Written Answers Nos. 724-744
724. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the application to the EU for PGI status for Irish beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26593/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAfter an extensive consultation process with stakeholders, a PGI application for Irish Grass Fed Beef was submitted to the European Commission last November by Bord Bia, on behalf of producers.
The European Commission last week responded to this application with technical queries which are now being examined.
If the queries just received are addressed to the Commission’s satisfaction, the next stage of the process will be publication of an ‘EU opposition procedure’, i.e. a consultation process for interested parties from other EU Member States or third countries.
725. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount the NGO and charity sector receive in funding from his Department per annum. [26619/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra726. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a record will be provided of the annual funding received by the NGO and charity sector from his Department in each of the years 2000 to 2020. [26639/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra727. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding allocated to each NGO and charity in each of the years 2010 to 2020 by his Department. [26652/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 725, 726 and 727 together.
The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the attached table.
Questions Nos. 726 and 727 answered with Question No. 725.
728. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding schemes available to community organisations that are also companies limited by guarantee in the context of Covid-19. [25522/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a number of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
I am pleased to confirm that an allocation of €10m has been provided to the COVID-19 Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on Tuesday 23rd February by the Taoiseach.
The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on Thursday 6th May, and is targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic.
For the 2021 application process, all applicants, with the exception of Community Centres providing social services, must be registered with the Companies Registration Office or the Charities Regulator or the Registrar of Friendly Societies. In this context community organisations that are limited by guarantee will be eligible to apply if they fulfil the other scheme criteria.
Eligibility to apply or submitting an application is no guarantee of funding, and applications will be checked and may be prioritised as advised on the Pobal website. However I would encourage all interested potentially eligible applicants to consider submitting an application. The application window will run from 20 May to 3pm on 27 May 2021.
This, and further information, including details of eligible services, is available on Pobal’s website here:
https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/covid-19-cv-stability-fund-2021/, with support available from stabilityscheme@pobal.ie from now until the application deadline.
In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
729. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department is accepting applications for new community services projects at present from disadvantaged communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25736/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution of €19,033 for each fulltime equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, provides €32,000 towards the cost of employing a manager. Qualifying organisations must be social enterprises capable of generating income from their activities in order to meet the full salary costs of the supported posts, for example, from income received from the public use of facilities and services.
In 2020, Indecon International Economic Consultants were engaged by my Department to carry out an independent review of CSP. The final report was published in late September 2020 and is available on my Department's website. My Department and Pobal have now commenced work on the restructuring of the Programme.
Pending the transition to the new restructured Programme, the scheme is closed to new applications through the Expression Of Interest process. However, it is anticipated that the Programme will open calls to address identified gaps in service delivery later in 2021.
As a first step in that regard, on 28 April, my Department, in collaboration with the Department for Transport, launched a three-year pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/or those who are most marginalised and disadvantaged. Funding of €3m is being provided by the Department of Transport for this initiative over a three-year period and will be made available through my Department's Community Services Programme.
It is envisaged that the pilot will support up to 6 social enterprises in 2021. Organisations eligible to apply are those currently supported under the Community Services Programme or, alternatively, are in a Partnership/Consortium of which at least one member is currently a CSP supported organisation. The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on 28 May.
730. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made to include reference in all new statements of strategy to all sustainable development goal targets for which her Department has lead responsibility as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25755/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The Goals are mainstreamed in domestic policy and the governance structure reflects a whole-of-government approach and ensures coordination and coherence, in particular where goals cover areas of shared responsibility.
19 Actions were included in the first National Implementation Plan. Action 4 of the plan set out a commitment to include reference in all new Statements of Strategy to all SDG targets for which a Department has lead responsibility.
The development of the next SDG Implementation Plan has commenced, with the intention of publication later this year. A National Progress report will be incorporated into the Plan and will assess the progress on the 19 Actions, including the commitment set out under Action 4.
My Department aligns our policies with the specific goals and the targets in the Implementation Plan by placing the SDGs at the heart of our policies, including the Rural Development Policy, the Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities Strategy, the National Social Enterprise Policy and the National Volunteering Strategy.
The Sustainable Development Goals are referenced in the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Statement of Strategy 2021 – 2023, which was published earlier this year and is available online at https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/
731. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the specific sustainable development goal targets her Department is responsible for implementing; the progress made in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25773/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverall political oversight for national Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation is provided through the Cabinet, with each Minister having specific responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their Ministerial functions. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) has responsibility for promoting the SDGs, and for overseeing their coherent implementation across Government.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. An important element of this Plan is the SDG Policy Map and Matrix, which identified the lead and stakeholder Departments for each of the Goals and targets and also mapped national sectoral policies against the 17 SDGs and all 169 related targets, in order to identify which policies were most relevant to which SDGs and their associated targets.
The SDG Policy Map and Matrix enhances the ability of stakeholders to track Ireland’s implementation of specific SDGs and associated targets, and to assess Ireland’s response to the SDGs for potential policy gaps. It also supports and enhances cross-Government engagement in implementing each of the Goals and Targets. This policy map has recently been updated and is available online at gov.ie
My Department has aligned all of its policies with their respective SDG specific strategic development goal targets and has made the following progress in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018:
Our Rural Future
DRCD published Our Rural Future, a new 5-year Rural Development Policy in March last, with a whole-of-Government perspective, focusing on the sustainable social, economic and environmental development of rural Ireland. The policy outlines over 150 measures for delivery during that timeframe, each of which are directly linked to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal.
Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024
The high-level objectives and actions set out in the Strategy support consultation, inclusion and participation of communities in public policy and decision-making at all levels, as well as specific actions in support of climate action and the implementation of SDGs.
The Strategy is aligned in particular to the following Goals and targets:
SDG 4 Quality Education
Strategy Action 2.4 Develop education and training mechanisms based on the All Ireland Standards for Community Work for those charged with implementing and monitoring community development.
Strategy Action 2.5 Develop and support a continuum of education and training opportunities for –
- those involved in community work on a voluntary basis,
- people employed, but not qualified, in community work to acquire qualifications,
- continuous professional development for qualified, employed community workers, and
- other staff in organisations with a community development remit.
SDG 13 Climate Action
Strategy Objective11: Support community development and local development to engage with Climate Change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels aligns to Action 1.4: Support Participative and deliberative approaches for developing public policy, including establishing a civic forum for formal dialogue between the sector and local and central government aligns to SDG goal 16.7
Strategy Objective 8 aligns to all SDGs: Strengthen and build understanding and capacity to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) National Implementation Plan.
Furthermore, my Department has convened a high-level Advisory Group to oversee the drafting of revised Local Economic and Community Planning (LECP) Guidelines in 2021, in conjunction with broad consultation, to support fit-for-purpose guidance, ensuring a level of consistency, drawing on Government, EU policy and best practice, while building on the experience gained from the implementation of the first iteration of LECPs. It is intended to include the need to fully consider the SDGs in the LECP of each Local Authority area in the guidelines, thus supporting the adoption and implementation of SDGs at a local and community level.
National Volunteering Strategy 2020-2025
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The National Volunteering Strategy supports SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. The successful delivery of the Strategic Objectives outlined in the strategy will support the community, voluntary and charity sector and strengthen its capacity to contribute to civil society and help to achieve SDG 11.
Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024
The high-level objectives and actions set out in the Strategy support consultation, inclusion and participation of communities in public policy and decision-making at all levels, as well as specific actions in support of climate action and the implementation of SDGs.
The Strategy is aligned in particular to the following Goals and targets:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
Action 1.4: Support Participative and deliberative approaches for developing public policy, including establishing a civic forum for formal dialogue between the sector and local and central government aligns to SDG goal 16.7
DRCD Statement of Strategy and Annual Report
From a Departmental perspective, the SDGs have been captured in our new Statement of Strategy and will be referenced in our upcoming 2020 Annual Report. Mens Sheds, supported by DRCD, are SDG Champions.
Departmental Schemes
LEADER can be aligned with SDG 8 as the programme supports job creation and enterprise development measures. In addition, projects that promote climate change that reduce the carbon footprint of rural communities and local industry may also be considered for funding.
In addition, the SuperValu TidyTowns competition is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Sustainable Development Goals now form an integral part of the competition and the goals have been aligned to each of the eight competition categories. A specific SDG award is being introduced for 2021. A series of capacity building webinars have taken place for TidyTown Groups in 2021 including one dedicated to the SDG’s. The monthly TidyTowns newsletter provides information to circa 1,000 TidyTowns groups on how they can assist in achieving these goals in their community.
732. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has engaged a third-party company to date in 2021 to conduct online and or social media monitoring and or provide reports on social media coverage of her Department; if so, the cost of same; and the name of the social media platforms being monitored. [25791/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra733. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if officials in her Department are tasked with conducting online and social media monitoring and completing reports on social media coverage of her Department and her Ministerial activities; if so, the number of staff involved; the respective grades of each; the estimated working hours committed to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25809/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 732 and 733 together.
My Department does not engage in online and social media monitoring and does not compile reports on social media coverage. Furthermore, no third-party company has been engaged or contracted to carry out this activity.
Question No. 733 answered with Question No. 732.
734. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she and bodies under her aegis have engaged private investigation companies or persons in the past three years to date; and if so, the cost, duration and purpose of these engagements of this type of contractor. [25831/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department, and bodies under my Department's aegis, have not engaged any private investigation companies or persons in the past three years.
735. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding allocated for the provision or improvement of community facilities between 2010 and 2020, by county. [26026/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established, in July 2017, to, inter alia, bring a renewed focus to rural and community development throughout the country, in so doing it funds a range of programmes and schemes to assist in rural and community development which are available to eligible community groups and organisations throughout the country.
In the present COVID environment the supports provided by my Department to assist communities are more important than ever to assist the economic and social recovery of these areas.
My Department has been allocated €341 million in the 2021 Revised Estimates, this ensures that we are in a position to further assist communities seeking funding and other supports for important local activities and projects.
Some of the funding streams available from my Department which contribute to improvement of community facilities are set out below, with links to further information on funding allocations:
The €4.5 million Community Enhancement Programme aims to streamline funding to communities in need. The programme is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. Its mission is to provide funding to improve facilities available to communities. The funding is allocated to each Local Authority area by a methodology that reflects deprivation levels in each area.
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1e973a-community-enhancement-programme-projects/
The Community Services Programme currently supports 420 community organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model. CSP funding is provided as a contribution towards the cost of employing staff in these organisations. It meets local service gaps and provides services and facilities that would not be available otherwise. Some €49million is available to support community organisations under the programme in 2021.
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f93d-apply-for-community-service-programme/
The Dormant Accounts Fund provides funding for community initiatives and supports, including support for Social Enterprises.
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/769773-dormant-accounts-fund-annual-action-plans-and-reports/
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new and existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas such as cycleways, walking trails, blueways and mountain access routes.
https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/90a66b-approved-funding-for-outdoor-recreation-projects/
CLÁR is an investment programme for small-scale infrastructural projects in depopulated rural areas. CLÁR supports the development of identified areas by attracting people to live and work there.
https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52-clar/
My Department provides funding to supplement investment by local authorities in their library services. Funding is provided, for example, as a contribution towards the cost of developing library buildings, technological capacity and resources, book-stock and other areas of activity that enhance local library services. Responsibility for the delivery of public library services is generally a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under the Local Government Act 2001.
Other funding streams available to communities from my Department.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was established as part of Project Ireland 2040 and will support a coherent suite of capital investment schemes so that rural towns (with populations of less than 10,000), rural villages and outlying areas can benefit from investment over the coming years. The four headings funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development allocation are (i) RRDF major projects (ii) RRDF Seed Funding (iii) Town and Village Renewal and (iv)the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme covers a range of projects to support and rejuvenate rural towns and villages. It is administered by Local Authorities on behalf of my Department and projects are developed in consultation with town/village community and business interests.
Funding can be provided for a wide range of interventions including public-realm projects, town centre enhancements, encouraging town centre living, and economic development projects. Applications for funding are submitted to DRCD by local authorities. The scheme has an annual budget of €15m, with €25m made available in 2020 due to an additional €10m from the July Stimulus Package.
LEADER Programme: Under the LEADER Programme, €250 million in grant aid is available to rural communities and businesses. This is provided to projects focused on economic and enterprise development, job creation, social inclusion and supporting the rural environment. Funding is allocated to 28 sub-regional areas based on administrative or county boundaries.
All schemes are open to applications from eligible groups during the application timeframes set for each scheme or programme. Further information on all schemes and funding programmes available through my Department can be found online at https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/
736. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of data breaches suffered by her Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [26105/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that since its establishment, in 2017, my Department has identified 3 data protection breaches - 1 in 2018 and 2 in 2020. No data breaches were identified in the years 2017, 2019, or to date in 2021.
737. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to review existing community development programmes with a view in particular to review reopening the former RAPID programme (details supplied); her further plans to review the social inclusion activation programme in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26189/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra738. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will review the roll-out of the social inclusion community activation programme with a view to providing more funding to support the employment and engagement of community development officers that will work on the ground with local communities to help build their capacity, help improve the quality of life in these areas and identify opportunities for residents within these communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26190/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 737 and 738 together.
My Department has many supports in place for disadvantaged communities, including those in areas that were once identified as RAPID areas. For example, as referenced by the Deputy, my Department is providing funding of some €190 million over five years towards the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, or SICAP, which is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a national programme that is delivered locally by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need. The programme works with both individuals and groups to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life of those facing social exclusion and inequality.
SICAP workers have extensive local connections and in-depth knowledge of available resources and supports in the area and are continuing to work to ensure the emerging needs of their locality are responded to. The response in each area is and will differ as LDCs support local structures and needs rather than imposing general solutions. Where needed it covers work on the ground with local communities to help build their capacity, help improve the quality of life in these areas and identify opportunities for residents within these communities.
The current SICAP programme is due to end 31 December 2022. My Department is currently in the planning stages for the next programme which will include a wide stakeholder consultation and co-design process. This will ensure that the stakeholders at the heart of the programme have an input into the design of the new SICAP programme and that the learnings from this programme will feed into the design of the next iteration.
Separately, my Department is currently developing a Pilot Community Development Programme. This involved a recent open call for applications and an assessment process is currently underway.
It is intended that up to eight projects will be selected promoting an autonomous approach to community work with marginalised communities by affording them the flexibility needed to build relationships with marginalised groups. Initial funding of €1m for 2021 has been secured, and it is expected that the programme will continue for three years.
My Department also funds the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which provides small grants to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas, including those formerly identified as RAPID areas. The 2021 CEP was launched recently with funding of €4.5m.
I am hugely conscious of the important support that programmes such as these provide to disadvantaged communities, including those in areas formerly identified as RAPID areas, and I will continue to seek increased funding for all relevant programmes within my Department through the annual budgetary estimates process.
Question No. 738 answered with Question No. 737.
739. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to the deep dissatisfaction on Clare Island in relation to the proposed ferry contract both in regard to the level of service proposed and the scoring system proposed for the tender competition; if she is willing to meet a delegation from the island as a matter of urgency to discuss this matter and if necessary subsequently to re-tender the contract; if not, if she will to make arrangements for senior officials to meet the islanders instead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26284/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with my Department's standard practice with any contract renewal, the community on Clare Island were consulted in advance of publication of the tender in question and a series of requests were made by the community. My officials reviewed all of the requests, and did respond to the community regarding same prior to the publication of the Request for Tender (RFT). The RFT was adjusted to take account of many of the issues raised by the community. Amendments made included adjustments to the marking scheme and the service to be provided.
In line with all RFTs issued by this Department for ferry services, the frequency of sailings requested is a minimum acceptable number. Prospective operators are encouraged to include additional sailings and services above the stated minimum required, and commonly do so.
Any comment on potential changes to the service would be pre-emptive given the fact that the tender process is still underway. However my officials have contacted the Clare Island Development Company to clarify any queries in respect of the approach taken by the Department when tendering for such services.
740. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to visit Clare Island in the near future to see at first hand the challenges facing the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26285/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the challenges faced by island communities. The Government’s new policy for rural development, Our Rural Future, commits to investing in critical infrastructure throughout rural Ireland, including our offshore islands.
Subject to my diary schedule over the coming months and considering any public health restrictions that may be in place, I intend to visit as many of our island communities as possible including Clare Island.
741. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned to build an all-weather pier at Roonagh pier which acts as a mainland port for ferries to islands off the coast in view of the number of sailings each year that cannot land at the pier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26286/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a strategic objective of my Department to develop and implement various initiatives and measures to support the social, cultural and economic development of the inhabited offshore islands to ensure that they survive as viable communities.
The provision of safe and regular access by sea is crucial for the maintenance of those island communities. I am aware of the challenges posed by weather conditions at Roonagh Pier and my Department is investigating how best to address the issue.
My Department has allocated funding to Mayo County Council for refurbishment works on the pier this year and has also provided funding to Mayo County Council to prepare a strategic development plan for the piers on Inishturk and Clare Island as well as Roonagh Pier. In the case of Roonagh Pier, my Department has recommended a high level study on ways to shelter the pier and/or to examine other sites that could be developed to serve the islands.
742. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the daily number of Department contracted sailings to islands (details supplied); the reason for the differences in the frequency of services to different islands and the factors used to arrive at this frequency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26287/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that island communities have access to reliable transport services is a core objective of my Department. A subsidy is paid to attract operators to provide a service where it may not otherwise be viable for them to do so. While the subsidy will assist with operating costs and to establish a transport service, operators are encouraged to develop the service further.
The number of subsidised services varies from island to island, contingent on the location of the island, the access to services - schools, shops and other services on the island - the number of passengers / tourists etc. I will provide the Deputy with a detailed breakdown of subsidised services to those islands detailed by him under separate cover.
743. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the cost of purchasing a grave in a municipal graveyard in each local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26290/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra744. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the cost of opening or digging a grave in a municipal graveyard in each local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26291/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 744 together.
While my Department has legislative responsibility regarding burial grounds, this responsibility does not extend to the fees charged by local authorities. These costs are a matter for each local authority in respect of the cemeteries and burial grounds they provide.
My Department does not hold information on the various fees charged on graveyards provided by local authorities.
