Written Answers Nos. 230-244
230. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with diabetes who were funded for devices (details supplied) by the long-term illness scheme or the primary care reimbursement service; and the number of those persons that were over 21 years of age in each of the years 2018 to 2021, in tabular form. [12164/22]
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.
231. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the stress and worry patients in small towns and villages in rural Ireland are experiencing due to the closure of many general practitioner practices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12165/22]
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.
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.
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 in 2021, with further increases planned. 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.
Importantly, the 2019 GP Agreement includes a commitment to undertake a strategic review of GP services within the lifetime of the Agreement, to examine how best to ensure the provision of GP services in Ireland for the future. Work on the review is to commence this year. The review will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice, and will set out measures necessary to deliver a sustainable service into the future.
232. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the agricultural schemes under which a landowner can plant up to one hectare of land without obtaining a forestry licence. [11806/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll new forests proposed for planting 0.1 hectare (ha) or greater requires a licence and is regulated by the Forestry Act 2014. There is no scheme which allows the planting of one hectare without a licence.
The Government is progressing through the houses of the Oireacteas a legislative change which will allow the planting of up to one hectare of native woodland without a licence when planted as part of a scheme.
The terms and conditions of this scheme will be drafted if the legislation is successfully passed by the Oireacteas. My Department will consult with stakeholders before any such scheme is drafted and will be screened for a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment.
My Department provides a range of grants and premiums for the planting of new forests 0.1 ha or greater under the Afforestation Scheme. All sites currently 0.1 ha or greater in size require a licence. The legislative change if passed will streamline the planting a small areas of native woodland.
233. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to continue funding the duck weed carbon sequestration research that is ongoing at Mount Lucas, Edenderry, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11813/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-2020 is the principal source of public funding for the sustainable development of our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EMFF Regulation.
I understand that BIM awarded grants under the EMFF Knowledge Gateway Scheme to two projects concerning duckweed (lemna minor and lemna gibba) at the Bord na Mona owned aquaculture facility at Mount Lucas in Co. Offaly. Both projects were undertaken by University College Cork. The AQUASUS project assessed the suitability of duckweed to remediate aquaculture wastewater and was completed in 2019. The AquaOpti project looked at developing duckweed biomass for protein extraction. This project is still ongoing and will conclude in April 2022.
The Knowledge Gateway Scheme is presently closed, as the EMFF nears its conclusion with almost all funds committed. My Department's new Seafood Development Programme under the successor to the EMFF, the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027, is being developed and I expect to submit it to the Commission later this year for its adoption. That Programme may include a similar support scheme for innovation in aquaculture, subject to available funds and funding priorities and it would be a matter for interested parties to apply under the scheme for funding at that time. I am advised that BIM is presently assisting a commercial duckweed company and the Technological University of the Shannon with prospective duckweed work at the Mount Lucas site.
234. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it can be expected that he will announce an operational programme for the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11980/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme 2014-2020 is the principal source of public funding for the sustainable development of our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. It has been in place since 2015 and is nearing its end, with almost all funds committed. Its successor, the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027 (EMFAF), was established by regulation on 7 July 2021.
Ireland's Seafood Development Programme under the new EMFAF is being developed by my Department at present and I expect to submit it to the Commission later this year for its adoption. Work is progressing well, informed by a number of engagements with stakeholders to date. There will be a final public consultation on the draft Programme and SEA Environmental Report in the second half of this year, ensuring further opportunity for stakeholders to input their views on the Programme's content and priorities for funding.
235. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will continue to provide Departmental funding for coastal infrastructure to ensure that those harbours and slipways that are ineligible for Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding receive maintenance and investment funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12014/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide funding for coastal infrastructure to ensure that harbours and slipways that are not shovel-ready can engage in the necessary planning and design works that may render them eligible for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12015/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a framework and method of working with local authorities to ensure investment needs for smaller piers and harbours can be addressed via the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, Departmental or other funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12016/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 235 to 237, inclusive, together.
On 25th January 2022, I launched a new €35m scheme exclusively for the rejuvenation of local authority owned public piers and harbours, the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023. The Scheme flows from the Seafood Taskforce Report which addresses the impacts arising on the seafood sector from the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The Scheme is a unique initiative designed to support job creation and protection by distributing Brexit Adjustment Reserve funds to enhance, upgrade, modernise and develop Ireland’s publicly owned coastal and marine infrastructure to facilitate diversification of economic opportunities. The Scheme will run throughout 2022 and 2023.
The Seafood Taskforce recommended a focus on small-scale ‘shovel-ready’ projects to give immediate construction stimulus to the coastal communities. Projects associated with harbour development or marine leisure works that are clearly associated with shore-based infrastructure such as quays, piers, slipways, and floating pontoons and certain other associated equipment will be considered eligible under the Scheme.
Following the announcement of the Scheme, my Department hosted on online information session for local authorities and since then has issued all relevant documentation, including application forms, to coastal local authorities. The applications for the first tranche of projects are invited by March 8th. There will be other opportunities during the year and during 2023 for further applications. My Department will identify projects for approval having regard to the purpose and criteria of the Scheme and to the priority attached to each project by the relevant local authority.
The responsibility for the development and maintenance of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each local authority in the first instance. I am also mindful that the primary governance role for local authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any wider funding issues for local authorities should be addressed to that Minister.
This Scheme represents record funding for our coastal communities and is an unprecedented opportunity for us to shape the future of our coastal communities. Brexit has and will continue to affect our seafood sector in a unique way compared to other industries. It is important that this Scheme helps to deliver safe, accessible, lasting infrastructure and support economic diversification right around our coastline.
238. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of compensation for a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12035/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department monitors the impact of weather on agriculture and farming both nationally and regionally on an ongoing basis and is aware of the areas potentially affected in Wexford. I understand that the damage caused to farm land in the south Wexford region as a result of the flooding that was experienced on Christmas Day has been localised.
As the Deputy is aware, the flooding created significant local challenging conditions, in particular, to local road networks, land and farms adjacent to rivers. However, water levels receded considerably and quickly since the flooding occurred on Christmas Day lessening the effect on crops.
There are a number of specific supports that my Department operates for the tillage sector, these include TAMS investment support for tillage farms, whilst almost 19% or almost €1.5m of support under the Straw Incorporation Scheme was expended in Wexford.
My Department is monitoring the situation closely.
239. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to review the CLÁR areas in County Cavan to include an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11851/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. I recently launched this years programme with a total budget of €7 million, an increase of €1.5 million on the previous year.
The measures being funded under CLÁR 2022 are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: Our Islands
There are designated CLÁR areas in all counties with the exception of Dublin, Kildare and Wexford. The areas originally designated for CLÁR were selected in 2001 based on the level of population decline in each area between 1926 and 1996. The Cooley Peninsula was also included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused in that area by Foot and Mouth disease at that time. The average population loss in the original CLÁR areas over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.
In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by the NIRSA Institute (National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis) at Maynooth University and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% between 1926 and 2002.
I understand that the area located in Co. Cavan which is the subject of the Deputy's question does not meet these criteria and is not a designated CLÁR area.
A review of CLÁR areas nationally was undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 Census of Population data. The review considered whether any other factors should be taken into account in designating areas for eligibility under CLÁR in the future, and the impact of population changes since the last review was undertaken. The details of the review will need to be considered in detail by my Department before any decisions are made on amending the areas which are designated as CLÁR.
240. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application (details supplied); if she will ensure that this group is supported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11852/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2021 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use and enhancing town centre living. I also increased the maximum grant available under the Scheme last year to €500,000 to permit projects of additional scale to be funded.
On Friday 25 February last, I announced almost €18.5 million in funding for 99 projects across Ireland under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal scheme. This included funding of over €1 million in funding for 6 projects in Cavan, details of which are below
All applications were assessed as part of a competitive process. I can confirm that funding was sought in respect of the application referred to by the Deputy but it was not selected for funding on this occasion.
I will shortly be launching the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2022 should they wish to reapply.
|
Town |
Project Description |
Funding |
|
Cavan Town |
Comprehensive upgrade and enhancement of Con Smith Park, a large urban amenity in Cavan Town, Co Cavan. |
€499,249.34 |
|
Bailieborough |
Streetscape enhancement to include façade and gable wall painting and derelict shop front repairs and replacements. |
€213,289 |
|
Swanlinbar |
Streetscape enhancement to include façade painting, murals, window graphics for the front of derelict buildings, purchase of wheelchair accessible fishing pods along the river, and installation of iron sculptures. |
€90,000 |
|
Kilnaleck |
To upgrade and repurpose parts of the Realtóg Centre and the Kilnaleck Community Centre to a Remote Working and Digital Hub. |
€89,402 |
|
Redhills |
Village enhancement to include: façade painting of 25 buildings; upgrade of seven (7) benches; connecting services to the village green. |
€87,812 |
|
Virginia |
Streetscape enhancement through the commissioning of four murals depicting culturally important subjects from the life of Virginia. |
€41,435 |
|
Total |
€1,021,187 |
241. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the roll-out of broadband connection points; the number that have been connected to date by county; the number planned to be connected; the component shortages that may impact the delivery of broadband connection points; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11926/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are among the first premises for delivery under the National Broadband Plan. They are publicly accessible sites that serve areas without reliable high-speed broadband, including isolated communities in rural areas and on many of our offshore islands. Sites are provided with a temporary wireless high-speed broadband connection which they make available for onsite community use, including for remote work and study.
There are currently 250 BCPs live and these are all listed on the online map available at www.myconnectedcommunity.ie. Approximately 50 more BCPs are planned for installation this year. The full listing by local authority area is set out in the table below.
It should be noted that there will always be a ‘lag’ between the sites shown live on the map and the sites that are, in practice, live and operational. This is due to the need for my officials to verify that the service at each BCP is as users would expect and that the work has been completed to the requisite high standard. Sites do not become billable until this verification process has been completed. The map is updated periodically to include recently commissioned sites.
With regard to component shortages, the layer 3 8-port switches used at many BCPs have proven difficult to source due to the global semi-conductor shortage. Standard switches are the point at which the initial connectivity comes into the premises from the wireless link (dish) outside the premises and is then redirected to the WiFi access points for the public to use. Layer 3 switches allow for wired and networked equipment such as desktop PCs, printers, smart screens, remote access door controls and onsite managed firewalls, as well as the standard WiFi solution. As such, they are essential to the future-proofing of BCPs, adding another level of amenity beyond the original scope of the project.
Due to the same issues impacting on delivery of the switches, the enterprise-grade WiFi access points used at BCPs have also been difficult to source.
We have been informed that the remaining WiFi access points and switches will be delivered by the end of this month and that Vodafone, the retail service provider contracted by my department to support the BCP network, will work to deploy these as quickly as possible.
242. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the additional development activities connected to broadband connection points namely the pilot projects trialling new activities and services; the details of pilot projects; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11927/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) provide supports for the whole community, remote workers, students, local community groups and schools. They can offer suites of digital skills training courses, arts and culture activities including musical instruction and access to national cultural resources and a range of eHealth and telemedicine programmes.
My Department in partnership with a number of BCP committees and local authority Broadband Officers began trialing new activities and services in the BCPs in 2021. These trials serve two purposes: to establish what may work well at BCPs and to encourage those managing BCPs to develop innovative uses for the high-speed connectivity that has been provided.
Trial projects may be available to all operational BCPs, or may be limited to certain selected sites. Where there is a limit to the number of sites that may take part in a trial, these sites are selected on a first come, first served basis, or on the basis of a needs and suitability assessment. The intention is that on foot of these pilot projects successful projects can be made available to all BCPs nationwide.
There are currently 18 pilot projects live under the following four headings:
eHealth - dedicated e-health rooms, planned or operational, in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo and Monaghan, including Tory and Clare islands.
These eHealth facilities will complement the ‘HSE Attend Anywhere’ initiative and be suitable for a range of virtual consultations with consultants and other medical professionals in major hospitals without the need for long distance travel.
Training & Education – Digital Skills Training is provided for free by a number of partners including Microsoft, Kinia, CoderDojo and OurKidsCode.
These training programmes are aimed at senior citizens, primary and secondary school age children, and adults with an interest in updating their digital skills. The courses are intended to promote basic digital literacy, upskilling and engagement with STEM subjects during childhood.
Several of these trials have already begun and are showing great potential. The full range of digital skills programmes are scheduled for roll out from the second quarter of 2022.
Arts & Culture – there are currently four significant projects underway in 2022:
- The IFI Oscars Collection of short films due to launch exclusively to all BCPs on the 24th March (TBC). This Collection has been curated and will be delivered by the Irish Film Institute.
- Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU) is offering free Uilleann Pipes classes for all ages. Participants are invited to “Try the pipes” before committing to a course of instruction. Classes are delivered online from BCPs. NPU also has a loan program for those unable to afford to buy pipes.
- Access Cinema Film Clubs - to set up film clubs on 5 remote island locations providing support for 1 film screening per month for 5 months and provide ongoing support to the film club. The sites chosen are Clare Island (Mayo), Achill Island (Mayo), Valentia Island (Kerry), Bere Island (Cork) and either Lettermullen Island or Inis Oirr (Galway).
- RESILIENCE Music Event arranged and recorded by Meath Co Co available exclusively to all BCPs nationwide.
Remote Working – training for hub managers is being provided by the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen. To support remote workers, Grow Remote will provide training and mentoring to groups so that they can establish Grow Remote chapters in their area. These chapters provide a network of peers and access to the national body which advocates for and provides advice to remote workers in Ireland. Grow Remote, the Ludgate Hub and officials at my department are providing ongoing support to many BCPs as they develop working facilities and services. Support is also provided via the Connected Hubs platform, of which several BCs are members.
There is no charge to the BCPs or the public for participation in any of the trial activities. Furthermore, grants of €1,000 are available from my department for devices and equipment to support training and education activities and €10,000 has been made available to each local authority to procure additional activities or training, either under the headings above or under another heading as proposed by the Broadband Officer.
In addition to the above, BCPs were beneficiaries of the 2021 Connected Hubs fund under which almost €9M was made available to hub and BCPs to increase remote work capacity. I have also recently announced the 2022 Connected Hubs funding call. Once again, BCPs are eligible to apply for funding up to €75,000 and I would encourage all BCPs to consider making an application. I have made €5M available for the 2022 fund.
Details of events at BCPs can be found at myconnectedcommunity.ie/events/. This function on the BCP network’s website will be kept updated over the coming months with additional details as new events are added.
243. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the contact details for each local authority broadband officer. [11929/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBroadband officers (BBO) are based in local authorities across the country. The role of the BBO is to provide a local point of contact for telecoms operators and the public regarding telecoms issues, and the posts are funded by my Department and local authorities.
BBOs play a key role in working with National Broadband Ireland, as well as with initiatives introduced by my Department such as the Broadband Connection Points, the Digital Innovation Programme, and the National Remote Working Hub network.
A full list of broadband officers and their contact details can be found at www.gov.ie/pdf/121991/?page=null.
244. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of any engagement her Department has had with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the proposal for the development of a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11989/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development are owners of the lands referred to by the Deputy. The Department have been considering options for the future of the site following a consultation process which took place in 2017.
One proposal supported by local submissions was for the location of a coastguard station on the site. The Department agreed to allow the Coastguard to develop their proposals. As a result, the OPW on behalf of the Coastguard have developed a draft plan of what is proposed on part of the site. The OPW are now moving ahead with this proposal including contacting the local authority in relation to acquiring planning permission.
The Department were also approached by a development group requesting permission to explore the possibility of another development on part of the site. I have met with this group on two occasions as have officials from my Department.
The Department granted permission for the group’s consultants to undertake investigative works at the site to explore the potential for the proposal. However, there are a number of substantial issues which arise for consideration before the Department will be in a position to make any further decisions regarding the proposal including the completion of the planning process for the coastguard station.
