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Tuesday, 16 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 669-688

Fishing Industry

Questions (670)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

670. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Irish vessels in the polyvalent, general trawl and seine net segments; and the gross tonnages and kilowatts for the separate categories of vessels of 12 to 18, 18 to 24 and 24 to 40 metres, respectively in tabular form. [55693/21]

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Written answers

In accordance with Fleet Policy Directive 2/2003, as amended by Policy Directives 1/2006, 1/2011 and 2/2011, the Irish Fishing Fleet comprises of the five segments:

- Polyvalent Segment

- Specific Segment

- Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) Pelagic Segment

- Beamer Segment

- Aquaculture Segment

Two of these, the polyvalent and specific segments are further sub-segmented. Information regarding numbers of vessels in each segment and the capacity therein, is also published in the annual report of the Licensing Authority for Fishing Boats. The 2020 Annual report is published online at opac.oireachtas.ie/Data/Library3/Documents%20Laid/2021/pdf/DAFMdocslaid260721_260721_140944.pdf.

The Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 transferred the functions of sea-fishing boat licensing from the Minister to the Licensing Authority for Sea-fishing Boats, which operates on an independent basis subject to criteria set out in that Act and Ministerial Policy Directives. The Licensing Authority is the Registrar General of Fishing Boats, an official of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or, under the superintendence of the Registrar General, the Deputy Registrar General of Fishing Boats.

The Registrar General of Fishing Boats is charged with maintaining a Register of Fishing Boats and with the proper management of the capacity of the Irish fleet. The Registrar General has provided the attached table outlining the total number of vessels in each segment, as well as the Gross Tonnage (GT) and kilowatts (kW) within each segment for each of the requested categories of length specified by the Deputy. It should be noted that this information is specific to the Deputy's question and does not include all vessels in the fishing fleet.

Information about the Irish Fishing Fleet is updated online by the Licensing Authority on a weekly basis at:

www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/5907a-sea-fisheries-administration/#licensing-authority

IrishFishingVessels

Forestry Sector

Questions (671)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

671. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1256 and 1257 of 2 November 2021, the projected number of tree felling licences, afforestation licences, forest road licences, ash dieback RUS applications, woodland improvement applications, native woodland conservation applications, aerial fertilisation licences and continuous cover forestry applications for the private sector his Department is budgeting on processing and deciding upon per licence and scheme type for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55735/21]

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Written answers

It is difficult to predict the number of applications we will receive in terms of licences for felling, afforestation, roads and aerial fertilisation in 2022 or in terms of applications for support schemes. It is the case that we have a backlog of licences to work through and as already advised we are dealing with this through the Project Woodland initiative.

In 2022, it is our intention to improve on this year's target of 4,000 afforestation, felling, roads and aerial fertilisation licences and to put a plan in place to deal with applications for support schemes in a timely manner.

My Department will be producing an updated projection for the issuing of such licences in 2022 by end-2021 for communication to all stakeholders.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (672)

Carol Nolan

Question:

672. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55743/21]

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Written answers

A Basic Payment Scheme application was submitted by the person named on 27th April 2021.

In the course of carrying out the required administrative checks, a parcel claimed on this application was identified as a dual claim with another applicant. Both applicants were notified of this issue and the named applicant has responded declaring his right to claim this parcel. However, the administrative checks in relation are ongoing.

An official from my Department has spoken with the applicant's agent to explain the situation.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (673)

Peter Burke

Question:

673. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will be authorised and paid to a person (details supplied). [55747/21]

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Written answers

The EU Regulations governing the administration of Direct Payments schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases ground inspections, are completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a 2021 ground inspection. While the inspection has been completed, the processing and updating of the ground inspection results are currently being finalised. Payments due under the Basic Payment Scheme and Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme will issue shortly.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (674)

Peter Burke

Question:

674. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for the BEEP scheme by a person (details supplied) can be considered further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55754/21]

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Written answers

The objective of 2021 BEEP-S is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd though improvement in the quantity and quality of performance data that is collected. This is done through the enhancement of the national herd dataset for genetic evaluations, with a view to supporting the adoption of best practice and more informed decision making at farm level. The Programme targets the weaning efficiency of suckler cows and calves through the collection of the live weights of cows and progeny in the herd of each participant; improving the welfare of suckler calves at the time of weaning through vaccination and meal feeding; and controlling liver fluke in adult suckler cows.

The scheme opened on 16th March 2021 and closed without late penalty on 26th April 2021. It remained open, albeit with a late penalty from 27th April 2021 until 21st May 2021.

All dates were clearly set out in the Terms and Conditions, in the Press Releases and in the farming media. A series of texts also issued to herd owners, including the person named, informing them of the deadline for applications for the scheme. The person named did not create or submit an application for the 2021 BEEP S programme.

Correspondence was received from the applicant in August 2021 stating that they thought they had submitted the BEEP-S application on-line. This claim was examined and it was determined no such application had been recorded. The person named was informed of the outcome of the examination and the decision that no application could be lodged at that time.

A request for a review of this decision was received. The review was carried out and a letter issued on the 10th November, 2021 upholding the original decision. This letter also advised the person named of his right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.

Sports Organisations

Questions (675)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

675. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will engage with a community sports group (details supplied); if he will acknowledge and issue a response to the email sent to him in respect of this matter on 13 July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55790/21]

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Written answers

My office has been in direct communications with the group and are awaiting information back from them before matters can be progressed. Once the information is returned a response can issue outlining the outcome.

I am confident that matters will be resolved shortly.

Fishery Harbour Centres

Questions (676)

Joe McHugh

Question:

676. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the income from harbour dues and landings fees for Killybegs Harbour Centre in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55927/21]

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Written answers

Pursuant to the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968, my Department is responsible for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Killybegs, Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, An Daingean and Ros an Mhíl.

All income generated by the Fishery Harbour Centres is lodged into the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund under statute. Charges for the use of facilities and services at each of the Fishery Harbour Centres are levied by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres (Rates & Charges) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 214 of 2012). My Department prepares annual Fishery Harbour Centres Financial Statements which are required to be audited and certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General prior to being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Harbour dues as stated in the Income and Expenditure Account of the Financial Statements are comprised (among other rates and charges) of harbour entry charges for fishing vessels, charges associated with the landing of fish, use of fresh water charge and a charge for the disposal of ship generated waste.

The attached table provides the figures for income attributable to harbour dues from the Income and Expenditure Account of the certified Annual Financial Statements for the years 2016-2019 (inclusive). The income figures are not available on a quarterly basis. The figure provided in respect of 2020 is from the provisional uncertified Financial Statements; the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is currently conducting it's yearly audit of these Financial Statements. The Financial Statements for 2021 will be prepared, audited and certified in 2022.

Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre

Live Exports

Questions (677, 678)

Colm Burke

Question:

677. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position in respect of the recently signed agreement between Ireland and China for the export of live breeding pigs to China; if his Department is in the process of obtaining travel licences for the transport of these live animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55994/21]

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Colm Burke

Question:

678. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a regular review of the agreement between Ireland and China for the export of live breeding pigs to China will be carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55995/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 677 and 678 together.

As the Deputy is aware, I recently signed a protocol outlining the requirements to be met to allow the export of breeding pigs to China. This provides a framework within which private sector businesses can explore business opportunities in China.

The extent and scope of any trade is a matter for private enterprise, subject to compliance with animal health and animal welfare standards and the conditions of the Protocol.

Any live animals transported from Ireland are governed by the requirements of EU legislation. The vast majority of animals exported from Ireland travel to the EU, which is governed by the same animal welfare legislation as Ireland. A relatively small percentage are exported to non-EU countries - the transport of these animals is also subject to the same to EU legislation.

The Department, in cooperation with our EU partners, works closely with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) with a view to improving animal welfare practices worldwide. The OIE is the global standard setting body relating to animal health and animal welfare. It is through this forum that Ireland endeavours to influence standards in non-EU countries.

Ireland has been a member of the OIE European Platform Steering Committee on Animal Welfare since its creation in 2013 and has offered technical inputs for the development of the OIE Platform action plans. To support these activities, Ireland has also provided financial supports in recent years.

All live export shipments from Ireland are conducted in compliance with legislative requirements. All proposed journeys must be notified to the Regional Veterinary Office in advance, and veterinary certification will only be provided where the journey complies with animal transport and animal welfare regulations.

This includes a requirement to notify the Regional Veterinary Office of the outcome of each journey once completed, and the condition of the animals on arrival. The export and the transport of animals from Ireland is continuously monitored.

Live exports play a significant role in stimulating price competition and providing an alternative market outlet for farmers. My Department facilitates this commercial trade, recognising its critical importance to the agri-sector, while ensuring that live animal exports meet the highest welfare standards.

Question No. 678 answered with Question No. 677.

Animal Welfare

Questions (679)

Colm Burke

Question:

679. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place to improve animal welfare legislation and put in place additional protection measures particularly in reference to the control of horses, following a number of incidents in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56043/21]

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Written answers

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 6th March 2014.

I am committed to the continued implementation of the Act which is effective and fit for purpose.

My Department enforces the law in this important area along with An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and authorised officers from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and our courts regularly adjudicate on the issue of unnecessary suffering in cases brought before them.

The Control of Horses Act 1996 provides powers to local authorities enabling them to control stray and wandering horses in their areas. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for each Local Authority, and they have powers under the act to appoint authorised officers within their area.

Efforts to reduce the number of stray horses are paying off. 817 horses were seized nationally in 2020, down significantly from a peak of 4,923 in 2014.

Figures provided by Cork City and County Councils for the same period show a reduction in horse seizures from 263 in 2014 to 47 in 2020.

The Control of Horses Act is currently under review with a view to simplifying and further improving the legislation. Plans are advancing and consultation with Local Authority veterinary officers is ongoing. A broad stakeholder engagement process will follow to facilitate a cohesive national approach in considering and implementing the proposals.

Common Agricultural Policy

Questions (680)

Matt Carthy

Question:

680. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the 60% TAMS rate available to women between the ages of 40 and 55 years available under the proposed CAP Strategic Plan will be available to those without an agricultural qualification if they are already the head of the farm holding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56050/21]

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Written answers

It is proposed under the On-Farm Capital investment scheme under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) that a general grant rate of 40% will be available for eligible investments. It is also proposed in the CSP that eligible female farmers, who meet the eligibility criteria may qualify for grant aid at a rate of 60%. An individual investment ceiling of €90,000 or a ceiling of €160,000 in the case of a partnership application is proposed.

The proposed that eligible female farmers are those:

- Aged between 18 years of age and 55 at any time during the calendar year in which she submits an application for support;

- Meet the conditions for being 'head and having control of the entire holding';

- Meets the requirements for the appropriate training and/or skills required at the time of application.

Female applicants who do not meet the criteria above will remain eligible to submit an application under the On-Farm Capital investment scheme at the standard rate of 40%.

I believe that this measure will act as a catalyst in driving greater levels of farm transfer to daughters or nieces, something we have not seen enough of.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (681)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

681. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a basic payment parcel in respect of a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reinstated in a 2021 basic payment application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56055/21]

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Written answers

An application for participation in the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) scheme was received from the person named on 21st April 2021.

The area claimed on the land parcel in question was greater than the maximum eligible area for this parcel. The photos submitted by the applicant did not provide sufficient information to clarify the position in relation to the maximum eligible area. My Department is arranging for a rapid field visit of the parcel to clarify the position on the ground. This will be done as quickly as possible.

Animal Welfare

Questions (682)

Matt Carthy

Question:

682. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the persons deemed responsible by his Department for maintaining the well-being of the herd and ensuring animal welfare in the event of no keeper being appointed to a herd while succession regarding an estate has yet to be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56068/21]

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Written answers

If a keeper, who is not in the role of ‘Herdowner’ dies, the herdowner is required to nominate a new keeper.

If a keeper, who is in the role of ‘Herdowner’ dies, and legal succession is not established, the role of herdowner can only be assigned when all legal documentation has been provided to my Department.

Under S.I. No. 58 of 2015 Animal Health and Welfare (Bovine Tuberculosis) Regulations 2015, Regulation 3(4) a person who has a beneficial interest in a herd but who is not the keeper may register an interest in the herd in the manner set out by the Minister and shall provide documentary evidence to support the registration of interest when requested.

Therefore, it is open to Personal Representatives to register an interest in the herd by writing to my Department through their solicitor confirming that s/he is acting as representative of the deceased and that Probate or Letters of Administration are being taken out in favour of the applicant and indemnifying my Department against any damages or claims arising from the assignment of the herd-number to their client.

In accordance with Regulation 3(7), where it appears to the Minister that the identity of the herdowner or keeper cannot reasonably be ascertained or the herdowner or keeper is not suitable, the Minister may nominate a natural person to act as keeper of that bovine and the person so nominated shall fulfil the function of a keeper.

In addition, as provided by the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, where an authorised officer has reasonable grounds for believing, for example, that an offence is being or has been committed under the Act, or where there is a risk of disease or a disease is present on any land or premises, the officer may, among other things, seize and detain animals.

Common Agricultural Policy

Questions (683)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

683. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of the €395 million budget which was allocated to TAMS in the last round of CAP which was spent by 31 December 2019 specifically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56160/21]

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Written answers

To date, total expenditure under the seven measures of the TAMS, including transitional expenditure, has reached in excess of €319m with commitments of an additional €140m made to scheme participants who have yet to draw down those grants. A total of some 44,362 applications have been approved under the scheme to date.

Payments of €189.6m were made to scheme participants up to 31st December 2019.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (684)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

684. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason horses which were considered as livestock unit in the previous form of TAMS, the farm improvement scheme and farm modernisation scheme, were no longer considered as a livestock unit under TAMS 2015/2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56161/21]

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Written answers

TAMS is a demand-led scheme which has been amended over the years to widen the support available to farmers. In TAMS, production units may be used in the case of intensive production systems such as Pig, Poultry, or Horticulture enterprises.

As a general rule, eligible farmers with horses, cattle or sheep may apply for TAMS if they meet the requirement of having submitted a BPS application for a minimum area of five hectares. Full details of the suite of seven measures available under TAMS are available on the Department's website.

No final decision has been made in relation to 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 are currently inviting members of the public and stakeholders to make written submissions or observations in respect of the draft CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and associated Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement, further details of which can also be found on my Department's website.

Pesticide Use

Questions (685)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

685. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the safeguards that are in place to protect the public, pets and farm animals from rodenticides; his views on whether the current protections are strong enough; if additional protections will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56168/21]

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Written answers

Rodenticides are used to control rats and mice for a range of important purposes, such as the protection of public health and the protection of food and feed storage areas. Their approval and use are regulated under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR - Regulation (EU) No 528/2012).

The regulatory process is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves Member State competent authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Products are only authorised for necessary purposes, with strict mitigation measures specified where required to protect people and animals from potential risks, such as primary and secondary poisoning.

The risk mitigation measures in place in Ireland include detailed restrictions on baiting, restrictions on use areas, training and certification requirements for particular uses, controls on pack sizes and controls on product formulations, such as a requirement for the inclusion of a bittering agent. The Department also engages actively with relevant stakeholders, via the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use in Ireland (CRRU Ireland), to promote best practice in relation to rodenticide use and to support research in this area.

The active substances in rodenticides and the products containing these substances are subject to periodic review by ECHA and the Member States, with the next review commencing in 2022. Ireland will review rodenticide product authorisations based on the outcomes from this process and will amend risk mitigation measures if necessary, in accordance with ECHA’s scientific opinions, to ensure the highest level of protection for people and animals.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (686)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

686. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2021 GLAS payment will issue to a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56171/21]

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Written answers

A key priority for my Department is the efficient issuing of scheme payments to farmers. I am very pleased that GLAS payments commenced a week ahead of our stated target of mid-November.

Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue.

In this case, an issue arose in relation to the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) preliminary check. My Department is currently working to resolve the issue in the case concerned. GLAS payments are continuing to issue on a weekly basis as applications pass validation checks and are approved for payment.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (687)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

687. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to ensure the full accessibility of remote working hubs to be developed for persons who are blind or vision impaired; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55547/21]

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Written answers

Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and also the potential of remote working hubs as key economic assets for our rural towns and villages. My Department operates a number of funding schemes that focus on projects supporting remote working through the development of hubs, including the development of BCPs as long-term, digitally-enabled community assets.

In May I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. This platform will offer a suite of booking, hub management and e-commerce applications to members of the Network. The Network will also facilitate the sharing of innovation, experience and best practices across the community. These supports will serve to maximise benefit to member hubs, hub clients, employers, local communities and the wider economy.

The National Hub Network Working Group led by my Department has identified and mapped over 450 remote working hubs across the country. These hubs are invited to join the Connected Hubs Network to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits to local communities. To date, approximately 160 hubs have joined the Connected Hubs Network, with this number rising on an ongoing basis.

In March 2021 the National Disability Authority (NDA) published their assessment report for progress made on actions under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021 for 2020. The report emphasises the importance of persons with disabilities being considered as part of any recovery from the current crisis. The National Connected Hubs network is a key part of our plans to make remote working a reality for thousands of people post Covid-19. In July this year, through the Connected Hubs funding stream, I awarded close to €9 million in funding to over 100 successful applicants. This funding supports the addition of capacity to existing remote working infrastructure in digital hubs and broadband connection points throughout the country. Disability access upgrades were explicitly included as one of the eligible criteria under my Department’s Connected Hubs 2021 call.

The development of a national hubs network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery. The National Hub Network Working Group will explore all opportunities for further development of the Connected Hubs Network, including the ongoing provision of funding for disability facilities.

Community Development Projects

Questions (688, 689)

Patrick Costello

Question:

688. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when her Department expects to conclude work on restructuring the Community Services Programme in line with the recommendations from the 2020 report carried out for her Department by a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55676/21]

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Patrick Costello

Question:

689. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the expression of interest process for the Community Services Programme is expected to reopen. [55677/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 688 and 689 together.

My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 420 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model.

In 2020, an independent review of the Community Services Programme was undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants, on behalf of my Department. The final report was published on 30 September 2020 and was accompanied by a High Level Action Plan outlining the timeline for the phased implementation for the restructuring of the programme.

My Department and Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of my Department, are currently working on the restructuring of the programme in conjunction with a Consultative Group, whose membership is secured from key sectoral stakeholders including CSP supported organisations, national organisations, community representatives and social enterprise representatives.

It was initially anticipated that the work on the restructuring of the programme would have completed by the end of 2021/early 2022. However, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, my Department was required to refocus its priorities in order to develop a number of support schemes for community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises, including the CSP Support Fund and the Stability Fund, to help organisations who required additional assistance during the crisis period.

However, work is continuing on the restructuring of the new programme since the roll out of these schemes, with the next meeting of the Consultative Group scheduled for 23rd November. In addition, CSP supported organisations are being granted an extension up to 31 December 2022, to allow for the restructuring of the programme to be completed during next year.

Pending the transition to the new restructured programme, the scheme is closed to new applications through the expression of interest process. However, there are a number of organisations with plans currently under consideration, and if approved, they will be supported under the programme from January to April 2022 onwards. In addition, it is anticipated that the Programme will open calls to address identified gaps in service delivery in 2022.

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