Written Answers Nos. 863-879
863. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total acreage of barley, wheat, malting barley, oats and maize sown here in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42072/20]
View answerThe data requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as it is available.
864. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which prospects for the poultry industry here remain good with particular reference to the home market and export outlets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42073/20]
View answerAs a value-for-money source of protein-rich food, poultrymeat has seen an increase in demand in recent years. The past decade has seen ever increasing levels of poultry meat production, with the annual slaughter figure rising by 20% to reach 106 million head and the tonnage of production rising by 20% to reach 160,800 tonnes in 2019. Ireland exports poultry to over 30 countries worldwide.
The overall value of Irish poultry exports increased by 12% between 2016 and 2019 (€294 million). The value of poultry going to third country markets almost doubled in the same period. In 2019 the UK remained the single biggest destination market for Irish poultry exports, with South Africa the second most important destination accounting for 10% in vlaue and 22% in volume of poultry exports. This is positive evidence of increasing diversification.
As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term. While the outlook for the sector remains broadly positive, the sector continues to face challenges including the ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 and Brexit. Ensuring the continued operation of Irish food supply chains and expanding market access remain key priorities for my Department.
865. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department have identified any potential challenges for the pigmeat export sector; the actions required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42074/20]
View answerThe pigmeat sector has shown remarkable growth in recent years. Last year the total value of pig meat exports was €891 million; an increase from €828 million in 2018.
Over 103,000 tonnes of pigmeat exports valued at over €463 million was exported to the UK in 2019. This represents almost 52% of total export value for the sector.
However, third country markets, which have been steadily expanding in recent years, rose to 29% of total share in 2019. This is illustrated by the significant expansion in Ireland’s pig meat exports to Asia, and to China in particular, where export values more than doubled from €79m to €177m.
Irish pigmeat can be exported to a broad range of international markets including, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the USA. In May of this year the opening of the Mexican market for Irish pigmeat was announced. With a population of more than 120 million, the Mexican market represents a substantial opportunity for Irish pigmeat exports.
The short-term outlook for the pigmeat market will be influenced by global supply and demand dynamics as well as by potential COVID-19 disruption to supply chains. Ensuring the continued operation of Irish food supply chains and expanding market access remain key priorities for my Department.
My officials continue to work towards increasing market diversification by opening and enhancing access to as many international markets. This is a key part of our response to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit and is in line with the market development theme of the Food Wise 2025 strategy.
866. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which animal health and welfare remains a priority for now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42075/20]
View answerI am committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals - this is underpinned by the programme for Government and a dedicated team of officials in my Department. My Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of animal welfare legislation when found.
My Department has recently restructured our Animal Health and Welfare Division into two separate divisions this will allow the new Welfare and Health Divisions to provide focus and resources on each of these equally important areas, taking a One Health, One Welfare approach to policy and implementation.
Animal health remains a cornerstone of my Department's work. For example, Animal Health Awareness Week took place just last month, featuring informative and interactive webinars, podcasts, and a cross-media campaign. As part of the week's programme, I launched the National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy 2021-2024, focusing on disease prevention to ensure the health of our national herd and flock.
The new Animal Welfare Strategy is at an advanced stage and I will be launching it shortly. This will be Ireland’s first, dedicated Animal Welfare Strategy and it will be backed by the resources and expertise within my Department, and my officials will cooperate with other Departments and Agencies, and with stakeholders and civil society in its implementation.
Control in respect of animal welfare is a matter that is also dealt with by a wide range of organisations. In the case of non-farmed animals, vital roles are played by An Gárda Síochána, Local Authorities and authorised officers of the ISPCA and DSPCA. These latter are among the recipients of substantial ex-gratia funding provided by my Department to underpin important work done by animal welfare organisations.
This work is further underpinned by the Animal Welfare Helpline which my Department operates, Lo-call 0761 064408 , along with a dedicated email address, AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie, which facilitates the reporting by members of the public of concerns in regard to the welfare of animals. All calls received are treated in confidence. The animal welfare hotline exists for the reporting of specific incidents relating to animal welfare which come to the attention of members of the public, which they believe are in need of attention. All complaints received are investigated and followed up on.
867. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which animal welfare in the equine sector continues to be supervised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42076/20]
View answerMy Department dedicates a substantial level of resources and funding to animal welfare and I am fully committed to delivering on the Programme for Government undertaking to prioritise equine welfare. In December 2019, my Department delivered the largest ever allocation of funding of €2.906m to 106 animal welfare organisations, many of which undertake work with equines.
In the area of horse racing, the IHRB has authorised Officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 who monitor the welfare of this sector.
My Department also continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, bringing education on all aspects of equine welfare to disadvantaged areas, and I intend to deliver additional supports in urban areas. As an example, in the context of breeding, the DSPCA with financial assistance from my Department, facilitates castration clinics and education programmes in an effort to address the problem of over-breeding which can add to welfare issues.
Under the Control of Horses Act 1996, local authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences, and authorised officers may seize horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of stray horses, including horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. The local authorities may also prosecute offenders.
The Deputy may be aware that my Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.
The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: Call Save - 0761 064408, phone - 01 607 2379.
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
868. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage or number of staff with a disability working in his Department and the agencies under his aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by his Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42137/20]
View answerIn accordance with Section 47(4) of the Disability Act 2005, my Department surveys all employees annually to establish the number of employees who have a disability. Disclosure by individuals of their disability status is voluntary, as is the disclosure of the nature of any disability disclosed.
As required under Section 5 of the Disability Act 2005, my Department makes an annual report to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform outlining the Department’s compliance with Section 47(4) of the Act.
I would like to point out that my Department has exceeded the 3% minimum requirement for employment of people with disabilities under Section 47(4) of the Act in each of the last 10 years.
The figures on staff within my Department for the years in question are shown in the following table.
|
Year |
Total Number of Staff |
Number of staff disclosing a Disability |
Percentage |
|
2018 |
3,369 |
128 |
3.8% |
|
2019 |
3,430 |
138 |
4% |
|
2020* |
3,740 |
141 |
3.8% |
*current figures for 2020.
It should be noted that the 2020 figure will be finalised by year end and reported to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in March 2020.
My Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who fosters awareness of equality and disability issues among staff. The Disability Liaison Officer provides support, advice and guidance to staff and managers in ensuring staff with a disability have equal opportunities throughout their career in my Department.
My Department is a long time supporter of providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and has participated for many years in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme. This programme provides a six month paid and mentored work placement for graduates with a disability. In the last few years, my Department has, as a matter of policy increased the number of placements it has made available under the WAM programme. Many former participants of the programme have gone on to secure permanent employment in the Civil Service.
My Department has participated in the Job Shadow Initiative on a continuous basis since 2009. Job Shadow Day is a national project, bringing people with disabilities and local employers together for one day to promote equal employment opportunities
In accordance with my Department’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy, my Department explores initiatives with a view to increasing workplace opportunities for persons with disabilities. One very successful initiative has been collaboration with the Oireachtas on the Oireachtas Work Learning programme (OWL), a learning, development and socialisation programme for young adults with an intellectual disability. The programme aims to provide a real and applied learning experience to the participants in a safe and secure work environment, to support them in developing the skills which will lead them to access paid employment in the open labour market.
On the question of retention, if an employee acquires a disability, or an employee’s existing disability becomes more severe, my Department offers assistance on request and will provide reasonable accommodations to support and facilitate these staff members remaining in employment and having access to training programmes and opportunities for career progression.
The question of employee numbers and disability initiatives in the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the Agencies themselves. This information has been requested from the State Bodies in question and the information will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.
869. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding opportunities or ventures her Department is supporting to facilitate the roll-out of flexible working hubs in the towns of Carlow and Kilkenny. [41197/20]
View answerMy Department has invested significantly in remote working facilities over the last number of years through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Libraries programme.
Along with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, my Department has been working to establish a network of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) in remote rural areas which will provide free public access to high-speed broadband services in advance of the full roll out of the National Broadband.
Approximately 300 BCPs will be connected across the country over the coming months, including 8 sites in Co. Carlow and 6 in Co. Kilkenny. Many of the BCPs will provide capacity for remote working and remote study in rural areas. In 2020, my Department provided €66,780 through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to develop infrastructure in BCPs in Co. Carlow.
An additional €5 million has been allocated in 2021 for targeted investment in digital hubs and BCPs through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This funding will assist these facilities to become a focus for communities and support remote workers and students. Details of the funding scheme will be announced in 2021. It is anticipated that it will be open to all Local Authorities, including Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils.
The ecosystem of hubs and other remote working facilities throughout the country are a significant support to both remote workers and students at the present time. They cover the spectrum from fully commercially-operating business models, to public sector and social enterprise operated hubs.
There is great potential for new hubs to be located in town centres to revitalise the commercial and social life of key towns and to utilise or repurpose vacant buildings.
870. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the reopening of the local improvement scheme for 2021; the level of funding available for Tipperary County Council for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41327/20]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas which are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.
Since the LIS was re-launched in 2017, over €58 million has been allocated to Local Authorities for improvements to qualifying roads under the scheme.
An allocation of €10 million was made available in 2020 for the Local Improvement Scheme, and works under the scheme are nearing completion. I expect a full draw down of the 2020 allocation by year-end.
Recognising the value of the scheme for people living in rural areas, I was secured an increase in the allocation for LIS in Budget 2021. Funding for the scheme next year will increase by 5%, to €10.5 million. The distribution of this funding to each of the relevant Local Authorities, including in Tipperary, will be announced early next year when I formally launch the scheme for 2021.
871. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the restrictions and regulations being imposed on puppy farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41424/20]
View answerThe Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 provides a robust regulatory framework for, inter alia, the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments.
The day to day regulation of dog breeding establishments to ensure compliance with the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 is a matter for local authorities. It is the responsibility of each local authority to maintain the register of dog breeding establishments in their functional area. Welfare standards regarding dog breeding establishments have been provided for through guidelines.
In July 2018, following a public consultation, my Department published revised guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments. These came into effect on 1 January 2019. There is a substantial shift in the new guidelines towards a focus on the welfare of dogs and pups. Each local authority is responsible for the monitoring of these standards with regard to the registration of such establishments.
Following a review, my Department is currently developing necessary legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, which will further enhance the local authority inspection regime, with a view to inclusion in the 2021 Government legislative programme.
It is important to bear in mind that the enforcement of animal welfare standards for all animals, including dogs in dog breeding establishments, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) under the Animal Health and Welfare Acts. DAFM introduced Regulations regarding the microchipping of dogs, S.I. No. 63 of 2015, which means that all dogs must be microchipped. Furthermore, in late 2019, DAFM also introduced the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 in respect of the advertising of pet animals, including dogs. Further information can be found at the following link:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/salesupplyandadvertisingofpets/.
Both Departments work closely with each other to ensure a coordinated approach is taken in this area.
872. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 419 of 26 November 2020, if new applicants will be allowed to apply to the fund in cases in which the second lockdown has pushed organisations into financial difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41861/20]
View answerThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
Further to Parliamentary Question No. 419 of 26 November 2020, I can confirm that my Department is currently finalising plans for the distribution of the additional €10M in funding provided through Budget 2021 including any funding remaining from the original €35million and I will be making an announcement shortly.
Lists of successful applicants are available on my Department’s website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/.
873. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the consultation paper "A Review of Measures Relating to the Control of Dogs in Ireland" published in July 2019; the actions planned resulting from this paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41915/20]
View answer877. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of actions and policy changes that are planned on foot of the publication of the review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland consultation paper in July 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42034/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 873 and 877 together.
A public consultation process on a review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland closed in September 2019. The consultation document posed a series of questions, with interested parties invited to provide written submissions.
Approximately 1,000 submissions have been received. The issues raised are wide ranging, complex and require analysis, further consultation with stakeholders and an exploration of approaches in other jurisdictions. This process is nearing completion and I expect the findings of this review to be submitted to me shortly which will then be published on my Department's website.
Some of the comments received through the consultation process would require a change to primary or secondary legislation. My Department is considering these and other points as part of a review of the legislation in this area and is now identifying any necessary legislative amendments that may be required with a view to inclusion in the 2021 Government legislative programme.
874. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail céard iad na céimeanna atá á nglacadh ag a Roinn lena chinntiú go bhfuiltear ag cloí leis na rialacha maidir le hachar sóisialta ar na báid farantóireachta ar fad atá faoi chonradh ag a Roinn le seirbhísí farantóireachta a chur ar fáil chuig na hoileáin amach ón gcósta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41938/20]
View answer875. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén líon páisinéirí atá ceadaithe ar an mbád faoin gconradh atá idir a Roinn agus cuideachta (sonraí tugtha), ag cur achar sóisialta san áireamh, don tseirbhís idir Ros a’Mhíl agus na hOiléain Árann; an gcuirfear an dara bád ar fáil mar a bhíodh ag freastal ar na trí oileán má tá éileamh uirthi sna laethanta atá amach romhainn; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41939/20]
View answerTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. Nos. 874 and 875 le chéile.
Ó thús na pandéime, tá oifigigh na Roinne théis a bheith ag obair go dlúth le grúpaí ionadaíochta oileáin agus leis na farantóirí cuí d’fhonn tacú le pobail na n-oileán, agus le cinntiú go mbeadh seirbhísí iompair rialta i bhfeidhm le freastal orthu. Aontaíodh sceidil fharantóireachta laghdaithe nó leasuithe a chur i bhfeidhm, ó am go chéile, chun pobail na n-oileán agus iad siúd atá ag obair ar a seirbhísí iompair ar feadh an tsaoil a chosaint le linn na paindéime COVID-19.
Tá treoirlínte eisithe ag Feidhmeannach na Seirbhíse Sláinte chuig na farantóirí a iompraíonn daoine chuig na hoileáin mórthimpeall na tíre. Is cinnte gur gné thábhachtach é an scaradh sóisialta ar chórais iompar poiblí d'iarracht na tíre chun COVID-19 a chuir faoi chois, agus caithfear clúdaigh aghaidhe a chaitheamh agus daoine ag taisteal ar bháid. Beidh aon athrú ar na treoirlínte seo bunaithe ar chomhairle ó na húdaráis sláinte phoiblí chuí, agus i gcomhréir le Plean an Rialtais maidir le maireachtáil le COVID-19.
Is é an Oifig Suirbhéireacht Mara atá freagrach as ceadúnais a bhronnadh ar fharantóirí; leagtar amach cén líon paisinéirí atá ceadaithe ar aon soitheach de ghnáth, agus is faoin oifig sin atá sé monatóireacht agus forfheidhmiú a dhéanamh dá réir. Tuigim go bhfuil roinnt ceadúnais ag an gcomhlacht atá sonraithe ag an Teachta, a cheadaíonn idir 96 agus 294 paisinéir a iompar, ag brath ar an árthach atá i mbun seirbhíse.
D’fhéadfadh go mbeadh difríocht shuntasach idir an líon paisinéirí atá ceadaithe de ghnáth agus an líon ba chóir a iompar, a cheadaíonn aonrú sóisialta. D’fhéadfadh a líon sin a bheith éagsúil ag brath ar líon na ndaoine atá ag taisteal, comhdhéanamh grúpa, fad an turais, srl.
Sa Phlean maidir le Maireachtáil le COVID-19, leagtar amach srianta taisteal éagsúla de réir Leibhéil éagsúla de chreat cúig leibhéal an Phlean. Ag Leibhéil 3 agus níos airde, tá sonraithe go mbeadh taisteal teoranta do chontae cónaithe duine, ach amháin má tá práinn ag baint leis. Is léir go raibh tionchar ag na srianta seo ar líon na ndaoine a thaistealaíonn isteach agus amach as Árainn.
Tá deimhnithe ag an bhfarantóir gur féidir freastal ar an éileamh reatha agus treoirlínte FSS a chomhlíonadh agus an tseirbhís chuig na hOileáin Árann á sholáthar ag úsáid bád amháin. Beidh an dara bád ag freastal ar na hOileáin Árann arís ón 18ú Nollaig go 6ú Eanáir de bharr go mbeidh na srianta taisteal maolaithe ag don tréimhse sin. Má thagann ardú ar éileamh taisteal chuig na hoileáin taobh amuigh den tréimhse sin, beidh an dara bád réidh le freastal ar na hoileáin.
876. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of licensed dogs in Ireland by local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41343/20]
View answerEach year my Department publishes annual statistics on gov.ie in respect of a range of dog control responsibilities of local authorities, including the statistics sought. Information up to and including 2019 is available at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/
The total number of dog licences issued in 2019, which may be found on page 3 of the 2019 statistics, was 217,261. This includes 212,559 individual dog licences, 4,378 lifetime of dog licences and 324 general dog licences. The general dog licence covers an unspecified number of dogs in the one premises. The annual dog licence and general dog licence are valid for one year while the lifetime of dog licence is valid for the dog’s lifetime.
The 2020 dog control statistics will be collated and published in 2021.
878. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the percentage or number of staff with a disability working in her Department and the agencies under her aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and the actions being undertaken by her Department to actively recruit and retain persons with disabilities. [42150/20]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to the development and implementation of measures to promote and support the employment of individuals with disabilities. The Department supports the best practice principles in this area, as set out in the 'Code of Practice for the employment of people with disability in the Civil Service'.
The Department has a Disability Liaison Officer in place whose role is to:
- Act as the point of contact for Civil Servants with disabilities, their managers and HR Units;
- Assist and support Civil Servants with disabilities, in confidence, and their line managers by providing necessary information, appropriate contacts, guidance, suggestions and advice;
- Assist in the implementation of best Human Resource practices in line with equality legislation;
- Facilitate increased awareness of disability throughout the organisation;
- Attend meetings of the Civil Service Disability Liaison Officers Network.
Public sector bodies are obliged under the Disability Act 2005:
- To promote and support the employment of people with disabilities;
- To ensure, where practicable, that 3% of all staff employed are people with disabilities;
- To report every year on the number and percentage of employees with disabilities.
Table A outlines the percentage of staff in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the agencies under the department’s remit, who declared a disability in 2018 and 2019:
Table A:
|
Name |
Year |
Number of employees with a disability |
Percentage of employees with a disability |
|
DRCD |
2018 |
8 |
5.3% |
|
|
2019 |
10 |
6.5% |
|
CRA |
2018 |
3 |
7.6% |
|
|
2019 |
3 |
7.8% |
|
Water Safety Ireland |
2018 |
1 |
12.5% |
|
|
2019 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Western Development Commission |
2018 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
|
2019 |
0 |
0.0% |
While Pobal is an agency of the Department, it does not fall within the remit of the Disability Act 2005, concerning the collation of disability statistics.
The Department will complete its 2020 returns in early 2021, and return to the NDA by the deadline of 30 June 2021.
879. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it will be ensured that all the requirements of the work safely protocol issued 20 November 2020 are implemented with particular reference to the content of section D3 (details supplied) in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42607/20]
View answerThe vast majority of my Department's staff are currently working remotely and we are maintaining full business continuity in terms of our services to the public and to stakeholders.
My Department has a fully-operational Covid-19 Response Plan in place which is kept under ongoing review as further guidance and advice is issued. The plan includes procedures relating to all measures required by the Work Safely Protocol, including physical distancing, the safe use of the canteen facilities, seating arrangements for attendance at our offices and ongoing communication and consultation with our staff.
Given my Department's very high level of remote working, situations in a workplace setting in which social or physical distancing might be a difficulty are considered unlikely to arise. However, in such circumstances, staff are requested to consider wearing a face covering.
