Written Answers Nos. 1924-1943
1924. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce a silage conservation support for farmers to address the costs of fertiliser and fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20788/22]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that I met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on 8th March 2022 to discuss the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on Irish agriculture and supply chains.
At that meeting, I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
Following the first meeting of this Committee, Teagasc issued advice to farmers on how to manage their farms during the current grass growing season with a view to securing sufficient fodder for next winter. The advice includes applying sufficient fertiliser on grassland and crops, on the basis of a fodder budget for winter 2022, ensuring that sufficient fodder is conserved.
I acknowledge that fertiliser has reached record price levels. However, in conjunction with good grassland management, sensible use of fertiliser represents the best way of securing fodder for next winter. In addition, the price of grain has risen in line with fertiliser prices, so relying entirely on imported concentrates is not a reliable alternative to securing home grown fodder.
As the Deputy may be aware, I announced a Targeted Intervention Package on 22nd March 2022 framed around three pillars to support Irish farming families arising both from events in Ukraine and wider global price volatility. The total package is projected to cost in the region of €12.2 million. The package seeks to incentivise the planting of additional tillage crops through the Tillage Incentive Scheme and introduces supports to encourage farmers to grow more protein crops in 2022. Supporting domestic production of tillage and protein crops will reduce Ireland’s reliance on imported feed materials.
The package also includes a Multi-Species Sward Initiative and a Red Clover Silage Measure, to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, and thereby reduce nitrogen fertiliser usage, while maintaining forage yields.
The financial supports outlined will assist farmers in offsetting the significant increases in farm inputs experienced by farmers presently and in assisting to ensure sufficient fodder for winter 2022. I assure the Deputy that I am committed to helping and assisting our farmers through this challenging period and both I, my Department and the National Fodder and Food Security Committee are continuing to monitor the situation.
1925. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 26 January 2022, if he will provide a copy of each of the weekly tables of active harvesting sites provided to his Department by Coillte in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20825/22]
View answerThe Department Inspectors carry out harvesting, post harvesting and reforestation inspections. With regard to harvesting and post harvesting inspections the focus is primarily on water quality related issues that may be caused by breaches of the licence resulting mainly by machine traffic when harvesting and extracting timber from the site.
In relation to Coillte sites, harvesting site inspections have started in relation to the 2022 programme of inspections. In support of this work, Coillte now submit to the Department a weekly table of active harvesting sites from which the Department select a sample of forest areas to visit, either during or after harvesting has taken place.
In the interest of commercial sensitivity of this information and specifically the security of valuable machinery and logs on harvesting sites I do not believe it is appropriate to publish the active list of Coillte’s harvesting sites. I understand there have been many instances of log theft, diesel theft, machinery damage and parts stolen from active harvesting sites.
1926. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends bringing in a rule that all professional agricultural planners who submit agricultural applications to the Department for environmental schemes such as REAP, GLAS and so on would have to be registered with the Department and have indemnity insurance against errors in applications in order that farmers would not be at a loss for the mistakes made by their agricultural planners and that a penalty point system would apply, similar to that applied by the NPWS in order that planners who continuously make errors in applications would be deregistered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20862/22]
View answerFrom 2023, all Agricultural Agents must be an accredited Farm Advisory System (FAS) Advisor before they can submit applications/annual claims under the new Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and related schemes on behalf of an applicant.
Evidence of Professional Indemnity Insurance will also be required prior to final approval as a FAS Advisor. Failure to provide evidence of Professional Indemnity Insurance will result in removal of FAS Advisor approval by my Department.
Existing FAS Advisors and Agricultural Agents were notified of all these requirements on 14th April 2022.
My Department delivered an Information Session to all FAS Advisors on CAP 2023-2027 in February 2022 in advance of Information sessions throughout the country with farmers in March 2022. There will be further FAS training with advisors in both June and September 2022 in preparation for the launch of 2023 schemes. In addition, FAS advisors must complete ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) modules by December 2022 to remain on the FAS accredited list managed by my Department.
Where a FAS advisor wishes to submit Agri-Environment plans on behalf of an applicant, as was the case in GLAS, they must also attend separate and specific training on the new Agri-Environment scheme, the dates of which were advised to FAS Advisors on 14th April 2022.
1927. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided to the Marine Institute over the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20933/22]
View answerThe funding provided by my Department provides for the current and capital costs of the Marine Institute to enable it to perform its core functions which includes research and data collection underpinning the Common Fisheries Policy, co-coordinating, promoting and assisting in marine research and development and providing such services related to marine research and development that facilitate marine economic development while protecting the marine environment.
The funding provided by my Department is as follows.
|
- |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
|
Exchequer |
€45.515m (Allocation) |
€48.838m (Final Outturn) |
€37.592m (Final Outturn) |
|
EMFF/EMFAF* |
€5.000m (Allocation) |
€2,609,243 (Final Outturn) |
€3,679,000 (Final Outturn) |
|
Total |
€50.515m |
€51,447,243 |
€41.271m |
*EMFF: European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. EMFAF: European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
1928. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that a 100% GLAS penalty has been applied to a farmer (details supplied) in County Kerry for a minor non-compliance, if this penalty will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20965/22]
View answerThe person named is a GLAS 1 participant with their contract commencing on October 1st 2015. The herd was selected for inspection on December 2nd 2020 and an issue was identified in respect of the Protection of Watercourses from Bovines action where temporary fencing was found to be in place on a section of the watercourse. As this was in breach of the specifications a penalty was applied.
An appeal was received in respect of this penalty but following a review, the Regional Inspector retained the original decision. A letter issued on 3rd February providing the opportunity of further appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office within three months.
1929. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the dates officials of his Department contacted the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage or met with officials of the Department in connection with removing the requirement for planning permission when converting dead, dying and rotting ash plantations to conifer species; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21044/22]
View answerSince the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, my Department has provided support totalling over €7 million to owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash dieback reconstitution scheme (introduced in 2013) and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS – Ash dieback) introduced in July 2020.
Applications for that RUS are received regularly, and decisions are issued as the assessment of the applications are complete
The Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 was published earlier this year and deals with projected licensing output and approvals for support schemes and may be found here gov.ie - Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 (www.gov.ie). A key target of the plan is to refocus on the delivery on approvals from the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback).
Many RUS applications are screened in for Appropriate Assessment and are referred to ecology. Of these, any that propose replacing the ash crop with conifer species currently require planning permission.
My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), with the objective of removing the planning permission requirement for these cases.
Contact was initiated with DHLGH by my officials on 14 September 2021. Most recently a positive meeting was held with officials from both Departments on 4th April 2022 and there has been follow up contact between officials since around draft legislation on the matter.
1930. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the projected output of forestry licences for 2022 matches the recommendations by working group one of project woodland which were issued to the project board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21045/22]
View answerThe clearing of the backlog of licences is a priority for myself and Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector. Increased resources have been invested in dealing with files on hand and, under Project Woodland, a dedicated group, Working Group 1, is tasked with looking at the backlog.
Working Group 1 has, based on the Climate Action Plan & the timber harvest forecasts from the Coford Roundwood Production Forecast 2016-2035 recommended that some 2,681 new licences for afforestation and forest roads should issue in 2022. In relation to felling 4,329 licences were recommended.
During 2021, the Department issued 4,050 forestry licences, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and met our revised target of 4,000 licences. It is our intention to build on this momentum in 2022.
The Forestry Licensing Plan was published in January 2022 and it sets out a range of forestry priorities for 2022.
The main priorities are:
- A target of 5,250 new licences to issue, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%.
- A higher priority will be given to afforestation licences for 2022 with a 107% increase in output up to 1,040.
- There will be a year-on-year increase of 48% of private felling, roads and afforestation files. Coillte felling licences will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021.
- The Department will also refocus on the delivery of approvals from several schemes including Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback), the Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Frost) and the Native Woodland Scheme.
- As can be seen in the table below, as of 1st April 2022 the projected target of year to date licences to be issued was 1,313 and the output of licences was 1,310.
As can be seen in the table below, as of 15th April 2022 the projected target of year to date licences to be issued was 1,515 and the output of licences was 1,480.
|
Scheme |
Output YTD Licences |
Target YTD Licences |
|
Felling (Private) |
419 |
525 |
|
Felling (Coillte) |
654 |
450 |
|
Afforestation |
178 |
300 |
|
Roads |
229 |
240 |
|
Total (licences) |
1,480 |
1,515 |
I remain fully committed to delivering a licensing system which will meets the needs of the sector and of society and recent licensing trends demonstrate that we are making progress towards achieving this. My Department will continue to issue progress updates weekly through our forestry dashboard available here gov.ie - Forest Statistics and Mapping (www.gov.ie).
1931. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projections in the COFORD roundwood forecast 2021 – 2040 for private sector availability and Coillte availability in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; if he will specify the percentage of private sector availability of the total availability in each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21046/22]
View answerCOFORD, an advisory body to my Department, provide a series of round wood production forecasts which are updated approximately every five years.
The forecast is available on the COFORD website www.coford.ie and provides a range of information on the potential of the national forest estate to produce timber for the time series 2021 to 2040.
I have included below an extract of the relevant figures for Ireland for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 along with the percentage share of the private forecast versus the total forecast.
|
Year |
Private (Republic of Ireland) 000 m3 |
Coillte (Republic of Ireland) 000 m3 |
Total 000 m3 |
% of Private share of total forecast |
|
2022 |
1,742 |
2,757 |
4,499 |
38.7 |
|
2023 |
2,385 |
2,757 |
5,142 |
46.4 |
|
2024 |
2,408 |
2,757 |
5,165 |
46.6 |
1932. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for forestry will also have responsibility for the AECM and eco schemes in the next CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21047/22]
View answerThe Assistant Secretary General in my Department who has responsibility for the Forestry Divisions also has responsibility for the Agri-Environment & On Farm Investment Division that will deliver the Agri-Environment Climate Measure (AECM) as outlined in the CAP Strategic Plan. The design and delivery of the Eco-schemes are the responsibility of another Assistant Secretary. As the Deputy is aware, my Department appointed a Director of Forestry with direct responsibility for forestry policy and operations in November 2021.
1933. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that soft fruit growers were not included in the recently announced support package for pig and horticulture farmers; if this decision will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21134/22]
View answerThe Irish edible horticulture sector is currently facing unprecedented challenges due to a combination of extraordinarily high production costs and a very difficult retail environment with continuing low prices being received by growers. The sector has experienced a contraction in growers in recent months and it is considered that the current situation poses an existential challenge to the sector. A wide section of commercial growers within the horticulture industry are impacted, the most affected being the energy intensive crop growers including tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
A package of €2.8 million has been allocated to this support scheme for horticulture growers from the EU Exceptional Aid Package. The support scheme will be provided in the form of a once-off payment to growers in those sub-sectors most affected and which have been identified as being at most risk including the glasshouse high-wire crops, field vegetable, mushroom and apple sectors. The support scheme will mitigate against the increase in input costs across these sub-sectors which is threatening the viability and sustainability of these sectors and impacting on food security.
In preparing this support package, my focus was on sub-sectors within the edible horticulture industry that were most impacted by the current Ukrainian crisis. While acknowledging that soft fruit growers are also incurring increased input costs, growers in this sector were not identified as being impacted by the current crisis in the same way as the glasshouse high-wire crops, field vegetable, mushroom and apple sectors.
1934. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if clarification will be provided for a person (details supplied) in relation to their early retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21135/22]
View answerThe challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level. The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cites generational renewal as one of its nine key objectives, while it is also prominent in Food Vision 2030, the new stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector.
There are a range of measures in place at present, both in the existing CAP and at national level, to facilitate generational renewal. For older farmers specifically, under the current CAP, support is available to establish Collaborative Farming arrangements. The new draft CAP Strategic Plan proposes a new initiative to support advice for older farmers on succession and retirement options.
Further assistance is available from national supports including through taxation measures such as the Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax, Retirement Relief from Capital Gains Tax and Long-Term Leasing Relief, as well as the availability of tax credits via the Succession Farm Partnerships. Such interventions provide vital supports for older farmers wishing to retire.
As the Deputy may be aware, I recently established the Food Vision Dairy Group, which brings together key stakeholders to advance the actions for the dairy sector identified in the strategy, with the action “produce a detailed plan by Q2 2022 to manage the sustainable environmental footprint of the dairy sector” as a priority. The Group has been characterised by constructive engagement to date, with discussions on a variety of issues on the challenges facing the dairy sector, and I look forward to seeing the results of its deliberations shortly in the form of an interim report. No decisions on specific actions have been taken as yet.
I want to ensure that the dairy and wider agri-food sector remain strong and sustainable into the future, and will continue to engage with stakeholders to find the best approaches to support all farmers to ensure a bright future for the sector.
1935. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions that have taken place between his Department and Galway County Council in relation to the future ownership and development of Cleggan Pier, Connemara, which is part-owned by the council and part-owned by his Department; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21221/22]
View answerAs the Deputy has been previously advised, my Department’s understanding is that Galway County Council was to set up a Steering Committee to oversee any future development in Cleggan Harbour and to date this committee still has not been convened. My Department has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, which were constructed under the auspices of the ex-Congested Districts Board. In addition my Department has responsibility for infrastructural works it carried out under the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, some works at Cleggan Pier being part of this. Galway County Council is responsible for the non 1902 Act infrastructure at Cleggan Harbour.
I am however pleased to advise that in relation to funding under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023, Galway County Council applied for funding to repair the Palfinger crane at Cleggan Pier and I have approved €34,000 for this project. The scheme under which this project is approved is proposed for funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
1936. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a piece of surveillance technology (details supplied) is being used by his Department or any agencies under his remit in view of the fact that there are security and privacy concerns associated with the use of same; the data protection policies on the use of artificial intelligence with respect to instances in which this technology is being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21228/22]
View answerMy Department does not use surveillance equipment with the type of artificial intelligence referenced by the Deputy on any of its CCTV installations. The Data Protection policy in my Department does not refer to the use of Artificial Intelligence in relation to CCTV technology.
As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
1937. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide an animal welfare Inspector for Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21246/22]
View answerUnder the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013, my Department has primary policy responsibility for the welfare of all animals.
Since the introduction of the Act, over 1,000 Department officials have been designated as authorised officers under the Act and their responsibilities include the enforcement of animal welfare legislation provided for under the Act. A large number of these authorised officers are based in my Department's network of regional veterinary offices throughout the country including the Limerick Regional Veterinary Office.
An Garda Síochána are also authorised officers under the Act, as are authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rasaíoct Con Eireann, the Irish Horse Racing Board and customs officials. Local Authorities also have the powers to appoint authorised officers under the Act.
A feature of the enforcement of the Act is that my Department can appoint authorised officers from welfare organisations with which the Department has service level agreements, to work alongside officials of my Department, An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources. It is at the discretion of these welfare organisations to deploy these officers to where they decide they can have the maximum impact.
My Department also provides considerable financial and administrative support to assist welfare organisations in carrying out their work in protecting animal welfare.
In December 2021, I announced record funding of over €3.7 million to 98 animal welfare charities including €93,000 to welfare organisations based in County Limerick. This is in addition to €70,000 funding provided by my Department under our Urban Horse Projects initiative to the Moyross Equine Education and Therapy Programme in 2021 aimed educating young people from Limerick City on equine welfare and the associated positive health benefits for both people and horses.
1938. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a series of matters in relation to Horse Sport Ireland (details supplied). [21295/22]
View answerHorse Sport Ireland (HSI) is a company limited by guarantee. It is not a State Body established by legislation and it is operationally independent of my Department.
I have been briefed by Horse Sport Ireland that they have been considering Greenogue as a centre for the establishment of a new headquarters and a national centre of excellence. It is envisaged that such a centre is to provide a world class environment for the production of horses, provision of equine services, industry training and promotion.
I have been informed that they entered into a usage agreement with the facility at Greenogue Equestrian in 2021 in the context of the overall Centre of Excellence project to be located at the centre. The usage agreement provided for both sport and breeding activities. The monthly fee for unlimited usage is commercial sensitive information.
In relation to training carried out at Greenogue, on average training across the disciplines took place weekly depending the need of the programmes from March 2021. Also mare inspections and foal qualifier events were held Greenogue Equestrian. Regarding professionals using the facility overall the feedback was very positive across all disciplines.
Horse Sport Ireland has engaged with a range of equestrian enterprises in the immediate area concerning their concerns and following their objection to the planning application with South County Dublin Council. Furthermore, feedback has been documented in industry press publications. Since the grant of planning no further concerns have been raised.
Regarding procurement, I am advised that the Procurement Directive and the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016, do not apply to public service contracts for the acquisition or rental, by whatever financial means, of land, existing buildings or other immovable property.
The Board of Horse Sport Ireland approved the Heads of Terms for the agreement and the usage agreement. The proposed lease agreement is yet to be progressed and will be subject to financial assessment noting the current environment and the view of the Board of Horse Sport Ireland.
Regarding the Chair's relationship with the owner I have been informed that the Chair holds a purely professional relationship with the Centre owner arising through his exchanges on the centre of excellence project.
Subject to the Board of Horse Sport Ireland the financial commitment to Greenogue will be predicated on the decision related to the Centre of Excellence project as a whole.
Should the project not be realised, subject to the terms of the agreement, Horse Sport Ireland are liable for the costs associated with the project design, architectural, technical, and legal input for the project to bring same to full planning permission stage with Dublin County Council.
1939. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures that will be undertaken to integrate children, young persons, young adults and families who have fled from Ukraine into communities in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19513/22]
View answerGovernment is working to ensure that local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the overall humanitarian response to people fleeing Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland.
Building on structures developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Response Fora are being repurposed in each local authority area, including in Dublin. The Forum brings together all public, community and voluntary organisations active locally, as well as the Cathaoirleach or Mayor of each local authority. Members of the local Ukrainian community will be fully involved. The role of each Forum is to coordinate the community-led response in the provision of assistance and support to Ukrainian refugees as they are accommodated around the country.
My Department has worked with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the CCMA to agree a Community Response Framework which will guide that work. The Framework sets out a national template for arrangements to be put in place in each area to enable all involved at a local level - including the community and voluntary sector - to work together to support the integration of displaced Ukrainians in our communities, under the stewardship of the local authorities.
My Department’s key focus in relation to the current situation is to ensure that the resources, skills and capacity of the local development, community development and charity sector are utilised to maximum effect to help address the challenges arising. My Department is linking with key stakeholders at community level, providing information, and assisting the co-ordination of supports through the community sector.
My Department has also committed to enabling flexibility in programme delivery to shift focus onto the Ukraine response, where necessary. For example, flexibility has been offered to Local Development Companies in respect of SICAP resources. This will ensure that around 600 Community Development Workers are available to help support arrivals from Ukraine. In addition, organisations supported under the Community Services Programme can include Ukrainians in the target groups for their services. Exceptional additional funding for staff resources is being provided by my Department to Volunteer Centres providing support in frontline reception hubs, and to a CSP organisation to assist their efforts in co-ordinating the response to Ukrainian refugees.
Our volunteer support programme, which includes Volunteer Ireland and the network of volunteer centres, is heavily engaged in sourcing volunteers to address the many requests for specific volunteer roles emerging across the country. These include reception centres, provision of basic supplies, integration services, access to information, etc. The Community Volunteers pilot programme is also providing a way for local communities to offer support to those in need. Developed based on lessons learned about volunteering during COVID-19, the programme is funded by my Department, coordinated by Volunteer Ireland and Volunteer Centres, and supported by the Local Authority in each area.
I recognise that the capacity, willingness and expertise exists at local level to co-ordinate responses, signpost services, and link voluntary and statutory efforts. Huge efforts were made by volunteers during the pandemic, and dedicated volunteers across the country are working again to help people from Ukraine arriving in Ireland. Government is working to ensure that local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the overall humanitarian response and will work closely with Local Authorities to ensure a well-co-ordinated and seamless approach.
1940. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide the details of the name, salary, position and roles of persons who are being paid for by her Department for secondment to another public, private or semi-private entity, in tabular form, following the announcement that the salary of a person (details supplied) being seconded to Trinity College, Dublin will be paid by the Department of Health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19555/22]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
I can confirm that there are no employees who are currently seconded to another public, private or semi private entity who are being paid for by my Department.
1941. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit run apprenticeship programmes or are directly engaged in the training of apprentices; if so, the number of apprentices involved; the specialties in which they are being trained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19590/22]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department and the four agencies under its remit do not run apprenticeship programmes and are not directly engaged in the training of apprentices.
1942. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of persons employed by her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department with a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30; the role that those persons occupy within her Department or relevant body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19635/22]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
I can confirm that no persons employed by my Department or bodies under the aegis of my Department have a rate of pay below the living wage of €12.30.
1943. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the review of the community services programme; and when it will reopen for applications. [19665/22]
View answerMy 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 of the restructuring of the programme.
My Department and Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of the 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 Stability Fund and the CSP Support Fund - who required additional assistance during the crisis period.
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 mid 2022 onwards. In addition, it is anticipated that the Programme will open calls to address identified gaps in service delivery later in 2022.
