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Tuesday, 10 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 809-833

Aquaculture Licences

Questions (809)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

809. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on an extension to deadline for submission of observations for aquaculture licenses in Valentia Harbour and Portmagee Channel, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34805/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department considers applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable National and EU legislation. The licensing process also includes a period of public and statutory consultation.

In relation to the licence applications referred to by the Deputy, the public consultation stage of the licensing process concluded recently. Some members of the public have advised my Department that the recently introduced travel restrictions associated with the Covid 19 situation have restricted their ability to view the applications and supporting documents in the local Garda Stations specified in the Public Notice. My Department is currently examining the matter in conjunction with its legal advisors, having regard to the legislative and public interest issues that arise.

As the matter is still under active consideration by my Department, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

Food Exports

Questions (810)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

810. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of dairy ingredients exports to Australia in 2019 on a quarterly basis. [34842/20]

View answer

Written answers

The following table, using data from the Central Statistics Office, outlines the value (€000) and volume (Tonnes) of dairy ingredients/produce exported to Australia in 2019:

2019

Jan-Mar cumulative

Jan-Jun cumulative

Jan-Sep cumulative

Jan-Dec cumulative

€000

432

2,496

6,073

11,618

Tonnes

51

493

1,412

2,885

Source: CSO - March, June, September, December 2019

A comparison of CSO trade data shows that Irish dairy exports to Australia in 2019 represented an increase of 128% in value and 236% in volume compared to the previous year.

GLAS Issues

Questions (811)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

811. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS appeal submitted to the appeals office in January 2020 by a person (details supplied) will receive a finalised decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34869/20]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.

I have been advised, however, that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate that a GLAS appeal was received from the named person in January 2020.

The Appeals Office requested the file and a statement on the grounds of appeal from my Department and all relevant documentation has been forwarded to the the Appeals Office.

I am advised that the appeal has been assigned to an Appeals Officer for examination and that the Appeals Office has been in contact with the appellant concerning the appeal.

Fishing Industry

Questions (812)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

812. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a grant will be issued to a group (details supplied) under EMFF fisheries local action groups. [34885/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Fisheries Local Action Group Scheme is a community-led local development initiative for the socio-economic development of coastal communities and forms part of my Department's European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-20. There are seven Fisheries Local Action Groups, each responsible for a specific coastal region, and each has published a Local Development Strategy for its region to guide its distribution of its respective share of the overall €12 million budget allocated within the EMFF Programme for the FLAG Scheme. As a community-led local developmet initiative, each of the seven FLAGs is responsible for selecting projects for funding within its region and I have no function in those decisions. I understand that in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the 7 FLAGs prioritised for funding those projects that could complete in 2020.

The project referred to by the Deputy was issued with a grant offer in 2020 and the conditions of that offer specified that a final payment claim must be submitted to Bord Iascaigh Mhara by 15 November 2020. BIM inform me that to date the applicant has submitted no claim for payment. If the applicant has any particular difficulty with its project, they should contact BIM directly for assistance.

Forestry Sector

Questions (813)

Seán Canney

Question:

813. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if priority will be given to tree felling applications in forests in which ash dieback has been identified as a problem and trees have to be felled in view of the fact delays in felling these trees will result in the spread of the disease and increase the risk to a tree species which is at the heart of culture and heritage here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34914/20]

View answer

Written answers

As per the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) document, which is available on my Department’s website, a tree felling licence is not required for this Scheme (Section 3.4.1(d)). This exemption is under Section 19 (1)(c) of the Forestry Act, 2014 – exempted trees – and is given to “control or prevent the spread of fires or a pest or disease”. This exemption is to include any host ash trees and other incidental trees. All applications for the Scheme are subject to screening for Appropriate Assessment.

Where applicants qualify and intend to address Ash Dieback by means of the Woodland Improvement Scheme (including Continuous Cover Forestry), a felling licence will be required.

Animal Welfare

Questions (814)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

814. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the sections of animal welfare in particular under which the remit of dogs fall. [34927/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 applies to all “protected animals”, that is animals in the possession of man, including dogs. The Act in its totality applies to dogs in the same manner as it applies to other domestic animals. I would draw the Deputy’s particular attention to sections 11 (1)(a) (duty to protect animal welfare), section 12(1)(b) (prohibition on neglecting or being reckless regarding animal welfare), and section 13(1)(b) (duty to provide suitable and sufficient food) of the Act which are most pertinent in relation to dogs.

Dog Breeding establishments and Boarding Kennels come under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 which applies to any establishment with more than six female dogs capable of breeding. This legislation is overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Control of Dogs Acts, which is the responsibility of the Department of Rural and Community Development, provide for local authorities to rehome stray dogs within the circumstances set down in that Act.

Livestock Issues

Questions (815, 824)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

815. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if restrictions will be eased on attendances of buyers at marts in view of the recent breakdown in the online bidding system for online marts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35032/20]

View answer

Brendan Smith

Question:

824. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the conditions applicable to mart sales at present and enable the presence of a limited number of buyers at the ringside, properly and appropriately spaced in accordance with public health regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35331/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 815 and 824 together.

On 19th October, the Taoiseach announced that the whole country would move to Level 5 of the Framework for Living with COVID-19 for a period of 6 weeks, starting midnight on Wednesday, the 21st. This decision was made on foot of strong evidence presented to the Government of a potentially grave situation arising in the weeks ahead. For marts, this means a return to similar conditions under which they operated during the first phase of the pandemic.

The Taoiseach has called on us all to work together to suppress the virus, and to reopen as much of our society and economy as possible when it is safe to do so. The core responsibility of this Government is to protect lives and to protect public health, while also protecting livelihoods and supporting the wider economy and society.

Protecting the agri-food sector and people in rural communities is at the centre of my Department’s direction, on 20th October, that buyers could not physically congregate in sales rings and that all marts may conduct sales by brokering transactions or by using online platforms only.

Marts have been using online mart sales systems since April. Although marts are operating sales online, buyers may view livestock for sale at the mart premises - individual appointment times are allocated to individual buyers to view or collect livestock.

From a position where few marts had online systems in place in April, there has been a rapid take up of the new systems by marts over recent months. Currently, the vast majority of marts have online systems in place and are operating through online platforms. Some remaining marts are in the process of installing online systems. Thousands of cattle and sheep have been bought and sold successfully online. As with any new technology, there have been some glitches and these have been dealt with as they arise.

This is undoubtedly a challenging time. My Department is closely monitoring the situation, and we are seeing some positive aspects of online sales at marts, despite some reports that marts and potential buyers have not been able to access the online platforms due to connectivity issues.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (816)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

816. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if software (details supplied) is available to the public; if so, the way in which it can be acquired; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35161/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Irish carbon reporting system (CARBWARE) was initially implemented in 2004 to meet reporting requirements to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on all national forest sources and sinks. Following the completion of the first National Forest inventory in 2006, methods needed to be developed to integrate forest statistics and all available research information into a national forest GHG reporting system. This required further development to CARBWARE.

In order to ensure repeatability and consistency of reporting forest sinks, the CARBWARE system was developed to be delivered as a stand-alone software tool with well-defined database structures and methodological work-flows. The development of CARBWARE was based on research projects funded since 2004. The software development cost was €76,000.

The CARBWARE software is no longer used for carbon reporting and its maintenance has been discontinued. In 2018, Ireland replaced CARBWARE for carbon reporting and projections, with the Canadian Forest Service Carbon Budget Model for all UNFCCC, EU and Kyoto reporting and forecasting. This model is used by the EU Joint Research Centre and a number of other EU member states.

Departmental Staff

Questions (817)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

817. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria sought when filling the role of head of environment within the forestry inspectorate; the qualifications or experience sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35162/20]

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Written answers

There are two main lead roles on environment policy within my Department's Forestry Inspectorate.

The first is Head of the ecology unit which is filled at Forestry Inspector Grade 1 level. The Head of this unit is a qualified ecologist. This is a new role to reflect the significant investment in ecologists by my Department this year to improve our output on forestry licensing.

Separately, another Forestry Inspector Grade 1, who is a qualified forester, heads up the environment policy section. Both of these roles were filled through internal merit-based promotion competitions.

The two Forestry Inspectors Grade 1 report to the Chief Forestry Inspector.

Forestry Sector

Questions (818)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

818. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a strategy statement was submitted by the Forest Service under the Public Service Act 1997 (details supplied); if so, his views on whether it now needs to be revised in view of the current state of the forestry industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35163/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Public Service Management Act, 1997 requires that Secretaries General prepare and submit a Statement of Strategy for Government Departments to their Minister within 6 months of his or her appointment as a Minister. Arising from the recent appointment of a new Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department is in the process of preparing a new Statement of Strategy to serve as a framework for action over the next 3 years. This will also cover the Deaprtment's role in supporting and regulating the forestry sector.

Fishing Industry

Questions (819, 820)

Holly Cairns

Question:

819. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of fishermen and women that availed of the Covid-19 tie up payment by each category of the scheme and in absolute and relative terms to the estimated total eligible number of boats in tabular form. [35195/20]

View answer

Holly Cairns

Question:

820. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost when the Covid-19 tie up payment scheme was devised; the areas in which the remaining funds in the difference between the two have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35196/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 819 and 820 together.

The previous Minister met with representatives of the fisheries sector on a number of occasions earlier this year to discuss the impacts of the Covid 19 Pandemic on market access and prices for seafood. At their request, a Covid-19 Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme was introduced for fishing vessels in the Polyvalent, Beam Trawl and Specific segments of the fleet.

The Scheme operated over three months June to August inclusive, and allowed vessel owners to voluntarily opt to tie up for a maximum of two months each. The Scheme was intended as a safety net scheme to assist fishermen who did not consider fishing to be economically viable during a temporary period of market disturbance and weak prices. The Scheme supported the fixed costs incurred by the vessel owners and as such was designed to complement the Covid-19 wage supports and loan arrangements already being provided by Government to the fishing sector and indeed other sectors of our economy. The supports to fixed costs available under the Scheme were based on official data derived from fishing vessel owners as part of the EU Data Collection Framework. Support payments ranged from €500 per month for the very smallest vessels under 8 metres up to €6,000 for the largest over 24 metres.

While the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) regulation was amended to facilitate Covid-19 mitigation measure, no additional funding was provided by the EU to implement such measures. The Scheme was funded under my Department's EMFF Programme 2014-20 which is nearing its end, with its funds almost entirely committed. As a demand-led scheme, and with a rapidly changing market situation in Europe, likely take-up of the Scheme and cost could not be forecast in advance. Likewise, the number of eligible vessels could not be identified in advance as there were particular eligibility requirements to be met and data was not available on which vessel owners might satisfy those requirements.

A maximum budget of approximately €1.7 million was re-allocated from other support schemes to facilitate the Tie-up scheme. Ultimately, some 98 grant offers were accepted by fishing vessel owners involving 147 one-month tie-up periods and at a cost of €218,000. The unused funds are being re-allocated back for other support measures. This may potentially allow BIM to re-open the scheme of capital grants for investment on board, which were suspended by BIM earlier this year, though this is subject to an evaluation of the overall commitment situation for the Programme.

The table below provides a breakdown of the 147 tie-up periods aided.

Category

June

July

August

<6m

10

10

1

6 < 8m

11

17

7

8 < 10m

20

16

5

10 < 12m

11

3

1

12 < 15m

7

4

1

15 < 18m

0

1

1

18 < 24m

6

7

2

> 24m

2

3

1

Beef Industry

Questions (821)

Holly Cairns

Question:

821. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the applications by organisations (details supplied) to become producer organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35197/20]

View answer

Written answers

Article 14 of Regulation 1379/2013 on the Common Organisation of the Market for Fishery and Aquaculture Products (CMO) specifies EU regulatory requirements for recognition of fisheries and aquaculture producer organisations. The Department as competent authority for the CMO in Ireland has a process in place which allows for groups of fisheries or aquauclture producers to apply for recognition as a producer organisation.

The CMO regulation sets a limit of 3 months for this decision making process to occur but the evaluation and decision process may be paused at any time if the Department requires further information from the applicant to ensure the competent authority has all the information to make a clear decision.

In relation to the status of the organisation indicated by the deputy, the situation is as follows. On 21 June 2020 my Department received an application from the National Inshore Fisheries Association (NIFA) . Following an intitial review of the information provided by NIFA, a letter was issued on 15 July 2020 requesting further information in several areas and it was indicated in the letter that evaluation of the application would be paused pending receipt of the requested information from NIFA.

On 15 September and 3 November 2020, further information was provided by NIFA, but some information is outstanding at present. Once all the information is provided by NIFA, the department will restart the evaluation process and make a decision within the required time limit outlined in the CMO Regulation.

Commonage Land Use

Questions (822)

Michael Ring

Question:

822. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a refund of a penalty for commonage following an appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the matter has been ongoing for several months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35278/20]

View answer

Written answers

The person named was approved into GLAS 2 and has received payments for scheme years 2016 – 2019 and the 2020 Advance payment.

Following the outcome of an internal review, the person named is due payments in respect of the commonage action. The Department is currently working on this issue and once all pre-payment checks are completed, the processing of these payments will be completed.

Basic Payment Scheme

Questions (823)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

823. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2020 basic payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35302/20]

View answer

Written answers

The person named submitted an application under the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) on 8 April 2020.

As part of the standard checks undertaken on such applications, an overclaim has been identified on a commonage parcel declared by the person named. My Department has been in correspondence with the person's agent in relation to this matter, and is also undertaking a review of the eligibility of the commonage land as requested by person's agent.

In the meantime, arrangements have now been made to issue payment on this case as the overclaim in question will not impact on the total payment due.

Question No. 824 answered with Question No. 815.

Flood Relief Schemes

Questions (825)

Seán Canney

Question:

825. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the feasibility study undertaken by his Department in 2019 to determine the feasibility of future once-off targeted schemes for a voluntary farm building relocation scheme as a result of flooding will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35366/20]

View answer

Written answers

A study to determine the feasibility of any future once-off targeted scheme for Voluntary Farm Building Relocation is being undertaken. My Department has evaluated a range of at risk farmyards, impacted by flooding, to see if any alternative remedial works can be undertaken to protect farm buildings at risk of flooding and is currently considering this evaluation.

Farms Data

Questions (826)

Matt Carthy

Question:

826. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views that the findings of the Teagasc National Farm Survey that 41% of cattle and sheep farms are non-viable farm business without additional off- farm employment; his plans to address this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35368/20]

View answer

Written answers

The annual Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) examines many aspects of farming, including viability. A farm is defined as viable if family labour is remunerated at greater than or equal to the minimum wage and there is sufficient income to provide an additional five per cent return on non-land based assets employed on the farm. Over the past decade or more the results indicate that approximately one third of farms are viable, one third sustainable due to the presence of an off-farm income source, and about one third are vulnerable. The percentage of farms in each category varies only slightly over the years, depending on the economics of farming in that particular year.

There is a strong correlation between viability and system of farming, whether full-time or part-time. Based on the number of hours work required, about one third of farms are considered full-time farms by Teagasc. Almost 90% of dairy farms are considered full-time, while around 17% of cattle and sheep farms are considered full-time. Full-time farms are often the larger farms with average utilisable agricultural area (U.A.A) of 69.8 hectares compared to 30.4 hectares for part-time farms.

The viability of farms also varies considerably by farm type with 75% of Dairy farms and 63% of Tillage farms classified as viable, while 27% of Sheep farms, 24% of Cattle Other farms and 13% of Cattle Rearing farms were considered viable in 2019.

Over 52% of farm households had a source of off-farm employment income in 2019 while 30% of farm households were in receipt of a pension. The higher age profile of Cattle and Sheep farmers compared to Dairy farmers is reflected here with 35.2% of Sheep farm households in receipt of a pension, 35.7% of Cattle Other farms and 31.5% of Cattle Rearing farms compared to just 15.4% on Dairy farms.

The NFS examined the level of support provided by the exchequer and EU through farm payments. The average Cattle Other farm received €496 per hectare in 2019, up 13% compared to 2018 and up 23% compared to 2015, when they received an average of €404 per hectare. Cattle Rearing farms received an average of €461 per hectare, up 23% on 2015, while Sheep farms received an average payment per hectare of €411 per hectare, up from €348 in 2015 or 18%.

Agriculture is a key economic and social driver underpinning the vitality of rural villages and towns across the country. A new agri-food strategy to 2030 is currently being considered by a Committee of sector stakeholders. The Programme for Government has called for an ambitious blueprint for the agri-food sector for the years ahead, adding value sustainably into the future, and supporting family farms and employment in rural Ireland.

Beef Industry

Questions (827)

Matt Carthy

Question:

827. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide new additional funding to promote a suckler beef brand; the amount of funding he will commit in 2021 for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35369/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Beef TaskForce, at its last meeting on 22 October 2020, supported a proposal from Bord Bia for a programme of Suckler Beef promotion and the development of a brand proposition for Irish Suckler Beef, with a budget of up to €6 million over the next three years, subject to annual review of progress.

This annual review, which will be overseen by a monitoring group with majority farmer representation, will assess progress in relation to the creation of market demand for Suckler Beef and the ability of the brand to deliver improved returns. This work will begin immediately. I welcome the commitment by stakeholders to work together in the development of a suckler brand that resonates in the marketplace and we can all stand over and support.

In addition, the Beef TaskForce also agreed in principle to support an application by Bord Bia for PGI status for "Irish Grass Fed Beef". The Beef Taskforce also agreed that, if successful, a PGI Monitoring Group, with a majority farmer representation, will be established to report on progress to the Beef TaskForce on a regular basis. The draft application seeks to strike a balance between focusing on the unique characteristics of Irish beef production, while allowing the maximum number of farmers to benefit from PGI status if it is achieved.

Farm Partnerships

Questions (828)

Matt Carthy

Question:

828. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the arbitration process in respect of the Coillte farm partnership scheme; the reason for any delay in this regard; if all discovery documents have been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35370/20]

View answer

Written answers

Coillte CGA was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters are the responsibility of the company.

The Coillte Farm Partnership Scheme, and any contracts between Coilte and forest-owners under the scheme, are a matter entirely for Coillte. My Department has passed the questions raised for direct response to the Deputy.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (829)

Denis Naughten

Question:

829. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to a previous discussion with him, if correspondence (details supplied) issued to farmers within the catchment area of Louth Finshinagh, County Roscommon will be withdrawn in view of the fact that the OPW funded report by Roscommon County Council regarding the lack of cost effective mitigation measures for flooded farmland has only been published; the basis for issuing such correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35380/20]

View answer

Written answers

All applications for schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme are subject to the standard range of verification checks as required under the relevant EU legislation. As part of this process, my Department issues letters to applicants where issues such as potential overclaims arise. In such cases, the information available to my Department is outlined to the applicant. Such letters are not issued to allege wrongdoing, and in all such cases the applicant is afforded the opportunity to submit any information that s/he deems relevant in order to respond to the identification of a potential error on such applications for payment.

All such appeals, including those within the area referenced by the Deputy, are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. My Department has received some correspondence in this regard in relation to the issues raised, and the new information provided is currently being reviewed in accordance with the standard practices.

Dairy Sector

Questions (830)

Emer Higgins

Question:

830. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to extend the calf welfare scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35390/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Calf Investment Scheme was open for applications from 7 January 2020 to 28 January 2020. The scheme offered a range of on-farm investment items for calf rearing and welfare facilities. Over 2,500 farmers applied to the scheme and a budget of €4million was allocated to ensure all eligible applications would be fully funded. Grant aid of up to €3,000 per holding was made available under this scheme.

The deadline for receipt of payment claims and associated documentation was 30 September 2020. Payments began as payment claims were submitted and are issuing on an ongoing basis as cases are cleared for payment. There are currently no plans to extend the Calf Investment Scheme into 2021.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (831)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

831. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which funding for Rásíocht Con Éireann will be dependent on welfare standards; the welfare standards that will be used; the way in which the standards will be tracked and evaluated; the timeline that applies to the evaluation of standards for the purpose of funding certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35447/20]

View answer

Written answers

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The future of the industry is dependent on a strong governance platform and on the industry having the highest standards of integrity and welfare founded on a strong regulatory system.

Provisions in the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 will make a real difference. This Act strengthens the legislative basis for the industry, with a view to fortifying the integrity of the greyhound racing sector and improving provision for greyhound traceability. The Act will improve the governance of Rásíocht Con Éireann, strengthen regulatory controls in the industry, modernise sanctions and improve integrity within the sector.

The sections of the Act commenced on the 1st October 2020 signal a new era for greyhound racing. They facilitate the Board in focusing on its priority objective of achieving the highest standards of care and welfare of greyhounds. The Greyhound Racing Act of 2019 when fully implemented, will enable RCÉ to ensure the important heritage associated with greyhound racing in Ireland can continue under the appropriate rules and regulations.

Animal welfare issues are central to this Department’s engagements with the greyhound sector and funding is contingent on animal welfare measures being implemented. This Department ring fenced 10% of the Fund allocation to RCÉ in 2020 for welfare initiatives, and will implement similar criteria for funding in 2021. A major expansion of the overall care and welfare programme in RCÉ is in progress. RCÉ has introduced a range of care and welfare initiatives which include the following measures;

- The progression of the provisions of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 to inter alia devise a traceability model to enable tracing of racing greyhounds throughout their lives. RCÉ tendered for the establishment of a traceability system for racing greyhounds in early 2020. It is expected that the traceability system will be delivered to RCÉ during Quarter 4 in 2020.

- Incentivising rehoming of greyhounds in Ireland through additional supports through the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust, (established and operated by RCÉ).

- The establishment of a separate “Greyhound Care Fund” and the opening of Care Centres for retired greyhounds while they await rehomimg.

The welfare of greyhounds remains a priority for RCÉ and was a key consideration during the suspension of racing activity. Between 24th March and 8th June 2020, RCÉ implemented a Covid-19 greyhound care payment scheme of €2 per day in respect of each active greyhound.

My Department has received assurances that the Board remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds. My Department is also assured that all necessary resources are being committed to these ends. All reported incidents of greyhound cruelty and neglect are investigated, and where breaches of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 are identified, appropriate action is taken.

Regular bilateral meetings are held at a senior level to discuss matters relating to governance, including policies, performance and funding of RCÉ.

Departmental Staff

Questions (832)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

832. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of full-time equivalent and part-time equivalent roles filled by his Department of posts at principal officer, assistant principal officer, higher executive officer, executive officer and clerical officer grades for the past five years; the cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35479/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department uses workforce planning processes to identify and address critical resource needs required to deliver its business goals. Workforce planning is a key tool in enabling my Department to forecast its current and future staffing gaps (subject to the limits of the annual estimates process, the usual budgetary constraints and approvals by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform). The Workforce Plan ensures a long-term strategic plan by which my Department can assign the right people, with the right levels of talent and skills, in each location and Division across its range of functions.

My Department operates in a rapidly changing environment and its structure must be flexible in order to deploy resources to priority work, as the need arises. Overall staffing levels within Divisions are continually monitored and staff transfer in and out of Divisions as the workload dictates.

Staffing Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and associated salary data for staff recruited to the specified grades are as follow;

Breakdown by Grade and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Number

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Clerical Officer

33.6

60.2

75.4

206.9

84

Executive Officer

48.1

85.1

113.5

101

49.3

Higher Executive Officer

14.9

49.5

51.8

32.8

18

Asst Principal

14.9

26.6

21.1

23.4

12

Principal

4.5

5

7.8

2.8

2

Salary Costs

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Clerical Officer

€826,090

€1,480,077

€1,854,965

€5,086,843

€2,065,224

Executive Officer

€1,620,441

€2,866,934

€3,823,351

€3,403,522

€1,662,485

Higher Executive Officer

€786,064

€2,611,422

€2,735,319

€1,732,929

€949,608

Asst Principal

€1,028,279

€1,835,719

€1,458,341

€1,614,881

€828,144

Principal

€405,099

€445,360

€694,762

€249,402

€534,432

Grand Total

€4,665,973

€9,239,512

€10,566,738

€12,087,577

€6,039,893

Library Services

Questions (833)

Holly Cairns

Question:

833. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if libraries are allowed to operate collection and drop-off services in branches and mobile libraries under level 4 and 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34755/20]

View answer

Written answers

The ‘Plan for Living with COVID-19’, issued by Government, states that all museums, galleries and other cultural attractions, including libraries and mobile libraries, are closed to the public under Levels 4 and 5 but are available for online services. The public health risk is deemed such that people are being asked to stay at home, apart from essential work or attending school. It is vital that we limit our contacts and trips outside of our homes and this currently includes visits to the library. That said, some libraries are offering a delivery service of library items including books, audiobooks and DVDs to vulnerable households, in line with arrangements put in place earlier this year to support those who were cocooning.

There is an excellent online library service available nationwide and my Department has invested some €400,000 in the online service this year alone. It provides access to more than 48,000 eBooks and 33,000 audiobooks, 4,000 magazines, 2,400 online newspapers from over 100 countries, more than 500 e-learning courses and 100 online language courses.

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