Brendan Smith
Question:893. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, to extend CCTV coverage to towns in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37064/23]
View answerClosed-Circuit Television Systems
Questions (893)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, since 2017 my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.
The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
The Community-based CCTV scheme is currently governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006), GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Bill, community groups will be able to request schemes in their area.
It is envisaged the Local Community Safety Partnerships being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, once rolled out nationwide, will be the appropriate avenue to do so, given that local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the partnerships.
The Local Authorities will take the lead and make the applications going forward and have full responsibility for the implementation and managing the data protection aspects of having a scheme in place.
In relation to approved applications from Cavan and Monaghan, I can inform the Deputy that in June 2020 Monaghan town availed of the scheme and were approved funding of €40,000 towards their CCTV operations and an additional maintenance grant of €5,000. To date Monaghan County Council have drawn down €25,000 of this funding. €20,000 is still available upon certification of completion.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 will also extend the powers governing Garda use of CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to help prevent crime and prosecute those involved in criminal activity. The Bill provides powers for An Garda Síochána to access third party CCTV on a live-feed basis to support them in carrying out their function, subject to strict guidelines and oversight.
Prison Service
Questions (894)
Ivana Bacik
Question:894. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of people held in solitary confinement (22+ hour lock up) for more than 15 consecutive days in each month of 2023 to date. [37074/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware there are a number of reasons for the restriction to a person’s regime while in custody. This includes for safety or protection reasons, on the grounds of order and to protect the prison population from the spread of infection.
My Department has taken steps to bring the Irish prison system into line with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (known as ‘Mandela Rules’) in respect of solitary confinement. This included the introduction of Statutory Instrument 276 of 2017 which amended Rule 27 of the Prison Rules 2007 and which provides for prisoners to be allowed to spend a minimum period of 2 hours out of his or her cell daily. This Statutory Instrument is implemented through the Irish Prison Service Policy on the Elimination of Solitary Confinement, which is publicly available on their website.
As the Deputy will be aware there are a number of reasons why a person may be on a restricted regime but this is not to say that in all instances where a person is on a restricted regime that they will be held in solitary confinement for 22+ hours a day. The Prison Rules 2007 also provide that the imposition of a restricted regime is closely monitored by the Irish Prison Service and the status of each prisoner on restricted regime within the prison system is regularly reviewed.
On occasion, it is necessary for prisoners to be separated from the general prison population. Under Rule 62 of the Prison Rules 2007, a Governor may decide, for the maintenance of good order in the prison, to remove a prisoner from general association or structured activity. The detention of a prisoner under this Rule must be reviewed by the Governor every 7 days. Where a prisoner is detained under Rule 62 for more than 21 days, the Governor must, on a weekly basis, submit a report to the Director General including the views of the prisoner, explaining the need for the continued removal of the prisoner from structured activity or association and requesting an extension on the prisoner’s detention under the Rule.
I am advised that in the past seven days 10 prisoners have had their detention on Rule 62 extended for a further week by the Director General.
Rule 63 of the Prison Rules, 2007 provides that a prisoner may, either at his/her own request or when the Governor considers it necessary, in so far as is practicable and subject to the maintenance and good order and safe and secure custody, be kept separate from other prisoners who are reasonably likely to cause significant harm to him/her. The number of prisoners on Rule 63 fluctuates daily and the length of time spent on Rule 63 varies greatly as the level of threat and perceived threat changes. Prisoners on Rule 63 may be permitted to mix with other prisoners on Rule 63 in different risk groups and therefore are not necessarily detained on ‘22-hour lock-up’ or considered to be in ‘solitary confinement’. The Governor may also seek to place a prisoner on Rule 63 if information from An Garda Síochána or other intelligence sources indicate concerns about safety.
Further to this, a smaller number of prisoners may have their regimes restricted for medical (Rule 64) or for disciplinary reasons (Rule 67). Prisoners placed on a restricted regime for medical reasons are reviewed every 24 hours by the medical team and the Governor.
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has confirmed that statistics available regarding prisoners on a restricted regime are collated by the Irish Prison Service Statistics Unit and published quarterly on its website (www.irishprisons.ie). This information can be found in the Information Centre under Statistics & Information, Census Reports.
However, I am further advised that it is not possible to provide the Deputy with the information in relation to the length of time that individual prisoners remain on a restricted regime on a month by month basis as this is not yet centrally recorded or published as part of the quarterly census. However, I am informed that the Irish Prison Service has commenced work to implement an IT solution to allow the capture of more detailed statistical information regarding prisoners on a restricted regime.
Domestic Violence
Questions (895)
Brendan Smith
Question:895. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in providing a refuge centre in counties Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37107/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, last June, Government launched Zero Tolerance, our third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
One of the overarching goals is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one. Over the lifetime of the Strategy we intend to double the number of refuge spaces, bringing it to 280.
Tusla reviewed the accommodation services for victims of DSGBV and identified priority locations where between 50 and 60 new refuge places are needed. Further analysis identified 12 locations nationwide where the delivery of 98 family refuge spaces would have the most impact, if prioritised.
The Tusla review identified a requirement for eight family places in Cavan/Monaghan, for prioritisation.
A group of stakeholders has met a number of times in 2023, with a view to beginning plans to establish the refuge in Cavan/Monaghan.
Key statutory bodies, including Tusla, the Department of Housing, the Department of Justice, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils, and An Garda Síochána have been engaged in these meetings, along with the local domestic violence organisation, Tearmann, and Safe Ireland.
The current focus is on identifying a site and initiating a more formalised project.
The nature of refuge developments, as capital projects, means that timelines for capital projects apply, and at this early stage, many factors can influence the speed at which a project is delivered such as, the identification of a suitable site or building, planning processes, tendering processes, and the appointment of contractors.
However, as an identified priority area, every effort will be made to ensure that supports are put in place to achieve delivery of the refuge and support services in Cavan/Monaghan as quickly as possible.
As the Deputy will also be aware, it is the intention of this Government to establish a new Domestic Violence Agency at the start of 2024 and that Agency will play a lead role in ensuring that our plans for refuges are delivered over the coming years.
The agency will have a specific mandate to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across Government, bringing the expertise and focus required to tackle this complex social issue.
Pending establishment of the Agency, responsibility for DSGBV services continues to be channelled through Tusla and I have referred the question posed by the Deputy to Tusla for direct reply in relation as regards any further information that may be of relevance to the question posed.
Youth Services
Questions (896)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:896. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice what plans there are to expand the pilot youth diversion projects where there is engagement with participants at an earlier age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37167/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
The Youth Justice Strategy commits to the broadening and deepening of services provided by YDPs and acknowledges the importance of Early Intervention and Family Support programmes for children at risk, as well as access to appropriate Education, Training and Youth Services. 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.
A further 4 YDPs are due to be established by the end of this year to expand the service provision to every young person who needs it. Additionally 6 collaborative commissioning Diversion Projects are also due to be established in 2023. These Projects will draw relevant statutory bodies together with local partners to map our separate funding schemes against a local needs assessment, to identify gaps in priority services and to agree with local service providers how to meet these needs in a coordinated and integrated way.
I can also advise the Deputy that YDPs typically work with young people aged 12 to 17, who have been referred to the YDP as being at specific risk. However, YDPs also aim to enhance their capacity to engage with children who have been identified by Youth Justice Workers (YJWs), or by others working in the community, as being at serious risk of becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour but are below the age of criminal responsibility.
The objective is to work with these children, to promote pro-social behaviour and guide the young person to make positive life choices, including an emphasis on school attendance and performance and extra-curricular course with a pro-social focus. The work may also include engagement with the child’s family, providing support and tools to assist parents in dealing with their child’s behaviour.
Legislative Measures
Questions (897)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:897. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the sale of alcohol Bill 2022; what engagements her Department has had recently with stakeholders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37169/23]
View answerWritten answers
Following extensive consultation with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies, consumers and communities, the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill was published in October 2022. It marks the Government’s commitment to the reform and streamlining of licensing laws to support and stimulate the night time economy.
On 25 November 2021, I launched a public consultation to seek the views of the public on the modernisation of Ireland’s licensing laws.
The consultation, which ran until 21 January 2022, looked at how best to update the existing laws governing the sale and regulation of alcohol in Ireland. Members of the public, academics, sectoral groups and representative organisations were invited to complete an online survey and/or make a written submission to the Department.
The Department reviewed these responses to ensure the reform of the legislation takes account of and is informed by this engagement. A report on the responses received together with a selection of the submissions were published on 7 November 2022. On 10 March 2022, I also hosted a consultation webinar and panel discussion event on reform of the alcohol licensing laws to give an opportunity for further discussion of the issues of concern to stakeholders.
More recently, in January 2023, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice conducted two pre-legislative scrutiny sessions on the draft legislation. Academics, sectoral groups and representative organisations were invited to contribute to these sessions. The Committee published their report on 2 March 2023.
Officials within my department are engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting of the Bill. Officials are also in ongoing consultation with other stakeholders, including the Gardaí, other Government Departments and stakeholder bodies such as those representing publicans, restaurants, hoteliers, stakeholders from the cultural and night-time entertainment sector as well as public health groups in order to progress associated matters.
An Implementation Group comprising of officials from the Department of Justice, the Courts Service and the Revenue Commissioners was established to assist with the smooth transition to the reformed licensing system. A number of bilateral meeting are also taking place in order to address specific queries and the requirements of each group.
Prison Service
Questions (898)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:898. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice if the Prison Service is investigating an allegation of corruption within the Prison Service made by a person (details supplied); her views on whether this investigation should be investigated by a body independent of the Prison Service. [37177/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014 to allow employees to bring alleged wrongdoing to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
The Act as amended by the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 also affords very important protections to persons making protected disclosures. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate therefore that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on nor confirm the existence of any specific protected disclosure. The protection of those wishing to make a protected disclosure rightly prioritises the confidentiality of the process, which is central to the efficacy of that process.
Forestry Sector
Questions (899)
Michael McNamara
Question:899. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the circumstances in which an appropriate assessment or other environmental study is required, and any other legal requirements to be complied with, for the planting of native woodland in areas of not greater than one hectare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35589/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has the stated policy goal of incentivising small-scale tree planting and of re-engaging farmers with afforestation. Key to the success of increasing afforestation rates is to build confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry as a viable option to complement existing enterprises.
The changes introduced as part of the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, allow the introduction of Regulations to facilitate small scale planting of native tree areas without the need to first obtain an afforestation licence. It is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting
This exemption facilitates the exclusion of clearly defined activities from requiring an afforestation licence in certain specific circumstances. In addition it is an enabling proposal that allows forests to be created through initiatives, other than the afforestation scheme, such as ACRES, thereby contributing to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities particularly climate change, biodiversity and water quality.
It is proposed that the exemption for the creation of up to one hectare of native woodland will be available through the Native Tree Area Scheme which my Department has designed and which will be finalised following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, subject to the findings of both assessments
Importantly the requirement to comply with environmental law is not undermined by making this change as all works will be controlled by regulation through the Departmental scheme. Eligibility criteria will be incorporated into the scheme which will ensure that all tree planting works are undertaken in a legally compliant and sustainable manner.
The Native Tree area scheme will form part of new Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 which is subject to State Aid approval under the Guidelines from the EU Commission. My Department has been engaging proactively and intensively with the Commission to date, in order to secure this approval.
Forestry Sector
Questions (900)
Michael Collins
Question:900. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can provide details of the ratio of staff in the Forestry Service to hectares of forestry planted in 2022 (details supplied); how this compares to the ratio in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35645/23]
View answerWritten answers
The table below presents an overview of the staff directly involved in Forestry in my Department in 2015 and 2022. The figures represent a snapshot of the staffing complement in each of the years in question, as staff numbers vary throughout the year. It is worth noting that not all staff work full time.
These staff are involved in all aspects of the forestry remit including licensing, promotion, forest health, payments, engagement at National, EU and international level on forestry policy issues and forest sector development. The increase in numbers is reflective, among other things, of my Department having to make significant changes to its regulatory procedures due to legal changes on environmental regulation. The new procedures involved substantive changes involving a more detailed environmental screening process for licences. Furthermore, the establishment of the Forestry Appeals Committee in 2018, that affords third parties and the applicant the right to appeal licensing decisions, resulted in the need for more resources to service such appeals.
In relation to the number of hectares planted there were 6,292 hectares planted in 2015 and 2,273 hectares in 2022.
|
Staffing levels in Forestry in 2015 and 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grade |
2015 staff |
2022 staff |
|
Director of Forestry |
0 |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
2 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 1 |
6 |
12 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 2 |
8 |
10 |
|
Forestry Inspector Grade 3 |
15 |
37 |
|
Forest Insp G3 (ecologist) |
1 |
1 |
|
Forest Insp G3 (archaeologist) |
1 |
2 |
|
AAI (ecologist) |
0 |
7 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
5 |
6 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
10 |
15 |
|
Executive Officer |
28 |
37 |
|
Clerical Officer |
32 |
40 |
|
Total |
109 |
171 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
2022 |
|
Hectares Planted |
6,292 |
2,273 |
Food Industry
Questions (901)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:901. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to monitor the potential market growth for Irish food and food products globally; the markets or products that have shown greatest potential; the extent to which he expects to maximise the impact on these markets in the future, having particular regard to current geopolitical developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35697/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia, continually monitors and evaluates developments on the priority international markets for Ireland's high-quality, sustainably produced agrifood products.
The current geopolitical challenges presented by Brexit, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine have created uncertainty on the international markets on which Irish agrifood exports depend, whether that be UK, European or further afield in the US and Asia. Our analysis of the sectoral impacts of these crises has informed the nature of the supports that have been introduced for the sectors effected. For example, the Government has, in recent years, introduced a number of financial supports for the agrifood sector related to Brexit and COVID impacts.
At a strategic level, Food Vision 2030 sets out a clear ambition to grow the value of Irish exports over the next ten years. This ambition will be realised by implementing actions that are focused on market diversification as well as investment in innovation at producer and processor level, which will drive the competitiveness of Ireland's agrifood offering on international markets. All of this will be underpinned by a food systems approach that has sustainability in all its dimensions - economic, social and environmental - at its core.
I believe that the well-established - and ongoing - commitment of the Government, in partnership with the agrifood sector, will ensure that Irish agrifood exports continue to grow, despite recent geopolitical developments.
Brexit Issues
Questions (902)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:902. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the continuing efforts being made to seek new markets in the context of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35698/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to supporting the sustainable development of the agrifood sector, and to helping it to effectively navigate the many challenges it faces, such as the continuing impacts of Brexit, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical difficulties such as those created by the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine.
At a strategic level, Food Vision 2030 sets out a clear ambition to grow the value of Irish exports over the next ten years. This ambition will be realised by implementing actions that are focused on market diversification, as well as investment in innovation at producer and processor level.
This focus on market diversification has been a key element of the response to Brexit, which has, for example, seen increased investment by Government in Bord Bia's market diversification and market promotion activities. Bord Bia's market prioritisation studies provide up-to-date market information and insights which are used to target resources at priority growth markets. This analysis also informs my Department's and Bord Bia's choices in relation to priority destinations for Ministerial trade missions, the placement of Agriculture attachés and the location of Bord Bia's in-market resources.
In 2022, a comprehensive series of Ministerial-led trade missions was delivered in the United States, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as European promotional activities in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
In 2023 to date, my colleague Minister Pippa Hackett has led an Organics trade mission to Germany, and Minister Martin Heydon led a trade visit to China in April. The latter's focus on Irish exporters in Hainan and Shanghai has been complemented by my own visit to China In May, which focused on key Government-to-Government engagements in Beijing and a series of trade promotion engagements in both Beijing and Shanghai following the successful re-admission of Irish beef to the Chinese market in January 2023.
During the remainder of 2023, trade missions are planned to Nigeria, Senegal, Malaysia, the Philippines and to a number of key European markets.
All of these activities support the diversification of market opportunities for Irish agrifood on international markets, thus demonstrating the Government's ongoing commitment to continue to grow our agrifood exports, despite the many challenges faced by the sector.
Forestry Sector
Questions (903)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:903. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 5 July 2023, if he will provide a bailout aid type package to private forestry companies in the absence of a forestry programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35706/23]
View answerWritten answers
The new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is subject to State Aid approval under the Guidelines from the EU Commission. It is also subject to an ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment process, which is well advanced. We have engaged intensively with the EU Commission and now await their approval.
The Programme will run until 2027 and provides increased funding and attractive incentives for planting, forest management and knowledge transfer. This should benefit farmers, forest owners, and private forestry companies.
In recognition of the need for forestry activity to continue, and pending the launch of the new Programme, my Department engaged with the EU Commission last December to secure an interim solution which has led to the introduction of an Interim Afforestation Scheme, an Interim Forest Road Scheme and an interim Ash Dieback Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme via General De Minimis. This ensured that those with valid afforestation licences issued before the end of 2022 could avail of the current planting season under the higher grant and premium rates proposed under the new Programme. Likewise those with valid road licences and approvals under the Ash Dieback Scheme at the end of 2022 could avail of the higher grants and enhanced payment rates as proposed under the new Programme.
Given that the private forestry companies are not primary producers, I am not in position to introduce a support package for them at this time.
Forestry Sector
Questions (904, 905, 906, 909, 911, 916, 922, 928, 930, 941)
Cathal Crowe
Question:904. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the adoption of the previously announced Forestry Programme 2023-2027 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35722/23]
View answerMichael McNamara
Question:905. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a commencement date for the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027; and to outline the reason(s) for the delay in the Programme's commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35756/23]
View answer
Michael Ring
Question:906. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position with the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 which is due to commence on 1 January 2023; if the programme has been finalised and approved; when he expects approval to be given in view of the current crisis in the forestry industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35772/23]
View answer
Seán Canney
Question:909. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will be approved and commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35862/23]
View answer
Holly Cairns
Question:911. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects the forestry programme 2023-2027 to be approved; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35871/23]
View answer
Catherine Connolly
Question:916. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the date on which the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will come into operation; for a status update on the State Aid approval process with regard to the new programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36007/23]
View answer
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:922. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide full clarification on the long delays associated with the implementation of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/23]
View answerRichard O'Donoghue
Question:928. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning the implementation of the forestry programme 2023-2027. [36360/23]
View answer
Colm Burke
Question:930. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the timeframe for the commencement of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027, in view of the fact that the postponement of same compromises the Government's climate action obligations to plant 8,000 hectares of new forests annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36376/23]
View answer
Ged Nash
Question:941. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reasons for the delay in the implementation of a new Forestry Programme; if he will detail the concerns the European Commission is reported to have with the programme submitted by his Department; the action his Department is taking to address those concerns; if he will confirm a timeline for the commencement of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36866/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 904, 905, 906, 909, 911, 916, 922, 928, 930 and 941 together.
The new ambitious €1.3bn Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will replace the previous Programme which expired at the end of 2022.
The new Programme is subject to State Aid approval under the Guidelines from the EU Commission. It is also subject to an ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment process, which is well advanced. The previous State Aid Guidelines in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas also expired on 31 December 2022 and have now been replaced with a revised version as of 01 January 2023.
The introduction of these revised guidelines meant that a formal application for State Aid could not have been submitted to the European Commission until the revised guidelines were in place, i.e. before January 2023.
The Department has been engaging proactively and intensively with the EU Commission over the last few months in order to secure approval. I can advise that to this effect, my Department has responded in detail to each written correspondence relating to this notification and expect a final reply in coming weeks.
Once State Aid approval is received, we will be in a position to launch new forestry schemes, subject to finalization of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
The launch of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 is a matter of the utmost priority for my Department. As you will be aware, a comprehensive and well-subscribed Forestry Programme has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for climate change, biodiversity, wood production, economic development and quality of life.
Question No. 905 answered with Question No. 904.
Question No. 906 answered with Question No. 904.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (907)
Paul Donnelly
Question:907. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of revenue generated through hospitality sales at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the number of persons that attended restaurant services at this stadium during the same period, in tabular form. [35795/23]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.