Thursday, 20 Apr 2023

Written Answers Nos. 309-328

Departmental Programmes

Questions (310)

Imelda Munster

Question:

310. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the work of youth diversion programmes in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18793/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to building stronger and safer communities and implementing policies designed to create a pathway to divert young people away from a life of crime.

As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, and to support wider preventative work in the community and with families at risk. There are currently over 100 YDPs throughout the State providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote pro-social behaviour and improve long term employability prospects for participants.

Youth diversion is not about young people avoiding punishment or consequences. It is about recognising that many young people who do stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to get their lives back on track. The work of the YDPs benefits everyone in our communities as they work to promote pro-social activities and outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality.

Funding for YDPs is provided by the Department of Justice and co-financed by the European Union under ESF+ and, in Budget 2023, a further €2.5 million in funding was allocated to youth justice services, increasing the total budget allocation for the YDPs and other youth justice projects to €30.24 million.

This funding will be deployed with the assistance of the best available research and expert evidence to keep young people away from crime.

I can advise the Deputy that there are four YDPs that cover the Louth area. These YDPs and their current funding allocations are detailed in the attached table, which I have appended to this answer for the Deputy’s further information.

I can also advise the Deputy that the Drogheda Implementation Board has decided to add an action to the Drogheda Implementation Plan on the provision of early intervention supports for 8-11 year olds, and it is anticipated that this additional service can be provided by provision of extra funding to the relevant YDP.

				2021 Allocation			2022 Allocation			2023 Allocation
Project		Location	Community Based Organisation	Original	Additional	Total	Original	Additional	Total	Original	Additional***	Total
Boyne*	Drogheda	Co. Louth	YWI Louth	€118,951	€25,000	€143,951	€132,151	€81,111	€213,262	€225,933	€0	€225,933
CABLE**	Drogheda	Co. Louth	Foróige	€153,016	€192,476	€345,492	€341,308	€2,489	€343,797	€357,833	€0	€357,833
High Voltage^	Dundalk	Co. Louth	Cox's Demesne	€129,890	€0	€129,890	€154,610	€76,918	€231,528	€217,305	€0	€217,305
TEAM^^	Dundalk	Co. Louth	Muirhevnamor Community YS	€176,891	€0	€176,891	€226,109	€54,000	€280,109	€237,414	€0	€237,414
				€578,748	€217,476	€796,224	€854,178	€214,518	€1,068,696	€1,038,485	€0	€1,038,485

*2021 allocation includes a capital grant of €25,000 for a vehicle. 2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €35,000 for a vehicle, €3,418 for equipment and €42,693 for an additional 1.0FTE Early Intervention Worker and 0.5FTE Family Support Worker.

**2021 allocation includes a capital grant of €66,000 for a vehicle, €12,500 for renovations and €113,696 for an additional 3.0FTE Youth Justice Workers. 2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €2,489 for equipment.

^2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €21,841 for a vehicle, and €55,077 for an additional 1.0FTE Youth Justice Worker.

^^2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €54,000 for a vehicle.

An Garda Síochána

Questions (311)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

311. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the number of sexual assaults reported in Irish hospitals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [18810/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based is a priority for this Government. It is reflected in a range of policies and legislation, as well as unprecedented increases in our Budget allocations.

Our new Zero Tolerance Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Strategy is the most ambitious to date. It was co-designed with the sector and fully recognises the need for a whole of government, whole of society, approach to tackling all forms of domestic, sexual and gender based violence.

The actions within it reflect the importance of a range of areas, including education, training, awareness raising, supports, robust legislation and importantly, having a victim centred approach to all of our work in this priority area.

We are committed to delivering on the goal of this strategy - a society that does not accept any form of sexual violence.

On the specifics of the Deputy's question, I requested information from An Garda Síochána in relation to the number of sexual assaults reported to them as having occurred in a hospital.

I have been informed by Garda authorities that a search of PULSE was conducted for incidents and the figures returned by An Garda Síochána are set out in the table below to which I am advised that crime counting rules have been applied.

Year Reported	Incident Count
2020	31
2021	45
2022	51
2023 (YTD)	15

An Garda Síochána have also advised that data is as available on the PULSE database on the morning of 20 April 2023, and is subject to change.

Female Genital Mutilation

Questions (312)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

312. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the HSE has not put in place special support services required by victims and survivors of FGM as set out in Action 2.4.12 of the Department’s Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence Implementation Plan; and what actions he will take to address this matter. [18813/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Female Genital Mutilation

Questions (313)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

313. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the HSE has not completed the mapping of current FGM service provision and allocated funding as set out in Action 2.4.12 of the Department’s Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence Implementation Plan committed to be completed by Q4 2022; and what actions he will take to address this matter. [18814/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (314)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

314. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the number of applications for citizenship currently being processed; the countries of origin of the applicants; and the number of applicants from each country, in tabular form. [18840/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to those who apply for it and my Department continued to accept and process citizenship applications throughout the pandemic and during all levels of public health restrictions.

Unfortunately due to unprecedented demand and the ongoing legacy of the pandemic, processing times for citizenship applications have been extended. I understand that extended processing times can be frustrating for applicants, however the Citizenship division has been working hard to clear backlogs.

There are currently 30,619 applications on hand and the table below details the top 25 nationalities accounting for 23,898 (78%) of all current applications. The remaining 6,721 applications are applicants from 147 different countries.

No. Of Applicants	Country of Nationality
3101	India
2508	Pakistan
1966	United Kingdom
1887	Nigeria
1549	Syrian Arab Republic
1499	Romania
1422	Poland
1332	Brazil
1057	China (Including Hong Kong)
991	United States Of America
964	Philippines
756	South Africa
508	Afghanistan
494	Egypt
421	Latvia
415	Russian Federation
413	Bangladesh
381	Sudan
362	Somalia
356	Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
346	Zimbabwe
308	Iraq
296	Türkiye
291	Ukraine
275	Lithuania

There are ongoing developments and improvements being made to the citizenship application process. Significant reforms have been introduced for customers to streamline the number of proofs required to establish their identity and residency as part of the application process. A new scorecard was introduced to help applicants to complete their applications. Since this initiative went live, a preliminary review of applications received indicates that the quality of the applications has markedly improved.

This development builds on other innovative measures introduced in the application process, including the deployment of “Tara” the e-chat bot, as well as e-payments, e-tax clearance and Gardaí e-vetting, and the removal of the requirement to provide the original passport when making an application, all of which have positively enhanced the applicant's experience.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (315)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when a favourable decision in respect of residency and naturalisation is likely in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18875/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It will be submitted to me for decision in due course.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: [e-mail], which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Naturalisation Applications

Questions (316)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which consideration in respect of naturalisation is ongoing in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18900/23]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It will be submitted to me for decision in due course.

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.

It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.

However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: [e-mail], which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (317)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

317. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the issues farmers applying under the Liming Programme are experiencing (details supplied); the assistance that is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18654/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Liming Programme 2023 is open for applications until 20th April. The Programme will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers per tonne of lime applied, with the objective of neutralising soil acidity and improving the availability of nutrients in the soil, thereby reducing overall fertiliser use.

My Department is aware of current strong farmer demand for soil analysis which is resulting in longer than normal turnaround times for at least some of the laboratories that provide this service. However, the Liming Programme does not require soil reports be submitted at application stage. It must be pointed out however that support for lime is only available in line with recommendations per soil reports for the farm. When their soil analysis reports become available, they can claim up to the amount of lime indicated as required on those reports.

Under the Liming Programme the latest date for spreading lime and submitting claims is 31st October 2023. Therefore, all applicants should have sufficient time to get their soil analysis completed if they wish.

Greyhound Industry

Questions (318)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

318. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he believes his Department's inspections of greyhound owners are overzealous (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18663/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. In line with the Programme for Government, I am committed to the continued application of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.

Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, and, through their inspectors who are authorised officers under the Act, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Rásaíocht Con Eireann. My Department works closely with these bodies and I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and praise their work to protect animal welfare.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. Where reports of animal welfare violations, including those relating to greyhounds, are made to my officials, inspections and investigations are carried out as appropriate.

The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:

Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.

Email address: [e-mail].

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (319)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

319. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether heifers will be included in quota numbers in the new suckler scheme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18705/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Charlie McConalogue)

The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), which will run from 2023 to 2027, is designed to support farmers in improving the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd. The scheme aims to build on the gains achieved through previous beef sustainability measures such as the Beef Data and Genomics Programme and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme.

Regarding the specific query raised by the Deputy, heifers are not considered reference animals. Reference animals are defined in the scheme terms and conditions as: "the number of eligible suckler cows producing an eligible calf in years 2016-2021".

The applicant will be presented with the best three years of 2016-2021 and will receive the average of these 3 years as a reference number. This reference number will be divided by 1.5 to give a maximum payable area (MPA).

However, the Deputy may wish to note that heifers over 16 months of age are eligible for inclusion under Scheme action 2 on the female replacement strategy when participants must ensure that a certain percentage of their yearly reference number are eligible females that are genotyped 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index.

Full details on the terms and conditions of the scheme available on my Department's website at: gov.ie - Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) (www.gov.ie).

In addition, my Department is currently conducting a series of information sessions which will take place until early May. Further details on the schedule are available at the above link.

Finally, the Beef Schemes Section in my Department has a dedicated SCEP e-mail address and a phone number for queries on the operation of the Scheme

Email: [e-mail].

Phone number: +00 353 (0) 57 8674422.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (320)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

320. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of each time his Department, or public bodies under the aegis of his Department, enlisted the services of consultants in 2022; the purpose and value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18725/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I advise the Deputy that the information requested is set out in the attached table.

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.

Consultant	Details	Value €
Ernst & Young	Assessor to oversee Mink Farming Compensation Scheme.	123,000
Climate KIC Holding	co-design and develop a portfolio of innovative actions to accelerate climate neutrality in the land, agrifood sector.	800,000
Sinead Mowlds	International agrifood knowledge transfer project	4,000
Owen Carton	International agrifood knowledge transfer project services	1,800
Donal Coleman	International agrifood knowledge transfer project services	500
Michael J. Barry Consulting Ltd.	Project Design and Value Chain Expert	20,000
Paula Barry Walsh	Livestock Systems and Animal Health Expert	11,000
Sinead Mowlds	Development and delivery of sustainable food systems transformation pathways capability building.	27,500
Crowleys DFK	To assist the Unfair Trading Practices Enforcement Authority in carrying out its functions.	between 25,000 and 144,000
John Griffin	Drafting of expert report in relation to prosecution	5,600
Fergal Tansey (Biotec)	Drafting of expert report in relation to prosecution	8,107
Mazars	IT Audit Consultancy - Technical Expertise	70,756
Fitzsimons Consulting	Deliver a female rural entrepreneurs programme under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund (known as ACORNS)	244,094
Pollution & Waste Services	Oil Spill Response Plans - (Consultancies)	11,066
Briggs Environmental Services	Oil Spill Contingency Plan - (Consultancies)	2,197
CMG Crime Management LTD	Port Security Plans / Training – (Security Costs)	6,089
Ernst & Young	Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – EAGF AND EAFRD Annual Accounts Certification for Financial Year 2022. Contract awarded in 2021 to April 2023.	675,000
Ernst & Young	Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – EAGF AND EAFRD Annual Accounts Certification for each Financial Year from 2023 – 2025. Contract awarded in and commenced in 2022 to 2026	4,700,000
Crane Bag Consulting	Evaluation of the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme	28,044
Bax & Company	Support & Development of the European Peatlands Initiative	22,000
MCO Projects Ltd.	Co-ordination of Public consultation survey and Deliberative Dialogue.	39,495
Primrose Productions	Services toward a Deliberative Dialogue.	6,000
FERS Ltd.	Consultative support on forestry and climate change reporting.	86,900
Wood Energy Consulting	Wood Fuel Energy Services.	21,000
Grant Thornton	Project Woodland - Organisational Review	51,400
Auxilia Group	Project Woodland - Training Needs Analysis re Licensing Process	23,970
Silvalytics Limited	New Forestry Programme Cost Benefit Analysis	19,600
Southern Scientific Services Ltd	Environmental Assessments	256,100
North West Ecology	Environmental Assessments	49,650
Applied Ecology Ireland LTD	Environmental Assessments	60,335
Envirico Limited	Environmental Assessments	441,740
Enfor Limited	Environmental Assessments	73,809
Environmental Facilitation Ltd	Environmental Assessments	445,959
Mayfly Ecology	Environmental Assessments	16,982
GAC Training and Services Solutions Training	Provision of modelling and vessel management training services associated with Smooth Point Pier Extension at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre	11,274
Tim Ahern Consultancy Ltd.	Conciliation Services in relation to Smooth Point Pier Extension at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.	20,295
DSM Consulting Engineers	Provision of Engineering building design and construction supervision services for new storage buildings at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre	54,735
Tetra Tech Consulting (NI)	Provision of Engineering electrical design and construction supervision services for upgrading lighting at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre	47,785
Barry Cunningham Quantity Surveyor	Provision of quantity surveying services associated with Smooth Point Pier Extension at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre,	148,658
Landmark Geomatics	Engineering Surveying Services in relation to Killybegs Smooth Point Pier Extension at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.	492
CST Group	Engineering Services in relation to Traffic Management at Landing Pier in Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.	6,088
6West	Engineering Surveying Services in relation to Killybegs Smooth Point Pier Extension at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.	5,836
Cronin Millar/Byrne Looby Consulting Engineers	Provision of Engineering site supervision services in relation to Killybegs Smooth Point Pier Extension at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.	153,504
NW Fire Safety	Survey of Existing Fire Alarm systems at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre	3,013
FiSCA	Fire Engineering design specialist for Fire Cert and Disabled Access Cert for Building Control Management Systems application at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre	1,530
J&N Security Consultants	Design of CCTV System for Ros An Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre	19,905
Murphy Consulting	Structural Calculations for works at Ros An Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre	600
CBS Consulting Eng	Marine & Engineering Design for Water Metering at Ros An Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre	4,800
Derhinos Limited	Fire Safety Inspection at Ros An Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre	2,900
Cyril Kelly & Associates	Design of Storage Shed at Ros An Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre	3,639
Corrosion Solutions	Inspection of blasting and coating work on Syncrolift Platform at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre	3,380
Malachy Walsh & Partners	Inspection of structural repairs on Syncrolift Platform at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre	1,950
MHL & Associates	Traffic Management Plan Dinish Island, Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre	46,500
Crime Management Limited	Security Consultants for Security Plan & Security Drills for Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre	4,950
Farriage-QHSE, Marine Consultancy,	Consultancy services for review of Pilotage in Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre	3,707
Malone O’Regan	Construction phase for the new - shared pontoon in Dunmore East – Redesign of Fender Wall for RNLI	3,014
Malone O’Regan	Extension to fishing pontoon - Dunmore East	2,964
Malone O’Regan	Planning for New Access steps from Island lane to slipway – Dunmore East.	15,398
Malone O’Regan Environmental Services (MORES)	AA & EclA Reports in support of Planning Application for Proposed New Steps for Island Lane – Dunmore East	3,813
Malone O’Regan	Drainage upgrade works – Dunmore East	3,864
RPS	Design work on repairs to breakwater – Dunmore East	27,921
MHL	Design of traffic Management Plan Dunmore East	7,995
Richard Browne	Design of repairs to stormgate – Cape Clear	6,037
Malone O’Regan	Remedial Works to Duffy’s Pier – Cape Clear	6,150
Octavian Economics Ltd	Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment for the EMFAF Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027	138,035
OVE ARUP & Partners Ireland	New Autoclave Dublin Veterinary Regional Lab – User Requirement Specification	2,337
OVE ARUP & Partners Ireland	New Autoclave Bacteriology Category 3 Laboratory - scoping phase	33,997
OVE ARUP & Partners Ireland	Design report on upgrade of facilities at Cork Blood Testing Lab	10,430
MKO (McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan)	Food Vision Environmental Report	5,183
RSK (Ireland) Ltd	Food Vision Environmental Report	2,403
Certification Europe Ltd	Independent assessments of the Department’s ISO 27001:2013 certification. Required for EU accreditation purposes.	35,178

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (321, 322)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

321. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ACRES applicants who have applied for the tree planting measure in the scheme; the estimated number of plants required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18775/23]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

322. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ACRES applicants who have applied for the tree planting measure in the scheme, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18776/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.

ACRES is the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme which is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. Participants in ACRES commit to undertake, under their ACRES contract, certain actions for a period of five years.

There are two approaches within ACRES – an ACRES General approach offering a range of General Actions for farmers; and a Co-operation Project approach, available to farmers in defined high priority geographical areas.

Within the range of ACRES actions from which farmers could select at the time of application, there are a number of tree planting options.

The following table relates specifically to the numbers, by county, who availed of a "Tree planting" action:

No of herds with ACRES action "Tree Planting"

County	ACRES Co-operation	ACRES General	Total
Carlow	3	61	64
Cavan	2	162	164
Clare	5	99	104
Cork	24	525	549
Donegal	27	134	161
Dublin		4	4
Galway	5	206	211
Kerry	32	187	219
Kildare		10	10
Kilkenny		119	119
Laois		26	26
Leitrim	9	12	21
Limerick	14	143	157
Longford		57	57
Louth	3	12	15
Mayo	9	184	193
Meath		72	72
Monaghan		122	122
Offaly	1	20	21
Roscommon	4	137	141
Sligo	10	55	65
Tipperary	4	142	146
Waterford	5	87	92
Westmeath		101	101
Wexford	2	118	120
Wicklow	2	55	57
Total	161	2,850	3,011

Each applicant was permitted to select the appropriate number of trees for their own application within the parameters of a maximum of 300 and a minimum of 10 if chosen as a general action, and a minimum of 100 if chosen as a priority action.

The specific requirements in relation to each of the tree planting actions may be found in the ACRES Tranche 1 Specification document available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/ACRES.

Question No. 322 answered with Question No. 321.

Agriculture Schemes

Questions (323, 324, 325)

Colm Burke

Question:

323. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the number of applications made to the ash dieback replanting scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18801/23]

Colm Burke

Question:

324. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications made to the ash dieback replanting scheme which have been processed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18802/23]

Colm Burke

Question:

325. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of successful applications made to the ash dieback replanting scheme; the total amount of funding paid out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18803/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 to 325, inclusive, together.

The Deputy may be aware that the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback Disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineaus) in Ireland was made on 12th October 2012 at a forestry plantation site in County Leitrim which had been planted in 2009 with trees imported from continental Europe.

In March 2013 the Department introduced a Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara Ash Dieback) to restore forests planted under the afforestation scheme which had suffered from, or which were associated with plants affected by disease.

Following a Review of the National Response to Ash Dieback Disease arising from scientific advice and evidence that eradication of ash dieback disease is no longer feasible the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) was launched in June 2020. A total of 980 applications for 3,783ha have been made under this scheme. Of these, 390 approvals for 1,239ha and one refusal for 10ha have issued. There are currently 589 applications for 2,534ha still being processed.

A total of €9.25 million has been expended to date on both schemes. These schemes included a grant for site clearance as well as replanting.

Last month, I launched an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. The interim scheme includes the following enhanced features:

• Enhanced site clearance grant rate, increased to €2,000.

• Enhanced grant rates as per draft Forestry programme 2023-2027

• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.

• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.

This scheme is available to 154 current approvals covering an area of 477 hectares. To date, 14 of those eligible have applied for this scheme for an area of 65 hectares.

A similar scheme for the reconstitution of ash dieback will be launched as part of the new Forestry Programme.

My Department continues to review the operation of the ash dieback scheme, having regard to its effectiveness, the status of the plantations, state aid regulations and other issues having regard to the age and stage of the rotation of the almost 16,000 hectares of ash that were grant aided between 1999 and 2013.

Question No. 324 answered with Question No. 323.

Question No. 325 answered with Question No. 323.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (326)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

326. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to encourage compliance to meet emission reduction targets, while at the same time ensuring that the agrifood industry is not damaged given the prospect of world food shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18876/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Ireland is one of the most food secure countries in the world. In fact, Ireland has come second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have a number of policies and strategies in place to ensure agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed.

My position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve this target.

In the Agriculture chapter of the Climate Action Plan 2023, I have proposed measures around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.

There is no doubt that some livestock farmers will take up diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation including to areas such as Organics, Forestry, Tillage and the provision of feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion as we increase the production of renewables. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that there is no risk to food security, even if some farmers choose to diversify.

In terms of examples for improvement, we have seen the key role the Economic Breeding Index has played in dairy production over the last decade. I am keen to explore how we can, with the necessary commitment of all stakeholders, extend the work we have already done to improve the genetic profile of the herd in recent years.

My ultimate aim is to future proof our beef and dairy sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. Ireland's agrifood sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class dairy and beef sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve these multiple objectives.

Agriculture Industry

Questions (327)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the future of the dairy industry, with particular reference to the need to reduce carbon emissions while at the same time ensuring the development of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18877/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I remain confident that the outlook for the Irish dairy Industry remains positive - the long-term fundamentals of the dairy sector are really strong. We produce a safe, nutritious and sustainable products that are in demand across the globe and, despite the current market downturn, these products are still in demand from trusted buyers.

The Irish Dairy Industry is the jewel in the crown of our €16bn export agrifood sector. It is a sector of immense importance to the economy.

In 2022, Irish farmers produced over 8.8 billion litres of milk, an increase of over 2 billion litres since the abolition of quotas in 2015. Total Irish milk production increased by 0.7% percent in 2022 year on year. Irish Dairy exports exceeded the €7 billion mark in 2022 and reached 130 different markets last year.

The number of Irish dairy cows currently stands at 1.65 million head. CSO statistics show that the total number of dairy cows in the country has increased every year for the last five years. There has also been continuous growth in the average dairy herd size since 2011, rising from 64 to 92 cows per milking herd currently. It should however be noted that increased production is driven by other factors as well as an increased herd, for example improved genetics.

I established the Food Vision Dairy Group last year to advance the actions for the dairy sector identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sector to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process.

The first priority for the Group was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The Dairy Group submitted their final report in October 2022, which has been published on my Department’s website. The report identified measures which could contribute to reducing emissions. The publication was timely as it then served to inform the Climate Action Plan 2023 which was launched in December 2022. The implementation roadmap for actions outlined in the Plan is contained in a supplementary annex of actions which was published in March.

My Department will work collaboratively with all other Departments and agencies involved to implement these priority actions.

Animal Diseases

Questions (328)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

328. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which animal diseases such as bovine tuberculosis continue to be eliminated in a meaningful way; the extent to which any breakdowns have occurred by region; the efforts being made to identify the causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18878/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am committed to making real progress in eradicating TB because I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial pain associated with a TB breakdown.

I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland. This battle against TB continues in 2023.

As of 16th April 2023, on a 12-month rolling basis herd incidence has slightly increased to 4.42% compared to 4.38% at same time last year. In the past 12 months 4,563 TB Herds were restricted, compared to 4,607 in the previous 12-month period. A decrease of 44 TB Herds restricted (1%).

The attached file shows our TB Statistical figures for Year 2022 broken down by county region while it also displays overall total comparison for preceding years.

As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.

Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.

Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:

• movement of cattle with undetected infection.

• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.

• spread across farm boundaries.

• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or

• spread from infected badgers to cattle.

This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.

The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie.

RVO	Herds Restricted in 2022	Herd Incidence	Number of Reactors
CARLOW	38	3.13%	77
CAVAN	178	3.89%	528
CLARE	155	2.65%	672
CORK North	364	6.78%	2,596
CORK South	244	4.35%	1,448
DONEGAL	126	2.53%	261
DUBLIN	30	8.93%	265
GALWAY	278	2.64%	1,053
KERRY	254	4.06%	1,802
KILDARE	88	5.12%	257
KILKENNY	195	6.85%	1,539
LAOIS	155	5.88%	454
LEITRIM	81	2.88%	358
LIMERICK	214	4.17%	1,570
LONGFORD	109	4.69%	309
LOUTH	63	5.49%	238
MAYO	178	2.11%	473
MEATH	251	6.89%	1,359
MONAGHAN	234	5.83%	905
OFFALY	179	6.23%	542
ROSCOMMON	146	2.83%	278
SLIGO	114	3.48%	327
TIPP NORTH	174	5.51%	832
TIPP SOUTH	186	5.87%	1,535
WATERFORD	91	4.55%	686
WESTMEATH	158	5.51%	842
WEXFORD	121	4.28%	808
WICKLOW E	106	11.03%	716
WICKLOW W	67	13.76%	663
TOTAL	4,577	4.31%	23,393