Written Answers Nos. 771-790
771. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the European Commission has been notified of the intention of the State with regard to the European Crisis Reserve; the date that farmers can expect to be paid arising from the States intended course of action; the level of co-financing the State intends to utilise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24663/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 23rd March, the EU Commission announced the adoption of exceptional adjustment aid to producers in agricultural sectors which have been impacted by Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The aid provided for was granted as a measure supporting agricultural markets following the transfer of funds from the reserve for crisis in the agricultural sector.
The exceptional aid allocation to Ireland was €15.8 million in EU funding and there are detailed requirements and conditionality attached to this allocation; set out in Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/467 of 23rd March 2022.
On 13th April, I announced the Government's approval for exceptional aid supports of €15.8 million for the pig and horticulture sector, which will be funded from Ireland's EU allocation for exceptional adjustment aid. The approval was for €13 million for the pig sector and €2.8 million for the horticulture sector to support ‘High-wire’ protected glass house producers of tomatoes, cucumber and peppers, field vegetable producers, mushroom producers and commercial apple producers.
Member States are required to notify the Commission of the measures to be taken before 30 June 2022 and to pay the supports by 30th September 2022. My officials are developing the schemes at present in order to deliver a rapid as possible payment to farm families.
In addition to this use of the EU exceptional aid provision, and in acknowledgement of the need to address the multiple impacts of the illegal invasion in Ukraine on food supply chains and food security, significant funding has also been allocated towards Exchequer funded measures including a targeted intervention package for the tillage sector, and the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme.
772. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he expects the requirement for thinning licences to be removed following the legal review of the forestry licensing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24770/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast November, as part of Project Woodland, the Department engaged the services of an external body, Philip Lee and Associated, with expertise in legal and environmental legislation, to conduct a legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing.
This external review is near finalisation and includes a review of the requirement for legal consent for thinning and forest roads, which will be considered by my Department.
Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsibility for the sector, we are committed to delivering continued improvement in the overall forestry licensing area.
773. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all reviews conducted within project woodland are now complete; when he expects to announce changes to the forestry licensing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraImplementation of the Mackinnon report is well under way through Project Woodland, which was established by, Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsbility for the sector, over a year ago to improve the licensing system and deal with the backlog, and to drive forward the planting of trees under a shared vision for forestry in Ireland. I am pleased to report that progress has been made.
All recommendations are actively in progress, with some completed. I will take this opportunity to summarise progress on specific items.
An end-to-end review of the licensing process has been completed and recommendations arising from that review have moved to the implementation stage.
A legal and regulatory review of forestry licensing has been carried out and is near finalisation and a draft report has been presented to the Project Board.
The consultation on the new Forestry Strategy is underway, with a public attitudes survey and a community engagement survey already completed while bilateral engagement with key stakeholders is nearing completion following widespread engagement.
Over 3,000 submissions have been received on an online public consultation on the future of forests in Ireland, which closed for submissions on 27th April. These submissions will be examined in detail over the next few weeks and will feed in to the formation of the new Forestry Strategy and Programme which are due for completion by the end of 2022.
A deliberative dialogue on our forests took place last week, similar in format to the citizens assembly, consisting of 99 citizens representing the general demographic of our population and again, output from this event will feed into the new Strategy and Programme.
Through various initiatives of working group 1 and increased efficiencies and staffing within my Department, the forestry licensing backlog has been reduced by 50%, from over 6,000 at the start of the Project to approximately 3000 licence applications currently.The forestry licensing plan for 2022 details a range of forestry priorities for 2022, the delivery of which will reduce the backlog further.
Pre-application discussions on forestry licence applications, are being piloted across six regions currently while work has progressed on the introduction of an environmental grant to cover additional costs associated with Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive. Sanction is awaited from Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the payment of this grant at form 2 stage.
A training needs analysis for forestry licensing and an organisational review of the Department’s Forestry divisions will be undertaken in 2022, while a communications strategy for forestry, a Forestry Customer Charter and a review of the role of COFORD will also be finalised.
Work under Project Woodland will continue throughout 2022 to deliver on the outstanding Mackinnon recommendations.
774. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to posts on social media (details supplied) connected to a Greyhound Racing Ireland funded greyhound care centre; if Greyhound Racing Ireland is still funding or using this centre; the amount and source of funding paid out to establish and run the centre; and the terms of the contract. [24823/22]
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.
775. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will introduce the tie-up scheme for boats struggling to make ends meet due to the recent increase in the cost of diesel fuel; when the other proposals that he has planned to support fishers will be introduced; if he will consider an income support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24841/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra776. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to introduce a de-commissioning scheme for fishers in parallel with a tie-up scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24842/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra779. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce the decommissioning scheme for boats in the Irish fishing industry from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund that was announced almost one year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24874/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra780. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce the next tie-up scheme for boats in the Irish fishing industry from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund particularly in view of high fuel costs due to the global energy crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24875/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 775, 776, 779 and 780 together.
On 11 May, I was pleased to announce a €24 million voluntary Brexit Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for the polyvalent and beam trawl fleets. The scheme delivers on a recommendation of the 'Report of the Seafood Task Force – ‘Navigating Change’ (October 2021) and is proposed for funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve. The new scheme will help mitigate the impacts of quota cuts for 2022 arising from the Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement and is an interim measure pending the voluntary decommissioning scheme also recommended by the Task Force. The purpose of the scheme is to enable a reduction in quota uptake in 2022 so as to improve quota availability for the fleet overall throughout the remainder of the year.
In light of the further quota cuts taking effect in 2022, I have modified the scheme compared to 2021, so that vessel owners can, if they wish, choose to tie-up for up to two calendar months. This enhanced tie up opportunity will free up additional quota for those vessels continuing to fish, supporting viability in the wider fleet in these challenging times. Payment rates will be the same as for the 2021 scheme. Vessel owners participating in the 2022 scheme will again be required to distribute one third of that payment to crew. The scheme will initially be expected to operate over the period June to October, but I will be asking the European Commission to amend the approval of the scheme to encompass November so as to provide for an additional August/November tie up option.
Since the publication of the Report of the Seafood Task Force, I have implemented a number of its recommendations. Over October to December 2021 I implemented the voluntary Tie-up scheme recommended in the interim report. In January, I launched two of the recommended initiatives for the inshore fisheries sector - a Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme and an Brexit Inshore Marketing Scheme, both designed to assist inshore fishers adjust to the impacts of Brexit. The Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme attracted almost one thousand applications from inshore fishers. Also in January, I announced the launch of a €35 million Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme, designed to help drive economic regeneration and diversification in our coastal communities by renewing the many piers and harbours around our coast that are central to the activities of many small businesses in our blue economy. In March, I announced a €25 million Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme that will make available grants of up to €200,000 to those many blue economy enterprises. Finally, on 12 May I announced a €45 million Brexit Seafood Processing Capital Support Scheme to drive transformational change in our processing sector, fostering greater value adding to the reduced quotas available.
In relation voluntary decommissioning, the report of the Task Force recommended a voluntary scheme to take out up to 60 vessels from our whitefish fleet at a cost of €59 million, in order to adjust our fleet capacity to the reduced quotas available arising from the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. A proposal for such a scheme is presently with the European Commission for its consideration of the scheme in terms of State Aid rules. Subject to State Aid approval I would anticipate a voluntary decommissioning scheme opening for applications in the Summer. A number of other recommended schemes are also awaiting State Aid approval.
777. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 878 of 10 May 2022, if newly purchased stock can be exported directly from their establishment of origin post-purchase; the other time limits that may apply regarding the export of cattle; his views on whether the current pre-export disease testing is sufficient to ensure that diseased animals are not exported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24854/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew rules were introduced across the EU by the Animal Health Law (EU Regulation 429 of 2016), which came into force in April 2021. It lays down rules for the prevention and control of animal diseases that are transmissible to animals or humans, including for diseases which are considered to pose a considerable risk of spread when animals are moved between Member States.
The provisions of this Regulation and Delegated Regulations made thereunder are directly applicable in Ireland, as they are in other Member States.
The new rules are designed to give increased protection against the spread of disease through animal movement over and above the rules which were in place heretofore.
Requirements for operators include ensuring that animals complete a 30 day residency in a single establishment (herd) to be considered eligible to be exported either directly from that establishment of origin where they have established their 30 day residency or through a maximum of three assembly operations prior to departure to another country.
Operators must also ensure that there is a 14-day time limit from the date an animal departs its establishment of origin to its date of departure from the ultimate assembly centre in Ireland for another member state. Additionally, each livestock animal subjected to assembly operations must be moved to their final place of destination in another Member State at the latest within 20 days after the date of leaving the establishment of origin. This allows a maximum six day period to complete its journey to destination in another member state.
In the case of the transport of animals by sea, this period of 20 days may be extended by the duration of the journey by sea (Article 43 (1)(a) of Commission Delegated Regulation 688 of 2020.
The Department has issued detailed guidance to industry by way of a Trader Notice on 4 March 2022,12 May 2022 and 16 May 2022, which outline the relevant requirements.
778. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 877 of 10 May 2022, if there was an easement of restrictions in relation to the importation of pets during the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to facilitating the return home of Irish citizens; if not, if consideration was or has been given to such at any time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24855/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe circumstances created by COVID-19 did not necessitate any change to the rules for the importation of pets into Ireland.
There were no COVID-19 related easing of restrictions in place regarding the importation of pets into Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic.
781. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if disused public buildings will be offered to an organisation (details supplied) in cases in which they are suitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports to the organisations referred to by the Deputy.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current scheme runs from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2022. The organisation referenced (national office) was allocated €270,000 over the three year period of the scheme.
In 2021, Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provided funding of €4.5m for small capital grants to community groups to enhance their facilities and towards the re-opening of facilities. 68 of the organisations referred by the Deputy have received funding to the value of over €126,000 from the 2021 Programme. The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, although details of this programme are not yet confirmed. Updates will be available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/drcd the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for further details on the programme.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to over 200 of the organisations in question since 2018, with small grants totalling over €98,000 awarded. This support is still is available from SICAP.
Regarding disused public buildings, my Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit and has seen over 1400 projects benefit from over €113 million in funding since its inception.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the current scheme prioritises the purchase and/or renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use as multi-purpose spaces. This includes former state owned property that is no longer being used and is made available to the community. Multi-purpose use includes enterprise spaces, arts, tourism, youth hubs and other community uses. I hope to launch the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme shortly and interested applicants, such as the organisation mentioned, should engage with their local authority on any potential projects that might meet the scheme objectives.
In addition, I recently announced the Community Centres Investment Fund. This new capital fund, with a budget of €15m, will support community groups with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. The fund will open to applications on the 7th June 2022 and close on the 14th July 2022. Further details are available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
Funding may also be available through the €70 million LEADER Transitional Programme. This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, came into effect on the 1 April 2021 for new project applications.
782. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a national recruitment campaign can start for the men's sheds in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra790. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an annual grant of €5,000 will be placed at the disposal for an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24715/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra791. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an annual shed sustainability grant of €2,500 will be given to each branch of an organisation (details supplied) in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra792. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an organisation (details supplied) can receive an exemption or rebate on VAT payable on tools, materials and electricity; if commercial rates will be waived for the organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24717/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra793. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a one-off grant of €10,000 will be paid to newly registered branches of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra794. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if significant additional core funding can be given to the branches of an organisation (details supplied) in order that they can meet the demands and support same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24721/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 782, 790, 791, 792, 793 and 794 together.
The 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 provided a range of supports which both Men's and Women’s Sheds availed of, depending on the works being completed.
For example, In 2018 the Community Enhancement Programme provided capital funding for community groups which included €0.5m that was ring-fenced for Men's Sheds and again in 2019, €0.5m was ring-fenced under the programme for both Men's & Women's Sheds. Typical uses included the purchase of equipment and small repairs or renovations.
In 2020, the Community Enhancement Programme received total funding of €7.2m, including €5m under the Government's July stimulus package for repairs and upgrades to community centres and community buildings. Under this programme, 124 men’s sheds projects benefited and received funding to the value of €207,836.
In 2021, the Community Enhancement Programme provided funding of €4.5m for small capital grants to community groups to enhance their facilities and towards the re-opening of facilities. Men's sheds along with other community groups could apply to this funding programme. To date, 68 men’s sheds have received funding to the value of €126,804 from the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme.
The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed. I would advise the local groups to check www.gov.ie/drcd on a regular basis for updates and to also make contact with their Local Community Development Committees for further details on the programme.
In November 2021, the €9m Community Activities Fund, under the Community Enhancement Programme was launched to support community groups impacted by COVID-19. This fund provided funding to 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. Men’s Sheds were free to apply for this funding via their LCDCs. The Community Activities Fund is now closed to applicants. Details of successful projects from each LCDC will be available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 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 is still is available from SICAP.
My Department also funded the Irish Men’s Sheds Association under the COVID-19 Stability Funding in 2020. They distributed €70,424 equally amongst all their member sheds to support the organisation to continue to deliver services despite the challenges brought by COVID-19. The association did not apply for funding in 2021.
Funding for Men’s Sheds may also be available through the €70 million LEADER Transitional Programme. This programme, which will cover the period 2021-2022, came into effect on the 1 April 2021 for new project applications.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current scheme runs from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2022. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association was allocated €270,000 over the three year period of the scheme.
These funding supports are available to all community groups, including Men’s and Women’s Sheds.
783. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the protocol that is in place for the re-use of computer hardware when it is replaced or upgraded within his Department and the bodies under the aegis of his Department; his plans to ensure that this complies with the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24146/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department contracts an accredited electronic waste disposal service provider to securely collect all old computer hardware. The service provider is committed to continuously working to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. Where possible, old computer hardware is refurbished and offered for resale. When this is not possible, all components are recycled in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. My Department will ensure that the current service provider, or any similar future service providers, will also comply with any relevant aspects of the forthcoming Circular Economy and Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2022.
My Department does not keep details of the computer hardware waste management practices in place in the agencies under the remit of my Department. I have asked those agencies for those details, and will forward them to the Deputy separately.
784. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the results of the 2019 public consultation on a review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24129/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department conducted a public consultation on measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland. Approximately 1,000 submissions were received during the public consultation stage and they touched a wide ranging and complex number of issues which required analysis, further consultation with stakeholders and an exploration of approaches in other jurisdictions.
The report "A review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland" is available to view on www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/1e785c-dog-control/.
Some of the issues raised may give rise to changes to existing legislation. My Department is developing amendments to the Control of Dogs Act with a view to its inclusion in the Government's legislative programme.
785. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on works (details supplied) under the small-scale capital works programme; the timeline for these works; when they are expected to conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn September 2020, my Department approved funding of €60,000 for Roscommon County Council for a Small Scale Capital Works Programme project in Ballaghaderreen Library. This funding will support an ambitious and transformative programme of works including the relocation of the children's area into its own dedicated space and the creation of a new dedicated space for young adults/teenagers.
Subsequently, in March 2021 Roscommon County Council approached my Department with a proposal to install the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen Library while it was closed to the public pending the improvement works. My Department recognised this as being a very practical and cost-efficient approach and l was delighted to approve funding of €95,250 in July 2021 for the installation of the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen.
As Ballaghaderreen Library is a listed building and the work under the Small Scale Capital Works Programme includes the removal of a wall, it was necessary for the local authority to obtain a Section 57 Declaration under the Planning and Development Act 2000 prior to commencement of the work. The library authority applied for the Section 57 Declaration on 15 October 2020 and this was granted by Roscommon County Council on 7 December 2020. However, following the approval of the My Open Library funding in July 2021 the local authority were again required to obtain another Section 57 Declaration prior to commencement of the work to install the service. The library authority reapplied for the Section 57 Declaration on 19 October 2021, and on 13 January 2022 the Planning Authority in Roscommon County Council issued the Declaration with the condition attached that:
‘ All works should be carried out in accordance with the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities and Advice Series. There should also be continued expert involvement in the management and site supervision of the works using experienced and skilled workers with adequate and effective supervision’
It is now a matter for the local authority to seek the appointment of a conservation expert for the detailing and specification of the proposed works to ensure best practice in the conservation of this protected building. Roscommon County Council intend to have the conservation expert in place by the end of Q2 2022.
Subject to the appointment of the conservation expert in Q2, works on the upgrade of the library is due to commence in Q4 2022 with the reopening of the refurbished library scheduled for Q2 2023.
My Department has maintained regular engagement with the local authority on this project and while the delay is regrettable, it is important that the integrity of our heritage buildings is protected and that the works do not materially affect the character of the protected structure.
The mobile library has continued to provide a library service in the town of Ballaghaderreen. Following the monitoring of demand for the service, Roscommon County Council has now increased the service from biweekly to weekly.
786. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail an bhfuil sí ar an eolas nár iompair an bád lasta ó Ros a’Mhíl chuig Inis Meáin Dé Máirt an 9 Bealtaine ná Dé Céadaoin an 10 Bealtaine, de bharr droch-aimsire, cé gur iompair an bád paisinéirí ar an dá lá seo; an bhfuil i gceist ag a Roinn an cheist a phlé le pobal agus le lucht gnó Inis Meáin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [24252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta, is le máistir an bhád amháin cinneadh a dhéanamh maidir le sábháilteacht an bháid agus a chriú roimh gach seoladh. Ní mar a chéile seoladh báid paisinéara agus báid lastais, agus is féidir leis tarlú gur féidir le bád paisinéara seoladh nuair nach féidir leis an mbád lastais agus vice versa.
Rinne oifigigh mo Roinne teagmháil leis an gcomhlacht lastais maidir leis an tseirbhís fhóirdheonaithe ó dhug na Gaillimhe go hÁrainn. Dheimhnigh an comhlacht nár éirigh leo an seoladh ó Ghaillimh go hInis Meáin a dhéanamh mar a bhí beartaithe acu don Luan 9 Bealtaine 2022 de bharr drochaimsire agus lag thaoide mhallmhara.
Tá sé dearbhaithe ag an gcomhlacht lastais do mo Roinn go gcuirtear pobail na n-oileáin ar an eolas ar an bpointe má thagann aon athrú ar an amchlár de bharr drochaimsire, taoide mí-fhabhrach nó aon chúis eile, agus go ndéantar an seoladh a cailleadh chomh luath agus is féidir ina dhiaidh sin.
Sa chás áirithe seo, tuigtear don Roinn gur cuireadh teachtaireacht chuig muintir na n-oileán ar an 8 Bealtaine ag 9.00 am chun iad a chur ar an eolas nach bhféadfaí seoladh na Máirte a dhéanamh agus go ndéanfaí an seoladh sin ar an Déardaoin 12 Bealtaine.
787. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way that her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [24313/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who fosters awareness of equality and disability issues among staff and provides support, advice and guidance to staff and managers in ensuring staff with a disability have equal opportunities throughout their career in my Department. The Disability Liaison Officer also facilitates reasonable accommodations as appropriate for employees with disabilities.
As provided for in the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service (the Code), requests for reasonable accommodations are applied for on a workplace accommodations form (Appendix D of the Code). Part two of these forms should be completed by a medical specialist.
In consultation with local management, where appropriate, all requests are considered in the context of supporting the person concerned, but also in the context of what is reasonable and, in accordance with the legislation, will not place a disproportionate burden on my Department.
Examples of reasonable accommodations regularly provided by my Department include specialised chairs and other office furniture, assistive technology required by visually impaired, deaf or dyslexic employees and local arrangements agreed with line managers of staff with disabilities such as reduced working hours.
There are four agencies under my Department’s remit: the Western Development Commission;Pobal; Water Safety Ireland; and the Charities Regulator. In respect of these bodies, information relating to this matter is for the bodies concerned. They are independent legal entities responsible for managing their own corporate affairs and staff matters in compliance with statutory obligations and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
788. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends to exempt voluntary community-based organisations from the need to register with the Charities Regulator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Charities Regulator was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Regulator is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities. The Department of Rural and Community Development has been assigned responsibility for the Charities Regulator. It is important to note however, that the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
Any organisation that meets the definition of a charitable organisation under the Charities Act 2009 must comply with the provisions of that Act.
Proper regulation of the sector and the provision of guidance to the sector, operated independently through the Charities Regulator, protects the charities sector and gives citizens the confidence needed to continue to give generously to many worthy charitable causes.
It is important that we strike the right balance between necessary regulation and proportionate governance, ensuring that a reasonable and fair approach applies.
The draft General Scheme of the Charities (Amendment) Bill was recently approved by Government and published. The Bill proposes to update existing charity law to improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to carry out its statutory functions and ensure greater public trust and confidence in the sector.
789. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which voluntary community groups are ordinarily consulted in the process of developing the National Volunteering Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24551/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025 was published in December 2020. It was the product of extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, including voluntary community groups.
In December 2018, the then Minister of State, Séan Canney, launched a Call for Input paper on Volunteering which was the first step in developing the national volunteering strategy. This was designed to inform stakeholders about the proposed development of the volunteering strategy and seek their views on what constitutes volunteering and what the strategy should contain.
In excess of 130 initial submissions were received in response to the Call for Input, providing strong input for the first draft of the strategy which was then circulated for further comment.
A National Advisory Group, made up of a range of community and voluntary stakeholders as well as Government Departments, was established to develop the strategy. The group worked closely with the Department throughout 2019-2020, during which time there was a further opportunity for stakeholders and the public to input on the matter before the strategy was presented to Government for approval. Over 90 submissions were received as a result of this process - from community groups, individuals and Volunteer Involving Organisations across Ireland.
On 5 December 2020 Mr. Joe O’Brien, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, launched the first National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025. The strategy, produced in collaboration with the community and voluntary and business sectors, provides a vision and road map for both volunteers and those organisations who benefit from the work of volunteers.
The National Volunteering Strategy is being implemented by my Department in collaboration with the Volunteering Strategy Implementation Group which is made up of representatives from other relevant Government Departments, Public Bodies and Stakeholders.
