Written Answers Nos. 1120-1140
1120. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has been furnished with a fully costed detailed business plan for the proposed development and relocation by Horse Sport Ireland to a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10564/21]
View answerHorse Sport Ireland (HSI) has informed me that, in deciding on a suitable location for the organisation's Headquarters and Centre of Excellence, it has examined a number of sites and venues as part of a selection process carried out by a sub-committee of its Board.
HSI advises that the work of the sub-committee has been ongoing for two years and has involved the consideration of many different locations. It engaged with a range of potential sites and hired a property valuer and advisor to review property and land offerings as well as availability of property to purchase, rent or develop.
As part of this process, HSI appointed an independent consultant to carry out a detailed feasibility study, following a competitive request for tender.
A copy of the feasibility study and other relevant documents have been made available to my Department. In selecting a site, HSI is not required to obtain approval from my Department. The final decision on a suitable site and venue is a matter for the Board of HSI.
1121. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed relocation of Horse Sport Ireland to a site (details supplied) will not be used for competitive or commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10565/21]
View answerHorse Sport Ireland (HSI) has informed me that it is considering moving to the new Centre of Excellence at Greenogue as soon as is feasible, following the construction of a new office building. The Centre of Excellence is proposed to serve the training and education needs of the sport horse industry. The delivery of such key programmes will be a focus of the centre, which will traverse the breeding and sport landscape.
The centre of excellence is being conceived to serve the broad interests of the industry and in that sense to make sport horse activities / businesses in Ireland, more profitable within their own commercial pursuits. The centre of excellence as a whole will seek to be a sustainable model with any additional benefits being redirected back into the industry in line with the Horse Sport Ireland Strategic Plan and any subsequent statement of strategy in future years.
1122. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if libraries can operate an online click and collect system for book borrowing during the level 5 public health restrictions. [10003/21]
View answerMy Department has policy responsibility for public libraries and the provision of public library services is a matter for each local authority in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.
The ‘Plan for Living with COVID-19’, issued by Government, states that all indoor museums, galleries and other cultural attractions such as libraries are closed to the public under Level 5, with public libraries only being permitted to provide online services. As a result, it is not possible to provide a click and collect service for book borrowing under the current level 5 restrictions.
However, there is an excellent online library service in which my Department invested some €400,000 during 2020. This provides access to more than 47,000 eBooks and 35,000 eAudiobooks, 4,000 magazines, 2,400 online newspapers from over 100 countries, more than 500 e-learning courses and 100 online language courses.
In addition, currently more than half of our library authorities are delivering library stock to the housebound and vulnerable under the Community Call initiative. Many are also delivering book bags and activity packs to children and the elderly so that they do not lose the love of reading and connection to their library during this difficult time.
1123. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the facilities available in her Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9378/21]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development is committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding which leads to positive health outcomes for mother and child. The World Health Organisation recommends the continuation of breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
In this regard and consistent with Circular 31 of 2006, concerning the Implementation of the Maternity (Amendment) Act, 2004, the Department of Rural and Community Development ensures that employees who are breastfeeding are afforded breastfeeding breaks, or an adjustment in working hours, until the child reaches 2 years of age. This is in accordance with guidance provided by the World Health Organisation.
Congruent with the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020, the Department of Rural and Community Development provides necessary and suitable onsite facilities, affording time and support to our breastfeeding mothers, enabling the continuation of breastfeeding up until the child reaches 2 years of age.
1124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the CLÁR schemes for 2021 will be announced; the reason for the delay in doing so; the type of schemes it is intended to run under this programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9580/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. Since the CLÁR programme was relaunched in 2016, it has provided funding of almost €39 million for over 1,600 projects under a range of different Measures.
Recognising the importance of the CLÁR programme to some of our most remote rural areas, I secured a 10% increase in funding for the scheme this year, bringing the allocation for 2021 to €5.5 million.
The Measures in the 2020 CLÁR programme, which was launched in May 2020, placed a focus on supporting communities to respond to the impact of COVID-19. I am currently considering the Measures for inclusion in the 2021 programme, and full details of the Measures to be supported will be announced when the programme is launched.
I anticipate that the scheme will be launched earlier this year than in 2020.
1125. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the names and contact details for each special adviser requested for appointment by her in tabular form. [9603/21]
View answerI have requested the appointment of one advisor in the Department of Rural and Community Development. The details are as follows:
|
Name |
Address |
Contact email address |
|
Mr. Niall O’Connor |
Dept. of Rural & Community Development Trinity Point 10-11 Leinster St Dublin 2 |
Niall.O’Connor@drcd.gov.ie |
1126. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Covid-19 stability fund for community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises will be extended in view of the fact that these organisations continue to be without the means to earn. [9611/21]
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.
In 2020, my Department provided support through the €45m COVID 19 Stability Fund for organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises. The Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as we dealt with the sudden introduction of social restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19. This Fund was in conjunction with many other Government supports. This fund is providing up to €45million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria aligned with DAF objectives to support:
1.The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
2.The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3.Persons with a disability.
My Department received 1,060 applications during the application periods. Funding of over €43m, including the additional €10M in funding announced during Budget 2021, has been approved to over 600 organisations to date and the payment processes for this funding remain ongoing.
An additional €10M has been allocated to the Stability Fund as part of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 plan announced by the Taoiseach on Tuesday 23rd February. Further details on how relevant organisations can apply for this funding will be available shortly.
1127. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of staff employed in her Department by gender and by Civil Service salary scale in tabular form. [9668/21]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development currently employs 165 staff broken down by gender and civil service salary scale, as follows:
|
Grade |
Male |
Female |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary General |
1 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
9 |
3 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
15 |
11 |
|
Administrative Officer |
4 |
8 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
11 |
25 |
|
Executive Officer |
11 |
21 |
|
Clerical Officer |
13 |
29 |
|
Service Officer |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
66 |
99 |
1128. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed in tabular form. [9690/21]
View answerI can confirm that live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by the Department of Rural and Community Development since I took up Office as Minister are outlined in the following table, also setting out when they are currently scheduled to be completed.
1129. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on providing additional funding to local authorities specifically to provide for the development of visitor facilities at beaches and inland waterways in anticipation of significant domestic tourism in summer 2021, including bins, bike parking and infrastructure to make sites more accessible such as toilets and ramps. [9970/21]
View answerSince 2016, my Department has allocated almost €55.2 million to 920 projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The scheme invests in physical infrastructure that underpins recreational activities based on the use of the resources of the countryside. This investment is making a significant contribution to supporting healthy, active lifestyles while also building the economic and tourism potential of rural areas.
The scheme provides funding for the development and/or enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes in rural areas. It can also support the type of infrastructure for beaches and inland waterways referred to by the Deputy. The scheme is delivered through Local Authorities, Local Development Companies and State agencies, depending on the nature and scale of the measure in question and in accordance with the guidelines for the scheme which are published annually.
Continued investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure has never been more important and I was pleased to secure a 20% increase in funding for ORIS in 2021. Exchequer funding for the scheme this year will be €12 million, compared to €10 million in 2020. The scheme is also supported with additional funding in the order of €4 million per annum from Fáilte Ireland, who are partners with my Department in delivering the scheme.
1130. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a detailed report will be provided in relation to correspondence (details supplied); and the funding options for the organisation. [10075/21]
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.
In 2020, my Department provided support through the €45m COVID 19 Stability Fund for organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises. The Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
The criteria of the scheme stated that any grants awarded would be dependent on the need identified and organisations approved for funding were prioritised on that basis.
When the Stability Fund was initially established, it was envisaged that social restrictions would be in place for a limited period and grant levels allocated were based on this assumption. It was subsequently necessary to reintroduce restrictions and in this context the majority of organisations that were approved for funding under the Stability Fund received a top-up grant. This was to support them as they continue to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on their ability to trade and fundraise normally.
To date, funding of over €43 million, including the additional €10M in funding announced during Budget 2021, has been allocated to 600 organisations. Payment processes are being finalised. This Fund is now closed.
I can confirm that the organisation in question submitted an application to the Stability Fund, however they were unsuccessful as they failed to meet the eligibility criteria. In order to qualify, organisations were required to be providing specific eligible supports and services to vulnerable individuals in Ireland on or before the 1st January 2019.
However, I can confirm the organisation in question is in receipt of funding from my Department.
My Department currently supports over 420 community organisations under the Community Services Programme, or CSP, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP funding is provided as a fixed contribution towards the cost of employing an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) and a manager, where warranted. The Department provides a co-funding contribution of €32,000 per annum towards the cost of supporting a manager and €19,033 per each FTE. The organisation in question receives annual funding of €127,165 under the programme towards the cost of supporting one manager and five full-time equivalent positions.
In addition, in response to the difficulties being experienced by organisations due to COVID-19, my Department developed a CSP Support Fund during 2020 totalling €4.75m which assists CSP supported organisations to continue to retain their CSP supported employees on their payroll and also provides assistance for the Employers PRSI contribution, during this crisis period up to April 2021. The organisation in question was approved additional supports of €10,544.81 in 2020 under the CSP Support Fund and received further additional funding of €4,280.25 to cover the period January to April 2021. My Department and Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of my Department, will continue to monitor the situation closely.
My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the Community and Voluntary sector, Local Authorities and Local Development Companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges presented by COVID-19. I would encourage all groups to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
Information on all funding available through my Department can be found on my Department's website.
1131. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will clarify the position regarding the conditions attached to interdepartmental assistance which demands the resignation of the board of an organisation (details supplied); and if a forced resignation is contrary to the protected disclosure legislation and in circumstances in which the whistleblower had been assured covers them by her Department. [10186/21]
View answer1132. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that action is taken by her Department to support the new board of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10188/21]
View answer1133. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will fully investigate a protected disclosure in relation to an organisation (details supplied); if she will allow an orderly timeframe for addressing the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10190/21]
View answer1134. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will intervene with the relevant local authorities to ensure that help is being provided to the new board of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10191/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1131 to 1134, inclusive, together.
I remain concerned about the challenges currently facing Waterford Area Partnership. The Partnership delivers many programmes and schemes locally on behalf of Government, including SICAP, Tús, Jobs Initiative and Local Employment Services. These services are very important and provide assistance to people in the Waterford City and County area who are experiencing disadvantage and to the wider community and voluntary sector. The continuation of these services remains my priority.
The Partnership is an independent company - I have no direct role or contact with the Board. Once again, I would encourage the Partnership to continue to engage with the LCDC and the Local Authority to work to address the issues raised in the recent report prepared by Crowe Ireland.
I know that Waterford City and County Council, along with both of my Departments, are monitoring the situation closely and continue to support the company, while remaining conscious of its independent status. The overall objective for all concerned is to try and ensure that vital services continue to be delivered to the people of Waterford.
All protected disclosures are dealt with under the Department's protected disclosure procedures. As the deputy will be aware, given my obligations under Section 16 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 to protect the identity of a person who has made a disclosure, as well as the rights of individuals named in a protected disclosure, I am unable to provide details of any particular protected disclosure. Any communication regarding a protected disclosure is directed by my Departments to the discloser concerned.
1135. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to take the steps necessary to implement the commitment in the programme for government that administration of the next Leader programme will be led by independent local action groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10243/21]
View answer1136. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to take the steps necessary to implement the commitment in the programme for government that administration of the next LEADER programme will be led by independent local action groups in view of the ending of the current LEADER programme on 31 December 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10245/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1135 and 1136 together.
The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments in relation to the LEADER Programme.
Due to a delay at EU level in agreeing the post-2020 EU Budget, my Department’s priority amongst these commitments was to develop and deliver a transitional LEADER programme this year to bridge the gap between the end of the 2014-2020 programme under the EU funding framework, and the next EU LEADER programme which will not commence until 2023.
In December 2020, I announced details of a Transitional LEADER Programme which will come into effect from 1 April 2021, with an initial allocation of €20 million this year. I also extended the timeframe for project approvals under the current LEADER programme until 31 March 2021.
As EU co-financing may become available for the Transitional Programme, this programme will be delivered through the existing Local Action Group and Implementing Partner structures, since any funding available from the EU would be on the basis of the framework applicable to the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
The Transitional Programme also provides for an increase in the aid rate for private enterprises, from 50% to 75%, thereby addressing a further commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to LEADER.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next EU LEADER programme from 2023 are expected to commence later this year. The question of the administrative structures for the delivery of the programme will be considered as part of that work, having regard, inter alia, to the provisions of the EU Regulations governing the structure of future Local Action Groups, a review of the 2014-2020 programme, and the outcome of consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
1137. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports, funding and grants available to registered tidy towns groups; if she is considering increasing these supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10270/21]
View answerThe SuperValu TidyTowns competition has been in existence since 1958 and continues to grow in popularity, with a record 924 entries in 2019.
The TidyTowns Committees operate on a voluntary basis and the continued success of the competition is testament to the time and effort which volunteers, young and old, put in to the competition right across the country.
In recognition of the contribution which the TidyTown Committees make to their local communities, grant funding of €1.4 million was made available by my Department to TidyTowns Committees in each of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.
This funding has allowed the Committees to better prepare for the annual competition through the purchase or upgrade of small equipment and other materials.
While the 2020 competition did not proceed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have given a commitment that the competition will go ahead in 2021, under an adapted format, if necessary, to comply with public health guidelines.
With this in mind, last December, I announced funding of €1 million to help TidyTowns groups to prepare for the 2021 competition. This allocation will provide up to €1,000 for every eligible TidyTowns group in the country, and is being provided as a top-up to the €1.4 million allocated to these groups at the end of 2019.
All of the eligible groups have been contacted with details of how to apply for the extra funding. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 28th February 2021.
In addition to the funding stream provided by my Department, I am aware that some TidyTowns groups have received funding from time to time from their Local Authorities to support then in their efforts.
1138. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount paid to tidy towns groups from her Department in each of the years 2018 to 2020. [10271/21]
View answerThe TidyTowns competition was originally launched over 60 years ago. Since its inception, the competition has grown from 52 entries in 1958, to a record 924 entries in 2019. The longevity and continued success of the competition is testament to the time and effort put in by TidyTowns Committees the length and breadth of the country.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the competition, grant funding of €1.4 million was made available to TidyTowns Committees for each of the years 2017 and 2018. Funding of €1.4 million was again made available in 2019.
This funding has allowed the Committees to better prepare for the annual competition through the purchase or upgrade of small equipment and other materials.
Under the 2017 allocation, 906 TidyTowns Committees received grant funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 each, depending on the size of their town or village. 858 TidyTowns Committees availed of the funding in 2018, and 877 TidyTowns Committees availed of funding in 2019.
Last December, I announced funding of €1 million to help TidyTowns groups to prepare for the 2021 SuperValu TidyTowns competition. This allocation will provide up to €1,000 for every eligible TidyTowns group in the country. The funding is being provided as a top-up to the €1.4 million allocated to the groups in 2019.
All of the eligible TidyTowns groups have been contacted with details of how to apply for the extra funding and the closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 28th February 2021.
1139. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if a response will issue to the request being made for the reopening of the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10286/21]
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.
In 2020, my Department provided support through the €45m COVID 19 Stability Fund for organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises. The Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as we dealt with the sudden introduction of social restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19. This Fund was in conjunction with many other Government supports. This fund is providing up to €45million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria aligned with DAF objectives to support:
1.The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
2.The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3.Persons with a disability.
My Department received 1,060 applications during the application periods. Funding of over €43m, including the additional €10M in funding announced during Budget 2021, has been approved to over 600 organisations to date and the payment processes for this funding remain ongoing.
An additional €10M has been allocated to the Stability Fund as part of the Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 plan announced by the Taoiseach on Tuesday 23rd February. Further details on how relevant organisations can apply for this funding will be available shortly.
1140. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount her Department has expended to date regarding awareness raising campaigns of Covid-19 in national newspapers, regional newspapers, national radio, regional and local radio stations and across social media platforms; and the amount committed to expend under any current contracts or agreements with same in tabular form. [10478/21]
View answerThe table below provides details of the total expenditure in the areas requested by the Deputy:
|
Radio advertising |
€1,845 |
There has been no further specific funding committed by my Department under any contracts or agreements of the nature described.
