Written Answers Nos. 344-363
344. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2023 areas of natural constraints payment will issue to a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27920/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for participation in the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme was received from the above named applicant on May 26th, 2023.
Following completion of all the relevant administration checks by my Department, an ANC payment issued to this applicant on June 26th , 2024.
It should be noted that payment can take up to 7 business days to issue to an applicants nominated bank account.
345. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27955/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince publication of the Programme for Government (PFG) in June 2020, my Department has identified and examined 161 actions in the Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Chapter. My Department is the lead organisation in 148 of these actions, and is reporting 76% of those as either target achieved or substantial action undertaken & ongoing, with another 20% reported as commenced & progressing.
Some of my main policy achievements include:
• In August 2021, Food Vision 2030 was launched, the stakeholder led strategy for the continuing development of the agri-food sector in Ireland. Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agri-food sector with the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors in the period to 2030, with sustainability in all its dimensions (environmental, economic and social) at its core. The Food Vision Dairy Group and the Food Vision Beef and Sheep Group have produced reports, representing a broad consensus on the key requirements in the context of the sector’s sustainability obligations. In addition, the Food Vision Tillage Group Report highlights the significant role the tillage sector plays in Ireland’s food and feed security and our ambition to grow the sector.
• On 1 January 2023, Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023 to 2027 came into effect. The plan will deliver €9.8 billion over the next five years and provide vital support to farmers and rural communities to ensure the continued viability of family farms, maximising the environmental and social sustainability of the sector.
• I delivered a payment of €200 euro per suckler cow and doubled the payments available to the sheep sector from €10 to €20 per ewe.
• I continue to work closely with all stakeholders in gaining, maintaining, restoring and enhancing access for Irish agri-food products to a wide range of priority markets. This includes participating in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities, in cooperation with Bord Bia. Secured access to new markets for beef with China reopened, and South Korea opened for the first time as well as access to the United States for Irish lamb. Agri-food exports were valued at €18.3 billion in 2023.
• The agriculture, food and marine sectors continue to play a leadership role in delivering on the ambitions target which culminate in a whole-of-economy 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. Policies and strategies devised by my Department are bearing fruit with emissions from agriculture trending downwards, which marked an important reversal of what had been a steady upwards trend since the lowest emissions were reported in 2011. I have introduced measures to achieve abatement potential in the agriculture sector, backed by financial commitment including a budget of €1.5 billion for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256 million to triple the area to 7.5% of utilised agricultural area, €260 million to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement, and €43 million for a major genotyping programme for Irish cattle, which will enhance the environmental sustainability, health and productivity of Irish beef and dairy herds.
• The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 has been published. It was created in alignment with Ireland’s new Forest Strategy and will be the main implementation mechanism for this Strategy in the immediate to short term. This €1.3 billion funded Programme is the best-funded, most environmentally friendly programme in the history of the State.
• We continue to implement schemes developed as a result of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce. I have provided funding of €305.5m to support these schemes such as the Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme, the Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme, and the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme. This is in addition toa programme of capital investment in our sea fishery harbours. I have just announced the opening of four new schemes, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027 (EMFAF), which deliver important elements of the €258 million Seafood Development Programme.
• The Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 11th July 2023 and An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator) was formally established in December 2023.
• The area of research and development is a key focus for my Department, with a budget now standing at €22.45 million. This will be used to drive greater innovation in our agriculture and food sectors as we position Irish agriculture as a leader in sustainable food production.
• The publication of the new National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 highlights the potential of the horticulture sector to play a key role in the achievement of our vision for the Irish agrifood sector, both economically and environmentally.
• Other points of note recently include the publication of Ireland’s first National Bioeconomy Action Plan for the period 2023-2025 and the new National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
I will continue to lead the development of agri-food in collaboration with the sector and continue to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments.
346. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28007/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for participation in the 2022 Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme was received from the above named applicant on May 8th, 2022.
Following a successful appeal, ANC payment is due to issue to this applicant on the next scheduled pay run, July 3rd, 2024.
Once payment issues it can take up to 7 business days to appear in the applicant's nominated bank account.
347. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28034/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my department notified the above named individual on 28th April 2023 that, as a result of an over-claim identified during the processing of their 2020 Basic Payment Scheme claim, it was required under EU regulation to carry out a review of land parcels claimed in the previous four years.
As a result of this review, in February 2024 my Department proceeded to recoup an over-payment of funds in the period 2016 to 2019.
My Department is at present considering a review of the reduced area on foot of information received from the customer's agricultural consultant. My Department will contact the person named as soon as this review process is complete.
348. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list the membership of all boards related to the equine industry that receive State funding, including details of board members who are members of multiple boards; the length of their tenures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28057/24]
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 receives financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (HGRF) under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. Details of the HRI Board are set out below.
HRI also provides funding to other bodies from the HGRF that have a board in place related to the equine industry. I have, therefore, referred your question to HRI for direct reply in relation to these bodies.
In relation to Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), 3 industry Directors were appointed on 28 June 2024. These are Dr. Siobhan McAuliffe, Ms. Sue Foley and Ms. Allison Mercer. The board is chaired by Michael Dowling and the other members are Dr. Kevin Smyth, Professor Niamh Brennan and Ms. Zoe Kavanagh.
Board of Horse Racing Ireland
|
Name |
Date of Appointment /Reappointment |
Term of Office Expiry |
Term no |
|
Mr Nicholas Hartery (Chairman) |
24 May 2023 |
23 May 2028 |
2 |
|
Vacant |
|
|
|
|
Mr Conor O Neill |
10 December 2022 |
9 December 2026 |
2 |
|
Mr Robert Nixon |
31 August 2020 |
30 August 2024 |
2 |
|
Mr Joseph O Brien |
11 January 2023 |
25 May 2024 |
1 |
|
Mr Ger Flynn |
13 June 2022 |
12 June 2026 |
1 |
|
Mr Laurence Mc Ferran |
12 January 2021 |
11 January 2025 |
1 |
|
Ms Caren Walsh |
10 October 2023 |
9 October 2027 |
2 |
|
Mr Christy Grassick |
26 January 2022 |
25 January 2026 |
2 |
|
Mr. Daragh Fitzpatrick |
26 January 2022 |
25 January 2026 |
2 |
|
Ms Caroline Corballis |
02 March 2023 |
01 March 2027 |
1 |
|
Ms Carol Nolan |
28 March 2022 |
27 March 2026 |
2 |
|
Mr Peter G Nolan |
10 November 2020 |
09 November 2024 |
2 |
|
Vacant |
|
|
|
349. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to preclude any person with a conviction for animal cruelty from operating a business with animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28058/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act provides the framework to protect the welfare of animals in Ireland, including through prosecutions for breaches of the Act. Upon conviction, the courts may, among the range of penalties available to it, make an order banning an offender from keeping animals.
Applicants who wish to operate a slaughter plant do not at present need to sign a declaration in relation to the absence of infringements in respect of animal welfare legislation (such a legal requirement does exist in relation to any operator in such facilities that works directly with animals). My department is reviewing this matter in consultation with our Legal Services Division.
350. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the research carried out to ascertain the reason there has been a drop from four licensed equine slaughter plants in Ireland which killed 24,000 horses a year to just one licensed slaughter plant, killing less than 2,000 horses a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo specific research has been carried out by my Department, nor am I aware of any other.
There are a number of reasons that likely have contributed to the reduction in the number of horses slaughtered in recent years. Ireland's horse population appears to have risen throughout the 1990s and 2000s, coinciding with a period of rapid economic growth, with large foal crops in the thoroughbred and sport horse sector, but also in the leisure horse and other sectors. The financial crisis and economic downturn from 2008 onwards led to two consequences for the horse population (i) a significant reduction in the output from the equine breeding sector, such that fewer mares were bred and hence fewer foals were born (ii) a large increase in unwanted horses and a significant decrease in the value of horses. This increase in unwanted horses led to a significant spike in the number of horses sent for slaughter from 2008 onwards, with a peak of more than 24 000 horses slaughtered in 2012, and a steady fall since then to just under 2000 horses slaughtered in 2023. The number of stray and abandoned horses being seized by local authorities under the Control of Horses legislation showed a similar pattern, with the numbers of horses seized reaching a peak just under 5000 in 2014, and the numbers falling very significantly since then to less than 500 per annum in recent years.
My Department also supported a number of initiatives by equine welfare groups, which focussed on the reduction of indiscriminate breeding of equines - this has also contributed to the reduction in the overall horse population over the last decade. These initiatives included subsidised horse castration clinics and education projects and it is the Department’s view that these initiatives have had a very positive impact on the scale of unwanted horse problems in Ireland
In relation to the number of slaughter plants, individual plants have closed for a variety of reasons over the years, but the current relatively small numbers of horses slaughtered annually in Ireland is a significant factor which would likely limit the commercial viability of more than one equine slaughter plant operating.
351. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farmers, including those in special areas of conservation or cooperation project zones under ACRES, will receive payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28066/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraACRES payments for 2023 commenced over the period December 2023 to January 2024, when €88.35 million was issued in advance payments to 19,719 ACRES General participants.
In recognition of the complexity of the scheme and the time required to fully process all payments, interim payments issued to all other participants in February and March 2024. Payments of €4,000 were made to General participants and €5,000 to Co-Operation participants.
The Department commenced balancing payments on the 19th of June, and 31,081 participants have been paid to date. Payments made to date to ACRES participants total just over €233m. Further balancing payments will continue to be made on a fortnightly basis as cases are cleared. No issues with Special Areas of Conservation or Co-Operation zones have been identified as preventing payments from issuing.
352. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of contracts (details supplied) that have been awarded to carry out services on behalf of his Department in 2023 and to-date in 2024; the nature of services that were provided to his Department; and the amount paid by his Department to this company for such works, in tabular form. [28080/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is detailed in the tables below.
2023
|
Nature of services provided |
Amount paid by the Department |
|
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – EAGF and EAFRD Annual Accounts Certification – Calendar Year 2023 Payments |
€1,150,273.34 |
|
Provision of External ICT Technical support services |
€118,370 |
|
Assessor for Mink Farmer Compensation Scheme |
€71,461.36 |
To-date in 2024
|
Nature of services provided |
Amount paid by the Department |
|
Strategic Review of Labour in the Meat Processing Sector (joint contract with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment). |
The full contract value is €119,500 (excluding VAT) but no payment has been made yet, as the work has just commenced. Payment will be split equally by the two Departments. |
|
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – EAGF and EAFRD Annual Accounts Certification – Calendar Year 2024 Payments to date |
€934,800.00 |
|
Provision of External ICT Technical support services |
€90,641 |
|
Assessor for Mink Farmer Compensation Scheme |
€43,232.04 |
353. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 25 June 2024, to outline in detail the difference between form S198 prescribed by his Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland forms referenced in his reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28205/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe technical forms which were submitted as part of an application for support for the installation of solar panels are produced by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and are the same as my Department's prescribed S198 form, except for references to SEAI instead of TAMS. Both forms contain the same detail outlined below to allow my Department to make an informed decision on the application.
Declaration of works
• Applicant, installer and system component details
Inspection, test and commissioning report
• Test report for grid-connected PV systems according to EN 62446
• PV system description: PV module and inverters
• Test results including safe electrical certificate number and test record sheet certificate number
• Design and installation of the PV generator
• PV System/overvoltage protection/electric shock
• Special factors of PV system – AC circuit
• Marking and labelling of the PV system
• General (mechanical) installation of the PV system
• Test report for grid-connected PV systems according to EN 62446
All forms submitted are assessed by my Department's technical staff. The SEAI has been very helpful to my Department in the provision of Solar PV to the farming community and its knowledge in this area has been invaluable.
354. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce changes to the fodder transport scheme in the future as necessary, given that, currently, fodder must be sourced at least 75 kilometres away in order to avail of the scheme; and if this criterion can be removed and additional supports put in place to assist farmers in sourcing suitable fodder more locally. [28268/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2022 I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee. The remit of the Committee is to prepare an industry response, contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises through difficult periods.
Earlier this year, in recognition of the challenging weather conditions, I asked the Chairman to convene the Committee to establish the most up to date facts regarding the fodder and feed situation on farms and to provide advice to assist farmers through this challenging period.
The Committee at it's meeting on the 29 March 2024, concluded that notwithstanding the difficulties that some farmers were experiencing, there were sufficient fodder stocks in the country.
I asked Teagasc to establish a system for co-coordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who need fodder.
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee met again on 9 April to get an update on the situation across the country. At that meeting I announced the introduction of a Fodder Transport Support Measure to provide additional assistance to livestock farmers most severely affected by the prolonged exceptional weather conditions.
This measure resolves a key issue regarding the cost of transporting fodder between those areas where fodder is plentiful and those where it is scarce. It was clear to me that since the previous meeting in late March conditions had worsened and feed availability was an issue in certain parts of the country.
A financial contribution is being provided to farmers to offset transport costs of Hay, Fodder Beet, Straw and Silage for feeding, during the period 1 April to 15 May, where this involves a distance of more than 75 km and this will operate through the co-op network.
I am satisfied that the scheme design allows for the movement of fodder supplies from areas of excess to areas experiencing shortages without impacting on the normal functioning of the market for fodder.
355. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of any funding streams nationally or from the EU for young fishermen to help purchase vessels to fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28289/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Seafood Development Programme implemented by my Department and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 provides significant funding towards the sustainable development of fisheries. My Department is working with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) to develop a range of schemes providing funding to industry under this programme, including a Young Fisher Scheme.
The EMFAF Monitoring Committee, which comprises a range of stakeholders including recognised industry groups, has adopted the Implementation Plan required in order to implement this scheme. The details of the scheme will be announced shortly.
This scheme will be implemented by BIM, and once it is open, all details in relation to the scheme and how to apply will be available on www.bim.ie
356. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made regarding an application by a person (details supplied) for a licence to fish clams at Ballyness Bay and Magheraroarty in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28294/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers all applications for Aquaculture and Foreshore Licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) and applicable National and EU legislation. The licensing process is complex and involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors, as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
The time for processing an aquaculture licence varies depending on a number of factors including location, species, scale and intensity of production, statutory status of sites and potential visual impact. My Department also takes full account of all scientific and technical advice, in addition to all issues identified during the public and statutory consultation phases. Further factors that can impact the time taken to process an application can include; the requirement for an Appropriate Assessment and whether the application is required to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report; the need for additional underwater or archaeological assessments; consideration of any submissions or observations raised during the public consultation period, etc.
Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all scientific, legislative, technical and public interest elements of each application.
The aquaculture and foreshore licence application referred to by the Deputy to cultivate clams is with our scientific advisors to undertake a screening for Appropriate Assessment. The applicant will be contacted by the Department once this is finalised.
357. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rules and legislation that apply to the transportation of dead horses; if his attention has been drawn to a recent instance of a dead horse being transported openly in a regional town; the actions his Department has taken in response to this and similar instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28340/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation regarding the collection, transportation and disposal of Animal By-Products (which includes dead horses) is set out in Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 142/2011. My Department has also set out a number of conditions which registered operators need to comply with. Below is the link to the conditions that relate to registered transporters of Animal By-Products.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/8c7cd-conditions-for-abp-processing-operations/#transporters
In relation to your query referring to a recent incident in a regional town, I would appreciate if you could supply any specific information you have relating to the incident to my Department so that the matter can be reviewed, with a view to further action, if necessary.
358. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 551 of 23 April 2024, when he will publish his Department’s legislative proposals arising from its wider review of the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [27844/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing review of the Equality Acts is examining the functioning of the Acts and their effectiveness in combatting discrimination and promoting equality.
In July 2021, my Department undertook a public consultation process as part of this review . A report summarising the key issues raised in the public consultation was published last year and can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/cafb4-minister-ogorman-publishes-report-on-the-submissions-to-the-public-consultation-on-the-review-of-the-equality-acts/ . My officials are currently finalising legislative proposals arising from the review. This ongoing work includes further consultation with stakeholders and seeking legal advice on relevant matters. It is hoped that these legislative proposals will be brought forward in the coming weeks.
359. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress he has made to date in transposing the Pay Transparency Directive into Irish law. [27845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pay Transparency Directive (officially known as Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms) came into force in June 2023. Member States have three years from that date to transpose it into national law.
Ireland's Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 already complies with the basic requirements of the Directive. The implementation of this Act and associated regulations require employers to report their gender pay gap each year, and the measures that are being taken to eliminate or reduce the gap.
Department officials are currently examining the best approach to transpose other elements of this Directive into Irish law. In this context, the provisions relating to job advertisements are being considered for inclusion in the legislation arising from a wider review of Ireland's equality legislation which I will bring to Government for approval shortly.
360. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 23 April 2024, the funding that has been provided to an organisation (details supplied) in the past three years; and the breakdown of how this funding was utilised in the corresponding timeframe, in tabular form. [27864/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for the question and outline funding made available to the Disability Participation and Consultation Network (DPCN) for the last three years as follows:
|
|
AsIAm |
Mental Health Reform |
Disability Federation of Ireland |
Inclusion Ireland (Organising Member) |
DPO Network |
Total |
|
2022 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€90,000 |
€20,000 |
€170,000 |
|
2023 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
€90,000 |
€33,000 |
€183,000 |
|
2024 |
€10,000 |
€10,000 |
€10,000 |
€45,000 |
€16,500 |
€91,500 |
A summary of the purposes for which funding was made available for each DPCN organisation across the three year period 2022 to 2024 is set out below:
Inclusion Ireland
Funding was approved and made available, inter alia, for staffing and administrative costs, interpretation, training and workshops, travel, online activities, consultation and engagement support, participation and advocacy, capacity building, and governance.
Inclusion Ireland acted as the organising member for the Network and took on a substantive role in the administration of the Network and its activities.
AsIAm
Funding was approved and made available, inter alia, for staffing costs, venue hire and travel, awareness-raising, engagement/self-advocacy sessions, and DPCN steering group activities.
Mental Health Reform
Funding was approved and made available, inter alia, for consultations, capacity-building, strategic development, information and guidance development and dissemination.
Disability Federation of Ireland
Funding was approved and made available, inter alia, for interpretation, production of materials, programme support costs, workshops, awareness-raising, collaboration and network development, capacity-building, facilitation, strategic planning and development, staffing and other costs including travel, and advocacy support.
DPO Network
Funding was approved and made available, inter alia, for capacity-building, development and promotion of best practice, consultation activity, DPCN steering group activities, and the development of policy responses.
Funded members of the DPCN were chosen on foot an open call for DPCN membership and a subsequent merit based evaluation process. The DPCN was formed to build capacity amongst disability stakeholders and to ensure that disabled people and disability organisations are actively engaged and directly consulted on the formation of policy and legislation in line with the UNCRPD.
Funding was continued this year for the operation of the DPCN on an interim basis, pending full consideration of the evaluation report on the operation of the DPCN which was conducted by the National Disability Authority.
Following consideration of this report, the decision has been made that funding for the DPCN will not continue beyond 30th June 2024. However, I intend to make funding available for successor structures based on an evolution of the DPCN model, to be co-created in the coming period and within the overall framework of the next National Disability Strategy.
I remain conscious of the importance and requirement for collaboration and engagement with disabled persons as part of policy development and, in that regard, my Department will continue to engage and work with disabled people, their representative organisations, wider disability stakeholders, families, carers and supporters, in the powerful spirit of “nothing about us without us”.
361. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 538 and 539 on 23 April 2024, to detail what the 139.5 respite beds that are currently unavailable are being used for. [27865/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
362. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he will take to ensure that a family (details supplied) currently required to reside in two different accommodation centres can be reunited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27879/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 14 March 2024, the State has revised its policies in terms of supports provided to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Under the revised 90 day accommodation policy, new arrivals into Ireland can no longer request to move into a room of friends or family who may already be residing in State supported accommodation in Ireland.
For those already living in State supported accommodation prior to 14 March, there is provision in place to maximise the use of available beds. Where there is a vacant bed available in an occupied room, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) may apply to my Department to move to the vacant bed should the current occupants of the room agree. BOTPs may contact my Department directly, at ukrainetempaccom@equality.gov.ie, to lodge a request.
It should be noted that it is not always possible to facilitate a move request due to various operational reasons, which may include lack of consent by the current occupants of a room or contractual issues with the provider. In the event that a move is not possible, my officials inform the BOTP directly.
In relation to the case to which the Deputy refers, I understand that my officials have been in direct contact with the persons in question. It has not been possible to facilitate their request. If the BOTPs in question wish to pursue this request further, they should contact my officials through the same address.
BOTPs are entitled to make their own private arrangements for accommodation using supports provided by the Department of Social Protection or by asking their Local Authority or Irish Red Cross for pledged accommodation. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.
BOTPS may also explore private rented accommodation either through their own means or with the assistance of Rent Supplement, if eligible. Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment administered by the Department of Social Protection to help meet the cost of private rented accommodation. Their local Department of Social Protection office may be able to provide further information relating to Rent Supplement. Contact details for the local offices can be found on gov.ie (Intreo centres and local branch offices) .
363. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify the official policy regarding reimbursement for private assessment of need by the HSE with regard to families; the details of any recorded instances of reimbursement to families for private assessment of need despite the stated policy; the criteria and process by which it is determined if individuals are to be eligible for reimbursement; the number of private assessments that have been reimbursed in each of the past five years, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, in tabular form. [27890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
