Written Answers Nos. 686-706
686. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle slaughtered from controlled finishing units in July and August 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44758/21]
View answerControlled Finishing Units as part of the TB Eradication Programme are subject to enhanced biosecurity measures and can only sell direct to slaughter.
Kill numbers (rounded) at EU approved slaughter plants originating in Controlled Finishing Units in July and August 2021.
|
Month |
2021 |
|
July |
30,500 |
|
August |
25,500 |
The figures are published on the Department section of the gov.ie website on a monthly basis with July and August figures above to be updated shortly. See link below.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/f55f2-bovine-birth-and-movements-monthly-reports/#kill-numbers-at-eu-approved-slaughter-plants-originating-in-controlled-finishing-units.
687. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has introduced since December 2020 to protect against the potential of African swine flu outbreaks in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44759/21]
View answerAfrican Swine Fever (ASF), a disease of pigs and wild boar continues to pose a threat to the Irish pig sector and the Department implements a range of risk mitigation measures to prevent an incursion of the disease in Ireland. Ireland is free of the disease. It should be noted that the disease does not pose a threat to humans and there is no food safety risk.
The Department is maintaining its risk-based border control activities and continuing its awareness campaign and engagement with all relevant stakeholders to highlight the risk and the importance of high standards of on-farm biosecurity in preventing incursion.
In addition, the Department ensures the availability of laboratory diagnostic capability and maintains its preparedness to deploy an effective response in the event that an outbreak occurred.
688. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of planting and felling licences received and approved by his Department over the past 12 months in tabular form. [44782/21]
View answer689. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of planting and felling applications relating to County Clare that are currently awaiting decision by his Department.. [44783/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 688 and 689 together.
The number of afforestation and felling licences received and approved in the last 12 months is outlined in the table below:
Applications Sep 2020 to Aug 2021
|
Scheme |
No. Received |
No. Approved |
|
Afforestation |
586 |
520 |
|
Felling |
3196 |
2075 |
|
Total |
3782 |
2595 |
As of 16th September, there are 89 afforestation licence applications, 263 private felling applications, and 104 Coillte felling applications in Co. Clare awaiting a decision.
690. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way he plans to deal with the backlog in applications for planting and felling licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44784/21]
View answerI 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 licencing 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, we are about the select a preferred bidder with 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 in the last three weeks licences exceeded expected levels with a total of 392 licences issued. This means that September will be the highest month this year for new licences. In those three weeks a total of 342 felling licences issued, of which 171 were private for over 1million m3 of timber. We anticipate that we will maintain expected levels of output to the end of the year.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsbility for the sector, we recognise that the delivery of afforestation licences needs to improve. We are now putting in place a dedicated team of 10 ecologists who will deal solely with these licences for the forseeable future. This will increase output over the coming weeks. Productivity will depend on the quality of the information provided (e.g. NISs, ecology reports, pre-screening reports and habitat maps) provided.
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.
691. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the locations of all offices and buildings either owned or used by his Department or by public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit which are usually open to the public to access services. [44906/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to offices and buildings in the Department which are usually open to the public to access services is set out below.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves, and I have referred the question to them for direct reply.
Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Government Offices, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise
Farnham Street, Cavan
National Seafood Centre, Clonakilty, Co Cork
Hibernian House, South Mall, Cork
Meeting House Street, Raphoe, Co Donegal
Mellows Agriculture College, Athenry, Co Galway
Government Offices, Tralee, Co Kerry
Poplar House, Naas, Co Kildare
Derryhallagh, Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim
Houston Hall, Raheen Industrial Estate, Limerick
Michael Davitt House, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Government Offices, Athlumney, Navan, Co Meath
Government Offices, Clonminch, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Property Registration Building, Golf Links Road, Roscommon
Government Offices, Davis Street, Tipperary
Government Offices, The Glen, Waterford
Johnstown Castle, Wexford
Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, Wexford.
692. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update regarding Food Vision 2030; if it has been formally adopted as policy; if it is a policy that a planning authority must have regard to under section 34(2)(ia) and or (iv) of the Planning and Development Act 2000; if it automatically supersedes and replaces Food Wise 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44967/21]
View answerThe new stakeholder strategy for the Irish agri-food sector, Food Vision 2030, was launched by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Ministerial colleagues and myself on 3rd August.
Government approved its publication and agreed to express support for the broad policy thrust of the Strategy and, in particular, the vision that Ireland will become a world leader in sustainable food systems. Food Vision provides a framework within which more detailed plans and processes on the wide range of issues facing the sector will be progressed and developed, overseen by an implementation committee. Some 200 actions under 22 goals are proposed, guided by four high-level missions:
1. A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector
2. Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being
3. Food that is safe, nutritious and appealing: trusted and valued at home and abroad
4. An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, driven by Technology and Talent.
A planning authority is not obliged to have direct regard to Food Vision 2030 under section 34(2)(ia) and/or (iv) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
I confirm that Food Vision 2030 supercedes Food Wise 2025.
693. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has deleted text messages or email correspondence related to Government or official communications at any point since January 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45030/21]
View answerI have not deleted text messages or email correspondence related to Government or official communications. All official communications are forwarded to the eCorrespondence system where they are recorded and replied to, if needed.
694. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial supports which might be available to a student who is studying for an agricultural green certificate at a college (details supplied) in circumstances in which a student has been deemed over the income limit for SUSI support. [45059/21]
View answerTeagasc delivers the Green Cert Programme in the Agricultural Colleges and Regional Education Centres on a part-time, distance education and full-time basis.
I understand from Teagasc that it provides a Student Maintenance Grant Scheme to eligible students taking the the full-time Green Cert option in the Agricultural Colleges. The grant is paid through Teagasc and is not processed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) who operate the National Student Grant Scheme in the higher education sector.
The Teagasc Scheme mirrors the National Student Grant Scheme with some exceptions in relation to the calculation of reckonable household income. Further details are available on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/education/going-to-college/student-maintenance-grants/.
The person in question may also wish to contact their local Teagasc education officer for further advice on the Teagasc Student Maintenance Grant Scheme.
695. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons awaiting the introduction of a new retirement scheme for farmers; the details of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45069/21]
View answerThe challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised at national and EU level, with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) citing it as one of its nine key objectives. I believe that supporting young farmers and facilitating generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector. Obviously this also concerns older farmers and while there are a number of supports currently available under the CAP specifically for young farmers, these are complemented by a suite of national taxation measures that assist both younger and older farmers.Regarding any new supports and the development of the new CAP Strategic Plan, this is well underway and a five-week consultation process concluded earlier this month. All of the submissions received are under consideration and will be taken on board in the development of the Plan.
Discussions with key stakeholders will continue through bilateral engagements, and through the CAP Consultative Committee, where all the key stakeholders are represented. It is important that we consider the legitimate concerns of older farmers and the Department and I will continue to engage on this issue.
696. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) with respect to the draft nitrates action programme and in particular the organisation's view that the proposed programme lacks consideration for the weather and the practical application of the proposed measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45097/21]
View answerThe European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 605 of 2017 otherwise now as the Nitrates Regulations are subject to review every 4 years. The current regulations expire at the end of 2021 and a new Nitrates Action Programme must be published at the beginning of 2022 with the revised regulations to remain in place until 2025.
The Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage are the lead Department with respect to these Regulations and work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine.
As part of the review, a public consultation has just concluded and stakeholders were strongly encouraged to contribute. These regulations contain specific measures to protect against nutrient pollution arising from agricultural sources and this review will look at further practical ways that farmers can support this objective.
The closing date for receipt of responses was 20th September 2021. All submissions will be considered as part of the process of reviewing and updating the regulations.
697. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason An Garda Síochána did not utilise the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 in a case (details supplied). [45130/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter, as the details supplied relate to an ongoing investigation by the Department.
698. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the development by his Department of a new strategy to expand afforestation, particularly close to nature forestry and agri-forestry, as outlined in the Programme for Government. [45134/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Project Woodland was launched in February this year, with the objective of reviewing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the forestry licensing system, as well as the creation of a shared national vision for forestry and the development of a new Forest Strategy for the future of forests in Ireland.
It comprises four working groups, each with an independent chair and with members drawn from forestry and eNGO stakeholders on the Forestry Policy Group, and reports to a Project Board. Working Group 2 is tasked with developing the forest strategy and has made detailed recommendations to the Project Board for an effective and inclusive public consultation, which have been approved by the Board and will be undertaken as a matter of priority. I would like to invite everybody with an interest in forestry in Ireland to actively contribute to this consultation process.
Matters, such as the expansion of forestry and supports for close to nature forestry and agroforestry will be discussed as part of this consultation process and the development of the new Forest Strategy, which will be the enabler of the next National Forestry Programme, which is due to commence in 2023. The current National Programme supports agro forestry and continuous cover forestry, details of which are available on:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/73aea-schemes-and-services-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/.
699. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the contribution of his Department to the land use review as outlined in the Programme for Government. [45135/21]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) had long since recognised the importance of land mapping to support better decision making on land use and management practices, therefore a dedicated land use division has been established by DAFM.
DAFM is partnering with several agencies in providing assistance to Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the validation of the National Land Cover mapping project to produce a national land cover map which is currently being developed. This map is a key tool in assessing land use, and forms the basis of the information needed to determine land uses as well as the ability to identify carbon rich soils under agricultural management in Ireland.
Land use is a crucial climate mitigation measure available to Ireland, but there are significant challenges to be overcome to maximise the potential contribution from land use. The Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020) commits to a land use review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant government decisions. The review will include consideration of urban and rural land use, forests and peatlands. The national land use review will also:
- Balance environmental, social, and economic considerations and involve a process of evaluation of the ecological characteristics of the land;
- Gather the data and evidence to report on and determine the environmental, ecological, social and economic characteristics of land cover, land use and land-based activities across Ireland and how they interact and influence each other; and
- Include consideration of emissions to air and water, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation challenges.
The review is being overseen by a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). The steering committee is in place with representatives from DAFM, DECC, EPA, Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and independent nominees.
The review is being carried out in two phases. Phase 1 of the Land Use Review is an evidential review being chaired by the EPA with technical advisors from National Parks and Wildlife services, Teagasc, DAFM, DECC, OSI, DHLGH, Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) and the Heritage Council. Work is already underway with agreed work packages and timelines in place. Phase 1 will form the principal evidence gathering phase of the review to determine the environmental, ecological and economic characteristics of land types across Ireland.
The second phase will build upon the results of the evidential review and consider policies and measures in the context of the Government’s wider economic, social and climate objectives.
700. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps his Department has taken to promote close to nature continuous cover forestry systems as outlined in the Programme for Government. [45136/21]
View answerContinuous Cover Forestry (CCF) is defined as the use of silvicultural systems whereby the forest canopy is maintained at one or more levels without clearfelling. The distinctive element of CCF is the avoidance of clearfelling of areas greater than 0.25 ha or more than two tree heights wide without the retention of some mature trees.
This Close-to-Nature forestry management system has actively been promoted by my Department as part of the implementation of the current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022). Grant funding is available for forest owners who want to apply this system under the Woodland Improvement Scheme 2 (Continuous Cover Forestry). This scheme provides funding for conversion of existing forests to Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) over a 12-year transitional period. Successful applicants are eligible for three WIS payments (€750) for three separate interventions.
Further details are specified in the Scheme document which can be downloaded from my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/d54212-woodland-improvement-scheme/.
701. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown of recipients of the €250,000 recently granted to County Clare under the CLÁR programme. [44547/21]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different Measures for small-scaleinfrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
To date, successful projects under Measures 1 (Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures), Measure 2 (Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities), Measure 3a (Community Gardens and Allotments) and Measure 3b (Mobility and Cancer Care Transport) of the CLÁR 2021 programme have been announced. Successful projects under the Innovation Measure will be announced in due course.
County Clare received 9 projects to the value of over €358,000 broken down by Measure in the following table;
Funding approved for County Clare under CLÁR 2021
|
CLÁR Measure |
Project |
Project Description |
Amount Allocated |
|
1 |
Caherea National School |
Upgrading of footpath, boundary walls & carpark to include extra set down lane. |
€45,000.00 |
|
1 |
Crusheen National School |
New footpath to school with signage and upgrade of road markings. |
€45,000.00 |
|
1 |
Ballynacally Tidy Towns |
New footpaths to connect with existing footpath linking the GAA grounds. |
€27,810.00 |
|
2 |
Kilbaha Playground |
Replacement of playground equipment. |
€44,833.00 |
|
2 |
Tulla Athletics Club |
Install 1500 meter walking trail in surrounding woods, picnic tables and hedgerow planting. |
€43,560.00 |
|
2 |
Fanore National School |
Development of a playground for school and community use. |
€50,000.00 |
|
3a |
Killaloe Community Garden |
Installation of small buildings for gardening and allotments. Security fencing with gates. |
€18,000.00 |
|
3a |
Kilmihil Peoples Park |
Creation of an allotment area in the community park. |
€34,110.00 |
|
3b |
Order of Malta Clare |
Purchase of Vehicle |
€50,000.00 |
|
Total |
€358,313.00 |
702. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount designated to all counties except County Clare under the CLÁR programme in tabular form. [44548/21]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different Measures for small-scaleinfrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
To date, successful projects under Measures 1 (Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures), Measure 2 (Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities), Measure 3a (Community Gardens and Allotments) and Measure 3b (Mobility and Cancer Care Transport) of the CLÁR 2021 programme have been announced. Successful projects under the Innovation Measure will be announced in due course.
A breakdown by County, excluding County Clare, is provided in the following table;
Projects approved under CLÁR 2021 excluding County Clare
|
County |
Total No. of Projects Approved |
Total Amount |
|
Carlow |
2 |
€89,963.00 |
|
Cavan |
8 |
€364,499.64 |
|
Cork |
9 |
€334,033.90 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
€383,470.00 |
|
Galway |
9 |
€381,543.13 |
|
Kerry |
11 |
€399,522.99 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
€57,300.00 |
|
Laois |
4 |
€179,517.19 |
|
Leitrim |
9 |
€336,581.16 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
€140,209.00 |
|
Longford |
10 |
€399,881.54 |
|
Louth |
2 |
€80,000.00 |
|
Mayo |
9 |
€389,059.22 |
|
Meath |
4 |
€202,454.00 |
|
Monaghan |
8 |
€328,622.76 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
€102,679.00 |
|
Roscommon |
8 |
€333,307.00 |
|
Sligo |
8 |
€350,782.00 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
€140,108.00 |
|
Waterford |
6 |
€216,181.80 |
|
Westmeath |
3 |
€114,000.00 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
€82,257.13 |
|
Total |
134 |
€5,405,972.46 |
703. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to increase funding in Budget 2022 for voluntary mental health and suicide prevention charities due to extra demand for such services arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. [44577/21]
View answerThe Government are aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and are committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a number of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
During 2020, the COVID-19 Stability Fund supported close to 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the communities that depend on them. A further allocation of €10m was provided to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on Tuesday 23rd February by the Taoiseach. The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on Thursday 6th May, and was targeted at organisations, who meet the published criteria, and which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. To date 180 organisations have been approved for funding under the 2021 fund and another announcement will be made shortly. A number of mental health and suicide prevention charities were supported through the COVID 19 Stability Fund in 2020 and 2021.
The Stability Fund is now closed. As the country moves to a new phase of living with COVID-19 and restrictions are eased, there are no plans to reopen the Stability Fund. In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
My Department will continue to work with community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises, building on our mission to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.
704. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the proposed works for the Mell Greenway, Drogheda for which Louth County Council received €200,000 through the outdoor recreational scheme in February 2020; if the new resubmitted plans have been approved; if there are timelines for a commencement of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44657/21]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for maintenance and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural Ireland.
Louth County Council were approved for funding of €200,000 under the 2019 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the development and enhancement of the Boyne Greenway. This year they requested permission to revise the scope of the approved works and this amendment has been approved by my Department, subject to a Project Implementation Plan being submitted.
705. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the locations of all offices and buildings either owned or used by her Department or by public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit which are usually open to the public to access services. [44919/21]
View answerMy Department offices are located in Dublin at Trinity Point, 10-11 South Leinster Street, Dublin 2, D02 EF85 and in Ballina at Government Offices, Brook Street, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 E8N6. The offices are not open to the public to access services.
There are four agencies under my Department’s remit: the Western Development Commission; POBAL; Irish Water Safety; and the Charities Regulator. They are independent legal entities responsible for managing their own corporate affairs in compliance with statutory obligations, including observing public health advice and managing their office access levels, that said, they are not usually open to the public.
706. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has deleted text messages or email correspondence related to Government or official communications at any point since January 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45043/21]
View answerIt is not my practice to conduct Government business by text message.
Text messages, however, are used for routine matters such as for office management, scheduling, diary meetings etc.
I am fully aware of my obligations under Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation and I act in accordance with that legislation.
All e-mails in my office are handled in full accordance with FOI requirements.
