Written Answers Nos. 724-743
724. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when GLAS payments for 2020 and 2021 will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26181/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into the GLAS 2 scheme with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2016. Payments subsequently issued for scheme years 2016 – 2019 inclusive.
Processing of the 2020 and 2021 scheme year payments are at an advanced stage and we expect payments to issue shortly.
725. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and his Department officials to ensure that a reasonable proportion of the community benefit funds paid by offshore wind energy companies to meet their responsibilities under the renewable electricity support scheme is ring-fenced for the benefit of fishing communities and fishing organisations nearest to those wind energy sites. [26231/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe arrangements for community benefit funds for offshore renewable energy projects come under the
Renewable Electricity Support Scheme operated by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. I am aware that a consultation was held on the terms and conditions of the Offshore Competition under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme late last year. The proposals published indicated that all offshore wind energy developments would be required to make community benefit fund contributions to a central national fund to which offshore marine communities could apply.
Neither I nor my Department has been asked to seek any ring fencing of this fund. I understand that the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications has already advised the Deputy that his Department is developing final Terms and Conditions which will include provisions for the proper regulation and management of Community Benefit Funds associated with offshore wind projects, where the local community can participate in fund decision-making inclusively and equitably, including local fishing and seafood stakeholders.
In the meantime, I understand that seafood representatives have been involved in the Offshore Renewable Energy Advisory Group convened by Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. I would urge those representatives to use that platform to voice any particular requests or asks they have on offshore renewable energy policy matters.
726. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 878 of 10 May 2022, if the implementation of the delegated regulation has been deferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26247/22]
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.
Animals are required to 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.
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 4th March 2022 , 12th May 2022 and 16th May 2022 which outline the relevant requirements. Introduction of this legislation will be required to ensure that Ireland remains in compliance with its obligations as a Member state, However, noting recent challenges to live exports due to unavailability of ferry and lairage capacity, which were outside the control of the exporters, it has been decided to temporarily delay the introduction of the '14-day rule'.
727. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to an appearance of the Minister of State at the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on 13 April 2022 (details supplied) the results of his engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the replacement of broadleaf with conifers on sites under 10 hectares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26248/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCircular 5 of 2021, issued by my Department, outlined the situations where planning permission from the Local Authority is required when replacing Broadleaf High Forest with Conifer species and when planning permission is not required. My Department is continuing to engage positively with the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), who are drafting legislation with the objective of removing the planning permission requirement in cases involving the replacement of broadleaf with conifers on sites under 10ha.
728. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the recent observation letter of the European Commission regarding the states draft CAP Strategic Plan as it relates to forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26249/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the recognition given to the important role of forestry in the recent observation letter from the European Commission. As the Deputy may be aware, a national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. Extensive public consultation process on the new strategy is under way.
The new Forest Strategy for Ireland will underpin a new Forestry Programme in the form of an Implementation Plan for the Strategy for the period 2023 - 2027. The support and enhancement of forest ecosystem services including carbon sequestration potential and biodiversity contribution will be delivered through the mechanism of this Implementation Plan.
The new Forestry Programme will be 100% exchequer funded and due to the long-term nature of forestry, it is considered the best option to continue to deliver the Forestry Programme entirely separately from the CAP Strategic Plan, subject to new State Aid rules rather than the requirements of the CSP regulations.
The interlinkages between the CAP Strategic Plan and the new Forestry Programme are well understood. These two significant programmes will provide the mechanisms to deliver for farmers, rural communities and for society as a whole.
729. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times the application window for the organic farming scheme has been extended in 2022; the dates of such extensions; the number of applications received by week; the targeted number of total participants in 2022; the targeted number of new participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26250/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Organic Farming Scheme opened for new applications on 9th February 2022 with an original closing date of 8th April 2022. This closing date was extended once to 22nd April 2022.
The table illustrates the number of applications received by week
|
Week |
No. of Applications |
|
9th Feb - 13th Feb |
Two |
|
14th Feb - 20th Feb |
One |
|
21st Feb - 27th Feb |
Three |
|
28th Feb - 6th Mar |
Three |
|
7th Mar -13th Mar |
Five |
|
14th Mar - 20th Mar |
Eight |
|
21st Mar - 27th Mar |
Eight |
|
28th Mar - 3rd Apr |
21 |
|
4th Apr - 10th Apr |
108 |
|
11th Apr - 17th Apr |
37 |
|
18th Apr - 22nd Apr |
184 |
|
Total |
380 |
A budget of €21 million was allocated to the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022, an increase of €5 million from the previous year. The total area applied for in 2022 will not become clear until Basic Payment Applications are verified however it is estimated that an additional 17,000 ha will be farmed organically in 2022.
730. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to submit the State’s plan to the European Commission regarding expenditure from the European Crisis Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26258/22]
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 30th 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.
731. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by his Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26331/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been no instances in my Department of formal investigations being required under the terms outlined by the Deputy in his question.
The Department always emphasises the importance of confidentiality in relation to the relaying of sensitive information or in response to requests for information from individuals, the media or the political system.
732. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he has to facilitate farmers trading carbon credits; if he intends to establish a verifiable framework to record and manage net carbon sequestration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26352/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the commitments set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021, my Department is leading on the development of an enabling carbon framework with the potential for trading, and which rewards farmers for emissions reductions and removals, including through potential private sector investment.
Development of a carbon farming framework is very much in line with the EU’s policy direction and in December 2021 the European Commission published its communication on Sustainable Carbon Cycles (ec.europa.eu/clima/eu-action/forests-and-agriculture/sustainable-carbon-cycles_en) outlining a roadmap for the adoption of both nature-based and technology based carbon storage solutions. The upcoming proposal from the European Commission for an EU regulatory framework for the certification of carbon removals will be an important communication in this regard.
To gain a deeper understanding of relevant issues, I have convened a Carbon Farming Working Group initially draw on expertise from across semi-state and governmental Departments to explore opportunities for the development of practices which encourage the removal of carbon in line with developments at EU level.
Development of a carbon farming framework will require the establishment of baseline data, auditing, the development of voluntary carbon codes, leveraging of private financing through public/private partnerships, and the putting in place of governance structures.
Like many other EU countries, Ireland is beginning to develop experience and knowledge in this area. I have recently provided funding through for initiatives such as the establishment of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory, the Pilot Soil Sampling Programme and the Farm Environmental Scheme along with a number of European Innovation Partnership (EIP) research projects, to provide the required data for the development of future policy options in this area. In addition, the Woodland Environmental Fund (WEF) run by this department is an early example of an initiative which makes a payment for ecosystem services, including carbon capture.
Carbon farming is an area that will become a crucial part of the future of farming in this country. I know this will be a real opportunity for farmers to derive a new income stream for their farm and I will drive this very exciting opportunity forward.
733. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to address the incompatibility of CAP agri-environmental schemes with farmers planting forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26353/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assure the Deputy that afforestation by farmers is compatible with the Agri-Environmental Schemes offered by my Department. 682 GLAS participants planted a total of 3,702ha of forestry between 2016 and 2021. The Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot Programme (REAP) will run to the end of 2022.
While parcels brought into REAP may not be converted to forestry during the term of the REAP contract, it is not a whole-of-farm project. Afforestation opportunities continue to exist for REAP participants on parcels that have not been selected for the project.
My Department fully recognises the need for afforestation to be complementary to the CAP Agri-Environmental Schemes. Newly planted forestry will continue to qualify for the new Basic Income Support Payment, subject to the underlying rules for eligibility for the afforestation Single Payment Scheme (SPS).
As outlined in the CAP Strategic Plan, various tree planting actions have been included in the Pillar II Agri-Environment Climate Measure (AECM). Furthermore, the planting of trees or participation on agroforestry or native woodland establishment schemes will qualify the applicant for higher status in ranking and selection thereby giving the applicant a greater chance of being awarded an AECM contract.
As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to a new national Forestry Programme for the period 2023-2027, which will be the main implementation vehicle of the new Forest Strategy. This new Forestry Programme will focus on the importance of climate smart forestry and new afforestation will be encouraged in pursuit of climate, water, biodiversity and commercial objectives
An amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas. This amendment was necessary to remove the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting.
The exemption for the creation of up to one hectare of native woodland would be available through a scheme which my Department now intends to design and implement. It is hoped that such a scheme will contribute to the stated policy goal of incentivising small-scale tree planting and of re-engaging farmers with afforestation.
734. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that are being taken to ensure that Irish beef farmers receive a price commensurate with that paid to their European Union counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26355/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy knows, the nature of all markets, particularly in export dependent sectors such as Irish beef, is that prices will fluctuate. However, our beef is a world-class product and our suckler and beef farmers have a commitment to excellence.
I am acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs. The Department continuously monitors the market situation for beef and other agrifood commodities, with a view to responding to crisis situations where possible.
The Bord Bia export benchmark, which is an indicator that takes account of prices for cattle at different grades and categories in the main export markets for Irish beef, indicates that the Irish composite price has been lagging behind the EU export benchmark since January and as of 14th May the Irish composite price was 9c/Kg lower than the EU export benchmark. Recent data from my Department for the week beginning 2nd May shows the Irish R3 Steer price at almost 8c/kg above the EU Average price (497c/kg versus 489c/kg for the average EU (14) price).
I have raised concerns in relation to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on agrifood supply chains at the extraordinary informal meeting of European Union Agriculture Ministers held on 2nd March and at successive AgriFish Councils.
At these meetings I underlined the need to closely monitor supply chains to ensure an effective and functioning Single Market, and to be ready to consider any measures that may help to alleviate the difficulties caused.
The Commission has already announced a number of support measures, including the introduction of private storage aid for the pigmeat sector, a new exceptional aid support package making available a fund of €500 million for affected sectors, increased payment advances in 2022 and a new temporary State Aid framework.
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.
More generally for the beef sector, the Department provides a range of financial aids to support beef farm incomes and to support economic and environmental efficiency. The core support for the beef sector under the outgoing RDP is the €300 Million Beef Data and Genomics Programme. In addition to this support, since 2020, over €260 million of extra supports were made available specifically to the beef sector. These supports are additional to the more general supports that beef farmers can avail of under the current RDP including ANCs.
I am closely monitor the evolving situation and I am actively engaging with the EU Commission, across Government and with industry as this situation unfolds. This is period of considerable challenge for our sector. I have taken a proactive approach, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
735. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address concerns raised by pig farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur pig farmers have always been remarkably resilient but I am acutely aware of the unprecedented challenges that Irish pig farmers are facing at present and I am cognisant of the impact this is having for farmers across the country. The continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for me, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context.
While the average grade E pig price has improved somewhat, currently standing at €166.94/100kg, input costs have also continued to increase, with compound feed now at €500 per tonne, meaning that producer margins remain under significant pressure.
My officials are continuing to engage closely with the various industry sectors to monitor the identified risks and work towards mitigation actions where possible and appropriate.
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.
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.
736. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of sellers and suppliers of pets and animals who have registered with his Department in 2021 and to date in 2022; the details of plans to target the sale and distribution of animals through illicit puppy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraConcern for the safety and welfare of pet animals was one of the primary reasons behind the introduction by my Department of the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 681/2019).
These Regulations put into law certain requirements for sellers and suppliers of pet animals, including minimum ages for sale of certain mammals; record-keeping; registration with the Department; and the provision of certain information about the pet being advertised. The Regulations were welcomed by welfare organisations.
Extracts from the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises (name of seller or supplier, registration number and the county of the premises used in connection with the sale and supply of pets) are published on the Department's website at gov.ie - Rules on the Sale, Supply and Advertising of Pet Animals (www.gov.ie). The Department's website has additional guidance for potential pet owners thinking of acquiring a pet, further supporting potential purchasers in making informed decisions.
There were 1,247 pet sellers and suppliers registered on the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Pet Animals and the Register of Premises at the end of 2021. An additional 277 have registered in 2022 as of 20th May, 2022.
The requirement to register with the Department as a seller or supplier of pet animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pet Animals) Regulations 2019 does not apply to a person who is required to register with their local authority under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Dog breeding establishments are regulated under that Act and fall under the remit of the Minister for Rural and Community Development. The controls relating to these establishments rest with that Department and the relevant local authorities.
Any evidence of animal cruelty or neglect of an animal’s welfare should be brought to the attention of my Department by calling the animal welfare helpline on 076 1064408 (Call Save) or 01 6072379 or by emailing animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
737. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that his Department is taking in conjunction with the relevant agencies to put adequate supports in place for the farming and livestock sector to ensure sufficient fodder supplies and prevent a fodder crisis in the coming winter months. [26468/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with the main farm organisations and Teagasc on 8th March 2022 to discuss the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on Irish agriculture and supply chains.
At that meeting, I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee and tasked it with preparing 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.
Following the first meeting of this Committee, Teagasc issued advice to farmers on how to manage their farms during the current grass growing season with a view to securing sufficient fodder for next winter. The advice includes applying sufficient fertiliser on grassland and crops, on the basis of a fodder budget for winter 2022 so as to ensure sufficient fodder is conserved. In addition, Teagasc commenced a nationwide advertisement campaign giving advice to farmers along with extensive engagement with farmer clients.
The Deputy will be aware that on 3rd May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, with the objective of supporting farm families to conserve silage and hay during summer 2022, to ensure that there are sufficient stocks of fodder in the country for next winter.
This scheme will require approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department is continuing to engage with that Department on the funding aspects of the scheme. I expect to announce further details on the proposed scheme shortly.
The proposed Fodder Support Scheme is in addition to the €12.2 million Targeted Intervention Package I announced on 22nd March 2022. That financial support and those currently under discussion will assist farmers in providing sufficient fodder for winter 2022.
I remain committed to standing by our farm families during this time of crisis.
738. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds that were injured at racetracks from 1 January 2022 to date; the nature and date of the injuries at the tracks at which they occurred; the number euthanised by track vets; the number and the causes of additional racing fatalities; and if post-mortems were carried out. [26484/22]
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.
739. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the budget allocation for each of the 12 afforestation schemes in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26557/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine allocated a total of €94,245,000 capital budget to the afforestation and support schemes for 2022. Of this allocation €86,945,000 was allocated to the afforestation programme which provides €30,480,000 for 8,000ha of new planting in 2022 under all 12 Grant and Premium Categories (GPC) and €56,465,000 to service existing afforestation contracts, through annual premiums payments; second instalment and management grants for forests planted in previous years.
The remaining €7,300,000 was allocated to the support schemes including Forest roads, Reconstitution, Woodlands Improvement Scheme, Neighbourwood Scheme and Native Woodland Conservation scheme.
The Deputy may be aware that the afforestation scheme is demand led and furthermore as forestry is a multi-annual scheme yearly premia may be accumulated. Currently our capital spending is in line with our projections for year to date. The Department will continue to closely monitor expenditure versus anticipated spend throughout 2022.
|
Forestry Capital Expenditure |
2022 Allocation |
|
Afforestation Programme Total |
€86,945,000 |
|
Afforestation Programme (Liabilities including premia and 2nd grants) Sub Total |
€56,465,000 |
|
Afforestation Programme (New Planting Grants and First premium) based on target of 8000 hectares and across all 12 Grant and Premium Categories. Sub Total |
€30,480,000 |
|
Support Schemes. Including Forest Roads, Reconstitution scheme, Woodlands Improvement Scheme, NeighbourWood Scheme, Native Woodlands Conservation Scheme. |
€7,300,000 |
|
Total |
€94,245,000 |
740. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding will be approved for the LEADER Food Initiative in County Kerry in order to fund a number of projects (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25728/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Food Initiative is administered at local level by Local Action Groups (LAGs) with overall funding allocated at a national level by my Department. Project applications are in the first instance considered at local level, with subsequent final project approval signed off by my Department on a first come first served basis. As with all funding programmes, there is a finite budget available for allocation under this measure.
With regard to the projects referred to by the Deputy, my Department understands that while a number of applications were being considered by the LAG no project applications were awaiting the final approval of the Department at the time the LEADER Food Initiative funding budget was exhausted in December 2021.
My Department is keeping the delivery and drawdown of funding awarded under the LEADER Food Initiative under review and should any unutilised funding become available as a result of this review, consideration will be given to running a new national funding call later in the year.
741. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an extension will be granted by her Department to the deadline in respect of a project under the streetscape enhancement scheme (details supplied). [25738/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn August last year, I launched the 2021 Streetscape Enhancement Measure. The aim of the Measure is to improve the visual appearance of our urban streetscapes, which will bring about growth and increase confidence in our towns and villages, and make them more attractive places to reside in. Under the Measure I allocated €7 million to Local Authorities to support activities such as painting (including murals), signage replacement, shopfront improvement, lighting, and canopies.
The original date allocated for the completion of works was mid-November 2021. This date was then extended to 31 December 2021, and Local Authorities were subsequently offered the autonomy to allow works that experienced serious delays a further extension up to until 31 May 2022 to complete.
While it is acknowledged that the project referred to by the Deputy has encountered difficulties which have delayed the commencement of the works, unfortunately no further extensions can be granted. However, it should be noted that there will be a further opportunity for Streetscape works in 2022 and that towns previously included in the 2021 Measure are not precluded from partaking in the Measure in 2022.
742. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application (details supplied). [26221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Charities Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions under Section 14 (3) of the Charities Act 2009. Neither I nor my Department have any role in the decision making process of the Regulator, particularly with regard to the registration of charities and whether they are operating in accordance with regulations. That is entirely a matter for the Regulator and any queries should be raised directly with the Regulator.
743. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by her Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26344/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established in July 2017. In the intervening period, there was one instance in which a list of projects that were successful for funding under a scheme administered by my Department was released in error by Fáilte Ireland in advance of the official announcement of the successful project applicants.
My Department requested Fáilte Ireland to investigate this release of information which occurred in February 2020. It was subsequently found that a Fáilte Ireland employee had inadvertently acted in a manner which resulted in this information getting into the public domain prior to the agreed announcement date. I understand that Fáilte Ireland initiated a full review of its procedures in response to this finding.
