jurisdictional issues involved.
In view of the multi-dimensional and cross jurisdictional nature of the issue involved, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (918)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:918. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all sectors of the fishing industry including the producer organisations, fishing co-ops, inshore fishing organisations and islands fishing organisations will be represented on the task force that he has announced for the industry. [5001/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 21 January, I announced in the Dáil my intention to set up a task force involving seafood industry representatives and representatives of other stakeholders to provide recommendations to me on the appropriate measures that will best support the sector and the local coastal communities with the impacts of the quota cuts. My Department is urgently preparing the Terms of Reference for this Task Force and I will be ensuring a broad representation of our seafood sector, as it is important that there is full buy-in to the process.
I will be asking the task force to immediately focus on arrangements for the Fleet Temporary Tie-up Scheme, so that it can be ready to go live as soon as it is needed. I also expect that the Task Force will provide prioritised recommendations on a range of other appropriate measures that will allow our seafood sector and coastal communities to adjust to the impacts of the quota reductions.
Maritime Safety
Ceisteanna (919)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:919. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the review of the decision to not proceed with the sea survival centre at the fisheries school at Greencastle, County Donegal. [5002/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This proposed project by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has been assessed in the wider context of the provision of existing specialised professional sea survival training facilities within the State and the cost, both construction and operational, of such a facility.
There are existing professional sea survival training facilities based at the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. These facilities are a unique resource in Ireland and designed both for fundamental safety training and specialised survival training, to increase survival ability in emergency situations. The purpose built facilities are available for the provision of all necessary and required training for fishers across the State.
The proposal by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for the potential construction of a similar facility within the State (at Greencastle, County Donegal) is currently under consideration and requires a comprehensive analysis covering capital, fit out, staffing, running costs. To assist that consideration, I have asked BIM for further detailed information in relation to the proposal.
Harbours and Piers
Ceisteanna (920)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:920. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the review of the request from Donegal County Council to centrally fund the completion of the breakwater at Greencastle Harbour, County Donegal and the development of the harbour to increase the potential for fisheries and tourism. [5003/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, Greencastle Harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the Local Authority.
That said, this matter remains under review and no decision has been made in relation to funding the completion of the breakwater at Greencastle Harbour. Any future decision as regards centrally funding this project can and will only be taken in the overall budgetary context, with regard to competing national priorities.
Herd Number Applications
Ceisteanna (921)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:921. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions a person (details supplied) should take in view of the fact they cannot obtain a herd number due to Covid-19. [5029/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The terms and conditions of the Sheep Welfare Scheme provides for new entrants to sheep farming to apply to participate in the scheme. Under the terms and conditions of the scheme, a new entrant is defined as an applicant who has applied for a new herd number in the period 1st January to 31st December in the year preceding the scheme year, or an applicant with an existing herd number who has not held or traded in sheep for a two year period up to 31 October preceding the scheme year.
The full terms and conditions for each year of the scheme, detailing the above criteria, are published on my Department’s website each year and are also available on request from the Sheep Welfare Scheme section of my Department. The qualifying criteria for new entrants under the scheme are also announced in the press release issued advising of the opening of the new scheme year.
My Department has continued to issue new herd numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Application forms for a new herd number could be obtained by either contacting the Department Local Office by telephone, email or by downloading the form from the Department’s website.
My Department has now posted a herd number application form to the person named to assist them in applying for a new herd number this year. I have also asked officials from my Department to make direct contact with the person named to discuss the option of submitting an appeal in relation to their participation in the 2021 scheme.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (922)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:922. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of recorded landings by UK-registered vessels at each harbour nationwide in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form. [5053/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The data requested by the Deputy on landings by UK-registered vessels is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) which is the responsible authority for the collection of data. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's requests for this data to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (923)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:923. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider extending the landing times for UK-registered vessels at some designated ports nationwide from Monday to Friday to seven days a week with regard to the safety of fishers and the limitations of the weather that impacts on their livelihoods. [5054/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are significant practical and cost implications for the State in the designation of EU ports for Third Country landings as, under EU Regulations, such designations represent an entry point to the European Union following which food is free to circulate within the full EU common market. On this basis for any ports designated, Ireland is obliged to ensure that it has in place a meaningful control presence.
I can assure the Deputy that the opening times for the ports designated were decided to allow for Northern Ireland registered vessels to continue to land into Irish ports, while ensuring that the SFPA has the capacity to continue to perform its vital control functions effectively.
EU Regulations
Ceisteanna (924)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:924. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek an update on the legal advice submitted to the Office of the Attorney General by organisations (details supplied) with respect to the derogation provided for in article 105(4) of Regulation EU 2019/6 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5061/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has sought the advice from the Attorney General’s Office on the technical subject matter referred to relating to the derogation provided for in article 105(4) of Regulation EU 2019/6. This request for advice was made in December 2020. It is receiving attention in that office currently.
It is the intention of my Department to make a statement on the matter to all stakeholders when the advice has been received.
Beef Data and Genomics Programme
Ceisteanna (925)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:925. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5090/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department recently announced that Government had provided funding to allow for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) to be extended for a rollover period of one year in 2021. This extension was only open to those BDGP participants who have already met the requirements for the full six-year duration of BDGP 2015-2020.
One of these requirements was the Stock Bull/AI Requirement. For participants using a stock bull, at least one stock bull on the holding on 30th June 2019 must have been a genotyped 4 or 5 star bull on either the Terminal or Replacement Index (on a within or across breed basis) at the time of purchase.
For BDGP participants using AI, at least 80% of the AI used on the participating holding must have been from 4 or 5 star bulls on either the Terminal or Replacement Index (on a within or across breed basis).
Applicants using both stock bulls and AI must satisfy both requirements.
The person named did not meet the stock bull requirement and, therefore, was ineligible to rollover for 2021. In December 2020, a letter issued to the person named informing him of this.
An appeal was subsequently received from the person named. This appeal is being reviewed and the outcome of that review will be communicated in writing to the person named shortly.
Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme
Ceisteanna (926)
Joe Carey
Ceist:926. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a 2020 ANC payment in respect of a person (details supplied) has not been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5140/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for participation in the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme was received from the person named on 15th April 2020.
Under the terms and conditions of the scheme, participants must meet the following minimum stocking criteria:
Maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare for 7 consecutive months within the 2020 calendar year.
Maintain an annual average stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare for the 2020 calendar year.
The person named held a variety of qualifying livestock during the 2020 ANC scheme year which included donkeys, sheep and cattle. The following points are of note with regards to these livestock and the 2020 ANC scheme requirements:
- As set out in the scheme terms and conditions, December 2019 Sheep/Goat census returns received up to 15th May 2020 were considered valid for ANC/ASC purposes. The December 2019 Sheep/Goat census was completed by the person named in June 2020 and received by the Department on 5th June 2020. As a result, the sheep held by the person named were not eligible to be considered under the livestock unit requirements for the 2020 scheme year.
- The person named also held cattle and donkeys during the 2020 scheme year but sold a number of cattle in March 2020 and also in September 2020. While the person named continued to hold both cattle and donkeys throughout the scheme year, the impact of the sale of the cattle meant that the person named did not meet the requirement to maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare for 7 consecutive months within the 2020 calendar year.
As a result of the above, the person named did not qualify for payment under the 2020 ANC scheme year.
It is noted that the person named has submitted their previous sheep census returns in the December/January period. If the person named believes there were specific grounds under Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances for the late submission of the return in 2020, they may submit an appeal to in writing to my Department to:
ANC section, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Government Buildings, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
The person named should include any supporting documentation that may be relevant to their appeal and this will be reviewed by my Department.
Felling Licences
Ceisteanna (927)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:927. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 513 of 21 January 2021, if it is his Department's policy not to facilitate applicants in this particular category; if the forestry in question is likely to be harvested in the normal way in view of its maturity and the shortage of timber and timber products and the applicant does not have the means to fund a Natura impact statement, NIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5143/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Applicants for forestry licences, where an examination of the application by an ecologist is awaited, have a choice of either providing a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) or waiting for the Ecology Unit of my Department to prepare their own Appropriate Assessment Report and Determination.
This application will be dealt with in due course. However, the provision of an NIS at the applicant’s own expense can reduce the timeframe for completion of the ecological assessment from more than nine months (at a minimum) to two to three months.
I must advise the Deputy that the applicant must wait for a decision to issue on their application for a tree felling licence, as it is an offence to fell trees without a valid tree felling licence.
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (928)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:928. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for allowing greyhound racing to continue when hare coursing has correctly ceased during level 5 restrictions; the further reason for allowing an activity to continue in a confined space with persons travelling from around the country to various stadiums which is considered unsafe given the unprecedented high level of Covid-19 infections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5160/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rásíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Under S.I. No. 29 of 2021, the holding of greyhound racing is permitted under Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with Covid-19. RCÉ is operating on a behind closed doors basis with all restaurant activity suspended. There is a strict ‘one person, one dog policy’ in place.
RCÉ has informed my Department that it has a comprehensive Covid-19 response plan in place and adapts its approach according to government directives and public health advice. RCÉ has assured my Department that it has consistently operated in accordance with decisions of Government and general guidance regarding compliance with all measures necessary to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme
Ceisteanna (929)
Peter Burke
Ceist:929. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding available for calf welfare projects under the calf welfare scheme and TAMS; the specific topics covered for funding; the closing dates for these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5231/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The investments available under the pilot Calf Investment Scheme have now been made available under three of the suite of seven measures available under TAMS II.
The new calf welfare items added are computerised calf feeders and milk carts with mixers. These items may be applied for under Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage (AWSNSS), Young Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) and the Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OFCIS).
The current Tranche of TAMS II is open for applications and will close on 16 April 2021. Full details of TAMS II are available on my Department's Website www.gov.ie/agriculture.
Animal Welfare
Ceisteanna (930)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:930. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding provided to animal welfare and rescue organisations by organisation in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5236/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Animal welfare is a high priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to address the issue. In December 2020, I provided record funding of €3.2 million to 101 animal welfare bodies throughout the country.
Earlier this week, I launched the first over-arching national Animal Welfare Strategy for Ireland. This provides a framework under which all animal welfare matters can be consider for the future. It is underpinned by five guiding principles: working in partnership; science and evidence-led policy making; improving education and knowledge; consistent evaluation and assessment and an effective regulatory system.
In addition to supporting these welfare organisations, my Department and other regulatory agencies carry out a series of animal welfare inspections on farm and at other locations where animals are kept. Among other measures undertaken by my Department to support animal welfare is the the continued operation of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council's Early Warning System. This multi-stakeholder group meets on a regional basis and facilitates early intervention in developing animal welfare comprising situations, due to weather or other events which may have an impact on animal welfare. In these cases, my Department acts quickly and effectively to deal with any situation that is arising.
The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to increase the funding available to animal welfare organisations over the coming years. I would like to assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to this undertaking.
The attached table contains a breakdown of funding provided from 2016 - 2020:
Meat Processing Plants
Ceisteanna (931, 932)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:931. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to cases of Covid-19 in meat processing plants in County Cork between 1 December 2020 and 26 January 2021, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5237/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHolly Cairns
Ceist:932. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of recorded cases of Covid-19 in a meat plant (details supplied) in County Cork for the period 1 December 2020 to 26 January 2021, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5238/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 931 and 932 together.
COVID 19 continues to challenge us as a society, with outbreaks in the community and in work places. The Department of Health and the HSE are the competent authorities in matters relating to public health. My Department does not comment on outbreaks within specific meat production facilities.
My Department continues to contribute to the HSE-chaired National Outbreak Control Team as part of the whole-of-Government response to the pandemic and is supporting the HSE in the context of local outbreak teams, overseeing a programme of serial testing of workers at larger food plants and other businesses. As of week ending 22nd January 2021, over 97,494 swabs have been taken with 804 detected cases since this process commenced last autumn. The Department continues to provide any assistance requested by the HSE to facilitate this testing programme. In addition, staff from my Department, in collaboration with HSE, are researching the potential use of rapid antigen testing in food processing sector as an additional risk mitigation measure in such environments.
Furthermore, as of 21st January, officials from my Department had completed 645 inspections on behalf of the HSA, including unannounced inspections, in DAFM-approved food premises, and these inspections are ongoing.
Meat Processing Plants
Ceisteanna (933)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:933. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the measures in place to monitor the health and working conditions in meat plants to prevent further clusters of Covid-19. [5240/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, primary responsibility for public health policy and implementation rests with the Department of Health and the HSE. Statutory responsibility for health and safety in the workplace rests with the Health and Safety Authority (under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment). Responsibility for the Health and Safety of employees lies with the management of each establishment.
My Department’s statutory responsibility is to ensure that Food Business Operators (FBOs) within these premises operate in compliance with the EU’s food hygiene legislation, animal and plant health and animal welfare standards.
A national Outbreak Control team has been established by the HSE to deal with all issues relating to COVID-19 in meat plants and my Department is represented on this committee. Any clusters of cases in workplaces are dealt with by local HSE-led outbreak control teams.
My Department continues to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to its own staff and contractors in Food Business premises. PPE for Food Business personnel are supplied by the business itself. Food Business Operators have put in place a range of protective practices and equipment to protect employee safety and these include measures such as the reduction of throughput rates at the plant, temperature checks on entry into the plant, the extension of operating hours and other safeguards such as “podding”, the provision of additional PPE, the use of Perspex screens and the provision of additional facilities to support physical distancing measures.
My Department contributes to the HSE-chaired National Outbreak Control Team as part of the whole-of-Government response to the pandemic - this Committee oversees a programme of serial testing of workers at larger food plants and other businesses.
The first cycle of serial testing (i.e. four weeks of weekly testing) at food production facilities started on 14th September 2020. A further three cycles were subsequently completed and a fifth cycle is currently in progress. As of week ending 22nd January 2021, some 97,494 swabs have been taken with a total of 804 detected cases. The Department continues to provide any assistance requested by the HSE to facilitate this testing programme.
As of 21st January, officials from my Department had completed 645 inspections on behalf of the HSA, including unannounced inspections in DAFM-approved food premises, and these inspections are ongoing.
Additional support is provided by my Department to the HSE and the Health and Safety Authority in monitoring the effective implementation of all relevant guidance in DAFM-approved food plants. In ongoing engagement with the meat industry since the start of the pandemic, my officials have emphasised that the health and safety of workers must be the absolute priority. Meat Industry Ireland and SIPTU have agreed a Code of Practice for the safe management of staff in the primary meat processing sector during the pandemic.
Departmental Functions
Ceisteanna (934)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:934. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will release a full contact directory of roles and responsibilities within his Department for the marine sector, including persons responsible for various roles to Opposition spokespersons as other Ministers and Departments have done. [5302/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has recently redesigned its website and it can be accessed through the www.gov.ie portal. The site provides an up to date contact list covering all areas of the Department's responsibility.
Deputies can also direct their queries to my own office and the matter will then be directed to the relevant official for attention. For queries on scheme payments, many Deputies already use our Oireachtas Liaison Unit. The Unit, which provides a quick turnaround on constituents’ queries in relation to payment schemes such as BPS, GLAS, ANC etc., is available only to Oireachtas members and can be contacted at oireachtas@agriculture.gov.ie.
For an overview of the Department, information on each of the areas for which our Senior Managers have responsibility is available on the home page of our website and also on the Who Does What website which is a public record of Assignment of Responsibilities under the Public Service Management Act 1997.