Written Answers Nos. 637-656
637. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 29 April 2021, if he will increase the rate of payment under TAMS to reflect the increasing construction costs particularly of materials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33197/21]
View answerThere are a wide variety of items available under the suite of seven measures under TAMS II. To date, total expenditure under the seven measures of the TAMS, including transitional expenditure, has reached in excess of €290m with commitments of an additional €157m made to scheme participants who have yet to draw down those commitments.
The rate of grant aid is set at 40% except in the case of qualified young farmers where the rate of grant aid available to such farmers is increased to 60%. As regards the costings of individual items available under all the TAMS schemes, these costings are currently being reviewed. Any changes identified to the costings will be considered once this review process has been completed.
638. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications for afforestation refused on ecological grounds since the commencement of the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020; the number of applications for replanting post clearfell refused on ecological grounds; the number of applications for afforestation refused by the appeals committee on ecological grounds; the number of applications for replanting post clearfell refused by the Forest Appeals Committee on ecological grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33270/21]
View answerApplications for forestry licences are assessed on their own merits, taking into consideration the potential impact the proposed operations may have on the surrounding countryside and environment. The application is examined on its own and in combination with other plans and projects in the area.
There are several reasons why an application for a forestry licence may be refused. For example, for silvicultural reasons, the proposed forestry plantation simply will not achieve the required yield class set out by the scheme. The operations may also have a negative impact on the environment and the proposal submitted cannot provide appropriate mitigation against those impacts. For this reason, the application may be refused on environmental grounds.
The Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2020 commenced on 5th October, last. Since then, the Department has refused 10 applications for afforestation licences for environmental grounds. There have been no refusals for tree felling licences (which automatically include a requirement to replant). The Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC), which is operationally independent of the Department has cancelled five licence decisions on appeal, for environmental reasons, three afforestation and two tree felling licences.
639. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33276/21]
View answer640. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding forestry licensing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33277/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 639 and 640 together.
There are likely to be many factors which affect the decisions by landowners not to proceed to planting, despite having received a licence to do so. In the first place, licences remain in place for three years and circumstances may change in that time. Land may change hands or other land-use opportunities may be availed of, and indeed, some licences may be purely speculative from the outset.
I acknowledge that delays in issuing licences for thinning and felling may have some part to play in influencing planting decisions. I take very seriously the need to improve licensing output and it an issue of the utmost importance for Minister of State Hackett, who has responsibility for forestry, and myself.
In this regard, Project Woodland, which was launched in February this year, has been set up with the objective of reviewing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the forestry licensing system, as well as the creation of a shared national vision for forestry and the development of a new Forest Strategy.
Two working groups in particular are looking at the licensing situation. Working Group 1 is tasked with looking at the backlog. This Group has examined in detail the cases on hand and is producing specific recommendations for improving output, including a definition of the backlog, which will be brought to the Project Board for consideration. Working Group 4 is concentrating on licensing process improvement. A business analyst has commenced work on an end-to-end process review. In addition, proposals for a pre-application process and a planning grant are under development and will be submitted to the Project Board shortly. The Group is also actively considering how best to conduct a regulatory review of the licensing system.
While these initiatives are being worked on, we continue to issue licences and engage in a process of continuous improvement. The extra resources invested in and new streamlined procedures for dealing with appropriate assessment cases have resulted in gains in output. To 18th June, a total of 1,594 licences have issued, which is 27% ahead of the same period last year. In terms of timber volumes, the Department has issued licences for 3.14 million cubic metres. Overall, 971 tree felling licences have issued to date, of which 47% are private felling licences. I expect to maintain this momentum for the rest of the year and to reach the target of issuing 4,500 licences, which is a 75% increase on last year’s licencing output.
Communication is another important aspect of Project Woodland and Working Group 3 is working on a new Customer Charter for forestry, and the development of a communication strategy. A review of the organisational structure of the forestry division within the Department will also be carried out and the roles and interaction with COFORD, Teagasc and Coillte will be examined.
Working Group 2 is also developing a public engagement strategy as part of the development of the new Forest Strategy. It is envisaged that all stakeholders in the forestry sector as well as the general public will be included in this process, and this should help identify both opportunities and barriers to afforestation. Furthermore, Irish Rural Link has been commissioned by Minister Hackett to conduct a study to determine the level and type of engagement of communities with forestry and to make recommendations for the future.
The Forestry Policy group is meeting later this week at which a full update on progress to date will be provided to all stakeholders.
I believe that the framework now in place under Project Woodland will deliver on its objectives and I am hopeful that this will provide encouragement to farmers and landowners to go into forestry, or to realise the planting licences they have already received, and to avail of the attractive premiums available under the Department’s Schemes. It is a land-use which can be complementary to a productive farming enterprise, and can provide a valuable additional income support stream.
The Department is also working to ensure that there is integration between Agri-Environment schemes in CAP and the new Forestry Programme. It is intended that tree planting measures will form part of the new Agri-Environment schemes. The transitional REAP scheme (a results-based payment approach for grasslands) has for instance tree planting as a complementary action.
In conclusion, I would like to re-iterate my commitment to forestry and to delivering a service and conditions that will benefit all those involved in the sector and, in particular, landowners and farmers.
641. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding harvesting plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33278/21]
View answerThe control of tree felling is regulated under the Forestry Act, 2014 and the Forestry Regulations, 2017 (SI number 191/2017).
The provision of a harvest plan at application stage is not a legal requirement. However, applicants are encouraged to include them with their licence application. Where not provided at application stage, the Department often subsequently requires a harvest plan or other information about the felling so that it can satisfy itself that that the project will not have an adverse effect on the environment.
In June 2019, a Harvest Plan template was developed for the sector and Circular 11 of 2019 encouraged its use. DAFM Circular 18 of 2020 confirms that, for sites that are screened in for Appropriate Assessment, a well-developed Harvest Plan (or equivalent) is essential, as it is likely to inform part or all of the site level mitigation associated with the appropriate assessment. This applies equally to Coillte and private applicants.
The Department has recently updated its advice to applicants and their advisers on the important role which good quality harvest plans can play in the processing of their licences. This issued last week in the form of a circular to the trade. It is important that all stakeholders study the circular and respond accordingly when making submissions.
642. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of his Department or that receive funding from his Department that have been charged interest for savings on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33307/21]
View answerThe information requested is an operational matter for the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and I have therefore referred the question to them for direct reply to the Deputy.
643. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps taken by an organisation on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33328/21]
View answerThe Beef Taskforce was established by the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on foot of the beef sector agreement of 15th September 2019. The TaskForce is comprised of named individuals who were nominated at that time by the parties to that Agreement.
The Beef Taskforce remit was to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from the agreement reached on 15th September. According to the terms of reference, the Taskforce was to meet at least quarterly from October 2019 for a period of one year after which the Taskforce’s progress was to be reviewed. However, progress was delayed in 2020 due to COVID-19.
I have requested the independent Chair of the Beef Taskforce, Mr Michael Dowling, to provide a report to me on the progress to date of the Taskforce. It is my understanding that the majority of the actions are now implemented but I await the final report, after which I will make the necessary decision on future strategic engagement with the Sector.
Issues around the participation of the organisation named are an internal matter for that organisation and one which neither myself or my Department has any role in. We have engaged at different times with both sides and urged mediation with a view to reconciliation which regretfully has not been possible. The individuals who sit on the Taskforce are the original nominees from the organisation and to replace or exclude them at this very late stage would not be appropriate.
644. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a forestry application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33333/21]
View answerThe Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC) is operationally independent of the Department and, as such, I cannot make enquiries into any individual appeal. I have passed the query to the FAC and requested that they provide an update to the applicant on when they can expect to receive the outcome of the appeal.
645. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the refusal of a REAP scheme for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33343/21]
View answerThe Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot Project (REAP) is an ambitious, farmer-friendly environmental project designed to test the results based approach on a variety of farm types. The project will feed into the development of the next national agri-environment scheme to follow on from GLAS. REAP is designed to focus on key learning objectives for participants and their advisors.
As REAP was oversubscribed, a ranking and selection process was used to assess applications. This process considered the presence of priority water areas, (as defined by the EPA), and the proportion of Natura and ANC land on the holding. A pass mark of 50 points was set for consideration for entry and the person named scored less than the required 50 points. The details of the selection process are listed in section 10 of the REAP terms and conditions.
Letters have issued to all REAP applicants advising on the outcome of their application. This letter advises of the option to request a review of the decision in relation to the outcome of their application.
646. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding available from his Department or agencies under his remit to support local food festivals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33353/21]
View answerFunding from a number of sources within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and agencies under its remit is available to support local food festivals. These are the Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF) and the LEADER Food Initiative (LFI), part of the LEADER Programme.
The report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) recommended the establishment of the RIDF, which has an allocation of €1.5m for 2021. The RIDF supports “innovative, small scale pilot initiatives which explore the diverse range of potential identified through the CEDRA process”. Agri-food tourism, including food festivals, is one such measure, and encompasses a wide variety of activities centred on the links between agriculture and the food produced at the local or regional level. Many of the projects funded to date have proven very successful and have helped local authorities and small rural enterprises to showcase their food, beverages and local cuisine.
The €15m LEADER Food Initiative (LFI) is managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development, with funding from the Department.
The recently announced final call for the LFI was worth €5 million, which is available for investment aimed at assisting artisan, micro and small food businesses to respond to challenges posed by Brexit and COVID-19, while also supporting diversification in the agricultural sector. Supports under the LFI include funding for the renovation and extension of production facilities, and the purchase of processing equipment. The initiative will also support participants in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation. Food festivals may be eligible for funding under the LFI provided they deliver benefit to artisan, micro and small food producers.
As part of the recent announcement, the maximum rate of aid available to projects involving economic activity was increased from 50% to 75% for applications received on or after 1st April 2021. Prospective applicants can access further information from their Local Action Group.
647. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the refusal of a REAP scheme for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33355/21]
View answerThe Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot Project (REAP) is an ambitious, farmer-friendly environmental project designed to test the results based approach on a variety of farm types. The project will feed into the development of the next national agri-environment scheme to follow on from GLAS. REAP is designed to focus on key learning objectives for participants and their advisors.
As REAP was oversubscribed, a ranking and selection process was used to assess applications. This process considered the presence of priority water areas, (as defined by the EPA), and the proportion of Natura and ANC land on the holding. A pass mark of 50 points was set for consideration for entry. The application received from the person named scored less than the required minimum 50 points. The details of the selection process are listed in section 10 of the REAP terms and conditions.
Letters have now issued to all REAP applicants advising on the outcome of their application. Any farmer who receives notification to state their application has been unsuccessful may request a review of this decision by writing to the REAP section at the Department. Full details of the review option and contact details have been provided in the correspondence that has issued.
648. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has commenced a review of the funding scheme for local authority fishery harbours, with particular regard to the difficulties experienced with Cé Heilbhic, in which the local authority may not apply for funding under the scheme for the preparatory work required to dredge the harbour (details supplied); if he will amend the scheme to allow local authorities access funding for the preparatory work required before dredging can take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33415/21]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, the Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, and piers, lights and beacons constructed under the auspices of the Congested Districts Board.
The responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance, and their parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, thereafter. The relevant local authority in the case of Helvick Harbour is Waterford County Council.
However, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, the Department has, in previous years, provided funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in their ownership.
Between the years 2010 to 2020, over €3.1 million in funding has been granted under this programme to Waterford County Council, with €530k of this allocated to capital works at Helvick Harbour.
Under this year’s programme, funding of €4.2m has been approved to assist coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 79 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them. The package provides funding for maintenance and repair works in addition to supporting the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour facilities, including some marine leisure developments.
Waterford County Council has secured funding of €510k under this year’s programme, to undertake five Harbour Development projects. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a project to undertake upgrades to the pier in Helvick Harbour has been approved for the maximum available funding for an individual project under the programme, this being €150,000.
An application was received under last year’s programme for additional works at Helvick Harbour, including identifying and assessing disposal sites and examining the tasks necessary to obtain a disposal at sea permit and foreshore licence in order to facilitate dredging works. As the terms and conditions of the scheme specify that funding is for capital works only and not for the purpose of studies, surveys, planning and permit processes, consultants and/or design fees, etc., this application was ineligible for funding under the programme.
The focus of my Departments scheme remains focused on supporting actual capital works, it is a matter for Waterford County Council to progress any preparatory studies, permitting and design works.
Should any application be made for funding by Waterford County Council under any future programme in relation to actual dredging works at Helvick Harbour, it will be given due consideration, taking into account the terms and conditions of the scheme, the priority attached to the project by the Council, available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
649. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will respond to the guilty verdict against a staff member of his Department accused of animal neglect and or being reckless regarding the health or welfare of an animal; if there will be a review of the Department systems that allowed a person to be overseeing the same matters for which they have pleaded guilty to; and if there will be a review of the cases on which the official in question was investigating animal welfare issues. [33437/21]
View answerIt is a matter of public record that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine brought a prosecution in the case.
The Department rightly expects all its staff to fully comply with the law, particularly with those that it is bound to safeguard.
When an allegation that a member of staff has failed to do so is upheld, the Department will act robustly and in accordance with the provision of fair procedures, to address the matter under the auspices of the appropriate Civil Service policy.
Whilst the Department does not comment on individual cases, it can and should be noted that the work of all staff, including those investigating animal welfare issues, is the subject of ongoing appropriate supervision.
650. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether it is appropriate that a person convicted of animal neglect and animal welfare breaches continue to oversee the implementation of animal welfare legislation (details supplied). [33451/21]
View answerIt is a matter of public record that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, brought a prosecution in this case.
The Department rightly expects all its staff to fully comply with the law, particularly with those that it is bound to safeguard.
When an allegation that a member of staff has failed to do so is upheld, the Department will act robustly and in accordance with the provision of fair procedures, to address the matter under the auspices of the appropriate Civil Service policy.
651. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farmers without Natura lands might be able to join the results based environment agri pilot scheme; if persons (details supplied) will be able to join; if it is planned to increase numbers admitted to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33497/21]
View answerI was delighted to see the huge level of interest in REAP, demonstrated by over 10,800 applications being received by the Department. Initially, as REAP is a pilot initiative, we were limited to 2,000 places. However, the participation numbers in the project have been increased following engagement with the EU Commission. Now, almost 5,000 farmers will be supported to undertake environmental commitments to increase the environmental value of existing farm features. This figure is more than double the original participation figure envisioned.
As REAP was oversubscribed, a ranking and selection process was used to assess applications. This process considered the presence of priority water areas, (as defined by the EPA), and the proportion of Natura and ANC land on the holding. Farmers without Natura on their holding were eligible to apply for REAP and I can advise that some of those applicants were approved to the pilot.
I can also confirm that an application was received for the persons named. The details of the selection process is outlined in section 10 of the REAP terms and conditions. Any farmer who receives notification to state their application has been unsuccessful may request a review of this decision by writing to the REAP Section at the Department. Full details of the review option and contact details are included in the correspondence that has issued.
652. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of workers employed by his Department and in each office or agency under the aegis of his Department that earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33584/21]
View answerThe number of staff employed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who are earning a wage which would equate to less than €12.30 per hour is 400.
The information in respect State Agencies under the aegis of the Department is an operational matter, generally delegated to the Agencies themselves and I will ask the Agencies to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
653. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the guidelines or legislation governing planning permission for home burials; the fees associated with the planning application; and the plans for reduced fees for one-off home burials as opposed to a full cemetery burial ground. [33184/21]
View answerWhile my Department has legislative responsibility regarding burial grounds, this responsibility does not extend to the burial fees charged by local authorities. These costs are a matter for each local authority in respect of the cemeteries and burial grounds they provide.
Furthermore, guidelines or legislation governing planning permission and the fees associated with any planning application are matters for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the planning code.
654. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated cost of bringing the funding provided for the community services programme up to the current living wage. [32938/21]
View answerThe Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports more than 420 community organisations to provide local employment opportunities and social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model.
CSP funding of €19,033 is provided for each Full Time Equivalent (FTE) position and €32,000 for each manager position, where warranted. The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and does not meet the full salary cost of supported posts, rather it is a fixed annual co-funding contribution towards the overall cost of the employees. The CSP contribution must be co-funded by the organisation concerned from other sources, for example, from income received from the public use of their facilities and services.
There are c. 1,700 FTE positions supported under the CSP. The estimated cost of bringing the funding provided for the FTE supported positions up to the current living wage of €12.30 per hour, plus the employers PRSI of 11.05%, would result in an additional annual cost of c. €14.7m under the CSP, which is not currently available.
However, it should be noted that there are a number of CSP supported organisations currently in a position to pay their staff the living wage rate.
655. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding given to community enhancement programmes in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021. [32939/21]
View answerThe Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) was first launched by my Department in 2018. It provides small grants to community organisations with a focus on those organisations in disadvantaged areas. The funding is provided to each Local Authority area and is distributed by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) in that area on the basis of local need. Between 2018 and the end of 2020 the CEP funded over 8,000 projects across the country.
As set out in the table below,
- In 2019 the CEP received funding of €5m, including €0.5m that was ring-fenced for Mens & Womens Sheds.
- In 2020, the CEP received total funding of €7.2m, including €5m received as part of the Government's July stimulus package for repairs or upgrades to community centres and community buildings.
- I launched the 2021 CEP on the 10th May with an allocation of €4.5m. The key theme of this year’s programme is supporting groups as they re-open facilities which were closed due to COVID-19.
|
Year |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
CEP funding |
€5.0m |
€7.2m |
€4.5m |
656. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding given to SICAP projects in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021. [32940/21]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018 – 2022 aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.
SICAP is managed at a local level by 33 Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with support from local authorities; and is delivered by Local Development Companies.
SICAP funding allocations are made based on levels of relative affluence and deprivation in communities, ensuring the programme is targeting disadvantage fairly, to help those individuals in greatest need of the support.
The annual allocations for 2019 to 2021 are outlined below:
|
Year |
Annual Allocation |
|
2019 |
€38,027,610 |
|
2020 |
€39,168,430 |
|
2021 |
€39,168,430 |
