Written Answers Nos. 239-242
239. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if greyhound owners are charged a fee for use of the stadium at official trials and unofficial trials; and if so, if that fee is paid to Greyhound Racing Ireland or to the stadium. [57802/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ 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 RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
240. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if personnel in his Department have been removed from their positions, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57892/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge the high standard of conduct and performance demonstrated by the vast majority of staff in my Department.
When a concern arises that appropriate standards may have not been met by individual staff members, these cases are managed in accordance with the appropriate Civil Service policy – including the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.
Instances where, following investigation and the provision of fair procedures to all parties, serious misconduct has been established, are responded to robustly. The records available in my Department show that since 2014, seven reassignments and three dismissals arose from disciplinary procedures within that time period.
241. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports available for a newly-formed charity (details supplied); and if there is a specific start up grant for same. [57677/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe emergence of the Men’s Sheds in recent years has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. They provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where people of all ages can share skills and work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.
My Department is providing a range of supports which both Men's and Women’s Sheds can avail of, depending on the works being completed.
For example, the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides small capital grants to community groups to enhance facilities. I launched a new €9m fund Community Activities Fund, under the Community Enhancement Programme in November 2021 and this fund continues into 2022 to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.
This fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running/operating costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance as well as refurbishment work or purchase equipment.
The fund is administered in the same way as the Community Enhancement Programme. Grant applications are assessed in each local authority area by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDC). I would encourage the charity referenced by the Deputy to engage with the LCDC in their area for further details.
I am also responsible for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) which has provided supports to over 200 Men’s Sheds since 2018, with small grants totalling over €98,000 awarded to 116 Men’s Sheds. This support, usually in the form of training and capacity building, will continue to be available throughout the current iteration of SICAP which runs until 2023. The charity referenced by the Deputy should engage with the Local Development Company in their area if they require further details regarding this programme.
More generally, I would encourage the group to stay in touch with the LCDC in their area so that they become aware of funding opportunities, from my own Department and across Government, as they become available.
242. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if personnel in her Department have been removed from their positions, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57905/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the establishment of my Department in July 2017, I can confirm that there have been no staff removed from their positions, transferred to another role or had their employment terminated due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence.
Throughout the year all staff performance and behaviour is managed through the Performance Management and Development System and, where appropriate, through the Civil Service Management of Underperformance Policy and/or Civil Service Disciplinary Code.
