Written Answers Nos. 403-412
403. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will include the equine sector in future TAMS on farm investment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13651/22]
View answerThere are a wide variety of items available under the suite of seven measures under TAMS II. Grant aid is currently available for horse stocks under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme and the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme.
To date, total expenditure under the seven measures of the TAMS, including transitional expenditure, has reached in excess of €344m with commitments of an additional €126m made to scheme participants who have yet to draw down those grants.
Some 48,538 applications have been approved under the scheme. All outstanding approvals issued represent potential outstanding liabilities for the Department and we must have a budget in place to pay these claims. .
Specific investments have not yet been finalised in relation to the interventions to be included in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP)(2023-2027). The Capital Investment Scheme (CIS), as is the case with all proposals under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), is subject to the formal approval of the European Commission.
404. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if forestry approval was granted for lands planted at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13654/22]
View answerTechnical approval for the afforestation of 2.14 hectares of land at the location in question was granted by my Department on 1st September 2017.
405. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current status of the grant already sanctioned to refurbish the Kilkenny dog track arising from the sale of Harold's Cross stadium and the timeline for the payment of the grant. [13673/22]
View answerRásaíocht 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.
RCÉ made an application to my Department for approval of a grant of €1m towards the redevelopment of Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium. This application is currently being considered by officials from my Department in the context of RCÉ's operations as a whole.
406. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an application for a forestry licence by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13698/22]
View answerAn application for the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme and an afforestation licence was submitted on behalf of the person named in July 2021. The application is currently undergoing assessment by a Departmental ecologist who will prepare an Appropriate Assessment Report. This application will then be opened for a mandatory 30-day public consultation. Providing nothing further arises from either the assessment or the public consultation, I would expect a decision to issue in two to three months.
407. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to maintain and develop food security in Ireland given the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on European food supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13713/22]
View answer408. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the response of his Department to the Ukrainian war crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13717/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
I welcome the strong solidarity with Ukraine shown by Ireland, and indeed the whole of the EU, in the face of its illegal invasion by Russia.
As well as the excellent support being shown by individuals, Ireland has contributed some €20 million in humanitarian assistance bilaterally and via the EU. In addition, my Department provides flexible funding of €25 million a year to the UN World Food Programme, who are currently mobilising their operations in response to the situation in Ukraine.As well as the immediate humanitarian crisis, which must take priority, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure that food security is maintained, for EU citizens, for the Ukrainian people and in the wider global context.I will continue to work with colleagues across Government on inflationary pressures on inputs. At farm level, the crisis is already impacting very significantly on the price of animal feed, fertiliser and fuel.
Considerable volumes of both global feed and fertiliser originate and are traded through Ukraine and Russia. In addition, the food industry largely relies on natural gas for its energy supply, so costs will escalate and increases in consumer prices are likely.
At an emergency Agriculture Council on 2nd March, I joined colleagues from across the EU in highlighting concerns about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, food security across Europe, and the availability and price of animal feed and fertilisers. I welcomed Agriculture Commissioner Wojciechowski’s assurance that the European Commission stands ready to make support measures available as required. I look forward to the Commission’s detailed proposals in this regard, which are expected shortly.
I am meeting and engaging with stakeholders across the sector on an ongoing basis to discuss the impact on Irish agriculture and supply chains. I met with the main farm organisations this week and outlined the challenge that faces farmers in the short and long-term. Arising from that meeting, I have tasked Teagasc with heading up a National Fodder and Food Security Committee to explore all options to minimise the impact on farms and plan in the short to medium term.
We must take proactive steps to limit any potential disruption to our feed and food supply chains. I know farmers will rise to the challenge and meet it head on. By working collectively and collaboratively, we can ensure that the sector is insulated against the worst of what might come from supply chain disruptions.
409. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment for participation in the REAP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13749/22]
View answerThe person named was approved into the Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot Project (REAP). The REAP contract for the person named was selected for inspection.
To ensure the participant's costs are covered the participation element of the REAP payment will issue shortly. The environmental element of the payment will be determined by the field score submitted by the advisor and the results of the inspection findings and will issue once the outcome of this inspection is finalised.
410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the agricultural research station at Backweston, Leixlip, County Kildare can be an influential part in the proposal to extend acreage of grain growing in Ireland in the course of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13801/22]
View answerMy Department's Varietal Testing Centre located at Backweston, Leixlip comprises an area of just over 102 hectares on the Kildare-Dublin border and is one of 5 farms/centres involved in crop variety trials operated by my Department throughout the country.
The primary role of this facility is to provide crop breeders and their agents with a national system of plant variety evaluation as required under EU Legislation. This is an essential function in ensuring that only the most suitable varieties are listed in the National Catalogue and Recommended Lists of varieties to provide guidance to farmers on the best available varieties to grow under Irish conditions. Each year approximately 400 agricultural crop varieties of grasses, clovers, cereals, maize, oilseed rape, field beans and potatoes are evaluated in Department field trials. This is an invaluable service in support of the Irish tillage sector.
In addition, the various seed certification schemes are operated from the centre at Backweston. These Schemes are part of an EU-wide quality assurance system whereby seed intended for marketing is subject to official control and inspection to ensure minimum standards throughout the EU. Under the scheme, seed is certified to meet minimum purity and quality standards ensuring the supply of high-quality seed to farmers and other growers.
Seed quality is most important in crop production, as high-quality seed is essential for good crop yields and quality and minimises the likelihood of crop failure. Ireland operates a higher voluntary standard in agreement with the Industry thereby ensuring the highest possible standard for seed certified in this country. This service to tillage farmers provides an important assurance to growers that the seed they sow is of the highest possible standard.
411. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of external consultant's reports commissioned by her Department in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date of the report in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13568/22]
View answerThe table here provides the information requested by the Deputy.
|
External Consultancy Firm |
Title of the report |
Reason for Report |
Cost |
Completion/Publication date of the report |
|
Maynooth University. |
CLÁR Programme Review |
CLÁR Programme Review - Research Contract Agreement with Maynooth University. In 2020 the Department engaged NUI Maynooth to undertake a review of the CLÁR Programme area designations. |
€20,086 |
Completed in 2020, not yet published. |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Public Participation Networks, User Handbook |
The National PPN Advisory Group, a stakeholder group charged with advising the Department on matters relating to the PPNs, recommended a review of the User Guide. The guide was renamed to the PPN Handbook following consultation with the Advisory Group. |
€12,000 |
19/11/2020 |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Development of 2018 Annual Report of PPNs |
Independent compilation of reporting template for PPNs based on observations from PPN stakeholders. Compilation of report based on responses returned by all PPNs. |
€9,600 |
30 /9/2019 |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Development of 2019 Annual Report of PPNs |
Independent compilation of reporting template for PPNs based on observations from PPN stakeholders. Compilation of report based on responses returned by all PPNs. |
€10,000 |
19/11/2020 |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Development of 2020 Annual Report of PPNs |
Independent compilation of reporting template for PPNs based on observations from PPN stakeholders. Compilation of report based on responses returned by all PPNs. |
€10,000 |
23/12/ 2021 |
|
Mazars |
PPN structural review |
An independent review was regarded as timely given the length of time since PPNs’ establishment. Furthermore, the Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment to “carry out a comprehensive review of PPNs and LECPs to ensure they are fit for purpose for climate action and community development.” |
€74,000 |
Q2 2022 (estimated) |
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Review of the Community Services Programme |
Following transfer of responsibility for CSP from then DEASP to DRCD, it was decided to review the programme to ensure that it more closely aligns with the Department’s and Government policy and is better placed to meet community needs. |
€112,422 |
30/9/2020 |
|
Indecon |
The Landscape of Philanthropic Giving in Ireland. |
To conduct an independent scoping of the current landscape of philanthropic- giving to provide an overarching view of the sector, thus enabling a targeted and effective policy for the future development of philanthropy. |
€80,000 |
26/11/2021 |
|
RPS |
Guidance document relating to the rollout of the National Broadband |
Development of guidance document and related training programme for local authorities and industry relating to appropriate environmental assessment of telecommunications infrastructure primarily relating to the rollout of the National Broadband Plan. |
€83,537 |
Guidance Document completed in 2020 for Local Authorities. |
|
Future Analytics |
Feasibility study RE Digiwest network of rural digital working hubs throughout the AEC region |
Carry out a feasibility study to determine the benefits of further expansion of the Digiwest network of rural digital working hubs to include a number of Digilabs throughout the AEC region for the advancement of targeted research and development, commercial innovation and enterprise development. |
€19,919. |
Completed 2020 not yet published. |
|
Doonane Construction Services Ltd |
Cost report on works re LEADER Project Claim. |
Cost report on works completed on LEADER Project Claim. (Confidential not published) |
€1,476 |
14/12/ 2020 |
|
DELOITTE IRELAND LLP |
Dormant accounts fund review report? |
Dormant accounts fund review |
€119,458 |
18/12/2019 |
|
Space Engagers |
The Town Centre Living Initiative Six Pilot Towns: Synthesis Report |
Services to deliver a Wrap-up Report for the Town Centre Living Initiative |
€12,880 |
22 /6/2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland |
Review of the Delivery, Funding and Strategic Development of the Walks Scheme |
Services to conduct a review of the Walks Scheme |
€66,545 |
29/09/2021 |
|
Venture International Limited |
Review of the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) Scheme |
Services to Conduct a Review of the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) Scheme |
€41,350 |
Completed 10 December 2021. Not Published to date. |
|
Venture International Limited |
Independent Review of LEADER Delivery Models for the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme |
The overall aim of the review exercise is to gauge the effectiveness of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme and explore how the delivery mechanisms for LEADER 2023-2027 programme could be implemented, building upon the partnership approach adopted in the 2014-2020 programme, while having regard to the PfG Commitments and the locally led partnership approach, together with EU regulatory requirements |
€21,817 |
3/3/2022 |
|
William Parnell and Ciaran Lynch |
Developing an Effective Rural Proofing Model For Ireland |
A research and consultancy project to provide analysis and recommendations relating to the development of an effective rural proofing model for Government. |
€5,000 |
Q2 2022 (estimated) |
|
Acrux Consulting |
Investigation for confidential HR staff case |
External workplace investigation report( not published confidential) |
€12,984 |
31/3/2020 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Building Forward |
To develop a new People Strategy and Team Leadership Training Programme |
€103,960(estimate) |
Q2 2022 (estimated) |
412. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason that an application for CLÁR funding was denied to a board (details supplied); the conditions the board will have to comply with to enable it to receive CLÁR funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13574/22]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
Funding is provided through the CLÁR programme to projects that are physically located within a designated CLÁR area. Maps of designated areas are published at www.gov.ie/en/collection/ab7580-clar-funding-area-maps/.
I understand that the project referred to by the Deputy is not located within a designated CLÁR area and is therefore not eligible for funding under the programme.
