Written Answers Nos. 388-399
388. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice whether she has any plans to increase or maintain funding for a charitable organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51164/23]
View answerI understand that the charitable organisation in question is working closely with Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding their current financial difficulties.
I would urge them to maintain this contact as colleagues in Tusla/DCEDIY will be best placed to assist.
It is not intended that counselling for children will transfer from Tusla to the new Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency under my Department. The services that the charitable organisation provides will remain with Tusla.
I have been advised that my Department previously provided funding to the charitable organisation in question specifically for court accompaniment services a few years back, but when it stopped offering those services, they no longer fell under our remit, so that funding stream ended.
Any application submitted to my Department for funding from organisations that provide services to victims of crime will be assessed against the applicable criteria.
389. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average time it took to approve all afforestation licences, private felling licences, and Coillte felling licences granted by his Department in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50536/23]
View answerLast year we had a year-on-year increase in the number of licences issued. We issued 4,713 licences which was 1,100 more than applications received.
The average time it took to approve all afforestation licences, private felling licences, and Coillte felling licences which were granted by his Department in 2022 is set out below.
|
Licence Type |
Average Months to Decision |
No. of Licences Issued |
|
Afforestation |
17 |
702 |
|
Forest Road |
10 |
718 |
|
Private Felling |
17 |
1,607 |
|
Coillte Felling |
8 |
1,686 |
|
Grand Total |
4,713 |
We are working towards reducing the turnaround times for afforestation and private felling licences. We will be committing to dedicated timelines for all forestry licences under my Departments' Farmers' Charter of Rights, which has been the subject of ongoing discussions with the farm bodies and is approaching finalisation.
390. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the next open call for funding for the European Innovation Partnership will be announced. [50548/23]
View answerEuropean Innovation Partnership (EIP-agri) projects are a successful vehicle for interested parties – farmers, scientists, etc. – to collaborate on a particular issue, trialling solutions on the ground.
Last July, along with my ministerial colleague Darragh O’Brien, TD, I announced the winning bidder, the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO), following an open call for proposals for an EIP project tackling losses of nutrients from agricultural lands to water. This EIP is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Following this successful model, officials from my Department and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are currently finalising the requirements for an EIP related to breeding waders. I expect to announce the opening for that competitive call shortly.
In addition to this, the Department is developing an EIP-type project as part of the Just Transition Fund (JTF). The project would be focused on carbon capture from agricultural lands, including reduced management intensity. While this potential project is in the early stages of development, I expect much interest when the call is opened.
Finally, my officials are reviewing the results of a public consultation on themes for EIPs under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP). Once the results are finalised, I expect to announce the first of the open calls under the CSP, early next year.
391. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on reports that changes to the Nitrates Derogation will be delayed by a further six months, given the current timeline is January 2024; what engagement he has with organisations representing the farming community on this focus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50558/23]
View answerThe move to a maximum derogation stocking rate of 220 kg Nitrogen per hectare, for certain areas, from January 2024, is required by the Commission Implementing Decision granting Ireland's current nitrates derogation. I have engaged with Commissioner Sinkevicius throughout this year, seeking the maximum flexibility possible regarding the move to a maximum derogation stocking rate of 220 kg Nitrogen per hectare.
Since Spring 2022, my Officials and I have been engaging with the farm organisations on this matter. I most recently met with the IFA to discuss this issue on the 9th of November. The most recent discussion with the ICMSA took place at their AGM last Friday, the 17th of November.
Commissioner Sinkevicius. will visit Ireland this week, following an invitation from both myself and the Taoiseach. A key focus of this week's meeting with Commissioner Sinkevicius will be to bring clarity to the situation for all stakeholders.
392. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers awaiting their basic income for sustainability scheme (BISS) and areas of natural constraint (ANC) payments; the steps he will take to ensure that all farmers awaiting these payments receive them without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50562/23]
View answerEvery effort has been made by my Department, and will continue to be made, to ensure payments reach the maximum number of eligible applicants as soon as possible.
To date over 90% of eligible BISS applicants have received an advance payment of 70%. The 10% of unpaid applicants are made up of cases where further processing is required, for example, the Department is awaiting further information from the applicant, a penalty is to be applied for non compliance issues, entitlement trades have occurred etc.
89% of eligible ANC applicants have received an advance payment of 85%. The remaining unpaid applicants are those who have not fulfilled scheme criteria in relation to stocking density requirements or applicants with land errors on their Basic Income Support for Sustainability (“BISS”) application. Within this group are a small number unpaid for several reasons including ongoing herd ownership issues e.g., inheritance/deceased cases.
Stocking density requirements are verified weekly against herdowner Animal Identification and Movement (“AIM”) profiles, ensuring applicants who meet their stocking requirements during that time period are cleared for payment.
My Department continuing to process all outstanding cases and communicate with farmers and advisors to ensure as many cases as possible are cleared in advance of balancing payments in early December.
The table below outlines the number of farmers awaiting payments under the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme (“ANC”) and the Basic Income for Sustainability Scheme (“BISS”)
|
Scheme |
Number eligible |
Number Paid |
Unpaid |
|
Areas of Natural Constraint |
103,716 |
92,311 |
11,405 |
|
Basic Income for Sustainability Scheme |
117,776 |
109,104 |
8,672 |
393. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current position in relation to a panel for an area (details supplied); when this panel was formed; the number of persons on this panel currently; the number who have been taken off this panel since 2019; when they expect more people to be taken from this panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50661/23]
View answerThe Department is committed to ensuring that a skilled and motivated workforce is in place to meet its priority business needs. To achieve this, workforce planning is utilised in identifying and addressing the needs for all our locations. Recruitment is currently underway in the Department and posts continue to be filled through a number of mechanisms, namely the Civil Service Mobility Scheme in addition to advertisements by either the Public Appointments Service (PAS) or by my Department’s Human Resources Division. I remain acutely conscious of the need for farmers to avail of prompt and efficient services. To support this, all critical staffing vacancies are filled as soon as possible when suitable candidates become available, taking into account the balance of needs and resources across the Department.
The table below provides further details related to the specific information requested. Where panels have been created through PAS, my Department would not hold all requested information relating to when such panels were formed or how many candidates remain available on the panels. In such instances, the Deputy may wish to seek further details from PAS directly.
|
Panel Type |
Date Panel was formed |
Number of candidates currently available on Panel (16/11/23) |
Number of candidates assigned to DAFM Castlebar through this mechanism since 01/01/2019 |
Comments re expected assignments to DAFM Castlebar through this mechanism |
|
Civil Service Mobility Clerical Officer |
Civil Service (CS) Mobility (CO) launched over 2018/2019 |
53 on CS mobility panel * |
2019 – 2021 – 0 assignments 2022 - 1 assignment 2023 - 2 assignment 2023 - 1 assignment (Claremorris) |
One candidate is currently under offer through this process. It is envisaged that the current vacancy can be filled through this mechanism |
|
PAS Clerical Officer |
Information not held in DAFM |
Information not held in DAFM |
2019 - no assignment 2020 - 6 assignments2021 - 5 assignments2022 - 0 assignments2023 - 0 assignments |
As vacancies arise at this grade, all means to fill the role are considered in line with DPENDR sequencing arrangements. |
|
Civil Service Mobility Executive Officer |
CS Mobility (EO) launched over 2018/2019 |
59 on CS mobility panel * |
0 assignments |
As vacancies arise at this grade, all means to fill the role are considered in line with DPENDR sequencing arrangements. |
|
PAS Executive Officer |
Information not held in DAFM |
Information not held in DAFM |
2019 - 0 assignments2020 - 1 assignment2021 – 1 assignment2022 - 0 assignments2023 – 0 assignments |
As vacancies arise at this grade, all means to fill the role are considered in line with DPENDR sequencing arrangements. |
|
DAFM Executive Officer Competition |
Competition underway |
0 assignments |
Successful candidates will be invited to indicate location preferences |
|
|
Civil Service Mobility Higher Executive Officer |
CS Mobility (HEO) offer stage went live on 8 June 2021 (list based went live 16 July 2021) |
30 on cs mobility panel * |
2023 - 1 assignment |
As vacancies arise at this grade, all means to fill the role are considered in line with DPENDR sequencing arrangements. |
|
PAS Higher Executive Officer |
Information not held in DAFM |
Information not held in DAFM |
0 assignments |
As vacancies arise at this grade, all means to fill the role are considered in line with DPER sequencing arrangements |
|
DAFM Higher Executive Officer Competition |
Competition ongoing |
0 |
O assignments |
Successful candidates will be invited to indicate location preferences |
|
Temporary Transfer Clerical Officer Portal Inspector |
2019 |
N/A |
2019 – 1 assigned on 11 months redeployment |
|
|
PAS Assistant Agricultural Inspector (AAI) |
Competition currently active |
Competition currently underway. No order of merit currently available within DAFM |
2019 - 0 assignments2020 - 1 assignment2021 - 0 assignments2022 - 1 assignment2023 - 0 assignment |
As vacancies arise at this grade, internal transfer requests and competition panels are considered in filling the post. |
|
Internal transfer within DAFM AAI |
Ongoing expression of interest |
4 |
2023 – 1 assignment |
As vacancies arise at this grade, expressions of interest for transfer are considered in addition to assignment from competition order of merit. |
|
PAS Technical Agricultural Officer (TAO) |
Information not held in DAFM |
3 Candidates remain on 2023 TAO Panel following 2 rounds of interviews. Further information on 2023 TAO candidates is not held in DAFM. |
2019 - 0 assignments2020 - 0 assignment2021 - 0 assignments2022 - 0 assignments2023 - 2 assignments |
2 more TAOs expected to start by end of year/ early 2024. As vacancies arise at this grade, all means to fill the role are considered in line with the technical transfer agreement. |
|
TAO Transfers |
N/A |
Operates by expression of interest. |
2019 - 2 assignments2020 - 1 assignment2021 - 2 assignments2022 - 2 assignments2023 – 2 assignments |
2 more TAOs waiting to transfer to Castlebar by end of year / early 2024.As vacancies arise in this grade they are offered to serving officers in the grade before being offered to officers on the promotional panel. |
|
Supervisory Agricultural Officer Transfers** |
Operates by expression of interest. |
2020 – 1 assignment |
As vacancies arise in this grade they are offered to serving officers in the grade before being offered to officers on the promotional panel. |
|
|
District Superintendent Transfers** |
Operates by expression of interest. |
2020 – 1 assignment2021 – 1 assignments2023 – 1 assignments |
As vacancies arise in this grade they are offered to serving officers in the grade before being offered to officers on the promotional panel. |
|
|
Veterinary Inspector appointment |
Information not held in DAFM |
Information not held in DAFM |
0 |
As vacancies arise in this grade they are offered to serving officers in the grade before being offered to officers on an external panel. |
|
Veterinary Inspector Transfers |
Operates by expression of interest. |
2021 – 1 assignment |
As vacancies arise in this grade they are offered to serving officers in the grade before being offered to officers on an external panel. |
|
|
Senior Veterinary Inspector Transfers** |
Operates by expression of interest. |
2020 – 1 assignment |
As vacancies arise in this grade they are offered to serving officers in the grade before being offered to officers on the promotional panel. |
*applicants under CS Mobility opt into selection for posts in both Castlebar and Claremorris
** All Castlebar vacancies in these grades since 2019 have been filled by Officers transferring from other parts of DAFM. No specific Castlebar promotional panel exists but if a vacancy occurs that isn’t filled by a transfer it will be offered to a national panel through expression of interest.
394. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person planted trees previously but did not receive a premium for same, but under their felling licence have to replant, will be eligible to receive the premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50669/23]
View answerPersons fulfilling their replanting obligations are not entitled to afforestation premiums. In line with state aid rules, afforestation premiums are used to incentivise landowners to undertake a land use change to forestry.
However, such a person may be eligible for Intervention 7 of our New Forestry Programme 2023-2027 - Climate Resilient Reforestation. This pilot scheme will be launched in coming months.
Mandatory replanting conditions are determined as per the Department’s Felling and Reforestation Policy (DAFM, 2017) and in line with Sustainable Forest Management Principles. However, the opportunity exists to incentivise species diversity and alternative forest management systems at reforestation stage over and above these mandatory requirements.
The proposed Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme aims to provide supports at reforestation that incentivise species and structural diversity. This can result in an increase in the resilience and adaptiveness of forest land to climate related threats.
Many forests in Ireland have been established and managed under an even-aged management structure and there is a need for a greater balance between these and forests managed under closer to nature silviculture such as Continuous Cover Forestry, and semi-natural forest.
This intervention will be delivered through a Reforestation Scheme with 3 Elements:
1: Reforestation for Continuous Cover Forestry
2: Reforestation for Native Woodlands
3: Reforestation for Biodiversity and Water Protection
In addition to mandatory requirements set under replanting conditions, all elements will be subject to DAFM’s Forestry Standards, including the accepted species, origin and provenance list. Grant funding will be available for measures that ensure successful re-establishment, such as planting, plant protection (e.g. fencing) and maintenance.
395. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason an applicant must have filed BPS for 2022 in order to qualify for ACRES (details supplied); if he will consider amending this condition for ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50679/23]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. It is a flagship agri-environmental project with funding of €1.5bn committed over the scheme lifetime. This is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme. ACRES will play a huge role in driving environmental improvements while also providing crucial income support to farm families.
The Tranche 2 Overview Document was published on my Department's website last September to give farmers and advisors an early insight into the application requirements. This document, and other key information on Tranche 2, is available at gov.ie - Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) (www.gov.ie).
One of the eligibility requirements outlined in the Tranche 2 Overview Document is the submission of a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application for 2022. A further requirement is that all lands must also be declared in the applicant’s 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application and declared on the applicant’s BISS application for all subsequent years of participation. A farmer who does not have a BPS 2022 and BISS 2023 application will not therefore be eligible for Tranche 2 of ACRES.
The processing of applications and scheme payments requires data inputs from other areas of my Department. One of the critical data sources for the administration of ACRES is the Basic Payment Scheme data. To ensure the delivery of Tranche 2 in line with the committed timeframe the most complete data set was required early in the planning process. This information enables my Department to determine which stream each applicant is allocated, i.e. ACRES General or ACRES Co-Operation, and to allow IT system development. The most complete data set available at the time of system development was the 2022 BPS data, making this a necessary requirement in relation to eligibility for ACRES.
396. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when farm payments for 2023 will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50694/23]
View answerEU Regulations governing the administration of 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) scheme and other area- based schemes require that full and comprehensive checks are completed before any payments issue. The 2023 BISS application of the persons named is currently being processed. Any payments due to the applicants will issue as soon as this process is complete.
397. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a young farmer who started farming in 2023, who has a herd number and who applied for BISS in 2023 and who has leased land for five years in January 2023 can enter the new tranche of ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50731/23]
View answerThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme, or ACRES, is the central agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. It is a flagship agri-environmental project with funding of €1.5bn committed over the scheme lifetime. This is the largest amount ever committed to an agri-environment scheme. ACRES will play a huge role in driving environmental improvements while also providing crucial income support to farm families.
In advance of the publication of the Terms and Conditions for Tranche 2 of ACRES an Overview document in respect of ACRES Tranche 2 has been made available on my Department's website. This Overview document gives some key information on Tranche 2 and is, with other relevant information, available at gov.ie - Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) (www.gov.ie)
As stated in this document, one of the eligibility requirements for a farmer to participate in Tranche 2 of ACRES is the submission of a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application for 2022. A further requirement is that all lands must also be declared in the applicant’s 2023 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application (and declared on the applicant’s BISS application for all subsequent years of participation). A farmer who does not have a BPS 2022 or BISS 2023 will not therefore be eligible for Tranche 2 of ACRES.
398. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many staff members in his Department have received training in cyber security in the past three years; what types of cyber security training programmes have been conducted; if he will provide details of these programmes; and of the staff trained in cyber security, how many have obtained accredited cyber security qualifications. [50791/23]
View answerIt is mandatory for all staff joining the Department to complete training with modules in Information Security, Cyber Security and Data Protection and the Department issues regular cyber security awareness communications to all staff. For operational and security reasons, the Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details which could, in any way, identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cybersecurity arrangements.
399. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expenditure on cyber security consultants and companies within his Department in the past three years; if his Department engaged in cyber security audits with outside firms in the past three years; if so, the expenditure on same; the amount his Department spent on cyber security consultants and companies in the past three years; and for a breakdown of these expenditures by year and type of service provided. [50809/23]
View answerThe Department implements a security-by-design and defence-in-depth approach to cyber security and has attained the industry security standard ISO27001 certification since 2019. The Department has in place comprehensive arrangements to support ICT security and receives regular advice on these matters from the relevant authorities including the National Cyber Security Centre. For operational and security reasons, the Department has been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre not to disclose details which could, in any way, identify potential vulnerabilities in Departmental Cybersecurity arrangements.
