Written Answers Nos. 575-590
575. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has carried out a critical safety audit in the centre for mental health care and recovery in Bantry General Hospital; if anti-ligature safety measures have been introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47339/22]
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.
576. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of natal and maternal deaths in each maternity hospital and unit annually since 1 January 2015. [47340/22]
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.
577. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the actions that he has taken since taking office to facilitate women and pregnant people seeking home births. [47341/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
578. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on establishing midwife-led clinics for community-based maternity services in areas of the country more than 30 minutes from a maternity hospital and unit. [47342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
579. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for supporting the fish processing, fish exporting and fish retail sectors to deal with the challenges of rising energy costs; the way that he intends to avail of the opportunity provided by the European Commission in March 2022 to prioritise European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund supports for these sectors to deal specifically with the ongoing energy crises; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been no supports provided to this sector to date and that jobs will be lost unless a plan is put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46580/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious of the significant increases in energy prices for the whole of the seafood sector. I met with representative groups from the industry in July and again last week, and discussed the impacts of the high fuel and energy prices on the profitability of fishing, seafood processing and aquaculture sectors. The industry is dealing with the impacts of the Brexit Trade & Co-operation Agreement alongside the current energy challenges. In this context, I have been active over the last number of months in implementing extensive support schemes for the wider seafood sector and coastal communities, in line with the recommendations of the “Report of the Seafood Task Force - Navigating Change.”
Included in the schemes launched to date is the €45 million Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme. This scheme offers grants of up to 40% of the cost of renewable energy generation investments and energy efficiency investments. Similarly, the €25 million Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme offers support for a range of entrepreneurial activities including seafood related activities. A key component of the scheme is support for investment in renewable energy. These supports not only provide investment in seafood enterprises, but also ensure they can remain competitive in the long term and be less exposed to issues within their operating environments.
I have worked very closely with industry to develop short and longer term supports to assist the wider seafood industry cope with the consequences of Brexit and the circumstances that have affected the industry since then. Since the publication of the Task Force Report, €225m in supports and developmental strategies have been launched which will enable our seafood sector and coastal communities to overcome the significant challenges it faces.
I have made clear the position that the seafood sector must be supported under any business supports provided in the upcoming Budget and I will continue to monitor and assess the situation over the coming period and keep all available options under active consideration.
In respect of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, Ireland’s Programme to deliver this fund has been submitted to the Commission for consideration and adoption.
580. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing a single farm payment to a person (details supplied). [46617/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application from the person named under the 2021 Basic Payment scheme (formerly known as Single Farm payment) was submitted by his agent on 14th May 2021.
He has been fully paid in respect of his 2021 application. Payments under the 2022 scheme are due to commence in October 2022.
581. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 2156 of 26 July 2022, the interest rates that are associated with each loan scheme funded by his Department through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46633/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has worked with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to deliver a number of loan schemes that support SMEs in Ireland, including farmers, fishers and food businesses.
As requested, below is a table of the interest rates associated with each of the loan schemes. Loan interest rates vary between participating lenders, but from maximum standard rates.
|
Loan Scheme |
Interest Rate |
|
Agriculture Cash flow Support Loan Scheme (ACSLS) |
2.95% fixed rate |
|
Future Growth Loan Scheme (FGLS) |
4.5% for loans < €250,000 3.5% for loans > €250,000 |
|
SBCI Working Capital Scheme (SBCI WCS) (comprising the Brexit Loan Scheme (BLS) and COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme (CWCS) |
4% or less |
|
Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS) (incorporating the COVID-19 Loan Scheme (CLS)) |
Reflecting the risk profile of the loan, there is a hybrid approach to pricing with both a capped and discounted methodology employed. Discounted Approach: 15% of the scheme with a minimum discount of 1%. Capped Approach: 85% of the scheme: - Maximum loan interest rate of 3.7% on loans < €250,000 - Maximum loan interest rate of 2.75% on loans > €250,000 |
|
COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme |
The interest rate charged to the participating enterprise reflects the risk profile of the loan - see below. |
The latest position on the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme(31/08/2022) indicates interest rates applied to loans approved to date as follows:
|
Interest Rate |
Number of Loans |
|
2.00% - 2.49% |
113 |
|
2.50% - 2.99% |
8,995 |
|
3.00% - 3.49% |
58 |
|
3.50% - 3.99% |
82 |
|
4.00% & greater |
599 |
|
Total |
9,847 |
582. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 897 of 5 July 2022, the amount allocated to Horse Racing Ireland from the horse and greyhound racing fund in each of the years 2008 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount of which that was for capital expenditure; the amount of which that was for current expenditure; the maximum allowable amount which may be used to subsidise prize money by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46636/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) as provided for under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. This Department makes payments from the Fund to HRI and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ). This is distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, with 80% allocated to HRI and 20% to RCÉ.
In relation to the current expenditure allocation, no more than 80% is to be applied for prize money and a minimum of 20% is to be applied for integrity services.
The information the Deputy has requested is detailed below.
|
Horse & Greyhound Racing Fund Horse Racing Ireland Allocation for years 2008 to 2022 Current/Capital |
|||
|
Year |
Total €m |
Current €m |
Capital €m |
|
2008 |
61.3 |
53.3 |
8.0 |
|
2009 |
54.5 |
46.2 |
8.3 |
|
2010 |
47.4 |
42.6 |
4.8 |
|
2011 |
45.8 |
41.0 |
4.8 |
|
2012 |
45.0 |
40.6 |
4.4 |
|
2013 |
44.0 |
39.6 |
4.4 |
|
2014 |
43.4 |
39.4 |
4.0 |
|
2015 |
54.4 |
45.0 |
9.4 |
|
2016 |
59.2 |
49.8 |
9.4 |
|
2017 |
64.0 |
42.8 |
21.2 |
|
2018 |
64.0 |
52.5 |
11.5 |
|
2019 |
67.2 |
56.1 |
11.1 |
|
2020 |
67.2 |
54.1 |
13.1 |
|
2021 |
76.8 |
61.4 |
15.4 |
|
2022 |
70.4 |
55.7 |
14.7 |
583. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the existing Government targets with regard to the reduction in use of chemical pesticides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to note that the scale of pesticide use in Ireland is relatively low compared to many other countries and that Ireland is making good progress in reducing chemical pesticide use as measured by EU indicators. There is no existing legislative target in this regard.
The European Farm to Fork Strategy, aims to reduce the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides in the European Union by 50% and the use of more hazardous pesticides by 50% by 2030.
Finalisation of national targets form part of the proposal for a Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation to replace the existing Directive. this was published by the European Commission on 22 June 2022 and is subject to ongoing discussion.
584. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 6 July 2022, the number of farmers availing of the nitrates derogation; the total number of cattle in the herds of those farmers; the total hectarage on which basic payment was claimed, that is grassland per county in 2020, in tabular form. [46638/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder S.I. 113 of 2022, the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022, the amount of livestock manure applied in any year to land on a holding, together with that deposited to land by livestock, shall not exceed 170kg of nitrogen per hectare, or the limit of 250kg of nitrogen per hectare for those who hold an approved Nitrates Derogation.
Farmers who wish to farm to the higher limit of 250kg of nitrogen per hectare are subject to additional conditions.
The attached Table is based on Nitrates Derogation applications in 2020. These applicants had the opportunity to avail of the higher limit of 250kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare in 2020 subject to compliance with the terms and conditions applicable to the Nitrates Derogation in 2020.
585. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that a post-mortem was not carried out on birds (details supplied) within the specified timeframe following an incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe three swans referred to by the Deputy were submitted on 12 August 2022 by Naas RVO to Pathology Division, Veterinary Laboratory Service, Backweston for Avian influenza testing, as part of Avian Influenza Surveillance in wild birds. The birds originated from Castlelake, Baileboro. The laboratory results of Avian Influenza testing was reported to the Naas RVO on the 22/08/2022. The results were negative for Avian Influenza. Wild birds submitted as part of the Avian Influenza Surveillance programme do not routinely undergo full post-mortem examinations.
586. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the ash dieback reconstitution and underplanting scheme is to be treated by applicants as a de minimis payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra601. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the ash dieback RUS grant aid scheme is to be treated by applicants as a de-minimis payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47274/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 601 together.
The Ash Dieback Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) is wholly funded by the exchequer and payments under the Scheme are in made in accordance with the General de minimis regulation Commission Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013.
587. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated net of VAT payment to applicants for the environmental report grant per file, outlined in circular 13/2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46769/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra602. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated net VAT payment to applicants for the environmental report grant, per file, outlined in circular 13/2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47275/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 602 together.
In order to assist with the increased complexity of submitting of an afforestation licence application, an interim environment grant is being paid in 2022 if a report from an ecologist or archaeologist is submitted and on file.
The amount of grant aid is weighted towards the first few hectares. So, an additional €450/ hectare for the first hectare, €400 for the second hectare, €350 for the third hectare and €50/hectare from 4 hectares capped at 20 hectares is introduced. This grant is area based and not cost based. Therefore VAT on costs is not a consideration when paying the grant.
The average payment per file to date is €1,447.
588. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of the applications for the reconstitution of woodland scheme frost that have been issued an acknowledgement letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46770/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched a Reconstitution of Woodland scheme to address frost damage earlier this year. The scheme was set up due to significant late spring frost events which took place during May 2019, May 2020, and May 2021. The scheme was established to reconstitute newly planted forests significantly damaged by these frost events and replacing dead trees with plants of acceptable quality, provenances and species. It is also to provide for remedial pruning of damaged crops where damage is significant but not severe enough to warrant full replacement of stems.
The scheme was open to private forest owners who planted during the period between 1st November 2017 and 1st June 2021 and whose entire plantations sustained a minimum of 30% losses were eligible to apply under the Scheme. The scheme was open for applications from Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 with a closing date for applications of Tuesday 31st May, 2022.
The Department is currently processing all applications received and acknowledgements have begun to issue.
Full scheme details are available on gov.ie - Schemes and Payments (www.gov.ie)
589. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the required legislation change will take place enabling the replacement species for the reconstitution and underplanting scheme to be conifers on an area up to ten hectares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra603. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the required legislation change will take place enabling the replacement species for the RUS scheme to be conifers on an area up to ten hectares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47276/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 589 and 603 together.
The introduction of the legislation to remove the requirement for planning permission for Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme projects less than 10ha in size that involve the replacement of broadleaf high forest with conifer species is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I understand that his Department completed the first stage in the Strategic Environment Assessment screening process and notified the prescribed statutory consultees on 22nd September 2022. Those statutory consultees have 4 weeks to respond to the notice. An Appropriate Assessment screening process is also currently being undertaken in parallel by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Ecological Assessment Unit.
I am hopeful that the legislation can be introduced once these processes have been finalised.
590. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the pension rate for former Coillte employees will be adjusted upwards and linked to current employee salary agreements (details supplied) after the recent public sector pay talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46875/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have, therefore, referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
