Robert Troy
Question:624. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a contract for adult education tutors which offers parity with their full-time colleagues. [49999/23]
View answerAdult Education Provision
Questions (624)
Written answers
Following discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, approval for an offer to be made to the unions was agreed earlier this year. The proposal is that a grade of Adult Educator will be formally established with a standardised payscale aligned with the Youthreach Resource Person Scale. This grade will apply to tutors employed in ETBs to deliver FET programmes, who are currently employed under a variety of terms and conditions.
Discussions are currently taking place regarding the details and operational aspects of the offer. My Department, and the Department of Education which retains regulatory responsibility for the ETB sector, are considering the approaches suggested to a number of issues raised with a view to reverting to the unions as soon as possible.
Harbours and Piers
Questions (625)
Noel Grealish
Question:625. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current status of a request by Galway County Council for funding to appoint consultants to develop an updated Feasibility Report for the provision of upgraded facilities at An Caladh Mór; when this funding will be granted; when consultants will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49454/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on Inis Meáin.
I am advised that officials from Galway County Council are preparing the necessary documents to appoint consultants to assist in preparing a Preliminary Business Case. This is required under the Public Spending Code in order to look at all possible options for providing safe harbour facilities on Inis Meáin.
As part of the preparation of the business case, a consultation process will be undertaken, which will provide the islanders with an opportunity to voice their opinions.
It should be noted that funding in respect of this work cannot be sought by, or granted to, Galway County Council until such time as the tender documents have been finalised and the tender process completed.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will not delay the process once the necessary steps have been completed by Galway County Council. My Department continue to engage with the local authority to ensure the process is progressed without delay and consultants appointed as quickly as possible.
Charitable and Voluntary Organisations
Questions (626)
Michael Ring
Question:626. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided to an organisation in County Mayo (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49462/23]
View answerWritten answers
Since the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) in 2016, over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects. The 2023 Scheme, launched on 21 July 2023 with an overall fund of €15 million, is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration
As committed under Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, and in line with the Town Centre First Policy, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to deliver real impact, support vibrant and attractive communities and to encourage people back to living in our rural towns and villages.
TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages.
The closing date for receipt of applications into the Department under the 2023 scheme was last Friday 10th November 2023, and the assessment process has now commenced.
Funding under the Scheme is awarded on a competitive basis, with all applications being assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Other relevant considerations which inform the assessment process include the number and progress of TVRS projects in the relevant local authorities, and the geographical spread of projects.
I can confirm that an application has been received in relation to the project referred to. All applications received will be assessed as part of a competitive process, including the proposal from the organisation mentioned by the Deputy. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in Quarter 1 of 2024.
Regulatory Bodies
Questions (627)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:627. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated cost in 2024 to recruit an additional WTE compliance concerns manager and an additional WTE registration manager at the grade of HEO for the Charities Regulator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49595/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Charities Regulatory Authority (the ‘Charities Regulator’) was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Authority is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice.
While my Department has been assigned responsibility for the Charities Regulator, it is important to note that the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
I understand that the combined estimated cost, including employer PRSI, of an additional WTE compliance concerns manager and an additional WTE registration manager respectively, at a grade equivalent to Higher Executive Officer, entering on first point of the scale, would be €121,630.
Rural Schemes
Questions (628)
Niamh Smyth
Question:628. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on CLÁR 2024; when it is likely to open; whether she has any plans to review the CLÁR areas in Cavan and Monaghan to include areas not currently included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48130/23]
View answerWritten answers
I launched the 2023 CLÁR Programme in March this year and the measures to be funded are:
• Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (Measure 1)
• Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport (Measure 2)
• ‘Our Islands’ (Measure 3)
I announced the successful projects under measure 2 in August 2023. The assessment process is underway for measure 1 and 3 applications and a the successful projects under those measures will be announced in the coming weeks.
I hope to launch the 2024 CLÁR programme again in the new year following a review of measures to be included.
A review of CLÁR areas nationally, including Cavan and Monaghan, was undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 Census of Population data. The review examined the most recent changes in population patterns throughout the country on the basis of 2016 Census data.
It also examined the approach to developing the existing CLÁR designations, which is based on 2002 data and it considered how changes in population since then impacted on designations.
Many areas will have seen population growth in the relevant period, and indeed the most recent census data published by the Central Statistics Office point to population growth across all counties since 2016.
The details of the review continue to be considered by my Department in advance of any decision being made in relation to areas which are designated as eligible for CLÁR. This includes a consideration of whether any further updates are required in respect of the new Census data.
Departmental Funding
Questions (629)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Question:629. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which other State or local authority funds can be used in conjunction with community centres investment funding to carry out works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49724/23]
View answerWritten answers
The focus of the 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland. Over €45.8 million has been committed to this important refurbishment work.
This year the focus of the Fund moved to new builds. I want to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs. In March, I was delighted to announce a €20 million Fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites to build new community centres.
The minimum grant funding available from the Fund is €1 million and the maximum is €6 million. The Fund will provide up to 90% of the total project value to a maximum of €6 million with at least 10% to be provided in matching contributions by the applicants. A minimum of 5% of the matching contributions element must be in cash.
The match funding may include a combination of wider public sector expenditure, local authority investment and/or land, community investment, philanthropic contributions, private sector investment (where appropriate), or other asset contributions. Funds secured from existing Department of Rural and Community Development schemes or programmes are not eligible to be used as matched funding.
Public Inquiries
Questions (630)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:630. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigations in process; the length of time each has been underway; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [44814/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that currently, there are no tribunals, public investigations or commissions of investigations in process in my Department.
Control of Dogs
Questions (631)
Bernard Durkan
Question:631. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of dog control measures applicable here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49985/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014.
My officials are currently reviewing the existing legislative provisions, taking account of recommendations from the Report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Food, Agriculture and the Marine, consultation with stakeholders and experts in the field, and the outcomes of a previous public consultation.
I am keenly aware of the need to keep such legislation under review and, as such, amendments to both Acts are currently under consideration and will be made through a Control of Dogs and Dog Breeding Establishment Miscellaneous Bill.
Matters under consideration include the possibility for dog control notices and the inclusion of additional breeds in the restricted dogs list. The issues raised are wide ranging and complex and I want to ensure that amendments are robust, fit for purpose and implementable. To assist in this, I recently announced the establishment of a high-level stakeholder group tasked with consideration of the types of changes that may be necessary.
I have recently signed regulations to increase ‘on-the-spot’ fines under the Control of Dogs Acts. SI 504 of 2023 will come into effect on 01 December 2023, and will see increases in fine amounts for certain offences.
My Department works closely with the Department of Agriculture who also have responsibilities in this area, as well as the local authorities who are responsible for operational are enforcement matters in respect of dog control.
Community Welfare Services
Questions (632, 634, 636, 637)
Bernard Durkan
Question:632. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to maintain contact with community-based groups involved in the promotion of community support services with particular reference to ensuring that communities continue to receive the level of support and encouragement required and in keeping with modern requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49986/23]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:634. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with urban and rural community groups with a view to developing an ongoing strategy to meet their needs insofar as is possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49988/23]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:636. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she has received communications from various voluntary groups who may be seeking assistance for projects in their respective areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49990/23]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:637. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects the recent budget to facilitate those seeking assistance from her Department with particular reference to community-based activity in urban and/or rural settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49992/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 632, 634, 636 and 637 together.
My Department, through Budget 2024, will continue to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across Ireland.
The Budget provision of €431 million for my Department provides over €205 million for rural development and over €225 million for community development. This will support investment in regional, rural and local communities, investment in our islands, as well as a wide range of initiatives promoting social inclusion.
In delivering on our remit my Department liaises with stakeholders in communities around the county on an ongoing basis, including through the Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies, to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of those communities.
While the schemes administered by my Department have a consistent, ongoing focus, they are regularly adapted and supplemented in response to emerging needs. Such examples are the Community Call Initiative, the Covid-19 Stability Scheme, the Accelerated Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme and the Community Recognition Fund.
My Department will continue to engage with rural and urban stakeholders to identify issues impacting on communities and respond to emerging needs. I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities.
Digital Hubs
Questions (633)
Bernard Durkan
Question:633. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to promote the development of digital hubs throughout the country to facilitate companies seeking to avail of working from home thus ensuring the alleviation of traffic congestion, housing shortages and energy savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49987/23]
View answerWritten answers
Our Rural Future recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing an integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025. I am pleased to say that we are well on our way to meeting this commitment.
There are now 330 hubs on-boarded to the connectedhubs.ie platform and this number is growing all the time. The initial focus of the Connected Hubs initiative was on establishing the network of hubs, achieving this initial critical mass and on raising awareness to relevant stakeholders, including SMEs/business owners, underpinned by significant levels of investment by my Department through the range of schemes included in the Rural Development Investment Programme.
My focus has since shifted to the next stage of development. Through the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group for the National Hub Network, my officials are working on a new strategy which will set out a future direction for the network in the coming years. This strategy will help inform future decisions on the sustainable development of hubs and enable a coherent approach to planning and investment in the hub sector. My overall objective is to ensure the long term sustainability of Ireland’s hub network.
I have always been clear that balanced regional development, sustainable and thriving communities, and indeed the wider national economy will all benefit from workers and employers embracing the remote working revolution. Hubs, whether enterprise or community focused, draw employers and employees to areas of innovation and opportunity.
I am pleased to say that the connectedhubs.ie team have for some time been developing a corporate service to engage with and support corporate clients interested in using our nationwide Network to accommodate their employees, but also to gain access to the vast pool of talent that Ireland has to offer, whether those talented people live in our cities, towns, villages or rural parishes. I believe that this work represents significant opportunities for employers of all sizes to leverage the National Hub Network directly.
I am a firm believer that remote working has been a game changer for rural Ireland, and that the supports for remote working hubs that my Department has in place will help to ensure that we can continue to take advantage of all the benefits that it brings.
Question No. 634 answered with Question No. 632.
Departmental Funding
Questions (635)
Bernard Durkan
Question:635. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which the Leader programme continues to assist urban and rural communities to the development of various support schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49989/23]
View answerWritten answers
The LEADER Programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development.
The programme includes specific funding themes to support rural economic development, enterprise development, job creation, social inclusion, and the rural environment. Community groups and rural-based businesses can apply for funding under these themes.
Approximately 98% of project funding under the 2014-2020 and Transitional LEADER programmes has been committed by LEADER groups and I am aware that they continue to develop projects ‘in the pipeline’ in order to fully utilise the remaining budget.
Nationally, over 5,700 projects have been approved for funding in excess of €242 million since 2016 when the current LEADER programme became operational. To date, payments of approximately €200 million have been made in respect of these projects.
€250m has been made available for LEADER for the period 2021 to 2027. This is comprised of €70 million for the transitional period 2021 to 2022 and an additional €180 million from 2023 to 2027. This level of funding is evidence of the Government’s continued support for the LEADER programme and matches the €250m provided for LEADER in the corresponding 7 year period from 2014-2020.
With the 2023-2027 LEADER programme coming on-line as the Local Action Groups for the sub-regional areas are approved I am confident that LEADER will continue to play an important role in the future development of communities across Ireland.
Question No. 636 answered with Question No. 632.
Question No. 637 answered with Question No. 632.
Tidy Towns
Questions (638)
Bernard Durkan
Question:638. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to assist with the efforts of tidy towns committees the length and breadth of the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49993/23]
View answerWritten answers
The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is a unique community movement which has a huge impact on our communities throughout Ireland. It encourages communities to improve their local environment and make their area a better place to live, work and visit in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future, the national rural development policy.
The competition has evolved in recent years, widening its focus to supporting Ireland's commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
I was delighted to announce Abbeyleix, Co Laois as Ireland's Tidiest Town for 2023 at the national awards ceremony in Croke Park recently.
I also announced a funding package of €1.5 million to support TidyTowns groups in their local initiatives. This funding brings the total allocation by my Department since 2017 to €9.6 million in direct funding to over 1,000 TidyTowns groups. All eligible groups will be contacted shortly to confirm their funding and all projects and initiatives funded under this support must be completed by July 31st , 2024.
Under Our Rural Future, my Department also provides a wide range of supports to promote the sustainable development of rural areas, including through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER Programme, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR programme.
I would encourage TidyTowns groups to engage with their local authority or local development company to explore what funding sources may be available to support the valuable voluntary work undertaken.
Finally, I want to commend TidyTowns Committees for their excellent work, and encourage them to continue their efforts to engage more people including young people and new communities.
Question No. 639 answered orally.