Skip to main content
Normal View

Wednesday, 24 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 2053-2078

Departmental Administrative Arrangements

Questions (2053)

Emer Higgins

Question:

2053. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the payment options available for persons to pay fines, charges or bills by his Department; and if there are plans to provide further online payment facilities. [16289/21]

View answer

Written answers

The following wide range of payment options are available to clients of my Department:

- Electronic Funds Transfer

- Standing order

- Debit or Credit Card payments over the phone 

- Debit or Credit Card payments online 

- Debit or Credit Card payments in person in specific locations 

- Deduction from outgoing payments due to the customer

- Cheque, Postal Order and Bank Draft payments.

An on-line payment facility to accept one-off payments is currently being developed.

Poverty Data

Questions (2054)

Dara Calleary

Question:

2054. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the process involved in compiling the Pobal deprivation index; her plans to update the index; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14003/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Pobal HP Deprivation index is Ireland’s primary social gradient tool, used by numerous state agencies for the identification of disadvantage, in order to target resources towards communities most in need.

The updating of the index is commissioned by Pobal every five years, following the completion of the national census. The index is created and updated by independent geospatial, economic and social research experts who use a series of data points from the census to ascertain levels of disadvantage under the three domains of demographic profile, social class composition and labour market situation.  This gives a rounded view of the lived experience of disadvantage beyond simply measuring income poverty.

The construction of the Deprivation Index takes several months and begins once all census data have been prepared by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). On the advice of the CSO, the Government decided on 15 September 2020 to postpone the 2021 census to 3 April 2022. It is anticipated that the next update to the index will be published in Quarter 3 2023.

Legislative Process

Questions (2055)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

2055. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the process through which her Department drafts and produces legislation; if her Department outsources the drafting of legislation; if so, the Bills for which the drafting was outsourced since she took office; and the costs associated with the drafting of each Bill. [14426/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm that the process for drafting and producing legislation in my Department is as follows: 

Government indicates that it will bring forward legislation to deal with a particular issue. This commitment is usually made in, for example, a Programme for Government, Strategy document and or in Debates in the Oireachtas or elsewhere. The process through which this Department drafts and produces primary legislation is:

- Upon the initiation of a Bill my Department officials undertake the preparatory work/research/consultation, including a Regulatory Impact Assessment where necessary, and draft the Heads of the Bill which sets out the key objectives, the chapter headings and the main provisions in each chapter (section).

- The general scheme, or draft heads, of the Bill, undergo scrutiny by an Oireachtas Committee for further consideration providing stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the overall thrust of the legislation and outline deficiencies and/or gaps and to make submissions to both the Department and Oireachtas committee re same.

- After analysing the feedback from the consultation, Department officials then instruct the Parliamentary Counsel (based in the Office of the Attorney General) who draft the full legal text of the Bill and the Explanatory Memorandum. When the draft Bill is finalised it is then ready to begin its 5 stage passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

My Department does not outsource the drafting of legislation.

Rural Economic Development Zones

Questions (2056)

Marian Harkin

Question:

2056. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown by NUTS III region of projects funded to date under the rural economic development zone programme. [14689/21]

View answer

Written answers

Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) are functional, rather than administrative, geographic areas that reflect the spatial patterns of local economic activity and development. They are, in effect, sub-county zones within which most people live and work.

The central objective of the REDZ model was to stimulate economic activity at a local level by strengthening collaborative development between rural towns and their outlying areas. 

A pilot REDZ scheme operated in 2015, with a second pilot phase being run in 2016.  A total of €9.956m was approved for 98 projects countywide under the REDZ Scheme in 2015/16, as set out in the following table at NUTS III level.

The REDZ approach was incorporated into my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme from 2017.  Both this scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are informed, inter alia, by the collaborative aspects of the REDZ scheme.

REGION

REDZ PROJECTS

REDZ FUNDING - 2015/2016 (€m)

Border

21

2.613

West

15

0.857

Mid-West

15

1.950

South-East

11

1.052

South-West

10

0.734

Dublin

0

0.000

Mid-East

9

1.093

Midlands

17

1.654

Rural Development Plan

Questions (2057)

Marian Harkin

Question:

2057. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the Action Plan for Rural Development; if this plan has been aligned with the National Planning Framework Ireland 2040: Our Plan; and if the impact of Brexit and Covid-19 will be accounted for as part of any renewal of the plan. [14692/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Action Plan for Rural Development was launched in 2017 as a three year framework to progress the economic and social development of rural areas.  The Action Plan ran to the end of 2019.

I will shortly be launching a new whole-of-Government Rural Development Policy for the period 2021-2025.  The policy will be forward-looking and ambitious.  It  will build on, and go beyond, the achievements of the Action Plan for Rural Development. 

The new rural policy will be aligned with Project Ireland 2040, and in particular the strategic objective of achieving Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities.  The policy will also complement other Government strategies and initiatives, such as the Climate Action Plan, the forthcoming National Economic Recovery Plan, the National Broadband Plan, and the National Remote Work Strategy, placing a particular emphasis on the relevance of those initiatives to rural areas. 

The development of the policy was informed by an extensive consultation process.  The insights and views captured through these consultations helped to identify the issues that matter most to people living and working in rural Ireland.

The policy will be supported by a set of commitments for delivery across Government which will address challenges faced by rural communities, including the impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit.  The policy will also focus on realising new opportunities for people living in rural areas, including through remote, or connected, working. 

In addition to helping rural Ireland to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 in the short-to-medium term, it will support the long-term development of rural areas, to benefit individuals, families, communities and businesses throughout the country.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (2058)

Richard Bruton

Question:

2058. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the five most recent significant capital projects in the major functional responsibilities of her Department which have required her sanction; the time which elapsed between the initial submission of the proposal for consideration until the construction commenced; the significant elements making up this period; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the planning process; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the procurement process of contractors; and the way this duration compared with the targeted time to delivery set out at the outset of the process. [14784/21]

View answer

Written answers

The majority of capital expenditure within my Department takes place within the Rural Development function of my Department, with the Community Development aspect of the Department accounting for the majority of current expenditure.

The revised estimate for 2021 provides a total gross capital allocation of €168.6 million for the Department, of which €151 million is allocated to Rural Development. The Department does not deliver these capital projects directly, rather grant funds are provided, mainly to Local Authorities and State Agencies, to deliver projects under specific schemes. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is the funding area under which the most significant projects are undertaken and the 5 largest projects grant aided by the Department are within this area. These are listed below.

With regard to projects delivered under the RRDF, there is a multi-stage approval process in place. Projects are assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts.  Once the assessment process is complete, my Department prepares a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister is to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.  

Projects announced for funding undergo a due diligence process, and on completion, projects are approved in principle, with full approval taking place once the project has proceeded through the procurement process.   The table below details the date the Department gave approval in principle, the current status of the project and, in instances where the project has completed procurement, the date of full approval is provided.  In line with the public spending code, it is the delivery body, as approving/sanctioning authority, who have ultimate responsibility for each project.

Table of Projects

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (2059)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

2059. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial supports available to community-based organisations that have been found to not be eligible for the Covid-19 stability fund for community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14924/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these challenges, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. Along with other broader Government initiatives, my Department has introduced a suite of programmes to support community and voluntary organisations weather the impact of COVID-19.

In 2020, a €50 million support package for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises was launched by Government and administered by my Department. This funding was made available from the Dormant Accounts Fund and consisted of the COVID-19 Stability Fund and the Innovate Together Fund. 

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 2021.  Further details on how relevant organisations can apply for this funding will be available shortly.

In December last, my Department launched a €1.7m COVID-19 Emergency Fund, which community and voluntary groups could apply for through their local authorities. This follows on from a previous €2.5m round of this fund which was focussed on groups participating in the Government’s “Community Call” initiative. Successful organisations will be announced shortly.

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides funding for capital grants towards enhancing facilities available to communities. The funding is allocated to local authorities and administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). Further details on the 2021 scheme will be announced in Q2 2021.

My Department currently supports 420 community organisations under the Community Services Programme (CSP) to provide local services through a social enterprise model.  In response to the difficulties faced by organisations due to COVID-19, my Department developed a €4.75M Support Fund which assists all 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 and until April 2021.  My Department and Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of my Department, are continuing to monitor the situation closely in light of the current COVID-19 restrictions and the ongoing costs being incurred by organisations.

In respect of the Department’s other programmes, funding commitments are being maintained, and though delays may be experienced in delivery in some cases it is expected that all projects and initiatives will continue when it is safe to do so.

I would encourage organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authorities and Local Development Companies so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.

Community Development Initiatives

Questions (2060)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

2060. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a grant exists for sensory gardens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15026/21]

View answer

Written answers

Funding for sensory gardens is available from my Department this year through the CLÁR programme, which provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population in the past. 

I launched the 2021 CLÁR programme on 15th March and the measures being funded under the programme this year are:

Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measure

Measure 2: Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities

Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Measure:

(a)  Community Gardens & Allotments

(b)  Mobility and Cancer Care Transport

CLÁR Innovation Measure:  Funding for innovative or pilot projects that address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas.  

Funding for Sensory Gardens is included under Measure 3(a).  This Measure will be administered by the Local Authorities who will submit applications to my Department for consideration.   

The scheme outline and eligibility criteria for each Measure are available on the Gov.ie website at: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52-clar/?section=2021-clar-measures.   

The closing date for applications under Measure 3(a) is 7th May 2021.

Offshore Islands

Questions (2061, 2062, 2063, 2064, 2065, 2066, 2067, 2068, 2069, 2070, 2071, 2072, 2074, 2075, 2077, 2078)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2061. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a review has been conducted on the implementation of the recommendations in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996; and if she will publish same and provide a copy to this Deputy. [15033/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2062. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of education have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15034/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2063. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of health services have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15035/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2064. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of agriculture have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15036/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2065. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of energy supply and communications have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15037/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2066. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of fishing and aquaculture have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15038/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2067. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of tourism, training and future tourism policy have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15039/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2068. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of information technology have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15040/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2069. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of local development have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15041/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2070. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recommendations set out in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 in the policy area of future mechanisms and structures have been implemented in full; and the details of the recommendations not fully implemented. [15042/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2071. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development established to co-ordinate the development and improvement of living conditions on the offshore islands in advance of the publication of a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996; if the committee is still in existence; if so, when the committee last met; and if there is a difference between the committee and the Interdepartmental Committee on Island Development established in 2019. [15043/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2072. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on Island Development submitted annual progress reports to Government as proposed under a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996; and if so, the conclusions of these reports. [15044/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2074. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a review has been conducted of the existing health and emergency response to island communities since it was recommended in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996; if so, the results of such a review; and the actions taken as a result. [15046/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2075. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a study has been conducted to examine the tourism potential of islands as outlined in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996; if so, the results of such a review; and the actions taken as a result. [15047/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2077. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if monitoring mechanisms were established to follow the implementation of a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996. [15049/21]

View answer

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2078. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if any of the recommendations in a strategic framework for developing the offshore islands of Ireland 1996 were not implemented; and if so, the details of same. [15050/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2061 to 2072, inclusive, 2074 and 2075, and 2077 and 2078 together.

The Interdepartmental Committee referred to by the Deputy was established in June 1993, and went on to publish its report “A strategic framework for developing the offshore islands” in 1996.

This document set out a strategic framework within which future action in relation to the islands would be pursued. The main recommendations of the report centred on the provision of improved harbour infrastructure and life-line transport services. Other recommendations included health care provision, information technology, agriculture, tourism and fisheries.

Following on from this report, a major programme of State investment was embarked on.   Many of the recommendations in the 1996 report, in particular those focussed on island transport and infrastructure, have been achieved. 

In 1996, there were just were just three State-funded passenger ferry services, one cargo service and an air service route.  The State is now subsidising 13 ferry routes, 9 cargo routes and 2 air services, carry over 500,000 passengers and 29,000 tons of cargo annually. 

The period since the report was published has also seen an extensive programme of pier development to facilitate safe access to islands, under which funding in excess of €100 million has been provided towards completion of harbour infrastructure for the islands. This investment continues today with several pier development projects featured in the National Development Plan.

The capital investment also saw the construction of helipads on several islands, providing rapid coast guard and HSE access to the islands to deal with emergencies. As with pier construction, provision of helipads is an ongoing process with a new helipad planned for Inishturk in County Mayo this year.  There has also been significant investment in roads, coastal defences and other smaller capital projects throughout this time.

Several island-based Health Centres have been developed, and as recently as 2017, the HSE published a Primary Care Island Services Review with a view to developing a sustainable, cost effective, quality and fair primary care service that meets the everyday needs of the island populations.

The adverse logistics of island based businesses and communities have also been addressed through a variety of schemes such as the island specific support to island farmers through the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme and additional social security grants to claimants on the islands. The challenges on the islands has also been recognised through enhanced social welfare payments to island residents.

Provision has been made for additional teachers on island-based schools.  Schemes have been developed to attract mainland students to some of the Gaeltacht island schools, providing the students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Irish language, while also boosting the numbers in the schools.  A Gaeltacht e-Hub Pilot Project has also been developed.  This utilises online blended-learning delivery to extend the subject range available through the medium of Irish to students in Gaeltacht post-primary schools, including three island based schools.

Since 1996, provision of basic telephony services to the islands has improved dramatically and in recent years the rollout of national broadband has included many islands.  This period has also seen significant investment in electrical and water supplies to the islands.

Support for enterprise, cultural and social development has been supported through grants to development companies on the non-Gaeltacht islands and cooperatives on the Gaeltacht islands who provide support services and advice to island communities. These bodies have functioned successfully as hubs to advance LEADER, EU and local LEO projects.

Fáilte Ireland have developed a range of promotional campaigns in which the value of the island are recognised as cultural destinations.

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the islands transferred to my Department in September 2020.  The development of a new Islands Policy is an objective within the Programme for Government, and will build on what has been achieved to date.

To this end, an Interdepartmental Committee, which is now chaired by my Department, was established in late 2019 and met most recently in January 2021.  This is different to, and supersedes, the Interdepartmental Co-Ordinating Committee on Island Development which was established in 1993 and which has not met for many years.

My officials have undertaken a wide consultation process to ascertain the views of island communities in the development of the new policy, and went on to meet with other stakeholders such as the island's representative body, Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann, and the relevant Local Authorities.

A series of bilateral meetings with various Government Departments are now underway, to apprise the Departments of the findings of the consultations and to establish how Departments can address the issues raised by island communities.

These discussions will conclude with preparation of a new 10-year policy for the development of the islands, and associated three-year Action Plans, which will underpin island development for the next decade.

Offshore Islands

Questions (2073)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2073. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if non-Gaeltacht islands are provided with the services of a community development officer or association. [15045/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department works to support sustainable vibrant communities living on the islands. As part of this work, funding is provided by my Department for Island Development Companies on islands outside the Gaeltacht areas.

Support is provided for five such 5 Development Companies:

- Inishturk Development Company, Co. Mayo

- Clare Island Community Co-Operative Society, Co. Mayo

- Inishbofin Development Company Ltd, Co. Galway

- Bere Island Project Group which provides services to Bere, Whiddy and Dursey Islands in Co. Cork, and

- Sherkin Island Development Society, which provides services to Sherkin, Long and Heir Islands, Co. Cork.

These companies provide community development services to their respective islands communities. The staffing structures, including the role of community development officers, is managed by each Development Company according to their annual programme of activities and budget. 

The funding provided by my Department to the Development Companies is administered through Comhar na n-Oileán, a Local Development Company with responsibility for the offshore islands of Ireland.

Questions Nos. 2074 and 2075 answered with Question No. 2061.

Na hOileáin amach ón gCósta

Questions (2076)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

2076. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén ról atá ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcur i ngníomh bheartais a Roinne maidir leis na hoileáin agus an bhfuil teagmháil leanúnach ann idir a Roinn agus an t-Údarás. [15048/21]

View answer

Written answers

Mar is eol don Teachta is oileáin Ghaeltachta roinnt do na hoileáin a thagann faoi mo chúram. Tá comhoibriú leanúnach idir mo Roinn agus Údarás na Gaeltachta i dtaobh riar leathan seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil ar na hoileáin.  

Tá ról lárnach ag na comharchumainn oileánda, atá maoinithe ag an Údarás, ag déanamh ionadaíocht ar son na hoileáin chun seirbhísí éagsúla a lorg.  I gcás na aerstáicí ar na hOileáin Árann tá úinéaracht na maoin seo faoin Údarás freisin. 

Aithníonn mo Roinn an ról tábhachtach atá ag an Údarás, agus gur ceann do na príomhghealsealbhírí in ullmhú Polasaí Oileánda nua iad.  Sa chomhthéacs sin, beidh mo Roinn ag socrú cruinniú déthaobhach leo chun ionchur an tÚdarás a fháil ina leith.

Questions Nos. 2077 and 2078 answered with Question No. 2061.
Top
Share