Written Answers Nos. 222-242
222. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy first time assessment waiting list in each LHA area in tabular form; the number waiting less than four months, four to 12 months and more than 12 months; and the number waiting aged zero to four years, five to 17 years, 18 to 64 years and aged 65 years plus. [41224/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy treatment waiting list in each local health authority, LHA, in tabular form; the number waiting less than four months, four to 12 months and more than 12 months; and the number in each that are aged zero to four years, five to 17 years, 18 to 64 years and aged 65 years plus. [41225/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
224. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an agri-environment options scheme, AEOS, payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41009/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced their AEOS3 contract on 1 May 2013. Payments have been made for the 2013 to 2015 scheme years. During an on-the-spot inspection carried out on 8 July 2016 an issue arose regarding the stocking density on the commonage land. This issue has now been resolved and the 2016 payment will be processed shortly.
225. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there have been exemptions in which green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, applicants with two separate commonage holdings did not have to pay for the services of two separate advisors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41017/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe contract between an Advisor and a GLAS participant is entirely a commercial matter between those two parties. This is an issue that falls outside the remit of the Department.
226. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received a payment in respect of the 2015 scheme year.
During the 2016 prepayment checking process an issue presented on the computerised crosscheck of Department databases. Department officials are actively working to resolve this issue with a view to further processing the application for the 2016 payment as soon as possible.
227. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a forestry premium was not paid on a claim by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41049/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person in question has not complied with the terms and conditions of the afforestation scheme. It was a condition of the scheme under which he planted that the applicant must provide the Department with satisfactory proof of ownership in the form of folio documents, title deeds or leases.
This site was planted in 1993 and over the intervening years and, despite repeated requests, the person named failed to submit satisfactory proof of ownership. It should be noted that the scheme under which he received planting approval has now ceased.
228. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to allow farmers who applied for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS 3, in autumn 2016 and achieved a tier 3 score of less than 16.50 into the scheme; the reason that a person (details supplied) was not informed of their rejection from the scheme until 20 June 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41053/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlmost 14,000 applications were submitted for the third tranche of GLAS (GLAS 3) on the online application system. All Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications which are delivering higher environmental benefits have been accepted into the Scheme and all Tier 3 applications which have met the minimum score of 16.5, as set out in the Scheme terms and conditions, have also been accepted into Scheme. This selection criteria was clearly outlined in section 9 of the terms and conditions. This section also advised applicants that the submission of a valid application was not a guarantee of entry into the Scheme and that actions carried out before the notified commencement date would not be considered for payment.
In the case of the person named notification regarding the outcome of their application was delayed owing to the challenges of processing the large volume of applications received.
It is not expected that the Scheme will be reopened, on the basis that it has now more than met its intended target of 50,000 applicants.
229. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his departmental officials made a submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the planning permission sought to build an incinerator (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41097/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that neither I nor officials from my Department made a submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding planning permission to build an incinerator.
230. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 2 March 2017, the requirement of the permit holder and the definition of qualifies as present in these circumstances particularly in view of the fact that such bookmakers have been reprimanded by Horse Racing Ireland for unauthorised persons operating pitches as indicated in correspondence by this Deputy with him when the permit holder was present. [41112/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse 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.
HRI have advised that historically, any bookmaker operating at a racecourse could only operate from one position within the betting ring in line with the relevant rules agreed between the respective bookmakers and racecourses associations.
With this rule now having been relaxed to allow bookmakers to operate from multiple locations and associated technological developments, HRI is currently reviewing the licensing implications of this change. HRI is anxious to ensure that any person placing bets on-course is properly protected in the event of any dispute or non-payment.
Any ongoing processes between HRI and any individual bookmakers are clearly a matter on which I cannot comment.
232. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on proposals by an organisation (details supplied) of a five point plan to revitalise farm forestry in view of the fact that Ireland is failing to meet its forestry targets and address the barriers that exist to planting. [41200/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the points raised in proposals by the named organisation and the challenges of reaching forestry targets. Planting figures for 2015 and 2016 combined actually exceed the targets set out in the Forestry Programme 2014 -2020. My Department is currently involved in a detailed midterm review of the Forestry Programme and is engaging with stakeholders in its development.
It is important to note that my Department each year has provided sufficient budget to fund afforestation stated targets. However it is quite clear that there is intense competition for planting land driven by a number of different factors not least expansion in other agricultural sectors and this is affecting demand.
I am convinced that forestry remains an extremely attractive option for landowners and can serve as a complementary income stream for farmers. This is because the Department funds 100% of the cost of establishing the new forest and guarantees an annual premium of up to €249 per acre (€615 per hectare) payable each year for 15 years. Forestry is also compatible with other agriculture schemes and farmers can continue to receive their Basic Payment on land which is also planted.
It is important now that the benefits of the schemes are clearly communicated and well understood by landowners. Minister of State Andrew Doyle has established a group jointly with industry to specifically examine the marketing and promotion of the schemes and this group has met once already and will meet again next week. This group will come forward with a series of initiatives in the very near future on communicating the benefits of forestry to farmers to ensure that landowners are considering forestry as a viable land use option.
233. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to the recent announcement by European Commissioner for Agriculture that countries worst affected by Brexit-related currency changes are invited to apply for EU state aid to help the agricultural sector, if Ireland has formally submitted an application to the European Commission in this regard; and if not, the reason therefor. [41201/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am in regular contact with Commissioner Hogan and my European counterparts in relation to the threat posed by Brexit, and the currency related difficulties that have been and are continuing to be experienced. I will have an opportunity to voice this once again at the Agriculture Council next month and I intend to avail of the that opportunity. I know that the Commissioner is acutely aware of these issues himself but I think it important to raise them in the wider forum of the Council.
234. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Ireland has formally submitted an application to the European Commission to avail of CAP funding under market disturbance provisions in view of the losses incurred in the value of agrifood produce from Brexit related currency changes. [41202/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much aware of the significant challenges Brexit poses for Ireland’s agrifood sector which has been adversely affected due to the fall in value of sterling.
My Department, in conjunction with the Government, has been actively engaged in developing responses to help mitigate Brexit's more immediate effects, particularly those associated with the sterling/euro exchange rate.
Emergency measures were introduced by the Commission in accordance with Articles 219 and 220 of 1308/2013 in recent years in direct response to the market difficulties being experienced by farmers and producers during this time. Such measures included exceptional adjustment aid to milk producers and farmers in other livestock sectors, with €350 million in emergency funding allocated to Member States. Ireland's allocation of €11.1 million from this fund (topped up by 100% national funding) was used to leverage a greater fund of €150 million to provide low-cost loans to the livestock and tillage sectors.
At this juncture, Ireland has not applied to avail of CAP funding under market disturbance provisions. However, given that the Irish agrifood sector is particularly sensitive to the ongoing currency fluctuations between the euro and sterling, this is something that both I and my Department officials are continually monitoring. I also continue to draw the attention of the Commission, Commissioner Hogan and my counterparts in other Member States to the very real risks that Brexit and the resulting currency fluctuations have on the Irish Agrifood sector.
235. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons participating in the beef data genomics scheme that have completed a beef carbon navigator by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41203/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bovine Data Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability. As part of the scheme applicants must complete a carbon navigator with an approved advisor thereafter and provide data for an annual update to their carbon navigator.
There are currently 25,669 participants in BDGP I and BDGP II.
A total of 23,760 participants have thus far completed their Carbon Navigator broken down by County in the following tables:
It should be noted that BDGP II participants have until 31st October 2017 to complete their carbon navigator.
|
BDGP I by county |
Participants |
|
Carlow |
315 |
|
Cavan |
1156 |
|
Clare |
1800 |
|
Cork |
1684 |
|
Donegal |
1310 |
|
Dublin |
58 |
|
Galway |
2527 |
|
Kerry |
1255 |
|
Kildare |
306 |
|
Kilkenny |
576 |
|
Laois |
578 |
|
Leitrim |
910 |
|
Limerick |
774 |
|
Longford |
611 |
|
Louth |
222 |
|
Mayo |
2184 |
|
Meath |
559 |
|
Monaghan |
810 |
|
Offaly |
568 |
|
Roscommon |
1323 |
|
Sligo |
919 |
|
Tipperary |
975 |
|
Waterford |
338 |
|
Westmeath |
708 |
|
Wexford |
567 |
|
Wicklow |
386 |
|
Total |
23419 |
|
BDGP II by county |
Participants |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
12 |
|
Clare |
27 |
|
Cork |
33 |
|
Donegal |
20 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
|
Galway |
60 |
|
Kerry |
10 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
9 |
|
Laois |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
12 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
|
Longford |
11 |
|
Louth |
3 |
|
Mayo |
33 |
|
Meath |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
13 |
|
Offaly |
6 |
|
Roscommon |
22 |
|
Sligo |
16 |
|
Tipperary |
18 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
4 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
|
Total |
341 |
236. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the introduction of a renewable heat incentive scheme; when he expects this to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41036/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed Renewable Heat Incentive is designed to financially support the installation of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial and agricultural heat users in the non-emissions trading sector.
The need for the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive is set out in the National Mitigation Plan, the Energy White Paper and the Programme for Government. Its implementation will contribute to meeting Ireland's 2020 renewable energy and emission reduction targets.
The development of the Renewable Heat Incentive has involved detailed economic analysis, extensive engagement with industry and two public consultations. I will seek Government approval for the scheme shortly and European Commission State Aid approval in advance of the scheme commencing operation which I expect to take place in 2018.
237. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a school (details supplied) can expect to be connected to broadband that will meet the school community's needs. [41054/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area. The Map is searchable by eircode.
eir signed an agreement with me in April last committing to follow through on their commercial plans to provide new high speed broadband infrastructure to 300,000 premises in rural areas. eir has committed to doing this work over a 90 week period with an average of 500 premises passed per day. Quarterly updates on progress of the eir 300k roll-out are published on my Department’s website. The Quarter 2 2017 figures have been verified by my Department and the eir roll-out is in line with the Commitment Agreement.
The school referred to by the Deputy and the provision of its eircode, in a subsequent call with an official from my Department, falls within a LIGHT BLUE area on the Map and is covered by eir’s planned rural fibre high speed broadband deployment.
238. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the transmission status of RTÉ in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41094/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRTÉ is obliged under Section 114(1)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 to ‘establish, maintain and operate a national television and sound broadcasting service which shall have the character of a public service, be a free-to-air service and be made available, in so far as is reasonably practicable, to the whole community on the island of Ireland’.
In this context, a guiding principle in RTÉ’s Public Service Statement is that it will ‘provide for and be responsive to the interests, needs and concerns of the whole community on the island of Ireland’.
Multiplex Broadcasting Services NI Ltd. (NI Mux) was established in 2012 as a joint venture by RTÉ and TG4 to hold and operate the licence for a small multiplex in Northern Ireland which carries RTÉ and TG4 services. Under the terms of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and the subsequent St. Andrew’s Agreement, these services are made as widely available as possible to viewers in Northern Ireland on a free-to-air basis.
NI Mux provides coverage additional to overspill coverage from Saorview and this ensures that RTÉ and TG4 services are currently available to around 97% of homes in Northern Ireland.
The availability of RTÉ services in Northern Ireland has been enhanced by the availability of digital services, including the RTÉ Player and a range of mobile applications, such as RTÉ News Now. In addition, RTÉ’s collaboration with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland in launching the Irish Radio Player App allows listeners to connect to Irish radio stations on android and apple devices, wherever they are.
239. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is only one electric vehicle charging point on the north side of Limerick city and this charging point at a location (details supplied) has been broken for months despite repeated requests for repair; his views on whether this is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra240. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the only electric vehicle charging point on the north side of Limerick city at a location (details supplied) will be repaired immediately in view of the fact traditional requests for repair to the ESB have been unsuccessful to date. [41148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans in place to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points in Limerick city. [41149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 239 to 241, inclusive, together.
There is an extensive public network of electric vehicle charging points across Ireland. The maintenance and repair of these points is an operational matters for ESB eCars.
I have sought clarification regarding the charge point referred to by the Deputy and ESB eCars has advised that it is a dual headed charge point which caters for two different types of charger of which one is not in operation. ESB eCars engineers have visited this particular charge point numerous times but have been unable to fix it. Currently, ESB eCars are waiting for a key component part and are following up with the manufacturers in this regard. I have requested ESB eCars update the Deputy once this issue is rectified. Until that time, electric vehicle owners have the option of using a number of other charging points in the area.
In relation to increasing the number of charge points not only in Limerick City but around the country, this is a key focus of the work of the Low Emissions Vehicle Taskforce. The Taskforce is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and is examining options for infrastructure, regulation and pricing in order to devise a sustainable policy framework for effective and efficient electric vehicle recharging. The work of the Taskforce is well underway with a stakeholder engagement event in July helping inform proposals in relation to Budget 2018.
242. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the environmental protection measures undertaken during the exploration further to the exploration licence granted by his Department for the Porcupine Basin off the south west coast; the ongoing audit or review process undertaken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41166/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s transition to a low carbon energy future will involve progressively moving to lower emission fuels, e.g., moving initially from peat and coal to natural gas, and ultimately towards an even greater reliance on renewable energy. In that regard, the Government has introduced a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy and deliver energy efficiency. However, oil and natural gas will remain significant elements of Ireland’s energy supply in the transition period.
Ireland currently sources all its oil from abroad and sources its gas supply from a combination of the Kinsale field, the Corrib field and the gas pipeline from Moffat in Scotland. Corrib and Kinsale are not in a position to meet all of Ireland’s annual gas demand and so Ireland will continue to rely on gas via Great Britain for the foreseeable future. The Kinsale fields are expected to cease production by 2021, while Corrib production is projected to decrease to 50 per cent of its initial levels by 2025.
Taking the above into account, successful exploration in Ireland’s offshore has the potential to deliver benefits to Irish society and the economy, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply and reduced fossil fuel imports. However, any such exploration must be conducted in an environmentally sensitive manner.
In 2015, my Department completed the Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Study 5 (IOSEA5) process with the adoption of the Plan underpinning IOSEA5 and publication of the IOSEA5 Statement. The objectives of IOSEA5 were to inform my Department of specific environmental considerations in future petroleum activities under licensing rounds in the Atlantic Margin Basins, as well as the award of licences in the Celtic and Irish Seas; and to provide exploration companies working offshore with an operational baseline against which they can conduct their work and ensure the protection of the marine environment.
On 11 July 2017, approval to drill an exploratory well within Block 53/6-A in the southern Porcupine Basin off the south west coast of Ireland was granted to Providence Resources Plc.
Prior to granting approval, the application to drill from Providence Resources was considered against a range of technical, environmental, and financial requirements. In addition, the company had to obtain a safety permit from the Commission for Energy Regulation and approval by the Irish Coast Guard for the company’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan and Well Emergency Response Plan.
In respect of environmental requirements, the company was required to submit an Environmental Risk Assessment and a Natura Impact Screening (Appropriate Assessment) Statement in support of its application to commence drilling activities and these were considered in the context of the likely effects on the environment of the proposed drilling.
A review was undertaken for my Department by Bec Consultants, an independent consultancy appointed for their expertise in ecological and conservation marine biology to inter alia :
- examine the submitted Environmental Statement and assess whether or not it met the scope and quality of requirements set out or implied by the specific European and Irish Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and guidelines;
- appraise the Environmental Statement, highlighting any deficiencies in respect of the statutory requirements of the Statement and detailing the outcome and resolution of any such deficiencies; and
- ensure that the requirements of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011, for an assessment to be carried out on any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a protected site or species were met by the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report.
In addition, the National Parks and Wildlife Service was requested to provide its observations in terms of Natura 2000 sites, where relevant, and Annex IV species (Cetaceans) in accordance with the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).
The documentation associated with this environmental assessment is available on my Department’s website.
During the course of offshore exploration operations, the Department audits environmental compliance by reviewing daily environmental reporting, as well as daily operational reports for both geophysical survey and drilling operations. Additionally, in the case of drilling operations, a rig inspection visit takes place during operations in order to audit compliance with the conditions associated with the use and discharge of added chemicals, in accordance with the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment in the North-East Atlantic.
