Written Answers Nos. 1986-2012
1986. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he has taken since being appointed to implement the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority capability review, with a view to enhancing governance issues and considering any other measures that may be necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30638/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the implementation of the recommendations of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority capability review rests with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, which is an independent agency as set down in the 2006 Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006.
The review report was published by the SFPA in April 2020. It included a total of 46 recommendations which, when implemented, will address issues identified to improve the organisational effectiveness of the SFPA. Following the publication of the report, my Department nominated a 3-person independent advisory board, with expertise and/or professional experienced in senior administration, public sector governance requirements and management, not related to the sectors regulated by the SFPA, to assist the SFPA management in strengthening the capabilities of the organisation. This advisory board has no legal responsibility and is solely advisory in nature.
My Department has provided significant additional resources to the Authority in recent years to strengthen the organisation and ensure that it delivers to a high standard on its core responsibilities.
As implementation of the specific recommendations of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) Organisational Capability review is a matter solely for the SFPA, I am accordingly forwarding the Deputy's question for direct response by the SFPA Authority.
1987. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allow farmers under the GLAS low input permanent pasture measure to take a forage crop off in 2022 to meet projected animal feed demands this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I established the National Fodder and Food Security Committee in March of this year. I tasked the Committee with preparing a multi-sectoral response to identify those issues that will arise for feed, fodder, fertiliser and other inputs, and to develop contingency plans and advice to assist farmers in managing their farm enterprises.
I have also brought forward a Memorandum for Information to Government on 3rd May 2022 on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, with the objective of supporting farm families to conserve silage and hay this year to ensure that nationally we have adequate stocks of fodder over 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.
Acknowledging the timely announcement of the various measures to date, the National Fodder and Food Security Committee will continue to advise me in the coming months on issues relating to the security of supply of fodder for the coming winter.
Flexibilities have previously been introduced by my Department in respect of the terms and conditions of agri-environment schemes in order to assist with fodder issues. However there are currently no plans at present for any derogation in respect of the GLAS specifications. Any such derogation would require the formal approval of the EU Commission. As always, the position will continue to be closely monitored by my Department.
1988. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the traditional hay meadow measure under GLAS is eligible for the recently announced silage scheme; if he will bring forward the harvest date to allow for a second crop to be harvested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that on 3rd May 2022, I brought a Memorandum for Information to Government on a proposed Fodder Support Scheme, in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 and the significant impact this has had on the cost of agricultural inputs required to conserve grass for silage and/or hay. Since then, there has further engagement between my officials and officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and I expect to make a further announcement shortly to launch the scheme.
Further details including the terms and conditions will be published at that time. Traditional Hay meadows in GLAS will be eligible for support under the Fodder Support Scheme. However, I currently do not intend to bring forward the cutting date for the Traditional Hay Meadow action in GLAS from 1st July.
1989. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the numbers of greyhounds that suffered injuries, died or were killed at official trials, unofficial trials and sales auctions in the past five years by date and location; the nature of the injuries and deaths; if the affected greyhounds were treated or killed on site or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/22]
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.
1990. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of the number of screening applications that have been received and approved by county under EIA (Agriculture) Regulations since introduced in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30915/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see attached table showing the breakdown for each county of EIA screening applications received and approved between the years 2011 and 2022 (year to date).
Since the introduction of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations, my Department has worked to strengthen the checks being carried out on screening applications under the legislation to ensure a thorough examination of any potential environmental impacts that may arise from the proposed works. In addition, my officials will shortly commence a full review of the regulations and their implementation.
|
County |
2011-2022 Applications Received |
2011-2022 Applications Approved |
|
Carlow |
18 |
15 |
|
Cavan |
22 |
19 |
|
Clare |
20 |
9 |
|
Cork |
123 |
95 |
|
Donegal |
10 |
5 |
|
Dublin |
9 |
9 |
|
Galway |
52 |
27 |
|
Kerry |
28 |
18 |
|
Kildare |
23 |
22 |
|
Kilkenny |
53 |
48 |
|
Laois |
42 |
40 |
|
Leitrim |
11 |
10 |
|
Limerick |
12 |
8 |
|
Longford |
4 |
4 |
|
Louth |
15 |
13 |
|
Mayo |
53 |
34 |
|
Meath |
54 |
45 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
38 |
31 |
|
Roscommon |
13 |
11 |
|
Sligo |
25 |
17 |
|
Tipperary |
91 |
80 |
|
Waterford |
46 |
42 |
|
Westmeath |
29 |
23 |
|
Wexford |
175 |
163 |
|
Wicklow |
18 |
14 |
1991. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he intends to publish the decisions on screening assessments carried out under the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations since December 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30916/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe register of EIA screening applications was updated in September of last year and covers applications received in 2020 as well as decisions made up until March 2021.
My Department intends to publish an update to cover more recent screening applications and decisions in the coming months. The link below can be used to access the latest EIA Screening Application/decisions on the Department’s website.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/91c1b-register-of-eia-screening-application-decisions/.
1992. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the reason that the decisions on screening assessments carried out under the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations are not published in a more timely manner given the requirements of both the EIA Directive and the Aarhus Convention for his decisions to be open to challenge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30917/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe register of EIA screening applications was updated in September 2021 to include applications received in 2020 and decisions made up until March 2021.
In order to meet our obligations under the Aarhus convention, to allow for increased public access to environmental information, my Department releases information on EIA screening applications and decisions on a regular basis under both the Access to Information on the Environment as well as the Freedom of Information legislation.
My officials will publish updated details regarding EIA screening applications and decisions in the coming months on the Department's website.
1993. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a query regarding the retrieval of land for biodiversity purposes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30935/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback disease in October 2012, on imported trees used in forestry plantations, surveys for the disease have been conducted year on year since in forests, horticultural nurseries, garden centres, private gardens, roadside landscaping and farm agri-environment scheme plantings. In recent years, Ash dieback disease has been found to be widespread in all 26 counties. Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the Department has provided support totalling over €7 million to owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash dieback reconstitution scheme (introduced in 2013) and more recently the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS – Ash dieback) introduced in July 2020. We have committed under the Forestry Licensing Plan 2022 to refocus on the delivery of most approvals under the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme. The plantation size appears to be quite small in the details you provided. However to be considered for conversion to another land use a felling licence application would need to be submitted along with a case for conversion of this small area of ash to biodiversity. When received, my officials can then examine the context of the application and engage with the applicant. Please note also that deforestation is subject to planning permission from the Local Authority.
1994. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to help the forgotten farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30938/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ contains a commitment to seek to resolve the issue of support for the category of farmers known as Forgotten Farmers.
I am examining options to address the issue of forgotten farmers both through the next CAP and also through other measures to support this group.
I am committed to helping this cohort of farmers and I will bring forward proposals as soon as possible. Many of these farmers find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own and we will work with them to address this issue.
1995. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the greyhound track attendance figures for 2021 and to date in 2022 by track and a breakdown of the figures into paid entry, free entry and entry by adults and minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31022/22]
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.
1996. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated full-year cost of establishing an island-specific local action group and allocating the maximum monthly LEADER funding to the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched last year which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It is a multi-annual programme for rural development co-funded by the EU through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are well underway and there is ongoing engagement between my officials, colleagues from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the EU Commission with a view to obtaining approval for the CAP Strategic Plan as a matter of priority.
€250m has been made available for LEADER for the period 2021 to 2027. This is comprised of €70 million for the transitional period 2021 to 2022 which came into effect on 1 April 2021 and an additional €180 million from 2023 to 2027. This level of funding is evidence of the Government’s continued support for the LEADER programme.
The question of funding allocations and administrative structures for the delivery of the programme, including those relating to the islands, will be considered as part of that work, having regard to the provisions of the EU Regulations governing the structure of future Local Action Groups.
1997. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated full-year cost of increasing LEADER funding by 10%. [28950/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual EU programme which has a total budget of €250 million over the 7 year programming period 2014-2020. In December 2020, I launched the Transitional LEADER Programme, which came into effect on 1st April 2021 and will run to the end of 2022. A total of €70 million is being made available over this programming period.
An indicative allocation of €180m has been made available for the period 2023 to 2027. When taken together with the €70 million allocated for 2021 and 2022 the LEADER programme will maintain the same level of funding from the 2014-2020 period. This allocation of €250 million shows the Government’s continued support for the LEADER programme.
Activity under the LEADER programme fluctuates on a year-to-year basis depending on the demand for funding, the level of project approvals made by the LAGs, and the stage of the programme’s lifecycle.
There are, therefore, a number of different components to the LEADER funding which have a greater or lesser emphasis at different points during the programming period.
However, an increase of 10% to the overall budget of €250 million available for the LEADER programme as outlined above would equate to approximately €3.5 million increase on average annually.
1998. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated full-year cost of increasing funding for small-scale rural projects, such as CLÁR by 10%. [28951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
A total of €45.2 million has been approved for over 1,800 CLÁR projects since the programme was re-established in 2016.
I launched this year's programme in February with a total budget of €7 million. This represents an increase of €1.5 million, or 27%, on the budget for the 2021 CLÁR programme. Based on the 2022 allocation a 10% increase in allocated funding for the scheme would cost in the region of €700,000.
1999. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications that have been received by her Department under CLÁR funding; and the number of successful applications; and the number rejected by county in each year since 2015. [28952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
CLÁR was re-launched in 2016 following a number of years when the scheme was closed to new applications. Since then, almost 1,800 projects have been supported with funding of over €45.2 million.
The measures being funded under CLÁR 2022 are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’
The 2022 CLÁR programme is now closed for application under all measures and the assessment process has commenced.
The tables below set out the number of applications received, approved and not approved over the period 2016 to 2021 under the CLÁR Programme.
CLÁR Applications 2016 – 2021
|
2016 |
|||
|
County |
Received |
Approved |
Not approved |
|
Carlow |
18 |
18 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
33 |
33 |
0 |
|
Clare |
27 |
27 |
0 |
|
Cork |
82 |
35 |
47 |
|
Donegal |
117 |
78 |
39 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
62 |
57 |
5 |
|
Kerry |
123 |
27 |
96 |
|
Kilkenny |
9 |
9 |
0 |
|
Laois |
24 |
24 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
27 |
20 |
7 |
|
Limerick |
38 |
29 |
9 |
|
Longford |
20 |
18 |
2 |
|
Louth |
8 |
6 |
2 |
|
Mayo |
81 |
38 |
43 |
|
Meath |
7 |
7 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
49 |
29 |
20 |
|
Offaly |
18 |
14 |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
39 |
32 |
7 |
|
Sligo |
51 |
50 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
48 |
43 |
5 |
|
Waterford |
25 |
23 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
19 |
18 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
3 |
0 |
|
Total |
928 |
638 |
290 |
|
2017 |
|
|
|
|
County |
Received |
Approved |
Not approved |
|
Carlow |
5 |
5 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
29 |
12 |
17 |
|
Clare |
21 |
10 |
11 |
|
Cork |
27 |
9 |
18 |
|
Donegal |
36 |
10 |
26 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
28 |
15 |
13 |
|
Kerry |
29 |
8 |
21 |
|
Kilkenny |
15 |
4 |
11 |
|
Laois |
20 |
5 |
15 |
|
Leitrim |
21 |
17 |
4 |
|
Limerick |
24 |
10 |
14 |
|
Longford |
24 |
12 |
12 |
|
Louth |
20 |
10 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
29 |
22 |
7 |
|
Meath |
11 |
4 |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
22 |
16 |
6 |
|
Offaly |
22 |
9 |
13 |
|
Roscommon |
22 |
12 |
10 |
|
Sligo |
23 |
9 |
14 |
|
Tipperary |
25 |
15 |
10 |
|
Waterford |
28 |
10 |
18 |
|
Westmeath |
24 |
3 |
21 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
16 |
4 |
12 |
|
Total |
521 |
231 |
290 |
|
2018 |
|
||
|
County |
Received |
Approved |
Not approved |
|
Carlow |
13 |
10 |
3 |
|
Cavan |
20 |
16 |
4 |
|
Clare |
24 |
17 |
7 |
|
Cork |
29 |
22 |
7 |
|
Donegal |
28 |
20 |
8 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
30 |
22 |
8 |
|
Kerry |
40 |
31 |
9 |
|
Kilkenny |
13 |
11 |
2 |
|
Laois |
18 |
15 |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
24 |
18 |
6 |
|
Limerick |
23 |
14 |
9 |
|
Longford |
19 |
14 |
5 |
|
Louth |
17 |
12 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
44 |
31 |
13 |
|
Meath |
13 |
11 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
20 |
18 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
19 |
13 |
6 |
|
Roscommon |
20 |
14 |
6 |
|
Sligo |
22 |
17 |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
31 |
22 |
9 |
|
Waterford |
18 |
15 |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
22 |
16 |
6 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
18 |
10 |
8 |
|
Total |
525 |
389 |
136 |
|
2019 |
|
||
|
County |
Received |
Approved |
Not Approved |
|
Carlow |
11 |
2 |
9 |
|
Cavan |
26 |
11 |
15 |
|
Clare |
20 |
8 |
12 |
|
Cork |
29 |
8 |
21 |
|
Donegal |
31 |
12 |
19 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
30 |
13 |
17 |
|
Kerry |
35 |
17 |
18 |
|
Kilkenny |
13 |
4 |
9 |
|
Laois |
19 |
4 |
15 |
|
Leitrim |
30 |
11 |
19 |
|
Limerick |
18 |
2 |
16 |
|
Longford |
23 |
14 |
9 |
|
Louth |
9 |
4 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
38 |
18 |
20 |
|
Meath |
8 |
2 |
6 |
|
Monaghan |
19 |
9 |
10 |
|
Offaly |
10 |
2 |
8 |
|
Roscommon |
28 |
12 |
16 |
|
Sligo |
18 |
8 |
10 |
|
Tipperary |
23 |
8 |
15 |
|
Waterford |
20 |
3 |
17 |
|
Westmeath |
23 |
4 |
19 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
13 |
3 |
10 |
|
Total |
494 |
179 |
315 |
|
2020 |
|||
|
County |
Received |
Approved |
Not Approved |
|
Carlow |
12 |
3 |
9 |
|
Cavan |
11 |
9 |
2 |
|
Clare |
16 |
9 |
7 |
|
Cork |
13 |
9 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
15 |
12 |
3 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway |
22 |
15 |
7 |
|
Kerry |
43 |
31 |
12 |
|
Kilkenny |
10 |
2 |
8 |
|
Laois |
12 |
4 |
8 |
|
Leitrim |
12 |
10 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
11 |
4 |
7 |
|
Longford |
14 |
11 |
3 |
|
Louth |
10 |
2 |
8 |
|
Mayo |
23 |
16 |
7 |
|
Meath |
8 |
2 |
6 |
|
Monaghan |
13 |
9 |
4 |
|
Offaly |
16 |
5 |
11 |
|
Roscommon |
19 |
12 |
7 |
|
Sligo |
14 |
9 |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
13 |
4 |
9 |
|
Waterford |
10 |
3 |
7 |
|
Westmeath |
10 |
3 |
7 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
11 |
2 |
9 |
|
Total |
339 |
186 |
153 |
|
2021 |
|||
|
County |
Received |
Approved |
Not Approved |
|
Carlow |
7 |
2 |
5 |
|
Cavan |
12 |
9 |
3 |
|
Clare |
18 |
9 |
9 |
|
Cork |
27 |
11 |
16 |
|
Donegal |
15 |
8 |
7 |
|
Dublin |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Galway |
21 |
11 |
10 |
|
Kerry |
30 |
17 |
13 |
|
Kilkenny |
11 |
2 |
9 |
|
Laois |
14 |
4 |
10 |
|
Leitrim |
16 |
10 |
6 |
|
Limerick |
15 |
5 |
10 |
|
Longford |
15 |
10 |
5 |
|
Louth |
12 |
2 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
27 |
11 |
16 |
|
Meath |
12 |
4 |
8 |
|
Monaghan |
14 |
9 |
5 |
|
National Organisations |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
12 |
4 |
8 |
|
Roscommon |
14 |
8 |
6 |
|
Sligo |
14 |
8 |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
14 |
4 |
10 |
|
Waterford |
14 |
6 |
8 |
|
Westmeath |
10 |
4 |
6 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
9 |
3 |
6 |
|
Total |
357 |
162 |
195 |
2000. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated full-year cost of increasing funding for rural development, regional affairs and the islands by 5%, 10% and 20%, respectively. [28953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total gross allocation provided to my Department in 2022 is €378.5 million. This total allocation is split across three programme areas, with €202.3 million allocated to the Rural Development, Regional Affairs and the Islands programme area. The full year cost of increasing funding for this programme area by 5%, 10% and 20% is outlined in the below table.
Funding for this programme area in 2022 is more than double the €93.4 million in funding which was available in 2018. This demonstrates the Government's commitment to this policy area, with schemes such as Town and Village Renewal, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Local Improvement Scheme all benefiting from these funding increases and supporting rural development throughout the country.
|
€, m |
Total allocation |
Cost of increase |
|
2022 Estimate |
202.255 |
n/a |
|
5% Increase |
212.368 |
10.113 |
|
10% Increase |
222.481 |
20.226 |
|
20% Increase |
242.706 |
40.451 |
2001. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated full-year cost of increasing funding for the local improvement scheme by 10%. [28954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Scheme is funded into the future.
From 2017 to 2021, my Department allocated €80 million towards improvement works on over 3,000 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 13,300 landowners and residents in these rural areas. I was pleased, as part of Budget 2022, to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS from €10.5 million to €11 million this year.
I announced details of the €11 million 2022 LIS Scheme in early April and approvals have issued for works to commence. Based on the 2022 allocation a 10% increase in allocated funding for the scheme would cost in the region of €1.1 million.
2002. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the estimated cost of establishing a training fund of €100 per staff member for all community, rural development projects and charity sector employees. [28955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019, the Department of Rural and Community Development published Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities. This strategy describes a long-term vision for our communities and sets a general direction of travel for government policy in relation to supporting communities and the community and voluntary sector.
Specifically, the strategy commits to support community groups and organisations to identify and meet their training needs, and to implement a formal programme of training to meet these needs and support capacity in groups and organisations.
In order to deliver on this commitment, a research project into the training needs of the sector is currently underway. Three separate reports will examine
- The training needs of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs);
- An assessment of the skills gaps of voluntary boards of mid-sized organisations;
- An assessment of skills gaps across smaller community & voluntary groups.
The findings and recommendations arising from these research reports will inform decisions in my Department and across Government on how best to support the training and development needs of the sector.
In the meantime, training for the sector is being addressed in a number of other ways across my Department and across Government, including significant funding from the National Training Fund, administered by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The number of persons employed in the community, rural development projects and charity sector is not readily quantifiable. However, the strategy itself, using data from the Charities Regulator’s Registered Irish Charities Social and Economic Impact Report 2018 , confirms that charities support some 290,000 employees. Using this figure as a guide, a training fund of €100 per employee would cost in the region of €29,000,000. It should be noted however, that not all organisations working in the sector operate as charities registered with the Charities Regulator, therefore the figure provided is a conservative estimate.
2003. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the manner in which her Department supports agricultural shows; the individual shows supported; the allocation and expenditure from 2018 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2018 my Department has provided funding of over €2 million to the Irish Shows Association for Agricultural Shows throughout Ireland. The Agricultural Shows support programme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 as part of “Our Rural Future"
I recently announced an increase in funding to €700,000 for 2022 to support the return of the agricultural shows after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. Some 120 events are set to benefit and I hope that this funding will help put the shows on a firmer financial footing and provide vital support to the committees responsible for organising the events throughout the country.
I am delighted to be able to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and dedication that goes into every show and I am pleased that the Irish Shows Association (ISA) is once again working with my Department to administer the funding.
Based on returns from the ISA, the table below sets out the amount drawn down in respect of each show over the period 2018 to 2021. As the allocations are based on vouched expenditure, individual allocations per show are not available yet for the €700,000 support provided in 2022. On average each show will attract funding in the region of €5,000-€6,000. In 2020/2021 shows were not run due to ongoing public health restrictions, but reduced funding was put in place in light of ongoing costs which arose at that time.
A full directory of the Shows is published on the ISA website.
|
Agricultural Show |
County |
2018 Grant |
2019 Grant |
2020/2021 Grant |
|
Adamstown |
Wexford |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ardara |
Donegal |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,284 |
|
Ardrahan |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Arva |
Cavan |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Athenry |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Athlone |
Westmeath |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Ballina |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ballinalee |
Longford |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Ballinamore |
Leitrim |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ballinasloe |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ballinrobe |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Ballivor |
Meath |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ballyconneely Agri Show |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Ballyconneely Performance Show |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€3,000 |
€300 |
|
Ballyfoyle Show |
Kilkenny |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ballygarvan |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ballyshannon |
Donegal |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ballyvourney/Coolea |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Bandon |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,500 |
|
Bannow & Rathangan |
Wexford |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,500 |
|
Bansha |
Tipperary |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Bantry |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,500 |
|
Barryroe |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Belgooly |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Beltra |
Sligo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€540 |
|
Black & Amber Welsh Pony Show |
Kilkenny |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Blennerville Pony Society |
Kerry |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Bonniconlon |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,000 |
|
Boyle Summer Show |
Roscommon |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€955 |
|
Bridgetown |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Cappamore |
Limerick |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Carbery/Skibbereen |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Carnew |
Wicklow |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Cashel |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€858 |
|
Castleblanney |
Monahan |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Castlegannon |
Kilkenny |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Castlerea |
Roscommon |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€818 |
|
Charleville |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,000 |
|
Clare Galway Show |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Clarecastle |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Claremorris |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Clifden |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€300 |
|
Clonakilty |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,500 |
|
Clonaslee |
Laois |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Clonmany |
Donegal |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Clonmel |
Tipperary |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,500 |
|
Connemara Performance Show |
Galway |
€3,500 |
€3,000 |
€300 |
|
Cork Summer Show |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,500 |
|
Corofin |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Corradulla |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Dingle |
Kerry |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Dundalk (Louth County Show) |
Louth |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Dungarvan |
Waterford |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,500 |
|
Dunmanway |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Elphin |
Roscommon |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Enniscrone |
Sligo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Ennistymon |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Erris |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Finn Valley |
Donegal |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Flavours of Fingal Show |
Dublin |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,355 |
|
Galway |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€0 |
|
Glenamaddy |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Glencar |
Kerry |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€800 |
|
Glencolmcille |
Donegal |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Gorey |
Wexford |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Gort |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Granard |
Longford |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Grange |
Sligo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Inishowen |
Donegal |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Inniscarra |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Irish Pony Breeders Show |
Dublin |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Iverk (Piltown) |
Kilkenny |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,500 |
|
Jamestown |
Leitrim |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€0 |
|
Kerry Bog Pony Show |
Kerry |
€7,000 |
€2,500 |
€0 |
|
Kildysart |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Kilgarvan |
Kerry |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Kilmacanogue |
Wicklow |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Kilrush |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€687 |
|
Kingdom Co Fair Tralee |
Kerry |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Leap |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€421 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Longford |
Longford |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Loughrea |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Louisburgh |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Maam Cross Show |
Galway |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€981 |
|
Manorhamilton |
Leitrim |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Marina Fay Minature Show |
Kildare |
€3,500 |
€5,000 |
€675 |
|
Meenacross |
Donegal |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Midland CP Breeders |
Westmeath |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Midleton |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Moate |
Westmeath |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Mohill |
Leitrim |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Mount Brisco Rare Breed |
Offaly |
€3,500 |
€2,500 |
€300 |
|
Mountbellew |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Mullagh |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Mullingar |
Westmeath |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
National Dairy Show |
Cork |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€2,500 |
|
Nenagh |
Tipperary |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Newbridge College Show |
Kildare |
€3,500 |
€3,000 |
€404 |
|
Newcastlewest |
Limerick |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Newmarket-on-Fergus |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Nobber Show and Fair |
Meath |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€2,000 |
|
North East Connemara Pony Breeders |
Meath |
€3,500 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Oldcastle |
Meath |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Oughterard |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Riverstown |
Sligo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Roundstone |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Scariff |
Clare |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€754 |
|
Schull |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Seo Chapallini Carraroe |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€300 |
|
Skerries (Irish Association of Welsh Pony Cob Society Show) |
Dublin |
€3,500 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Strandhill |
Sligo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€360 |
|
Strokestown |
Roscommon |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Swinford |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Taispenatas Cois Fharraige (Spideal) |
Galway |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Rolesstown Show |
Meath |
€0 |
€3,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Thomastown |
Kilkenny |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Tinahely |
Wicklow |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,000 |
|
Trim |
Meath |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Tullamore |
Offaly |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,500 |
|
Tullow |
Carlow |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,816 |
|
Tydavnet |
Monaghan |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€2,000 |
|
Virginia |
Cavan |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€3,000 |
|
West Cork Horse Breeders |
Cork |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,100 |
|
Westport |
Mayo |
€7,000 |
€5,000 |
€1,500 |
|
Wexford Summer Show |
Wexford |
€0 |
€0 |
€1,100 |
2004. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the divisions and units that operate within her Department; the agencies that operate under its aegis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information the Deputy is seeking is available in my Department's Corporate Governance Framework document which can be found on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/0ae718-corporate-governance-framework/.
2005. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress that has been made since the formation of Government regarding the liability of farmers with land that is accessible by the public for hill-walking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29107/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA National Outdoor Recreation Strategy (NORS) is currently being developed by my Department in conjunction with Comhairle na Tuaithe. The Strategy, which is due to be launched before the year end, will provide a vision and an overarching framework for the growth and development of outdoor recreation in Ireland.
As part of the development of the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, my Department have been engaging with the Department of Justice in relation to potential amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995 . In light of landholders concerns regarding indemnity and recreational access, the recently published proposed amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act are most welcome.
My Department has, for some time, also been examining how best to introduce a scheme to indemnify private land owners in upland areas who allow access to their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and my officials have been actively engaging with the Attorney General on this matter, having most recently met on the issue in early May 2022. My Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as has been proposed would require legislative provision and that a number of separate pieces of legislation might need to be amended.
In light of the complexities involved, my officials have been considering alternative approaches, including an insurance solution, to address the matter on an interim basis. Through this process, a public liability insurance policy was secured by my Department for the two existing Mountain Access Project areas, the MacGillycuddy Reeks in Kerry and Binn Sléibhe in Galway, and came in to effect in August 2021. This pilot solution was developed in consultation with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is being implemented on a two year trial basis.
This pilot policy as well as the proposed amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act represents a substantial step forward on this matter.
2006. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to receive a report on rural-proofing; if it will be immediately published; when she intends to bring forward proposals having considered the report, as committed to in Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29108/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades.
The policy contains more than 150 measures for delivery across the whole of Government, with the underlying theme of economic, environmental and societal sustainability.
The policy has a vision of ensuring vibrant and thriving rural towns and villages, with a key objective to maximise opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses in rural areas. It recognises that rural areas play an integral role in the economic, social and cultural recovery and wellbeing of the country.
The policy commits to developing an effective rural proofing model. This will aim to ensure that all departments fully consider the effects of new proposals on rural communities and the need to better target the particular challenges and opportunities facing rural areas.
Following a competitive tender process, my Department engaged independent consultants to fully examine the issue of rural proofing in Ireland in order to provide a strong evidence basis for further action. Their work included consideration of rural proofing initiatives internationally so as to inform our approach based on the experiences of others.
The consultants have now provided my Department with their final report which will be given full and detailed consideration to determine the next steps. My objective is to deliver an effective, efficient and implementable rural proofing model that will support rural policy development and ensure that we capitalise on the opportunities for rural areas to the greatest extent possible.
2007. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of stage 3 of the development of An Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; and the schedule of works for An Caladh Mór; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29173/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra2013. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of stage 3 of the development of An Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; the schedule of works for An Caladh Mór; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29608/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2007 and 2013 together.
The 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 is responsible for the development of stage 3 of this project.
As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) was instructed by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour. Galway County Council has collated 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. This will be a multi-beam mapping survey, which will be highly detailed, but requires suitable conditions to be carried out. Galway County Council advised my Department at a meeting between officials last week that, due to unsettled weather and marine conditions, the bathymetric survey has not yet been completed. It is hoped that conditions will settle in the next week or so, allowing for completion of the survey.
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.
2008. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the State agencies, organisations or boards under the responsibility of her Department or that receive funding from her Department that have been charged negative interest by financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced; the amount of interest that has been charged to each State agency, organisation or board in 2021 in each of the preceding years in which such charges were applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs regards the four agencies under my Department's remit, I have provided details below in respect of Pobal and the Western Development Commission (WDC). The Charities Regulator and Water Safety Ireland have not incurred any interest charges for savings on deposits in financial institutions since negative interest rates were introduced.
I am not in a position to respond in respect of negative interest charges or other financial charges incurred by organisations that receive funding from my Department as that is a matter for those organisations.
Western Development Commission
WDC has incurred €82,565.52 since the inception of negative interest rates on accounts in 2018; this includes bank accounts held by the Western Investment Fund. The summary breakdown per annum is included below:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
€11,552.21 |
€8,709.87 |
€16,618.94 |
€45,684.50 |
€82,565.52 |
It should also be noted that positive interest of €28,958.70 was earned in 2021.
Pobal
The table below identifies the interest costs charged to Pobal since negative interest started being applied from February 2017 and is followed by notes provided by Pobal on the figures provided in the table. It should be noted that Pobal operate a wide range of schemes and programmes on behalf of a number of Government Departments, and the negative interest incurred relates to funds deposited as part of operating all of these schemes.
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
€102,576.78 |
€161,262.80 |
€132,312.04 |
€201,792.30 |
€329,692.55 |
€927,636.47 |
Notes:
- Negative Interest started being charged to Pobal from March 2017 relating to the month of February 2017, i.e. a month in arrears at a rate of -0.40%.
- Negative interest incurred increased from 2017 to 2018. This is because there was a full year charged in 2018. Also, some programmes had expanded in 2018 resulting in more funds being on hand.
- It reduced in 2019 as a result of holding less funds on hand and measures undertaken by Pobal to reduce the level of negative interest charged.
- It increased in 2020 due to Departments frontloading of funds when the Covid-19 pandemic started.
- In 2020 the negative interest charge was increased to -0.65%.
- The negative interest charge increased in 2021. This was due to an increase in overall funds managed by Pobal during the year, principally Early Years programmes as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Also, the negative interest rate of -0.65% was in place for the entirety of 2021, while it had been partly -0.40% and partly -0.65% in 2020.
2009. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if any former Secretary Generals are seconded from her Department; the locations of same; the purpose of the secondment; the remuneration they are in receipt of from her Department or additional allocation to the agency or institution to which they are seconded arising from the secondment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29270/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was established in July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland. I can confirm that since its establishment, no former Secretary General has been seconded from my Department.
2010. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial support or grants that are available for a rural school to build a small all-weather sports facility on its grounds for the use of its students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
Multi-Use Gaming Areas (MUGAs) and astro-turf facilities were eligible under Measure 1 of the CLÁR 2022 Programme. This measure is administered at a local level by local authorities. A condition of the CLÁR programme is that any facilities funded on school grounds must be open to the public outside of school hours.
The 2022 CLÁR programme is now closed and the assessment process has commenced for all measures. I would encourage potential applicants to engage with their local authority with a view to submitting an application under future CLÁR Programmes. Support may also be available under the capital investment support schemes for schools implemented by the Department of Education.
2011. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the person or body that can access the dormant accounts fund; if the school completion projects access this fund; the way in which they can apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29366/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development has responsibility for the overall administration of the Dormant Accounts Fund, with individual Government Departments responsible for the delivery and administration of their own measures. All measures funded must be in line with the objectives set out in the legislation, that is, measures that address economic, social or educational disadvantage or support persons with a disability. The measures to be funded are identified each year in annual Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plans, all of which are available here www.gov.ie/en/collection/769773-dormant-accounts-fund-annual-action-plans-and-reports/.
The 2022 Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan approved funding for 42 measures across 10 Departments, up to a total of €55.5 million. There is currently no measure that funds school completion projects.
As noted, each Department is responsible for identifying and delivering of their own measures within their policy areas. Organisations access funding through the application processes specific to each relevant measure.
Within my own Department, the total voted allocation for Dormant Account measures in 2022 is €12.57 million. This supports measures including Rethink Ireland, Supports for Social Enterprise, the Senior Alerts Scheme and Supports for Volunteering. Relevant organisations can access funding through regular calls by Rethink Ireland, and through the supports for social enterprise, which includes a grant funding scheme administered by Pobal.
2012. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to dog licensing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29475/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo breed of dog is banned in Ireland. However, the relevant legislation in this area, the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, sets out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 set out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, have to follow. Such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age, when in a public place.
Concerns had been raised regarding the overall approach to the regulation of restricted breeds. Some stakeholders asserted that more breeds should be added to the list – especially given the newer breeds that have arrived in Ireland over the last number of years. Others believed that a different approach should be taken which would focus on the behavioural issues of individual dogs, rather than specific breeds and should move away from muzzling.
Following a review of this policy area, including a public consultation process to which over 1,000 responses were received, my Department recently published on gov.ie the report on ‘A Review of Measures relating to the Control of Dogs in Ireland’. A selection of the submissions received were also published alongside the report.
My Department is now identifying any necessary legislative amendments that may be required with a view to inclusion in the Government legislation programme.
