Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Written Answers Nos. 569-581

Childcare Services

Questions (569)

Carol Nolan

Question:

569. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department assists with, or makes a financial contribution to, the sourcing or provision of childcare or crèche facilities for the children of staff members of any grade or position; if so, the names of the providers; the costs incurred for the period 2020 to date in 2023; the number of staff who have availed of such assistance over this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department oversees the managing of the lease of the crèche located at our Backweston Campus in Celbridge. This is a privately run facility, which is open to staff working on the Campus, as well as children of members of the public. My Department does not have access to, or maintain, any records relating to same, nor does it make any financial contribution to the running of this facility.

Agriculture Supports

Questions (570)

Sean Fleming

Question:

570. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the stage negotiations are at regarding the compensation for farmers as to the reduction of cow numbers in their herd; the proposed compensation being discussed, per cow per month; if there is a limit of five years on the compensation; the intended start date of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26212/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

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 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. While the Food Vision Beef and Sheep Group also included a proposed recommendation for a voluntary exit or reduction scheme in its final Report, after careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders, the proposition for a voluntary exit or reduction scheme for our beef herd is no longer being considered.

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.

Horticulture Sector

Questions (571)

Joe McHugh

Question:

571. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the scheme of investment aid for development of the commercial horticulture section 2023 is due to open for this season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26217/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides support to the horticulture sector in the form of grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.

The Scheme 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 of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. My Department is currently awaiting approval of the scheme from the EU Commission.

Once approval is received, my Department will launch the 2023 Scheme without delay as I recognise the importance of Scheme to the horticulture sector.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (572)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

572. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid by his Department to external legal teams, HR specialists, accountancy firms, and consultants in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26225/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

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

Company Name	External Legal team/ HR specialist/ Accountancy firm/ Consultant	Cost €
MacGuill & Co Solicitors	Legal	929,542
State Claims Agency	Legal	54,630
LOUIS MASTERSON (Documentary Counsel)	Legal	8,610
DEVINA BRADY (Documentary Counsel)	Legal	8,610
Jack Hazlett	Legal	10,600
Beauchamps LLP	Legal	8,387
Bagnall Accountants	Accountancy	59,963
Ernest & Young	Accountancy	710,229
Crowe	Consultant	170,970
Mazars	Consultant	70,756
John Griffin	Consultant	5,600
Fergal Tansey (Biotec)	Consultant	8,107
Grant Thornton	Consultant	123,584
Keystone Procurement Limited	Consultant	24,229
The Agile Executive	Consultant	83,480
Climate KIC Holding	Consultant	800,000
Sinead Mowlds	Consultant	7,480
Owen Carton	Consultant	1,800
Donal Coleman	Consultant	500
Michael J. Barry Consulting Ltd.	Consultant	11,847
Paula Barry Walsh	Consultant	8,000
Economic Development Consultants Ireland (EDCI)	Consultant	1,522
Foodovate Consulting	Consultant	536
Vanessa Woods	Consultant	1,304
Certification Europe	Consultant	35,178
Briggs Environmental	Consultant	1,824
Pollution & Waste services	Consultant	11,066
MKO (McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan)	Consultant	5,183
RSK (IRELAND) LTD	Consultant	2,404
Octavian Economics Ltd	Consultant	138,035
Demesne Architects Ltd	Consultant	174,766
Ove Arup & Partners	Consultant	46,764
OSCC	Consultant	62,269
FISCA	Consultant	1,882
Aquarius dispute resolution	Consultant	4,243
Michael Barrett and Partners	Consultant	21,851
Malone O’Regan	Consultant	35,203
RPS	Consultant	27,921
MHL	Consultant	7,995
Richard Browne	Consultant	6,037
Farrige-QHSE	Consultant	3,707
Byrne Looby Partners	Consultant	26,509
Eireco Environmental	Consultant	6,740
CRONIN MILLAR CONS ENG	Consultant	5,766
Malachy Walsh & Partners	Consultant	406,873
Corrosion Solutions	Consultant	3,380
GAC Training and Services Solutions Training	Consultant	11,274
DSM Consulting Engineers	Consultant	53,437
Tetra Tech Consulting (NI)	Consultant	41,550
Landmark Geomatics	Consultant	492
CST Group	Consultant	6,088
SixWest	Consultant	5,836
Cronin Millar/Byrne Looby Consulting Engineers	Consultant	134,027
NW Fire Safety	Consultant	3,013
Doran Consulting	Consultant	447,579
Aquafact	Consultant	30,750
Rainwater Harvesting Systems	Consultant	2,644
GDG	Consultant	10,348
Cora	Consultant	58,229
ATG	Consultant	3,513
Cornerstone Associates	Consultant	7,614
J&N Security Consultants	Consultant	19,905
SFA42	Consultant	14,017
CBS Consulting Eng	Consultant	3,639
Cyril Kelly & Associates	Consultant	3,639
Murphy Consulting	Consultant	600
Derhinos Limited	Consultant	2,900
Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions Ltd	Consultant	286,705
RPS	Consultant	522,580
Linesight	Consultant	28,162
RSM Ireland Business Advisory Ltd	Consultant	158,750
Crane Bag Consulting	Consultant	28,044
FERS	Consultant	108,917
Gordon Knaggs	Consultant	1,595
Drima Marketing	Consultant	26,840
Danish Forestry Extension	Consultant	10,478
Irish Forum Natural Capital	Consultant	7,872
Purser Tarleton Russell	Consultant	2,307
Zuilmah Wallis Consulting	Consultant	4,613
Arup	Consultant	141,327
Silvalytics	Consultant	24,108
Auxilia Ltd	Consultant	29,483
Irish Rural Link	Consultant	24,850
Phillip Lee	Consultant	204,904
Behaviour & Attitudes	Consultant	27,841
M-CO	Consultant	60,544
Foróige	Consultant	3,052

Horticulture Sector

Questions (573)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

573. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has examined the possibility of seeking a rebate in carbon tax for growers in the horticulture sector given the high energy costs associated with the industry; if this is a measure he would consider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26282/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am advised by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, that Section 98 of Finance Act 1999 provides for a relief from Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) for certain heavy oils and liquified petroleum gas used in horticultural production and mushroom cultivation. Heavy oils within scope of the relief are kerosene, fuel oil and Marked Gas Oil.

The relief operates by way of repayment to the fuel user. The provisions currently prescribe that the repayment rate is calculated by subtracting a specified rate from the full MOT rate applicable to the fuel concerned. An amendment was introduced in Finance Act 2022 to significantly increase the rate of repayment by providing full relief from the carbon component of MOT. The amendments were subject to a commencement order, and I am happy to advise the Deputy that Minister McGrath intends to bring the enhanced relief provisions into operation from 1st June 2023. This will mean that relevant fuels used for qualifying purposes from that date will be fully relieved from carbon taxation. Current repayment rates and those that will apply under the amended provisions are set out in the table below.

Mineral Oil Product	Current Repayment Rate (per 1,000 litres)	Repayment Rate from 1 June 2023 (per 1,000 litres)
Kerosene	€0.00	€122.83
Fuel Oil	€35.82	€149.45
Marked Gas Oil	€3.06	€131.47
Liquified Petroleum Gas	€0.00	€79.17

In addition to the MOT relief amendments, Finance Act 2022 introduced amendments to Finance Act 2010 to provide for a new relief from Natural Gas Carbon Tax (NGCT), mirroring the amended MOT relief. Once the new NGCT relief provisions are commenced, natural gas used in horticultural production and mushroom cultivation will qualify for a full relief from NGCT. I am advised by Revenue that preparations for the new NGCT relief are more complex than those for updating the existing MOT relief, so more time is required. The Minister for Finance expects to bring the NGCT provisions into operation in the coming months.

I also note that the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme is currently supporting a broad range of businesses that have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs arising from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Businesses that are connected to the electricity grid and main gas network are eligible to apply.

A business can make a claim under the scheme if it is tax compliant, carries on a Case I trade or Case II profession and has experienced a significant increase of 30% or more in its electricity and/or natural gas average unit price. Qualifying businesses can claim for 40% of the increases in their September 2022 to February 2023 energy bills and 50% of the increase in their March 2023 to May 2023 energy bills.

Further detail on TBESS is available from: www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/tbess/index.aspx.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (574, 575)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

574. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an extension will be sought to the current planning permission for the construction of a deep water pier at Ros a'Mhíl, which expires in July and where substantial works have already been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26294/23]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

575. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is his intention to sanction further works, within the present planning permission, at the deep-water pier in Ros a'Mhíl over those already approved; if so, when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26295/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.

I am pleased to apprise the Deputy that the works are continuing well on the Deep Water Quay at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre.

My Department has carried out a detailed assessment of extending the scope of this project. This included a review by consulting engineers Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions, who are contracted to the Department for this project. I have reviewed engineering advice and I have approved two elements of additional works that I feel may be reasonably accommodated at this time having regard to the opportunity for further development at the Fishery Harbour Centre should demand arise. These are extending the berth pocket at either end of the quay by 5m and increasing the strength of the deck of the pier itself to 20 tonnes per sqm.

These additional works are what is considered sound investment for this project that will enhance its operational potential into the future having regard to the purpose and intent of the overall Deep Water Quay project and its lifespan.

My Department has submitted an application for an extension of the planning permission for the development and a decision is awaited from Galway County Council.

Question No. 575 answered with Question No. 574.

Parking Provision

Questions (576)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

576. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a meeting, as requested by the Aran Islands co-operatives, will be organised with them to discuss the operation of parking facilities for islanders at Ros a'Mhíl, where there are still outstanding issues and where a meeting has been sought for some considerable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26296/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The issuing of parking permits, for Aran Island residents with a need for parking on the mainland, has been carried out successfully in consultation with the three Aran Islands committees. A permit system is established and in operation. The representatives involved have been advised that they may contact the Fishery Harbour Centre office at Ros a Mhíl to arrange a meeting with officials.

Animal Welfare

Questions (577, 579)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

577. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who were convicted of a €5,000 penalty under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 for 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26368/23]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

579. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who were fined €250,000 under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 for 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26370/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 579 together.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014.

Prosecutions under the Act have been pursued following investigations by authorised officers of my Department, An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These officers investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect and, where the evidence supports such action, a file prepared and the matter pursued through the Courts.

Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and member of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner. Accordingly, the statistics set down in the answer relate only to cases prosecuted at the suit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

A list of financial penalties issued by the Courts to individuals for each of the years in question is provided below:

Year	Financial penalties issued by the Courts under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
2020	€5,000
2020	€2,000
2020	€9,500
2020	€2,800
2020	€1,500
2021	€1,600
2021	€1,100
2021	€4,500
2021	€2,500
2021	€1,500
2021	€400
2021	€1,640
2021	€1,500
2021	€1,550
2021	€2,800
2021	€1,346
2022	€1,200
2022	€7,500
2022	€500
2022	€4,000
2022	€300
2022	€840
2022	€3,267
2022	€5,750
2022	€2,450
2022	€1,250
2022	€6,500
2022	€3,000
2022	€600
2022	€4,500
2022	€1,500
2022	€3,500
2023	€4,000
2023	€4,704
2023	€1,300
2023	€800
2023	€960
2023	€500
2023	€7,600
2023	€2,117
2023	€5,400
2023	€3,500
2023	€6,300

Animal Welfare

Questions (578, 580)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

578. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who were imprisoned for six months under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 for 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26369/23]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

580. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who were imprisoned for up to five years under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 for 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26371/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 578 and 580 together.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6th March 2014.

Prosecutions under the Act have been pursued following investigations by authorised officers of my Department, An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These officers investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect and, where the evidence supports such action, a file prepared and the matter pursued through the Courts.

Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and member of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner. Accordingly, the statistics set down in this answer relate only to cases prosecuted at the suit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a full list of prison/suspended sentences for the years in question is provided below:

2020	Five months (one month suspended) imprisonment
2020	Four month suspended for two years
2020	Three month custodial sentence suspended for one year
2021	Four months imprisonment suspended in full for two years
2021	Four months imprisonment suspended for one year
2021	Five months imprisonment (suspended)
2022	Two months imprisonment (suspended)
2022	240 hours community service in lieu of nine months imprisonment
2023	Six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months
2023	Six month custodial sentence on each of three offences (to run concurrently) suspended for one year.

Question No. 579 answered with Question No. 577.

Question No. 580 answered with Question No. 578.

Animal Welfare

Questions (581)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

581. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who were disqualified from owning animals under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 for 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26372/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014.

Prosecutions under the Act have been pursued following investigations by authorised officers of my Department, An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These officers investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect and, where the evidence supports such action, a file prepared and the matter pursued through the Courts.

Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and member of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner. Accordingly, the statistics set down in the answer relate only to cases prosecuted at the suit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Year	Persons disqualified from owning animals under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
2020	Four
2021	Five
2022	Five
2023	Five