Barry Cowen
Ceist:931. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on an appointment for a person (details supplied); and when the person can expect an appointment. [34562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (931)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (932)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:932. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the current waiting lists for public rheumatology in Cork University Hospital, including a breakdown of waiting times by month, in tabular form. [34578/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, this information is published monthly and is available on the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) website at: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (933)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:933. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 555 and 556 of 5 October 2021, the details of the staff who have been recruited to date to the CHO 4 adult eating disorders mental health team; when the staff members commenced in post; the whole-time equivalent allocations for each discipline at the time of recruitment and for the remainder of 2022; the details of any further recruitment projected for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (934)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:934. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 555 and 556 of 5th October 2021, the number of service users treated and assessed by the CHO 4 adult eating disorders mental health team to date by discipline; the number of service users currently attending the team for treatment; the average duration of treatment; the management structure for the team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34580/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (935)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:935. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will direct the records branch of his Department to issue a response to a person (details supplied). [33618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The officials in the Records Branch of my Department have advised me that a comprehensive reply has recently issued, together with copies of relevant documentation.
Arising from the delay in replying to this request, the fees that would normally apply in these circumstances have been waived in this case.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (936)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:936. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 15 June 2022, if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Stakeholders included Horse Board Ireland, animal welfare and farming organisations.
My Department's policy is to regularly review existing legislation with a view to improvement and evolution.
Animal Diseases
Ceisteanna (937)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:937. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if compensation levels in respect of the depopulation of herds will be increased, without delay, to reflect the market value of cattle, given that the present compensation levels are very low, resulting in farmers suffering major financial losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The main compensation provision of the bovine TB programme is the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme which compensates eligible herd-owners up to the market value an individual animal would have attained on the open market at the time of its valuation under the scheme. The valuations are carried out by independent valuers who are informed by 'Summary Market Prices' which reflect the most up to date market values for various categories sold on the open market.
It should be noted however that under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme, a ceiling of €3,000 applies to payment in respect of any individual bovine animal, except in respect of either: (i) One stock bull per breakdown episode where a ceiling of €4,000 applies; or (ii) one pedigree stock bull in the same breakdown episode where a ceiling of €5,000 applies. These ceilings enable payment of market value compensation for the vast majority of animals within the scope of available exchequer and farmer levy funding.
In addition to the On Farm Market Valuation compensation package, Depopulation Grants may be paid to eligible herd-owners whose herds are depopulated (totally or partially). The grant is paid per animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those removed as reactors since the holding was restricted, on condition that the herd-owner agrees to the depopulation at the time specified by the Department.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations was established 15 months ago to review the current financial model of the TB programme. Their remit includes a review of compensation schemes with respect to all types of bovine herds.
Recommendations from the Finance Working Group will be submitted to the TB Forum for consideration.
Herd owners in possession of very valuable animals should give careful consideration to mitigating their risks by taking out insurance, thereby enabling them to recover the full market value of such animals in the event of an outbreak of TB in their herd.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (938)
Michael Ring
Ceist:938. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State boards that are under his remit; the details of each State board; the details of all the persons who are currently on each board, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33825/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, as listed below.
|
No. |
State Body |
|
1 |
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB) |
|
2 |
Bord Bia |
|
3 |
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
|
4 |
Rásaíocht Con Éireann - (Greyhound Racing Ireland) |
|
5 |
Coillte |
|
6 |
Horse Racing Ireland |
|
7 |
Irish National Stud |
|
8 |
Marine Institute |
|
9 |
National Milk Agency |
|
10 |
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
|
11 |
Teagasc |
|
12 |
Veterinary Council of Ireland |
All appointments to the State Bodies falling under my remit are made both in accordance with the Code of Governance for State Bodies and the relevant parent legislation governing each of the State Bodies. All relevant vacancies are advertised on the State Boards website administered by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). Some positions, such as a workers' representative, are reserved for a representative of a stakeholder group and these would not be advertised or processed through PAS.
The list of board members for each board is available on the Stateboards.ie website and is updated by my Department on a monthly basis:
Boards under Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (per.gov.ie)
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (939)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:939. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will finalise and publish the Wool Feasibility Study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that funding of €100,000 was committed in Budget 2021 to conduct a review of the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool-based products such as insulation and fertilisers.
Following a competitive public procurement process, the successful tenderers ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns were appointed in November 2021 to carry out the review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process.
The final report is now complete and has been received by my Department. This report will be published very shortly.
Flexible Work Practices
Ceisteanna (940)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:940. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of persons who are employed by his Department; the number who are currently working remotely; and the estimated number of persons in his Department who ordinarily worked from home prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. [33968/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The total number of people employed by my Department is 4,022. This figure includes temporary staff, seconded staff and staff on leave of absence. If these categories are removed, the number is reduced to 3,888. Throughout the pandemic, approximately half of my staff were in attendance in their usual workplaces. This was due to the essential nature of the work that my Department carries out, for instance, in meat plants, at ports, in laboratories and on farms.
In line with Government advice, my Department implemented a return-to-the-workplace schedule in February of this year and since March, staff who previously worked remotely have been attending the workplace on at least three days per week. Prior to the pandemic, full-time working from home arrangements were rare and, typically, cases related to health matters and were as a result of advice from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
As required under the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations my Department is preparing to launch its own Blended Working Policy which will enable staff to formally apply to work remotely for some of their working week.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (941)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:941. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to introduce increased regulations for forestry planning permission applications to ensure that applicants are obliged to take steps to prevent and be accountable for fly tipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34136/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Illegal dumping and associated matters are primarily a matter for the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. The legal and regulatory provisions that govern forestry licensing ensure that important environmental provisions are taken into account when approving forestry licences but there is no specific provision in relation to fly tipping. For those reasons, there are no plans to introduce any such amendment to forestry legislative provisions.
Fishing Communities
Ceisteanna (942)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:942. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the way the €157 million announced in budget 2022 for fisheries and coastal communities that depend on fishing has been spent to date; the way any funds that remain unspent will be spent, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34235/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is quite detailed. It is being collated and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy shortly.
Departmental Offices
Ceisteanna (943)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:943. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the office of the records branch is not open to the public; his views on whether it is acceptable that this office remains closed to the public at this stage of the Covid pandemic; the number of staff who are employed at the office; the number of requests for record searches submitted to the office in each of the past five years; the general timeline by which a response for record requests is provided; if he can provide details of the best way to ensure that members of the public can get a reply in a timely manner in cases in which they are unable to get a response or make contact with the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34275/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that a decision was made early in the current pandemic to close the public counter in Records Branch to protect staff from any unnecessary exposure to the COVID-19 virus. It is planned that public attendance at Records Branch will recommence from Monday the 4th of July but such attendance shall be by appointment only. Members of the public may request appointments by sending an email to recordsbranch@agriculture.gov.ie.
Records Branch is staffed by 3 full time Clerical Officers, 1 full time Executive Officer and a half-time Higher Executive Officer, all of whom are overseen by a legally qualified Assistant Principal Officer.
The following table sets out the number of requests received for each of the last full 5 years, together with requests received up until late June of this year.
|
Year |
Requests Received |
Cases Closed |
Open Cases |
|
2017 |
949 |
949 |
|
|
2018 |
990 |
990 |
|
|
2019 |
1120 |
1061 |
59 |
|
2020 |
1375 |
1113 |
262 |
|
2021 |
1788 |
1342 |
446 |
|
2022* |
936 |
528 |
408 |
* Records requested from January to June 2020
Open cases are in large part where requests have been received, examined and acknowledged and Records Branch is awaiting a response from the querist, either for further information to determine their eligibility to take up copy records, or for payment. A proportion of requests from 2021 are still being actively dealt with by Records Branch staff.
Due to increased levels of requests being received, atypical working arrangements due to the pandemic, and staff absences, the response time for requests has increased.
As a result, a triage system has been introduced to prioritise work. Where evidence of urgency has been provided, those requests are dealt with in 3 to 4 weeks. The balance of queries are sorted into simple and complex cases and completed by staff in date order. A small proportion of the more complex cases are referred to the Keeper of Records for adjudication.
The most effective way for members of the public to contact the office is by email to recordsbranch@agriculture.gov.ie
Common Agricultural Policy
Ceisteanna (944)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:944. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the new CAP scheme will compensate farmers who do not cut turf on their boglands regardless of any commitment to ensure that farmers will still be able to cut turf on their own bogs (details supplied). [34468/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Boglands (unfit for grazing) owned by farmers are not included in the agricultural area (and this has always been the case). Therefore, they are not eligible for payments nor covered under the CAP, thus it is not possible to consider compensatory mechanisms within CAP.
It should be noted that the value of blanket bogs (which may typically occur in uplands/commonage areas) and peat rich grasslands (which can occur in uplands or lowlands) are recognised under the CAP. These areas are valued and eligible for both Pillar I and Pillar II payments. As well as being eligible for BISS and ANC, such areas are recognised under the new AECM (ACRES). A number of measures will be available under ACRES to support extensive management of blanket bogs and peat rich grasslands.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (945)
Martin Browne
Ceist:945. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of reconstitution and underplanting scheme applications that are being processed; and the length of time that applications have been with his Department in increments of six months. [34475/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, my Department has provided support totalling over €7 million to owners of ash plantations impacted by disease through the Reconstitution Scheme (Ash Dieback) (introduced in 2013) and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS – Ash dieback) introduced in July 2020.
Applications for RUS are received regularly, and decisions are issued as the assessment of the applications are completed.
The table below shows the total applications received, approved and on hand, including the area, since the commencement of the Scheme up to and including 17 June, 2022.
|
Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) |
Total |
|
Applications received |
706 |
|
Decisions issued |
237 |
|
Awaiting decision |
469 |
A total of 155 applications were decided in 2021 for a total of 492ha. A total of 389 applications were received in 2021, covering 1,628 ha.
The table below shows the breakdown of the applications on hand and the year in which that application was made.
|
Year received |
Number awaiting decision |
|
June to December 2020 |
93 |
|
January to June 2021 |
70 |
|
July to December 2021 |
304 |
|
January to June 2022 |
2 |
Thus, number awaiting a decision is 469.
As the Deputy is aware the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 was published earlier this year and deals with projected licensing output and approvals for support schemes and may be found here gov.ie - Forestry policy and strategy (www.gov.ie).
A key target of the plan is to refocus on the delivery on approvals from the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback). However, the 2022 Plan does not include an annual target as many RUS applications are screened in for Appropriate Assessment and are referred to ecology. Of these, any that propose replacing the ash crop with conifer species currently require planning permission. We have had successful engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to this requirement for planning permission. From those discussions we expect that legislation to remove the requirement for planning permission in all cases under 10 hectares will be introduced after the Summer recess.
Animal Diseases
Ceisteanna (946)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:946. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department’s policies, plans and any ongoing actions, including advice, guidance and regulations to all organisations with in his remit, that it undertakes with regard to the risks to human health posed by the dispersal of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in the environment on land and water, including the risks of transmission of such pathogens from and between wildlife that is, animals and birds during their interfaces and contacts with farmed livestock and poultry especially free range stocks, with farmed fish and with the feed and water supplies of farmed livestock, poultry and fish. [34532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious global public health threat and addressing the challenge is a high priority for government.
My Department, together with the Department of Health and with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency, have developed a comprehensive cross-sectoral approach to antimicrobial resistance. Ireland's first National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (iNAP) was launched in 2017, and building on this, I launched iNAP2 together with Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, T.D. last November.
iNAP2 comprises over 150 actions across human and animal health and environmental sectors grouped under five strategic objectives aimed at:
- improving awareness and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance
- enhancing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use
- reducing the spread of infection and disease
- optimising the use of antibiotics in human and animal health
- promoting research and sustainable investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions.
A cross-sectoral national approach to this challenge is essential. Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer from my Department and the Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer established the National Interdepartmental Antimicrobial Resistance Consultative Committee in 2014. Committee members include representatives of both departments, HSE agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Health Products Regulatory Authority, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and other key stakeholder groupings in the human and animal health sectors, ensuring a coordinated national approach.
Further information on antimicrobial resistance and the iNAP2 publication are available at: gov.ie - Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Approach (www.gov.ie)
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (947)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:947. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints that he has received in the past five years to date under his Department’s customer service charter; if he will provide a breakdown by heading of the complaints made in respect of each service that he provides in tabular form. [34573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to providing a user-friendly, high quality and receptive service to farmers in particular, amongst numerous other stakeholders. Where it is considered that my Department falls short of such service, my Department’s Customer Service Complaints Procedure can be availed of by relevant stakeholders including farmers.
The data set out in the table below relates to complaints received by the Quality Service Unit of my Department as part of my Department’s Customer Service Complaints Procedure. The complaints range across a wide variety of issues, including payments, inspections and customer service generally.
|
Year |
No of complaints received |
|
2018 |
35 |
|
2019 |
31 |
|
2020 |
78 |
|
2021 |
15 |
|
2022 (year to date) |
30 |
It is important to note that this Customer Service Complaints Procedure does not cover requests for reviews or appeals against actual decisions taken in the operation of a scheme or service, as these have a separate and independent appeals process.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (948)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:948. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to concerns raised by a board (details supplied); the financial assistance or grant funding that can be provided to this organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34009/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP), currently supports over 420 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and the delivery of a diverse range of local services, through a social enterprise model.
The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and does not meet the full salary cost of supported posts, rather it is a fixed annual contribution towards the overall cost of the employees with funding of €19,033 provided for each full time equivalent (FTE) position and €32,000 for a manager, where warranted.
The CSP contribution must be co-funded by the organisation concerned from other sources, for example, from income received from the public use of their facilities and services. There are currently over 1,700 FTE positions supported under the CSP. It should be noted that there are a number of CSP supported organisations currently in a position to pay their staff the living wage rate of €12.90 per hour.
As a result of Covid-19 my Department developed an €8.95m CSP Support Fund for the period 2020 – 2021 to assist organisations to continue to retain their CSP supported employees and to fund related costs. My Department and Pobal are continuing to monitor this situation closely and any additional funding will be considered in light of available budgets, during this year.
The organisation in question receives annual support of €38,066 under the CSP towards the cost of supporting 2 FTE positions, received additional funding of €2,596.30 under the 2020 CSP Support Fund and a further €1,928.68 under the 2021 CSP Support Fund. In addition, CSP supported organisations were able to avail of a number other Department schemes designed to support community and voluntary organisations, resulting in the organisation receiving €26,573 under the Covid Stability Fund during 2020.
Following the transfer of the CSP Programme to my Department in January 2018 an independent review of the CSP which was undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants, on behalf of my Department, with the final report published in September 2020.
My Department and Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of my Department, are currently working on the restructuring of the programme in conjunction with a Consultative Group representative of stakeholders, with a view to having it finalised by the end of 2022. As part of this ongoing work, the rates of funding and eligibility criteria under the scheme are being reviewed.
Pending the completion of the programme restructuring as outlined above, it is not possible to confirm the allocation to an individual organisation in 2023. However, under our current proposals, no organisation will get less than their 2022 allocation, based on currently approved staffing levels.
Community Development Projects
Ceisteanna (949)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:949. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that is being provided for a community centre (details supplied) in Kilgarvan, County Kerry while a dispute is ongoing with the workers on a community employment scheme; and the steps that can be taken in relation to the matter. [34084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I launched the Community Centres Investment Fund on the 15th April 2022. This is a €15m fund to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade of their community centre facilities.
To date, my Department does not appear to have received an application from the group referred to, however, applications can be made up until the closing date of Thursday 14th July 2022 at 3:00pm.
Funding will be on the basis of a competitive assessment process. It is expected that this fund will be oversubscribed and it will not be possible to fund all proposals with the budget available. Guidelines and a sample application form are available at www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/
Rural Schemes
Ceisteanna (950)
Robert Troy
Ceist:950. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the applications to the 2022 rural support funding scheme (details supplied). [34485/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I launched the Community Centres Investment Fund on the 15th April 2022. This is a €15m fund to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade of their community centre facilities.
To date, my Department does not appear to have received an application from the group referred to, however, applications can be made up to 3pm on the closing date of Thursday 14th July 2022.
Funding will be on the basis of a competitive assessment process. It is expected that this fund will be oversubscribed and it will not be possible to fund all proposals with the budget available. Guidelines and a sample application form are available at www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/.
Applicants can register for online, interactive support clinics in respect of the fund at www.gov.ie/drcd.