Catherine Murphy
Question:151. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of stinger courses held for gardaí within DMR in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the duration of this course. [29930/23]
View answerAn Garda Síochána
Questions (151)
Written answers
I have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regretfully, this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (152)
Thomas Gould
Question:152. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the application for citizenship of a person (details supplied); and if she will consider a review of this application given the difficulties posed by Covid-19 and the closure of services and schools in quarter 2 2020. [29978/23]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that a decision issued to the person concerned by registered post on 23 May 2023.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Each application is assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
It is open to the parents of the cited person to make a further application for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time.
Section 6A of the 1956 Act also provides details on the criteria for naturalisation that applies to a child born to parents who were legally resident in the State at the time of their birth. If the minor was born in the State after 1 January 2005, and was not entitled to Irish citizenship at the time of birth, but has since accumulated five years’ reckonable residence they are eligible for citizenship and should use Form 11 when making an application. However, minors cannot apply for naturalisation in their own right. The application must be made by their parent, legal guardian or person acting on the child's behalf "in loco parentis".
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 Ceremonies
Questions (153)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:153. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the reason an invitation to one of the citizenship ceremonies due to take place on 19 and 20 June 2023 was not issued to a person (details supplied) in Galway city despite being told previously it would issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30187/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that an invitation to attend the recent Citizenship Ceremonies did issue to the person cited.
Unfortunately, it appears the recorded contact details were incorrect but my officials have now amended same.
Officials in Citizenship Division of my Department have informed me that the person concerned will receive an invitation to the next ceremony later this year.
Further information on citizenship ceremonies is available on my Department’s website here: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/citizenship-ceremonies/.
Deportation Orders
Questions (154)
Patricia Ryan
Question:154. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice the number of deportation orders granted in the State in the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; of those orders, how many have been fully executed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30212/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can advise the Deputy that deportation and removal processes are an essential part of any immigration system. It must be acknowledged that those who do not have a legal right to remain in this country must remove themselves from the State. A person subject to a Deportation Order has no legal basis to remain in the State. Their case to remain in the State has been considered in detail and all available appeals processes have been exhausted.
The number of Deportation Orders issued and effected from 2018 to 2023 (year to date) are listed in the table below.
|
Year |
DO Signed |
DO Effected* |
|
2023 (YTD 16/06/23) |
507 |
31 |
|
2022 |
528 |
119 |
|
2021 |
33 |
38 |
|
2020 |
596 |
141 |
|
2019 |
2,295 |
298 |
|
2018 |
1,191 |
163 |
*DOs effected are confirmed deportations.
The numbers for DOs effected does not take account of individuals who have left the State without informing my Department. It is the case that many individuals who are subject to Deportation Orders leave the State without notifying the relevant authorities and this particular category of individual is difficult to quantify.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (155)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:155. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29884/23]
View answerWritten answers
The practice of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) is an important environmentally sustainable technology that will facilitate Ireland meeting its environmental commitments through reductions in ammonia and other reactive nitrogen emissions from soil.
The practice leads to greater nutrient recovery from slurries and indirectly improved nutrient use efficiency, as well as a reduced dependency on chemical fertilisers.
To date under TAMS II, 70% of expenditure under LESS was grant aided for dribble bar machines. While each of the LESS options meet nitrate requirements, it is important that the number of trailing shoe units on farms is maximised to help contribute to the agreed 25% reduction in Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions and 5% ammonia reduction from the agriculture sector by 2030.
Teagasc are currently carrying out analysis on the emission factor of the dribble bar compared to the trailing shoe. We are awaiting the outcome of this analysis.
The weight difference between trailing hose (dribble bar) attachments and trailing shoe attachments is relatively small. Depending upon the design of the attachment, the utilisation of either type of attachment will have equivalent impact on farms with heavy soils.
Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment will continue to have its own standalone investment ceiling and an enhanced grant-rate of 60% compared to a lower rate of 40% in TAMS II in respect of investments which will more than offsets the potential higher cost of the trailing shoe compared to the trailing hose (dribble bar).
Farm Partnerships
Questions (156)
Claire Kerrane
Question:156. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte has engaged with farmers regarding concerns raised about farm partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29970/23]
View answerWritten answers
Coillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from my Department. I have referred the matter raised to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (157)
Claire Kerrane
Question:157. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to adjusting or adding aspects to the tillage incentive scheme to ensure longer-term results, such as requiring land to be used for tillage purposes for multiple years to avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29975/23]
View answerWritten answers
I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS) last year in response to the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The Scheme is a support measure for farmers to incentivise the increase in eligible tillage crops thereby reducing dependency on imports.
A payment of €400/ha was made on eligible tillage crop area. To qualify for the payment, there must have been an increase in the total tillage crops grown on the holding in 2022 versus 2021.
In 2022, the Scheme delivered €10.1 million in support for the sector. It has proved to be successful and popular with farmers and it is acknowledged as having contributed to the estimated 6% increase in tillage area, or an additional 20,000 hectares in 2022.
I secured funding of €10 million for the continuation of the Scheme in Budget 2023. The 2023 TIS opened on 14 June and provides a support payment of €400 per hectare to tillage farmers who convert additional land to eligible tillage crops in 2023. While there is no requirement for land to remain in tillage for multiple years to avail of the Scheme, TIS 2023 does provide support to tillage farmers who continue to maintain the current tillage area converted under TIS 2022 through a maintenance payment of €200 per hectare. Both payments are subject to compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
The importance of the tillage sector is recognised in the Food Vision 2030 strategy and in the Climate Action Plan 2023 where a target is set out to increase the area in tillage to 400,000 hectares.
To ensure the longer term success and growth of the tillage sector I recently established the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group to produce a detailed plan and recommendations to sustainably grow the sector to 400,000 hectares by 2030. The Group has been tasked to provide a preliminary report by the end of July 2023 with a final plan submitted by end of October.
Food Industry
Questions (158)
Claire Kerrane
Question:158. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to including arable produce within the remit of An Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29976/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the promotion of arable crops for food is already covered under the functions of Bord Bia.
A vibrant and sustainable tillage sector is central to increasing Ireland’s food and feed security while also contributing to climate change objectives. Maintaining the current tillage area with an ambition for further growth is therefore an important strategic objective of my Department. This is highlighted in the Food Vision 2030 Strategy and more recently in the Climate Action Plan where a target has been set to grow the area under tillage crops to 400,000 hectares by 2030.
To achieve this objective I recently established the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group and I hosted its first meeting on 11th May 2023. This group, which includes Bord Bia, brings together all relevant stakeholders to set out a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 2030. I have tasked the group with providing a detailed plan and recommendations by the end of July, with a final plan to be submitted during the final quarter of 2023.
A related Food Vision action is that stakeholders will consider aligning the Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS) with Origin Green, and this is a matter that can be explored by Bord Bia together with the relevant stakeholders.
Tillage Sector
Questions (159)
Claire Kerrane
Question:159. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department will produce a pathway strategy for reaching the target of 400,000 ha of tillage farming by 2030, as set out in the climate action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29977/23]
View answerWritten answers
The tillage sector is an important and integral component of the Agri-food industry. It is dynamic, sustainable and world-class and I am committed to securing its long-term future. It is sector that I want to see grow and flourish in the years ahead.
The importance of the tillage sector is recognised in the Food Vision 2030 strategy and in the Climate Action Plan 2023 where a target is set out to increase the area in tillage to 400,000 hectares. This is an ambitious target, but I firmly believe that it is well-founded given that the sector is one of the most carbon efficient sectors of Irish agriculture.
To help achieve this target, I recently established the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group. This group, which brings together all relevant stakeholders, has been established to advance the actions for the tillage sector identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, while also taking account of the targets set out in the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Climate Action Plan 2023.
The remit of the Food Vision Tillage Group is to produce a detailed plan and recommendations to sustainably grow the sector to 400,000 hectares by 2030.
Agriculture Supports
Questions (160)
Jackie Cahill
Question:160. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he would consider introducing an amnesty for owners of ash dieback plantations in order to let them clear their sites and get the salvage value from the timber, and for safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30057/23]
View answerWritten answers
Last month, an Interim Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback via general de minimis was launched which contains a doubling of site clearance rates, increased grant rates and an improved premium regime. The interim scheme includes the following enhanced features:
• 100% increase in the site clearance grant rate from €1,000 to €2,000.
• Enhanced grant rates as per draft Forestry programme 2023-2027
• Those applicants whose sites are still in premium will continue to receive the premium due for the remaining years.
• In addition, for those in receipt of farmer rate of premium, a top up premium equal to the difference between the equivalent forestry type and the existing premium will be paid. This will be calculated for the remaining years left in premium and paid in a single sum.
In addition a change made to the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (Number 5) regulations 2022 now means that the replacement of broadleaf high forest by conifer species in areas less than 10 hectares is exempt entirely from planning. The RUS scheme which includes a Site Clearance grant is the means of clearing sites and salvaging value from timber.
The Forestry Act, 2014 provides for an exemption from obtaining a tree felling licence in situations where the tree felling is carried out to control or to prevent the spread of disease. Applicants are not required to obtain a tree felling licence as part of the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS).
A similar scheme for the reconstitution of ash dieback will be launched as part of the new forestry programme.
Unfortunately ash dieback is now endemic in our countryside. To date my Department has provided over €9 million in support to landowners with infected plantations by removing and replanting their sites with alternative species. We have also doubled the rates for this recently. As we approach 10 years of these supports, I have listened to the concerns of landowners and Minister of State, Pippa Hackett has tasked an independent group to review existing supports. The group will comprise three members of the Project Board overseeing the implementation of Project Woodland.
Jo O’Hara, Jerry Grant and Matt Crowe have been immense assistance in helping to deliver Project Woodland and I am grateful for their willingness to take on this additional task.
My Department has received applications for assistance under these schemes for almost 6,500 hectares of grant aided ash to date. It is important with the upcoming introduction of a new Forestry programme that farmers continue to have confidence in the Forestry schemes and this review will be very timely. Consultation with stakeholders will be an essential part of the Review and the Group will be in direct contact with stakeholders to ensure that their voice is heard. I expect to receive the groups final report by 15 September after which I will fully consider its recommendations.
Departmental Correspondence
Questions (161)
James Lawless
Question:161. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address the queries raised in the correspondence provided (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30104/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, at the Environment Council meeting on 20th June 2023, the Council of the European Union approved the text for its general approach on the Nature Restoration Regulation. Minister Ryan attends this Council.
That text developed by the Council Presidency and the Member States, includes a number of flexibilities that I sought along with other Member States. These flexibilities include a number of provisions which, if adopted in the final regulation will allow Member States recognise their own unique circumstances as they prepare their National Restoration Plan.
The Council vote is only a stage in the process of developing the Nature Restoration Regulation. We still have to see what proposals may emerge from the European Parliament. In the event that the European Parliament agrees a position, the co-legislators will commence the trialogue process where the proposed regulation will be finalised.
Disability Services
Questions (162)
David Cullinane
Question:162. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of hours, per discipline, required by the caseload in respect to children with disabilities, including neurodivergent children, under care or awaiting diagnosis from primary care in CHO 4. [29956/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Student Accommodation
Questions (163)
Mattie McGrath
Question:163. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of all contracts between his Department and student accommodation providers; the number of refugees or persons seeking international protection currently being housed in student accommodation facilities; if he will confirm whether all such contracts will end before the new college term in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29882/23]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-government humanitarian response to assist over 85,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, including 62,000 that have sought accommodation from this Department.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 770 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
Student Accommodation – Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTPs)
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has contracted more than 5,000 student accommodation beds at various locations nationwide for use during the summer months. My Department has implemented a strategy to leverage student accommodation in the most effective way throughout the summer with student accommodation allocated where existing contracts are ending and for new arrivals. We have already commenced using student accommodation and, thus far in 2023, over 1,400 beneficiaries have been accommodated in student accommodation settings. The information requested has been extracted from our records and is provided in tabular form below.
|
Number |
Student Accommodation |
Location |
Start Date |
End Date |
Duration |
|
1 |
National University of Galway |
Galway |
May 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
2 |
The Westwood Ireland |
Galway |
May 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
3 |
Dun Aras Village |
Galway |
May 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
4 |
Groody Village |
Limerick |
May 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
5 |
SETU Waterford |
Waterford |
May 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
|
6 |
Punches Residence |
Limerick |
May 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
|
7 |
Gort Na Coiribe |
Galway |
May 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
8 |
Ashdown Village |
Limerick |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
9 |
Hubble Living |
Galway |
June 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
|
10 |
Cuirt Na Rasai |
Galway |
June 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
|
11 |
Groody Park |
Limerick |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
2 months |
|
12 |
Croi Oige |
Westmeath |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
2 months |
|
13 |
Grove Island |
Limerick |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
14 |
Cratloe Wood Viallge |
Limerick |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
3 months |
|
15 |
Thomond Village |
Limerick |
June 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
|
16 |
Glasan |
Galway |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
2 months |
|
17 |
Gate Lodge |
Athlone |
June 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
|
18 |
City Campus |
Limerick |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
2 months |
|
19 |
Clarion Village |
Sligo |
June 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
|
20 |
Gateway Apartments |
Sligo |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
2 months |
|
21 |
Hawthorn Village |
Mayo |
June 2023 |
August 2023 |
2 months |
|
22 |
Hubble Living |
Dublin |
June 2023 |
September 2023 |
3 months |
In addition, I can also confirm to the Deputy that a property (Cork Student Village) has contracted with my Department for BoTP accommodation provision through the formal offer submission process for a 12 month period.
Student Accommodation – International Protection (IP)
The Department is availing of any offer of accommodation made to it, including the use of office buildings and sports facilities, to address the accommodation shortfall. The Department has reached out to other Government Departments such as the Department of Education for school and third level institution facilities; the Department of Defence for unused barracks and buildings; the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media for sporting and arts facilities; the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Office of Public Works for buildings that can be used to accommodate people. Many of the offers that have come through these requests have resulted in accommodation, both temporary and longer term.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is in temporary contractual arrangements with one University. This is on a phased basis, with 100 international protection applicant’s (IPA’s) residing in student accommodation as at 11th June 2023. It is anticipated that capacity will be increased in the coming weeks. However, the properties will be vacated in September in order to return to their primary use as student accommodation. These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.
I trust this information is of assistance.
International Protection
Questions (164)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:164. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children living in international protection accommodation services accommodation, including direct provision, pre-reception, temporary emergency and emergency centres, who have their status, permission to remain, subsidiary protection or refugee status. [29938/23]
View answerWritten answers
As of the end of May 2023 , 5,290 people with status remained in IPAS accommodation, of whom 1,515 were children.