Thursday, 9 Sep 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1522-1541

Departmental Staff

Questions (1522)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1522. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in his Department and in each State and semi-State body under the aegis of his Department; the disability quota of his Department at present; if there is an active campaign to increase the disability workforce from the current target of 3% to a minimum of 6% by 2024; if this quota has now been exceeded; if so, the details of same; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to the quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41587/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In accordance with Section 47 of the Disability Act 2005, all public service bodies are obliged "in so far as practicable" to take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of persons with disabilities.

In compliance with Section 47(4) of the Disability Act, my Department surveys all employees annually to establish the number of employees who have a disability.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has exceeded the 3% minimum target for persons with disabilities in each of the last ten years, with the figure for 2020 at 3.8%. It should be noted that disclosure by individuals of their disability status is voluntary, as is the disclosure of the nature of any disability disclosed.

The Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who fosters awareness of equality and disability issues among staff and provides support, advice and guidance to staff and managers in ensuring staff with a disability have equal opportunities throughout their career in my Department. The Disability Liaison Officer also facilitates reasonable accommodation as appropriate for employees with disabilities.

The Department is a long time supporter of providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and has participated for many years in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme. This programme provides a six month paid and mentored work placement for graduates with a disability. In the last few years, the Department has increased the number of placements it has made available under the WAM programme. Many former participants of the programme have gone on to secure permanent employment in the Civil Service.

The Department has participated in the Job Shadow Initiative on a continuous basis since 2009. Job Shadow Day is a national project, bringing people with disabilities and local employers together for one day to promote equal employment opportunities

In accordance with the Department’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy, the Department explores initiatives with a view to increasing workplace opportunities for persons with disabilities. One very successful initiative has been collaboration with the Oireachtas on the Oireachtas Work Learning programme (OWL), a learning, development and socialisation programme for young adults with an intellectual disability. The programme aims to provide a real and applied learning experience to the participants in a safe and secure work environment, to support them in developing the skills which will lead them to access paid employment in the open labour market.

The Department will be happy to participate in any actions required to increase the disability workforce either through competitions run by its recruitment partners - the Public Appointments Service - or through direct recruitment.

The question of the employment of persons with disabilities and disability initiatives in the State Bodies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the Agencies themselves. This information has been requested from the State Bodies in question and the information will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.

Fishing Industry

Questions (1523)

Pa Daly

Question:

1523. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the landing facility at Cromane, County Kerry will be delivered as previously promised through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020. [41676/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department 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.

Responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance, and the parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, thereafter.

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.

The Local Authority element of our capital programme co-funds up to 75% of the total cost of approved projects (subject to a maximum overall project cost of €200,000) with the Local Authority providing the balance.

Between the years 2010 to 2020, over €1.9 million in funding has been granted under this programme to Kerry County Council with approximately 25 harbours in the County benefitting, over that period.

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.

Kerry County Council has secured funding of €213.75k under this year’s programme, to undertake three projects in total.

In late 2019 the Department agreed to make officials available to participate in a working group on the possible development of Cromane Pier. This group was to have been organised and convened by Kerry County Council, to date, this group has not met, that said the Department's commitment to participate remains.

No application for funding was received under this year’s programme in relation to Cromane.

Should any application be made for funding by Kerry County Council under any future programme in relation to actual capital works at Cromane, 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.

Departmental Staff

Questions (1524)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1524. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which staff shortages at district veterinary offices have been recognised with particular reference to Kildare; if he plans to augment staffing levels to cater for an increased workload; if so, when such an improvement can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41703/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is committed to ensuring that a skilled and motivated workforce is in place to meet its business needs and utilises workforce planning to identify and address these requirements for all our locations.

Recruitment is currently under way in the Department, and vacancies continue to be advertised by either the Public Appointments Service (PAS) or by my Department's Human Resources Division. I am acutely conscious of the need for farmers and members of the public to avail of prompt and efficient services and all critical staffing vacancies are filled as soon as possible.

The Department’s office in Kildare currently has a total of four vacancies, and work is actively ongoing to fill these posts, and all vacancies in Local Offices around the country.

Forestry Sector

Questions (1525)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1525. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the administrative difficulties associated with the issue of tree felling licenses has been fully resolved to the satisfaction of stakeholders in the industry; if building timber supplies have been enhanced in line with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41704/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, I fully recognise the impact the current forestry licencing delays are having on the sector. I am in regular and intensive consultation with all stakeholders, and it is my immediate priority to resolve the issues which have led to this backlog and to issue licences in the volume needed for this important sector to continue to contribute to our rural economy.

The delays that have arisen were caused by changes to the licensing system which means that a significant number of cases now need ecological input to comply with environmental requirements. To find solutions towards resolving these issues, as well as focusing on woodland creation, Project Woodland was initiated early in 2021.

It comprises four working groups, each with an independent chair and with members drawn from forestry and eNGO stakeholders on the Forestry Policy Group. The Project Board, chaired by Secretary General of my Department, published its first Interim Report in July and the  Project Manager has published the Project Charter which details project management oversight.

As part of Project Woodland, a tender has recently issued to source legal and environmental expertise to carry out an in-depth review of the forestry licensing system. It will review the existing statutory framework for the licencing of forestry activities in relation to environmental and public participation obligations in order that practical advice can be provided to the Department on how to work more efficiently within the existing legal framework.

The business systems analysis currently being undertaken by an independent systems analyst will interact with and run parallel with the regulatory review, so that best possible system improvements are delivered.

In June this year, the Department issued 415 forestry licences. This output  was interrupted in July and August by the introduction of a new requirement for public participation under SI 293/2021, signed on 25th June  by the Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage and  which applies to all similar planning issues. However last week licences returned  to expected levels with 110 new licences issued of which 92 were felling licences, with 41 private, and we expect this increased output to continue through to the end of the year.

In terms of supply to the building industry, Coillte who account for around 75% of total sawlog to sawmills, have been fully licensed  for 2021.  We are still working through the backlog of private felling licences, and with a dedicated team in place and the system improvements introduced, we expect  recent private felling  licence output to be maintained.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my commitment to supporting the forest sector and to building on the recent progress, so that a continual improvement in delivery is achieved.

Animal Diseases

Questions (1526)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1526. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which ongoing efforts continue to be made to identify the sources of bovine TB in certain areas throughout the country; if particular steps have been taken to address issues arising from areas showing the highest level of reported outbreaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41705/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In areas that show a high increase in TB levels the regional veterinary office implement a High Impact TB Control Plan and work with farmers and stakeholders to reduce levels of TB in those areas.  These control plans involve increased focus being brought to bear on the affected areas with increased levels of testing and other control measures being implemented. The increased co-operation and collaboration with local famers and other stakeholders in these areas works to reduce the level of disease in these areas as has been the case recently in the Cavan/Monaghan and Clare areas.

Earlier this year I launched a new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030 and one of the key strategic actions included in the strategy is the further development of these plans in consultation with the Implementation Working Group of the TB Stakeholder Forum.

Animal Diseases

Questions (1527)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1527. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of bovine TB outbreaks by county in each of the past ten-years to date; the action or research taken with a view to identifying the causes of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41706/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I start off by saying that I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial strain put on farm families by an outbreak of TB and I am committed to driving down TB rates across the country.

The table below details the number of herds experiencing a new restriction, due to bovine TB, since 1st January each year, by county over the past 10 years to date and the number of reactors related to these restrictions.

While TB disease is low relative to historical levels, the number of new restrictions and reactor numbers have been gradually increasing since 2016. Although the pace of deterioration accelerated in 2020, there are encouraging signs as the current 12-month rolling herd incidence at 29th August 2021 is 4.16% compared to 4.22% on 30th August 2020. The overall number of new herds restricted at 29th August 2021 is 2,879 compared to 3,033 on 30th August 2020 while the overall number of reactors at 29th August 2021 is 13,092 compared to 14,431 on 30th August 2020. If downward momentum can be maintained, it can give a sense of progress achieved by the renewed TB Strategy launched in January 2021.

The reasons for increase in disease over the last number of years are multifactorial and often relate to a combination of national and local factors. 

The expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has played a role in this, since dairy herds, larger herds, farm fragmentation and herds which introduce more cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdowns. Wildlife is also a factor.

The causes for the outbreaks of TB cases across the country within each county are various and require a range of actions to address the problem.

Within each county the TB programme focuses on wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and frequency and isolation of reactors.

Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and necessary measures to assist in reducing the risk of recurrence.

number of herds experiencing a new restriction, due to bovine TB

Animal Diseases

Questions (1528)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1528. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which animals or birds have been identified as potential carriers of bovine TB by county in each of the past five-years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41707/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information is being collated and will be returned to the Deputy within two weeks

Animal Diseases

Questions (1529)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1529. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the results of any tests carried out on animals or birds arising from incidents of bovine TB by county over the past five-years to date; the actions taken or pending arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41708/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

 The information is being collated and will be returned to the Deputy within two weeks

Veterinary Services

Questions (1530)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

1530. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which it is expected to make basic veterinary products available to the farming community through licenced providers as heretofore with particular reference to parasitic controls; if the EU in general has adopted a policy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41709/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In line with findings from a 2019 Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) Expert Task Force Report, antiparasitic veterinary medicines no longer meet exemption criteria in EU law which permits them to be supplied without a veterinary prescription. Therefore, from 28th January 2022 antiparastic veterinary medicines will require a veterinary prescriptions before they can be supplied. 

All current suppliers of antiparasitic veterinary medicines will continue to be legally permitted to supply these medicines post January 2022. The Department is actively working with all stakeholders to sustain a competitive market for the supply of these products. The ambition is to ensure Irish farmers are empowered to purchase medicines from their supplier of choice. Initiatives such as the development of a National Veterinary Prescribing System (NVPS) will help deliver on this ambition. The NVPS will result in a prescription being made available to a farmer by choice of email, text or in paper. Farmers can then engage with Licensed Merchants, veterinary pharmacists or their veterinary practitioner in getting their prescription dispensed.

Animal Welfare

Questions (1531)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

1531. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce new legislation to protect animals from cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41715/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014.

I am committed to the continued application of the Act which is considered fully fit for purpose.

Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Department also provides support to animal welfare organisations to assist in rescuing and supporting the welfare of animals and to Local Authorities in supporting horse projects in urban areas. The Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved for their work in the field of animal welfare.

It remains my policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. Those responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to animals or being negligent regarding animal welfare will continue to held to account and sanctions applied up to and including prosecution through the Courts as and when necessary.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides for (a) summary offences tried before the district court to a maximum of a €5,000 fine or six months imprisonment (b) offences that may be tried on indictment before the circuit court may be fined up to €250,000 and/or imprisonment for a period of up to five years.

In addition, the courts may prohibit a person from keeping animals for a period which may include his/her lifetime.

The Department is assessing the penalties available under the Act in accordance with the commitment in the current Programme for Government.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (1532)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1532. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of research staff employed at the Foras na Mara Marine Institute in Newport in each year since 2006; the total number of full-time permanent research staff employed at the Foras na Mara Marine Institute in Newport each year since 2006, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41833/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested with respect to the staffing levels assigned to the Marine Institute’s facilities at Newport is an operational matter for the Marine Institute. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's queries to the Marine Institute for attention and direct reply.

Departmental Bodies

Questions (1533)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1533. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of public funding for the Foras na Mara Marine Institute in Newport in each year since 2006, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41834/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information requested with respect to the funding allocation specifically for the Newport facilities is an operational matter for the Marine Institute. I have accordingly referred the Deputy's query to the Marine Institute for attention and direct reply.

Food Industry

Questions (1534)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1534. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the meetings held by his Departmental officials from assistant principal level upwards with representatives of the food industry in relation to the issue of infant nutrition in Ireland from 2016 to date, including the issue of infant formula; the dates, attendees and matters that were discussed at each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41841/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In 2020, Ireland exported dairy products to approximately 143 countries with a value exceeding €5.1 billion. Infant Formula was our third most valuable dairy export amounting to €896 million in 2020.  Ireland, as a producer of high quality sustainable dairy products, is an important source of infant and follow-on formula internationally.

The Department supervises the production of infant and follow-on formula in Ireland through a robust controls systems ensuring Infant and follow-on formula is produced to the highest standards in accordance with all relevant governing regulations. In addition to inspections and audits carried out by  Department's inspectorate, officials from the Department meet periodically with representatives of the dairy industry with regard to infant nutrition including infant formula.

The following table shows details of meetings held by Department officials from Assistant Principal level upwards since 2016, for which details are readily available.  I have been advised that it has not been possible in the time available to conduct a comprehensive review of archived email records to check for any additional meetings which may have taken place. If the Deputy wishes, results of a search for any additional records can be provided in due course.

Date	Attendees	Discussion points
24/03/2017	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards as well as representatives of IF companies.	IF Industry Seminar
05/07/2019	DAFM Management Board	Visit to IF production premises.
26/09/2019	DAFM  AP and representatives of IF companies	Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Purposes (FUF)
05/03/2020	DAFM Officials, representatives of IF companies & FSAI	IF Industry Seminar
21/07/2020	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	Compliance with Chinese IF requirements
22/04/2020	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF companies.	Chinese registration requirement
30/07/2020	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	GB certification post Brexit
20/11/2020	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	GB certification post Brexit
14/01/2021	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	Premises Registration Process
18/01/2021	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	GB certification post Brexit
04/02/2021	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company	Premises Registration Process
28/04/2021	Minister Robert Troy, Minister Damien English, Officials from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and DAFM Officials at AP level as well as representatives of IF company.	GB certification post Brexit
21/06/2021	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	Upcoming engagement between DAFM and officials from Chinese Ministry for State Administration and Market Regulation (SAMR)
21/06/2021	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	Upcoming engagement between DAFM and officials from Chinese Ministry for State Administration and Market Regulation (SAMR)
21/06/2021	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	Upcoming engagement between DAFM and officials from Chinese Ministry for State Administration and Market Regulation (SAMR)
25/08/21	DAFM Official at AP level and of IF company.	GB certification post Brexit
27/08/21	DAFM Officials including AP and AP equivalents upwards and IF company.	GB certification post Brexit

The Deputy should note that the table does not include the following:

- Inspections and audits by the Department's inspectorate staff of Food Business Operators who produce Infant Formula, as part of the Department's food safety control system;

- There are also a number of other industry forums which the Department hosts, for example, the Brexit Stakeholder meetings, at which representatives of Infant Formula producers attend, where the subject matter would not specifically relate to infant nutrition and the issue of infant formula. Such meetings have not been included as they fall outside the scope of the Deputy's question.

Veterinary Services

Questions (1535)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1535. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will withdraw proposals for veterinary prescriptions for essential parasite treatments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41850/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In line with findings from a 2019 Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) Expert Task Force Report, antiparasitic veterinary medicines no longer meet exemption criteria in EU law which permits them to be supplied without a veterinary prescription. Therefore, from 28th January 2022 antiparastic veterinary medicines will require a veterinary prescriptions before they can be supplied. 

All current suppliers of antiparasitic veterinary medicines will continue to be legally permitted to supply these medicines post January 2022. The Department is actively working with all stakeholders to sustain a competitive market for the supply of these products. The ambition is to ensure Irish farmers are empowered to purchase medicines from their supplier of choice. Initiatives such as the development of a National Veterinary Prescribing System (NVPS) will help deliver on this ambition. The NVPS will result in a prescription being made available to a farmer by choice of email, text or in paper.

Farmers can then engage with Licensed Merchants, veterinary pharmacists or their veterinary practitioner in getting their prescription dispensed.

NVPS

Departmental Funding

Questions (1536)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1536. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41866/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund, the Department has provided €800,000 in funding this year for the design, development and implemntation of the national Social Farming Network as well as providing support towards a number of model social farms across Ireland.

F ollowing a competitive public procurement procedure, Kerry Social Farming together with three other organisations were successful in securing funding for 2021 with an option for an extension to this contract for a further four years. This is the maximum number of extensions allowed for under the current contracts.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (1537)

Richard O'Donoghue

Question:

1537. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position regarding the definite answers on grant aid for dairy investments going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41915/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

With effect from the current tranche of TAMS II, tranche 23, applications for the following specific investments - Milking Machine, Dairy Structure, Milk Storage and Cooling or In-Parlour meal feeding system, must be in compliance with farm waste and farm nutrient storage requirements at the time of application. This tranche is currently open for applications until 5th November next.

These farm waste and storage requirements are laid down in Statutory Instrument S.I. No 31 of 2014 European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulation 2014 up to 31st December 2017 and with Statutory Instrument (SI) 605/2017, European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017 from 1 January 2018.

No final decisions have been made in relation to the detail of the interventions to be included in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) (2023-2027). To allow for the submission of the draft CSP by 1st January 2022, the Department is currently undertaking a public consultation on the draft CSP and written submissions were invited from interested parties by the closing date of 3rd September 2021.

My ambition is to continue to support productive farming whilst ensuring the highest environmental standards.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (1538)

Carol Nolan

Question:

1538. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to promote or facilitate remote working for staff in his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department; the costs this has generated in terms of the provision of laptops, desktop computers or contributions to wi-fi costs or phone-related expenses; the number of staff who have applied for permission to work from home on a permanent or hybrid-model basis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41946/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

All Departments and Offices are currently working in line with the Government's COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible. To enable staff to work from home during the course of the pandemic, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine equipped staff with IT hardware and software including laptops, phones and software licences. The total spend on this to support remote working is in the region of €1M, which includes devices purchased for new hires since March 2020, as well as costs that were budgeted for computer device replacements. These purchases will continue to be used as the staff’s primary computer and communications devices, in-line with the  Department’s strategy to enable the future of blended working.

As we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, the Department will facilitate a meaningful transition back to the normal place of work, particularly for staff who have been working from home for the majority of the period in question. This will involve a gradual phased return of staff to the workplace and will be done in accordance with prevailing public health advice. This transition phase will involve for many staff a blend of remote working and attendance in the workplace.

A central policy framework for blended working in the civil service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives in the course of the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation-level blended working policies, tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.

Following the transition phase out of the current COVID-19 related arrangements, it is intended that the Department will introduce a blended working policy in April 2022, in line with the timeframe agreed by Government. The purpose of this Departmental policy will be to facilitate an element of remote working, in tandem with attendance at the workplace, within a formalised structure which supports the business needs of the Department. Staff will be entitled to apply for blended working, and all applications will be considered bearing in mind the suitability of the applicant and the role for blended working arrangements, as well as the needs of the relevant team and business area.

Work is ongoing on the development of the policy and this will continue to involve significant and appropriate consultation with key stakeholders, including staff, unions and management, prior to agreement, publication and implementation. Engagement with state agencies under the aegis of DAFM has been ongoing with a view to facilitating a broad consistency of approach, and this engagement will continue to be maintained.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1539)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1539. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the sheep welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41976/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

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.

I was pleased to be able to secure funding as part of Budget 2021 to facilitate the extension of the scheme into 2021 prior to the next CAP. Any further extension to the scheme for 2022 will be considered as part of the budgetary process in October.

The existing payment rate of €10 per eligible breeding ewe set under the current scheme was based on an assessment of the costs incurred and income foregone for the menu of actions set out under the scheme. These were agreed with the Commission when designing the scheme and as such, it is not proposed to amend the payment rates under the scheme at this point.

With regard to the new CAP, officials in the Department have been examining options to build on the existing Sheep Welfare Scheme. 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. 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). A public consultation on the draft interventions proposed for the CSP has recently ended and the submissions received are being reviewed. I will continue to consult on the content of the plan with the key stakeholders, through the CAP Consultative Committee and through additional public consultation later in the year.

Both I and the Government support the long-term development and viability of our sheep sector.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (1540)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1540. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding GLAS payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41978/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The 10th amendment to the Rural Development Programme, which was recently approved by the EU Commission, provides for the possibility for the extension of the GLAS scheme in 2022. As with all relevant Rural Development schemes, consideration of an extension will be subject to the availability of national funding through the annual budget process in the autumn. This process is currently under way and the final funding figures will be confirmed on Budget day in October.

Forestry Sector

Questions (1541)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1541. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a felling licence will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41980/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department received an application for a tree felling licence from the person named in October 2020.  Following an initial examination, archaeological sites and features were identified and the application was referred to my Department’s Archaeological Unit.  The application contains multiple plots with operations planned over 10 years and the site is close to five recorded monuments.  Conditions for the protection of the archaeological features have been finalised with the National Monuments Service (NMS).  

Furthermore, the proposed site lies near five designated sites. The possible effects of the tree felling operations may have on these sites cannot be excluded and, therefore, the application has been referred to the Department’s Ecology Unit.  The harvest plan has been submitted with the application, which has assisted with the ecological assessment of the proposed operations.  The application was assigned to an ecologist and their examination of the application is almost complete.  The application is now opened for 30 days’ public consultation.  When the public consultation closes, the ecologist will finalise the ecological reports, return the file to the forestry inspector who will review and make their recommendations and the decision should issue shortly thereafter.