Written Answers Nos. 1932-1958
1932. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the use of illegal drugs among young people; if any specific measures are likely to address this issue given the seriousness of the problem and the degree to which drug use amongst young people has grown in the past two years; if specific measures are anticipated to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30970/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Research Board recently published an overview entitled ‘Alcohol and other drug use among children and young people in Ireland’. Using multiple information sources, this publication outlines the prevalence of alcohol and other drug use among young people in Ireland, examines the risk and protective factors that may encourage or discourage young people to begin using such substances and/or lead to problematic use, and also examines the consequences of drug and alcohol use, such as hospitalisations, death and crime. A link to this overview can be found here: www.hrb.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/HRB_Overview_Series_12.pdf
The consequences of alcohol and drug use on young people’s health and wellbeing can undermine relationships, academic engagement and, sadly, may result in serious injury and death. Young people are the most likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol, and therefore it is important that we collectively address these issues for our young people at the critical junctures in their life.
A priority for the national drugs strategy for the period 2021-2025 is to strengthen the prevention of drug and alcohol use and the associated harms among children and young people.
A strategic implementation group has been set up to deliver on this priority, the national oversight committee for the national drugs strategy. It's focus is on prevention, education and awareness of drugs and alcohol use by building the skills and confidence in young people and by encouraging healthy choices and behaviour. Furthermore, the Department of Health is developing a prevention and education funding programme to encourage the development of evidence-based prevention measures on issues relating to drugs and alcohol and young people.
Other measures are also being progressed. The Department of Health and the HSE have developed a pilot drug monitoring programme to be delivered by the HSE at selected music festivals, as a public health response to the harms of drug use in nightlife environments. These proposals are currently being reviewed by An Garda Síochána and I look forward to working with a variety of stakeholders to progress this important work.
I look forward to progressing the work of the strategic implementation group on prevention and education for young people as part of our public health approach to drug use.
1933. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which international police cooperation is helping to impede the distribution of illegal drugs amongst young people with particular reference to ensuring that drug rehabilitation programmes are readily available and that the supply chain is adequately interrupted to such a way as to benefit the health and wellbeing of the younger population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30972/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Governments response to addressing the drug problem is set out in the National Drug Strategy 'Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025'. Cooperation on international policing matters and regulation of supply chain issues fall under the responsibility and ambit of the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána.
Under the National Drugs Strategy, the Department of Health in association with the HSE has responsibility for leading on the public health responses to substance misuse. Under the Health Act, 2004, as amended, the HSE either directly provides or arranges for organisations to provide health and personal services including those relating to rehabilitation on its behalf.
The Department of Health and the Dept of Justice are in regular contact as part of the joined up approach across Government to implementing the national drug strategy .
1934. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of children under six years of age of the qualifying cohort who are able to avail of free general practitioner care, given the difficulty of families in being added to general practitioner practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30974/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll children under the age of 6 are entitled to a GP visit card and therefore access to GP care without charges. Information on what services are available for children under 6 and how to apply for a under 6s GP visit card is available from the HSE website.
Where a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign a GMS patient to a GP's GMS patient list. Likewise, a parent on behalf of a child GMS patient who experiences difficulty in finding a GP that will accept their child as a patient can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit also.
1935. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of children under six years of age in north County Kildare who qualify for under six free general practitioner care; the number who are availing of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30975/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll children under the age of 6 are entitled to a GP visit card and therefore access to GP care without charges. As of the 1st of May, 249,882 children under 6 years hold a GP visit card and a further 81,489 hold a medical card. Furthermore, 13,479 children under 6 years in Local Health Office (LHO) Kildare/West Wicklow hold a GP visit card and 3,304 hold a medical card. It is not possible to provide a breakdown further than by LHO.
Where a GMS patient experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept him/her as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign a GMS patient to a GP's GMS patient list. Likewise, a parent on behalf of a child GMS patient who experiences difficulty in finding a GP that will accept their child as a patient can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit also.
1936. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the key performance indicators used to monitor improvements and deterioration in the performance of emergency departments; the targets in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30978/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key performance indicators used to monitor improvements and deterioration in the performance of emergency departments and the compliance targets in this regard are set out in the HSE's National Service Plan (NSP) 2022 (see table below).
|
NSP 2022 Indicator - Emergency Care and Patient Experience Time |
Target 2022 |
|
% of all attendees at ED who are discharged or admitted within six hours of registration |
70% |
|
% of all attendees at ED who are discharged or admitted within nine hours of registration |
85% |
|
% of ED patients who leave before completion of treatment |
<6.5% |
|
% of all attendees at ED who are in ED <24 hours |
97% |
|
% of all attendees aged 75 years and over at ED who are discharged or admitted within six hours of registration |
95% |
|
% of all attendees aged 75 years and over at ED who are discharged or admitted within nine hours of registration |
99% |
|
% of all attendees aged 75 years and over at ED who are discharged or admitted within 24 hours of registration |
99% |
In addition, the HSE’s TrolleyGAR is a count of all ED patients waiting in an inappropriate bed space after a decision to admit as an inpatient has been made. These are taken 3 times per day, every day, and provide an additional indication of ED performance.
My Department is working closely with the HSE to improve ED performance and achieve PET targets, which were adversely affected by the impact of Covid-19 on hospital operations.
1937. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the key performance indicators used to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of community healthcare networks; the targets in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30979/22]
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.
1938. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of non-statutory agencies receiving funding to provide health and social care services by name and by category (details supplied) in tabular form; and the amount paid by the State to each of these agencies in each year for the past ten years. [30994/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health does not directly fund any non-statutory agencies. Under Section 38 and Section 39 of the 1970 Health Act funding is provided by the Health Service Executive. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
1939. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of recommendation 6.2 (details supplied) from the Report of the Independent Review Group established to examine the role of voluntary organisations in publicly-funded health and personal social services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30995/22]
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.
1940. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the way that money spent on non-statutory agencies in the provision of health and social care services is quantified in respect of cost-benefit analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30996/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health does not directly fund any non-statutory agencies . Under Section 38 and Section 39 of the 1970 Health Act funding is provided by the Health Service Executive. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
1941. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if a Delivering Specialist Mental Health Services report will be published this year given that the last report was in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30997/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1942. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of locum consultants currently working in CAMHS services by CHO in tabular form; the total amount paid to locum consultants in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1944. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the pre-lay grapnel and route clearance operations along the route of the proposed sub-sea fibre optic cable system (details supplied) that is expected to be carried out from 31 May 2022 until 10 June 2022, as detailed in the Marine Notice 30 of 2022 issued by the Department of Transport; if his Department has been consulted regarding the activities in question; if so, the observations that his Department made regarding the activities at issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28959/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a Statutory Consultee under the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended). The consenting authority in this instance is the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). The DHLGH consulted with this Department, requesting comments and observations, on 21 June 2021. This Department advised, on 27 September 2021, that it had no comment or observations to make on the application. A similar response issued to the DHLGH on the 22 March 2022, following a further request for comments relating to an Appropriate Assessment.
1945. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 726 of 24 May 2022, the intended duration of the temporary delay in the introduction of the 14-day rule; if such a period has already been determined; the basis or development that will result in the delay being set aside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29031/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew rules were introduced across the EU by the Animal Health Law (EU Regulation 429 of 2016), which came into force in April 2021. It lays down rules for the prevention and control of animal diseases that are transmissible to animals or humans, including for diseases which are considered to pose a considerable risk of spread when animals are moved between Member States.
The provisions of this Regulation and Delegated Regulations made thereunder are directly applicable in Ireland, as they are in other Member States.
The new rules are designed to give increased protection against the spread of disease through animal movement over and above the rules which were in place heretofore.
Animals are required to complete a 30-day residency in a single establishment (herd) to be considered eligible to be exported either directly from that establishment of origin where they have established their 30 day residency or through a maximum of three assembly operations prior to departure to another country.
There is a 14-day time limit from the date an animal departs its establishment of origin to its date of departure from the ultimate assembly centre in Ireland for another member state. Additionally each livestock animal subjected to assembly operations must be moved to their final place of destination in another Member State at the latest within 20 days after the date of leaving the establishment of origin. This allows a maximum six day period to complete its journey to destination in another member state.
In the case of the transport of animals by sea, this period of 20 days may be extended by the duration of the journey by sea (Article 43 (1)(a) of Commission Delegated Regulation 688 of 2020.
The Department has issued detailed guidance to industry by way of a Trader Notice on 4th March 2022 , 12th May 2022 and 16th May 2022 which outline the relevant requirements. Introduction of this legislation is required to ensure that Ireland remains in compliance with its obligations as a Member State, However, noting recent challenges to live exports due to unavailability of ferry and lairage capacity, which were outside the control of the exporters, it has been decided to temporarily delay the introduction of the '14-day rule' pending a review of the associated operational procedures and further consultation with stakeholders.
1946. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 730 of 24 May 2022, if he intends to avail of the co-financing mechanism of the European Crisis Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29032/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 23rd March, the EU Commission announced the adoption of exceptional adjustment aid to producers in agricultural sectors which have been impacted by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The aid provided for was granted as a measure supporting agricultural markets following the transfer of funds from the reserve for crisis in the agricultural sector. The exceptional aid allocation to Ireland was €15.8 million in EU funding and there are detailed requirements and conditionality attached to this allocation; set out in Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/467 of 23rd March 2022.On 6th June, I announced the opening of the Horticulture Exceptional Payment Scheme. Support is being provided to the critically important Irish horticulture sector, with an aid package of €2.8m for eligible growers. On 13th June, I announced the opening of applications for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 (PEPS2). A total fund of €13 million is being made available for this voluntary scheme for pig farmers, to support the viability of this important sector. These scheme are funded from Ireland’s EU funds allocation for exceptional adjustment aid to producers in agricultural sectors which have been impacted by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Exchequer funding will not be used to co-finance the exceptional aid measure. Ireland will instead provide exchequer funding separate to Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/467 to other sectors in the context of the illegal invasion of Ukraine. In addition to the use of the EU exceptional aid provision, and in acknowledgement of the need to address the multiple impacts of the illegal invasion in Ukraine on food supply chains and food security, significant funding has already been allocated towards Exchequer funded measures including a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector, and the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme .
1947. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the representation that his Department has on the Foal Levy Committee of an organisation (details supplied) and those bodies allocated funds from the levy in each of the years 2018 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1948. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funds raised via the foal levy by rate band in each of the years 2014 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29055/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1949. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of foals on which the foal levy was applied; the total amount raised; the total sale value rather than advertised value of such; the average levy per foal for each of the years 2014 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1950. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount collected via the foal levy; the number of foals registered; and the average amount of the levy for each of the years 2017 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29088/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1951. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the manner in which funds raised through the foal levy are allocated; the manner in which his Department ensures that this represents value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29089/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1970. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the foal levy is applicable in instances in which a person has otherwise acquired siring rights and does not pay a fee for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29275/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951 and 1970 together.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The Thoroughbred Foal Levy (The Levy) was introduced in March 2000. It is a statutory levy on all thoroughbred foals registered in Ireland in the General Stud Book through Weatherbys Ireland. The scheme is administered by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and provides a secure financial footing for the breeding industry and essential support structures
The levy was introduced specifically to address the need for predictable funding for essential infrastructure in the thoroughbred industry, namely the Irish Equine Centre (IEC), Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM) and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA). The levy is applicable on all thoroughbred foals registered in the Republic of Ireland whether or not a siring fee is paid.
HRI has informed my Department that the levy relates to the nomination fee of the foal’s sire and varies between €35 and €650. In 2021 38% of foals were charged a levy of €100 or less, 51% of foals paid between €150 to €300 and 11% of foals paid between €350 and €650. HRI has advised that the levy has a compliance rate of 98%.
HRI has advised that it has a dedicated Foal Levy Committee comprising three representatives from HRI, three from the ITBA and one member nominated by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). The HRI representatives are appointed by the Board of HRI which comprises fourteen members including representatives from all industry sectors and three Ministerial appointees. The Committee is an advisory Committee and all final decisions on funding are taken by the Board of HRI.
HRI has advised that the deadline for foal registration is the end of July 2022, therefore, the figures to date in 2022 are not yet available. HRI does not have information on the total sale value of foals.
The information the Deputy has requested in relation to PQs 29054/22, 29055/22, 29056/22 and 29088/22 is detailed in tabular form below.
Total Registered foals by foal levy income.
Average levy per registered foal 2017 - 2021
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
|
Foals Registered |
9689 |
9569 |
9295 |
9182 |
9155 |
|
Foal Levy Income |
€2,141,746 |
€2,037,486 |
€2,027,070 |
€2,097,468 |
€2,261,186 |
|
Average Levy per Foal |
€221 |
€213 |
€218 |
€228 |
€247 |
|
Grant Bodies |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Totals |
|
ITM |
450000 |
450000 |
450000 |
475000 |
1825000 |
|
IEC |
900000 |
900000 |
900000 |
900000 |
3600000 |
|
ITBA |
475000 |
450000 |
450000 |
425000 |
1800000 |
|
weatherbys 30 day notification a\c |
65000 |
65000 |
|||
|
IEC Kingfisher Machine |
132990 |
132990 |
|||
|
IHWT |
50000 |
25000 |
75000 |
||
|
ITBA |
26000 |
26000 |
|||
|
Totals |
1825000 |
1997990 |
1876000 |
1825000 |
7523990 |
Funds Raised by rate bands 2014-2021
|
Total Income (€) |
||||||||||
|
YEAR |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
% |
|
A |
€ 32,830 |
€ 28,630 |
€ 37,450 |
€ 36,015 |
€ 34,090 |
€ 34,818 |
€ 32,515 |
€ 31,815 |
€ 268,163 |
2% |
|
B |
€ 70,400 |
€ 68,250 |
€ 67,950 |
€ 61,950 |
€ 65,350 |
€ 67,713 |
€ 62,200 |
€ 45,955 |
€ 509,768 |
3% |
|
C |
€ 191,500 |
€ 249,800 |
€ 264,200 |
€ 248,100 |
€ 196,900 |
€ 149,989 |
€ 143,600 |
€ 161,622 |
€ 1,605,711 |
10% |
|
D |
€ 118,500 |
€ 152,100 |
€ 111,450 |
€ 146,850 |
€ 166,950 |
€ 151,756 |
€ 163,800 |
€ 138,820 |
€ 1,150,226 |
7% |
|
E |
€ 80,800 |
€ 103,600 |
€ 107,600 |
€ 129,200 |
€ 192,200 |
€ 196,042 |
€ 164,800 |
€ 198,414 |
€ 1,172,656 |
7% |
|
F |
€ 289,750 |
€ 288,500 |
€ 301,250 |
€ 310,000 |
€ 293,750 |
€ 290,633 |
€ 335,000 |
€ 347,014 |
€ 2,455,897 |
16% |
|
G |
€ 11,400 |
€ 32,100 |
€ 69,000 |
€ 61,800 |
€ 104,400 |
€ 113,288 |
€ 42,600 |
€ 79,013 |
€ 513,601 |
3% |
|
H |
€ 94,850 |
€ 3,500 |
€ 20,650 |
€ 93,100 |
€ 66,850 |
€ 44,804 |
€ 51,800 |
€ 61,349 |
€ 436,903 |
3% |
|
I |
€ 85,050 |
€ 75,150 |
€ 122,400 |
€ 110,250 |
€ 58,500 |
€ 450 |
€ 23,850 |
€ 129,800 |
€ 605,450 |
4% |
|
J |
€ 96,000 |
€ 313,200 |
€ 300,000 |
€ 125,400 |
€ 193,800 |
€ 256,232 |
€ 208,200 |
€ 315,407 |
€ 1,808,239 |
12% |
|
K |
€ 400,400 |
€ 419,900 |
€ 441,350 |
€ 720,200 |
€ 705,250 |
€ 715,904 |
€ 640,250 |
€ 681,503 |
€ 4,724,757 |
30% |
|
Late Regs/ Accruals & Refunds |
€ 29,257 |
€ 59,167 |
€ 12,117 |
€ 98,881 |
-€ 40,554 |
€ 5,441 |
€ 228,853 |
€ 70,474 |
€ 463,636 |
3% |
|
Total* |
€ 1,500,737 |
€ 1,793,897 |
€ 1,855,417 |
€ 2,141,746 |
€ 2,037,486 |
€ 2,027,070 |
€ 2,097,468 |
€ 2,261,186 |
€ 15,715,007 |
100% |
No. of foals which foal levy was applied to and total proceeds from each band from 2014 - 2021
|
Levy Rate |
|||||||||||
|
YEAR |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
% |
|
|
A |
938 |
818 |
1,070 |
1,029 |
974 |
994 |
936 |
909 |
7,668 |
11% |
|
|
B |
1,408 |
1,365 |
1,359 |
1,239 |
1,307 |
1,354 |
1,256 |
919 |
10,207 |
14% |
|
|
C |
1,915 |
2,498 |
2,642 |
2,481 |
1,969 |
1,501 |
1,450 |
1,616 |
16,072 |
22% |
|
|
D |
790 |
1,014 |
743 |
979 |
1,113 |
1,012 |
1,120 |
925 |
7,696 |
11% |
|
|
E |
404 |
518 |
538 |
646 |
961 |
981 |
861 |
991 |
5,900 |
8% |
|
|
F |
1,159 |
1,154 |
1,205 |
1,240 |
1,175 |
1,162 |
1,783 |
1,379 |
10,257 |
14% |
|
|
G |
38 |
107 |
230 |
206 |
348 |
379 |
158 |
263 |
1,729 |
2% |
|
|
H |
271 |
10 |
59 |
266 |
191 |
128 |
165 |
175 |
1,265 |
2% |
|
|
I |
189 |
167 |
272 |
245 |
130 |
1 |
71 |
288 |
1,363 |
2% |
|
|
J |
160 |
522 |
500 |
209 |
323 |
427 |
391 |
523 |
3,055 |
4% |
|
|
K |
616 |
646 |
679 |
1,108 |
1,085 |
1,101 |
1,319 |
971 |
7,525 |
10% |
|
|
Total* |
7888 |
8819 |
9297 |
9648 |
9576 |
9040 |
9510 |
8959 |
72,737 |
100% |
|
|
Total Income (€) |
|||||||||||
|
YEAR |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
% |
|
|
A |
€ 32,830 |
€ 28,630 |
€ 37,450 |
€ 36,015 |
€ 34,090 |
€ 34,818 |
€ 32,515 |
€ 31,815 |
€ 268,163 |
2% |
|
|
B |
€ 70,400 |
€ 68,250 |
€ 67,950 |
€ 61,950 |
€ 65,350 |
€ 67,713 |
€ 62,200 |
€ 45,955 |
€ 509,768 |
3% |
|
|
C |
€ 191,500 |
€ 249,800 |
€ 264,200 |
€ 248,100 |
€ 196,900 |
€ 149,989 |
€ 143,600 |
€ 161,622 |
€ 1,605,711 |
10% |
|
|
D |
€ 118,500 |
€ 152,100 |
€ 111,450 |
€ 146,850 |
€ 166,950 |
€ 151,756 |
€ 163,800 |
€ 138,820 |
€ 1,150,226 |
7% |
|
|
E |
€ 80,800 |
€ 103,600 |
€ 107,600 |
€ 129,200 |
€ 192,200 |
€ 196,042 |
€ 164,800 |
€ 198,414 |
€ 1,172,656 |
7% |
|
|
F |
€ 289,750 |
€ 288,500 |
€ 301,250 |
€ 310,000 |
€ 293,750 |
€ 290,633 |
€ 335,000 |
€ 347,014 |
€ 2,455,897 |
16% |
|
|
G |
€ 11,400 |
€ 32,100 |
€ 69,000 |
€ 61,800 |
€ 104,400 |
€ 113,288 |
€ 42,600 |
€ 79,013 |
€ 513,601 |
3% |
|
|
H |
€ 94,850 |
€ 3,500 |
€ 20,650 |
€ 93,100 |
€ 66,850 |
€ 44,804 |
€ 51,800 |
€ 61,349 |
€ 436,903 |
3% |
|
|
I |
€ 85,050 |
€ 75,150 |
€ 122,400 |
€ 110,250 |
€ 58,500 |
€ 450 |
€ 23,850 |
€ 129,800 |
€ 605,450 |
4% |
|
|
J |
€ 96,000 |
€ 313,200 |
€ 300,000 |
€ 125,400 |
€ 193,800 |
€ 256,232 |
€ 208,200 |
€ 315,407 |
€ 1,808,239 |
12% |
|
|
K |
€ 400,400 |
€ 419,900 |
€ 441,350 |
€ 720,200 |
€ 705,250 |
€ 715,904 |
€ 640,250 |
€ 681,503 |
€ 4,724,757 |
30% |
|
|
Late Regs/ Accruals & Refunds |
€ 29,257 |
€ 59,167 |
€ 12,117 |
€ 98,881 |
-€ 40,554 |
€ 5,441 |
€ 228,853 |
€ 70,474 |
€ 463,636 |
3% |
|
|
Total* |
€ 1,500,737 |
€ 1,793,897 |
€ 1,855,417 |
€ 2,141,746 |
€ 2,037,486 |
€ 2,027,070 |
€ 2,097,468 |
€ 2,261,186 |
€ 15,715,007 |
100% |
|
|
Average Foal levy (€) |
|||||||||||
|
YEAR |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
||
|
Average levy per foal |
€ 190.26 |
€ 203.41 |
€ 199.57 |
€ 221.99 |
€ 212.77 |
€ 224.23 |
€ 220.55 |
€ 252.39 |
€ 216.05 |
||
1952. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of Coillte felling licences issued per week for the month of May 2022; the number of such felling licences approved which were subject to a field inspection by the local district inspector in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data for the number of Coillte felling licences per week for the month of May is published in a Forestry Dashboard weekly, which is available on my Department's website which can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/3b8b5-2022-forestry-weekly-dashboard/The total number of Coillte felling licences issued in May 2022 was 149. Of these, 33 were inspected according to Departmental records.
The weekly breakdown is as follows:
Week ending 06/05/2022 - 25
Week ending 13/05/2022 - 51
Week ending 20/05/2022 - 32
Week ending 27/05/2022 - 30
30/05/2022-31/05/2022 - 11
Our plans for licence issue in 2022 are contained in the Forestry Licensing Plan with a target of 5,250 licences issues, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%. This includes an increase of 36% in private felling licences to 1,830, while Coillte felling licences at 1,530 will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021. The Licensing Plan 2022 may be found here gov.ie - Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 (www.gov.ie). Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, the priority this year is to deliver on the ambition outlined in the Plan and to issue 5,250 licences, and to reach the projected targets in each licence category .
1953. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of further information requests for Coillte felling licences issued by his Department for the week commencing 23 May, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29091/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1954. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of further information requests for Coillte forest road applications issued by his Department for the week commencing 23 May, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29092/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1953 and 1954 together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does not routinely keep records of the number of further information requests that issue on forestry licence applications. However, for the week commencing 23rd May 2022, one Further Information Request was issued concerning Coillte felling licences and no Further Information Requests concerning Coillte forest road applications.Registered Foresters were advised of additional information that is likely to be required to process applications for felling , roads and afforestation in Circular 08/2021, which is also available on my Department’s website. Applicants in consultation with their Registered Forester should review this circular in relation to applications in the system and future applications.
1955. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of organic farming scheme participants that exited the scheme in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below illustrates the number of organic farming scheme participants that have exited the scheme in each year from 2019 to date:
|
Year |
No. of Participants |
|
2019 |
24 |
|
2020 |
73 |
|
2021 |
48 |
|
2022 |
2 |
|
Total |
147 |
Participants who joined the Organic Farming Scheme in 2015 and 2016 were initially offered a five-year contract. Following agreement by the European Commission each participant was offered a one-year extension in advance of the expiry of their contract. Of the 1,468 participants offered an extension 1,394 accepted and 73 declined citing various reasons for not continuing to farm organically. In 2021, my Department once again offered these same participants an additional one-year extension and a further 18 declined to extend. A total of 56 participants lapsed their organic licence since 2019 and therefore were no longer eligible to participate in the Organic Farming Scheme. In total, 147 participants have exited the Organic Farming Scheme since 2019.
The supports of €256 million which I have secured in the CAP period 2023 -2027 for conversion to and maintenance of organic farming practices will I believe encourage many farmers to become organic farmers.
1956. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific new measures that are proposed to encourage higher participation in the organic farming scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29098/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent Organic Farming Scheme which closed for application in April 2022 resulted in a total of 380 applications. This was 20% higher than during the scheme opening last year. My priority is to continue to grow the organic sector and I have introduced a number of specific new measures to encourage higher participation in Organic Farming
For the period 2023 – 2027, I have proposed an allocation of €256 million under the new CAP Strategic Plan to continue the development and growth of the organic sector. This is a five-fold increase in funding for the sector compared to the previous CAP period.
I have also introduced changes to the Organic Farming Scheme requirements by reducing the required stocking rate and also by increasing the area paid at the higher rate from 60 hectares to 70 hectares, which I believe will allow for greater participation in organic farming practices.
To ensure that all farmers across the country have access to quality advisory support as they consider converting to organic farming, I have recently provided funding to the Agricultural Consultants Association to increase Advisory support in the sector. This will help remove the knowledge gap which is one of the more significant impediments to participation in organic farming practices.
Teagasc are also currently expanding their Advisory support capacity. The expected results of this funding increase with regard to higher participation in Organic Farming will be visible when the scheme reopens later in 2022.
My colleague Minister of State Hackett is also leading a trade mission to Germany in July 2022 to coincide with Biofach, the largest organic trade fair in Europe. Routes to market for organic produce is a key consideration for farmers that are contemplating converting to organic farming and this trade mission is well resourced to ensure all market opportunities are maximised and visible to potential scheme participants.
The Department is pursuing a wide suite of actions and has deployed significant targeted resources to maximise participation in Organic farming. Our commitment to achieve the 7.5% Programme for Government target is gaining in momentum and is evidenced by the most recent figures which yielded a 20% increase in applicants compared to 2021.
We continue to engage proactively with industry stakeholders and explore all opportunities to pursue a solutions based agenda.
1957. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that applied for organic farming scheme in 2022 by farm enterprise type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1958. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of the applicants of the new organic farming scheme in 2022 that are commonage farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1957 and 1958 together.
I am committed to achieving our target of 7.5% of land cover under organic production as outlined in the current Programme for Government. To assist in achieving this target, I have secured a budget allocation of €21 million for the Organic Farming Scheme for 2022, an increase of €5 million from the previous year.
The Organic Farming Scheme opened for new applications on 9th February 2022 and closed on 22nd April 2022. During this period, 380 applications were received. The table below gives the percentage of farmers that applied for the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022 by enterprise type:
|
Enterprise |
% of Participants |
|
Cattle |
40% |
|
Dairy |
2.5% |
|
Mixed Livestock |
7.5% |
|
Sheep |
32% |
|
Tillage |
4% |
|
Horticulture |
6% |
|
Other |
8%* |
*Comprised of smaller enterprises with goats and horses on the holdings
The eligibility of these applications will be assessed once the Basic Payment Scheme applications are verified, which will determine approval into the Organic Farming Scheme.
