Written Answers Nos. 475-500
475. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new schemes being considered for introduction to develop the artisan food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38585/21]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that support for artisan, micro and small food producers is currently provided by the LEADER Food Initiative which is funded by my Department and is implemented by Local Action Groups under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Eligible funding includes support for businesses in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation and including the renovation and extension of production facilities and the purchase of processing equipment.
I was pleased to announce that the LEADER Food Initiative is continuing this year as part of the CAP transition period. In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, the maximum rate of aid available has increased from 50% to 75% for project applications received on or after 1st April 2021.
In regard to any new scheme for the artisan sector in the context of the next CAP, the Deputy may be aware that the development of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023 - 2027 involves a number of stages. I have, with my officials, continued to engage extensively with stakeholders. I expect to shortly bring a memo to government and launch a public consultation on the draft interventions proposed for the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Further public consultations on the development of the future Plan are being considered.
476. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to monitor the potential market growth for Irish food and food products globally; the markets or products that have shown the greatest potential; the extent to which he expects to maximise the impact on these markets in the future having particular regard to current geopolitical developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38586/21]
View answerAccording to CSO data, between 2016 and 2020, the value of Irish agri-exports to international markets, outside the EU and UK, has grown by 16.3% to €4.42 billion last year.
The Department is committed to further supporting this diversification strategy and continues to allocate significant resources to the pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports drawing on the experience and expertise of staff in different functions, including veterinary, laboratory, policy and technical divisions.
Securing, developing and maintaining access to third country markets outside the EU is a key priority. To support that objective, agricultural attachés have been appointed to Embassies in key markets including China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. They perform a vital role in monitoring developments in priority markets and expanding the global footprint of Irish agri-food exports generally, particularly in countries that have recently concluded trade agreements with the EU.
Priority markets are decided in consultation with industry and Bord Bia. The role of the Department is to gain access to markets and it is up to the industry - with the support of the Department and Bord Bia, including through Ministerial Trade Missions - to capitalise on those opportunities. Building on its significant investment in consumer and retail insights, Bord Bia plays a vital role in the successful growth of our food and drinks exports, by promoting the safety, quality and sustainability of our Irish food and drink exports. Its efforts are not just focused on achieving commercial growth, but also in growing the reputation of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture offering, deepening the relevance and bond between our country’s produce and the markets and consumers they serve.
Over the last year, the agri-food sector has again demonstrated its resilience in keeping supply chains moving and product on shelves in Ireland and abroad, despite the disruption arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall long-term outlook for the sector remains positive due to continued population growth, changing consumption patterns and Ireland's ability to produce high quality products with a strong reputation for food safety and sustainability.
477. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the continuing efforts being made to seek new markets in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38587/21]
View answerDeveloping increased trade opportunities continues to be an integral part of the Department’s response to the challenges posed by Brexit.
The key challenge here is to continue to maximise the volume and value of Irish agri-food exports to all destinations and to mitigate, as best we can, the potential impact of adverse developments in trading patterns. This requires a two-handed approach, comprised of support for our existing and potential future UK trade, as well as further development and diversification in EU and third country markets.
The Department and its agencies have invested hugely in this work and, encouragingly, despite an extremely challenging year in 2020, exports totalled €14.3 billion, with 37% of agri-food exports going to the UK, which is down from 40% in 2016, the year the UK voted to leave the EU. Remaining agri-food exports in 2020 were split between the EU-27 market (31%) and international markets (32%).
The UK remains a priority market for Irish agri-food exporters. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached by the EU and the UK provides for zero tariffs and quotas, which is welcome given the highly integrated Ireland-UK supply chains and the value of trade in both directions. It will assist Irish exporters to maintain their UK market share, and to remain competitive against third country imports to the UK.
The Department continues to be very active in the development of third country markets through Trade Missions and key customer engagements, which were carried out virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also continuing to work on the opportunities provided by recent EU Free Trade Agreements with third countries, and to press for the removal of technical market access barriers across a range of third country markets.
478. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on a REAP application review in respect of a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38609/21]
View answerAs 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. The details of the selection process are listed in section 10 of the REAP terms and conditions.
The person named submitted a request for their application to be reviewed as it had not been successful. This review has now been completed and the decision letter has issued to the applicant.
479. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he plans to include in the CAP Strategic Plan in order to redistribute funding to smaller and poorer family farms. [38621/21]
View answerThe aim of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is to support farmers across the community. The redistributive mechanisms currently in place under CAP Pillar I seeks to create a more even payment landscape and target funds where they are needed most. These redistributive mechanisms are a core EU policy and are set to continue into the CAP 2023. The development of Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) involves a number of stages, including SWOT analysis, needs assessment, intervention design, financial allocations, target setting and governance systems. The draft CSP will also be subject to an ex-ante evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment including a public consultation on the draft CSP and draft Environmental Report.
I have continued to engage extensively with stakeholders on the future of CAP. Consultations on the development of the CSP will continue via the CAP Consultative Committee, which comprises representatives of the main stakeholders including farm bodies, NGOs, industry representatives and academia. The Committee has met on 18 occasions and further meetings are planned.
The Presidency Compromise package include a suite of measures which will enable us to ensure the fair implementation of redistribution measures such as capping, convergence and Complementary Redistribution of Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS). I believe the agreement strikes the right balance between ensuring a fair distribution of payments between farmers and achieving a higher level of environmental and climate ambition. It also provides Member States with the flexibility required to implement the CAP in a way that best suits their national circumstances. This flexibility was one of my key objectives from the outset.
While agreement has been reached, further work remains on certain technical details of the proposed reform. I expect to shortly bring a memo to government and launch a public consultation on the draft interventions proposed for the CAP Strategic Plan. I will also continue to engage with stakeholders as we develop our CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
480. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that supports to the group (details supplied) are included in the next CAP. [38622/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ contains a commitment to seek to resolve, under the next CAP, the issue of support for the category of farmers known as Forgotten Farmers. The recently agreed proposals for the new CAP include provision for supports for young farmers and new entrants to farming and the Department is examining the issue of forgotten farmers with that timeline in mind.
The outline of any schemes supported under the next CAP and details of the Terms and Conditions for eligibility under such schemes, or for supports available, will be set out once the relevant EU Regulations are agreed and finalised.
481. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to continue the process of convergence in 2022. [38623/21]
View answerThe Regulation regarding the transition period enables Member States to continue convergence during the transition period, if they so wish. Following my appointment as Minister, I examined with Department officials the possibility of continuing convergence in 2021. The decision had previously been made to rest convergence during the transitional period (2021-22) and given the enormous logistical and operational requirements in the process, the timeframe was not available to consider making changes for 2021. It is clear this would constitute an enormous challenge to restart this in 2022 given the need to develop our CAP Strategic Plan and the payment systems that will be required to ensure we meet our payment targets.
In addition, this transitional period continues to provide some time for meaningful consultation with farmers and their representative bodies on this important issue, along with some much-needed stability in Direct Payments through the transitional period. It is my intention to continue to consult with farm organisations for the second transition year of 2022 as well as for the CAP programme to further consider how to continue the convergence process. This engagement will take place over the coming months in order to make a timely decision for the 2022 period and beyond.
It is now clear that the CAP regulations commencing in 2023 will continue with the convergence process to far beyond the original proposal, and I will be aiming to obtaining the best outcome for Irish farmers from the options available.
482. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of CAP pillar 1 payments he plans to allocate to young farmers in the next CAP. [38624/21]
View answerSupporting young farmers, and generational renewal more generally, continues to be a priority for me and for the Department.
As the Deputy will be aware, at the June Agri-Fish Council, Agriculture Ministers accepted the provisional deal agreed between the Council Presidency and the European Parliament on 25th June.
Young farmers will continue to be supported under the next CAP. There is provision for an amount equal to at least 3% of total direct payments funding to be allocated to young farmers.
While political agreement has been reached, further work remains on certain technical details of the proposed reform. Legal texts will now be prepared by the Commission and will be presented to Member States and the European Parliament in due course for formal agreement.
There is a substantial amount of work to be carried out over the coming months to finalise Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The Department and I will consult extensively with farm families and stakeholders as part of this process. It is also my intention to write to the Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and the Marine to formally seek its views.
I will take the outcome of the consultation process and the views of the Oireachtas Committee into consideration before seeking the approval of Government and submitting Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 to the Commission by the deadline of 1st January 2022.
483. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to rollover all CAP pillar 2 spending in 2022. [38625/21]
View answerThe 10th amendment to the Rural Development Programme was approved by the European Commission on 19th May 2021. It provides for the possibility of extending some schemes in 2022. I will be considering this matter over the coming months, and particularly in the context of the availability of national exchequer funding as we work through the annual budgetary process.
484. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the recommendations that he will implement as contained within the report of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Issues impacting the forestry sector in Ireland relating to ash dieback. [38626/21]
View answerThe relevant recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee relating to ash dieback disease are Recommendations 6 and 7. I have already responded to the Committee's report and it is my intention to respond in more detail to the Committee on these ash dieback recommendations and to implement those aspects identified as relevant and critical to the overall national ash dieback policy and support response.
Recommendation 6 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s report highlights a number of important areas including research reporting on engagement with the RUS Scheme and related financial supports.
Since 2013, the Department has supported a number of important research initiatives including research into spore trapping and field trials and laboratory research in relation to the identification of ash dieback tolerance in the population and breeding of ash dieback tolerant plants.
In relation to engagement by ash plantation owners with the RUS scheme, the Department maintains close and on-going overview of the number of applications received and processed together with the related areas involved. To date, the Department has received over 330 RUS applications for a total of 1,364ha and approved 83 applications for a total of 280ha which demonstrates a healthy interest in the Scheme.
The Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme provides financial support for the to the removal of the affected ash crop and replacement with alternative species. However, it is not a compensatory tool to provide payment for financial loss incurred due to the impact of ash dieback disease.
The Department is in the process of preparing a detailed report on Ash Dieback in Ireland. This report will include an account of the history, first findings and possible origins and spread of ash die back disease in Ireland. It will include an account of the legislative requirements and controls as well as the trade in ash and describe the Department’s policy, and support scheme response as the disease has progressed and knowledge and understanding have been gained and lessons learnt.
485. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to reform the organic farming scheme to remove preference for larger holdings above smaller farms. [38627/21]
View answerThe Organic Farming Scheme was reopened earlier this year to encourage farmers to make the transition to organic farming. This is part of the commitment under the Programme for Government which is the highest level of ambition ever for the Irish organic sector. Successful applications will be determined by a ranking and selection process. Marks are awarded for each sector with the aim of increasing the area under organic production, while prioritising areas deemed to be in deficit.
The Ranking and Selection is targeted at areas in deficit as outlined in the Strategy for the Development of the sector, which are dairy, tillage and horticulture. The process also gives priority to young farmers and larger holdings to encourage their participation in the scheme. These will help bring more scale to the sector.
However, there is no barrier to any sector or farm size applying and, indeed, I made it clear at the time of reopening that I encouraged applications from all interested farmers.
I am confident that the funding which has been provided for the organic sector is sufficient to allow farmers from both small and large holdings and indeed other farming enterprises to gain entry into the scheme.
486. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department has taken to support the horticultural and mushroom sector in response to imminent crisis due to peat shortages. [38628/21]
View answerIn relation to peat extraction, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has no involvement in its regulation. This is a planning process under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license process, under the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Following the publication of the review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry report, Minister Noonan proposed the establishment of a working group to include representatives from relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and industry stakeholders under an independent chairperson to examine the issues identified during the review. In this respect, the working group are addressing the key issues raised in the report itself, including future use of peat by the horticulture sector. The independent working group the working group sent an interim report to Minister Noonan at the end of May for his consideration. Minister Noonan and his officials are currently examining the report.
In addition to these developments, the Department is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date. It has also recently sought further research be conducted here to explore alternatives to peat based growing media for horticultural production in this area in its latest Research Call for 2021. These must be available, affordable and sustainable and meet quality as well as environmental requirements.
The Department also provides a support to the horticulture industry through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector. Financial support is available to assist growers and businesses through grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment including renewable energy, as well as technology adoption specific to commercial horticulture production. A 50% budget increase to €9 million has been secured for 2021 reflecting the importance of the sector. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.
In addition, the Department administers the EU Producer Organisation Scheme for Fruit and Vegetables which allows growers jointly market their production in order to strengthen the position of producers in the marketplace.
487. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to potential animal welfare concerns with regard to increased prevalence of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle; and the data that is available with regard to the usage of antibiotics to treat such in Ireland. [38629/21]
View answerThe Department does not have such information readily available indicating any such increased prevalence but will investigate further and revert to the Deputy.
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021* |
|
|
Any evidence of liver fluke (%) |
25.7 |
20.8 |
18.1 |
11.5 |
9.6 |
8.5 |
|
Live Fluke (%) |
2.9 |
3.0 |
3.3 |
1.4 |
1.4 |
1.4 |
|
Fluke Damage (%) |
22.8 |
17.8 |
14.8 |
10.2 |
8.3 |
7.1 |
|
Liver Abscess (%) |
4.3 |
4.1 |
3.5 |
3.8 |
3.9 |
3.7 |
|
Pneumonia (%) |
3.4 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
1.1 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
488. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a support package for sheep farmers on animal welfare grounds. [38630/21]
View answerI am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy.
The strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021. Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021. The current average price is €6.17 per kg, which is 21% above the same period last year.
The Sheep Welfare Scheme was introduced in December 2016 as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, having been agreed with the European Commission. In the four years of the scheme to date, €66.9 million has been paid to 18,268 farmers. The Sheep Welfare scheme has been extended in 2021 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP.
With regard to the new CAP, at the end of June there was general agreement on the CAP Reform proposals by Agriculture Ministers. However, we are still some months away from the final legal texts.
The Department is working closely with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to provide indicative funding for co-financing of the rural development aspects of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). I expect to be in a position in the coming weeks to bring a Memo on the matter to Government and then to launch a public consultation on the draft interventions proposed for the CSP. I will also be engaging in extensive discussions with stakeholders throughout the summer to hear their views. I will continue to consult on the content of the plan with the key stakeholders, through the Stakeholder Consultative Committee. The Deputy should note that full details of the development of the CSP to date, including consultation documentation, is available on gov.ie.
As part of CSP preparations, officials have been examining the options to build on the existing Sheep Welfare scheme. However, it is important to note that any such scheme must operate on the basis of specific actions to enhance animal health and welfare being carried out, with funding on the basis of costs incurred and income foregone, as is the case with the current scheme. My officials are also drafting an EcoScheme as provided for under Pillar One and it is likely that there will be a specific welfare aspect to this for any farmers, including sheep farmers, who choose to take up that option.
I am committed to supporting the sustainable development of the sheep sector.
489. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has conducted a socio-economic impact assessment on the effects of the British-Australian trade agreement on Irish agriculture. [38631/21]
View answerAs Minister, I am continually aware of the global trade dynamic and its potential impact on Irish agriculture. My key focus, at all times, is the protection and enhancement of the incomes of our farmers, fishers and food producers.
On 16th June, the UK and Australian Governments announced that they had reached a political agreement in principle for a new UK-Australia trade agreement. Based on announcements made, it appears that the Agreement provides for full tariff free access at the end of 15 years for certain sensitive products, particularly beef and lamb. Given the importance of the UK market to the agriculture sector, this is, of course, a matter of concern. However, the full extent of the implications of that agreement for Irish agriculture will depend on the specific detail in the final agreed text, which has not yet been published.
The Department, in response to Brexit, has further intensified its focus on market diversification. Since 2017, new or improved market access to several third countries has been gained. Despite this welcome development, the UK will remain a key market for Irish agri-food exports. Encouragingly, Bord Bia research has shown that British consumers have a high regard for Irish food, and Bord Bia is continuing its intensive marketing in the UK.
In addition, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement ensures continued quota- and tariff-free access for Irish agri-food goods to the UK market. Irish exports also continue to benefit from the access gained to other third countries through EU Free Trade Agreements. And, of course, Ireland as a Member State has full unimpeded access to the EU Single Market of 450 million people.
490. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an account of the error which took place regarding a public notice for an aquaculture and foreshore licence in Kinsale harbour (details supplied) in County Cork; if those who had presented submissions during a previous consultation process were permitted to make submissions; if the consultation process will be extended to avoid public confusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38638/21]
View answerThe Public Consultation in respect of the application referred to by the Deputy was published in the Southern Star on 9 February 2019. It came to the Department’s attention that there was an error in this notice, in that the Notice referred to “an area of the foreshore in Dungarvan Harbour”. As a result of this error, it was necessary to re-run the public consultation period. Valid submissions received during the previous consultation will still be considered as part of the licensing process. New submissions were only accepted from Members of the Public who did not make a submission during the previous public consultation period.
The applicant was notified in accordance with Regulation 8(1) Aquaculture (Licence Application) Regulations, 1998 (SI No 236 of 1998) to publish notice of the application in “The Southern Star”. The public notice appeared in "The Southern Star" on 15th May 2021 and the Public Consultation ran for a period of four weeks from the date of publication of this notice. The Public Consultation has now concluded.
As this licence application is under active consideration as part of a statutory process, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.
491. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagement she or the agencies under her remit has had with the National Broadband Plan in the past two months. [38208/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) will bring reliable high-speed broadband to approximately 540,000 premises across the State, primarily in rural and isolated areas. These premises include homes, farms, community and health facilities, schools, and businesses.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has contracted National Broadband Ireland to deliver the NBP in areas where connectivity is not commercially viable and, as such, responsibility for the NBP contract is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Notwithstanding this, officials in my Department continue to work closely with their counterparts in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to deliver the Broadband Connection Point (BCP) initiative, as part of the NBP. In that capacity my officials regularly meet with officials from that Department in order to ensure the orderly deployment of BCPs throughout rural Ireland. BCPs are among the first deliverables under the NBP contract and are a vital service for communities within the NBP State intervention area. As of 6 July, 203 BCPs are live, with more to come on stream over the coming weeks. A full list can be found here: nbi.ie/bcp-map/.
The National Broadband Plan will have a profound impact on the future of our country and will provide new opportunities for rural areas in particular. These include improved career opportunities for those living in rural areas, facilitating smart farming, allowing employers to access the pool of talent that resides outside our large towns and cities, and the provision of services such as eHealth and eLearning.
492. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are guidelines, written procedures or protocols or key performance indicators for acknowledgement of correspondence received and response to correspondence received, respectively by category of correspondence (details supplied) in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38248/21]
View answerMy Department's guidelines, written procedures and protocols to deal with correspondence are outlined in the Customer Service Action Plan of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The action plan details the steps to be undertaken in order to meet our commitments under each of the Government’s 12 Quality Customer Service (QCS) principles.
Further information on my Department’s Customer Service Action Plan can be found at the link: assets.gov.ie/10242/cfede81c9fe6483685b4e9888a293fb3.pdf
493. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the examination into the establishment of a community ownership fund to help community and social enterprises buy or take over local community assets at risk of being lost to run as community-owned businesses pursuant to Our Rural Future – Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025; the details of the organisation, State body or agency carrying out this examination; when the examination will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38427/21]
View answerOur Rural Future aims at reimagining rural Ireland by revitalising towns and villages, and getting more people to live, work and enjoy rural areas. It notes that Ireland’s overall economic and social wellbeing depends on the strength of the recovery in rural areas. It also recognises the centrality of communities in delivering on this ambitious new vision.
The Policy commits to enhancing community benefit through building empowered communities, developing social enterprises to create jobs and generate community impact, and exploring new approaches to community benefit such as community ownership.
Our Rural Future is a five year Policy, with measures to be delivered over the lifetime of the Policy. As such, my Department’s approach to implementation is based on a series of annual work programmes, with associated monitoring and reporting structures. My Department, in cooperation with other relevant Government Departments, plans to begin the examination of the potential of a Community Ownership Fund as part of the 2022 Work Programme. However, a number of actions are already happening across Government that support the ambition of this Measure.
Communities can already access some existing funding streams to bring vacant buildings back into use as multi-purpose or enterprise spaces and/or for residential occupancy, for instance under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, though this is not the central purpose of that scheme. Likewise, LEADER can – in specific cases – be leveraged to support the acquisition and repurposing of local community assets.
As with all the measures contained in Our Rural Future, progress in relation to this specific recommendation will form part of our ongoing monitoring and implementation structures.
494. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way her Department and public bodies and agencies under her remit are implementing Action 16 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38498/21]
View answerThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which encompasses the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), is the lead Department responsible for Action 16 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.
My Department's ICT services are provided by the OGCIO and we follow its lead in improving accessibility and encouraging universal design principles in furtherance of the Public Service ICT Strategy. Amongst the work undertaken to date has been the ongoing improvement of content on gov.ie, particularly in terms of promoting and verifying the use of Plain English. In that regard, Gov.ie partially complies with Level AA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards and has a compliant accessibility statement which can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/help/accessibility/.
The only website directly under my Department’s control is www.tidytowns.ie. Work is underway to ensure that the website is fully accessible in accordance with the latest standards.
In terms of the agencies under my Department’s aegis, further information is set out below.
The WDC’s “cloud-first” digital strategy is built on universal design principles. In addition, the WDC is committed to achieving Level AA conformance to the WCAG 2.0 for its website (www.westerndevelopment.ie). The Accessibility Statement for the website is available at westerndevelopment.ie/accessibility/.
Pobal prioritises inclusive design and accessibility in products and services and has engaged with 3rd Party User Experience consultancy firms to provide guidance on its adherence to accessibility standards across its systems. The Pobal website (www.pobal.ie) has been confirmed as achieving Level AA conformance to the WCAG 2.0, following the most recent audit of the website. The Accessibility Statement for the website can be found at www.pobal.ie/accessibility/.
The website of the Charities Regulator (www.charitiesregulator.ie) is fully compliant with accessibility requirements. The statement on accessibility is available at www.charitiesregulator.ie/en/accessibility.
Water Safety Ireland also informs my Department that its website is fully accessible. The Accessibility Statement for the website is available at watersafety.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WSI-Accessibility-Statement.pdf.
495. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way her Department and public bodies and agencies under her remit are implementing Action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38515/21]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
My Department and the agencies under it's remit have engaged with people with disabilities under Action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021 in a number of ways.
The Department and it's Agencies
My Department has a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) in place whose role is to assist and support staff with disabilities and their line managers by the provision of necessary information, appropriate contacts, guidance, suggestions and advice. The DLO also plays an important role in promoting awareness about disability across the department and liaising with the National Disability Authority (NDA). In March of this year the Department provided a Disability Awareness Information session delivered by Ability Focus for all staff and is planning to hold Disability Awareness training later in the year for all staff. My Department recently organised Outdoor Recreation Disability Awareness sessions delivered by Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland to our stakeholders and the Department staff.
Western Development Commission
The Western Development Commission (WDC) which is one of the Departments agencies has not made use of consultative committees. Where that situation arises in the future the WDC will actively engage people with disabilities through consultative committees or other appropriate fora.
Water Safety Ireland
Water Safety Ireland has a Disability Policy for potential employees with disabilities. Prior to all vacancies arising, they will have a meeting to ensure that they are fully compliant with all legislation, guidelines and strategies dealing with the potential employment of people with disabilities.
In relation to their members, they have developed a disability awareness course for their swim and lifeguard Instructors/teachers. Water Safety Ireland has also developed a programme of disability swimming courses for their members to facilitate people with disabilities.
Pobal
Pobal is one of the agencies under the remit of the Department. Pobal is an equal opportunities employer and promotes and encourages access to employment for persons with a disability. They are addressing the effective engagement of persons with disabilities through the development and implementation of a comprehensive Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. This is being done through its in-house consultative committee structures. Pobal had also engaged with Down Syndrome Ireland regarding providing work placements however, these have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be reactivated once public health guidance permits.
SICAP
My Department continues to provide funding to support people, including those with disabilities, under schemes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). Between January 2018 and June 2021, a total of 6,468 individuals who registered as having a disability were supported under SICAP, along with 338 local community groups and 65 social enterprises providing supports to people with a disability. For example, under SICAP:
- Monaghan Integrated Development Company supports the County Monaghan Disability Network, which is bringing disability groups together, to work together, to achieve inclusion, integration and equality for people with disabilities.
- The Bray Area Partnership facilitates a forum for local disability groups, services and relevant statutory agencies, called the BAP Disability Network. The forum provides space for members to network, discuss common issues and identify local service gaps/ policy issues to take joint action to promote the full and equal participation of people with a disability in the local community. In 2019, the network hosted disability awareness workshops in local schools and organised pre-election “speed lobbies” of local candidates, where people with a disability asked pre-arranged questions to candidates on the issues and concerns affecting their lives.
Public Participation Networks (PPNs)
Public Participation Networks (PPNs) are independent structures which bring together volunteer-led groups in each local authority area from the Community and Voluntary, Environment, and Social Inclusion sectors. Their primary purpose is to enable such groups to input into the formal decision-making structures of the local authority. Groups whose activities are centred on improving the life chances and opportunities of those who may be at risk of social exclusion, including individuals with disabilities, may register as Social Inclusion groups with their local PPN. There are currently over 3,000 Social Inclusion groups registered with PPNs.
Our Rural Future
Our Rural Future - Rural Development Policy 2021-2025’ was published on 29 March 2021 and is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades. The policy focuses on optimising opportunities for all individuals in rural communities and promotes inclusivity and social cohesion, placing people and communities at the heart of the measures for delivery.
Our Rural Future was developed after an extensive consultation process and, as a result, it recognises the key needs of people living and working in rural areas, including measures which will support people with disabilities to have greater access to public transport and other services, improved digital connectivity, and increased employment opportunities, including through investment in remote working.
My Department will continue to engage with and listen to all communities as we implement the Policy over the next five years. This ongoing consultation will play a key role allowing us to maximise the impact of Our Rural Future and to develop additional measures for inclusion in the Policy.
496. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial allocations in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021 for the seniors alert scheme in County Cork; the take-up of the scheme since 2016 for County Cork; the changes made to the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38550/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme for the purchase by a registered community based-organisation of a personal alarm or pendant.
Further to a review, a new scheme was introduced in 2017. I am pleased to say that since the launch of the current scheme, demand has been unprecedented. In 2020, over 16,700 participants were approved. In 2021, over 7,500 participants have been approved to the end of June, with approximately 6,800 installations completed.
The key features of the current scheme include:
- free monitoring of the alarm service for the 1st year;
- a person no longer has to be living alone to qualify;
- a self-declaration of limited means for eligibility; and
- an increase in administrative payments to community groups involved in rolling out the scheme.
Since 2016, 9,842 participants have been approved for the Scheme in County Cork, broken down as follows:
|
Year |
Approved Participants Co. Cork |
|
2016 |
1,070 |
|
2017 |
1,434 |
|
2018 |
2,246 |
|
2019 |
2,256 |
|
2020 |
1,917 |
|
2021 (to end June) |
919 |
The current lot-based tender system for suppliers combines a number of counties into each of the seven lots, and payments are made to the suppliers in each of these lots. Therefore it is not possible to say with full accuracy how much funding has been given to each county.
The Senior Alert Scheme is demand led and funding is allocated to meet the demand under the Scheme and is not divided on a geographical basis.
497. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has examined ways to address rural isolation and loneliness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38551/21]
View answerAddressing the issue of rural isolation is relevant to the work of a number of Government Departments. This is reflected in ongoing Government work including that aimed at enhancing community policing, rural transport links and tackling social inclusion. Focus on actions to address the issue of isolation in communities has become more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes contribute to addressing isolation issues in communities.
Key interventions include funding the Seniors Alert Scheme, which enables older people to live securely, with peace of mind, in their homes through the provision of personal monitored alarms, ensuring contact is maintained with those who are vulnerable. In addition, as part of the Department’s COVID-19 Action Plan, increased support was provided for older people through our funding partnership with ALONE for their crisis telephone support line.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is Ireland’s primary social inclusion funding intervention, delivered locally by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need access supports to enable participation in communities. LDCs have put in place various measures to ensure supports continue to be delivered to vulnerable and isolated people throughout the COVID-19 crisis. These include:
- Online supports delivered via telephone, email, Zoom, with additional support to individuals with limited access to technology.
- LDCs that operate a “friendly call” service to elderly people saw an increase in demand for the service with some LDCs mobilizing local community groups to become involved in making regular contact with older, vulnerable isolated people during COVID.
- LDCs supported an increase in demand for Meals on Wheels services and foodbanks, particularly for those not able to travel to shops and those experiencing food poverty.
The National Social Enterprise Policy aims to enable social enterprises increase their social, environmental and economic impact. Many social enterprises are based in rural or isolated areas and provide services to communities that may not otherwise be available.
Following the closure of all public libraries in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Library Authorities (LAs) quickly identified the need for a service to deliver library items to the homes of isolating community members, care facilities and Direct Provision Centres. Currently more than half of our library authorities are delivering library stock to the vulnerable and housebound. This service is highly valued by the customers who received books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs along with a welcome friendly chat with the driver.
The library service also operates a network of mobile libraries which provides an invaluable service for library users in rural communities, providing inclusion and connection to many remote areas. The vehicles offer books and other library items along with free Wi-Fi access.
The library service also provides members with free online access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers and training courses.
As part of the Government’s Keep Well programme, public libraries distributed 50,000 free food growing kits through the Grow it Forward campaign in March 2021. This initiative is designed to help the nation eat well by inspiring and supporting people to grow some of their own food at home while connecting with friends and family to join them.
The current LEADER Programme functions under EAFRD Priority 6 – promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas. This provides the basis for LEADER to address challenges facing Irish society including social exclusion. The Social Inclusion Theme is composed of the sub-themes Provision of Basic Services Targeted at Hard to Reach Communities and Rural Youth.
The sub-themes focus on providing basic services to communities in remote areas which may be at risk of social exclusion and also promoting youth entrepreneurship and associated training in order to improve improved pathways for young people to access economic opportunities in rural areas.
Physical and social isolation can have a significant impact on people living in rural areas. My Department recently published Our Rural Future, a rural development policy for the next five years. The policy seeks to strengthen and build resilience in our rural communities and deliver a range of policy measures in order to achieve these objectives.
I have also introduced a new CLÁR Innovation Measure this year. This funding will be targeted at piloting new ideas which address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas, including rural isolation, population change, social disadvantage and marginalisation. This Measure provides a great opportunity for communities to identify the specific challenges they face and to come up with innovative ways to address them.
The issue of isolation is one which concerns us all and I am committed to continuing my Department’s response to this issue through continued delivery of relevant programmes and policies.
498. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the approvals to date by the local action groups of funding for projects under the Leader programme by County Cork local action groups; the amount of expenditure to date on projects by County Cork local action groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38552/21]
View answerThe 2014-2020 LEADER programme for Ireland had an allocation of €250 million. €225 million of this budget was allocated to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who delivered the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covered both core project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAG.
For the purposes of the LEADER Programme, County Cork was divided into 3 sub-regional areas, with a LAG in each area delivering separate Local Development Strategies.
The deadline for project commitments under the 2014-2020 programme was extended to the end of March 2021 to facilitate the full allocation of the funds available to the LAGs.
The amount allocated to Co. Cork for that period was €14.4 million.
In line with the ‘Our Rural Future’ – the Government’s Rural Development Policy for 2021-2025, I announced an increased allocation of €70 million for the Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect in April and will cover the period 2021-2022, with a successor programme to commence in 2023.
€65 million of this budget is available to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAGs.
A further €3 million of the funding is being allocated to support Co-operation projects and innovation between LAGs, while the remaining €2 million is being provided to provide preparatory support for the next LEADER programme. Further funding opportunities under the LEADER Food Initiative remain in place until the entirety of funds are exhausted.
The amount allocated to Co. Cork under the Transitional programme is €4.1 million. This allocation is provided on a pro-rata basis, commensurate with the allocations made at the start of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
Table 1 below shows the overall LEADER allocation by LAG, number and value of projects approved, together with project expenditure, broken-down by LAG area in County Cork up to 11th July 2021.
Project approvals have commenced under the Transitional Programme and I am confident that all LAGs will have committed their project budgets by December 2022.
Final claims for payment must be submitted to the Department no later than 30 June 2024.
Table 1: County Cork LEADER Allocation, number and value of project approved, together with project expenditure breakdown by LAG Area up to 11 th July 2021.
499. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount budgeted for the local improvement scheme in 2021 for County Cork; the demand for the scheme in County Cork and financial allocations to date by Cork local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38553/21]
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 relevant Local Authorities. Cork City Council along with Galway City Council and the Dublin local authorities are not eligible for funding under the LIS Scheme.
I launched the 2021 LIS on 14th May. I was pleased to secure a 5% increase in funding for the Scheme, bringing the funding available for this year to €10.5 million
Cork County Council has been allocated funding of €920,00 in 2021. This represents the highest allocation in the country. This will bring the amount allocated to County Cork to some €5.5 million since 2017, as set out in the following table:
I understand that there is considerable demand for this funding in County Cork and other areas throughout the country. Officials in my Department are currently liaising with the various Local Authorities to ascertain the level of demand and their capacity to complete additional roads this year, should additional funding become available.
500. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made in relation to providing multi-annual funding for community, voluntary and charity sector. [38728/21]
View answerIn August 2019, my Department launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, the strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. This strategy was developed in consultation with the cross-sectoral group and a work plan to progress its implementation has been agreed.
Work is ongoing in respect of a number of the objectives outlined in the strategy including: a training needs assessment to identify gaps and make recommendations on how best to build capacity in the sector; a draft values and principles document has been developed with a view to it being adopted by all who engage with the community and voluntary sector; funding has been provided to support work promoting appropriate standards in training of community development practitioners; and proposals for a civic forum or national consultative event in 2021 are being examined.
Objective 4 of the strategy commits to scope and develop a sustainable funding model to support the community and voluntary sector, recognising the importance of a multi-annual funding approach.
Some of my Department's programmes already operate on a multi-annual basis, including the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme (CSP), and the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector (SSNO).
However, I recognise that many community and voluntary organisations receive funding from the State on an annual basis. My Department has commissioned Pobal to commence work on a scoping exercise for a centralised grantee database which could be a useful first step in increasing visibility across government on the funding provided by that sector.
