Written Answers Nos. 871-891
871. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he hopes to introduce changes to the valuation of reactor cattle who have contracted bovine tuberculosis and if he replaces valuation agents with vets who he proposes will pay for the vet call-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51557/22]
View answerThe valuation of reactor cattle is an important part of the bovine TB programme. All animals removed under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme as reactors for bovine TB are valued by independent Valuers to assess appropriate market value. The Independent Valuation process is a fundamental element of the overall scheme and there are no plans to replace independent valuers with Veterinary practitioners.
872. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51560/22]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure which forms part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 and is the successor to the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) which was available under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. I was pleased, given the delay in negotiating and finalising the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and associated regulations for the next CAP period, to have been able to offer GLAS participants an extension of their contracts to end 2022.
The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration, which is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme. The budget allocation will facilitate the participation of 50,000 participants in ACRES overall. Farmers may apply for one of the approaches available under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach or the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding. It is currently envisaged that the split will be 30,000 participants in ACRES General and 20,000 participants in ACRES Co-operation – this will, however, be ultimately subject to the level of interest in each approach. The intake into the scheme will be phased, with at least two tranches, to spread the workload on advisors and enable them to allocate sufficient time for the preparation of applications, and the completion of the Farm Sustainability Plan (FSP) and selection of appropriate actions.
The contracts of those applicants who are approved into the Scheme in Tranche 1 will commence from 1 January 2023 with advance payments scheduled for Quarter 4 of 2023. The current focus has been on opening the Scheme for applications.
873. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his rationale for requiring farmers applying for the new beef suckler scheme 2023 to be Bord Bia quality-assured given that the Bord Bia audit is another cross-compliance check for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51565/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, supporting our suckler and beef farmers is a key priority of mine as Minister.
The carbon footprint measurement is both an eligibility requirement and an integral element of the proposed Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme under the new CAP.
In designing the scheme, in consultation with farming stakeholders, the Department gave detailed consideration to all aspects of the scheme design including potential mechanisms for delivery of the carbon foot-printing requirement. I am satisfied that the chosen scheme design is the most appropriate.
A core element of the SBLAS is a sustainability audit which features a carbon footprint measurement. The primary objective of the carbon footprint measurement is to enable the quantification of all of the environmentally sustainable activity carried out by Irish farmers.
The SBLAS sustainability audit, including the Carbon Footprint measurement, is developed on an internationally verified quality assurance model. There is no direct cost to the farmer for participation in the SBLAS, as the costs of the audits are funded by the Department.
874. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding pair trawling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51574/22]
View answerIn December 2018, following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced that vessels over 18m will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone.
A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures. The Policy Directive directed the Licensing Authority to insert a condition to this effect into the licences of affected vessels.
A Judicial Review to the High Court was taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. On 6th October 2020, the Judge held in summary that the High Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. The breach of fair procedures as referenced above related to a failure with obligations to consult with the applicants in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the consultation process and in particular by failing to consult with them a second time once a preferred option had been identified. A stay on the order was refused by the High Court on 10th December 2020.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal. I also sought a stay on the order of the High Court. The Court of Appeal reinstated the Ministerial Policy Directive on 19th March 2021, when the Court was persuaded that the balance of justice leaned in favour of the State and granted a stay on the order of the High Court up until the hearing of the substantive appeal in June. Following a full hearing by the Court of Appeal on 22nd June 2021, the Court decided to temporarily extend the Policy Directive excluding large vessels from trawling in inshore waters within 6 miles of the coast, save for a restricted sprat fishery.
On September 23rd, 2021, the Court of Appeal refused my application to further continue the stay. This refusal means that the decision of the High Court stands and the Policy Directive is no longer valid, meaning vessels over 18 metres in length overall have resumed trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles. These vessels also no longer require an authorisation to fish for sprat inside 6 nautical miles.
The Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgment on 19th July last and the Department is at present considering the implications of the that unapproved judgment in consultation with its legal advisors. Further submissions to the Court have been provided.
As this matter continues to be sub judice, I am not in a position to comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
875. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the Government provides sufficient research support in relation to understanding antimicrobial resistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51004/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, antimicrobial resistance is a very significant global challenge which is best addressed within a One Health context. This recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health. It requires a coordinated response across all sectors to effectively address the challenge
Ireland’s second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021 – 2025, known as iNAP2 was jointly published by the Department of Health and my Department in November 2021.
Promoting and supporting research into AMR related issues is one of the 5 key objectives in both the previous and current One Health national action plan.
Under iNAP2, the Department of Health have commissioned research on the Economic Burden of AMR and the use of Point of Care Testing to guide antimicrobial prescribing. In addition, the Students and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) competition was launched this month for early career healthcare professions to showcase their research on AMR and infection prevention and control.
The Health Research Board co-ordinate and administer the Joint Programming Initiative JPI AMR in Ireland. This is a global collaborative organisation and platform, engaging 28 nations to curb AMR with a One Health approach since 2011. The goal is to shape cohesive and coordinated AMR funding and actions that maximise on resources and reduce duplication of research. The HRB has been involved in this joint programming initiative since January 2017 and is represented on the Management Board and funds calls that align with the HRB strategy.
JPI AMR coordinates national public investments and funds transnational research and activities within the six priority areas of the shared JPIAMR Strategic Research and Innovations Agenda (SRIA) – therapeutics, diagnostics, surveillance, transmission, environment, and interventions. JPIAMR is seeking and supporting solutions to decrease transmissions of resistant bacteria, and to lessen the burden of AMR on a global scale.
Since joining JPI AMR in 2017, Irish researchers have been partners in four transnational projects and eight Networks funded via JPIAMR, in the areas of transmission, surveillance and the environment, across five separate funding calls. In addition to projects focussed on human health supported by HRB, projects in the areas of animal health and environment have been supported by my Department and the EPA. This has been possible as HRB, DAFM and EPA are partners in ERA NET Co-Funds committing funding for relevant joint calls, to enable Irish researchers to participate in the competitive process.
HRB funding support to Irish JPIAMR participants exceeds €750,000.
Ireland has recently confirmed its commitment to the European Commission for the One Health AMR Partnership and will work with the relevant co-ordinators to contribute to the development of the partnership application.
In the agricultural sector, my Department has provided funding and support for research to investigate the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance in the animal health sector. Research projects funded and completed during the lifetime of Ireland’s first national action plan, iNAP1 include investigations of respiratory disease on Irish pig farms, associated risk factors and the relationship between performance, welfare and antimicrobial use, research on antimicrobial use and resistance in the pig and poultry industry, research to improve biosecurity on pig farms through utilisation of specific biosecurity tools and use of antimicrobials in animal health on the island of Ireland: knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Under iNAP2, research continues to be funded on several projects such as investigation of dietary manipulation to reduce the need for antimicrobials in the pig sector, quantifying antimicrobial use on Irish dairy farms, development of salivary and environmental biomarkers to manage antimicrobial use and resistance in pigs and implementation of behavioural interventions in dairy and pig farms.
Recognising the One Health aspect of AMR, research in relation to the role of the environment in the dissemination and spread of AMR has been also included in both action plans, with the majority of funding being from the Environmental Protection Agency, however my Department is funding one specific project carrying out AMR surveillance on soil. AMR continues to be included in my Department's annual research call.
I am satisfied that very significant work, including promoting and supporting research, is being carried out in Ireland in response to this very One Health challenge, however this work will need to continue and adapt into the future.
876. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of the names of each special advisor employed by his Department since 2015, the relevant Minister they worked under and the date that their employment with the Department/Minister ceased where applicable. [51773/22]
View answerMinisterial advisers are appointed by the Government in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
The list of Special Advisers who have served at my Department since 2015 is as follows:
|
Special Advisor |
Minister |
Date Term as Special Advisor ended |
|
Aine Kilroy |
Simon Coveney T.D. & Michael Creed T.D. |
28/06/2020 |
|
Catriona Fitzpatrick |
Simon Coveney T.D. |
07/05/2016 |
|
Ultan Waldron |
Michael Creed T.D. |
08/10/2018* |
|
Jonathan Hoare |
Michael Creed T.D. |
28/06/2020 |
|
Avril Cronin |
Andrew Doyle T.D., Minister of State |
28/06/2020 |
|
Adam Ledwith |
Dara Calleary T.D. |
22/08/2020 |
|
Patrick Donohoe |
Charlie McConalogue T.D. |
Current |
|
Darran Brennan |
Charlie McConalogue T.D. |
Current |
|
Stiofán Nutty |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
07/11/2021 |
|
Caroline Murphy |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
01/03/2022 |
|
Jack O’Donnell |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
Current |
|
Declan O’Rourke |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
Current |
|
Niall Goodwin |
Martin Heydon T.D., Minister of State |
24/04/2021 |
|
Barry Cassidy |
Martin Heydon T.D., Minister of State |
Current |
*Temporary appointment to cover maternity leave
877. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to concerns by farmers regarding a new scheme (details supplied); if clarity can be provided on the benefits of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51812/22]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure which forms part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. ACRES is the third ‘layer' in the Green Architecture model under the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into the Scheme, undertake certain actions on their land for at least 5 years – with those actions going beyond conditionality and the voluntary eco-scheme. Farmers may apply for one of the approaches available under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach or the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding. Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through both prescription and results-based actions, ACRES will contribute to improving biodiversity, climate, air, and water quality outcomes.
The Government has committed €1.5 billion to the Scheme over its duration, which is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme. I consider that the rates of payments available to farmers under each of the approaches to be attractive, with a maximum annual payment of up to €7,311 to a participant in ACRES General while a participant in the ACRES Co-operation approach could receive up to €10,500 in a given year. Payments offered under the Scheme were costed in accordance with the governing EU Regulation - that is, on the basis of additional costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the commitments made and transaction costs. The payments were calculated using the most up to date information available at time of preparation of Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan, with all costings subsequently independently verified.
One of the requirements of the Scheme is that applications, and the accompanying Farm Sustainability Plan, must be prepared and submitted by an approved ACRES advisor. The rates such advisors charge their clients for this work is a matter for the farmer and his/her advisor. My Department, in advance of the formal opening of the Scheme, provided training, by way of in-person events and an update webinar, to agricultural advisors on the proposed Scheme, with a significant volume of reference material make available on my Department’s website. In addition, there was an online farmer information meeting. There are also webinars and tutorials available on my Department's social media platform for advisors to access and view as and when required.
Each approved ACRES advisor will work with their clients to choose the most appropriate actions for their holding with a view to maximising payments and to ensure these actions are in the most appropriate locations. Participation in the scheme is voluntary and participants may be subject to inspection as required by EU regulations.
878. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the environmental report grant as set out in circular 13/2022 will be payable on afforestation files planted in 2023 and payable in 2023 or afterwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51813/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Department has recently published a Shared National Vision for Trees, Woods and Forests in Ireland until 2050.
A new Forestry Strategy for Ireland is currently being developed. The draft Forest Strategy to 2030 has been shaped by the extensive public feedback received on the Vision over the last 12 months. This draft Forest Strategy will be subject to a period of public consultation, which is due to commence this week.
In parallel, the Department are also currently developing a new Forest Strategy Implementation Plan which will include the next Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027. The Forest Strategy Implementation Plan is subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment/Appropriate Assessment process, and this will include public consultation on the draft Plan and Environmental Report. We expect that this consultation will commence this week.
The Environmental Report Grant into 2023 and all grants and premium rates are currently being considered for the next Forestry Programme which is currently the subject of discussion between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
879. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the environmental report grant as set out in circular 13/2022, if the “report from an external ecologist” must be an NIS or does a habitat survey or ecology survey qualify for the environmental report grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51814/22]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that the Environmental Report Grant was introduced by my Department in response to a recommendation of the Mackinnon report (confirmed by the O'Hara report) and following consultations with stakeholders and the Project Woodland Board.
The aim is to increase the quality of afforestation applications in particular as they address environmental aspects, to increase the throughput of applications by DAFM and to ensure applicants and their agents are reasonably reimbursed for the additional costs associated with the required standard and scope of environmental reports.
An environment grant is now paid at form 2 stage if a report from an external ecologist or external archaeologist is submitted and on file.
Those reports that are required for afforestation in addition to the current mandatory application requirements include:
- A pre-screening report
- A Habitat description and map
- An ecology report covering non-Appropriate Assessment ecology requirements
- A Natura Impact Statement.
Other reports, such as bird surveys, archaeology reports and environmental Impact Assessment Reports are occasionally required, but the four above are the most common required by DAFM, in## line with EU & National Regulations.
I can also confirm to the Deputy that a habitat or ecology survey are covered by the grant.
880. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of full-time superintending veterinary inspectors and senior superintending veterinary inspectors employed by his Department as of 1 April 2020 and 12 October 2022, in tabular form. [51865/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
1 st April 2020
|
Grade |
Number of full time Staff |
|
Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
10 |
|
Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
40 |
12 th October 2022
|
Grade |
Number of full time Staff |
|
Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
10 |
|
Superintending Veterinary Inspector |
48 |
881. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of individuals and their county of location who have been issued an exclusion order pursuant to Section 47 of the Greyhound Industry Act 1858, including any revocations since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51894/22]
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.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
882. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans in place to allow dual registration of fishing boats to allow boats to be registered on the register of fishing boats, and the Marine Survey Office at the same time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51938/22]
View answerThe legislation governing sea-fishing boat registration is set out in sections 74 to 80 and section 100 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, and the Merchant Shipping (Registry, Lettering and Numbering of Fishing Boats) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 261 of 2005).
I am advised by the Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats that existing sea-fishing boat registration legislation does not present any obstacle to dual registration. However, the registration of vessels and any safety considerations relating to their use is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport. The Licensing Authority is not empowered by law to vary or waive vessel registration legislation.
883. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will instruct Howth harbour to respond to person (details supplied). [52010/22]
View answerAny accidents or incidents within the bounds of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre must be reported immediately or as soon as reasonably practicable to the Harbour Master or Harbour Staff members.
My Department cannot locate any record of any alleged incident involving the individual concerned, and no correspondence appears to have been received either via post or email.
884. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends to ensure that any funding streams available for community organisations to assist with increased energy costs will also be available to community organisations that are companies limited by guarantee. [51919/22]
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.
885. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total spend by her Department and the agencies under her remit on cybersecurity measures since 2019 to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51179/22]
View answer887. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the proportion of her Department’s IT data that is stored in the cloud; the proportion of the data held by all agencies and subsidiaries of her Department in the cloud; if this represents an improvement; if so, the development that has been made towards cloud storage since 2019 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51203/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 885 and 887 together.
My Department's ICT managed services are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).
The OGCIO implements a multi-layered approach to cyber security and to protecting ICT systems, infrastructures and services. The OGCIO builds resilience into its ICT solutions as a matter of course, and has disaster recovery plans and sites in a Government Data Centre. Disaster recovery forms part of the overarching Business Continuity framework for their clients including my Department.
For operational and security reasons no details can be disclosed in relation to cyber security tools and services or the costs associated with same.
I am advised that in terms of cyber security strategies, the OGCIO also works closely with the National Cyber Security Centre which is a division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and encompasses the State's national/governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team.
As regards cloud based services, my Department is currently working towards a transformation of the processes that support the delivery of its services using digitalisation and data to provide an integrated experience for our customers and policy makers, and this is outlined in my Department's ICT strategy. In line with Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland's Public Service, this will include the full consideration of the role of cloud based services for both current and any future systems.
Currently my Department uses Cloud-based Internal Audit Management Software. In addition, the TidyTowns competition uses File Cloud as a vehicle for sharing data with external entities involved in delivering the competition. Once the competition cycle passes each year, this material is deleted.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund also uses Filecloud to receive applications. This has led to a more efficient application process. It is not used to save material, merely as a vehicle to receive and forward information. The information is ultimately stored on the Department's own internal Edocs system.
The Department has also used the SharePoint platform for the purposes of delivering the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and to facilitate work on the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
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 IT and corporate matters, corporate compliance/policies, and staffing issues.
886. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2021; the timeline for its implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51185/22]
View answerMy Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Following a public consultation, revised guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments were published in July 2018 and came into effect on 1 January 2019.
There is a substantial shift in the new guidelines towards a focus on the welfare of dogs and pups. Each local authority is responsible for the monitoring of these standards with regard to the registration of such establishments.
Following a review, my Department is currently developing necessary legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. The issues raised are wide ranging and complex and require in depth analysis and consultation. I expect to bring the General Scheme of the Bill to Government in Q2 2023.
888. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the names of all special advisers working in her Department; the Minister and Junior Minister who each advisor is associated with and their respective salaries, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51262/22]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
Please see details of special advisers working in my Department below:
|
- |
Name of Adviser |
Salary Pay scale |
|
Minister, Heather Humphreys |
Niall O'Connor |
€95,301 - €110,811 |
|
Minister, Heather Humphreys |
Pauric McPhillips |
Paid by the Department of Social Protection. |
|
Minister of State, Joe O'Brien |
Anne-Marie McNally |
€73,236 - €91,270 |
889. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the address location of all operational and proposed regional work hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51301/22]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy was launched in early 2021. The policy recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025. A hub identification and mapping exercise began in late 2020 and is ongoing.
In furtherance of this commitment, my Department’s focus to date has been on strategically developing the Connected Hubs ecosystem, the Network's shared online booking platform connectedhubs.ie, adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure, and supporting the establishment of new hubs.
There are currently 293 remote and co-working facilities across the country on-boarded to the connectedhubs.ie platform. This number is growing all the time, meaning we are well on track to meet our target of 400 remote working hubs nationwide by 2025. The attached table provides a breakdown of the 293 hubs by county.
An interactive map is available on connectedhubs.ie that shows all the hubs that have been identified and mapped, and also provides useful information, such as addresses and the services that are available at each site, in relation to each of the hubs. This map can be found at the following : www.connectedhubs.ie/nationalhubsmap.html.
Over €100m has been invested by my department towards the establishment and development of remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities, with many projects seeing vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages converted into remote working hubs. Approximately €14 million in funding has also been allocated to almost 200 projects via the Connected Hubs fund, enabling successful applicants to add additional capacity to existing remote working infrastructure in digital hubs and Broadband Connection Points) throughout the country.
To date my focus has been on establishing the Connected Hub Network and on achieving this initial critical mass. Following strong progress on the establishment phase of the project, my focus has now shifted to the next stage of development. To this end, my officials have been consulting with hub managers across the country, with local authorities and communities, and with other stakeholders, including colleagues from the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment, to better inform the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network and the connectedhubs.ie platform.
I am committed to ensuring that the National Hub Network will continue to make a central contribution to the achievement of the Government's vision for rural Ireland, as set out in Our Rural Future.
890. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of members of the National Library Service in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, by county in tabular form. [51347/22]
View answerThis document contains information on the number of members of the National Library Service in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, by county in tabular form, as requested by the deputy. It also contains some information on how the numbers are calculated.
891. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason that certain organisations (details supplied) were deemed ineligible for the community centre investment fund; if there is an appeal process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51365/22]
View answerI announced over €12.5M in funding for almost 600 projects under Category 1 of the Community Centres Investment Fund earlier this month.
All applications to the Community Centres Investment Fund were subject to a competitive assessment process based on the assessment criteria as set out in the fund guidelines. Unfortunately, the groups the Deputy refers to either did not meet the required threshold for funding or were deemed ineligible under the fund.
Unsuccessful applicants will have the opportunity to appeal the decision on their application. These applicants will receive confirmation of the status of their application and be provided with guidelines for the appeals process in the coming days.
Separately, I secured €20 million in funding in Budget 2023 for a targeted scheme for new build community centres as well as upgrades and improvements to existing centres. The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and further details will be announced in due course.
