Darren O'Rourke
Question:261. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of public order offences reported to gardaí within the Meath division to date in 2023. [26942/23]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (261)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics. The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases under reservation in relation to various crime statistics. The CSO also continues to work with An Garda Síochána to address quality issues in the underlying sources used to compile the statistics.
Figures in respect of public order and other criminal offences reported to Gardaí in Meath can be found on the CSO website at the link below. However, it is worth noting that crime statistics for Q1 2023 are not yet available and are due to be published by the CSO later this month.
www.data.cso.ie/table/CJQ06.
However, to be of assistance to the Deputy, I made enquiries with An Garda Síochána in relation to the information sought and I am advised that the number of incidents of type ‘Public Order Offences’ reported within Meath Division during 2023 to date is 103.
I am advised this data was taken from PULSE on 30 May 2023. The data is operational data and liable to change. Crime Counting Rules were applied to the count and invalid incidents were excluded.
Residency Permits
Questions (262)
Bernard Durkan
Question:262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26975/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Citizenship Division that the application is at the final stage of processing.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Residency Permits
Questions (263)
Bernard Durkan
Question:263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26976/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the minor referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I am advised by the Citizenship division that correspondence is due to issue to the applicant’s solicitor in the coming days.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie , which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (264)
Bernard Durkan
Question:264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and-or expected position with regard to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26977/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
The Citizenship Division corresponded with the applicants Solicitor in relation to the application in March 2023 and awaits further documentation.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be the freeing up of more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, improving service to our customers and reduction of waiting times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (265)
Bernard Durkan
Question:265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 408 of 18 May 2023, wherein a request to complete e-vetting was sent to the application on 24 March 2023, which has now apparently expired, if a new request can or will issue with a view to completing the application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26978/23]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
A request to complete eVetting was sent to the person concerned, however as this request was not completed, it has now since expired. The Citizenship Division have advised me that they will re-issue the eVetting link again to the person.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
My Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (266)
Róisín Shortall
Question:266. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice if she will amend section 9 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas to provide for a criminal offence of coercive control similar to but more expanded to that provided in section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27021/23]
View answerWritten answers
The rationale for the introduction of the offence of coercive control in section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 was to take account of the reality that behaviours in a domestic setting that involve emotional abuse, humiliation and fear can be as harmful to victims as physical abuse because they are an abuse of the unique trust associated with an intimate relationship.
Creating a specific offence of coercive control sent a clear, consistent message that non-violent control in an intimate relationship is criminal.
The prosecutions and convictions to date should send a clear message to anyone who may be a victim of coercive control – this is a crime, you can come forward and seek help and you will be supported by An Garda Síochána. For perpetrators of this crime, it sends the message that you cannot act with impunity.
It is hoped that as more convictions follow, other victims of coercive control will feel confident to come forward.
It is the view of both the Department and An Garda Síochána that the current wording of Section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018, along with section 9 of the Non-fatal Offences Act, already adequately addresses the concerns raised.
In this context, there are no amendments to section 39 of this legislation under active consideration.
An Garda Síochána
Questions (267)
Richard Bruton
Question:267. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice whether there have been any prosecutions under incitement to hatred arising law from protests against asylum seekers; and when she intends that the new offences covering hate crime will be available to gardaí handling such challenges. [27035/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who is fully independent in her functions under Section 2(5) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended).
As Minister I have no role in the operations, functions, governance or oversight of the Office of the DPP and, as such, I am unable to provide information or statistics relating to the Director's work.
The Deputy will also appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána by law.
While people have the right to protest and of course that right must be respected, people do not have the right to do this in a way that causes others to fear for their safety or in a way that threatens public order. If that line between protesting and threatening or intimidating behaviour is crossed, there are a number of provisions in our laws that apply.
There is a range of legislation under which threats and intimidation can be prosecuted, including the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act and our Public Order legislation.
In relation to the specific statistics sought by the Deputy, I am informed by An Garda Síochána that while there are charges and summons created each year referring to offences contrary to Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989; the annual count does not exceed 10 in any given year and therefore the volume is too low to report.
In addition, the information searchable by An Garda Síochána would not say that any victim is an asylum seeker as this status is not recorded in a structured field in PULSE.
I can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána takes hate crime seriously and is strongly committed to engaging proactively and respectfully with all members of society, and, in particular, people from minority groups and diverse backgrounds. The Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit monitor all incidents recorded on Pulse that have a discriminatory motive attached to it. They advise, support and assist investigating Gardaí across the country who are investigating incidents which may have a discriminatory motive attached.
There are currently over 480 specially-trained Garda Diversity Officers (GDOs) across every Garda division. Their role is to liaise with representatives of the various minority/diverse communities in their division, establish communication links, inform and assure these communities of Garda services and provide support to victims of hate crime. Since 1st April 2022, it is also mandatory for all Garda Personnel, of all ranks and grades, to complete online Hate Crime training which includes a full section devoted to bias motivations.
It may be of interest to the Deputy to know that according to figures based on new recording practices from An Garda Síochána, there were 582 hate crimes and hate related (non-crime) incidents recorded in 2022 - 510 hate crimes and 72 hate related (non-crime) incidents. This represents a 29% increase on 2021.
In relation to the Deputy’s enquiry about the status of the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022, I can advise that the Bill completed its passage through the Dáíl in April. It is currently scheduled to begin its passage through the Seanad on 13 June 2023 and I look forward to constructively engaging with all members of that House.
Animal Welfare
Questions (268)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:268. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional money will be allocated to animal rescue charities in budget 2024, given the unprecedented amount of surrenders they are dealing with at present and in the aftermath of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26799/23]
View answerWritten answers
In December 2022, I announced the record allocation of over €5.8 million in funding to 99 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. This figure exceeded the commitment in the Programme for Government to double the funding allocated within two years. This marks the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.
Discussions related to funding allocations under Budget 2024 will take place within the normal budgetary processes. I will continue to strongly back the sector.
Wildlife Protection
Questions (269)
Paul Murphy
Question:269. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that a company (details supplied) has responded positively to appeals and banned cruel animal snares from its website; if he agrees that Ireland should follow the example of Wales, which is poised to ban them; if he will take actions to ensure that this happens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26810/23]
View answerWritten answers
In Ireland, any traps or snares used must comply with the relevant traps and snares regulations, (Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003).
Any proposals for changes to this legislation or policy matters relating to this legislation should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under whose remit the legislation falls.
Food Industry
Questions (270)
Alan Dillon
Question:270. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the exact quantity of imported beef that has entered the Irish market in each of the past four months to date; the breakdown of the top five countries, and their respective quantities for this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26845/23]
View answerWritten answers
The volume of beef imports for 2022 and 2023 was revised down following an error identified by the CSO. The amended data requested by the Deputy is provided below. There have also been slight changes to the methodology used to compile the data. In the original reply only the first three months data was available, the full four months requested is provided below.
The volume of beef recorded as imported into Ireland was 2,847 tonnes in January, 2,973 tonnes in February, 2,685 tonnes in March, and 2,730 tonnes in April. These 11,235 tonnes of beef imports are in the context of 153,846 tonnes of beef exports over the same period.
The top 5 countries from which beef was imported into Ireland over the first four months of the year were the United Kingdom (9,545 tonnes), Spain (594 tonnes), the Netherlands (326 tonnes), Denmark (154 tonnes) and Germany (135 tonnes).
A summary of the data, broken down by month as requested, and showing the top five countries of origin, is provided below.
|
|
Jan-23
|
Feb-23
|
Mar-23
|
Apr-23
|
Jan to Apr-23
|
|||||
|
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
|
|
Country |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
United Kingdom |
17,248 |
2,485 |
17,068 |
2,577 |
19,131 |
2,132 |
15,528 |
2,132 |
68,974 |
9,545 |
|
Spain |
649 |
150 |
791 |
162 |
972 |
201 |
651 |
201 |
3,064 |
594 |
|
Netherlands |
2,749 |
63 |
2,517 |
66 |
3,030 |
65 |
2,287 |
65 |
10,584 |
326 |
|
Denmark |
623 |
5 |
551 |
39 |
1,092 |
105 |
586 |
105 |
2,853 |
154 |
|
Germany |
1,913 |
5 |
2,013 |
35 |
2,185 |
68 |
1,302 |
68 |
7,412 |
135 |
|
Other Countries |
13,989 |
140 |
15,101 |
94 |
17,786 |
113 |
14,082 |
113 |
60,959 |
481 |
|
Grand Total |
37,171 |
2,847 |
38,041 |
2,973 |
44,197 |
2,685 |
34,436 |
2,685 |
153,846 |
11,235 |
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data contained within, in view of the volume of statistical data collected as part of agrifood trade statistics, some errors in respect of individual products may occur. Where these anomalies are identified, my Department will liaise with the CSO to highlight and amend the information as required.
Food Industry
Questions (271)
Alan Dillon
Question:271. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has conducted an assessment of the impact of imported beef on Irish beef prices in each of the past four months to date; if so, the findings of this assessment; if there are significant price fluctuations; if so, how are they attributed to the imported beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26846/23]
View answerWritten answers
The nature of all commodity markets is that prices fluctuate and international trade flows are a two-way process. As the Irish beef sector is highly export oriented, its success is dependent on the maintenance of an open, rules-based multilateral trading system.
The latest CSO trade data for the four months to date shows that beef imports amounted to 7% of Irish beef exports in volume terms but only 6 percent in value terms.*
To ensure transparency for all sector stakeholders, the EU Commission, my Department and Bord Bia publish online data on a range of beef price indicators.
According to my Department’s weekly Meat Market Report, the deadweight price of Irish R3 steers was €5.24/kg (excluding VAT) for the week ending 21st May (week 20) and the price for the grade has been relatively stable since the beginning of February (week five).
Bord Bia data tracking the prime Irish composite price against the prime export benchmark price which shows that the Irish price is currently 28c/kg above the benchmark price. In effect, this comparative data means that Irish beef prices are above the levels prevailing in our main European export markets making the domestic market attractive to trading partners.
In this context, the prime Irish composite price refers to the average price paid for prime beef animals (i.e. steers, young bulls and heifers) slaughtered weekly in Ireland based on the annual kill share for those categories and the main carcase grades. The prime export benchmark reflects the prices paid for prime cattle in different carcase categories and grades and is weighted according to the relative importance of key export markets for Irish beef - specifically, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden - where Irish exporters must compete with other European and international suppliers.
The relevant Bord Bia data can be accessed at the following link: Beef Market Tracking - Bord Bia | Irish Food Board (www.bordbia.ie/farmers-growers/prices-markets/cattle-trade-prices/beef-market-tracking/)
* The volume of beef imports for 2022 and 2023 was revised down following an error identified by the CSO. The amended data requested by the Deputy is provided below. There have also been slight changes to the methodology used to compile the data. While in the original reply only data for the first three months was available, the four months as requested is now provided.
Food Industry
Questions (272)
Alan Dillon
Question:272. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way the current volume of imported beef compares to the corresponding period in previous years; if there are any notable increases or decreases in imports during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26847/23]
View answerWritten answers
The volume of beef imports has been revised down significantly following an error identified by the CSO. The amended data requested by the Deputy is provided below. There have also been slight changes to the methodology used to compile the data. The dataset has been revised from January 2021 to April 2023, so this time frame has been used below.
There were 11,235 tonnes of beef imported into Ireland from January to April 2023. This compares to 11,718 tonnes and 8,877 tonnes of beef imported into Ireland over the same period in 2022 and 2021 respectively.
|
|
Jan-Apr 2021
|
Jan-Apr 2022
|
Jan-Apr 2023
|
|||
|
|
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
|
Category |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
Beef |
140,384 |
8,877 |
157,871 |
11,718 |
153,846 |
11,235 |
There were 36,864 tonnes of beef imported into Ireland for full year 2022, which compares to 35,071 tonnes of beef imports in 2021.
|
|
Jan-Dec 2021 |
Jan-Dec 2022 |
||
|
|
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
|
Category |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
Beef |
455,581 |
35,071 |
491,576 |
36,864 |
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data contained within, in view of the volume of statistical data collected as part of agrifood trade statistics, some errors in respect of individual products may occur. Where these anomalies are identified, my Department will liaise with the CSO to highlight and amend the information as required.
Brexit Supports
Questions (273, 290)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:273. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent, by scheme, in the Brexit adjustment reserve fund since its establishment; the outstanding moneys awaiting allocation in the fund, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26862/23]
View answerPádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:290. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the continued European Commission contingency supports and market disturbance funding that he has sought to mitigate the ongoing problems in the fishing industry caused by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26880/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 290 together.
I propose to take PQs 273 and 290 together,and respond in respect of the seafood sector.
In 2021, I established the Seafood Task Force to examine the implications of the EU/UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement (TCA) for the Fishing Industry and Coastal Communities and to consider initiatives and make recommendations to address those implications. In its final report, the Task Force made a series of recommendations, which included a range of measures for short-term supports and longer-term capital investments. Schemes were developed based on these recommendations with respect to the funding requirement suggested in the report and on a phased and prioritised basis.
In respect of schemes containing short-term measures, a number of these has been launched and subsequently closed and all spending has been completed at a cost of over €32 million. These are summarised as follows:
|
Closed Schemes |
Budget (€) |
Final Spend (€) |
|
Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme 2021 |
10,000,000 |
10,013,300 |
|
Brexit Fisheries Cooperative Transition Scheme |
1,000,000 |
719,124 |
|
Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2022 |
3,700,000 |
2,664,600 |
|
Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme 2022 |
24,000,000 |
18,876,100 |
|
Total |
38,700,000 |
32,259,824 |
A number of schemes are still active and spending will not occur until these schemes approach closure, when applicants have met all terms of these schemes. With exception of the Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme and the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, these schemes are still open for applications and have a pipeline of existing applications which are currently being processed. Due to this, the level of spending on schemes will not be clear until later in 2023.
|
Active Schemes |
Status |
Budget |
|
Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme |
Closed for applications |
80,000,000 |
|
Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme |
Closed for applications |
55,300,000 |
|
Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme |
Open |
25,000,000 |
|
Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme |
Open |
45,000,000 |
|
Brexit Inshore Marketing Scheme |
Open |
1,000,000 |
|
Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme |
Open |
20,000,000 |
|
Brexit Off Register Capacity Buy-out Scheme |
Open |
2,800,000 |
|
Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme 2023 |
Announced |
3,500,000 |
|
Total |
232,600,000 |
Finally, as part of my ongoing commitment to the seafood sector, a number of recommendations for further short-term schemes are being examined at present in the context of State Aid rules. It is envisaged that a number of new schemes will be launched in the near future which will result in additional funding being provided to specific segments of the sector.
Fishing Industry
Questions (274)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:274. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish a full breakdown of funding provided to all fish producer organisations, including recently established, for the years 2015 to 2023 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26864/23]
View answerWritten answers
The funding of Producer Organisations (POs) is provided for by my Department’s EMFF Seafood Development Programme 2014-2020 and details of payments made to each of these organisations since 2015 are provided in the table below. Payments are made through the Producer Organisation Scheme which was agreed by the EMFF Monitoring Committee and which consists to two elements. Part A of the scheme provides support for new POs. One such payment has been made during this period to the National Inshore Fishermens Assocation. The remaining payments were under Part B of the scheme which funds measures identified in the POs' Production and Marketing Plans (PMPs). These PMPs are submitted by POs on an annual basis, with the PO's Annual Report, and evaluated to assess that the criteria, established by EU regulation, have been met. Where it is established that these criteria have been met, funding is approved. Funding amounts for individual POs are based on simplified cost options, which calculate payments based on relevant expenditure by the POs over the previous three years.
The EMFF Programme is approaching closure, but grants to Producer Organisations will continue to be paid in 2023 for activities carried out in 2022. Eligible payments will be made later this year. Beyond this there is scope to provide funding for POs under my Department’s EMFAF Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, which was adopted by the European Commission in December 2022.
|
- |
Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation |
Irish Fish Producers Organisation Ltd |
Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation |
Irish South & East Fish Producers Organisation |
Irish Seafood Producers Group |
National Inshore Fishermen’s Association Company Ltd |
Total |
|
2015 |
100,818.62 |
103,987.07 |
92,625.46 |
16,922.20 |
56,595.78 |
- |
370,949.13 |
|
2016 |
92,762.32 |
98,823.34 |
90,671.61 |
33,216.04 |
- |
- |
315,473.31 |
|
2017 |
88,741.15 |
93,246.72 |
92,454.91 |
32,205.10 |
- |
- |
306,647.88 |
|
2018 |
88,711.30 |
94,460.27 |
92,527.33 |
36,683.42 |
- |
- |
312,382.32 |
|
2019 |
88,722.23 |
98,016.48 |
90,643.34 |
46,441.74 |
- |
- |
323,823.79 |
|
2020 |
88,680.62 |
93,573.16 |
93,958.55 |
38,096.64 |
- |
- |
314,308.97 |
|
2021 |
85,348.97 |
85,404.55 |
90,164.14 |
34,800.19 |
- |
6,943.76 |
302,661.61 |
|
2022 |
84,700.08 |
84,700.08 |
89,073.98 |
33,448.11 |
- |
- |
291,922.25 |
|
Total |
718,485.29 |
752,211.67 |
732,119.32 |
271,813.44 |
56,595.78 |
6,943.76 |
2,538,169.26 |
Fishing Industry
Questions (275)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:275. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the initiatives he intends taking and the funding he intends applying for in the context of climate action measures to move the Irish fishing fleet away from dependence on fossil fuels for operating their vessels and towards electric and renewable energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26865/23]
View answerWritten answers
I recognise the importance of energy transition for the Irish fishing fleet. The temporary spike in fuel prices experienced last year in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine highlighted the need to reduce the fleet’s dependence on fossil fuels to ensure the sector can remain profitable and economically sustainable. The need to respond to climate change has emphasised the need for the sector to become more environmentally sustainable.
The possibilities to substitute fossil fuels for renewable or low carbon fuels faces significant barriers and need greater exploration. While longer term possibilities of substitution of fossil fuels are being explored, I am taking immediate action through supporting the improvement of energy efficiency for the Irish fleet. Under my Department’s EMFAF Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, actions have been included to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the Irish Fleet. This will be supported through making funding available for the replacement or modernisation of vessel engines and supporting the adoption of more fuel-efficient fishing gears on board fishing vessels. Outside of direct supports, funding is also made available for research in the area of reducing carbon emissions.
Beyond fleet development, the Climate Action Plan 2023 contains two specific actions on this issue for my Department 1) to develop a roadmap for the efficient upgrading of existing infrastructure within the Fishery Harbour Centres and 2) to reduce fossil fuel dependency/consumption across Fishery Harbour Centre infrastructure.
The Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2023 includes projects to upgrade existing lighting and heating systems in Fishery Harbour Centres. This includes €450,000 for Energy Saving Measures in Killybegs and €100,000 for similar works in Castletownbere. The provision of improved electrical shore power is expected to further reduce the consumption of fossil fuels by fishing vessels within the Fishery Harbour Centres. A key investment already in situ is the ‘Cold Ironing’ project at Killybegs which was part funded by the Irish Government and EMFF Seafood Development Programme at a cost of €1.7 million. That project is expected to save up to 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year and puts Killybegs at the forefront of having such technology.
Fishing Industry
Questions (276)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:276. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital improvement funding that his Department is committing to this year and in future years to improve onshore infrastructure for small-scale vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26866/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs), located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl under statute.
In 2023, I allocated €37.3m funding for capital investment into the FHCs and a small number of other locations under my Department's remit. Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bbd0b-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-373million-in-capital-projects-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/
Facilities and infrastructure are available to accommodate both larger and smaller vessels in each of the FHCs. In fact, there are dedicated small craft harbour facilities in a number of the FHCs. And as part of this year’s funding, €750,000 is specifically allocated for the small craft harbour welfare building in Ros an Mhíl, and €300,000 for the small craft harbour service building in Killybegs.
Funding is allocated on an annual basis in line with national priorities for Exchequer funds and in line with priorities set by my Department.
Fishing Industry
Questions (277)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:277. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined introducing a subsidised scheme for the introduction of an automatic identification system or vessel monitoring system for the Irish inshore fishing fleet; the estimated cost of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26867/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the Irish inshore fishing fleet comprises Irish-registered sea-fishing boats of less than 12 metres in overall length. Such boats are not required by EU legislation to have a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) fitted onboard.
There is national legislation in place that requires sea-fishing boats to have installed onboard fully functioning GPS (Global Positioning System) units for monitoring purposes when fishing for certain inshore stocks or in particular conservation areas. I am advised that GPS monitoring units have been provided to vessel owners in the above circumstances through a pilot project run by the Marine Institute which has been funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
Information gathered by the pilot project will inform the future development of vessel monitoring options for the inshore fishing fleet.
Harbours and Piers
Questions (278)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:278. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the most recent professional drawn and Department-initiated plans for an extension of the current harbour facilities at Dunmore East harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26868/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department most recently engaged consulting engineers RPS to develop options for a small craft harbour within Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre and consideration of all necessary works and structures required. The technical feasibility study, which was finalised in 2019, included site investigation, modelling and a comprehensive review of possible harbour layouts which have been assessed on a wide range of criteria including number of berths, anticipated wave climate, harbour facilities and operation development, environmental considerations, engineering and cost. Any future development would be subject to securing appropriate consents and securing funding, which is allocated on an annual basis in line with national priorities for Exchequer funds and competing priorities within my Department.
Harbours and Piers
Questions (279, 281)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:279. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on major development projects in in Castletownbere, Howth and Killybegs, as outlined in the National Development Plan 2021 - 2030; if he will outline, and provide costings for, any planned works in Dunmore East, Ros an Mhíl and Killybegs in this current budget term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26869/23]
View answerPádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:281. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the new developments his Department intends commencing by 2025 at Department-owned harbours around the country as per the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the capital costs required for these developments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26871/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 281 together.
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs), located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros an Mhíl under statute. In 2023, I allocated €37.3m funding for capital investment into the FHCs and a small number of other locations under my Department's remit. Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bbd0b-minister-mcconalogue-announces-investment-of-373million-in-capital-projects-in-irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/
The Deputy may be aware of the €30m Deep Water Quay project currently underway in Ros an Mhíl. This project is part of an allocation of €17.36m capital investment for Ros an Mhíl from the 2023 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme and will continue into 2024. There are a number of multi-annual capital projects due for completion this year; these include the pier extensions in Castletownbere and Killybegs with allocations of €2.5m and €7.5m respectively. Last year saw the completion of the new Fishing Pier in Howth at a cost of €10m. My Department has plans for further significant investment with a dredging and reclamation project for Howth for which planning permission is currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanála.
These infrastructural developments are critical to the fishing fleet and the land based seafood processing industry. The continued development and modernisation of Ireland’s publicly owned harbour network demonstrates the Department’s commitment to supporting the fishing industry and rural coastal communities. Funding is allocated on an annual basis in line with national priorities for Exchequer funds and in line with priorities set by my Department.
Fishing Industry
Questions (280)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:280. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all moneys from the EMFF programme 2014-2020 were spent; if any monies unused were returned to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26870/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department’s Seafood Development Programme under EMFF 2014-2020 was adopted by the European Commission in 2015. It had a total budget of €240 million of which approximately 60% was funded by the EU while 40% came from national funding. The programme was the principal source of development funding for the seafood sector providing a range of support measures for fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing, directed at the industry and public bodies.
The implementation of the programme has been very successful to date. By year end 2022, approximately 98% of this EU funding had been committed, providing funding for more 3,300 operations, including grants for industry and funding for public interest projects. Over the course of 2023, I anticipate remaining funding to be utilised fully across a number of initiatives. In terms of support for industry, earlier this year, I announced the reopening of the Sustainable Fisheries Scheme Part B which will provide grants for onboard investments on fishing vessels, while I have also committed to providing funding for the Producer Organisation support scheme. A number of other key public projects are still ongoing with support from the programme, including enhancements to digital services and funding for marine science projects which will ensure the protection of our marine natural resources.
The EMFF Seafood Development Programme will close at year-end 2023, and is being succeeded by a new Seafood Development Programme under EMFAF 2021-2027. For this new programme, I secured increased funding of up to €258 million and implementation has already commenced. Combined with the significant commitment under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, this represents unprecedented investment in the sustainable development of our seafood sector and coastal communities.