Written Answers Nos. 428-452
428. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if consideration is being given to reducing the minimum salary for family reunification concerning non-EEA healthcare assistants under the general employment permit, in view of changes to the scheme in 2021 that set the annual minimum salary at €27,000 for healthcare assistants under the general employment permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19534/23]
View answerAll immigration schemes and the requirements in relation to those schemes, including the policy for non-EEA family reunification, are kept under ongoing review.
The position in regard to applications of this nature is set out in the Policy Document for Non-EEA Family Reunification which is available on my Departments website. In general terms. the sponsor must demonstrate their capacity to provide for their family member(s) if they are to be granted a permission to come to Ireland. As a guideline, Category B sponsors such as those on General Employment Permits, regardless of occupation, must have a gross income in each of the previous 2 years in excess of that applied by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in assessing eligibility for the Working Family Payment (formerly Family Income Supplement) and the expectation must be that this level of income will be maintained. The Working Family Payment does not apply in cases of couples where there are no children and in such cases the policy provides that a minimum level of gross income required in such cases would be €30,000 per annum.
The minimum remuneration threshold for applications for General Employment Permits are matters for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
431. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares of the Coillte estate on peatland soils that are currently planted with trees and where forestry productivity is projected to be a particular yield class (details supplied). [18913/23]
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. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
432. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 26 October 2022, of the remaining 58,000 ha of Coillte lands on peat soil (details supplied), the area in hectares that is planted with trees managed by Coillte primarily for commercial timber production; and the area in hectares planted with trees managed by Coillte primarily for biodiversity protection. [18918/23]
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. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
433. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times his Department has hired out external ornithologists to carry out works on behalf of his Department in the years 2022 and to date in 2023; the name of the ornithologist; and the amount paid for such project work, in tabular form. [18950/23]
View answerThe production of licences is a team effort and requires administrative staff, forestry Inspectors and, when required, archaeologists and ecologists. It is estimated that ecologists are involved in around 75 to 80% of all licence files, but they also work on other non-licence files and other ecology-related activities. 4,713 licences issued in 2022 as well as other non-licence scheme approvals.
My Department has invested heavily in additional ecology resources, both permanent and contract ecologists, in recent years. As most files referred to ecology sometimes cover a variety of issues including ornithology, all DAFM ecologists employed cover all issues including the ornithology issues, with some specialising more than others in ornithology. For this reason ecology work covering ornithology is not broken down and accounted for separately.
The total number of ecologists working in DAFM on forestry fluctuates. Currently DAFM employ 9 permanent ecologists and approximately 22 Full time equivalent contract ecologists for forestry licences and forestry schemes.
In 2022 there was a total spend on external ecology resources of €2.2m.
To date in 2023 there has been a spend on external ecology resources of some €693,000.
In relation to the processing of forestry applications, my Department have contracts in place with Fehilly Timoney Ltd, Environmental Facilitation Ltd, Southern Scientific Services Ltd, Envirico Ltd, North West Ecology Ltd, Applied Ecology Ireland Ltd. and Enfor Ltd.
434. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will revise the criteria for the current ACRES (details supplied). [18971/23]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is an agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration and every effort is being made to ensure the Scheme not only addresses a range of environmental, climate and biodiversity objectives but is also attractive to farmers as it is necessary for them to actually undertake the actions to achieve the targeted results.
I was pleased to recently announce that I am in a position to accept in all 46,200 applications who applied in Tranche 1 of the scheme. I can also confirm that I will be opening Tranche 2 later this year.
I would encourage farmers to look at the eligibility criteria in each of the Tiers in ACRES General in more detail and to consider all of the actions available in ACRES. There are a number of ways in which farmers may be eligible for entry into ACRES under Tier 1 or Tier 2. A farmer may, for example, be eligible for Tier 2 priority entry to the ACRES General approach, if he/she adopts at least one of the tree planting actions which are Tree planting (minimum ‘min’ of 100 trees), Planting trees in riparian buffer zones (min 10 trees) or Tree belts for ammonia capture from farmyards (min 0.18 hectare). Interested farmers should review all available actions with their adviser in advance of Tranche 2 opening.
435. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the situation in relation to agricultural payments for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18986/23]
View answerMy Department issued an annual payment statement and cover letter directly to the person named on 20 April 2023. The statement lists all scheme payments paid during the 2022 calendar year.
436. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grants and premiums will be available in the next forestry programme for sufferers of ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19024/23]
View answer437. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a compensation package for loss of income will be introduced for sufferers of ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19025/23]
View answer444. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers affected by chalara fraxinea (ash dieback) disease; the support measures introduced by his Department to address this matter; the number of farmers who have applied for these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19193/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 436, 437 and 444 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 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 €9.25 million has been expended to date on both schemes. These schemes included a grant for site clearance as well as replanting. There were 15,897 hectares of grant aided ash planted between 1990 and 2013, representing more than 4,000 separate forestry applications. Of these, intervention under the schemes has been grant aided for over 2,800 hectares.
Last month, Minister of State Pippa Hackett 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. There are a further 589 applications for approval representing 2,534 hectares currently being processed which will be able to avail of the new programme scheme when approved.
State Aid Guidelines provide for aid for the restoration of damage to forests caused by a variety of events including damage from disease and pests. State Aid rules are explicit that this aid is for restoration and does not facilitate compensation for other loss, including income. There are 7,000 hectares of grant aided ash which remain in premium for periods ranging from one to eleven years.
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 1990 and 2013.
438. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1552 of 21 March 2023, if he will outline the number of engagements he or his officials have had with the relevant Algerian ministry regarding plans for a sanitary agreement to be established between Ireland and Algeria for dairy and infant formula; the most recent engagements he or his officials have had on the matter; if he will indicate the timelines for the implementation of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19117/23]
View answerAs outlined in my previous reply, Ireland already has an existing sanitary agreement for dairy and related products with Algeria.
My Department has made a number of representations to Algeria in relation to market access specifically for Infant Formula and has been in ongoing communication with Infant formula companies.
An official Department letter was forwarded to the Algerian government on 1st February, which detailed a number of clarifications sought by my Department relating to market access requirements for the export of infant formula products to Algeria. To date, there has been no response to these queries.
As a result, my Department has made representations to both the Embassy of Ireland to Algeria and the Algerian Embassy in Ireland to engage directly with the Algerian authorities, on behalf of my Department, to clarify certain points in the interpretation of this agreement as it related to the export of infant formula products.
A response from the Algerian authorities is awaited, and this will determine next steps. Ultimately it is the competent authority in the importing country who will set the timelines for authorisation to import.
439. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how his Department intends to engage on the recently published report of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity with regard to the potential impact of the report on agriculture and the farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19124/23]
View answerMy Department recognises that biodiversity is a keystone to our way of life and an important matter for us all.
Officials from my Department are currently considering the recommendations related to Agriculture within the report referred to by the Deputy. In many cases actions are already in place to deliver on the report's recommendations. In other cases the full implications of the recommendation needs to be considered as part of the Government's overall response to the report.
Biodiversity is already supported through a variety of schemes and programmes at national and local level, and I will continue, along with my colleagues in Government, to strive to improve our biodiversity.
Maintaining and improving biodiversity is a core objective within Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) which commenced in January. The introduction of a new definition of land eligibility for direct payments under the CSP is already ensuring farmers are not restricted "in their ambition to make change for the benefit of biodiversity".
In addition, as part of the CSP, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is building on the learnings from previous smaller projects, including the European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs), to increase the focus on results-based payments and the locally led approach especially through the ACRES Co-operation Projects where we expect to witness significant progress towards meeting biodiversity targets. I was happy to confirm acceptance of 46,000 farmers into the scheme recently.
Furthermore, the ambitious targets set for organic farming under the CSP, and the strong uptake we are already witnessing, will also contribute to meeting recommendations within the Citizens' Assembly's Report.
Outside the CSP, new initiatives such as the Native Woodland Establishment scheme and the Agro-forestry scheme will also help towards achieving our tree planting goals under the EU Biodiversity Strategy. Other schemes such as the Multi-Species Swards Measure and the Red Clover Silage Measure also aim to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming which will not only have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions but will also lead to enhanced biodiversity, both above, and below ground, while addressing a further recommendation within the report.
Support and engagement with farmers, the custodians of our landscape, will remain a critical factor in achieving the our goals for biodiversity within Ireland.
440. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the licensing requirements for companies supplying AI services to farmers; what sanctions apply if the licensing requirements are not adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19126/23]
View answerBovine A.I. Field Service Licences (FSL) are issued by my Department in accordance with Statutory Instrument 19 of 2009. The Terms and Conditions attached to this licence include, inter alia, that the applicant is a legal personality within the State and that they own or operate an EU approved Germinal Centre. They must have an adequate level of resources to deliver traceability with regard to Zootechnical and Animal Health information and ensure records can be produced on request. FSL licence holders must have satisfactory access to sufficient supplies of semen from a range of bull breeds which have been selected through an officially approved testing and evaluation programme. The Regulations governing this area are currently being revised and a new Statutory Instrument is being drafted.
A FSL license requires the holder to have a written contract with its approved AI Technicians and to ensure they are adhering to the highest of traceability and disease prevention standards. AI Technicians are licensed by my Department under the Animal Health and Welfare (AI Technician Licence Regulations) 2019 (S.I No.431 of 2019). An AI Technician must be contracted to a specific FSL Holder and cannot operate independently.
Sanctions regarding the licensing of AI technicians are included in SI No 431 of 2019 while those regarding FSLs will be included in the new Statutory Instrument.
441. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if tillage land was eligible for ANC payments prior to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19168/23]
View answerTillage lands situated in designated Areas of Natural Constraints and Areas of Specific Constraints became eligible for payment from 2019 onwards. These arable lands are not subject to or taken into account in the calculation of stocking requirements.
442. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the forestry programme will commence; when it will provide income for stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19177/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that funding of €1.3 billion has now been secured for the next Forestry Programme. Subject to State Aid approval, this will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme to date in Ireland. This funding provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees that can provide a valuable addition to farm income and also to help meet our national climate and biodiversity objectives.
It includes proposed attractive grant and premiums that will support landowners to plant trees in a manner to providing lasting benefits for many key areas including climate change, biodiversity, wood production, employment alongside enhancing societal benefits.
I am aware of the urgency in which planting must take place, given the importance of afforestation for our ambitious planting targets and for the continuation of work to this sector. In order to address the lacuna between the two Forestry Programmes, my Department has introduced an Interim Afforestation Scheme and an Interim Forest Road Scheme to provide an option of immediate planting and/or roading from January 2023 for those with existing valid approvals. This ensured that those with valid licence approvals could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed to be paid under the new Programme. A similar Scheme was also introduced for Reconstitution and Underplanting (Ash Dieback).
As the Deputy may be aware, the Forestry Programme requires State Aid approval from the European Commission to implement. We have been working intensively with the European Commission to secure this State Aid approval for the new Forestry Programme.
Once Commission approval has been received we will be in a position to launch the new Programme, subject to finalisation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment, which I am assured is nearing completion. At this time, all applications that are in the system are being worked on and processed in the normal manner, progressing to the point just before certification and approval. The aim is to have all the work completed on as many grant aid files as possible, so that approvals will be ready to issue as soon as the state aid approval is granted.
The launch of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 as a matter of the utmost priority for my and my Department. As a comprehensive and well-subscribed Forestry Programme has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, economic development and quality of life.
443. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of badgers culled, by county, in 2022 and to date in 2023, the number of these badgers found dead in the snares; and the number that were alive and were killed by gunshot or other method. [19178/23]
View answerMy Department does not use snares to capture badgers. Our operatives use stopped body restraints under licence from the National Parks and Wildlife service.
No badgers were found dead in stopped body restraints and all badgers in the attached spreadsheet were dispatched in accordance with the terms of our licence from the National Parks and Wildlife service.
Badger vaccination is now an integral part of the Irish TB Eradication Programme. This follows over 15 years of research work using BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis infection in badgers, and scientific trials carried out between 2013 and 2017 that show that vaccination is no less effective than culling.
Badger vaccination is thus being substituted for continued culling of badgers such that a significant reduction in the numbers of badgers culled can be achieved over the coming years while still maintaining effective control of the risk posed to cattle.
The large-scale roll-out of badger vaccination commenced in late 2019. Every year more and more of the countryside is designated as vaccination zones. This is reflected in the numbers of badgers captured for vaccination in these zones rising from an initial figure of 1,937 badgers in 2019, to 4,698 badgers in 2020. This figure rose again in 2021 to 6,586 badgers, with a further 7,244 badgers captured for vaccination in 2022.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. There is a terrible financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegially to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
Please see attached the numbers of badgers captured and culled by county in 2022 and 2023 to date.
2022
|
Carlow |
12 |
|
Cavan |
275 |
|
Clare |
404 |
|
Cork North |
333 |
|
Cork South |
370 |
|
Donegal |
20 |
|
Dublin |
27 |
|
Galway |
329 |
|
Kerry |
348 |
|
Kildare |
176 |
|
Kilkenny |
36 |
|
Laois |
147 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
|
Limerick |
177 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
0 |
|
Mayo |
239 |
|
Meath |
132 |
|
Monaghan |
225 |
|
Offaly |
276 |
|
Roscommon |
278 |
|
Sligo |
220 |
|
Tipperary North |
267 |
|
Tipperary South |
109 |
|
Waterford |
69 |
|
Westmeath |
468 |
|
Wexford |
116 |
|
Wicklow East |
84 |
|
Wicklow West |
121 |
2023 to date
|
Carlow |
0 |
|
Cavan |
96 |
|
Clare |
229 |
|
Cork North |
116 |
|
Cork South |
152 |
|
Donegal |
0 |
|
Dublin |
6 |
|
Galway |
158 |
|
Kerry |
161 |
|
Kildare |
86 |
|
Kilkenny |
13 |
|
Laois |
63 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
|
Limerick |
73 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
0 |
|
Mayo |
58 |
|
Meath |
69 |
|
Monaghan |
65 |
|
Offaly |
112 |
|
Roscommon |
147 |
|
Sligo |
88 |
|
Tipperary North |
85 |
|
Tipperary South |
23 |
|
Waterford |
31 |
|
Westmeath |
152 |
|
Wexford |
44 |
|
Wicklow East |
38 |
|
Wicklow West |
56 |
445. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if health and safety risks associated with dead or rotten ash trees increase the longer these trees are left in situ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19194/23]
View answerI am well aware that as ash dieback disease progresses nationally and within individual ash plantations, the potential health and safety risks associated with forest plantations, roadside and parkland ash trees will become an issue of increasing importance for landowners, workers and visitors.
As with any other health and safety matter, site-specific issues together with any measures, including any risk assessments required, are in the first instance the responsibility of the individual landowner. Forestry contractors are well aware of the risks in felling trees and the precautions required and their health and safety responsibilities when working or managing others who work in forests.
The HSA has also provided comprehensive guidance and information notes on this subject, including the following: Chainsaw Felling of Large Trees - IFSG 307 (2018); Mechanical Harvesting - IFSG 603 (2018); Extraction by Forwarder - IFSG 503 (2018); Cross Cutting and Manual Stacking - IFSG 304 (2018); Felling and Manual Takedown - IFSG 302 (2018); Chainsaw Safety Training Advice Information Sheet (2015); and Information on the Health and Safety responsibilities of Forest Land Owners and Managers who intend to fell their trees (2014).
In relation to roadside trees, my colleague, Eamonn Ryan, Minister for Transport has previously stated that Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 sets out the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using a public road or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. He further stated that this responsibility includes the preservation, felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of any such tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation' in question. It is thus advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this. The implementation of the legislation on the management or removal dangerous roadside trees is the responsibility of the local authority, in its capacity as the relevant road authority.
Furthermore, my Department, last year, published guidance on the subject of roadside trees - “A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”. This publication, which can be accessed on my Departments website, was produced in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland and outlines specific issues related to health and safety in tree work and gives practical guidance to those working with chainsaws taking out hazardous trees.
As regards the granting of Tree Felling Licences or approvals under the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme to allow landowner remove trees and forests affected by ash dieback disease. My Department continues to issue and accept felling licence applications and, to date in 2023, has issued nearly 1,000 felling licences. It is actively working with applicants to finalise any outstanding information required to allow decisions to be made on their applications and I intend to publish a new forestry licensing plan once State Aid for the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 has been approved by the European Commission.
Pending that approval, my Department early last month also launched an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash-dieback (via General De Minimis) for all applicants with valid technical approval by 31st December 2022 but who had not commenced reconstitution work and who do not wish to wait until the launch of the Forestry Programme 2023–2027. Features of the interim scheme include an enhanced site clearance grant rate and enhanced planting grant rates as per new Forestry Programme 2023-2027. Applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years and for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent Forest Type rate in the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 and the existing premium rate will be paid.
446. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if rotten ash trees on plantations under 10 ha in size require planning permission when replanted with commercial conifers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19195/23]
View answerThe Departmental Housing, Local Government and Heritage introduced a legislative change in the Planning and Development Regulations on 14th December 2022, which removes the requirement for planning permission for projects less than 10ha in size that involve the replacement of broadleaf high forest with conifer species, where the project is licensed or approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
This legislative change is a welcome development and will simplify the assessment process to a single consent approach operated by my Department. The requirement for projects to be screened by DAFM for sub-threshold Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) remains in place.
447. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ACRES applications awaiting a response; the number of these outstanding applications that are from organic farmers; if he will confirm what actions are being taken to address any applications awaiting a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19196/23]
View answerACRES is the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme and is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration.
There was significant interest in the Scheme with over 46,000 applications submitted for Tranche 1. I was pleased to announce last month that I was able to secure places for all valid applications submitted for Tranche 1. Decision letters issued to almost all applicants in early March with responses delayed in some cases where issues had been identified.
I am advised that 45 ACRES applicants are currently awaiting a response from my Department in relation to their ACRES application. The relevant ACRES advisors have been notified of the issues on each of these applications. I can confirm that four, of the 45 cases awaiting a response, relate to organic farmers (that is, members of Organic Certification Bodies).
My Department is are working to resolve the outstanding issues and it is anticipated that approval letters will issue for those cases that pass the ACRES pre-approval validations within the coming weeks.
448. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers ruled out of the ANC scheme for reasons other than not meeting stocking density criteria in 2020, 2021 and 2022, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19277/23]
View answerThe information below shows the numbers of farmers ruled out of the ANC scheme and therefore ineligible to receive payment, by county, for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.
|
County |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Carlow |
544 |
572 |
624 |
|
Cavan |
121 |
127 |
153 |
|
Clare |
103 |
117 |
141 |
|
Cork |
3,987 |
4,092 |
4,252 |
|
Donegal |
375 |
334 |
455 |
|
Dublin |
201 |
238 |
269 |
|
Galway |
307 |
346 |
442 |
|
Kerry |
248 |
257 |
321 |
|
Kildare |
946 |
967 |
1,009 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,139 |
1,162 |
1,235 |
|
Laois |
793 |
803 |
844 |
|
Leitrim |
67 |
88 |
83 |
|
Limerick |
476 |
461 |
501 |
|
Longford |
69 |
69 |
88 |
|
Louth |
443 |
470 |
499 |
|
Mayo |
210 |
226 |
320 |
|
Meath |
1,375 |
1,402 |
1,451 |
|
Monaghan |
136 |
151 |
138 |
|
Offaly |
427 |
450 |
485 |
|
Roscommon |
108 |
110 |
157 |
|
Sligo |
80 |
102 |
128 |
|
Tipperary |
1,638 |
1,677 |
1,694 |
|
Waterford |
763 |
777 |
774 |
|
Westmeath |
148 |
174 |
206 |
|
Wexford |
2,088 |
2,099 |
2,122 |
|
Wicklow |
196 |
214 |
282 |
Reasons for ineligibility for cases listed above include:
• Applicant failed to submit required/requested documentation
• Insufficient documentation was submitted
• No breeding enterprise on the farm
• Equine passports not registered in applicant’s name
• Non eligible equines
• Land not available to applicant for full year due to lease/rental arrangements
• Applicant disallowed following inspection
• Island status not confirmed for payment under Islands scheme
• No BPS application received.
• Eligible area less than 3 Hectares
• Invalid application date
• Inconsistent area details - ANC/Island
• Applicant deceased.
• Case not accepted as Force majeure.
449. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the hen harrier programme payment; if there are delays in processing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19287/23]
View answer458. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19578/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 458 together.
The Hen Harrier Project is operationally independent of my Department and is run by the Hen Harrier Project Team. The Project team are responsible for the administration of the project and associated payments. Any queries relating to payments due should be addressed directly to the Project team.
450. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that the Coillte group is fully committed to keeping a company (details supplied) as a wholly owned subsidiary; if he will confirm that the Coillte group does not intend selling this subsidiary to an external third party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19468/23]
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. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
451. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will be advertising again for positions on a committee (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19492/23]
View answerMy Department has no involvement with the organisation named.
452. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects approval from the European Commission in respect of the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19500/23]
View answerThe Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector is subject to EU Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural and Forestry Sector and in Rural Areas (Agricultural Guidelines). New Agricultural Guidelines came into force on 1st January 2023. As a result, my Department had to notify the Scheme to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. The required notification was submitted in early January and my Department is currently awaiting approval from the EU Commission. This has resulted in the delayed opening of the 2023 Scheme.
My Department fully recognises the importance of this Scheme to the horticulture sector and the importance of the sector itself to the rural economy. My Department will open the Scheme without delay as soon as approval is received.
