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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 15 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 905-924

Animal Welfare

Ceisteanna (905)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

905. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific welfare standards being set as a condition for future funding for the greyhound sector from the Horse and Greyhound Fund as outlined in the programme for Government; if time limits will be set for the standards to be reached; and if an independent body will assess the welfare standards. [24161/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bord na gCon 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. Bord na gCon (BnG) is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

My Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of legislation. The Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013 applies to all animals, including greyhounds. The Welfare of Greyhounds Act, 2011 further protects their welfare and empowers officers of BnG to inspect premises where greyhounds are kept. A confidential phone line and email has been set up for the public to report any alleged welfare breaches.

The Greyhound Racing Act, 2019 strengthens the current sanctioning regime and addresses doping and integrity. This Act also makes provision for a traceability system, which is being prioritised by BnG, and will enable the tracing of racing greyhounds.

Welfare is a key priority of BnG's strategic plan for the period 2018-2022. BnG has reported significant progress in implementing an extensive Care & Welfare Programme in the last 12 months, for example; the opening of BnG's first Care Centre in early July 2020, the introduction of an Injury Support Scheme to provide financial support where a greyhound is injured at a racing event, the introduction of financial incentives for domestic re-homings of racing greyhounds and a partnership with Greyhound Pets of America which led to a number of US re-homings in 2019.

BnG introduced a Care Fund with effect from September 2019 whereby 10% of all admissions, 10% of restaurant packages, 5% of tote profits and 50% of all sponsorships are directly attributed to the Care Fund.

My Department has met with the Board of BnG numerous times since June 2019 and has received assurances that the Board remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds and that significant resources are being committed to these ends.

My Department and BnG sign an annual Shareholders Letter of Expectation (SLE) and officials in my Department monitor the achievement of the goals and targets set out in the SLE. My Department instructed BnG to apply a minimum of 10% of their allocation of the 2020 Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund to welfare and integrity expenditure.

Regular bilateral meetings are held at a senior level to discuss matters relating to governance, including policies, performance and funding of BnG in addition to matters related to animal welfare.

I have no plans to appoint an independent body to assess welfare standards.

Greyhound Industry

Ceisteanna (906)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

906. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the project of establishing a traceability system for racing greyhounds has been be put out to tender (details supplied); and if so, the stage at which the establishment of the system is. [24162/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bord na gCon 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. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bord na gCon and therefore the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (907)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

907. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the crisis in the forestry industry due to the backlog of cases in the forestry appeals systems. [24163/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to review the forestry appeals process to ensure that it is aligned with other comparable appeals processes. That is why a draft amendment to the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 is being introduced. The public consultation period for the draft Bill recently closed, with almost 9,000 submissions received. These submissions will inform the updated version of the Bill which will be presented to the Oireachtas very shortly. The introduction of these amendments will be accompanied by an on-line portal on which forestry licence applications and site details will be easily accessible to any interested party. I am satisfied that the amendments being introduced in the Bill will make the Appeals system more efficient, and significantly increase the rate at which appeals can be heard.

I am more than aware that the current situation is challenging, but it is a temporary disruption which, when resolved, will make for a better, more sustainable and fit-for-purpose forestry licensing system for many years to come.

Departmental Bodies

Ceisteanna (908)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

908. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on immediately reconvening the tuberculosis forum; and if he will chair the process. [24164/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I plan to reconvene the TB Forum at the earliest opportunity. I am eager to work with stakeholders in developing a shared understanding of the steps necessary to reduce TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers.

The Forum was established in September 2018 and presented an interim report to Minister Creed in 2019. The report contains a suite of proposals designed to reduce TB which I understand had broad stakeholder support at that time.

Following many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there has been a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. This has continued in 2020 with further increases in herd incidence and reactor numbers observed. Herd incidence (on a 12-month rolling basis) has breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers have exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009. These trends highlight the need for urgent action to manage the risk more effectively across all transmission routes.

Rural Development Plan

Ceisteanna (909)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

909. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to facilitate persons in Ireland participating in the European Commission's public consultation on rural development and the Commission's long-term vision for rural areas. [24165/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The need to design a long term vision for rural areas was underlined by EU Commission President Von der Leyen as one of her political priorities.

The Vision aims to create a debate at European level on the future of rural areas and the place they should have in our society. The European Commission indicated its intention to work with rural stakeholders, and local and regional authorities to develop a long-term vision which will support rural areas in achieving their full potential.

It is proposed that the vision will address challenges from demographic change to connectivity, low income or limited access to services. It will also explore innovative, inclusive and sustainable solutions including those triggered by climate and digital transformation or new developments arising from the current COVID-19 crisis, and offer reflections to feed future policies.

On 7 September, the Commission launched a public consultation process which will run until 30 November. It is open to all citizens to reply to the questionnaire that is available on the Commission website

https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12525-Long-term-vision-for-rural-areas

My Department has worked to engage stakeholders in the process from the start. On publication of the Roadmap for the development of this vision in July, my Department engaged with stakeholders, highlighting the process through established networks, such as the Monitoring Committee for the Rural Development Programme. It was also promoted by the National Rural Network and via the Department's social media channels. We have promoted this latest stage of public consultation with stakeholders in a similar fashion.

This issue is a cross-cutting one affecting a number of Government Ministers and Departments. For my part, I will be engaging with stakeholders to highlight the process and encourage participation across a wide range of society.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (910)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

910. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his recent meeting with an association (details supplied). [24166/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that I have had introductory meetings with the main farmer representative organisations, including the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, on a range of key issues affecting the sector.

I look forward to future constructive engagement with all of these groups.

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

Ceisteanna (911)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

911. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, EMFF, funding for Ireland per year during the current programme since 2014; the amount of unspent moneys returned to the EMFF in each year; the percentage that goes solely to the fishing sector on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24188/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme is the vehicle for financial supports to the seafood sector for the period 2014 to 2020. The Programme delivers a wide range of supports for aquaculture, fisheries and seafood processing through a suite of 19 schemes. The Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Through the EMFF Programme, I am continuing to support the fishing sector through a broad range of supports.

The Annual EMFF allocation provided to Ireland is detailed in the Finance Plan incorporated in the EMFF Programme document and for convenience is reproduced below (Table 1). These funds are paid to Ireland only following expenditure by Ireland and submission by Ireland to the Commission of recoupment claims. Under the so-called n+3 rule, annual allocations to a Member State would be decommitted if the Member State does not submit sufficient claims to the Commission. Expenditure on Ireland's Programme to date has been very strong, so unlike many Member States Ireland has lost no funds in this way.

Separately, the EMFF Regulation provides for annual pre-payment by the Commission of certain amounts to Member States to assist them with cash flow in funding projects prior to recoupment from the Commission. These pre-payments are part of the overall allocation to the Member State. As part of the annual clearance of accounts process, if recoupment claims submitted by a Member State for the accounting year concerned are not sufficient to cover both these pre-payments and the annual allocation, then the Commission recovers the amount of pre-financing not covered, through offsets against claims due. Such recoveries are financial balancing exercises and are not a loss to the Member State, and do not affect the overall allocation to the Member State. To date, approximately €6.5 million in pre-payments have been recovered by the Commission.

Supports to the fishing sector are primarily provided through measures implemented under Union Priority 1 – Sustainable Development of Fisheries, which has a total allocation under the Programme of €55.59 million. Table 2 below provides information on annual spend under the Programme and to the fishing sector under UP1.

Table 1. Total EMFF contribution planned for each year (€)

Year

EMFF Allocation

2014

0

2015

40,722,054

2016

20,677,561

2017

21,012,701

2018

21,501,645

2019

21,648,669

2020

22,039,349

Total

147,601,979

Table 2. EMFF Programme Spend 2014-2019.

EMFF Programme

2014-2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Total Spend (€m) (EMFF and

Exchequer)

12.3

18.1

27.6

43.5

59.5

UP1 - Sustainable Development of Fisheries (€m)

0.0

1.4

4.3

17.2

18.9

UP1 as % of Total EMFF Spend

0.0%

7.7%

15.7%

39.5%

31.7%

Departmental Bodies

Ceisteanna (912)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

912. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current membership of the Celtic Sea herring advisory committee; the representation of the membership of the committee in relation to the proportional size of the fleet; when the committee last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24189/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2005, the Minister set up a Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee (CSHMAC). The primary purpose of the CSHMAC is to provide advice to the Minister in relation to the management of the Celtic Sea Herring Stock and fishery within the policy framework set by the Minister. The Committee meets at relevant intervals during the year to discuss issues of concern to the fishery such as scientific advice regarding the state of the stock and also proposals in relation to future management arrangements within the Minister's policy.

The Committee is comprised of representatives from the four Fish Producer Organisations together with representatives from the National Inshore Fisheries Forum, the Fish Co-Ops and Processors. There are a number of experts that support the work of the Committee and may be invited to attend from time to time. These are from the Marine Institute, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. The Department is not represented on the Committee. The CSHMAC is chaired by a representative from the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation.

The number of representatives from each organization is set down by the Minister. Nominees from the relevant organisations are a matter for the organisations themselves.

The Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee has the following representation arrangements:

Irish South and West Fish Producer Organisation Ltd - 2 persons

Irish Fish Producers Organisation Ltd - 2 persons

Irish South and East Fish Producer Organisation - 2 persons

Killybegs Fishermens Organisation -1 person

Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association -2 persons

Irish Federation of Fishing Co-Operatives -1 person

National Inshore Fisheries Forum - 2 persons

The Celtic Sea Herring Fisheries comprise of a Main fishery and a small boat Sentinel fishery in line with Ministerial policy which was put in place in 2012. In 2015, the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) requested that they be represented on the CSHMAC to provide representation for the Sentinel operators and this request was approved by the Minister in early 2016.

The operational arrangements for the Committee are a matter for itself and my Department has no involvement.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (913)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

913. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an impact study has been carried out to examine the financial implications for Ireland’s fishers of the EU decision to remove tariffs on the imports of US lobster; the supports that can be put in place to mitigate these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24190/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 21 August, the EU Commission and the United States announced agreement on a package of tariff reductions on a range of products, including US live and frozen lobster products. The EU Commission prepares impact assessments of such agreements and proposed regulations. The EU Commission figures indicate that last year the EU27 imported €42 million of lobster products from the US (15% of overall extra-EU imports), out of a market worth €290 million in total and in which EU producers are supplying less than 5% of EU consumption. It is important to be aware that the agreement is not solely focused on lobster and encompasses proposed tariff reductions on a range of EU products going to the US, including prepared seafood but also non-food products.

I am aware of the uncertainty that this agreement has created for the Irish fishing industry. If EU imports of US lobster increase significantly, it could combine to further impact on prices and demand; however, the US also exports to other international markets. Irish seafood, particularly products like lobster, rely on healthy export markets and the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality, retail and café sectors across the EU and elsewhere has undoubtedly made 2020 a difficult trading year

For this reason, Ireland's representatives put the concerns of the Irish fishing industry on record at the recent Trade Policy Committee meeting in Brussels when the EU Commission presented the agreement. In the meantime, Bord Bia has advised that the European lobster, the species caught in Ireland, has greater recognition which helps in maintaining a higher market position and that prices received reflect this in the EU market place.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (914)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

914. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department has taken with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that all stakeholders and partners are consulted and are involved in the process to establish marine protected areas in Irish fishing waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24191/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the EU has committed to ensure the conservation of 10% of its coastal and marine areas by 2020. This objective is also reflected in UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 published on 20th May 2020 provides a commitment that protected areas for at least 30% of seas in Europe will be established and that 10% of the area is strictly protected.

Under the OSPAR Convention to Protect the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic, Ireland committed to establishing marine protected areas to protect biodiversity (i.e. OSPAR MPAs). Such OSPAR MPAs would not afford any legal protection to the relevant areas on their own. Ireland (like other OSPAR contracting Parties) established 19 of its Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) as OSPAR MPAs for marine habitats. It is important to note that MPAs cannot be equated with Marine Reserves, i.e. as ‘no-take’ zones where the extraction of marine organisms, or habitat impact , is prohibited. The 10% strict protection in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 may involve a form of no take zones. In Ireland, the 1992 EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EC), as transposed by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011), as amended, is the legislative instrument providing protection to species and habitats listed in the EU Habitats Directive, including in the marine environment. For habitats in the marine area, this protection regime is applicable within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Under this legislation, a series of habitats and species are identified for which Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) must be created and within which these habitats must be maintained at favourable conservation status. Natura 2000 sites are selected with the aim of ensuring the long-term survival of species and habitats protected under the Birds and the Habitats Directive. The choice of sites is based on scientific criteria.

At present there is a network of 80 Natura sites around the coast and 5 offshore sites. These cover a significant area of near shore waters around the coast. In addition, the Minister introduced a ban on large fishing trawlers fishing inside Ireland’s 6 mile zone from January 2020, which is subject to Judicial Review.

The Programme for Government commits to ‘developing comprehensive legislation for the identification, designation, and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish territorial waters.’ This Programme further assures that Ireland’s outstanding target of 10% will be ‘achieved as soon as is practical’ and aims for ‘30% of marine protected areas by 2030’, which it states will be done ‘on the basis of scientific expertise and in close consultation with all stakeholders, in particular the fishing industry, as well as environmental and community representatives.’

A formal consultation process on the future expansion of Ireland’s network of MPAs was launched by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) on 18th August 2020. An independent expert Advisory Group on the expansion of MPAs was appointed by that Department in December 2019 and is chaired by Professor Tasman Crowe of the UCD Earth Institute. Representatives from the Marine Institute (the State agency responsible for marine research) sit on this Advisory group. This Advisory group was created to gather the views of stakeholders and consultation with stakeholders forms part of the terms of reference of the group. The advisory group is using two consultative approaches: focus groups and an online questionnaire.

The process of interactive consultation with all stakeholders and the public began with a series of online stakeholder focus groups hosted by the Advisory group. DHLGH has advised that there have been four moderated online meetings so far, and that all of the main fisheries organisations: the four main producer organisations (the Irish Fish Producers Organisation; the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation; the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation; and the Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation) and the main inshore fisheries organisations (the National Inshore Fisherman’s Forum; the National Inshore Fisherman’s Association and the various Regional Inshore Fisheries Fora) have been invited to attend these meetings.

In August 2020, the Advisory group circulated an online questionnaire to a wide range of stakeholders, providing respondents with an opportunity to share their views on MPAs; the future expansion of Ireland’s MPA network; and the preferred approach to selecting, designating and managing MPAs in the short and longer term. The information gathered by the Advisory group, through both consultative approaches, will inform its expert considerations and its final report. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage plans to publish the final report of the expert Advisory group as part of an extensive public consultation commencing in late autumn 2020.

Grant Payments

Ceisteanna (915)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

915. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands when a grant application (details supplied) will be adjudicated on and paid out. [23358/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.

The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.

This fund is providing up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the scheme criteria aligned with DAF objectives to support:

1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or

2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or

3. Persons with a disability.

Over 1000 applications were received during the application period. Due to the considerable interest in the Stability Scheme and to facilitate prompt drawdown, applications were assessed in batches and funding has been released in tranches. To date three tranches have been announced, supporting more than 480 organisations with funding of over €25 million. This funding is supporting the delivery of many critical frontline services in every part of the country.

A full list of successful applicants can be found at the link below. Additional checks continue on a small number of organisations and a further announcement will be made shortly.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/

I can confirm an application in respect of the organisation in question is under consideration and a final decision is expected shortly.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (916)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

916. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands if there will be another round of the stability fund for community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises. [23468/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.

The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.

This fund provided up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria align with DAF objectives to support:

1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or

2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or

3. Persons with a disability.

The primary aim of the COVID 19 Stability Fund is to assist community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises who are experiencing financial difficulties due to a reduction in their fundraising income and / or traded income as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The criteria of the scheme stated that any grants awarded would be dependent on the need identified and organisations approved for funding were prioritised on that basis.

Over one thousand applications were received during the application period. Due to the considerable interest in the Stability Scheme and to facilitate prompt drawdown, applications were assessed in batches and funding has been released in tranches. To date three tranches have been announced, supporting more than 480 organisations with funding of over €25 million. This funding is supporting the delivery of many critical frontline services in every part of the country.

A full list of successful applicants can be found at the link below. Additional checks continue on a small number of organisations and a further announcement will be made shortly.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/

I have no plans for a further round of the Stability Fund at present.

Dog Breeding Industry

Ceisteanna (917, 918)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

917. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the number of dog breeding establishments licensed in each county in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [23377/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

918. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the number of breeding bitches licensed in each dog breeding establishment in each of the years 2015 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [23378/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 917 and 918 together.

It is the responsibility of each local authority to maintain the register of dog breeding establishments in its administrative area. However, my Department does publish annual statistics on a range of local authority dog control responsibilities, including in relation to dog breeding establishments. This information is collated from annual returns received from local authorities. Information up to and including 2018 is available on Gov.ie at the following link https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/.

The information requested regarding numbers of dog breeding establishments licensed in each county is also provided in tabular form below, for the years 2015 to 2018.

The information published by my Department does not include the number of breeding bitches licensed in each dog breeding establishment, but this information can be examined in the registers which are available for inspection at each local authority.

It is planned to publish the 2019 Dog Control Annual Statistics on Gov.ie during October. The 2020 Dog Control Annual Statistics will be published in 2021.

Dog Breeding Establishments 2015 - 2018

Local Authority (LA)

Total number of premises on LA Register at 31/12/15

Total number of premises on LA Register at 31/12/16

Total number of premises on LA Register at 31/12/17

Total number of premises on LA Register at 31/12/18

Carlow

8

9

10

9

Cavan

9

8

7

7

Clare

1

0

0

0

Cork City

1

1

1

1

Cork County

23

26

35

39

Donegal

4

7

8

6

Dublin City

0

1

1

0

Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown

0

0

0

0

Fingal

5

6

6

8

Galway City

0

0

0

0

Galway County

6

8

8

8

Kerry

2

2

1

1

Kildare

3

3

3

3

Kilkenny

16

17

16

16

Laois

8

8

8

5

Leitrim

4

4

3

3

Limerick City & County

33

34

36

35

Longford

8

7

7

3

Louth

6

7

7

7

Mayo

8

10

10

11

Meath

2

2

2

3

Monaghan

13

14

14

14

Offaly

8

5

5

4

Roscommon

4

4

4

2

Sligo

2

2

2

2

South Dublin

1

0

1

4

Tipperary

19

17

17

19

Waterford City & County

3

1

3

3

Westmeath

13

11

9

10

Wexford

23

26

28

25

Wicklow

10

8

6

5

TOTAL

243

248

258

253

Dog Breeding Industry

Ceisteanna (919)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

919. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the progress to date and-or the schedule for ensuring robust and consistent enforcement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 as per the programme for Government. [23380/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, while local authorities have responsibility for all operational matters, including enforcement.

The Act provides for Guidelines to be put in place for the management and operation of Dog Breeding Establishments. Following a public consultation process in 2018, my Department published new Guidelines which came into effect on 1 January 2019 which will assist in the robust and consistent enforcement of the Act by local authorities. I want to see high standards achieved by Dog Breeding Establishments in Ireland and the Guidelines will help to achieve this.

My Department is now identifying and developing the necessary legislative amendments required to further improve standards and enforcement.

Separately, the enforcement of welfare standards regarding all animals, including dogs, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Both Departments work together to ensure a coordinated approach is taken in this area.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (920)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

920. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the supports her Department has made and plans to make available for community groups and organisations that have lost significant amounts of revenue during Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23421/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Through our ongoing engagement with the Community and Voluntary sector, my Department is keenly aware of the challenges faced by the sector whilst meeting increased demands on many of their services. My Department is providing additional vital supports to rural and community organisations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is supporting the following initiatives:

On 16 March 2020, my Department launched the COVID-19 Government Action Plan in partnership with other Departments, State agencies and our extensive network of community and voluntary organisations. These initiatives provide support for volunteering, funding to ALONE for their crisis telephone support line, and an email helpdesk facility to assist smaller community groups with their queries.

On 9 April last, an initial €2.5 million COVID-19 Emergency Fund was introduced to provide immediate and urgently needed funding to community and voluntary groups that are participating in the Government’s “Community Call” initiative which is being led by the Local Authorities.

On 11 May 2020, a €40 million support package for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises was launched by Government and is administered by the Department. This funding is being made available through the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is specifically set aside to support initiatives which will benefit the most disadvantaged groups in society.

The package included:

A €35 million COVID-19 Stability Fund which will provide a level of support to qualifying organisations who are most in need and have seen their trading and/or fundraising income drop significantly during the crisis; and

A €5 million Government commitment to a Philanthropy Fund, (Innovate Together) which will focus on supporting responses to the COVID-19 crisis that require innovative and adaptive solutions to existing and emerging challenges.

To date, funding of over €25million has been allocated to more than 480 organisations under the COVID 19 stability Fund. This funding is supporting the delivery of critical services in every part of the country.

This funding is provided in addition to the more than €45 million in funding, announced last November, for the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2020. That funding was allocated for 43 separate measures to be delivered across nine Government Departments to benefit disadvantaged groups.

The funding package for these organisations is complementary to the range of other supports provided by the Government to support businesses, employers and employees on foot of the crisis.

As a result of COVID-19 my Department also developed a €1.2m Support Fund to assist Community Service Programme, or CSP, supported organisations.

In June 2020, the Department launched the 2020 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) with funding of €2m. The CEP provides capital grants towards enhancing the facilities available to communities. The CEP is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.

In August, with funding from the July stimulus package, the Department launched a €5m fund under the Community Enhancement Programme for community centres and community buildings.

The Department’s other investment programmes, such as the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR programme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which support large and small scale capital development in rural areas, continue to be rolled out and all place a particular emphasis on supporting a post-COVID recovery.

In respect of the Department’s other programmes, funding commitments are being maintained, and though delays may be experienced in delivery for a period of time it is expected that all projects and initiatives will continue when safe to do so.

My Department also funds the COVID-19 Community Outreach (CCO) programme. Coordinated by the Wheel and Irish Rural Link the programme links and supports the work of thousands of community groups across Ireland who are responding to meet the needs of communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (921)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

921. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the supports she can offer a company (details supplied) to navigate over this period coming out of Covid-19. [23422/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.

The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.

This fund will provide up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria align with DAF objectives to support:

1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or

2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or

3. Persons with a disability.

1,060 applications were received and were assessed and prioritised on the basis of need.

The primary aim of the COVID 19 Stability Fund was to assist eligible community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises who are experiencing financial difficulties due to a reduction in their fundraising income and / or traded income as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The criteria of the scheme stated that any grants awarded would be dependent on the need identified and organisations approved for funding were prioritised on that basis. In this context it was considered that organisations that receive 80%, or more, of their funding from State sources are considered to have had a significant and stable source of income over the period under consideration, as the State has continued to provide that funding.

On the basis of the information provided by the organisation in question as part of their application, that organisation is in receipt of more than 80% of its funding from State sources and, accordingly, was not approved for funding under the COVID19 Stability Scheme.

I understand that some organisations may be disappointed with the outcome, or may have additional or updated information they may wish to have reviewed. For that reason, there is a Stability Scheme Appeals Process and all organisations, including the one in question, were offered leave to appeal their funding decision.

The Community Services Programme (CSP), funded through my Department and administered by Pobal, currently supports over 400 community organisations, including the organisation in question, to provide local services through a social enterprise model with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) (€19,033 per annum) and a manager (€32,000 per annum), where warranted.

The organisation in question has been allocated funding of €110,563 in 2020 towards the cost of a manager and four FTEs. My Department has also put in place a CSP Support Fund for 2020 which provided additional funding to many of the CSP supported organisations where required and the organisation in question was successful in receiving additional funding of €2,431 through this Support Fund.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (922)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

922. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands when further tranches of the stability fund will be released; and if community radio stations will be able to seek funding under the scheme. [23505/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.

The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.

This fund is providing up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the scheme criteria aligned with DAF objectives to support:

1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or

2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or

3. Persons with a disability.

Over 1000 applications were received during the application period. Due to the considerable interest in the Stability Scheme and to facilitate prompt drawdown, applications were assessed in batches and funding has been released in tranches. To date three tranches have been announced, supporting more than 480 organisations with funding of over €25 million, which included the funding of 12 community radio stations. This funding is supporting the delivery of many critical frontline services in every part of the country.

A full list of successful applicants can be found at the link below. Additional checks continue on a small number of organisations and a further announcement will be made shortly.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/

Community Radio Stations were eligible to apply under Phase One of the Stability Scheme which closed for applications on the 21st of May 2020. I have no plans to reopen the scheme to new applicants at this time.

Grant Payments

Ceisteanna (923)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

923. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the status of an application for a car park by a school (details supplied); when a decision is likely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23544/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that an application in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department under the CLÁR programme.

CLÁR provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The Measures being funded under the 2020 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

To date, over 300 applications have been received by my Department under CLÁR, across all Measures.

My officials are currently assessing all of the applications received and I will announce the successful projects in respect of each Measure when the assessment process is fully complete.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (924)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

924. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the estimated cost in 2021 if the budget for the community facilities scheme increased by 40%. [24020/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2018, the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) was launched. The CEP replaced the re-cast RAPID programme and the Communities Facilities Scheme which operated up to the end of 2017. The CEP had a budget of €4.5m in 2020.

A 40% increase in this budget would result in a requirement for funding of €6.3m in 2021.

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