Written Answers Nos. 791-810
791. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who received a payment from his Department in each of the years 2020 to 2022 that received their payment into an account in a bank (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49945/22]
View answerThe numbers of farmers that received payments from my Department to Ulster Bank accounts during 2020, 2021 and 2022 to date were as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Farmers |
|
2020 |
17,803 |
|
2021 |
17,138 |
|
2022 to date |
12,718 |
Around 6,000 of the farmers who have received payments to Ulster Bank accounts during 2022 to date have not yet provided details of a new account for receipt of their payments. My Department has been engaging with affected farmers since March 2022.
792. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications under TAMS for solar equipment; the grant rate; the average grant amount by farm system in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49946/22]
View answerTo encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, grant aid is provided through TAMS to assist farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms. The solar PV systems grant-aided under TAMS include Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels for water heating under the Pigs and Poultry scheme.
Applications under the TAMS schemes for the solar investments are being received on an ongoing basis. The grant aid under TAMS is available at the standard rate of 40%, with a higher grant rate of 60% available to qualified young farmers. It is now open to applicants to have a dwelling house on the holding included in their TAMS application, subject to the terms and conditions of the Scheme.
Support for renewable energy investments will continue under the TAMS 3.
The tables attached display the number of applications under TAMS for solar equipment; the grant rate; the average grant amount by farm system in each of the years 2016 to 2022.
793. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that the €14.7 million Exchequer capital funding allocated to Horse Racing Ireland in 2022 will be spent. [49985/22]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) as provided for under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
My Department makes payments from the Fund to HRI and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ). This is distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, with 80% allocated to HRI and 20% to RCÉ. In budget 2023 €91m was allocated to the Fund of which €72.8m will be distributed to HRI and €18.2m to RCÉ subject to Oireachtas approval. €14.1m of the proposed allocation to HRI will be for capital investment.
HRI has informed my Department that it proposes to fund capital investments in the areas of IT infrastructure enhancements for the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board (IHRB) and its own body in 2023. HRI also plans to continue investments to support the wider industry in the form of racecourse capital development schemes and the IRE Incentive scheme, an initiative from HRI designed to stimulate and fortify Irish thoroughbred breeding, racing and sales.
794. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken any research to demonstrate the nutrient difference in the quality of eggshell from commercial birds and organic birds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50036/22]
View answerOrganic production is a system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental and climate action practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high animal welfare standards and high production standards.
As outlined in Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848, only the products and substances listed in Annex II of Regulation 2021/1165 may be used in organic production as fertilisers, soil conditioners and nutrients for plant nutrition. Egg shells are a permitted input, but factory farming origin is forbidden. Factory farming is defined as production systems whereby animals are housed indoors on a permanent basis. Consequently, the use of eggshells from ‘commercial’ poultry flocks is not permitted on organic farms.
My Department has not carried out research on the nutrient difference between 'commercial' and organic eggshell.
795. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if large-scale investors associated with a semi-state forestry company will be allowed to claim forestry premiums in the next forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50165/22]
View answerCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Under their new forestry strategic vision, Coillte have stated their aim to grow 100,000 hectares of new forests by 2050, supporting the delivery of one-third of Ireland’s afforestation target and providing a carbon sink of 18 million tonnes of CO2. This is essential if Ireland is to meet its forestry targets.
Part of this strategy will be achieved through Coillte's collaboration with third parties in projects. Coillte will not be in direct receipt of any premiums as a result of their participation in these projects. Where the land is in private ownership, it is eligible for premiums.
796. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Forestry Service advertised and accepted applications for a forest-frost reconstitution scheme without having a standard operating procedure in place to deal with the applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50166/22]
View answerMy Department launched a Reconstitution scheme to address frost damage earlier this year. The scheme was set up due to significant late spring frost events which took place during May 2019, May 2020, and May 2021. The scheme was established to reconstitute newly planted forests significantly damaged by these frost events and replacing dead trees with plants of acceptable quality, provenances and species. It is also to provide for remedial pruning of damaged crops where damage is significant but not severe enough to warrant full replacement of stems.
The scheme was open to private forest owners who planted during the period between 1st November 2017 and 1st June 2021 and whose entire plantations sustained a minimum of 30% losses were eligible to apply under the Scheme. The scheme was open for applications from Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 with a closing date for applications of Tuesday 31st May , 2022.
The Scheme documents and process were put in place for an early launch of the scheme to allow applications from the sector and the internal DAFM staff Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) developed subsequently.
My Department received 350 applications and these applications are currently being processed and acknowledgements issuing.
Full scheme details are available on gov.ie - Schemes and Payments (www.gov.ie).
797. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 738 and 739 of 4 October 2022, the number of forest-frost reconstitution applications that are with his Department now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50167/22]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine launched a Reconstitution scheme to address frost damage earlier this year. The scheme was set up due to significant late spring frost events which took place during May 2019, May 2020, and May 2021. The scheme was established to reconstitute newly planted forests significantly damaged by these frost events and replace dead trees with plants of acceptable quality, provenance and species. It is also to provide for remedial pruning of damaged crops where damage is significant but not severe enough to warrant full replacement of stems.
The scheme was open to private forest owners who planted during the period between 1st November 2017 and 1st June 2021 and whose entire plantations sustained a minimum of 30% losses. The scheme was open for applications from Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 with a closing date for applications of Tuesday 31st May , 2022.
The Department received 350 applications during this timeframe. These applications are currently being processed and acknowledgements have begun to issue.
Full scheme details are available on gov.ie - Schemes and Payments (www.gov.ie).
798. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the particular situation facing a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50176/22]
View answerIn Ireland, there are currently no regulatory requirements for the use of this device.
On foot of recommendations made by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Animal Health and Welfare, my Department is undertaking an ongoing consultation process with industry stakeholders in relation on the use of elector-ejaculators to collect semen samples from bulls.
This consultation is continuing, and all submissions received will be considered. The responses to the consultation will inform considerations relating to policy direction on this matter in future.
The literature review and opinion on this subject by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Animal Health and Welfare are attached.
799. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the 18 month delay in his Department approving the commencing construction of a project (details supplied); if he will give a commitment that the project will proceed; the proposed timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50183/22]
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.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) sought approval from my Department for the payment of a grant towards the redevelopment of the project you refer to. This application is currently being considered by officials from my Department within the overall context of RCÉ's operations as a whole.
800. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a reply will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50318/22]
View answerIn response to the Deputy, my Department will issue a response directly to the named individual within the next three working days.
801. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within his Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under his remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50334/22]
View answerThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has overall responsibility for the implementation of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020.
Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 has provision for certain women in employment who are breastfeeding to take time off work, or a reduction in working hours for breastfeeding. This provision applies to all women in employment who have given birth over the previous 26 weeks, who are breastfeeding and who have informed their employer of such.
My Department operates from 70 locations nationwide, including five headquarter offices and a wide range of regional locations across the country. Of these, 31 buildings or 44%, of offices catering for the majority of staff, having dedicated rest rooms which can be used by staff as required.
With respect to the provisions above and any potential requirements arising with respect to breastfeeding breaks, the overwhelming majority of staff in my Department have access to facilities which would cater appropriately for such needs.
As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves.
The attached table sets out a list of the buildings which do and do not have these facilities.
|
County |
Location |
Facilities in Place |
|
District Veterinary Office, Athy Road |
No |
|
|
Carlow |
Agriculture Office, Graiguecullen |
No |
|
Cavan |
Regional Veterinary Office, Farnham Street |
Yes |
|
District Veterinary Office, Kilrush Road, Ennis |
No |
|
|
Clare |
Portal Veterinary Office, Customs Hall, Shannon Airport |
No |
|
AES Mallow |
No |
|
|
Blood Testing Laboratory (Cork), Model Farm Road |
No |
|
|
Fisheries & Regional Veterinary Office, National Seafood Centre, Clogheen, Clonakilty |
Yes |
|
|
Regional Veterinary Office, South Mall |
Yes |
|
|
Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Model Farm Road |
No |
|
|
Portal Veterinary Office (Cork Airport), Terminal Building, Cork Airport |
No |
|
|
Portal Office (Cork Port) |
No |
|
|
Ballyderown Farm, Kilworth |
No |
|
|
Castletownbere |
No |
|
|
Cork |
Engineering Division, Mahon |
No |
|
AES Letterkenny |
No |
|
|
Regional Veterinary Office, Raphoe |
Yes |
|
|
Potato Farm & Laboratory, Raphoe |
No |
|
|
Killybegs |
Yes |
|
|
Donegal |
Engineering Division North West, Ballyshannon |
No |
|
Agriculture House, Kildare Street |
Yes |
|
|
Portal Veterinary Office (Dublin Airport) |
No |
|
|
Portal Veterinary Office (Dublin Port)) |
No |
|
|
Sandyford File Stores |
No |
|
|
Howth Harbour Office |
No |
|
|
Dublin |
Agriculture Office, Bow St |
No |
|
Regional Veterinary Office, Renmore |
Yes |
|
|
Mellowes Agriculture College, Athenry |
Yes |
|
|
Western Engineering Division, Druid Lane |
Yes |
|
|
Galway |
Rossaveel |
No |
|
Regional Veterinary Office, Tralee |
Yes |
|
|
Engineering Division, Blennerville |
No |
|
|
Kerry |
Dingle |
Yes |
|
Regional Veterinary Office, Naas |
Yes |
|
|
Backweston Laboratory and Administration |
Yes |
|
|
Veterinary Research Farm (Longtown) |
No |
|
|
Kildare |
Backweston Farm |
No |
|
District Veterinary Office, Hebron Road |
Yes |
|
|
Kilkenny |
Regional Veterinary, Laboratory |
No |
|
Government Offices, Portlaoise |
Yes |
|
|
Old Knockmay Road, Portlaoise |
Yes |
|
|
Grattan Business Centre, Portlaoise |
Yes |
|
|
Records Branch, Clonminham Industrial Estate, Portlaoise |
No |
|
|
Agriculture Appeals Office, Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise |
Yes |
|
|
Laois |
File Store, Timahoe Road, Portlaoise |
No |
|
Leitrim |
Regional Veterinary Office, Dumshanbo |
Yes |
|
Dairy Science Laboratory Limerick |
No |
|
|
Regional Veterinary Office Limerick |
Yes |
|
|
Limerick |
Regional Veterinary, Laboratory |
No |
|
Longford |
District Veterinary Office Longford |
No |
|
AES Claremorris |
No |
|
|
Mayo |
Regional Veterinary Office Castlebar |
Yes |
|
Meath |
Regional Veterinary Office Navan |
Yes |
|
Monaghan |
AES Monaghan |
No |
|
Offaly |
Regional Veterinary Office Tullamore |
Yes |
|
Roscommon |
Regional Veterinary Office Roscommon |
Yes |
|
LO Sligo |
No |
|
|
Sligo |
Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Sligo |
No |
|
LO Nenagh |
Yes |
|
|
Tipperary |
Regional Veterinary Office, Tipperary Town |
Yes |
|
AES Dungarvan |
No |
|
|
Regional Veterinary Office Waterford |
Yes |
|
|
Portal Office |
No |
|
|
Waterford |
Dunmore East |
No |
|
LO Mullingar |
Yes |
|
|
Westmeath |
Regional Veterinary Laboratory Athlone |
No |
|
Johnstown Castle Estate |
Yes |
|
|
Regional Veterinary Office Enniscorthy |
Yes |
|
|
Wexford |
Rosslare Port |
Yes |
|
Wicklow |
AES Wicklow |
No |
802. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the support packages announced for the private sector in Budget 2023 will also be extended to the charity sector, including the temporary business energy support scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50184/22]
View answerThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector in meeting the high cost of energy currently and is committed to supporting the sector in meeting these costs.
Not-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector are woven into the fabric of community life across Ireland, but they are vulnerable to the impact of increased energy costs.
The recent budget made €10m available to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector. The framework for delivering this assistance will be developed by my department within the next few weeks to ensure access to support in a timely manner.
My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the community and voluntary sector, charities, local authorities and local development companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. I would encourage all groups to engage with Gov.ie, their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
803. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a policy regarding the appropriate use of domestic flights in his Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department. [50120/22]
View answerThe travel and subsistence policy of my Department is detailed within the Department’s Financial Policies and Procedures. This policy notes that travel and subsistence payments are governed by the relevant circulars in place by the Department of Finance and Department of Public Expenditure. It also details that the overarching principle is to minimise costs associated with official travel. With regard to the type of transport used, it notes that all official travel should be by the shortest practicable route and by the cheapest practicable mode of transport.
There are 4 agencies under the aegis of my Department: Pobal, The Charities Regulatory Authority, Water Safety Ireland, and the Western Development Commission. They are all independent agencies who manage their own corporate matters, corporate compliance/policies, and staffing issues.
804. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the exemptions that are available from the requirement for the general dog licence; and if she will confirm that an animal charity that does not have its own centre is exempt from having to purchase such a licence. [49529/22]
View answerUnder the Control of Dogs Acts all dogs must be licensed. An individual dog licence costs €20, the lifetime of dog licence is €140 and the general dog licence costs €400. The general dog licence covers an unspecified number of dogs in the one premises. The individual dog licence and general dog licence are valid for one year while the lifetime of dog licence is valid for the dog’s lifetime.
Local authorities are responsible for licensing services in their areas and my Department is not involved in this operational activity. Any queries in relation to the type of dog licence required should be discussed with the relevant local authority.
805. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the new Tory Island Ferry will be commissioned and will be in operation to allow for safe and reliable service to and from the Island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49723/22]
View answer806. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the new Tory Island Ferry which is being commissioned will allow for dignified access to the ferry for persons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility using a ramp or similar without the need for a hoist or other mechanical aids to access the ferry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49724/22]
View answer807. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be made available for piers on some of the islands off the coast of County Donegal, to provide for infrastructure such as ramps and so on, which will allow persons using wheelchairs and who have limited mobility to access the Islands with dignity using such piers given that roads have been improved on some of the Islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49743/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 805, 806 and 807 together.
It is an objective of this Government to provide the necessary supports for our off-shore islands so that those communities can continue to live, and thrive, on the islands.
My Department currently manages a large suite of transport contracts that provide safe, reliable and affordable year-round connectivity to the mainland for island residents and visitors. All vessels used in the delivery of the subsidised services must adhere to strict Marine Survey Office (MSO) regulations and must, at all times, be properly certified to ensure passenger safety.
I am very aware of the challenges facing those of reduced mobility when using our subsidised transport services. My Department requires operators of subsidised transport services to make suitable arrangements for the safe boarding and disembarking of all passengers, including those with disabilities or of reduced mobility, as per the Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport issued by the Department of Transport and the National Disability Authority.
The development of quayside infrastructure, on the mainland and the islands, to cater for transport services users, including those of reduced mobility, falls under the remit of the relevant local authorities. They are also responsible for installing slipways, pontoons and quayside lifts so that users can board and alight from passenger boats in a safe and dignified manner.
My Department operates an annual capital funding programme to enable the relevant local authorities to carry out minor capital works on the offshore islands and develop key infrastructure such as piers on the islands and mainland to support the sustainability of our island communities.
Earlier this year, I approved capital funding of €101,844 to Donegal County Council to carry out an environmental and marine study at Machaire Rabhartaigh pier, as part of the scoping works for developments that could be undertaken at the pier.
Machaire Rabhartaigh is the mainland pier that services Toraigh, and any development works to the pier would affect the type of boat that would be able to operate effectively to the island. My Department will continue to engage with the local authority and assess the situation regarding the provision of a new ferry when there is more clarity in relation to the development works at the pier.
808. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide all funding streams available to the community and voluntary sector; and the parameters and opening and closing dates for applications for same in tabular form. [49777/22]
View answerMy Department offers support to the community and voluntary sector through various schemes and programmes as set out in the table below. While some schemes have closed for applications this year, it is intended to advertise many of the schemes again in 2023.
|
Scheme/Programme |
Parameters |
Open |
Closed |
|
Community Services |
The Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and the delivery of a diverse range of local services, through a social enterprise model. |
It is anticipated that the programme may open later in 2022 and any additional entrants will be considered in light of available budgets. |
Pending the transition to the new restructured programme the scheme is closed to new applications through the Expression of Interest process. |
|
Community Centres Investment Fund |
The Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF) is a new capital fund to support the upgrade and refurbishment of existing community centres in both urban and rural areas. |
The opening of the next round of funding will be announced in due course. |
The current Fund closed for applications on 14 July 2022 |
|
Community Enhancement Programme |
The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas across Ireland. The 2021 CEP provided €4.5 million of grant funding for communities to enhance their local facilities. |
Details of the next round of funding are still under consideration and will be announced later in 2022. |
|
|
LEADER programme |
The LEADER Programme is a multi-annual programme for rural development co-funded by the EU through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) covering the period 2014-2022 which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country. Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes. In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area. |
Transitional LEADER programme covering the period 2021 to end 2022 The next LEADER programme will cover the period 2023 to 2027 and will commence in 2023 |
|
|
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund |
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature and applications can be made by State-funded bodies, such as Local Authorities, State agencies and Local Development Companies etc. Lead parties may put forward an investment case for the development of facilities for the community and voluntary sector as part of an application to the Fund. |
The timing of future calls is being considered and will be announced in due course. |
The 4th call for Category 1 Applications to the Fund closed on 29th April 2022. |
|
CLÁR |
The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. Measures to be included in the CLÁR programme are reviewed and revised each year, as appropriate. The measures funded in 2022 are:Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (application process via the local authorities) Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport (application process directly to DRCD) Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’(application process directly to DRCD) |
The opening of the 2023 programme will be announced in due course. |
The 2022 programme closed to applications in May 2022. |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) |
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas. The 2022 Scheme closed earlier this year and the Measures available ranged from funding of up to €30,000 for small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing, to funding of up to €500,000 for strategic large scale projects. |
The opening of the 2023 Scheme will be announced in due course. |
The 2022 Scheme closed to applications in May 2022. |
|
Town and Village Renewal Scheme |
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Applications for the scheme are developed in collaboration with local authorities who then submit them to the Department for assessment as part of a competitive process. Each year the focus of the scheme is assessed and revised as appropriate. |
The opening of the 2023 programme will be announced in due course. |
The 2022 Scheme closed to applications in July 2022. |
809. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department will provide financial support to community groups that are having to bridge the serious shortfall between the amount that Pobal pays participants on the community services programme and the amount that staff should be paid in line with the minimum wage (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50325/22]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution of €19,033 for each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, €32,000 towards the cost of employing a manager.
The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and does not meet the full salary cost of supported posts. The contribution must be co-funded by other sources, for example, from income received from the public use of their facilities and services.
My Department and Pobal have been working on the restructuring of the CSP, since the publication in 2020 of the independent review of the CSP by Indecon International Economic Consultants. The redesigned programme will be introduced from January 2023 with a new funding rate allocation model, to replace the existing flat rate model.
The revised funding rates to apply from January 2023 under the restructured programme will be released shortly. However, I am pleased to advise that my Department has secured a 7% increase for the programme for 2023. This additional funding will allow my department to implement this new, fairer and more sustainable model for 2023.
It is anticipated that all existing organisations will transition to the new programme in January 2023 following an online application process which is currently open and will run until 14th October.
In addition to this funding, my Department has provided a number of funding streams to support community organisations including the Stability Fund, Community Activities Fund under the Community Enhancement Programme and the most recently launched €15m Community Centres Investment fund, which will continue to provide necessary and essential supports to these organisations. Funding of €1m has also been approved in 2022 under the CSP Support Fund to assist CSP organisations that are in a weak financial position.
I am aware that the organisation in question was successful under the 2021 CSP Support Fund with the organisation receiving funding of €3,242.72 to help meet those costs. They were also successful with their application under the 2021 Stability Fund, with the organisation receiving funding of €12,407 under that scheme.
In the interim, the organisation may also wish to contact their Local Community Development Committee in their local authority area and their Local Development Company as they may be able to provide them with guidance on other supports available to community organisations at this time.
810. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within her Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under her remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50347/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding and expressing breast milk which leads to positive health outcomes for parent and child. The World Health Organisation recommends the continuation of breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
In this regard, and consistent with Circular 31 of 2006 concerning the Implementation of the Maternity (Amendment) Act, 2004, my Department ensures that employees who are breastfeeding and/or expressing breast milk are afforded breastfeeding breaks, or an adjustment in working hours, until the child reaches 2 years of age. This is in accordance with guidance provided by the World Health Organisation and the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020.
While demand to-date has not required permanently dedicated spaces, my Department provides suitable onsite facilities, where requested, at both our Dublin and Ballina locations, thus affording time and support to our breastfeeding employees and employees expressing breast milk, until the child reaches 2 years of age.
There are four agencies under the aegis of my Department, the Charities Regulator, Pobal, Water Safety Ireland and the Western Development Commission. Agencies under my remit accord with Circular 31 of 2006 and associated maternity legislation regarding breastfeeding and expressing breast milk provisions in the workplace.
The Charities Regulator has a room available in it's office at 3 Georges dock, Dublin 1 which can be used privately and exclusively for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk.
Pobal has offices in Cork, Clifden, Galway, Monaghan, Sligo, Kilkenny, Limerick, Mullingar and 3 offices in Dublin. Pobal do not have dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and/or expressing breast milk, however such requests from employees are facilitated by zoning rooms as private, as required.
Water Safety Ireland (WSI) does not have a dedicated space for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in their Galway office. WSI provides an adjustment in working hours, without loss of pay, to breastfeeding employees and employees expressing milk, until the child is 2 years old.
The Western Development Commission has offices located in Roscommon, Sligo, Letterkenny and Galway. The offices in Roscommon, Sligo and Letterkenny do not offer breastfeeding facilities, however, an adjustment in working hours, without loss of pay, is afforded to breastfeeding employees and employees expressing milk, until the child is 2 years old. Galway office staff are afforded dedicated facilities for breastfeeding and/or expressing milk, as required.
