Written Answers Nos. 236-254
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to ensure the application of the highest standards in beef and dairy production, with a view to ensuring that Irish products can adequately compete on national and world markets, given the various potential threats at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8605/24]
View answerMy Department operates a robust system of official controls so that Irish beef and dairy output can successfully compete nationally and internationally. Food security, food safety and nutrition are central to Food Vision 2030, the overarching strategy for the future development of the Irish agri-food sector.
With regard to food safety and hygiene controls, the role of my Department is to ensure compliance with both EU and national legislation for the areas under its remit.
Based on the fundamental principle that each food and feed business operator is responsible for the safety of the food and / or feed they produce, all dairy and meat establishments must be compliant with the requirements of the European Food Hygiene Regulations (known as the Hygiene Package). Food Business Operators (FBOs) must also adhere to the internationally accepted HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point) principles, which give FBOs the flexibility to adapt control systems to the specific requirements of their operation.
My Department maintains a list of approved and registered food establishments on its website.
My Department continues to monitor and verify that all approved establishments remain compliant with regulations through risk based controls, audits and inspections at all stages of production, processing and distribution. My Department's Official Control reports are completed and submitted annually to the EU via the Multi Annual National Control Plan Report. These reports are publicly available.
In addition, exports to third country markets must be certified by my Department as compliant with the specific requirements of the competent authorities of each particular market in addition to meeting EU standards.
In conclusion, Ireland’s agri-food sector is outward looking, dynamic and strongly export and consumer oriented. It has earned a strong reputation internationally as a trusted supplier of high-quality, safe, sustainable food. Given the competitive and dynamic nature of global markets that we sell into, the sector must constantly strive to protect that reputation, to innovate and to maintain a level of competitiveness that enables it to prosper.
237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number in the beef herd at present; the extent to which numbers have fluctuated in the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8606/24]
View answerThe CSO Livestock Survey presents data on the number of cattle, sheep and pigs in the country. The most recent results for December 2023 show a continuing contraction in the size of the national beef breeding herd relative to the corresponding periods since 2020 and reflects structural changes in the cattle sector. Beef cow data for the last four years is presented in the table below.
|
- |
Dec-23 (thousand head) |
Dec-22 (thousand head) |
Dec-21(thousand head) |
Dec-20(thousand head) |
|
Beef cows |
818.6 |
861.7 |
889.7 |
922.7 |
Historic data on trends in cattle numbers can be extracted from my Department’s annual AIM Bovine Statistics Reports. These reports, which are also used as the basis for the CSO's livestock surveys, are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d5dc1-aim-bovine-statistics-reports/
Additionally, a wide range of AIM data is published on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/467e3-cattle-aim/#bovine-birth-and-movements-monthly-reports
I am very conscious of the contribution of cattle rearing and finishing enterprises to the overall agri-food sector and to our rural economy. Ensuring the productivity, viability and future sustainability of suckler beef sector is a priority.
In that regard, Budget 2024 demonstrated my unwavering commitment to our beef farmers. I was pleased to provide targeted supports of more than €113m for the livestock sectors. Beef farmers will also be well placed to benefit from supports for environmental measures and the supports available for farmers transitioning to organic farming.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme provides support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd and to improve the genetic merit of the suckler herd. The funding of €256 million in the lifetime of this programme is a recognition of the importance of the suckler sector to Ireland’s economy. Payments amounting to €47m issued to almost 15,400 eligible participants last December which equates to an average payment of over €3,000 per beneficiary.
In addition, I will continue to deliver in 2024 an exchequer-funded beef scheme. Combined these schemes allow me to continue providing the €200 per suckler cow payment achieved in 2023.
My officials are currently examining how the additional funding for 2024 can best be utilised to benefit beef farmers. I will elaborate on my specific proposals to further assist the sector upon completion of this process.
I remain fully committed to supporting the beef sector and, in particular, the farming families who are integral to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of rural communities.
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current strength of the dairy herd; the degree to which it has fluctuated or is likely to so do in the future, with particular reference to displacement by other enterprises in order to comply with the meeting of emissions targets; if due regard is being had for the possibility of a food shortage in the near to mid-future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8607/24]
View answerI am confident that the outlook for the Irish dairy industry remains very positive. The Irish dairy industry is one of our largest and most viable industries. Our livestock farmers and the dairy sector is already very sustainable but it is my aim to build a stronger and more sustainable future for farmers and the subsequent generations of farmers.
One of the standout aspects of Food Vision 2030 is that it has adopted a food systems approach. Food Vision aims for Ireland to be a world leader in sustainable food systems. This means that it will be profitable throughout (economic sustainability), have a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment (environmental sustainability), and have broad based benefits for society (social sustainability).
According to the CSO livestock survey, there were 1.511m dairy cows in December 2023, which was a marginal increase on the previous December. CSO statistics show that the total number of dairy cows in the country has increased every year for the last five years. There has also been continuous growth in the average dairy herd size since 2011, rising from 64 to 93 cows per milking herd currently. It should however be noted that increased production is driven by other factors as well as an increased herd, for example improved genetics.
I established the Food Vision Dairy Group in 2022 to advance the actions for the dairy sector identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sector to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process.
The first priority for the Group was to chart a pathway to achieving the legally binding target of a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 2030, equivalent to a reduction of 5.75 MT of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The Dairy Group submitted their final report in October 2022, which has been published on my Department’s website. The report identified measures which could contribute to reducing emissions. The publication was timely as it then served to inform the Climate Action Plan 2023 which was launched in December 2022. My Department will work collaboratively with the other Departments and agencies involved to implement these priority actions.
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 there is no risk to food security, even if some farmers choose to diversify.
Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the 2022 Global Food Security Index. Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe. Increased input costs in the food supply chain are inflating food prices currently. Therefore, while there is no food shortage, there is a food availability issue for those on lower incomes. The EU communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems” has set out actions in the three areas of security, stability, and sustainability.
Ireland also sees the European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM) as having an important role in relation to considering and monitoring issues impacting on food security and affordability. In this context, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers will continue to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the EFSCM.
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the ongoing forestry development programme continues with due regard for the necessity to use marginal lands as opposed to lands suitable for food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8608/24]
View answerI am pleased to advise that following the receipt of State Aid approval from the European Commission and the conclusion of the relevant environmental processes, the €1.3bn funded Forestry Programme 2023-2027 was adopted by Government on the 06th September 2023. The new afforestation scheme also opened for applications on this same day.
The afforestation scheme 2023-2027 does include new application requirements when compared to its predecessor. These have been introduced to address environmental sensitivities and to restrict afforestation in certain areas as agreed with the European Commission during the State Aid approval process.
The Forestry Programme includes an annual afforestation target of 8,000ha and contains a number of attractive forest establishment options to help to support this ambition. The afforestation scheme under this programme offers landowners a choice of 12 different Forest Types, covering a broad range of planting options. These include for example, Native Woodland, Continuous Cover Forestry, Emergent Forests and Agro-forestry.
To achieve our afforestation targets, farmers in particular will be encouraged to re-engage with forestry, whilst also emphasising the complementary nature of forestry to farming. The afforestation scheme contains generous incentives, such as increased premia rates ranging from between 46% to 66%, along with a longer premia term of 20 years for farmers, compared to 15 years for non-farmers, across most Forest Types.
In addition, last October my Department launched a new Native Tree Area Scheme, which builds on an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 that removed the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. This scheme aims to increase and encourage interest in small-scale planting.
I would highlight that the use to which private owned land is put to is, subject to the law, a matter for the owners of that land. Afforestation is a voluntary land use choice for landowners. However, I am confident that the attractive and increased rates under the new Programme, coupled with 20-year premiums for farmers, will encourage strong uptake of these afforestation options. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve our targets in a sustainable manner to provide lasting benefits.
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which farm supports contain new money or a replacement for previous schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8609/24]
View answerThis information was supplied to the Deputy in August 2023 in response to a similar question. Farm supports are still being provided through the CAP Strategic Plan (2023 - 2027) (CSP) and as there has been no significant changes to the CSP since that time the information has not materially changed. The comparisons between the budgetary allocations for the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) and the Rural Development Programme (RDP) which preceded it as set out as follows:
The CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027 provides funding of €9.8bn over the five years, of which €7.5bn is EU funding and €2.3bn is national funding to co-fund rural development measures.
This EU funding is split between Pillar I (Direct Payments and Sectoral Interventions - €5.97 billion) and Pillar II (Rural Development - €1.56 billion). This plan is for a shorter duration due to the transitional period, but on a five-year comparison, the financial allocation under Pillar II of the CSP is €600 million higher than the €3.26 billion initially allocated for the final five years, 2016-2020, of the previous Rural Development Programme, and more than €900 million higher than the actual spend over that period. A total of €5.34 billion is allocated for Pillar II for the period 2021-2027, which is €1.2 billion (30%) higher than for the 2014-2020 period.
In relation to individual schemes, there is a significant change in approach under Pillar 1 - Direct Payments, in particular, the introduction of two new interventions, Eco-schemes and Complementary Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS). There is also increased support for young farmers through the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers replacing the Young farmer scheme.
Regarding Pillar 2 Rural Development interventions, there has been a significant change in approach and a large increase in funding, with €1.5bn provided for the new flagship Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), replacing GLAS. It will pay higher rates to up to 50,000 farmers and encompasses an innovative landscape approach through the co-operation element.
In addition, the budget allocation and payment rates per hectare has increased for a number of schemes to support achievement of our climate and environment targets, notably, the organic farming with a five fold increase in the budget to €256m. For livestock, the Sheep Improvement Scheme replaces the Sheep Welfare Scheme with the payment rate increased from €10 to €12 per ewe.
241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage the fishing industry, with particular reference to ensuring the industry here can compete with all others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8610/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department constantly monitors the needs of the fisheries sector. Along with regularly meeting with representatives of the sector, holding formal consultations and attending public forums, we monitor developments in key economic indicators. My Department prepares and publishes an Annual Review and Outlook (ARO), which provides up-to-date information and statistical analysis from a variety of sources, to give a detailed overview of Ireland’s agri-food sector and an outlook for the future. The most recent Annual Review and Outlook report was published in November 2023.
I established the Seafood Sector Taskforce in March 2021 to examine the impacts of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on our fishing sector and coastal communities and to make recommendations to me on a mitigation strategy. I received the Report of the Seafood Task Force in October 2021 and 16 schemes have been developed based on its recommendations.
Included in the schemes are short term supports and longer-term restructuring initiatives for the fishing fleet, capital supports for both processing and aquaculture sectors, funding for entrepreneurial initiatives in coastal communities and investment in marine infrastructure. Combined, these schemes contribute to sustaining employment in the seafood sector as a whole, providing new career opportunities and ensuring those transitioning within the sector are supported.
In addition to the measures recommended by the Task Force, my Department’s €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme 2014-20 has been operating since 2016, supporting the sustainable development of our seafood sector. The Programme has now concluded and is succeeded by the new Seafood Development Programme under EMFAF 2021-27 which was adopted by the European Commission in December 2022. The new €258 million programme will continue the provision of a wide range of financial supports to fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing enterprises and to enterprises, groups and individuals in coastal communities. These will include supports for capital investment, innovation, professional advisory services and marketing.
In addition, the Department funds Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), which is the state agency responsible for development of the Seafood sector. BIM works closely with industry and all of the recognised representative groups, actively supporting the development of the sector in a myriad of ways. Further information on the work of BIM is available on BIM's website at BIM - Supporting the Irish Seafood Industry BIM will receive funding in excess of €22 million from my Department in 2024 to support its work.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to addressing the challenges facing our seafood sector and I continue to pursue all opportunities to increase the fishing opportunities for Ireland’s fishing fleet.
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the effects of Brexit on Ireland's agrifood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8611/24]
View answerMy Department continues to closely monitor the impacts of Brexit for the Irish agri-food sector. This includes reviewing the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement which sets out the basis for the post Brexit relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).
The outworking of Brexit is continuing to have impacts on the trading environment between the EU and the UK.
From 31 January 2024, the UK introduced a number of new import control requirements for EU agri-food, including for Irish goods. This has included a requirement for imports to be pre-notified on the UK import system before entering Great Britain (GB) and for certain agri-food products categorised as medium or high risk by UK the requirement for export health certification.
My Department supported the sector in preparing for these new UK import requirements which are a direct consequence of Brexit.
My department continues to carefully monitor the impact of these new requirements and will continue to work with the agri-food sector to refine the processes and systems that support trade with our largest market for agri-food products.
243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts ongoing by his Department to address issues relating to farmer mental health and well-being; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8612/24]
View answerThis Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing. Dedicated funding of €2.5m was allocated in Budget 2024 for a range of initiatives including initiatives to support increased awareness of the importance of mental health among farmers.
My Department, along with the HSE and the Department of Health, has co-funded a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called ‘On Feirm Ground 2’. This expanded programme is providing training for agricultural advisors, vets, Department staff and other professionals, to signpost farmers to supports in relation to health and wellbeing.
Last year, my Department funded eight farm safety European Innovation Partnerships (EIP’s) projects, of which four focused on mental health in the farming community.
My Department, with the support of The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, hosted the 'Cultivating Mental Wellbeing in Rural Ireland' conference in November 2024.
I have provided support for further research into farmer mental health. The DCU led FarmHealth Research Project is examining farmers mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour to inform the development of an educational mental health intervention for farmers.
The UCD-led “Farming Minds: Developing evidence-based interventions to enhance farmer mental health” aims to develop and test the feasibility and effectiveness of a scalable evidence-based psychological intervention for farmers.
The Department distributed the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership booklet on “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming” in BISS 2023 packs to all farmers. The booklet includes a section on coping with stress and minding your mental health.
Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague, Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D. The dedicated funding allows the continuation of existing initiatives and the development of new initiatives to build on my Department’s efforts to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing.
244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Irish lamb continues to be a major competitor on world markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8613/24]
View answerIrish sheepmeat was exported to more than 30 markets last year, which is testament to the world-class product produced on our farms.
Sheep production is a vital source of income for many farmers, particularly in upland areas, and provided the raw material for the export of over 65,000 tonnes of sheepmeat worth €420m last year. The value of sheepmeat exports held relatively stable in 2022 and 2023 following year-on-year growth since 2014.
Approximately 15% of the sheepmeat produced in Ireland is consumed domestically, with the balance being exported.
The EU market remains the primary outlet for Irish sheepmeat, accounting for the bulk of sheepmeat exports in both value and volume terms. Within the single market, France is the largest market and was worth €134m in 2023. Other important EU markets, in order of magnitude, were Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. These six markets combined accounted for almost €300m in exports; equivalent to 71 percent of the total value of sheepmeat exports in 2023 and 66 percent of total volume.
The higher price point of lamb relative to other proteins left it more exposed to the impact of inflationary pressures in many key export markets last year. Nevertheless, lamb benefits from the important religious and cultural role it holds among European consumers which helps to provide some stability in overall consumption.
Underpinning the Food Vision 2030 goal of developing and diversifying market outlets for meat exports are the support measures provided by my Department to improve the competitiveness and productivity of primary producers.
Significant support is made available to the sheep sector under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) both through the Sheep Improvement Scheme and through a broad range of CSP interventions for which sheep farmers are eligible such as ACRES, TAMS and the Organic Farming Scheme. Additionally, 2024 will also see the launch of a National Sheep Welfare Scheme worth €15m which will provide an additional €8 per ewe payment to sheep farmers. Details of that scheme are currently being examined by my officials and will be announced in due course.
Bolstered by these supports, Irish sheep farmers can continue to produce a safe, sustainable, high-quality product that is in demand across many global markets.
In that context, I will continue to support sheepmeat exports through targeted supports for producers, trade mission and other activities to expand market access and the funding of Bord Bia marketing campaigns nationally and internationally.
245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which employment continues in the agrifood and fishing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8614/24]
View answerMy Department continually monitors the levels of employment in the agriculture and wider agri-food sector. Employment figures are primarily sourced from the Central Statistics Office's (CSO) quarterly Labour Force Survey, for which full-year data is currently available up to 2022 (full-year 2023 figures are expected shortly).
Looking at trends over the period 2019 to 2022, employment in the overall agri-food sector has grown by 800 to 164,900 people. This represents 6.5% of the total workforce. The average numbers employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing were 101,200 in 2022, (-1,400 over the period 2019 to 2022), while the number employed in manufacture of food products remained steady at 48,800. There were 9,000 employed in the manufacture of beverages (+2,200) and about 6,000 employed in the wood and wood-processing sector.
It should be noted that the Labour Force Survey is based on the main employment a person reports in the survey. The Census of Agriculture recognises that many farm holders and family members work part-time on the land in addition to their main employment, indicating that there were 278,580 family and regular non-family workers on Irish farms in 2020. This number has actually increased from each of the two previous agriculture censuses, with 272,016 family and regular non-family workers in 2010 and 257,948 in 2000.
246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which farm safety continues to be a major issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8615/24]
View answerFarm safety is a major issue and farming continues to be the most dangerous occupation in terms of fatalities in the workplace. There has been an average of 19 fatal incidents per year on Irish farms over the last ten years. There were 16 farm fatalities in 2023, and unfortunately this year to date, there have been two confirmed fatalities on farms. All of these fatalities are tragic losses to farm families and the community.
Fatal incidents on farms account for over 40% of all workplace fatal incidents. Data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) also reveals that there are approximately 4,500 non-fatal incidents each year on Irish farms.
This Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing. My Ministerial colleague, Martin Heydon TD, has specific responsibility for Farm Safety as part of his portfolio.
My Department is implementing a series of farm safety, health and wellbeing initiatives in 2024 through dedicated funding of €2.5m. These initiatives promote farm safety practices and risk awareness and encourage behavioural change around farm safety from a young age, while also supporting those who have been impacted by fatal and non-fatal incidents.
The measures include an AgriAware Schools Initiative, a joint promotional farm safety campaign with the Health and Safety Authority and the ‘On Feirm Ground 2’ programme. Further proposals are in the process of being finalised and will be announced in due course.
My Department continues to engage with all stakeholders to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing on our farms. The number of deaths and injuries on Irish farms is too high and we need to continue to take steps to effect behavioural change and ensure that incident levels and fatalities are reduced.
247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor the cost of farm inputs, including fuel and fertilisers, with a view to identifying the best way to meet the challenges of issues arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8616/24]
View answerMy Department constantly monitors key economic indicators in the agri-food sector, with a particular focus on changes in farm input costs, as well as developments in farm incomes, viability, structures, key commodities and food industry trends.
The CSO has just released its Agricultural Price Indices for December and the Year 2023. The indices track trends in prices paid to farmers for their produce and in prices paid by farmers for purchases of goods and services. The key findings were:
• The Agricultural Output Price Index was down 8.2% in 2023 when compared with 2022. The Agricultural Input Price Index fell by 5.5% over the same period.
• The Output price indices show milk and sheep prices were down 27.5% and 1.7% respectively in 2023 when compared with 2022, while pigs and potatoes both rose by 19.1%, eggs were up 15.1%, and cattle by 3.4%.
• Annual Input price indices decreases were recorded in fertiliser (-31.0%) and energy (-3.5%) in 2023 when compared with 2022, while the most notable annual increases were in plant protection products (+8.8%), seeds (+7.0%), and veterinary expenses (+6.1%).
• The annual terms of trade fell 2.9% when compared with 2022.
• Over the 12 months to December 2023, there were significant reductions in the Input prices recorded for fertiliser (-47.6%), feed (-13.9%), and energy (-5.8%).
• The most significant output price decreases in the 12 months to December 2023 were in milk (-39.0%), cereals (-31.6%), and poultry (-7.6%), while increases were recorded in potatoes (+78.6%) and vegetables (+23.0%).
Our family farms have demonstrated their adaptability and resilience in the face of significant challenges in recent years, continuing to deliver safe and nutritious food for Irish and international markets. The Government and I am acutely aware of the difficulties facing family farms as a result of these challenges and have put supports in place to ensure their ongoing viability. I will continue to support the sector, including through the implementation of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, which will deliver some €10 billion to Irish farm families in the period to 2027 .
248. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can provide any information on funding that may be available for providers of early intervention services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8417/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Forsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps
249. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/24]
View answerThe Minister for Health leads on the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022 which includes provisions in relation to surrogacy and policy on parentage is a matter for the Minister for Justice. Entitlements to family leaves will be considered in the context of legislative proposals in the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022.
Intending parents from a surrogacy agreement may be entitled to Paternity Leave or Parents’ Leave, depending on their circumstances. The father of a child born through surrogacy can qualify for Paternity Leave and Parents’ Leave if he is the biological father of the child and declared to be the parent of the child. In these circumstances, the father's partner may qualify for Parents’ Leave if they are married to, or in a civil partnership with, the child’s biological father, or have cohabited with the child’s biological father for over 3 years.
Under the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 (as amended) a relevant parent of a child is entitled to two weeks paid leave at any time in the first six months after the birth of the child. A relevant parent under the Act includes the father of the child.
Under the Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (as amended), working parents are entitled to seven weeks of paid Parents' Leave for each relevant parent, to be taken in the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. Parent’s Leave and Benefit will increase by a further two weeks to nine weeks by August 2024.
Policy on the benefits associated with these leaves is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
250. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of asylum seekers currently being accommodated at a location (details supplied); the number at this site who are single males with no other family members on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8464/24]
View answerIreland is now accommodating over 102,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants.
The Government is committed to supporting all those seeking refuge in Ireland. The State has a legal obligation to assess the claims of those who seek International Protection, and in that time, to provide accommodation and supports in line with the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), to those that require it.
Two Gateway, East Wall is a mixed purpose centre with a capacity of 500 and is accommodating single adults, couples and families with children.
Due to both safety concerns and the Department's responsibility to protect the right to confidentiality of each IP applicant, it is not possible to provide further breakdown of resident configuration.
251. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 15 June 2023, if a business case proposal has been submitted to the HSE disability services for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Forsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs.
252. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of hotel beds, by county, currently provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine and persons in the international protection process, respectively, disaggregated by hotels or accommodation providers that were commercially active and commercially inactive. [8476/24]
View answer253. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of hotel beds, by county, currently provided to beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine and persons in the international protection process, disaggregated by hotels or accommodation providers that were commercially active and commercially inactive prior to the State taking out contracts with respect to those beds. [8477/24]
View answer254. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of beds and contracts, referenced above, for which contracts expire within the next six and 12 months, respectively. [8478/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 252 to 254, inclusive, together.
Since the outset of the war in Ukraine in early 2022, Ireland has provided accommodation to over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This includes approximately 74,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine who required State supported accommodation and approximately 27,500 International Protection applicants currently in IPAS accommodation. Prior to the war in Ukraine, there were 8,300 applicants for international protection in State supported accommodation.
BOTP
The Department does not collate data on the basis of commercial activity status of properties which accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs), and this is not available in the manner requested by the Deputy. Not all of the hotels under contract would be included as tourism bed stock premises on Fáilte Ireland registers and listings, e.g. former hotels, inns, lodges, and re-purposed accommodation retreat centres.
A report by Fáilte Ireland in November 2023 indicated that nationally 12% of registered beds were under a Government contract with respect to beneficiaries of temporary protection.
The following table refers to properties catering for BOTPs under the ‘hotel’ category within the available data. To avoid the risk of disclosure of the location of accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection the figures for Louth and Monaghan are provided as an aggregate.
|
County: |
Accommodation Category: 'Hotel' |
|
County: |
Accommodation Category: 'Hotel' |
|
Carlow |
376 |
|
Cavan |
414 |
|
Clare |
2606 |
|
Cork |
1521 |
|
Donegal |
1793 |
|
Dublin |
4011 |
|
Galway |
1128 |
|
Kerry |
2947 |
|
Kilkenny |
379 |
|
Laois |
147 |
|
Leitrim |
472 |
|
Limerick |
671 |
|
Longford |
287 |
|
Louth & Monaghan |
153 |
|
Mayo |
1349 |
|
Meath |
546 |
|
Offaly |
146 |
|
Roscommon |
237 |
|
Sligo |
662 |
|
Tipperary |
471 |
|
Waterford |
701 |
|
Westmeath |
782 |
|
Wexford |
1029 |
|
Wicklow |
724 |
|
Total |
23,552 |
Within the next six months, 486 contracts are due to expire. This comprises a maximum capacity of 31,335.
Within the next twelve months, 585 contracts are due to expire. This figure comprises a maximum capacity of 38,477.
IP
The Department does not collate data on the basis of commercial activity status of properties which accommodate International Protection (IP) applicants, and this is not available in the manner requested by the Deputy.
Please see, in tabular format, the number of hotels which are currently providing accommodation to IP applicants.
|
County |
Number of Hotels |
Contracted Capacity |
|
Carlow |
1 |
91 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
62 |
|
Clare |
2 |
263 |
|
Cork |
7 |
730 |
|
Dublin |
21 |
3,607 |
|
Galway |
4 |
330 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
614 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
642 |
|
Laois |
4 |
598 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
72 |
|
Longford |
1 |
82 |
|
Louth |
2 |
471 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
110 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
222 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
98 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
71 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
44 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
160 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
115 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
167 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
398 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
497 |
|
Total |
||
|
22 |
70 |
9,444 |
The Departments works on the premise that a contract for accommodation of IP applicants runs indefinitely unless there is a serious breach of contract which cannot be resolved . As such, the information is not collated in the manner requested.
Change of use is a planning matter and the Deputy may wish to refer any queries on this to my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
