Written Answers Nos. 1153-1169
1153. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the governance structure for the implementation of the Sláintecare reform programme; the arrangements for oversight of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53387/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new Sláintecare Programme Board is being established to ensure that the drive for universal healthcare is fully embedded in both the Department of Health and the HSE. It will be co-chaired by the Secretary-General of the Department and the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE and will also comprise senior members of the Management Board and Executive Management Teams. It is in the process of being constituted and is expected to have its first meeting in the near future. The Board will report to me. The Cabinet Committee on Health will continue to report as appropriate.
In addition, individual projects have specific governance arrangements. The Elective Hospitals Oversight Group, under the joint governance of the HSE, Department of Health and Sláintecare, is guiding the development of the elective hospitals, following the process outlined in the Public Spending Code (PSC). As we move towards implementing Regional Health Areas (RHAs), it is important that the views of health and social care staff and patients are considered. The RHA Advisory Group will ensure that those perspectives are heard and as RHA design and implementation process progresses.
1154. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the research available to him regarding the level of vaccine waning in respect of each of the vaccines used here; if this will play a role in deciding the order of roll-out of booster vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53392/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.
As the first phase of the Covid-19 vaccination programme is nearing completion, the NIAC has been examining evidence regarding booster vaccination. The NIAC has recommended a booster dose be offered to those aged 65 years and older living in Long Term Residential Care, aged 80 years and older living in the community and to those aged 60-79 years who have completed their primary vaccination with any Covid-19 vaccination.
The latest NIAC recommendations regarding booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine for those aged 60-79 years can be accessed below.
NIAC-Recommendations-regarding-booster-doses-of-COVID-19-vaccine-for-those-aged-60-79-years.pdf (rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com).
The NIAC continues to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for those with waning immunity and reduced effectiveness in other groups, such as those with co-morbidities (under 60 years of age) and healthcare workers and will make further recommendations if required.
1155. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of general practitioners. [53393/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas. We are working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the selection process to find a replacement GP.
Several efforts to increase the number of practising GPs have been undertaken in recent years. The number of entrants to GP training has increased from 120 in 2009 to 233 this year, with large increases made in recent years. Further increases are expected as responsibility for training has transferred from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners. Changes have been made to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to facilitate more flexible/shared GMS contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme. An enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was also introduced.
Recent developments in relation to general practice, in particular the 2019 Agreement on Contractual Reform and Service Development, have helped to re-establish general practice in Ireland as an attractive career choice. The additional investment, which will amount to €210 million annually once the Agreement is fully implemented, provides for an increase in capitation fees, improved maternity and paternity arrangements as well as enhanced supports for rural practices. In addition, targeted funding of €2 million will also be set aside to provide additional support to practices in deprived urban areas. The wider reforms in the health service will also help to provide an atmosphere in which the practice of medicine in Ireland will remain attractive. The additional investment in general practice provides a sound basis for ensuring that GPs have access to a credible and rewarding career path in Ireland.
1156. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the school dentist waiting list and the fact that currently primary school children are not receiving any appointments in south-western areas of County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53394/21]
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.
1158. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to recruit neurology nurse specialists for Cork University Hospital given the unit is short of specialised staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53396/21]
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.
1159. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health when he plans to publish the McHugh report on student nurses and midwives pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53407/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe McHugh report has required careful consideration including briefing and examination by a range of Departmental officials across multiple areas. The time to consider properly the report's contents and recommendations has been necessary, and I would like to reassure that every possible effort is being made to progress this matter.
Officials in my Department remain fully committed to facilitating and supporting student nurses and midwives in their education, and will continue to engage with stakeholders and representatives on these matters, including on the report when it is published shortly.
1160. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health the number of engagements he has had with trade unions on the McHugh report on student nurses and midwives pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53408/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department had a series of engagements with trade unions discussing terms of reference for the McHugh report, a meeting dedicated to nursing students' industrial relations matters in September as well as a follow up meeting that also referred to this topic, and several exchanges of correspondence with unions discussing these matters in recent months. Additionally I understand that Mr McHugh engaged separately with student nursing stakeholders and with my officials on a number of occasions in the process of drafting his report.
I and my officials remain fully committed to facilitating and supporting student nurses and midwives in their education, and will continue to engage with stakeholders and representatives on these matters, including on the report when it is published.
1161. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a suckler cow scheme with a payment of €200 per suckler cow as he previously called for when in opposition in recent years; if the scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51983/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I have recently announced the details of the new €9.8 billion CAP 2023 – 2027 budget and have given indicative allocation each intervention in Ireland’s CSP.
The proposed list of interventions has been developed following an extensive period of consultations conducted by my Department over the past two years including engagement with the national CAP Stakeholder Consultative Committee and, most recently, a detailed public consultation that attracted over 1,000 submissions, and an ongoing series of in person, mart meetings over the past few weeks.
It should be noted that funding over the seven-year period 2021-2027 is increased by almost 30%, or €1.2 billion, compared to the 2014-2020 period.
In relation to the suckler scheme, an indicative allocation of €260 million has been provided for the years 2023-2027 for the suckler carbon efficiency programme and details of this measure will be provided in due course. In addition to this specific measure, suckler farmers can avail of a range of other CAP measures including ANC and AECM, and the Organic Farming Schemes. This does not include any potential schemes through the use of exchequer funding.
In 2020, 27,200 beef farmers received payments totalling €46.6 million under the Beef Finishers Payment (BFP), 24,400 farmers received payments totalling €40.4 million under BEEP-S and over 21,000 farmers received payments totalling €37.8 million under BDGP.
I am committed to ensuring support for the beef and suckler sectors. Funding of over €85 million has been provided in the 2022 Budget for targeted supports for the beef sector including BDGP, BEEP-S, and the Dairy Calf Programme. The details are currently being finalised and will be announced in due course.
1162. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who are currently enrolled in environmental schemes; the number who will be out of contract at the end of 2021; the number who will be able to reapply to another environmental scheme in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51984/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails regarding the numbers of farmers who are currently enrolled in environmental schemes as requested by the Deputy are as follows:
BDGP
BDGP was made available in 2015 with contracts available up to 2020. Extensions to the programme are available in 2021 and 2022. The current participation in the programme is 17,669 herds.
REAP
REAP is a pilot project designed to test the results-based model in an agri-environment context. The project will explore the potential of upscaling the model as part of the next national agri-environment scheme to follow on from GLAS. REAP opened for applications in April 2021 with participants approved for the two year period of this pilot project, 2021 and 2022.
|
Participants |
Current date of Completion of contract |
|
3,748 |
31 December 2022 |
GLAS
GLAS was made available in October 2015 and consisted of three tranches, with contracts under the first two tranches extended last year to 31st December 2021. The breakdown (at September 2021) of active participants per tranche is as follows:
|
Tranche |
Participants |
Current date of Completion of contract |
|
GLAS1 |
22,780 |
31 December 2021 |
|
GLAS2 |
10,032 |
31 December 2021 |
|
GLAS3 |
12,757 |
31 December 2021 |
|
45,569 |
There would therefore be potentially c.45,600 eligible for an offer for extension this year.
Organic Farming Scheme
|
Status |
Participants |
|
Currently enrolled |
1,711 |
|
Out of Contract end of 2021 |
1,385 |
Straw Incorporation Measure
|
Status |
Participants |
|
Currently enrolled* |
1,879 |
*As this is a one-year scheme all are out of contract at the end of 2021.
Terms and conditions for any new scheme being introduced in 2022 would be unique to that individual scheme. This will include the eligibility criteria that each applicant would need to meet to participate.
1163. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has plans to increase the TAMS costings and ceilings in view of the fact there has been a substantial increase in the costs of materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52046/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll the reference costs under TAMS II were fully reviewed in July of this year. The costs were increased in the case of own labour and, in the case of 62 investment items, with increases ranging from 5%-40%. A decrease of 10%-30% was implemented in the case of three investment items.
A further review has commenced of the reference costs in light of the increasing costs of construction; any changes identified will be considered once this review is completed.
1164. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person who was on the beef data and genomics scheme and who suffered ill health and was forced to sell the sucklers as the person was no longer in a position to care for them is now expected to return a sum of the grant and is instead not covered under force majeure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52048/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe persons named joined the Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2017 - 2022 (BDGP II) in 2017. When they joined, they gave an undertaking to adhere to the Terms and Conditions that govern the programme and they committed to carrying out the necessary actions for the full 6 years of the programme.
The Department received correspondence from one of the persons named in March 2020 stating that he was no longer able to continue in the programme. He included medical evidence stating that he would not be fit for work for at least three months.
The persons named were requested to confirm in writing if it was their intention to continue suckler farming and, if so, if they still wished to withdraw from BDGP that they would be required to reimburse the Department for BDGP payments received since 2017.
In April 2020, the Department reminded the persons named that in applying to join the BDGP scheme they committed to participate in the programme for the full six years of the scheme and as indicated in the Terms and Conditions of the programme, any withdrawal would result in payments made under the programme up to that point being recouped.
Correspondence was received from one of the individuals named in May 2020 where he stated that he was unable to continue to participate in the Programme due to serious health issues. In October 2020, the Department informed the persons named that following a review of their request, force majeure could not be considered in this case as the application under BDGP II was in joint names.
In May 2021, the participants were informed that they were no longer deemed to be participating in the Beef Data Genomics Programme. They were informed that as they did not adhere to the terms and conditions of this programme, the Department must now recoup the monies paid to date under the scheme as provided for in the Terms and Conditions. They sought a review of the Department’s decision.
Following consideration of the request for a review and the information supplied, the review was unsuccessful. The Terms and Conditions of the programme allow for the consideration of Force Majeure in certain circumstances including the "long term professional incapacity of the beneficiary". This has not been applied in this instance as a check on the Department’s Animal Identification and Movements system (AIM) showed that the herd number still had animals on their holding and furthermore the herd number when applying for the scheme had two names associated with it and now has three names.
The case is now with the Agriculture Appeals Office for consideration.
1165. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is in receipt of correspondence (details supplied); if a response will issue on the matters raised within. [52119/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am in receipt of recent correspondence from a fishing industry representative organisation citing legal advice to the effect, in summary, that there is no legal mechanism in the European Union (Common Fisheries Policy)(Point System) Regulations 2020 (SI No 318/2020) for licence holders to appeal a determination of the Determination Panel to the Appeals Officer that a serious infringement occurred. I will be replying directly to that body in respect of the issues raised.
In order to assist the Deputy in respect of the issues raised, I will set out here the position.
In light of the serious assertions contained in that letter, I have had my officials undertake a review of SI 318 of 2020 specifically to ascertain whether fishing boat license holders can appeal a finding by the Determination Panel that a serious infringement has occurred for which points should be assigned. Following their review, the legal position is as follows:
1. Any adverse determination made against a license holder by the Determination Panel and any proposal to assign points on the basis of that determination can be appealed to an Appeals Officer within 30 days from the date of the SFPA notification proposing to assign points on the basis of the Determination Panel finding that a serious infringement has occurred.
2. Points will not be assigned where an appeal has been made until after the appeal has been determined and only if the Appeals Officer has determined that a serious infringement has occurred for which points should be assigned.
In the circumstances, the legal position is that the appeal process provided for in SI 318 of 2020 guarantees licence holders an effective, substantive and fair appeal option.
1166. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dairy farmers by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52176/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are over 16,000 specialist dairying farms accounting for 12% of all farms. The majority of specialist dairying farms, over three quarters are located in the Southern and Eastern region.
The Department does not hold specific records on an annual basis categorised by county as sought by the Deputy.
The next definitive data on the number of dairy farms by county will be available from the CSO, when the results of the Census of Agriculture 2020 are finalised and published.
However, the following table shows an estimate by my Department of dairy herds broken down by county in 2019. The Deputy should note that this is an estimated figure extrapolated from ongoing work and is subject to revision and therefore should be interpreted as indicative only. Updated data can be provide to the Deputy’s office once verification is complete.
|
COUNTY |
|
|
CARLOW |
163 |
|
CAVAN |
618 |
|
CLARE |
539 |
|
CORK |
4,016 |
|
DONEGAL |
196 |
|
DUBLIN |
27 |
|
GALWAY |
460 |
|
KERRY |
1,505 |
|
KILDARE |
152 |
|
KILKENNY |
858 |
|
LAOIS |
407 |
|
LEITRIM |
40 |
|
LIMERICK |
1,442 |
|
LONGFORD |
132 |
|
LOUTH |
149 |
|
MAYO |
291 |
|
MEATH |
484 |
|
MONAGHAN |
600 |
|
OFFALY |
324 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
92 |
|
SLIGO |
121 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1,665 |
|
WATERFORD |
729 |
|
WESTMEATH |
252 |
|
WEXFORD |
766 |
|
WICKLOW |
210 |
|
Total |
16,238 |
1167. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the present 12 mile, 20 kilometre, exclusive coastal zone for fishing is due to come to an end; the plans to replace same when this happens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52313/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnion fishing vessels have equal access to Union waters and resources subject to the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). However, Article 5(2) of the CFP Regulation, Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, provides for derogations from the equal access rule whereby Member States may restrict access for fishing in their 12 nautical mile zones to certain vessels. This includes vessels that have traditionally fished in those waters or have access under arrangements set out in Annex I of the CFP Regulation.
The derogation under Article 5(2) will expire on 31 December 2022. The European Commission published a proposal in July proposing an amendment to extend the derogation up until the end of December 2032. The proposal also removes provisions relating to access for the UK, which are now covered under in the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement.
I am concerned that this proposal involves an automatic rollover of existing arrangements and is being discussed in isolation from the upcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy. I consider that this important element of the CFP should be dealt with the by the Commission as part of the full CFP review and form part of the formal review and the Commission report to Council and Parliament on the functioning of the CFP. I have written to the Commissioner to make Ireland’s concern and our position clear.
I have made clear, most recently during the Commissioner's visit to Ireland in September, that the Commission must undertake during 2022 a thorough review of the CFP, taking into account all aspects of the functioning of the CFP. Access arrangements as set out in Article 5(2) of Council Regulation 1380/2013 to the 12 nautical miles is a key element of the Common Fisheries Policy and as set out above, I am seeking that this forms part of the overall review.
1168. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total mackerel quota allocated to Ireland; if it is planned to increase the amount of mackerel quota available to the inshore fleet which includes the majority of boat owners but only a fraction of the fishing effort for 2022 from the present quota of 400 tonnes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52316/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's quota for Mackerel in 2021 was set at 60,847 tonnes.
Management of the national mackerel quota is set down in Ministerial Policy which has been developed and put in place over a number of years. The allocation of 400 tonnes for a fishery for smaller vessels (under 15 metres) fishing for Mackerel by means of hooks and lines was set down in 2010. The then Minister amended the Mackerel policy in July 2017 after intensive review and public consultation, however, this amendment did not involve the hook and line fishery.
In order to consider any review of mackerel policy, I must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect policy, it will require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including full public consultation.
There has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for access to and a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026. In addition, the relevant Coastal States have agreed an overall mackerel TAC for the North-East Atlantic for 2022 that involves a 7% reduction on the 2021 TAC level. These reductions will only increase demands for higher shares of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet. The Deputy should be aware that the 400 tonne limit for the hook and line fishery has not been reduced and has remained the same as in previous years.
Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota allocation for any group of vessels, such as for the hook and line fishery, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the TCA.
1169. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to ensure that all fishers and all segments of the fleet benefit from the Brexit adjustment reserve fund; the method by which these funds are being disbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52317/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulation 2021/1755 of 6th October 2021 established the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The purpose of the BAR is to provide support to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial and environmental consequences of Brexit in the Member States, regions, communities and economic sectors most adversely affected. Ireland has been provisionally allocated €1.1 billion from the BAR, subject to eligible applications being submitted to the European Commission by 30 September 2024. The BAR may only fund measures that contribute to its objectives and that are implemented by 31st December 2023.
I established a Seafood Sector Task Force in March 2021 to examine the impacts on our fishing sector and coastal communities of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and to make recommendations to me on initiatives that could be taken to provide supports for development and restructuring so as to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities dependent on fishing.
I received the report of the Task Force on 11th October and it makes recommendations for a broad range of support schemes to assist the seafood sector and coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of the TCA, including temporary and permanent cessation schemes for the fishing sector, liquidity support schemes, capital investment schemes, marketing supports, marine infrastructure renewal and enhanced community led local development through the seven Fisheries Local Action Groups.
Many of the recommended measures are proposed for funding under the BAR, and others for funding under my Department's forthcoming Seafood Development Programme 2021-27. I am urgently examining the Task Force report with a view to quickly implementing a comprehensive response to the impacts of the TCA on our fishing sector and coastal communities. The measures recommended in the report will be examined with particular regard to available funds, eligibility of the recommended measures for funding under the BAR and with regard to State Aid rules and the Public Spending Code.
