Written Answers Nos. 189-208
189. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the work of her Department to advance the recommendations of the O'Malley review of protections for vulnerable witnesses in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50419/23]
View answerEnsuring that we have a victim centred criminal justice system that supports and protects victims for the duration of their journey through it has been a priority for me since I took office as Minister for Justice.
Zero Tolerance, the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV), builds on the important reforms already introduced under Supporting a Victims Journey which is a detailed plan to implement the recommendations of the O'Malley Review.
A number of key actions have been delivered in this regard, including:
• The establishment of a course in University of Limerick to train intermediaries,
• Legislating for preliminary trial hearings,
• Undertaking a mapping exercise to identify gaps in services and supports provided for victims, both geographically and by service type, and the provision of increased funding to address them,
• The first cohort of staff at a new sexual offences unit in the Director of Public Prosecutions took up their roles,
• We are also running a campaign to raise awareness of the rights provided in the Victims of Crime Act 2017 and in the Victims Charter, and last month we re-launched a new phase on TV and radio, with a particular emphasis on reaching minority and harder-to-reach communities,
• Advancing the training for all personnel who come into contact with vulnerable victims and better supporting vulnerable witnesses in court.
I am currently progressing legislative provisions to further support victims which will;
• Extend victim anonymity to further categories of victims,
• Repeal provisions for sentences to be delivered in public, and
• Make provision for legal representation for victims in certain cases.
A key part of implementation of our ambitious whole of Government Zero Tolerance Strategy will be the establishment early next year of a new domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency, which will ensure a permanent and dedicated focus on this important area of work.
In furtherance of our ongoing work to raise awareness of, and work at a societal level to combat, domestic sexual and gender based violence, my Department will be launching a campaign on consent in healthy sexual relationships before the end of the month. This marks another key commitment made under Supporting a Victim’s Journey and under our Zero Tolerance Strategy.
190. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the breakdown of the costs to date of the "Victims Charter" advertising campaign which is currently ongoing; the total budget which has been allocated to date; the amount which has been paid to RTÉ to date; and the overall amount which is likely to be paid to RTÉ over the course of the campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50441/23]
View answerI believe that when a victim engages with the justice system, they should know what to expect, be confident they will be treated respectfully and sensitively, know what their legally enforceable rights are and what supports are available at every step in the process.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is running a campaign to raise awareness of the rights provided for in the Victims of Crime Act 2017 and explained in the Victims Charter, and last month started the second phase on TV and radio, with a particular emphasis on reaching minority and harder-to-reach communities.In relation to the specific information sought by the Deputy, as the campaign will run until the 19 November the table below outlines the spend until the end of October, the projected November spend, and the total spend expected to the end of the year with RTE in relation to this campaign.
|
Up to Oct |
Expected November |
Expected 2023 |
|
|
RTE Radio |
€ 38,892 |
€ 19,810 |
€ 58,702 |
|
RTE TV |
€ 92,677 |
€ 10,632 |
€ 103,309 |
|
TOTAL |
€ 131,569 |
€ 30,442 |
€ 162,011 |
191. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of 26 September 2023, how much of this overall spend has been paid to RTÉ to date; how much has been budgeted to be paid to RTÉ over the full course of the "Serious Consequences" campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50442/23]
View answerThe importance of raising awareness of domestic, sexual and gender based violence in all its forms and working at a societal level to change problematic behaviours and to encourage and empower victims to reach out for help and support, is a key objective of our Zero Tolerance Strategy.
As the Deputy will be aware, in 2021 I commenced Coco’s Law or the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act which introduced two new offences of intimate image abuse. The penalties for these offences are serious to reflect the seriousness of the crime and the impact it has on the victim. My Department also partnered with Hotline.ie to provide for a reporting mechanism so that victims of these offences could report the illegal sharing of their intimate image to Hotline who will engage with the online platform to have the image removed.
To raise awareness of the introduction of these new offences and to make victims aware of the reporting mechanism and encourage them to reach out for help and support, my Department has been running an awareness raising campaign. The campaign comprises two ads, one focused on the offence of sharing an intimate image of another person without their consent and the other focused on the offence of threatening to share an intimate image of another person.
This campaign started in May of this year and ran until the end of June, with adverts running on TV, radio, in cinemas, on video on demand, digital audio, social media and using digital out of home advertising.
The second phase of the campaign took place in September and the table below outlines the full spend with RTE in relation to this campaign.
|
FY 2023 |
|
|
RTE Radio |
€ 57,724 |
|
RTE TV |
€ 220,275 |
|
TOTAL |
€ 277,999 |
192. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of homicides in each year from 2000 to date; the breakdown of the number of victims by gender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50443/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of all crime statistics.
The CSO produces these statistics using data recorded on An Garda Síochána’s PULSE system and makes regular releases in relation to various crime statistics. The most recent statistics were released on 25 September 2023.
Figures in respect of recorded crime incidents classified as murder can be found on the CSO website at the following link: data.cso.ie/table/CJA08.
A breakdown of victims by Gender is available here: data.cso.ie/table/CVA03.
193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice to report on the current number of Garda officers, in tabular form and by rank, attached to Finglas Garda station, Ballymun Garda station and Santry Garda station. [50457/23]
View answerThe unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring Gardaí have provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. This includes funding for up to 900 new Gardaí and a 66 per cent increase in the Garda training allowance to €305.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution of Garda members between the various Garda stations. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that this distribution is kept under review in light of emerging crime trends and policing needs.
As the Deputy is aware, Santry and Ballymun Garda stations are located within the DMR North Division. I am advised that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Division has increased by over 13% since the end of 2015.
Finglas Garda station is located within the DMR West Division. I am advised that the number of Garda members assigned to the DMR West Division has increased by over 3% since the end of 2015.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members by rank assigned to Ballymun, Santry and Finglas Garda stations at the 30 September 2023, the latest date for when figures are available. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
|
Garda Members by station at 30 September 2023 |
GD |
SG |
IN |
SU |
CS |
AC |
Total |
|
BALLYMUN Garda station |
101 |
19 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
126 |
|
|
SANTRY Garda station |
65 |
13 |
4 |
82 |
|||
|
FINGLAS Garda station |
85 |
14 |
2 |
101 |
Further detailed information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and/or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50467/23]
View answerThe person concerned holds a Stamp 4 immigration permission valid until 15 December 2023.
A Stamp 4 immigration permission provides that the holder can reside and work in Ireland for a specified period, subject to conditions. Any period spent on a Stamp 4 permission is considered as reckonable residence when applying for citizenship by way of naturalisation.
All renewals for immigration permissions for the Dublin area are being processed online at: inisonline.jahs.ie.
Please see the below link which may be of further assistance on how to apply as well as detailing the current processing times: www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-renew-your-current-permission/registration-renewal-dublin/ .
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 email service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current or proposed residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50476/23]
View answerThe persons referred to by the Deputy both held a Stamp 4 immigration permission, which expired on 20 July 2023 and 25 July 2023 respectively.
They submitted online registration renewal applications on 15 July 2023. Further documentation has been requested from the persons concerned. Upon receipt of documents in respect of both applicants, these applications will be considered further.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 email service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if family reunification will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50477/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on the 25 May 2023. Supporting documentation was received in the Dublin Visa Office on the 29 May 2023, where the applications await examination and processing.
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 .
This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.A 12 month target will apply for applications to join Category B sponsors, such as Non Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders or Stamp 4 holders not covered by other more favourable arrangements.However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. 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 applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/ .
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.
197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the actions currently being taking by her Department to tackle gender-based violence; whether initial targets in this regard are ambitious enough, with particular reference to the silent and ongoing nature of this issue and the serious shortcomings identified by Grevio, the monitoring body of the Istanbul Convention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50506/23]
View answer198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she will have regard to the serious shortcoming in how men, women and children in the State are protected from violence, as identified by Grevio in a recent Council of Europe report; if further consideration will be given to concerns expressed in this report, given the urgent need to protect men, women and children against gender-based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50507/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
Fear of harassment and violence should never be normalised and nobody should have to think about it as they go about their daily life.
Combatting all forms of violence against women and domestic violence is a priority for this Government.
This is reflected in a record 25pc increase of €12m in Budget 2024 allocations and in the development of policy and legislation.
A number of the recommendations GREVIO made are focused on issues we are already aware of, and are working on addressing through various Government policies and approaches
In fact, it is noted in the report, that our Zero Tolerance Strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence which was launched by the Government last year, contains targets that seek to address many of the recommendations raised.
A new statutory based DSGBV Agency will be established by early 2024 with a core budget of €43m provided under Budget 2024.
One of the functions of the agency will be to drive the implementation of the Zero Tolerance Strategy and as part of that, the agency will lead on doubling the number of refuge places available across Ireland over the lifetime of the Strategy to 280. To achieve this we are working with all stakeholders to put in place the necessary structures and supports to accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year.
New legislation has recently been enacted which doubles the maximum sentence for assault causing harm to 10 years, and to introduce standalone offences of stalking and non-fatal strangulation. These are commons offences in domestic violence cases and expands the range of sentencing available to judges in such cases.
The Department recognises that historically domestic violence has been underreported due to a number of factors including societal attitudes. The CSO is now working on a Domestic Violence Survey to provide more accurate prevalence data, and a key aim of the Zero Tolerance Strategy is to increase awareness of what constitutes DSGBV and to encourage victims to report such crimes to An Garda Síochána and seek help.
The Department of Health is leading on a review of the issue of disclosing counselling records on foot of an action in the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Under the current Zero Tolerance implementation plan there are 144 actions assigned to various Departments, the majority of which have, or are, progressing in line with the specified timeframes, including the following:
• l commenced the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 earlier this month;
• The Sexual Violence Survey 2022 was published by the CSO providing high quality national prevalence data on sexual violence;
• The Family Courts Bill 2022, published on 1 December 2022, provides for the creation of new dedicated Family Courts as divisions within the existing court structures;
• Awareness campaigns on intimate image abuse and victims of crime have been produced, with another on consent in development.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he remains committed to ensuring and safeguarding agri-food production in this country while at the same time meeting carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50488/23]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has several policies and strategies in place to ensure agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed. The Food Vision 2030 Strategy sets out a pathway for Ireland to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade.
My position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve these climate targets.
Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out many measures and actions to reduce Green House Gas emissions from the sector and my officials together with colleagues from the Department of the Environment Climate and Communications are currently working on preparing the agricultural chapter of Climate Action Plan 2024. In Climate Action Plan 2023, I have set out measures around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical Nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land. Each of these measures will be supported by a range of actions, setting out a viable pathway towards reaching our targets.
To this end, Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan will support farmers in delivering more sustainable practices while also supporting family farm incomes, with a budget of €9.8bn. In addition, I have provided €1.5bn for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256m to triple the area of utilised agricultural area under organic production. A further €260m has been provided to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement.
There is no doubt that some livestock farmers will take up diversification options that are provided as part of our climate transformation including to areas such as Organics, Forestry, Tillage and the provision of feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion as we increase the production of renewables. However, given the efficiency gains that continue to be made at farm level, I remain confident that we will continue to reduce emissions in the agri-food sector without reducing our agri-output.
The implementation of a low Methane emitting breeding programme has significant potential to harness the genetic variation for methane emissions that exists within the national herd, this, in turn, will bring about permanent and cumulative reductions in the Methane output of future generations of livestock. The results of the research also highlight the potential to breed more environmentally sustainable animals, while at the same time, not having a negative impact on food production. Progress continues to be made in relation to feed additives, which will have a significant positive impact on reducing emissions.
The Teagasc Signpost Programme, supported by my department is working with Irish farmers and a partnership of over 60 partner and supporter organisations across the agri-food sector, to reduce Green House Gas emissions, reduce Ammonia emissions, reduce nutrient losses, enhance biodiversity, and improve the efficiency of food production. A cohort of 100 Signpost demonstration farms is at the centre of the Signpost Programme and cover all mainland-based enterprises. The objective of the Signpost farms will be to employ the emerging new technologies, such as new breeding programmes and feed additives, and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from these farms to every farm in Ireland.
With the support of my Department; Teagasc, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and Bord Bia are jointly developing a toolkit of tailored farm sustainability support and solutions for Irish farmers called AgNav. From 2024, it is targeted that 10,000 farmers will be utilising the platform each year. The platform will enable an analysis of an individual farms emissions and aid the farmer together with his climate adviser to identify the best measures on climate action and sustainability for implementation on their farm.
My Department is also supporting the taking and analysis of up to 90,000 samples through phase two of the soil sampling and analysis program over the next 12 to 18 months. Phase two will build on data gathered during the initial programme by providing valuable information to farmers to inform decisions that promote the health of their soils. Nutrient management and soil health are central to achieving economic and environmental sustainability on farms. I have allocated €8.8 million to this programme, on top of this €2.5 million for multi-species swards in 2024. These supports will enable farmers to reduce chemical fertiliser inputs, an economic benefit to the farmer and an environmental benefit to society while maintaining food production.
My aim is to future proof Ireland’s Agri-Food sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. Ireland's agri-food sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class livestock and tillage sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve our environmental targets while maintaining food production.
200. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department are aware of the current livelihood-threatening market disturbance to the brown crab (cancer pagurus) fishery, whereby processors are now not taking any landed produce due to there being no buyers for export live or otherwise; what measures can be taken to identify new markets; what immediate supporting interventions can be made to support the industry during this current market volatility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50299/23]
View answerThe brown crab fishery is of particular importance and value to the inshore sector. I am cognisant of the challenges impacting the fishery and the prevailing difficult market conditions as a result of wider market issues in Europe and beyond due to the rising cost of living and its impact on consumer spending habits.
Irish crab exports were valued at €47 million in 2022 with France, Spain and China amongst the main markets for this product. However, I am aware that the demand for high value crab and shellfish is impacted this year due to the higher cost of living and processors are reporting challenging conditions across markets. I am informed that the continuing cost of living crisis in Europe is starting to impact the processed brown crab market with processors unable to continue to accumulate stock without a market outlet. The Chinese market for processed crab is also experiencing difficulties with processors noting excess stock and competition from lower priced snow crab entering the market.
I can advise the Deputy that Bord Bia, which has responsibility for the promotion and marketing of Irish food, works closely with key crab producers to promote Irish brown crab in both the domestic and international markets. I announced a Brexit Inshore Marketing Scheme in March 2022 to assist the inshore fisheries sector to mitigate the impacts of Brexit by growing value in existing markets and developing new markets. As part of this Scheme, Bord Bia implemented a marketing plan for supporting the sales and promotion of inshore species including all varieties of Irish crab, lobster, whelk, inshore herring, mackerel, hake and pollock. The valuable work on this dedicated inshore marketing scheme continued during 2023.
The short chain of locally caught and consumed seafood products is encouraged and promoted where possible also. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, has supported a number of such projects and continues to assess how supports can be designed so that appropriate groups or organisations can seek assistance for a range of initiatives.
I am alert to the need for ongoing support and development of the inshore sector. The Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Schemes in 2022 and 2023 aimed to support inshore fishers in dealing with the difficult trading conditions that have arisen due to Brexit. BIM provided dedicated online training modules to participants and grant aid to help put into practice the learning from these modules and assist fishers adapt their operations to reduce costs, improve product quality and reach new customers.
I also announced a wider package of supports and development strategies which include investing in the development of marine infrastructure and in all elements of the seafood supply chain. The €45 million Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme is seeing large investments made in Ireland’s seafood processing sector to allow such enterprises to expand, focus on higher value-added output and in exploring new market opportunities, which may present new channels for output for the inshore sector.
In addition, following the closure of the schemes funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, work is now underway to develop new schemes for the sector, funded under Ireland’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Seafood Development Programme. The €258 million programme will provide a wide range of supports for fishers and the wider development of the seafood sector. Inshore representatives form part of the monitoring committee for this programme and will have the opportunity to input into the development of schemes to support the sector.
With the assistance of my Department, the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) achieved recognition as an EU Producer Organisation and joined the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) in representing the inshore sector. These organisations, through the implementation of Production and Marketing Plans, will help to develop opportunities for their members. Both of these organisations are eligible for funding under the EMFAF programme to assist in the achievement of their aims.
I can also advise the Deputy of my participation in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities to enhance the continuing efforts of Bord Bia and industry in marketing Ireland's high quality and sustainable seafood and agri-food produce in key priority markets such as China, South East Asia and West Africa and to a number of key European markets all of which are priority growth targets for Ireland’s seafood and agri-food export sectors.
201. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to support and expand the scope of the social farming Ireland initiative, in view of its continued success and benefits to participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50321/23]
View answer202. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is engaging with key stakeholders regarding the social farming Ireland initiative to ensure continued success of the model and the potential for expansion in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50322/23]
View answer203. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to promote the social farming in Ireland initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50323/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 201, 202 and 203 together.
Social farming has been shown to provide benefits to participants such as improved community connections and relationships, increased self-esteem and capacity, improved health and well-being as well as providing the opportunity to develop occupational and life skills from engaging in farm-based activities.
In recognition and support of all these benefits, my Department provides funding under the Rural Innovation & Development Fund (RIDF) for the development of the national Social Farming Network known as 'Social Farming Ireland' and for a number of social farming model projects across Ireland.
Funding of €400,000 was provided by my Department last year to Leitrim Integrated Development Company towards the development of the National Social Farming Network (Social Farming Ireland). This funding enables Social Farming Ireland to provide a wide range of services and initiatives which support the development of social farming nationally including dissemination of information, farmer engagement / recruitment, training and development.
The Social Farming Ireland network has some 150 registered social farms to deliver support to people with at least one farm in every county. In excess of 600 people have been trained by Leitrim Development in the principles and practices of Social Farming. In 2022 alone, 6,867 placement days were delivered. The Social Farming Ireland Network has engaged with in excess of 120 organisations across Ireland this year many of which are supporting participants in placements and funding placements. Furthermore, the range of services with whom Social Farming Ireland is working is growing and reaches across many sectors where vulnerable people are in need of support. Social Farming Ireland held a series of open days in 2023 and during Social Farming Ireland Awareness Week in October 2023 to showcase what Social Farming is all about.
My Department has also provided funding of approx. €377,000 last year for the development of the following social farming model projects:
• Leitrim Integrated Development Company CLG – for the provision of a Social Farming Model Project where social farming is mainstreamed as an option for people accessing supports across a range of sectors and services and where placements are fully commissioned.
• Down Syndrome Ireland (Cork Branch) – to provide opportunities for participation in a purpose-built farm - the Field of Dreams - with horticulture and animal care elements which will bring long lasting wellness benefits to participants.
• South Kerry Development Partnership – for a Social Farming Model Project which will increase participant and host farmers engagement so that the social farming opportunity is available to more people in Kerry and to offer choice to people with disabilities to engage with farm families in meeting their personal life choices.
• IRD Duhallow – for a Social Farming model project which will promote rehabilitation, social inclusion, training and improved quality of life in a non-clinical setting using agriculture including plants and animals for people across a wide spectrum of disability.
I fully recognise and support the significance of social farming and the many benefits it brings for rural communities and for disadvantaged groups who are availing of a range of health service supports.
A similar level of funding is being provided by my Department this year for the extension of all of the above contracts.
204. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 26 October 2023, for an update on plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; when he expects to receive the updated scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on trawling within the six-nautical-mile zone; the details of any interim measures planned to protect the sprat fishery until a new policy is put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50329/23]
View answerFurther to my answer to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 26 October 2023, I remain committed to ensuring inshore waters continue to be protected for smaller fishing vessels and my Department has sought up-to-date scientific and economic advice from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, respectively, on trawling in the waters inside the six nautical miles. I look forward to receiving policy options for my consideration in due course.
205. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds entered on the race management system to date whose year of birth was 2021, with a breakdown of those registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland and those registered to owners normally resident in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50332/23]
View answer206. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds that completed one or more races whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, with a breakdown of those registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland and those registered to owners normally resident in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50333/23]
View answer207. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds that participated in at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, with a breakdown of those registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland and those registered to owners normally resident in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50334/23]
View answer208. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds exported before completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, with a breakdown of those registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland and those registered to owners normally resident in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50335/23]
View answer209. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds exported after completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, with a breakdown of those registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland and those registered to owners normally resident in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50336/23]
View answer210. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed before completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, with a breakdown of those registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland and those registered to owners normally resident in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50337/23]
View answer211. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds rehomed after completing at least one official trial whose year of birth was 2021 as recorded on RCETS, with a breakdown of those registered to owners normally resident in the Republic of Ireland and those registered to owners normally resident in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50338/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210 and 211 together.
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 questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to the body for direct reply.
