Written Answers Nos. 298-319
298. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice when the regulations on service charges and sinking funds, as required under sections 18.17 and 19.9 of the Multi-Unit Development Act 2011, will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the reasons they were not introduced in quarter 4 of 2022, as indicated in the Housing for All plan. [20636/23]
View answer299. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice when the regulations on service charges and sinking funds under sections 18.17 and 19.9 of the Multi-Unit Development Act 2011, which, according to Housing for All, were supposed to be introduced by quarter 4 of 2022, will finally be introduced. [20637/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments, and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). Well-functioning OMCs are key to maintaining and sustaining higher-density residential developments, such as apartments.
As the Deputy is aware, Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland is the Government’s housing plan to 2030. It includes support to effective management and oversight of multi-unit developments, by legislating for necessary changes. The Housing for All plan provides for Regulations to be made:
• under section 18, subsection 17 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 (‘the MUDs Act’) to ensure that OMCs are financially sustainable; and
• under section 18, subsection 19 of the MUDs Act, to ensure that OMCs provide for expenditure of a non-recurring nature (i.e. ‘sinking fund’ expenditure)
In this regard, my Department works in close co-operation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is guided by it in relation to overall housing policy.
Subsection 17 of section 18 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 provides that the Minister may make regulations prescribing the class or classes of items of expenditure which may be the subject of annual service charges; the procedures to be followed in setting such charges; the matters to be taken into account in the setting of such charges; and arrangements for the levying and payment of such charges.
Subsection 9 of section 19 of the MUD Act provides that the Minister may make regulations in relation to sinking funds, prescribing the class(es) of expenditure that may be incurred by a sinking fund, the procedures to be followed in setting contributions to it, the matters to be taken into account in setting such contributions, and the thresholds of expenditure which would necessitate approval by the members of the OMC.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in relation to the drafting of the Regulations, to ensure that they are fully informed by that Department’s appreciation of the key problems and issues requiring to be addressed in this sector.
It is intended to introduce the Regulations when the necessary consultation process is completed.
300. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider making changes to the processing times for short-term stay visa applications whereby the application is for a business trip, and by a person who proposes to purchase goods or livestock from Ireland, given that a recent order and contract of livestock was cancelled due to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20671/23]
View answerApplicants are advised to apply for their visa 8 weeks before their intended date of travel to the State.
The Dublin Visa Office are currently processing Short Stay Business Visas, received in the Dublin Visa Office, on the 3 April 2023. Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
There are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The visa process has a crucial role to play in supporting economic activity in the State through facilitation of tourism from emerging markets, promotion of Ireland as a destination for international education, facilitating those coming here for business and work, etc. As with all visa services worldwide, the central concern in deciding on visa applications is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time not placing unnecessary or unreasonable obstacles in the way of intending visitors.
301. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if he has any proposals to amend section 78 of the Succession Act 1965 to ensure that persons who witness wills would be required to identify the time and date of the execution of the will; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20766/23]
View answerPart VII of the Succession Act 1965 sets out the legal requirements for the making of a valid will and provides robust safeguards in relation to the validity of wills. These requirements are as follows:
• it must be in writing;
• the testator must be over 18 years of age (the testator may be under 18 if he or she is or has been married);
• the testator must be of sound mind;
• the testator must sign or mark the will in the presence of two witnesses;
• the two witnesses must sign the will in the testator's presence;
• the witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will;
• the witnesses must see the testator sign the will; and
• the signature of the testator must be at the end of the will.
While legislation is always kept under review, I have no current plans to amend the existing legislation.
302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20215/23]
View answer321. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when moneys owing for approved actions carried out in 2022 by farmers as part of the Hen Harrier Project in breeding Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas, as agreed with his Department, will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20615/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 321 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.
303. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider changes to the basic income support for the sustainability scheme (details supplied). [20230/23]
View answerUnder the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) 2023-2027, Eco-Schemes will be implemented across EU Member States to provide all farmers regardless of sector with an opportunity to participate and deliver agricultural practices that are beneficial to climate, biodiversity, the environment and water quality. While Eco-Schemes are voluntary for farmers, they are mandatory for Member States. Ireland has set aside 25% of its Direct Payments budget (c. €297 million per annum) for the Eco-Scheme in its CAP Strategic Plan which has now been agreed with the EU Commission. Any change to the scheme would require an amendment to Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan.
The Eco-Scheme is a voluntary annual scheme and is open to all active farmers. To qualify for payment, farmers will have to undertake specific agricultural practices on their farms. Payment under the Eco-Scheme will be an annual payment for all eligible hectares covered by the commitments undertaken. Each farmer will have the opportunity to opt in or out on an annual basis. Agricultural practices applied for can also be changed on a yearly basis at the farmers discretion. Farmers will apply for the Eco-Scheme at the same time as their application for the new Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) from 2023 onwards.
Ireland's Eco-Scheme has eight agricultural practices to choose from, with three of these practices having an enhanced option. A farmer must deliver two practices (or one enhanced option) to qualify for an Eco-Scheme payment.
The types of features included in the calculation of Space for Nature includes features such as hedgerows, drains, stonewalls, habitats, areas of scrub, rock, trees and woodland.
Through the Eco-Scheme, farmers are now being rewarded the beneficial features they have on their holding.
304. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the start-up cost of the greyhound care centre operated by Rásaíocht Con Éireann in Croom, County Limerick; the date the centre opened; the cost to Rásaíocht Con Éireann of operating this centre; the number of dogs homed in Ireland by this centre since it opened; the number of dogs homed outside the country by this centre since it opened; the fee charged, if any, to a breeder or owner per dog placed in this centre and total yield to date in respect of same; the fee charged, if any, to an individual adopting a dog from this centre; and the total yield to date, in tabular form. [20246/23]
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.
305. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the scheme of investment aid for the development of the commercial horticulture sector will be made available; if he is aware of the difficulties that the delay in this scheme is having on commercial horticulture farmers, particularly young farmers; if he can reassure farmers that the scheme will be made available in 2023; if he will provide a detailed timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20251/23]
View answerThe Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector grant aids capital investments in specialised plant and equipment in the horticulture sector.
The 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 was required to notify the Scheme to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. We are currently awaiting approval from the EU Commission which has resulted in the delayed opening of the 2023 Scheme.
We are fully cognisant of the importance of this Scheme to the horticulture sector and in particular to young farmers. The higher rate of grant aid for young farmers provided by the Scheme is important in retaining younger growers in the horticulture sector and also in encouraging new growers.
The Scheme will open without delay as soon as approval is received
306. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if proposed statutory instruments legislating that euthanasia of a greyhound must only be carried out by a vet have been adopted (details supplied); if he has concerns that Greyhound Racing Ireland's Code of Practice states that non-vets can kill greyhounds for reasons including "the greyhound has behavioural and temperament issues that deemed the greyhound as being unsuitable for rehoming”. [20261/23]
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.
No statutory instrument relating to the euthanasia of greyhounds has been adopted by this Department.
The question regarding Rásaíocht Con Éireann's Code of Practice raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
307. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of active and inactive greyhounds killed by vets and non-vets in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023. [20262/23]
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 Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership of all greyhounds. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
The ICC has informed this Department that Section 10 (3) of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 states that “If a greyhound dies, the person whose name is entered in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book as the owner of the greyhound shall, within 14 days, give notice in writing to the Club of the fact, the identification of the greyhound and the date of death.” The Act does not specify that the notices capture whether or not a veterinary surgeon is involved and therefore, the information requested is not available.
308. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds exported, rehomed, retained as pets and that died in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, as recorded on Greyhound Racing Ireland's RCÉTS traceability system. [20263/23]
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.
309. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 29 March 2023, if the numbers of thoroughbred horse deaths in 2022 (1,874) and to date in 2023 (375) include horses killed in slaughterhouses; and if he will specify the reason for each killing. [20264/23]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The figures provided to the Deputy in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 29 March 2023 includes thoroughbreds slaughtered at a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine-approved facility. No reason for death is recorded.
310. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason agricultural planners can no longer witness signatures for his Department’s application forms, such as transfer of entitlements; if he is aware of the inconvenience and additional cost this is causing farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20266/23]
View answerIn line with best practice in governance, an increasing focus on fraud prevention, protection for farmers and advisors, audit findings and continuing investigations, the Department has implemented improved procedures for transfers of payment entitlements.
A central part of these protections for all involved in transfers is the implementation of independent third party witnessing of signatures of farmers transferring out entitlements. In such circumstances, where the farmer’s advisor is uploading the transfer application for their client there is now the requirement for an approved witness to be used.
It is important to note that all other forms remain the same, and that this is the regarded as the minimum effective measure to afford the protections needed. As an example, in the case where a client is using an Entitlement Transfer Facilitator to upload the transfer, then the advisor can sign as witness because they are an independent, third-party witness.
I am aware of the pressures that farmers, advisors and all involved in applications for farm payments are currently experiencing, but also that improvements in protections for farmers and all involved are also required. The Department has ensured that two of the four authorised roles for the witnessing of signatures operate free of charge so as to minimise any additional costs.
311. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the annual badger population figures for Ireland in each of years 2018 to 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20333/23]
View answer312. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of the badger population vaccinated in each of the years 2018 to 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20334/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together.
The large-scale rollout 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.
Table 1: The number of badgers captured under the badger vaccination programme from 2019 to 2022
|
Year |
Number of Badgers Captured for Vaccination |
Badger Population per annum |
|
2019 |
1,937 |
Estimate 90-200,000 |
|
2020 |
4,698 |
Estimate 90-200,000 |
|
2021 |
6,658 |
Estimate 90-200,000 |
|
2022 |
7,244 |
Estimate 90-200,000 |
Estimated badger populations have been suggested by research conducted by the NPWS and other scientific investigations. Unfortunately, there is a wide variation in estimates for the size of the badger population in Ireland.
A recent study in 2021 suggested that the mean estimated population size was 92,096 badgers (5–95th percentile, 67,188–118,881). While a previous study carried out by the NPWS, 1995, suggested a badger population of 200,000 animals.
The wide variation in badger population estimate is most likely due to several factors. The badger itself is a highly secretive and nocturnal mammal making direct sightings and individual population counting impractical. Methods of population estimate include indirect wildlife modelling techniques. Badger sett identification is an important element of an estimated population count. Typically, a mean average group size within the sett is determined depending on habitat quality.
Unfortunately, with such a wide variation in the estimated badger population figures, it is difficult to offer a percentage of vaccinated badgers in relation to the total population, with any degree of accuracy.
The badger vaccination programme is operated by badger vaccination teams that work on a geographical area. The vaccination areas continue to expand, so that an increasing number of badgers are captured and vaccinated under the programme. Within the vaccination areas, two badger sweeps are conducted each year. This is to ensure that we capture and vaccinate as many badgers as possible within each area.
The badger vaccination programme is dependent on finding badger setts and the vaccination of badgers from within these setts. It is therefore hugely important that farmers assist my Department and report any badger activity or badger setts on their farms. My Department have developed the Badger Activity App available to download from www.bovinetb.ie which enables farmers to notify the department about badger setts and badger activity on their farms. Badger sett notification by farmers and landowners will enable the Department to effectively vaccinate even more badgers throughout the country.
313. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the herd incidence of bovine tuberculosis in each of the years 2018 to 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20335/23]
View answerThe table below displays bovine TB Herd Incidence levels for each of the years 2018 to 2022.
While the incidence of bTB is low relative to historical levels, the number of new restrictions and reactor numbers have gradually increased slightly over the last few years. Our TB herd incidence level for 2022 has improved slightly with a decrease from the previous year 4.33% to 4.31%.
The reasons for increase in disease over the last number of years are multifactorial and often relate to a combination of national and local factors. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, residual or introduced infection, how disease is distributed in the area, 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 herdowner 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.
|
Year |
TB Herd Incidence |
|
2022 |
4.31% |
|
2021 |
4.33% |
|
2020 |
4.38% |
|
2019 |
3.72% |
|
2018 |
3.51% |
314. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the target of 2030 to reach eradication of bovine tuberculosis remains realistic and achievable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20336/23]
View answerIn 2018 as part of the Government’s enhanced commitment to eradicate bovine TB by 2030, a bTB Stakeholder Forum was established tasked with proposing policies to help achieve eradication within this timeframe. Following detailed discussions informed by available scientific evidence and stakeholder perspectives, the Forum reached agreement on recommending a selection of policy options which should have a significant impact on the reduction of bTB in the years ahead.
As a result, in January 2021, I launched a new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030. The implementation of this strategy is overseen by the established TB Forum along with support from three working groups on science, implementation and finance, which will ensure that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. As we are dealing with an infectious disease, the strategy is not set in stone - it is a living document which will be subject to amendment and refinement on an on-going basis. This new TB Strategy is available on www.bovinetb.ie
It has been agreed by all stakeholders within TB Forum that extensive consultation within three working groups will develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence along with implementing the new TB Eradication Strategy. I remain fully committed to reducing and, ultimately, eradicating TB in Ireland.
Most actions set out under the current TB strategy have either been implemented or are advancing well towards implementation. To make substantial further progress on TB in the 2023-2025 period, additional steps to build on the current strategy will be needed. The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum has recently agreed to implement further actions and discussions are on-going on the implementation of these actions.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. Our TB herd incidence level for 2022 has improved slightly with a decrease from the previous year 4.33% to 4.31%. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
Attaining TB-free status remains critical from a farm family profitability and sustainability perspective and from a trade perspective at national and at international level. I am acutely conscious that every TB restriction represents a significant emotional and financial challenge to the farm family concerned.
I will work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herdowners experience the challenges associated with a TB restriction and that the target of achieving TB eradication by 2030 is achieved.
315. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a food-related trade mission to Vietnam will occur during 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20459/23]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine currently does not intend undertaking a Ministerial Trade Mission to Vietnam in 2023.
However, the Deputy will be aware that my colleague, Martin Heydon T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for New Market Development, did lead a successful Trade Mission to Vietnam in September 2022. In conjunction with Bord Bia, engagements were held with key commercial clients, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting our agri-food sector's ambitions to grow its presence in this high-priority market.
Minister of State Heydon also pursued further progress on our market access agenda in his Government-to-Government engagement with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), where it was agreed that Vietnam would send an inspection team to Ireland to progress our beef market access application.
It was also agreed that the existing Memorandum of Understanding between both countries should be renewed to further deepen co-operation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the area of sustainable agriculture. This MOU was successfully renewed by Minster Heydon and MARD in Dublin earlier this year.
Minister Heydon also opened an Enterprise Ireland agri-tech conference in Hanoi. This event showcased Ireland's market-leading agri-equipment to stakeholders in the Vietnamese market.
The Minister also used the opportunity to engage with Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), the Food and Agriculture Office of the United Nations and the Irish Embassy in Hanoi on the development of a multi-year programme by SFSI to support agriculture in Vietnam, particularly women in agriculture.
The visit has helped to deepen Ireland's relationships with key Government, commercial and NGO actors in Vietnam, while also enabling the pursuit of market development opportunities for Irish agri-food and agri-tech in this emerging market.
316. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the new rodenticide recently approved for use by British authorities (details supplied); if he is concerned about the impact this may have on the population of birds of prey in Ireland; if this rodenticide is being considered for use in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20492/23]
View answerApproval and use of rodenticides in Ireland are regulated under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR - Regulation (EU) No 528/2012). The regulatory process is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves Member State competent authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Products must be authorised for specific uses in a Member State before they can be made available for sale and use, with strict mitigation measures specified where required to protect human health and to minimise potential impacts on wildlife.
The product referred to is currently authorised in Ireland for use as a rodenticide by Professional and Trained Professionals only, in indoor and outdoor areas around buildings, for the control of rats (black/brown rat) and mice (house mouse) to protect public health, stored products and materials.
The authorisation is based on an in-depth evaluation in accordance with the Biocidal Products Regulation, which concluded that the risk for birds and mammals may be considered minimal when the product is used with appropriate risk mitigation measures, such as protected bait points and detailed restrictions on baiting.
The product is not currently authorised for the control of field/wood mice in Ireland. Applications to extend the authorised uses of any biocidal product are carefully considered by my department.
This Department recognises the importance of birds of prey and is mindful of the need to ensure a very high level of protection for them and other wildlife. Officials from the department also engage actively with relevant stakeholders, via the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) Ireland, to promote best practice in relation to rodenticide use.
317. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of external consultant reports commissioned by his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date, by report, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20551/23]
View answer318. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of external consultant reports commissioned by the bodies under his Department’s aegis in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; the cost of same; the company involved; the title and publication date, by report, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20552/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together.
I wish to 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 |
Title of Report |
Publication Date |
Cost € |
|
AECOM Ireland Ltd |
Provision of an Evaluation of the Burren Programme - Required under EU legislation |
December 2020 |
37,283 |
|
RSK (IRELAND) LTD |
SEA and AA for Agri-Food Strategy to 2030 |
August 2021 |
34,051 |
|
Grant Thornton |
On Farm Market Valuation Review |
August 2020 |
92,250 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Cost Benefit Analysis TB Eradication programme |
July 2021 |
68,782 |
|
Deloitte Ireland |
Technical Vulnerability and Security Assessment |
Not for External Publication |
112,095 |
|
Deloitte |
Preparation of Cyber Response plan |
Not for External Publication |
7,995 |
|
Certification Europe |
Independent assessments of the Department’s ISO 27001:2013 certification. Required for EU accreditation purposes. |
Not for External Publication |
21,472 |
|
The Economic & Social Research Institute |
Predicting which Farms are more likely to breach nitrates pollution regulations |
May 2020 |
10,612 |
|
Crime Management Services |
ISPS Port Security Plans for Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for External Publication |
1,787 |
|
Forest Environmental Research & Services Ltd. |
Ireland’s National Inventory Submissions 2020 |
April 2020 |
10,120 |
|
Sustainability in 3 Steps t/a Sustineo |
Establishing a Voluntary Carbon Market in Ireland |
Not for External Publication |
6,140 |
|
Crime Management Services |
ISPS Port Security Plan for Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre |
Not for External Publication |
1,787 |
|
Aquafact |
Environmental Engineering Report for EPA in relation to Smooth Point Pier Extension at Killybegs FHC |
Not for External Publication |
615 |
|
Verde Environmental Ltd |
Environmental Dust Sampling Report at Killybegs FHC. |
Not for External Publication |
6,268 |
|
Glenside Environmental Ltd |
Noise Assessment Report at Killybegs FHC. |
Not for External Publication |
2,640 |
|
Gavin&Doherty Geosolutions |
Quay Wall PEER Review Report – update at Rossaveel FHC |
Not for External Publication |
2,460 |
|
Eireco |
Screening report at Rossaveel FHC |
Not for External Publication |
1,300 |
|
SFA42 Architects |
Architectural Consultants at Rossaveel FHC |
Not for External Publication |
49,486 |
|
Kane Williams Architects |
Marina Building Refurbishments Consultancy Services at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
38,193 |
|
Jeremy Walsh Project Management |
Ice Plant Demolition Consultancy Services at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
6,755 |
|
ASTC |
Ice Plant Demolition Asbestos Consultancy Services at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
972 |
|
ASTC |
Marina Building Refurbishment Asbestos Consultancy Services at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
1,045 |
|
Malachy, Walsh & Partners |
Water Metering Consultancy Services at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
47,390 |
|
Malachy, Walsh & Partners |
Mezzanine Level Installation Consultancy Services at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
3,075 |
|
Malachy, Walsh & Partners |
Ice Plant Building Structural Assessment Report at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
615 |
|
Malachy, Walsh & Partners |
Small Craft Harbour Extension Consultancy Services at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
18,586 |
|
MaREI |
Dingle Marina Extension Engineering Feasibility Study at An Daingean FHC |
Not for External Publication |
6,088 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners |
Replacement of EASTERN passenger Pontoon at Dingle FHC |
Not for External Publication |
37,900 |
|
Byrne Looby Consulting Eng |
Mainland Quay Wall Consultancy Work Castletownbere FHC |
Not for External Publication |
17,255 |
|
Hydrographic Surveys Ltd |
Bathymetric Survey Castletownbere FHC |
Not for External Publication |
4,001 |
|
Malachy Walsh & Partners |
Engineering Consultancy for Harbour Slipway Castletownbere FHC |
Not for External Publication |
19,941 |
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Planbay Ltd |
QS Services for Dinish Wharf Expansion Castletownbere FHC |
Not for External Publication |
21,836 |
|
RPS |
Dinish Wharf Expansion Consultancy Services Castletownbere FHC |
Not for External Publication |
568,416 |
|
PWS (Pollution & Waste Services) |
Review of oil spill response plans for 5 Fishery Harbour Centres |
Not for External Publication |
11,797 |
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Grant Thornton |
A summary of competition law as it relates to the beef sector |
September 2020 |
32,233 |
|
Grant Thornton |
An Independent Review of the Market and Customer Requirements of Irish Beef |
March 2021 |
32,233 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Independent examination of the price composition of the total value of the animal along the supply chain. |
May 2021 |
32,234 |
|
RSM Ireland Ltd. |
Evaluation of European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-20 |
November 2020 |
109,750 |
|
ERNST & YOUNG |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – Annual Accounts Certification – Financial Year 2020 |
Not for External Publication |
516,000 |
319. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the proposed dairy farmer retirement scheme details have been finalised; and if there is a timeline for when farmers will be able to avail of this scheme. [20570/23]
View answerI 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 its 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.
A key recommendation of the Food Vision Dairy Group was to explore and take forward a voluntary reduction scheme for the dairy herd. My officials are currently working to explore this proposal further and there will be significant engagement with stakeholders over the coming months on the parameters of the scheme.
Our dairy farmers and the entire sector is already very sustainable but I want to make us even more sustainable. I want to build a strong and sustainable future for our dairy farmers and the subsequent generations of dairy farmers. I will work collectively and collaboratively with dairy farmers and their representatives in charting a pathway forward.
