Written Answers Nos. 813-832
813. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of times the Contraception Implementation Group has met; if the group will consult with experts on the provision of contraception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11786/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, published in October 2019, identified the barriers that exist to accessing contraception, which include accessibility, information, workforce capacity and, for a significant number of women who may be just above the eligibility threshold for a full GMS (medical) card, cost.
In consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the 8th Amendment to the Constitution (JOC8) and the findings of the Working Group on Contraception, the Programme for Government, 2020 commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort. Work on this was temporarily delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, but the cross-disciplinary Contraception Implementation Group was set up in July 2021 to progress the introduction of this scheme.
The Contraception Implementation Group meets on a monthly basis, with meetings held in July, September, October, November and December 2021, and January and February 2022, with sub-groups also meeting with counterparts in the HSE to ensure that steady progress is being made on implementation. Funding of approximately €9m has been allocated in Budget 2022 to enable commencement of the scheme, which is still scheduled for August 2022.
In terms of both expert and stakeholder consultations, it should be noted that the recommendations of the JOC8 took into consideration the deliberations of the Citizen’s Assembly on the matter. The Working Group on Contraception held a number of meetings with key stakeholders, including experts, as part of its research, prior to publication of the Report.
More recently, my Department has held consultations and listening exercises with a large range of stakeholders, as part of the wider work of the Women’s Health Taskforce and, separately, as part of wider work to review the National Sexual Health Strategy.
It should be noted that the stakeholder meetings carried out in 2021 regarding the National Sexual Health Strategy included a wide range of input from the HSE, including key clinicians, and from the academic sector. Expanding access to contraception, as per the Programme for Government commitment, was a key element of feedback.
Ongoing engagement with the HSE and medical representative organisations will be required for implementation, roll-out, evaluation and monitoring of the scheme; needless to say, these engagements will include input from clinicians and other relevant experts. Clear stakeholder and expert feedback with regard to access to contraception is therefore duly taken into consideration in the development and progression of this scheme.
814. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to Ireland’s ranking of 16 out of 46 countries on the European Contraception Atlas; if measures that improve this ranking can be taken including the provision of free contraception to 17 to 25 year olds will be implemented as promised in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11787/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Contraception Atlas provides Ireland with a 65% ranking and advises that Ireland will be in a good position to move to the highest-ranking category once the free contraception scheme is in place.
The Programme for Government commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort; roll-out is scheduled to commence in August 2022.
The scheme will provide for:
The cost of prescription contraception;
The cost of a minimum of two consultations per annum with GPs and other doctors to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable prescription of same;
The cost of fitting and/or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) plus any necessary checks, by medical professionals certified to fit/remove same;
The cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove LARCs;
Provision of contraceptive options currently available to GMS (medical) card holders through this scheme, to include contraceptive injections, implants, IUS and IUDs (coils), the contraceptive patch and ring, and various forms of oral contraceptive pill, including emergency contraception.
It is therefore envisaged that the recommendations of the Contraception Atlas will be met in due course, starting with the 17-25 age cohort this year.
In the meantime, it should be noted that the costs of prescription contraception medications and/or medical devices are currently covered under the GMS scheme, for those holding a GMS (medical) card, while clinical costs are covered under both the medical and GP visit cards. For those not eligible for a GMS or GP Visit card, the total cost of prescription medication is capped under the Drugs Payment Scheme, which is being reduced from €100 to €80 per month. The Drugs Payment Scheme is open to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.
817. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the metrics used to calculate that 850 road licences, as detailed in his Department's plan will be sufficient to mobilise the available timber in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10838/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra818. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forest road applications with single consent that were lodged with his Department; the number that have been processed to date; the number that remain to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10839/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 817 and 818 together.
My Department issued 4,050 forestry licences last year which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020 and this was the starting point for developing a more ambitious plan for 2022.
In 2021, my Department issued forest road works licences for 264km and this is the highest ever volume of forest roads licenced in a single year. The Department is of the opinion that the volume of timber felled in 2021, based on the available forest road network, and new forest road Licences issued, was sufficient to stabilise the supply of timber in saw mills
The recently published Forestry Licensing plan for 2022 includes the licensing of 5,250 applications for felling, forest roads and afforestation. The target for 2022 is to issue 850 forest road works licences which will be more than sufficient to enable the haulage of timber from the forest estate when added to the existing roads already approved or installed in Irish forests. This represents an increase of 27% on the road licences issued in 2021.
In February 2020, Section 8 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018 was commenced and the Forestry (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations, 2020 (SI No. 39 of 2020), were signed. This legislation made provision for my Department to act as the single consent authority for applications for forest road works licences, where the forest road provides access to a public road (other than a national road) or there is material widening of an existing entrance. Forest owners wishing to carry out such works no longer require a grant of planning from their local authority.
To 25th February 2022, the Department received 452 forest road works applications, under the single consent process. 217 of these applications are awaiting a decision.
819. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there are no metrics on his proposal for new afforestation sites less than one hectare in the recently published plan; if there will be an approval process for such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has the stated policy goal of incentivising small-scale tree planting and of re-engaging farmers with afforestation. This includes greater integration between the measures in the National Forestry Programme and the Common Agriculture Policy.
However, the inclusion of small-scale tree planting measures in schemes is constrained by the 0.1ha size limit imposed by the forest definition in the Forestry Act 2014.
Key to the success of increasing afforestation rates is to build confidence among landowners of the benefits of forestry as a viable option to complement existing enterprises. Introducing an exemption for the afforestation in certain circumstances facilitates the exclusion of clearly defined activities from requiring an afforestation licence. This exemption is an enabling proposal that allows forests to be created through initiatives, other than the afforestation scheme, thereby contributing to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities particularly climate change, biodiversity and water quality.
These proposed changes are being introduced as part of the Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021, which will allow the Minister to make Regulations to facilitate small scale planting of native tree areas without the need to first obtain an afforestation licence. This Bill has progressed through all stages in the legislative process in the Dail and is currently before the Seanad for Committee Stage debate. There are no metrics included in the licensing plan as the legislation must still be passed by the Oireachtas.
Importantly, the requirement to comply with environmental law is not undermined by making this change as all works are controlled by regulation through a Departmental scheme. The development of a scheme will be undertaken following the completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, subject to the findings of both assessments. Eligibility criteria will be incorporated into the scheme which will ensure that all tree planting works are undertaken in a legally compliant and sustainable manner.
820. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff of his Department, given the pandemic, who will have to take more than a week's holidays before 31 March 2022; if this will impact the level of service his Department is able to provide to farmers in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the commitment of its staff throughout recent challenging times. There are currently 1,045 staff in my Department in Annual Leave Cycle 3, with more than 5 days annual leave still to take. Ordinarily, staff in Cycle 3 must take all remaining leave before the end of the leave year or forfeit it.
As you are aware, the agriculture sector was considered to be an essential service throughout the pandemic and the staff of my Department remained on duty to support the farmers and others involved. Some staff had annual leave requests denied or have been unable to take all their leave in order to maintain services during this critical time.
However, the Department has put in place a plan to manage the accumulated annual leave in a way that is fair to staff and also makes sure that the Department's work is not interrupted.
In recognition of these unusual circumstances, a concession has been made to allow staff members request a carry forward of annual leave into the 2022/23 leave year if they cannot take it this year.
This practise will allow local managers to consider business needs in tandem with staff wellbeing.
In maintaining appropriate staffing levels, my Department will continue in its delivery of quality customer service while ensuring its Divisions are adequately resources so as to minimise any disruption to stakeholders.
821. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of measures other EU member states have put in place in the transposition of the European Directive on Unfair Trading Practices; the way they differ to the measures that Ireland has put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10842/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Directive 2019/633 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain provides a uniform minimum level of protection to suppliers of agricultural and food products across the European Union and is binding on all Member States.
However, Member States may maintain or introduce national provisions that provide stronger protection than those provided in the Directive, as long as they are compatible with EU law and the functioning of the single market.
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government includes a commitment for a new office of National Food Ombudsman to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices Directive and to have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. I am committed to bringing forward this Office in order to bring much-needed transparency to the sector.
The establishment of the new Office requires primary legislation and, as it was not possible to prepare primary legislation ahead of the transposition deadline for the UTP Directive of 1st May 2021, I took the approach of directly transposing the Directive into Irish law by statutory instrument (SI 198 of 2021) in April of last year.
It was not possible in Irish law to extend the provisions of the Directive through secondary legislation. Consequently, the Directive was transposed as it stands, without changing the Directive provisions. Ireland was one of only seven Member States to transpose the Directive ahead of the deadline. At that time, I also established the UTP Enforcement Authority in my Department on an interim basis pending the finalisation of the primary legislation for the new Office.
In October 2021, the EU Commission published a report on the state of play regarding the transposition and implementation of the UTP Directive, taking into account notifications from Member States received by them by 31st July 2021. The Directive had not been transposed in all Member States at that time.
However, I can advise the Deputy that the report states, inter alia, that:
- Most Member States refer, to some extent, to business size as a criterion for limiting the
scope of application of the adopted legislation or parts of it. Among these, five, including Ireland, adopted the approach set out by the Directive, targeting relationships between suppliers whose annual turnover is lower than a given threshold, and buyers whose annual
turnover is higher than the same threshold. Nine MS have enlarged the scope of
application to varying degrees.
- The Directive requires Member States to prohibit a specific set of unfair practices, splitting them into two groups: (i) unconditional prohibitions (‘black list’) and (ii) conditional prohibitions (‘grey list’), the latter list of practices are prohibited unless agreed in clear and
unambiguous terms upfront in the supply agreement or in a subsequent agreement between the
supplier and the buyer. All Member States referred to in the report have used lists of prohibited practices and most of them, including Ireland, have followed the distinction between ‘black’ and ‘grey’ practices. However, while distinguishing between ‘black’ and ‘grey lists’, a few MS have moved one or more ‘grey list’ practices into the ‘black list’. Relatively more common is adding practices to the ‘black’ and ‘grey’ lists.
- The majority of Member states referred to in the report, including Ireland, include the 30-day period as a minimum standard for cancellation.
- For the Deputy’s information, the report can be found at the following link:
eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0652&from=EN.
Introducing powers to extend the provisions of the Directive is a matter that is being given consideration in the preparation of the primary legislation for the establishment of the new Office of National Food Ombudsman, or equivalent, taking into account submissions made during the public consultation process and stakeholder views and EU law.
The new Office, once established, will also monitor the effects of implementation of the UTP rules.
822. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a live export certificate or trade agreement pending for exports to Iraq, Iran and Jordan in which substantial work has already been done to have deals for live exports in place; the reason that the process has been delayed for up to six months; if he will investigate the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra823. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department are fully committed to facilitating live exports as there is a view on the ground that his Department is dragging its feet on paperwork needed for live exporters to secure deals in new markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 822 and 823 together.
This Government supports the live export of animals as it plays an important part in competition in the market-place for cattle in particular and has negotiated the necessary veterinary certification requirements with many countries. In the context of live animal exports, the Government also demands that the highest welfare standards apply.
The Department specifically supports livestock farm businesses through ongoing market access initiatives in a number of destination countries. Underpinning these efforts includes the application of official controls, and other activities such as in relation to animal health surveillance and supports for disease eradication and control programmes.
Animals transported from Ireland are governed by the requirements of EU animal transport legislation. The vast majority of animals exported from Ireland travel to the EU, which is governed by these high standards of animal welfare legislation.
A relatively small percentage of animal are exported to non-EU countries. Notwithstanding that, the transport of these animals is to countries outside of the EU, the same EU legislation applies in respect of the transport of these animals all the way to the point of destination.
Negotiations are currently ongoing with regard to Iraq and Jordan.
824. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 932 of 15 February 2022, if he will provide specific details regarding each of the racing fatalities at tracks in 2021; if any were caused by broken necks and or heart attacks; and if he will provide full details of the post-mortem results and the locations at which the related dogs died. [10853/22]
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.
825. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is assistance or support that can be afforded in a scenario (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important that any windblown trees are made safe as soon as possible. My Department’s Native Woodland Conservation Scheme may be appropriate in this case; any grant application must be made through a Registered Forester. More information may be found here gov.ie - Native Woodland Conservation Scheme (www.gov.ie).
It would not be possible to give complete guidance in a situation such as this, without further information. I recommend that the constituent either gets in touch with Teagasc who offer free advice on forestry grants to private landowners (email forestry@teagasc.ie) or that they contact a Registered Forester (see list at www.gov.ie/en/publication/205869-list-of-registered-foresters) who will assist and make suggestions as to what is appropriate for the site.
826. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority capability review has been implemented to date [10890/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe independent review of the Organisational Capability of the SFPA was commissioned by the SFPA in 2019 and completed in April 2020. The report which was submitted to the SFPA made 46 recommendations which, when fully implemented, will address issues identified to improve the organisational effectiveness of the SFPA. I look forward to the effective and efficient implementation of the recommendations of the review over the coming period, which together with the additional resources that have been made available to the Authority will strengthen the organisation to ensure that it delivers to a high standard on its responsibilities.
Responsibility for the implementation of the recommendation’s rests with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, which is an independent agency as set down in the 2006 Act. As Minister, I have responsibility for policy formation, resource allocation and corporate governance oversight only.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the SFPA for direct response in relation to implementation of the recommendations.
827. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of files (details supplied) which are with the ecology section of the Forest Service; when the files in question are likely to be processed; the length of time the files have been with the service; if those files are likely to be processed within the four month timeframe; if it is appropriate for the Forest Service to tell a client that it does not have a timeframe as to when the application will be processed due to a large backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10912/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the recently published forestry licensing plan for 2022, the Department have committed to refocus on the delivery of most approvals from several schemes including Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback).
The three applications for the Reconstitution and Underplanting (Ash Dieback) Scheme (RUS) referred to were submitted on behalf of the applicant in December 2020. These cases have been assessed and screened in for Appropriate Assessment. As the applications are to remove broadleaves and replace with conifers and an appropriate assessment is required, Planning permission from the Local Authority is required, in addition to DAFM scheme approval.
Contact has been made between my officials and their counterparts in Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage on this issue. We are exploring potential alternatives to the current system that requires both planning permission and a felling licence (or exemption from a felling licence). My officials have outlined the background to the issues and the reasons for proposed changes to the legislation to enable my Department be the sole Department in providing consents for the replacing of Broadleaf High Forest with conifer species.
828. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licences issued to applicants in counties Laois and Offaly in 2020 and 2021. [10958/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra829. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants awaiting the issue of a forestry licence in counties Laois and Offaly. [10959/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 828 and 829 together.
Last year, the Department issued a total of 4,050 forestry licences for afforestation, felling and roads, which was a 56% increase on 2020. A detailed licencing plan for 2022 has been published and is available at gov.ie - Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 (www.gov.ie). There is an overall target to issue 5,250 licences this year and main targets as follows:
- A higher priority will be given to afforestation licences for 2022 with a planned 107% increase in output up to 1,040.
- There will be a year-on-year increase of 48% of private felling, roads and afforestation files. Coillte felling licences will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021.
The number of private forestry licences issued in 2020 and 2021 for counties Laois and Offaly are shown below.
|
- |
2020 |
2020 |
2021 |
2021 |
|
|
Laois |
Offaly |
Laois |
Offaly |
|
Afforestation |
4 |
15 |
9 |
14 |
|
Forest Roads |
7 |
10 |
18 |
24 |
|
Tree Felling |
13 |
31 |
52 |
63 |
The number of applications awaiting decision are in the following table.
|
- |
Laois |
Offaly |
|
Afforestation |
25 |
40 |
|
Forest Roads |
37 |
23 |
|
Tree Felling |
86 |
66 |
830. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure better price transparency for farmers from processors and retailers; when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11023/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government includes a commitment for a new office of National Food Ombudsman to enforce the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive and to have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland. The establishment of the new Office requires primary legislation, preparations for which are well advanced. I expect to bring a Memo to Government with the General Scheme of the Bill shortly.
In April 2021, I signed Statutory Instrument No. 198 of 2021 transposing the UTP Directive directly into Irish law before the 1st May deadline for transposition. At that time, I also established the UTP Enforcement Authority in my Department on an interim basis pending the finalisation of the primary legislation for the new Office.
The Enforcement Authority has been assigned all the necessary legal powers to investigate complaints from suppliers of agricultural and food products, to carry out investigations on its own initiative, and to initiate legal proceedings for breaches of the unfair trading practices defined in the Directive. It is open to those suppliers, including primary producers, to engage with the Enforcement Authority on any concerns they may have in relation to unfair trading practices.
The new Office will, in addition to taking over this enforcement function, also carry out a price reporting and market analysis function for the agri-food supply chain in Ireland, a function I believe will bring greater transparency to the sector.
The new Office will ensure the increased availability of market information with a view to strengthening the position of primary producers and other suppliers in the agricultural and food supply chain.
831. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made on the equality objectives of his Department specifically in relation to women. [11067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's current Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 sets out as one of our core values "A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and the fair and equal treatment of all."
These core values are important for our own employees, for the clients and stakeholders of the Department who avail of our wide range of services and for our sector as a whole.
I am committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace for all its employees and the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy launched in 2018 reinforces our core values in these areas.
There has been a strong focus on gender balance initiatives in my Department since 2011, with a gender balance steering group in place since then. This group works closely with all areas of my Department in driving gender balance, through focus on career opportunities and participation in promotion competitions for all staff, supporting staff with caring responsibilities and work-life balance initiatives.
My Department was the subject of an ESRI report on "Flexible Working and Gender Balance: A case study of an Irish Civil Service Department." The report, which was published in late 2020 reviewed the outcome of a Gender Balance Committee Survey on Gender Balance and Flexible working arrangements in my Department. The report contained a number of recommendations around equality and gender balance and the monitoring and implementation of these recommendations is currently underway in my Department.
My Department monitors its gender pay gap and has seen a narrowing of this pay gap from 20.5% in 2013 to 13.2% in 2020. We expect to report a further improvement in our figures for 2021.
Plans are in place to establish an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Team within my Department, with a focus on core equality, diversity and inclusion activities. This group will work closely with the existing gender balance steering group, to continue to drive gender balance initiatives within my Department.
My Department and its agencies regularly encourage their staff to participate in Women in Agriculture and Women in STEM events. In addition, I am committed to achieving the Government target of 40% gender balance on the Boards of our 12 State Bodies.
The recently published agri-food strategy, Food Vision 2030, recognises the importance of gender balance to the long-term sustainable future for primary producers and includes actions to promote and improve gender balance at all levels, including at senior management and board level, as well as capturing and publishing gender data on policy implementation e.g. participation by women in schemes and measures. It also includes a commitment to hold a National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture.
I am proud to have put forward the following package of measures on gender equality in the CAP Strategic Plan were proposed by Ireland:
- Increased rate of grant aid to 60% for women aged 41-66 years under TAMS Investments
- Knowledge Transfer Programme - Women only KT Groups
- European Innovation Partnerships – potential for a call for proposals to incentivise women’s participation in agriculture.
- Improved recording, collection and reporting on Gender data across all CAP schemes.
All CAP interventions will be developed with a gender aware perspective to ensure there are no inherent barriers to women’s participation. The National CAP Network established in the CAP Strategic Plan will be leveraged to increase the involvement of all women in the implementation of CAP. This will include events and support for women and a women’s sub-committee to lead such activities.
The ACORNS programme is funded under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund through my Department. Its objective is to encourage a stronger level of enterprise development in rural areas by seeking out and assisting start-up female entrepreneurs living in rural areas to grow and develop their businesses.
My Department is a core member of the Agri-food Diversity and Inclusion Forum (AgDif), led by Bord Bia and Aon, in partnership with the 30% Club. Since 2017, the Agri-Food Diversity & Inclusion Forum has been a collaborative initiative with the Irish Agri-food industry, aiming to position our food and drink sector as the industry of choice for the best talent.
832. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will amend the co-operation projects as part of the new CAP national agri-environment scheme to include high nature value farmland on the Mizen peninsula which meet the criteria of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11105/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe map of the eight Co-operation Project (CP) zones was developed to facilitate the implementation of locally targeted and adapted agri-environment measures under the Co-Operation stream of the proposed new Agri-Environment Climate Measures (AECM) scheme.
An interdepartmental working group with representatives from my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, EPA and LAWPRO, was established to identify the relevant areas for the zones. Development of the map and selection of the areas for the Co-operation stream involved identifying particular lands throughout the country based on the criteria set out below.
- SACs
- SPAs
- NHAs
- All offshore islands
- Burren region (RDP map)
- Corncrake LIFE areas
- Breeding Hen Harrier Regions
- Curlew breeding areas
- Wild Atlantic Nature areas
- River sub-basins known to have large areas of Annex I grasslands
- Blue Dot Catchments
From lands that met the criteria above, the interdepartmental group selected the eight co-operation zones on the basis of maximum environmental priority.
However, it is important to note that farmers with lands outside of these Co-operation zones, like those on the Mizen peninsula, will be eligible to participate in the General stream of the proposed AECM.
