Written Answers Nos. 259-262
260. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department, or bodies working on behalf of his Department, are monitoring social media for those who criticise Government policy. [23148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is not monitoring social media in the manner referred to by the Deputy.
My Department provides public information about the Department's wide range of schemes, services and policies through social media channels. My Department’s social media channels are managed by staff of the Department’s Communications Division.
As regards the twelve State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue to the Deputy within 10 days.
261. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23164/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) was approved as an agri environment scheme by the EU Commission as part of Ireland's RDP with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the suckler herd. As with all agri environment schemes, applicants commit to participating in the scheme for a number of years. In the case of the BDGP, a six year commitment is required. Therefore, when a participant withdraws from the BDGP, all payments previously made are subject to recovery. In certain limited circumstances, however, it may be possible to withdraw from the scheme without recovery of previous payments on force majeure grounds.
Having reviewed the medical evidence and the Department's Animal Identification Movement (AIM) system, it has been decided that the person named can withdraw from programme without recoupment.
A letter has issued to the person named informing him of this decision and the overpayment will now be reversed.
262. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the status of a CLÁR application by an organisation (details supplied); when a decision is likely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23089/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The Measures being funded this year's programme are:
Measure 1: Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Community Recreation Areas (new in 2020)
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Supports, comprising:
- (a) Meals on Wheels and Linked Services (new in 2020)
- (b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport
I can confirm that an application has been received under Measure 3(b) in respect of the organisation referred to by the Deputy.
Over 300 applications have been received by my Department under the CLÁR programme, across all Measures. My officials are currently assessing all of the applications received and I will be in a position to announce the successful projects under each Measure when the assessment process is fully complete.
