Written Answers Nos. 343-359
343. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 464 of 20 June 2023, to elaborate on the review of the Peace Commissioner process being undertaken by her Department; to outline the terms of this review and what brought it about; whether it may result in any legislative change to the Courts of Justice Act 1924; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31799/23]
View answerThe Justice Plan 2023 contains a commitment to review the Peace Commissioner appointment process. This work is being undertaken in the context of a broader review of the role of Peace Commissioner given that the legislation underpinning Peace Commissioners dates back to the Courts of Justice Act 1924.
As well as the appointment process, I can inform the Deputy that the main areas of focus for the review of the role of Peace Commissioner includes, a review of existing functions, powers, removal and complaints procedures; maintenance of the Roll of Peace Commissioners and consideration to making a Register of Peace Commissioners available online.
As part of the review, desk based research was undertaken by my Department to understand the nature of comparable roles in similar jurisdictions.
My Department will complete and report on the review which will include recommendations relating to preferred policy options, including possible legislative changes.
344. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to list all barristers, solicitors, or firms of solicitors who received more than €20,000 from the criminal legal aid scheme in 2022; the amounts they received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31800/23]
View answerI can inform the Deputy, that criminal legal services are provided by private legal practitioners who have notified the relevant authority of their availability to undertake criminal legal aid work. The courts, through the judiciary, are responsible for the granting of legal aid on application by the defence in court.
My Department has no role in the granting of legal aid or in the appointment of legal practitioners to a case. The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 gives expression to the Constitutional right that free legal aid must be granted, in certain circumstances, for the defence of persons of insufficient means in criminal proceedings.
The Criminal Legal Aid Schemes are demand led and the fees and expenses due to legal practitioners are paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the schemes. My Department is responsible for the payment of fees and expenses to the legal practitioners.
As requested, I have provided the Deputy with a list of legal practitioners who received more than €20,000 from the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme in 2022.
345. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if her Department purchased or produced any memorabilia such as pens, stationery, pins, badges, mugs or other types of souvenirs to mark or celebrate Pride 2023; if so, the costs incurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31814/23]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the Department of Justice LGBT+ Staff Network procured 56 branded t-shirts for staff attending the Dublin Pride parade. The total cost was €627.30 including VAT. No other memorabilia was procured by my Department for Pride 2023.
346. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide the breakdown of firearm types (details supplied) seized by An Garda Síochána from 2013 to 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31833/23]
View answerI have asked An Garda Sìochàna if it is possible to provide relevant information to the Deputy. Unfortunately it was not possible to confirm this within the timeframe allowed.
I will revert to the Deputy with any relevant information upon receipt.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
As you will recall, the information requested was not available at that time and I undertook to engage with An Garda Síochána about what relevant information might be available for the Deputy. I am now advised by An Garda Síochána that it is not possible to provide the data on the breakdown of firearm types seized due to the manner in which data in relation to firearms is recorded on PULSE.
However, An Garda Síochána have indicated that the official count of firearms seized is based on those which have been examined by the Ballistics Section. The reporting of firearms seizures is published in An Garda Síochána Annual Reports which are available on the Garda website.
To assist the Deputy, as published in An Garda Síochána 2021 Annual Report, 760 firearms or suspected firearms were received at the Ballistics and Forensic Investigation Section for examination and classification under the legislation.
This is largely in keeping with 2020 figures which stood at 777. Furthermore, 14,889 rounds of ammunition, and 131 discharged cartridge cases and bullets were submitted for examination and report.
I trust this information is of assistance.
347. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice the main policy achievements of her Department since 27 June 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31866/23]
View answerJustice Plan 2023, published earlier this year, builds on the work outlined in Justice Plans 2021 and 2022, and outlines a wide range of actions under the Department's five strategic goals, which are:
• Tackle crime, enhance national security and transform policing
• Improve access to justice and modernise the courts system
• Strengthen community safety, reduce reoffending, support victims and combat domestic, sexual and gender based violence
• Deliver a fair immigration system for a digital age
• Accelerate innovation, digital transformation and climate action across the justice sector
Under Justice Plan 2023, I am progressing a suite of policy and legislative reforms which are priorities for me as Minister, in line with the commitments set out in the Programme for Government. Some of the priority achievements of the Department since the formation of the Government are set out below.
The government’s Zero Tolerance plan to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence was published in June 2022. The Strategy is an ambitious, five-year, whole-of-Government programme of reform and its publication was accompanied by a detailed implementation plan covering the first 18 months, with yearly implementation plans thereafter. This will ensure the strategy is a living document and emerging issues can be incorporated.
There is a huge body of work underway. Key elements include:
• The doubling of the overall number of refuge units over the lifetime of the Strategy.
• The establishment of the DSGBV Agency next January will bring the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.
• Many of the actions in the Strategy are focused enhanced support for victims. The provision of legal aid and legal advice, trauma-informed training, and national awareness campaigns are all provided for.
The government has introduced and is committed to enacting significant legislation. We are committed to:
• Enacting the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is currently before the Houses
• to make stalking and non-fatal strangulation standalone criminal offences
• to increase the sentence of conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life in prison, a key measure to tackle gangland crime and those who direct it
• to double the maximum sentence for assault causing harm – one of the most common offences in domestic violence cases – from five years to ten years
• Enacting the new Hate Crime and Hate Speech Bill to reform and modernise the law through the introduction of new, specific hate aggravated offences for crimes motivated by prejudice against protected characteristics, with tougher sentences than ordinary forms of crime, and to legislate for Incitement to Hatred or Hate Speech – Bill is currently in the Seanad.
• Enacting the Recording Devices Bill to improve use of CCTV, and to provide for Body worn cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition - to be brought into Dáil at second stage in the coming weeks.
• Enacting law to establish a new Judicial Appointments Commission to ensure best practice in the way we appoint judges - completed Dáil, continuing at Seanad committee stage.
• Enacting the Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity Bill to criminalise adults who groom children into a life of crime.
• Enacting the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill in the new year to provide for national and international inspections of all types of places of detention in the state and to allow Ireland to ratify the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Prevention of Torture.
• Introducing amendments to the Children Act 2001 to provide a broader range of sentencing options to the courts in certain proceedings involving children.
• Introducing legislation to establish the Irish Prison Service on a statutory basis with enhanced governance structures – General Scheme to be submitted for Government approval shortly.
• Introducing legislation for a new agency to ensure the delivery of excellent services to victims of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), support and coordinate the implementation of Government strategies to tackle DSGBV, and carry out related research and awareness-raising campaigns (General Scheme approved by Government on 28th February).
• Modernising and updating 200 year old licensing law – General Scheme approved by Cabinet and published; scheme referred for pre-legislative scrutiny.
• Updating sexual offences legislation, such as the law around consent and many reforms in line with commitments in Supporting a Victim's Journey, the plan to put the victim at the centre of the criminal justice system. This legislation will also introduce a revised National Referral Mechanism to help tackle human trafficking – General Scheme published during the summer, full Bill to be published in the coming period.
• Introducing the landmark Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill to overhaul of structures and oversight of the Gardaí – Bill to be debated in the Dáil early in the new year
• Publishing Police Powers bill to improve effectiveness of police powers with new fundamental rights provisions – Bill to be published next year.
• Updating the Proceeds of Crime legislation to reduce the period from seven years to two years, before criminal proceeds may be confiscated and to increase the tools we have available to combat organised crime.
Since 27 June 2020, several important pieces of legislation have been enacted, including:
• Enacted Coco’s Law to criminalise distribution of intimate images without consent.
• Enacted the Perjury Bill to establish a statutory criminal offence for perjury.
• Enacted a law to remove reporting restrictions which prevented parents from speaking publicly about their deceased child in cases where the child was unlawfully killed.
• Enacted measures to introduce pre-trial hearing to ensure that victims are less likely to face stressful unexpected delays and adjournments to trial start dates.
• Signed order to bring into the new personal injuries guidelines under the Judicial Council Act.
• Enacted new law on Garda operating model to more front-line Gardaí, increased visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area.
• Enacted new regulations to provide for legal aid to the families of the 48 victims and new legislation for a revised jury selection process for the Dublin Coroner, in relation to the new inquests into the Stardust fire tragedy.
• Enacted and commenced the Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Act 2022 which will facilitate necessary access to certain communications data to protect national security and tackle serious crime.
• Enacted and commenced the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2022, the legislation has clarified the legal basis of the court presenter system and avoided a potential backlog of cases in District Courts across the State.
• Amended the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) with the (Amendment) Regulations 2023, to provide for the participation in and attendance of authorised officers of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at Garda interviews.
• Enacted the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 on 5th April 2023.
• Enacted the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 on the 24th of October 2022 which commenced on 10th April 2023, and replaced the existing Garda compensation scheme with a new statutory scheme that will reduce the waiting times and costs associated with claims for malicious injury to Gardaí or their family members.
• Enacted the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 on the mutual recognition of custodial sentences, which provides for the transfer of sentenced persons between EU member states. The Act also amends and updates the existing legislation underpinning transfers for non-EU states, including the United Kingdom.
• Enacted the Smuggling of Persons Act on 15 December 2021 to prevent and combat the smuggling of persons and, for those purposes, to facilitate cooperation with other states.
• Enacting the Family Courts Bill 2022 to establish new dedicated Family Courts within the existing court structures and to put families at the centre of the family justice system - Bill published in December 2022 and completed Second Stage in the Seanad in February 2023.
Other key initiatives include:
• Domestic violence refuge accommodation was brought under the Minister for Justice for the first time and considerable progress has been made to date towards establishing a new DSGBV Agency, which will be up and running in January 2024. The new Agency will commission and fund DSGBV services, put in place national service standards, lead on research and awareness-raising, and coordinate all Government actions set out in the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
• A once in a generation scheme to regularise the status of long term undocumented migrants.
• The development of a new Immigration Services Website that is customer orientated with information available in video format and in various languages.
• A new online system for the renewal of registrations in the Dublin area was developed and launched on 20 June 2020, enabling applicants to engage with the Registration Office without the need to attend in person at the Burgh Quay Registration office.
• In November 2022, the International Protection Office (IPO) introduced accelerated procedures for international protection applicants from safe countries of origin.
• The IPO has also developed a Modernisation Strategy for 2023/2024. The key objective of the strategy is that the International Protection Office will further increase outputs throughout 2023, while significantly accelerating certain categories of cases, and continually improving the quality of decision making.
• The Department will provide quality and timely advice on opt-in to EU measures relating to asylum matters, including measures under the Common European Asylum System and the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration.
• The Department will continue to participate in the negotiation of EU measures related to asylum and migration in particular, the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration.
• Review of Policy options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 – Published in August 2022, this review aims to make Ireland a safer place by ensuring appropriate and proportionate use of imprisonment and community sanctions in a manner which best facilitates rehabilitation and reintegration.
• High Level Task Force on mental health and addiction - established in April 2021 to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of people who come into contact with the criminal justice sector. The final report and recommendations of the Task Force were published in September 2022 by the Ministers for Justice and Health.
• Health Needs Assessment for the Irish Prison Service - Published in May 2023 by the Ministers for Justice and Health, this is the first comprehensive health assessment undertaken for the Irish Prison Service. The Report sets out 60 recommendations for the optimal development of healthcare services in the Prison Service and is primarily focused on strengthening delivery of IPS Healthcare services across a range of areas and on improving governance in IPS healthcare services.
• Publication of the Report of the Review of Defamation law, in March 2022, with the General Scheme of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill published in March 2023.
• The Judicial Planning Working Group, established by the Minister, reported to Government in February 2023. It considered the number and type of judges required to ensure the efficient administration of Justice over the next five years in the first instance, but also with a view to the medium to long term. A substantial increase in judicial numbers over the coming years was recommended, starting early in 2023 with a phased approach. In total, it recommended that 44 additional Judges be appointed in two phases. These recommendations are being implemented currently.
• The Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 provides a developmental framework to address key ongoing challenges, as well as new and emerging issues, in the youth justice area. The intention is to develop the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects where necessary. There are currently over 100 YDPs in operation and the intention of this year’s Justice Plan, under the Youth Justice Strategy, is to provide full geographic availability of youth diversion services by the end of 2023.
348. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice her views in relation to the migration rules and laws governing healthcare assistants; and if she will outline her plans for reform in the area. [31883/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the criteria for obtaining an Employment Permit for healthcare assistants is set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
My Department's role relates to the immigration legislation and procedures which apply to persons granted an Employment Permit. These include the requirement to apply for a Visa to travel to the State, where the person is a visa required national. In addition, on arrival in the State holders of an Employment Permit will be required to register at their local Immigration office where they will be granted a Stamp 1 immigration permission.
Where a healthcare worker wishes to be joined in the State by their family members the conditions attaching to such applications are as set out in the Immigration Services Policy Document on Non EEA Family Reunification, available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
This Policy Document was last updated in 2016 and is currently being reviewed.
I can further advise the Deputy that work is underway to revise the current system whereby employment permits and immigration permissions are dealt with separately, with a view to improving the user experience and enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness in attracting skilled migrant workers. The Government agreed in principle late last year that a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions should be developed and that an Inter Departmental Working Group should be established to develop an implementation plan for consideration by Government.
The Inter-departmental Working Group is examining the operational, policy and legal considerations of simplifying the process for employment permits and immigration permissions to improve on timelines to secure critical skill workers. The Working Group aims to report back to government with an implementations plan and associated timelines later this year. The Working Group’s report will also allow Government to consider opting-in to the recast EU Single Permit Directive at a future date.
349. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice if she will comment on prison overcrowding with respect to Limerick Prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31901/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service is committed to providing safe and secure custody for all people committed to prison and that my officials in the Irish Prison Service and the Department continuously work to identify short, medium and longer term proposals to help manage capacity issues in our prisons as they arise.
It has to be acknowledged that the Irish Prison Service does not have the option of refusing committals and must accept all prisoners committed by the Courts. Where the number of prisoners exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, my officials make every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and structured Temporary Release.
The Government has provided significant capital funding to the Irish Prison Service to enhance the existing prison infrastructure. These projects included the commissioning of a new male and female prison accommodation in Limerick Prison providing an additional 90 male spaces and 22 additional female cell spaces. The male accommodation is now open and the female accommodation is expected to become operational in July. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that once the resources are in place, the new female wing of Limerick Prison will be opened without delay.
In addition, my Department outlined plans for 4 short-term capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons. These will deliver a minimum of 620 additional spaces and I am engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform with a view to progressing an agreed schedule of capital builds.
350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if a temporary visa can be granted to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31969/23]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy created on-line Join Family visa application on 03 October 2022. The supporting documentation and relevant fees were applied on 09 November 2022 in the Pretoria visa office. These visa applications were received in our Dublin Visa Office for further processing on 09 December 2022.
Processing of this application is ongoing at present, however it is not possible to give an exact time-frame for completion. However, the applicant can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in finalising their application and they will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
The Visa office Dublin are currently processing applications of this type received on the 08 September 2022. Applicants can keep up-to-date with the dates the Visa Office in Dublin are processing by checking the following page; which is updated weekly; www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
Applicants are advised not to pay for airline or other travel tickets without having first been issued with a visa.
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 (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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
351. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to address applicants who have been waiting longer than the expected visa decision timeframes for join spouse visa: spouse of an Irish national; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31994/23]
View answerThe Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens should be dealt with within 6 months of application.
However, it must be made clear that this is a business target for the immigration service and reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
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 staffing levels and the resources available in the Visa Division of my Department are kept under review in line with the business needs of the Division.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
352. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice the total advertising budget allocated by her Department and agencies in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, respectively; the funding provided directly to RTÉ in each year; if she has sought and secured an assurance that none of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32012/23]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate complete information as requested by the Deputy in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
353. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper article (details supplied) warning of a shortage of Irish fruit and vegetables for the rest of the year due to increased costs and unpredictable weather; the details of any engagement he has had with the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to this matter, particularly with regard to the question of increasing domestic fruit, vegetable and grain supply in the context of the next Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31910/23]
View answerI am acutely aware that due to a wet spring and the recent lack of rainfall some growers are experiencing challenges in production and there has been an increase in input costs across all agriculture, which has added to this challenge.
To address some of the challenges being faced across the horticulture sectors, the recently published National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 identified eight Key Strategic Actions the implementation of which will ensure the long term continued viability of the horticulture industry.
In addition to this my Department supports the horticulture industry in Ireland with a range of measures. The national exchequer funded 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Horticulture Sector has an increased budget of €10 million and is currently open for applications. The EU funded Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables delivered €4.2 million in aid for the industry in 2022 and similar levels of aid will be payable for 2023 activities. The Brexit Adjustment Resrve (BAR) funded 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the seed potato sector and chipping potato sector has a budget of €1.5 million to help develop these sectors.
Separately, 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 help achieve this target, I recently established the Food Vision 2030 Tillage Group which brings together all relevant stakeholders to develop a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 2030.
In recent years, I have introduced several measures to support the tillage sector. Last year, I introduced the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS), a support measure for farmers to incentivise an increase in the area of eligible tillage crops which resulted in payment of f €10.9 million in 2022. The budget for the Scheme in 2023 is €10 million.
I more than doubled the budget for the Protein Aid Scheme from €3 million to €7 million in the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023 - 2027. I also secured the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) as a new measure in the CSP with an annual budget of €10 million. €19.5m has been paid out to tillage farmers under this measure since it was launched as a pilot in 2021.
Our new Agri-Environmental Scheme (ACRES) includes a broad range of actions that are relevant to tillage famers while the new Tillage Capital Investment Scheme under TAMS contains a broader range of investments and a higher investment ceiling of €90,000.
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have recently signalled the commencement of the development of the Climate Action Plan 2024 which will include a dedicated chapter on Adaptation.
My Department continues to engage with the sector in relation to current challenges and will monitor the situation regarding further supports under review.
354. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the actions in the Our Living Islands policy related to supporting the inshore fishing sector; the budget allocated to each of these actions; and the timescale for the completion of these actions. [31995/23]
View answerActions in "Our Living Islands National Islands Policy 2023-2033" related to the support of the Inshore Fishing Sector are closely aligned with actions in my Department's European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Seafood Development Programme. The €258 million programme was adopted by the EU Commission in December 2022 and is in the early stages of implementation.
Actions included in the Islands policy include facilitating the formation of new Producer Organisations (POs) and support to assist POs in their preparation and implementation of their production and marketing plans. Support for the POs is currently being delivered through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund which is approaching closure. As the deputy is aware, this has included support for the establishment of the National Inshore Fishermen's Association. The Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation will also be able to avail of support under this fund in 2023. Parallel to this, a PO support scheme, and associated budget, is being developed under the new programme. The POs will have input into the development of this scheme through their participation in the programme's monitoring committee.
The policy also refers to supports for coastal communities to support a wide range of initiatives targeting job creation, social inclusion, tourism, community regeneration and market development around our coastline. This will be delivered through Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), with over €15.5 million allocated for this community led local development. This is an increased budget over the €12 million which was provided under the EMFF programme. BIM issued a call for expressions of interest for FLAGs in May. While the process of establishing these is ongoing, support has been made available under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme which I announced last year.
Outside of these specific actions, the Seafood Development Programme will offer a wide range of supports for fishers, with particular emphasis on small scale coastal fishers, as well as investment in the wider seafood industry and support for public projects which improve sustainability and protect our marine environment.
355. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid out to all consultancy firms for any services rendered; and the cost per contract for the year-to-date 2023, in tabular form [31682/23]
View answerIt is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the required time. The information is currently being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Company |
Details of service rendered |
Cost to date in 2023 € |
|
EY |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – EAGF AND EAFRD Annual Accounts Certification for Financial Year 2022. Requirement of EU Legislation. |
150,000 |
|
EY |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – EAGF AND EAFRD Annual Accounts Certification for Financial Years 2023 to 2025. Requirement of EU Legislation |
480,000 |
|
Designwest |
IT Consultancy/Design |
1,230 |
|
Wood Energy Consulting |
Wood fuel consultancy |
9,516 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Organisational Review |
31,088 |
|
Flynn, Furney Environmental Consultants Ltd |
The Maintenance of National Network of Bait Logs & Pheromone Traps 2023 |
31,383 |
|
Philip Lee Solicitors |
Regulatory Review |
10,824 |
|
IFER |
IT Consultancy/Design |
4,800 |
|
KPMG |
Preparation of Cost Benefits Analysis for actions identified in report Opportunities for the Irish Horticulture Sector |
13,776 |
|
Mazars |
IT Audit Consultancy – technical expertise |
10,978 |
|
Certification Europe |
Independent assessments of the Department’s ISO 27001:2013 certification. Required for EU accreditation purposes. |
10,824 |
|
Forensic Docexam Ireland Ltd |
Forensic document examination |
900 |
|
Demesne Architects Ltd |
Longtown Farm Gate Lodge Upgrade, Architectural services |
14,141 |
|
Demesne Architects Ltd |
Scope Change to Lab 4 and Lab 7 Refurbishment |
17,480 |
|
Demesne Architects Ltd |
High to Low Security Changing Facility Longtown Farm feasibility scoping exercise |
2,306 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners |
User Requirement Specification Design and Site Supervision |
3,690 |
|
Demesne Architects Ltd |
Poultry Unit Longtown Farm, feasibility scoping exercise |
1,845 |
|
Demesne Architects Ltd |
Architectural Plans Library Backweston |
3,014 |
356. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine who is responsible for carrying out the Strategic Environmental Assessment relating to the Forestry Programme 2023-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31722/23]
View answer357. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Strategic Environmental Assessment relating to the Forestry Programme commenced; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31723/23]
View answer358. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the economic viability of an industry is considered as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31731/23]
View answer359. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current position or stage of the Strategic Environmental Assessment relating to the Forestry Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31732/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 356, 357, 358 and 359 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, the new and ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
The new Programme will benefit farmers, rural communities and our overall climate and environment.
The new Programme is subject to State Aid approval under the Guidelines in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas from the European Commission. It is also subject to an ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment process, which is well advanced with my Department and their service partner Arup. The draft SEA Environmental Report acknowledges the economic impact of forestry and the commitment in the Forest Strategy Implementation Plan to the sector.
Once State Aid approval has been granted, the Strategic Environmental Assessment can be finalised, after incorporating any relevant outcomes of this process.
