Written Answers Nos. 170-187
170. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 19 October 2022, the status of the proposed primary care centre for Galway city west; if the planning permission application has been lodged to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61379/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
171. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health for a status update on the recruitment campaign for staff nurses for Clifden District Hospital; the number of vacant nursing posts at Clifden District Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61380/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
172. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of days that Clifden District Hospital remained closed in view of the announced closure of the hospital planned for 24 to 27 November; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61381/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
173. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when day centre provision will be restored to pre-Covid levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61382/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
174. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of 19 October 2022, the number of respite beds currently operational in Galway city and county; the locations of same; the timeline for when respite provision in Galway city and county will be restored to pre-pandemic levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61383/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
175. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 19 October 2022, for an update on any engagement she has had with the HSE with regard to the relocation since September 2022 of day care services from St Brendan’s community nursing unit, CNU, in Loughrea to a hotel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61384/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for her question.
Having engaged in writing with the HSE, I was informed that day-care services commenced operating from the Loughrea Spa Hotel on Monday 26 September in accordance with the commitments given by the HSE that the service would be operational by end September 2022. The service is currently operating Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and has capacity for 24 attendees. The initial agreement is for six months until March 2023. In addition, the Day service within the Seven Springs Centre in the CNU building will continue to operate weekly on a Wednesday and accommodates 14 people each week.
The HSE have a proposed plan on the Loughrea campus to develop a Day Service and they are in consultation with HSE Estates to have a solution in place. The development of an Older Person’s Day service is supported by funding from the Toppings Trust which the HSE are delighted to have received.
176. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review correspondence issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork given that the BEAM payment referred to under the appropriate herd number has in fact delivered the required 5% reduction in organic nitrogen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
One of the conditions of the BEAM scheme under which funding was provided by the EU was that there had to be an element of reduction or re-structuring built into the scheme - Article 1 (3) of (EU) 2019/1132 refers.
Accordingly, in applying for BEAM, participants agreed to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on their holding by 5% for the reduction period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the reference period 1st June 2018 to 30th June 2019.
Section 3.1 of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) Terms and Conditions define a holding as:
“All the production units managed by a farmer during 2018 and subsequent years and situated within the territory of the Republic of Ireland”
Where a BEAM participant has during the BEAM reference period (1st July 2018 - 30th June 2019) and/or the BEAM reduction period (1st July 2020 - 30th June 2021), had one or more associated herd numbers linked to their BEAM application herd number on the Department’s Corporate Customer System (CCS), these herd numbers are deemed as being be part of the participant’s holding in line with section 3.1 of the BEAM Terms and Conditions.
As part of the holding, any bovine animals in these associated herd numbers during the BEAM reference period or the BEAM reduction period will be included in the calculations of bovine nitrates figures for the holding. Letters issued in April 2021 to all BEAM participants (including the person named) identified at that time as having an associated herd number, reminding them of their obligations under the scheme vis a vis section 3.1.
The holding of the person named had one other herd number associated with the number used in the application during both the reference and reduction periods and as such the accumulated figures for both herd numbers were assessed in calculating whether the participant had met the 5% reduction requirement in BEAM. The Department's most recent calculations indicate that while the application herd number appeared to have made the necessary adjustments to meet the 5% reduction requirement, the bovine nitrates in the second herd number had increased by some 300% in the reduction period relative to the reference period.
Taken together, the overall effect was that holding recorded an increase of over 20% in the reduction period and as such has missed the 5% reduction requirement.
The person named was informed of this outcome on 11th November 2022. They were also advised of their right to see a review of the decision and their right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Agriculture Appeals Office if they so wished. To date no such review has been requested.
177. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a request for funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61071/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) is a representative body for Harness Racing in Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) funded the Indecon Review of the Irish Harness Racing Sector at a cost of some €57,000 in 2017 and a five-year Strategic Plan for the IHRA at a cost of some €64,000 in 2018.
In addition, from 2016 to date, grants totalling some €175,000 have been paid to the IHRA under my Department's Equine Infrastructure Scheme. Some €27,000 has been allocated to the IHRA in 2022 under the Equine Infrastructure Grant Scheme, subject to terms and conditions.
DAFM also awarded a tender to carry out an education programme aimed at road racing sulky participants and owners of trotting horses, with a view to raising awareness of the importance of good horse welfare. This programme ran between 2017 and 2019 with a total funding allocation of some €96,000.
The IHRA has submitted a number of investment proposals to DAFM which are currently being reviewed by my officials.
178. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to monitor fertiliser prices in 2023 to ensure that Irish farmers are paying a fair price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61116/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined or made any projections in respect of whether there will be sufficient fertiliser supplies in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61117/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has monitored and carried out price comparisons on fertiliser between Ireland, other EU countries and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 178, 179 and 180 together.
Ireland is a relatively small market in respect of fertiliser sales and their usage compared to many of our EU neighbours.
As a result, Irish fertiliser companies are price-takers that are dependent on global fertiliser supply and demand, the cost of fertiliser production, increased transport costs and EU-imposed tariffs and duties on certain Third Country imports and currency exchange rates.
This has led to the significant rise in fertiliser prices that farmers are having to currently endure. Over the course of the past year, I announced a series of targeted interventions to support farmers in response to the challenges being faced.
Eurostat publish data on an annual basis on the farmgate price for 22 fertiliser types across Member States. By way of example, the data for ammonium nitrate (26%) shows that prices paid in Ireland are in the mid-range when compared to other Member States.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) monitor trends in prices paid by Irish farmers for purchases of goods and services including fertilisers on a monthly basis. Both Eurostat and CSO data is publically available.
Fertiliser supplies remain tight but usage is expected to be lower in response to higher prices, with industry indicating that trade in fertilisers has slowed considerably as the future trading environment remains very uncertain.
My Department continues to actively engage with the fertiliser industry as well as farmers on this issue. I have raised concerns regarding price and availability of fertiliser with my European counterparts and the EU Commission and have asked that the situation is monitored closely.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual farmer to decide the amount of fertiliser that they want to use on their farm and the price that they are willing to pay for it, but I fully appreciate the challenges facing farmers on fertiliser next year.
181. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that his Department has made to date in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in the creation of a national biomethane development strategy plan through the new built environment and heat delivery taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress his Department has made to date in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on the development of the anaerobic digestion sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61215/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
The Government has, as part of its decision on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings in July 2022, committed to deliver up to 5.7 Twh of indigenously produced biomethane which represents ca. 10% of natural gas supply. This increased ambition from Climate Action Plan 21 is in recognition of the positive contribution that biomethane (renewable gas) can provide towards Ireland meeting its national renewable heat targets and the sectoral emission ceiling for agriculture coupled with creating a land diversification opportunity for farmers.
While the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) are the energy policy lead, my Department continues to engage proactively with DECC officials on Anaerobic Digestion and the production of biomethane in developing a coherent policy position and an appropriate support framework, as well as other energy-related areas where agriculture can provide a positive contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy system.
The development of an Anaerobic Digestion industry is at a nascent stage of development in Ireland but there is significant potential. It is clear from experience in other jurisdictions where AD is well established that there is a need for both capital and operational support to kick start an industry here in Ireland to realise the potential as set out above. In doing so requires an all-of-government approach and my department with DECC have committed to delivering a National Biomethane Strategy to identify how best to mobilise the 5.7 Twh. A project working group will be established shortly under the auspices of the Heat and Built Environment Task Force, which is expected to meet in the coming weeks.
Minister Ryan recently announced the introduction of an obligation on the heat sector to include renewable heat by 2024. The Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) will be pivotal in delivering on this ambition, whilst further incentivising suppliers of all fuels in the heat sector to ensure that a certain proportion of the energy supplied is renewable. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications will now carry out a scoping exercise to develop options for the proposed structure of the scheme. This process will include examination of proposed obligation rates, scalability, and costs to the consumer. It is intended that a technical consultation will then be undertaken in Q1 2023, to directly inform the final design of the scheme.
183. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of development of the Ros a’Mhíl deepwater pier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61385/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced that the Government had approved the Deep-Water Quay Project in Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre in February this year. The Deep-Water Quay project will provide an additional 200m of quayside and over 70% greater depth to accommodate larger fishing vessels and attract additional landings from both Irish and non-Irish fishing vessels.
In April, my Department appointed a consultant to supervise and manage various elements of the project and in due course handover the completed construction works back to my Department. Initially my Department was advised to procure dredging services separate to the civil works to deliver the quay. However, the standalone dredging tender failed to attract any bidders. A further tender competition combining the dredging and civil works was issued and ultimately had a closing date for submissions of 22 November. My Department together with the appointed consultant are currently evaluating the submissions received.
Public procurement policy and regulations dictate the procedures for handling procurement matters and it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on that process. While I cannot currently identify any date when construction works will begin, my Department is actively focused on advancing this part of the process.
184. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person in County Cork (details supplied) will be paid their TAMS grant. [61387/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named above applied for grant-aid under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme which is a measure under TAMS II. He was approved for grant aid for Animal Housing, Circulation pipe and Mass Concrete Tank by letter dated 12th June 2020 and had one year to complete and submit a payment claim for all works.
The applicant submitted an online payment claim and associated documents on 11th December 2021. Issues arose during the checking of these documents, and an on-farm inspection on 1st June 2022 revealed the need for remedial work. Additional time was requested and was granted to complete these works.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) was informed on 10th October 2022 that these works were now complete, but the necessary proofs of payments have not been submitted.
DAFM will contact the applicant directly to work towards resolving these issues.
185. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has reviewed the effectiveness and enforcement of fines in regard to SI 442/1998 in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61386/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. S.I. No. 442/1998, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, sets out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, have to follow. Such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age, when in a public place.
Concerns had been raised regarding the overall approach to the regulation of restricted breeds. Some stakeholders asserted that more breeds should be added to the list – especially given the newer breeds that have arrived in Ireland over the last number of years. Others believed that a different approach should be taken which would focus on the behavioural issues of individual dogs, rather than specific breeds and should move away from muzzling.
Following a review of this policy area, including a public consultation process to which over 1,000 responses were received, my Department published on gov.ie the report on ‘A Review of Measures relating to the Control of Dogs in Ireland’. A selection of the submissions received were also published alongside the report.
My Department is now identifying any necessary legislative amendments, including legislative amendments in relation to fines, that may be required.
Furthermore, I understand that a cross-departmental review of the legislation relating to dogs is also about to commence, to be led by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The review will focus on strengthening current legislation, enforcement and policy.
My Department will continue to do its part, along with colleagues in the Local Authorities, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to consolidate efforts in this area and to promote the message of responsible dog ownership.
186. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of public libraries that have reduced the floor space allocated to the display of books in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61394/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of public library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Therefore, my department would not have information regarding the number of public libraries that have reduced the floor space allocated to the display of books. The deputy may wish to contact the local authorities for this information.
Our public library service continues to provide an exceptional stock of books, and this extends beyond the volumes that are available for library members to browse on the shelves in their local branch. Members can also access a national online catalogue of 13 million books that allows them to order a book from any of the 330 public libraries in the country and have it delivered to their local branch. Furthermore, our public library service offers a collection of over 110,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks which has proven to be immensely popular recently, resulting in a 155% increase in user registrations for the service between 2019 and 2021.
While continuing to provide an exemplary traditional and digital book service, our public libraries also offer spaces for study, relaxation and meetings. They provide free access to PCs, laptops and Wi-Fi along with printing and scanning services. They have recently expanded their offer to include sensory services and, as a result, a number of branches now offer sensory rooms and sensory pods which have been in huge demand. Libraries continue to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) education through their makerspaces which feature 3D printers and robotics kits. Libraries also host thousands of events every year in their branches, catering for all age groups, As is evidenced by all of these services, our public libraries continue to respond to the growing needs of their users and that ensures that they will retain their status as a valued space within the community.
187. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the current status of each project; the completion date for each project in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61314/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
The measures being funded under this year’s Scheme are:
Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing (up to €30,000)
Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development (up to €200,000)
Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development (up to €500,000)
Project Development Measure: Development costs for Strategic Large-Scale Projects (up to €500,000)
I have set out in the following tables details of projects supported under ORIS since 2020 in respect of counties Cavan and Monaghan.
|
2020 |
||||
|
County |
Measure |
Project |
Status |
Est. Completion Date |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Ballyconnell and Corraquil (Lock 1) |
Ongoing |
31/03/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Barnagrow Lake Amenity, Cootehill / Shercock area, Co Cavan |
Completed |
- |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Killykeen Forest Park Cycle Trail upgrades |
Completed |
- |
|
Cavan |
1 |
UNESCO Geopark Maintenance, West Cavan |
Ongoing |
31/03/2023 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
Cavan Way Upgrades & Rerouting, Swanlinbar |
Ongoing |
31/03/2023 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
Dromore Greenway, Cootehill |
Ongoing |
30/06/2023 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
Killykeen Cycle Trail & Bridge Enhancements |
Ongoing |
31/03/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Emyvale Eco Trail |
Completed |
- |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Gortnawhinny Lake |
Completed |
- |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Castleblayney Outdoor Recreational Exercise Trail |
Completed |
- |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Rossmore Forest Park |
Ongoing |
31/01/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Ulster Canal Greenway |
Completed |
- |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Carrickmacross Looped Walks |
Ongoing |
30/11/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
A Guided Journey of the Drumlin County - A Marketing and Promotional Campaign |
Completed |
- |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Sliabh Beagh Outdoor Enhancement |
De-committed |
- |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
Lough na Glack to Ardee Road Walking Trail |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
Ballybay Path Networks |
Completed |
- |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
Hollywood Forest Park |
Ongoing |
31/03/2023
|
|
2021 |
||||
|
County |
Measure |
Project |
Status |
Est. Completion Date |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Killeshandra Camino Calling |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
County Cavan Trails Promotion |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Killykeen Greenway Phase II Route Options Assessment |
Ongoing |
31/03/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Lough an Leagh |
Completed |
- |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Wayfinding & Countryside Access Signage Strategy for County Cavan |
Ongoing |
31/03/2023 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
Ballyhaise River & Forest Trail |
Ongoing |
30/06/2023 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
Castle Lake Demesne Enhancements |
Ongoing |
30/06/2023 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
Dún a Rí Forest Park |
Ongoing |
30/06/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Boat House & Slipway at Lough Major, Ballybay |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Onomy Walk, Castleblayney |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Killyvaghan Lake Car Parking Upgrade and Seating - Lisnalong |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Point Black Island, Castleblayney |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Drumlona Lake, Rockcorry |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Derrygooney |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Hollywood Park |
Ongoing |
31/12/2022 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
Recreational Enhancements in Dartrey Forest |
Ongoing |
30/06/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
Lough Major Lido |
Ongoing |
30/06/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
Monaghan Way |
Ongoing |
30/06/2023 |
|
2022 |
||||
|
County |
Measure |
Project |
Status |
Est. Completion Date |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Sean Eamoinn Ruairi Trail |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Rann Point - Clough Oughter Amenity Trail and Picnic Area |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Recreation Marketing |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Garvagh Lough Amenity Area |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Lough an Leagh |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Kilnahard slipway, Lough Sheelin |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
Bawnboy Heritage Trail |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
Bruse Hill |
Ongoing |
01/07/2024 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Maintenance and Upgrade of Angling Infrastructure at Lough Muckno |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Development and upgrade of Angling facilities at Lough Nagarnaman |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Mountain Bike Skills and Pump Track |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Bog Garden along Ulster Canal |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Resurfacing & Upgrade of facilities at Corravoo Lake |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Drumganny Lake Shoreline Development |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
Billy Fox Memorial Park Pedestrian Walkway |
Ongoing |
02/10/2023 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
Dartrey Forest – Recreational Enhancements |
Ongoing |
01/07/2024 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
Upgrade and development of Angling and Boating Facilities at Rahans Lake |
Ongoing |
01/07/2024 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
Recreational Enhancements on Black Island, Lough Muckno |
Ongoing |
01/07/2024 |
