Written Answers Nos. 944-965
944. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it will be ensured that the European Union rules on the protection of animals during transport are adhered to on all live exports from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18245/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine only permits animals to be transported in compliance with the EU's animal welfare legislation.
Ireland has also introduced its own national legislation regulating animal welfare in dedicated livestock vessels, which lays down more stringent controls that go far beyond those in EU law. Furthermore, over the past three years, my Department has introduced extra controls on animal welfare during export by road, such as additional checks to prevent transport of animals during hot weather, an increase in the minimum space allowance for calves in trucks that is more than that specified in EU rules, and a requirement for drivers and attendants to undergo training every three years, rather than ten years as formerly.
Department officials and inspectors monitor compliance through a system of official controls, including advance checks of weather along the proposed journey, and veterinary inspection of lorries, livestock vessels and of all animals before they travel. Journeys must be notified to the Regional Veterinary Office two days in advance, and veterinary certification will only be provided where the journey complies with all animal transport and animal welfare regulations. This includes a requirement to notify the Regional Veterinary Office of the outcome of the journey once completed, with satellite navigation data from lorries, and the condition of the animals on arrival.
Since the scaling back of COVID-19 restrictions, Department veterinary staff have been accompanying calves on board ferries from Ireland to Cherbourg on a proportion of journeys during the peak spring season for calf export.
The Government supports the live export of animals as it plays an important part in competition in the market-place particularly for cattle. In that context, however, the Government demands the highest standards of animal welfare during transport.
945. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support a request by an association (details supplied) for a national register of farm and forestry contractors by his Department in association with the Revenue Commissioners; and the engagement he has had with this body on this issue to date. [18315/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no legal basis upon which to establish and maintain a register of farm and forestry contractors. However, the sector could decide to self regulate and establish a register of members in its own right.
946. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he and his Department are taking to ensure food supply in Ireland in winter 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18316/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe people of Ireland have shown great solidarity and support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and, on their behalf, the Government will continue to co-ordinate a humanitarian, economic and diplomatic response to the crisis. Ireland is one of the most food secure countries in the world. However, at farm level, the crisis is already impacting on the price of animal feed, fertiliser and fuel. Within the Department, I have established a Rapid Response Team, chaired by the Secretary General, to actively monitor the impacts on agri-food supply chains and to contribute to the whole of Government response to this crisis. I have established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, led by Teagasc, and tasked it to prepare an industry response to the emerging crisis in feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises. I have just launched a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector and a multi-species sward initiative, which together are worth over €12 million in support to Irish farmers. The package is aimed at producing more native crops and reducing dependency on imports, and on producing crops with a low demand for chemical fertiliser. An emergency aid scheme for pig farmers of €7 million opened for applications on 7 March. This will provide commercial pig farmers a payment of up to €20,000 each. The first payments to pig farmers under this scheme began to issue on 25 March. The Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe. I have been engaged with EU Agriculture Ministers since the beginning of the crisis and on 23rd March the European Commission announced, via the communication “Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems”, a range of actions to enhance global food security and to support farmers and consumers in the EU in light of rising food prices and input costs. A €500 million package to support EU farmers most affected includes an allocation of €15.8 million for Ireland, which can be topped up by national funding. I will be examining ways to best mobilise this support as soon as possible, taking account of the detailed requirements and conditionality attached to this exceptional aid provision. I will continue to engage with all our stakeholders and will continue to work across Government, and with our European partners, to respond to this crisis using all of the tools at our disposal. Last year, according to the Economist's Global Food Security Index, Ireland was ranked first in terms of food security across a range of indicators. While my Department are monitoring the situation closely, all indications suggest that Ireland will continue to be a food secure country.
947. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions that are contained in the new CAP programme for Irish rare breeds (details supplied); and if apart from GLAS, which is closed to new entrants, there are schemes available for promoting farmers to keep Irish rare breeds. [18322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that it is important to ensure the preservation and protection of rare breed farm animals as a genetic resource for future generations and for the benefit of agriculture in general.
The current Rare Breeds measure in my Department's GLAS Scheme sets out to retain and, where possible, increase populations of specific rare breed animals to ensure their long-term protection and survival. The scheme encourages farmers to register with a relevant breed society and maintain registered purebred stock during the scheme's lifetime. Payment is made in arrears based on the monthly average livestock units of owned registered animals over the previous recording year. It is envisaged that a grant of similar nature will be included in the new CAP programme.
Similarly, a grant continues to be provided to encourage the maintenance of a number of herds of Kerry Cattle and the creation and maintenance of a sufficient reserve of purebred breeding stock in that regard. The Department also provides a small grant to assist organisations conserve and protect Irish rare breed farm animals.
In addition, the Genetic Resources Grant Aid Scheme (GRGAS) has been in place since 1996. The Scheme has an annual call for projects aimed at supporting the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture. Funding has been provided for a diverse range of projects such as raising awareness and educating the general public in the importance of genetic resources, for participation in internationally recognised research and collaboration with European and other international partners in the field of animal genetic resources. The effects of this grant aid are far reaching and play a vitally important role in fulfilling Ireland's international obligations in relation to the conservation of animal genetic resources.
I believe these schemes show my commitment towards maintaining rare breeds as an important resource that need to be conserved into the future.
948. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in areas in which there are a lot of rock outcrops and limestone pavement, such as the Aran Islands, the Burren and Connemara and in which it can be shown these rocky outcrops and pavements support important lichens for biodiversity reasons, these lands will be eligible for inclusion in farmed hectarage for the purposes of various farm schemes in the new CAP, including the ANC, basic payment and ecological schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18353/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for the various area-based schemes operated by the Department is governed by EU Regulations. One of the specific pillars of land eligibility is that the land must be an agricultural area, which is defined as either permanent grassland, permanent crops or arable land.
However, within the current CAP there is provision for certain non-agricultural areas to be deemed eligible in limited circumstances. The main example of this would be small areas of scrub or rock within the landscape.
At present, where a parcel of land has less than 10% scrub or rock, no reductions are made from the eligible area. Further rules with regard to how these reductions are managed are set out under The Reduction Coefficient Procedure section of the booklet entitled The Guide Land Eligibility which was sent to all Basic Payment Scheme applicants and is available at the following link, assets.gov.ie/120268/2e4c4b6a-62b2-4985-821d-780d2a3ab2b8.pdf
The CAP Strategic Plan was submitted to the European Commission on 31st December 2021 and my Department is currently in discussions with officials from the Commission about the details of land eligibility. One of the specific topics up for discussion is the issue of scattered features such as scrub and rock within parcels and how best to manage and deal with such features.
It is clear that rock and specifically rock in areas such as the Burren and Aran Islands are a critical and integral part of the landscape and will need to be considered carefully in the new CAP.
949. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision in relation to giving a person (details supplied) a 100% penalty in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2021 will be overturned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has a history of using all Artificial insemination (AI) in his herd However, he had recorded a sire as 'unknown' in his records submitted as part of the 2021 scheme. As a result, a query was raised and the person named did not receive his Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) payment for 2021 as it was deemed the scheme requirements had not been met.
However, in light of new information received, my Department has re-examined the case and will now make arrangements regarding the 2021 payment. The person named will be informed of this decision in writing.
950. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of consultants to his Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will provide an outline of the role of each. [18902/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the attached table.
951. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the resources that are available to improve or maintain community centres for use in providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees. [18223/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra952. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding and resources that will be made available to community centres and buildings for continued humanitarian purposes, particularly with regard to a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18224/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 951 and 952 together.
I recently announced the Community Centres Investment Fund. This new capital fund, with a budget of €15m, will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the country. This fund has not yet opened to applications. Details will be available on www.gov.ie/drcd shortly.
My Department also runs a number of smaller capital schemes such as the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which provides small grants to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. Funding is allocated by my Department to each Local Authority area. Further details of the programme can be found on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
With regard to the Ukrainian crisis, my Department is assisting with the humanitarian response by linking with key stakeholders at community level, providing information, assisting the co-ordination of supports through the community sector, and enabling flexibility in programme delivery to shift focus on the response to those arriving into communities.
Ukrainian arrivals in to the country who are seeking accommodation are being accommodated through the International Protection Accommodation Service. My Department will continue to liaise with them and offer any assistance we can – this is a fluid situation which will require a flexible approach.
The premises referenced by the Deputy is being managed by the local authority. The response to COVID-19 showed what we can achieve by working together: national government, local government, and community, voluntary and local development sectors. My Department is coordinating with all our stakeholders, including Local Development Companies, LCDCs, Volunteer Centres, Community Volunteers, and Public Participation Networks, to maximise the effectiveness of the response.
953. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position with regard to a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17483/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €376 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The Athy Food Hub project was approved for funding of €311,159 under the second call for Category 2 applications to the Fund, which was completed in August 2020. The lead for this project is Kildare County Council. Based on progress reports submitted to my Department by the council, development work on the project has been proceeding well.
In December 2021, I announced the opening of the fourth call for Category 1 applications under the Fund. The closing date for applications is 29th April 2022. A guidance document and application form relating to the call can be accessed on my Department's website.
954. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of staff who are presently absent from work on full pay due to suspension or workplace disputes in her Department and in agencies and public bodies within her area of responsibility; the number who have been absent from work for up to three, three to six, six to twelve and over twelve months in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17605/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
I set out below the details of staff who are currently absent from work on full pay, due to suspension or workplace disputes, in my Department and in agencies and public bodies within my area of responsibility.
|
Department/Agency |
Three Months |
Three to Six Months |
Six to Twelve months |
Over Twelve Months |
Absence type |
|
DRCD |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Charities Regulator |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Workplace dispute |
|
Water Safety Ireland |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Western Development Commission |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Pobal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
955. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the allocation of local improvement scheme funding for 2022. [17665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The purpose of the Community Involvement Scheme (CIS) is to facilitate local community participation in the repair of local roads. The focus of the programme is on the repair of more lightly trafficked public roads which might not be high on the list of a local authority's annual roadwork programme.
Towards the end of 2021, my Department invited local authorities to submit applications for Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) for another two year programme for the period 2022/2023. While community contributions in the range 15% to 30% had been required up to 2021 depending on the mix between works and monies, the contribution rate has been reduced to a minimum of 10% for monetary contributions and 20% for works contribution for the 2022/2023 round of funding.
On 15th February 2022 I announced the regional and local road allocations for 2022 which includes funding of €15.2 million for the CIS. Details of the regional and local road grant allocations and payments to local authorities are outlined in the regional and local road grant booklets which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
956. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 17 February 2022, the status of the development of Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; the status of the development of the updated simulation by the National Maritime College of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Development of the Caladh Mór Pier on Inis Meáin is included in the National Development Plan. As the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council are responsible for the development of stage 3 of this project.
As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) were instructed by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour. Galway County Council are collating the technical specifications of the key vessels that use the harbour and this data will be fed into the simulation. It is hoped that the simulation will be completed, and tested with feedback given, by the end of August.
To feed into this process, additional bathymetric studies are also to be carried out in the harbour to gather further data and it is hoped that these will be completed by the end of April. It is important to note that this timeline is dependent on weather and marine conditions.
Once this work has been completed, Galway County Council will incorporate the findings into a draft business case. Following on from this, my Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process.
957. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are indications of the performance of the recently launched connected hubs app further to the report on the funding for digital hubs under the connected hubs funding stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18022/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra966. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are early indications of the performance of the recently launched connected hubs app; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18081/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 957 and 966 together.
Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In May last year I launched the National Connected Hubs network - connectedhubs.ie. There are currently 223 hubs live on the platform with this number rising on an ongoing basis. The network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating companies of different sizes. The platform offers booking and hub management applications to network members.
In late February this year, I launched the Connected Hubs marketing campaign and mobile phone app. This will help to underpin usage by remote workers across the hub network and ensure that they remain as a viable option for workers across Ireland.
To date, these initiatives have delivered positive results. For example, the visits to ConnectedHubs.ie tripled from January to February, with visitors interacting with the website from as far away as the USA. The app has also seen some encouraging traffic. For example, there has been a conversion rate of almost 90% from Android users who searched for the app and decided to download it.
While the marketing campaign and app are still at an early stage, and we will get more comprehensive data in the coming months, those early results are very positive and my officials continue to monitor developments.
To date our focus has been to develop the hub network. With the Connected Hubs marketing campaign now ongoing, the focus has shifted to raising awareness of the network to relevant stakeholders, including SMEs/business owners and new hub users to drive use of this invaluable national resource
The establishment of a National Hubs Network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the ongoing development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
959. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the first funding allocations will be made from the new Community Centres Investment Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18024/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced details of a new Community Centres Investment Fund, this capital fund, with a budget of €15m is to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the Country. The fund will assist with projects such as:
- Energy retrofitting projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint;
- Works to address safety concerns, including as a result of fire safety audits;
- Works to improve disability access;
- Works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities; and
- Essential maintenance.
I expect applications to open shortly. Guidelines and application forms will be available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd. When the assessment of applications is complete later in the year, allocations will be made from the Fund, details of which will be also made available on the same website.
960. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if consideration will be given to widening the Community Centres Investment Fund to include a strand specifically for communities to establish a community centre when none currently exists; if her Department has identified the locations that might benefit from this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18025/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centres Investment Fund will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and development of their existing community centre facilities. This fund is not intended for the construction of new buildings.
However, my Department provides a number of other funding streams which can be used for the improvement and development of Community Centres throughout the country.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications in December 2021, with a closing date for applications of 29 April 2022.
Funding for community centre projects may also be available through the LEADER Transitional programme. This covers the period 2021-2022, and came into effect on 1 April 2021 for new project applications. The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the county.
961. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way that her Department is supporting research into rural development priorities to ensure effective Government policies, especially for persons in the midlands region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 - 2025, places a strong emphasis on the importance of evidence-informed policy making and, in that regard, recognises the value of research in supporting sustainable rural development. The Policy commits to supporting new research into rural development priorities, including in collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and other research organisations.
To strengthen linkages between policy and academia my Department established the Higher Education and Research Network in 2021 with membership from third level institutions and research organisations across the country. The first meeting took place last October and the Network it will meet again on 5 April.
The Network will feed into the development of more effective rural development policy by sharing information with the Department and other members of the Network on ongoing research taking place on issues of relevance to rural areas and by identifying opportunities for the advancement of the rural development agenda, including through research, teaching and collaboration.
I am delighted to say that following the first meeting of the Network, my Department and the National University of Ireland Galway have agreed to collaborate on a seminar series to support Our Rural Future’s objectives regarding advancing higher level research in areas relevant to rural development. The Rural Voices Series provides a platform for Irish academics and key rural stakeholders to present their research or rural projects, allows for networking, and facilitates discussions around key rural issues.
Rural Voices launched in January of this year and seminars are being held monthly. The topics presented so far in the series have ranged from the Our Rural Future policy framework, Northern and Western Regional Assembly Vacancy and Dereliction Analysis, and the potential of rural Social Enterprises as contributors to rural development.
I have also recently announced an exciting new collaboration between my Department and the National University Ireland (NUI) to offer a Government of Ireland-NUI Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Rural Development over two academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24. This fellowship is offered to support post-doctoral research in rural development in general, and specifically research which supports the objectives of the National Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, Our Rural Future.
It is intended that the research project will contribute to the evidence basis underpinning national policies relevant to sustainable rural development, and more generally to enhance research, teaching and learning in rural development in the host institution. The closing date for applications is Friday 8 April and we expect to have a candidate in place commencing the next academic term of September 2022.
Finally, my Department is also exploring research on outcomes for children and young people in rural areas, based on the Growing Up in Ireland dataset and other relevant datasets.
My Department is committed to exploring opportunities to build collaborations and enhance the research across all aspects of rural development. Evidence informed policies can lead to better outcomes for all areas, including the midlands region.
Question No. 962 answered with Question No. 104.
Question No. 963 answered with Question No. 112.
Question No. 964 answered with Question No. 101.
965. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of free Wifi4EU hotspots around the country by county in tabular form; if more of these are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18080/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWiFi4EU is a European initiative, which is co-funded by my Department and the European Commission. The initiative aims to support the development of wireless broadband by providing a high-quality internet service, free of charge, in public spaces such as main streets, public parks, libraries, museums and other public areas of high footfall.
Under the WiFi4EU scheme, local authorities applied through a competitive process to secure vouchers worth €15,000 each to install Wi-Fi hotspots. Local authorities could apply for up to 4 vouchers each throughout the lifetime of the initiative, and they must install a minimum of 10 access points per voucher. Depending on the location chosen, one or more access point may be required in that location.
In all, local authorities have secured 114 vouchers out of a maximum of 124 vouchers available, which makes Ireland one of the most successful countries to take part in the scheme. 30 of the 31 local authorities secured vouchers under the scheme.
My Department is providing co-funding of up to €15,000 for each voucher secured by the local authorities, effectively doubling the value of the investment. It is estimated that over 1,500 WiFi hotspots could be installed at locations across the country under the WiFi4EU initiative when completed. To date, 967 hotspots are live across 21 Local Authority areas and the county breakdown is attached in tabular form.
The EU granted extensions to local authorities due to Covid restrictions in place during 2020 and 2021 to allow time for local authorities to fully complete their projects. The WIFI4EU scheme will be fully completed by December 2022 when it is expected that the remaining local authorities will have utilised the vouchers granted.
WIFI4EU Connections by County
|
- |
County |
Live Connections |
|
1. |
Carlow |
51 |
|
2. |
Cavan |
44 |
|
3. |
Clare |
28 |
|
6. |
Donegal |
60 |
|
7. |
DCC |
108 |
|
9. |
Fingal |
44 |
|
10. |
Galway City |
51 |
|
11. |
Galway County |
26 |
|
12. |
Kerry |
44 |
|
16. |
Leitrim |
51 |
|
17. |
Limerick |
40 |
|
18. |
Longford |
17 |
|
20. |
Mayo |
45 |
|
21. |
Meath |
56 |
|
22. |
Monaghan |
36 |
|
23. |
Offaly |
70 |
|
24. |
Roscommon |
54 |
|
25. |
Sligo |
10 |
|
27. |
Tipperary |
51 |
|
28. |
Waterford |
45 |
|
29. |
Westmeath |
36 |
|
Total |
967 |
