Tuesday, 15 Feb 2022

Written Answers Nos. 926-942

Primary Medical Certificates

Questions (926)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

926. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when the case of a person (details supplied) will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (927)

Richard Bruton

Question:

927. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty in getting a general practitioner to accept new clients in some parts of the country; and if he will establish a system for ensuring cover for such persons who have been declined by their local services given it is essential for public health that there is universal access to a general practitioner for families whether eligible for GMS services or not. [8451/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

GPs are private contractors, most of whom hold contracts with the HSE for the provision of medical services such as contracts under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme for the provision of medical services without charge to patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Under the terms of the GMS contract, the HSE National Medical Card Unit has the power to assign a medical card or GP visit card holder to a GP's GMS patient list where that person is unable to find a GP to accept him/her as a patient.

People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. The HSE has no role in assigning private patients to a GP practice.

The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.

These measures include an increase in investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023 under the terms of the 2019 GMS GP Agreement. The Agreement provides for increased support for GPs working in rural practices and for those working in disadvantaged urban areas, and for improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements. In addition, the number of GPs entering training has been increased steadily over the past number of years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021. 

These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.

Question No. 928 answered with Question No. 707.

Health Services

Questions (929)

Seán Crowe

Question:

929. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if a recent examination has been undertaken of the drug and alcohol task forces’ catchment areas with a view to the changing needs for resources and funding; if so, when it was undertaken; and the details of same. [8457/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Drug and alcohol task forces have a key role in coordinating inter-agency action and supporting evidence-informed approaches to substance use. The network of 24 task forces receives €29 million in annual funding from the Department of Health and the HSE. It is recognised that there significant inequities in the allocation of this funding between task forces due to their historical boundaries.

I recently announced a €2 million community services enhancement fund to enhance community-based drug and alcohol services. The aim of the fund is to enhance access to and delivery of drug and alcohol services in the community, which is a strategic priority for the national drugs strategy 2021-2025.

I have allocated between €200,000 and €240,000 per annum to the nine community healthcare organisations (CHOs), who will commission community-based drug and alcohol services based on an assessment of population needs in each CHO.

- CHOs 2, 3, 5 & 6 will each receive €200,000

- CHOs 1, 4, 7, 8 & 9 will each receive €240,000

- CHO 1 & 8 will ring-fence €80,000 from their respective allocations for the northeast region (€160,000 in total), to support the implementation of the Drogheda report.

The funding will be allocated on three-year cycle, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation, to ensure that services are effective in addressing the needs of people who use drugs and alcohol.

Twenty-five percent of the funding allocations is ring-fenced to increase access to and the provision of drug and alcohol services for women, ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community.

By profiling the drug and alcohol needs of the population across the CHO, not just in pre-defined geographical areas, it will enable the development of new services and the measurement of their impact over time. Already, we are seeing new drug & alcohol needs emerge, whether in the night-time economy, among young people, in disadvantaged communities or polydrug use.

The development of population-based resource allocation will ensure funding is allocated on an equitable and rational basis in accordance with health and social needs. It also supports the emphasis on enhanced community care in the Sláintecare reform programme, that shifts care into the community and closer to people’s homes. By integrating drug and alcohol services as part of primary care, the diverse health needs of people who use drugs can be met and the stigma of drug and alcohol use can be reduced. This is practical step in strengthening the health-led response to drug and alcohol use.

I believe that the national network of 24 drug and alcohol task forces have a central role to play in identifying population needs and commissioning new services under the new community services enhancement fund. Task forces are based on an inter-agency partnership which is at the heart of the national drugs strategy and are well placed to support evidence-based interventions. I also want to involve people with lived experience of drug use in the design and delivery of the new services.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (930)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

930. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a GLAS payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7428/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

All payments under the GLAS scheme are currently up to date in this case.

Fishing Industry

Questions (931)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

931. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts that have been made to resolve an issue for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7444/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I assume the Deputy is referring the unfortunate situation this person finds himself in due to his purchase of an unstable fishing vessel in the Netherlands in 2007. The situation that arose relates to a private commercial transaction between two contracting parties to purchase a vessel. The responsibility for ensuring the authenticity of the details, specifications and stability of the vessel being purchased rested with the purchaser.

The core issue here relates to the safety and safety certification of the vessel purchased by this person. The safety of fishing vessels and safety certification, including matters relating to stability, is the responsibility of the Department of Transport. My Department has no function in relation to the safety certification of fishing vessels or matters arising in relation to their stability.

When the matter was raised with me by this person at a virtual Townhall Meeting last year, I agreed to have a one to one telephone conversation in the context of my legislative remit. This telephone conversation took place on Friday 16th July.

Regarding EU funds, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme is the principal source of development funding for our seafood sector. The Programme is implemented under the provisions of the EMFF Regulation (508/2014) which specifies to what purposes funds can be granted. There is no particular provision of the EMFF Regulation that would facilitate an ex-gratia payment to compensate a fishing vessel owner as a consequence of a flaw in his fishing vessel. Furthermore, it is not possible to provide a grant for the decommissioning of the vessel concerned, as under the terms of the EMFF Regulation, decommissioning is not permitted after 31 December 2018. The new EU Regulation establishing a European Maritime, Fisheries & Aquaculture Fund for the 2021-27 period entered into force on 7th July 2021 and while the Regulation permits decommissioning in the future, it may only be implemented for very specific purposes concerned with addressing an identified imbalance in a particular fleet segment and only for active fishing vessels.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (932)

Paul Murphy

Question:

932. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the incidents and injuries which caused racing fatalities at greyhound tracks in 2021; if post-mortems were carried out on the dead dogs; and if he will consider a ban on greyhound racing given the growing number of injuries and deaths at tracks, including 351 injuries and 154 deaths in 2021. [7477/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) has informed this Department that in 2021, 1,388 race meetings took place at the 14 RCÉ licensed greyhound stadia nationwide with 15,532 races. There was a total of 91,949 starters at these race meetings, with 351 (0.38%) reported injuries by the veterinary surgeons present at each race meeting. There was a total of 154 greyhounds (0.17%) put to sleep or fatally injured during this period.

Regarding the details of the incidents and injuries requested, a summary of reported injuries is attached (Appendix 1). The report displays date of injury, track where the injury occurred, nature of injury and veterinary action taken.

The names of greyhounds are not disclosed as they constitute personal data (related to greyhound owners) as defined by Article 4 (1) of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679.

In April 2021, Rásaíocht Con Éireann introduced a policy that provided that in the event of the unexplained death of a greyhound, whilst competing or having competed in an event at a licensed stadium, that a detailed post-mortem is carried out in accordance with best practice. The purpose of the policy is to establish, where possible, the reason(s) for the sudden unexplained death during or after a race event. In 2021, 4 post mortem examinations were carried out.

This Department has received assurances that RCÉ remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the Greyhound Industry and to the promotion of welfare. I do not intend to consider a ban on greyhound racing.

Injuries Appendix 1

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (933)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

933. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department will take to assist farmers with soaring costs in fuel, electricity and concentrates. [7489/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am acutely aware of the impact rising input costs has on farmers, their families and businesses.

There are a number of factors at play in the market, including energy prices, which remain well above January 2021 levels. This rise in energy costs is impacting across electricity, fuel and other farm inputs. The significant increase in both feed (concentrates) and fertiliser prices is directly linked to energy prices.

There are also other factors impacting costs for our farmers, including increased transport costs, increased global demand particularly from the big grain-producing countries and EU-imposed tariffs and duties on certain Third Country imports.

I have been following the rising fertiliser price issue closely for the past number of months. In October 2021, I tasked Teagasc with laying out a credible roadmap to assist farmers in the short-term, as well as offering a long-term solution in the move to reduce dependency on chemical fertiliser. I launched the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign at Teagasc Ballyhaise on the 26th January. This roadmap can be good for the environment and good for the farmer's pocket.

Teagasc has put together a comprehensive information pack for farmers and their advisers - through a compendium of 20 factsheets - to optimise the use of plant nutrients and to help farmers address the challenge of maintaining their farm outputs in the face of rising fertiliser costs and reduced availability. This is a strategy that can ease the price pressure on farmers. It is a strategy that will be good for the environment and good for the pocket.

I have raised this issue a number of times at European level too. At the November Agriculture and Fisheries Council, I raised the increasing challenge faced by farmers due to the rising costs of inputs. I called on the EU Commission to seriously consider all options to ease the pressure on farmers at this time, including the question of whether the imposition of anti-dumping duties on fertiliser imports continues to be appropriate and for this matter to be examined as a priority.

In the meantime, Teagasc will continue to work with farmers through the Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser campaign to help farmers to adapt to the current fertiliser market and support them to make informed decisions on what is best for them and their farms.

In addition, a new €1 million initiative by my Department will support the planting of multi-species swards in order to reduce dependence on fertilisers. A pilot Soil Sampling Programme has also been introduced, which will provide farmers with comprehensive details of the soil health and soil condition of their farm.

I will continue to monitor the situation very closely and I am engaging with farmers and their representative bodies on an ongoing basis on this matter.

Common Agricultural Policy

Questions (934)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

934. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions he and his European counterparts are having regarding CAP rates given the difficult financial year farmers are having and in view of the 25% reduction in the single farm payment. [7490/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Deputy will be aware that my Department submitted Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027 to the European Commission at the end of December 2021. The indicative financial allocation for the Plan over its five years is more than €9.8 billion, with a significant increase in the National co-funding rate from approximately 47% under the previous Rural Development Programme to almost 60% in the period from 2023 to 2027. Proposed rates of payment across the various measures are set out in the draft Plan.

The Plan will have a strong focus on the environment and sustainable production, in line with EU and National obligations on climate change, biodiversity and water quality. In this regard, 25% of direct payments will be used to fund the new Eco-scheme, and I have made a broad range of agricultural practices available in order to ensure that all farmers will be able to participate in this scheme.

I am also conscious of the impact on farmers of recent increases in input costs, and of the current particular difficulties being encountered in the pigmeat market. I discuss market developments regularly with my European counterparts at AgriFish Council of Ministers, and have recently called both for European measures to support pig producers, and for the Commission to consider the removal of anti-dumping duties from fertiliser imports in order to alleviate input cost pressures.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (935)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

935. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports that will be put in place to assist farmers with the challenges they will face in meeting the objectives of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021. [7491/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In November 2021, the Climate Action Plan was published, setting out an ambitious reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for the agriculture sector of 22-30% by 2030 when compared with a 2018 baseline. The achievement of this target will take a whole of government, whole of sector approach.

The recently submitted Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic programme (CSP) contains a number of measures that will support a transition to a more sustainable agriculture sector. A significantly updated Organic Farming scheme recently opened and this will be a key pillar of the new CSP. The CSP places significant emphasis on measures that will maintain grass productivity with reduced levels of chemical fertiliser use. These measures include an increased use of lime on farms, the use of clover and other multispecies swards and a greater uptake of low emission slurry spreading technology. Farmers will be supported in all of these important areas. In addition, a new suckler carbon efficiency scheme in the CSP will support the beef sector as it transitions to a model where animals are finished earlier, thus reducing lifetime methane levels.

My Department is also exploring the issue of carbon farming and the possibility of bringing an additional income stream into the sector. I am watching developments at the EU level closely as they develop their regulatory framework.

I have repeatedly indicated that the CSP and the associated public supports cannot drive all the necessary change. As indicated, a whole of sector approach is needed and industry will also play an important role in driving change at farm level. We have already seen the success of bonus milk payments for farmers adopting certain biodiversity measures on the farms. By working together, I remain confident in the sector's ability to achieve its climate targets without compromising food production.

Live Exports

Questions (936)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

936. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will incentivise farmers to consider live exports. [7492/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

This Government supports the live export of animals as it plays an important part in competition in the market-place for cattle in particular. In that context, however, government demands that the highest welfare standards apply.

I am committed to supporting the sustainable development of all farming sectors and ensuring there are a range of supports in place to do this. These supports are put in place with the aim of supporting the income of farming families and driving the sustainable development of the sector to ensure it`s long term ability to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly competitive global market. The cornerstone of this support is the basic payment under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Ireland's CAP strategic plan was submitted for approval to the European Commission on 31 December 2021 with a view to commencing delivery in 2023. My Department further supports livestock farm businesses through market access initiatives, the application of official controls and other activities such as in relation to animal health surveillance and supports for disease eradication and control programmes.

The trade in animals is a matter for private actors.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (937)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

937. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase the amount paid to applicants with regard to the targeted agricultural modernisation schemes grant to reflect the current increase in building costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7520/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The reference costs of the individual investment items available under the TAMS schemes are kept under continuous review during the lifetime of the scheme. Revised costings were introduced for investments twice since the opening of the scheme, in September 2018 and again in July 2021.

The costings revised with effect from 24th July 2021 applied to Tranches 23, 24 and 25. Tranche 25 is currently open for applications until 8th April 2022.

The reference costs under TAMS II are currently being reviewed again by my Department. Any changes identified will be considered once this review is completed. As was the case when reference costs were previously revised, the changes to the reference costs will apply to applications submitted on or after the date of introduction. I would also like to point out that it is open to applicants to withdraw an existing application and submit a new application should they wish to do so.

Forestry Sector

Questions (938)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

938. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated number of forestry licences required by the forestry industry for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7571/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and this was the starting point for developing a more ambitious plan for 2022.

This plan for 5,250 licences in 2022 represents an overall increase in licensing of 30%. It provides for a 100% increase in output for afforestation licences. In addition the overall number of licences in respect of private felling, roads and afforestation will be increased year on year by 48%, while Coillte felling licences will maintain the level they achieved in 2021.

In terms of felling, in 2021 2,877 tree felling licences were issued for approx. 8.5 million cubic metres. On foot of this I understand that the sawmills had a good year in 2021. As regards the coming year, Coillte had their contract event on 17th November, with sawmills receiving 50% of their supply of Coillte generated logs for 2022. In addition to this, sawmills are taking in a steady supply of logs from private felling sites.

Critically, the volume of felling licences issued has stabilised the market in this regard. Our plans to maintain the number of felling licences issued to Coillte and to increase the number of private felling licences in 2022 will, I believe, meet the needs of the sector and will exceed the projections of the COFORD All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast.

As regards afforestation improving licensing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation and that is why we have a target of 1,040 afforestation licences for 2022. We are fully committed to increasing the efficiency of the licensing system and work underway under Project Woodland in terms of the review of the regulatory framework and of our business processes is aimed at helping us to achieve better and more responsive delivery.

The conversion rate from licensing to planting, at about 64%, is low. This means that at present, a disproportionate amount of processing effort both by the Department and forestry companies is wasted. We need to change that and get much better at communicating the benefits of forestry to those we are trying to encourage to plant trees. On most farms, planting can comfortably co-exist with livestock enterprises and can significantly increase the net income from the holding. Farmers who plant trees on a portion of their lands, can continue to engage in their traditional farm enterprises. They can also continue to receive their Basic Payment on planted lands, and will receive grants to cover establishment costs, generous premia over 15 years and substantial tax free income at thinning and harvesting time. We must work together to communicate this positive message consistently.

Forestry Sector

Questions (939)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

939. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares of afforestation applied for in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7572/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department makes available various forestry statistics on its website, particularly the Forestry Divisional Monthly Reports, which may be found here gov.ie - Forest Statistics and Mapping (www.gov.ie). Those reports show that applications for 4,606ha of afforestation were received in 2021.

I am more than aware that this falls short of the target set out in the Climate Action Plan of 8,000 hectares which is a priority for me and my Department. I fully recognise the need to engage farmers and landowners with forestry to achieve this.

Improving licensing output has a role to play in building confidence amongst farmer and landowners, and in increasing the demand for licences for afforestation and that is why we have a target of 1,040 afforestation licences for 2022.

We are fully committed to increasing the efficiency of the licensing system and work underway under Project Woodland in terms of the review of the regulatory framework and of our business processes is aimed at helping us to achieve better and more responsive delivery.

We do, however, need to address the broader issue of increasing the level of interest in planting. In 2021, for example, there were 526 afforestation licences issued. Those licences would have facilitated planting of over 4,606 ha but only 2016 hectares were planted in 2021. This low conversion rate to planting is of concern and needs to change. We are this week writing to applicants with unused licences to remind them that their licence is still valid and to encourage them to consider using them before their approval lapses. It is important that positive messages around planting are communicated and this is the responsibility of all in the sector, especially those in direct contact with farmers and landowners.

The introduction of an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 to facilitate small scale tree planting without the need for a licence may appeal to certain landowners and will widen the options available for planting.

In addition to the above, through Project Woodland my Department is currently preparing for comprehensive engagement and public consultation that will take place over the next three months on a shared national vision for the role of trees and forests and on the development of a new forest strategy. Significant progress has already been made. A national public attitudes survey on afforestation has been undertaken.

Irish Rural Link has been engaging with communities across Ireland. Bilateral engagements are ongoing with key stakeholders. In the coming months there will also be an online public consultation facility available where stakeholders and the public can provide detailed written submissions regarding the new Vision and Forest Strategy.

The new Forest Strategy will set out a clear plan of action that will align with our climate action commitments. The next Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027 is currently being prepared and this will be the main implementation vehicle for the strategy. The role of trees and forests will play a vital role in meeting our climate action commitments and the Forestry Programme will provide funding to encourage an increased uptake of a wide range of afforestation measures to meet this.

Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we are committed to delivering a forestry sector that will benefit farmers, the environment and the economy.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (940)

Richard Bruton

Question:

940. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the Howth harbour project; and the progress that will be delivered in 2022. [7599/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.

Funding is made available on an annual basis by the Department to the FHCs via the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. A phased programme for the infrastructural development of Howth FHC has progressed over the last number of years, having seen approximately €20m invested in capital developments between 2012 and 2021.

Furthermore, €6.025m has been allocated for capital works in the harbour this year. Further information on this year's Programme is available online at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3030f-minister-mcconalogue-to-invest-35-million-during-2022-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/.

The Middle Pier Berthing Face project is in the final phase of construction works and is expected to be substantially complete by Q2 2022, weather permitting. This project entails the construction of a 134 metre middle pier in the centre of the harbour.

Regarding future development works, my Department is progressing a project to undertake harbour dredging works to provide better water access to the fishing, leisure, and RNLI craft using the harbour. It is proposed to reuse the material to create an area for public realm on the west side of the West Pier. In that regard a planning application was lodged with Fingal County Council in July 2021, after my Department undertook a public consultation where comments and submissions were sought from the wider public, harbour users, tenants and businesses. A request for further information was received from the Council which my Department is currently working on responding to. The project will also require an EPA environmental permit for harbour dredging and reclamation works. Such permits can only be applied for with valid planning permission.

As is the case with all developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres, any future decision regarding development works in Howth FHC will only be considered on the basis of available exchequer funding and competing national priorities and must follow the necessary public procurement guidelines.

Forestry Sector

Questions (941)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

941. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the licensing targets for private felling licences for 2022 are sufficient to mobilise the forecasted volume available in 2022 as indicated in a forecast by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7606/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine publishes extensive information on forestry licence and other forestry-related statistics on its website, including the weekly Forestry Dashboard. In the last five years, over 14,000 tree felling licences have issued.

The Department commenced compiling its own timber volume data for issued tree felling licences in 2020, when the 1,700 felling licences issued covered a volume of just over five million cubic metres. In 2021, 2,877 tree felling licences were issued for approx. 8.5 million cubic metres. This exceeds the projections in the COFORD All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast.

The Forestry Licensing Plan for 2022 envisages that a 35% increase in private tree felling licences issued. Based on the volume represented by the licences issued in 2021, it is expected that the volume licensed in 2022 will exceed the projections of the COFORD All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast.

I understand the sawmills had a good year in 2021. Coillte had their contract event on 17th November, with sawmills receiving 50% of their supply of Coillte generated logs for 2022. In addition to this, sawmills are taking in a steady supply of logs from private felling sites. Critically, the volume of felling licences issued has stabilised the market in this regard.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) compiles data on actual volumes of timber harvested. An average of 3.85 million cubic metres of timber was harvested in 2017 to 2020. Figures for 2021 are not yet available.

Forestry Sector

Questions (942)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

942. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if expenditure matched, exceeded or did not achieve planned phased monthly expenditure in the Forestry Service for January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7607/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The budget allocation for Forestry for 2022 is €100,081,000. This provides for new planting, the serving of existing afforestation contracts, and payments in relation to forestry support schemes and forestry related activities.

Some €33,123,573 of the Forestry budget was spent in January, and this is just over the profiled amount of €33,103,100. The remainder of the budget has been apportioned to meet anticipated budgetary needs during the year and will be closely monitored.