Thursday, 16 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 553-564

Greyhound Industry

Ceisteanna (553)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

553. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will end the provision of State grants for greyhound racing and ban greyhound exports given the growing movement against the cruelty involved which has prompted the recent announcement by a United Kingdom-based organisation (details supplied) that it is to minimise the importation of greyhounds from Ireland to the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31407/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht 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.

Neglect or causing unnecessary suffering to any animal is unacceptable in our society and my Department is fully committed to the ongoing promotion and enforcement of high animal welfare standards. Animal welfare is central to this Department’s engagements with the greyhound sector and funding to Rásaíocht Con Éireann is contingent on animal welfare measures being implemented.

Since 2021, this Department has ring fenced 10% of the RCÉ allocation from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund for welfare measures including integrity. In December 2021 this Department announced record funding of over €3.7 million to animal welfare organisations including those concerned with the welfare of all canines. The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to double our funding on animal welfare in line with policy priorities, and I am fully committed to this undertaking.

Rásaíocht Con Éireann has informed my Department that it has reviewed the welfare strategy recently published by GBGB. RCÉ is committed to international collaboration with regulators in other jurisdictions to ensure that high welfare standards are maintained in Ireland and abroad. RCÉ’s ongoing commitment to greyhound welfare is manifest in its continued participation in the International Greyhound Forum. Importation and transportation of greyhounds between the two jurisdictions occurs under certification and permit issued by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK and is in line with European Union standards.

RCÉ remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds, and that all necessary resources are being committed to these ends.

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (554)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

554. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and location of rabbit meat farms currently operating in Ireland; the relevant legislation in the area including in relation to slaughtering methods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31460/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has not approved any establishments for the slaughter of rabbits.

The direct supply by the producer, of small quantities of meat from lagomorphs (rabbits) slaughtered on the farm to the final consumer or to local retail establishments directly supplying such meat to the final consumer are bound by the hygiene provisions of Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs and is exempted from the provisions of Regulation (EC) 853/2004.

The slaughter methods permitted for each species, including rabbits are laid down in Annex I of Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing.

Health and Safety

Ceisteanna (555)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

555. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will consider organising a public awareness campaign around the dangers of using rodenticides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31515/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The authorisation and use of rodenticide products in Ireland is regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in accordance with the requirements of the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR - Regulation (EU) No 528/2012).

The process is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves other Member State competent authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Products are authorised for necessary purposes, such as the protection of public health and the protection of food and feed storage areas, if a detailed scientific evaluation demonstrates that they can be used safely. Strict mitigation measures are specified where required to protect people and animals from potential risks, such as primary and secondary poisoning. Mitigation measures vary depending on the nature of the product and the level of knowledge of the intended end user (amateur user, Professional user or Trained Professional user).

The Department works in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to raise awareness among all users of the regulatory requirements for safe use of rodenticide products. Awareness-raising activities are primarily done through the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use in Ireland (CRRU Ireland) group of stakeholders.

This group has a strong focus on promoting best practice to protect wildlife from rodenticide exposure. It has produced numerous resources, including advice and information notes, to inform users of the issues and help them to use rodenticides responsibly. The Department is committed to continuing it’s awareness-raising activities to ensure safe use of rodenticides and will consider the possibilities for developing further engagement .

Forestry Sector

Ceisteanna (556)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

556. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to address the ongoing backlog of forestry licences. [31726/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As the Deputy is aware, in the replies to Dáil question number 476 on the 03/02/2022 and also to Oral question number 120 on the 10/02/2022 the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020. It is our intention to build on this momentum in 2022.

The Deputy may be aware of the main targets set out in The Forestry Licensing Plan published at the start of the year. The Plan sets out a range of forestry priorities set to run for the whole of 2022.

In order to achieve these targets, we have improved our systems, and given the number of files referred to ecology, we have recruited additional ecologists. There are 35 full-time equivalent ecologists working on forestry applications, with 21 dealing with afforestation. We expect the impact of this recent recruitment to become evident at the beginning of July.

As regards progression towards our overall target at the end of Quarter 1 2022, my Department had 3,862 licence applications on hand. Since 1 January, this figure has reduced from 4,803 and from 6,100 in August 2021. This is significant progress and indicates that output is exceeding output i.e. the number of licences issued in Q1 was 1,307 and the number of applications received was 621.

The number of applications with the Department over 120 days as of the weekending 10 June has further decreased to 2,500 applications. The Department has now brought in a policy on time-bound further information requests (FIRs). This will bring it in line with other planning authorities to ensure efficient use of resources. Files with outstanding FIRs over a set time will be removed from the licensing worklist. Reminders will always be sent to applicants to make them aware of the situation with their file.

Along with Minister of State Pippa Hackett, who has overall responsbility for the sector, we expect the weekly output to increase once the full impact of all these measure including the new ecologists becomes evident and it remains my commitment to meet the targets set out in the Licencing Plan.

In the interest of full transparency details of all licences issued by category are available on the weekly dashboard. This is published on the Departmental website and is made available to all interested parties as well as being submitted to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine each week .

Agriculture Industry

Ceisteanna (557)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

557. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will immediately publish the Wool feasibility study. [31727/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I thank the Deputy for the question. The report on the Wool feasibility study has now been received by my Department and will be published very shortly.

Greyhound Industry

Ceisteanna (558)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

558. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown by month and track of all greyhound drug testing from January 2020 to date in 2022, in tabular form as a percentage of starters at each track. [31728/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Rásaíocht 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.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (559)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

559. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that operate in direct contact with members of the public have policies in place for members of the public to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur on the property of his Department or each public body and agency under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31736/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Complaints of the nature referenced by the Deputy would be, and are, taken with the utmost seriousness. The primary recourse for any offences of such a particularly serious nature would naturally be matters for investigation by An Garda Síochana in the first instance.

Other complaints would be covered generally under my Department's Customer Complaints procedures which are available on its website at gov.ie - Customer Service (www.gov.ie).

With respect to the bodies under my aegis, I will make arrangements for the matter to be forwarded to them with a view to a direct reply to the Deputy .

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (560)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

560. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place for employees to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur involving other employees or members of the public or on the property of his her Department or each public body and agency that operate under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31755/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive and diverse work environment for all employees and values each employee both for who they are and what they contribute to the work of my Department.

My Department embraces a work environment where each person can be their authentic self at work, be treated equally and fairly and have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards my Department's business goals.

The Civil Service Dignity at Work policy is the anti- bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy in place for all civil servants. The policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace.

The Dignity at Work policy defines bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and sets out the steps which individuals may take if they believe they have been bullied, harassed or sexually harassed in the workplace. The policy also outlines the recommended complaint procedures which should be followed by individuals in reporting incidents of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

The Dignity at Work policy is available for all staff on my Department's intranet (internal website). A copy of the policy is made available to new employees and information around the policy forms part of their Induction programme.

Having policies in place around bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the Agencies themselves and I have arranged for the Agencies to reply directly to the deputy on this matter.

Departmental Transport

Ceisteanna (561)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

561. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the car and driver expenses in her Department that were claimed by junior and senior Ministers in 2021, in tabular form. [31392/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The Department of Rural and Community Development was established in July 2017.

The details of the car and driver expenses in my Department that were claimed by Ministers in 2021 is set out in the table below:

Expense Claimant	Total Annual Value
Minister of State	€11,110.82
Minister of State's Driver	€1,184.61
Minister's Driver	€3,328.74

No staff members in my department are permitted to claim expenses for the running of a car (such as tax, insurance etc). Mileage is paid as normal in line with the appropriate policy.

Community Development Projects

Ceisteanna (562)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

562. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide funding for another round of the Community Activities Fund in 2022 given the significant increase in energy and running costs for community groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31389/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

The €9m Community Activities Fund was launched in November 2021 to support community groups impacted by COVID-19. This Fund was allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP).

The fund was to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups were also able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community, such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.

This once-off fund was administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The 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.

There are currently no plans to run the Community Activities Fund again, however, it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (563, 564)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

563. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit that operate in direct contact with members of the public have policies in place for members of the public to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur on the property of her Department or public body and agency under her remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31749/22]

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

564. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit have policies in place for employees to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur involving other employees or members of the public or on the property of her Department or each public body and agency that operate under her remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31768/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 564 together.

The Civil Service is committed to protecting the dignity and respect of staff across all organisations. My Department operates under the Dignity at Work policy which is the centralised Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for all of the Irish civil service.

The policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace. The policy has been brought to the attention of all staff and a copy of the policy at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/circular/eaf3ec8c24904a08905f4c2d142f97cc/

This policy sets out how employees of my department can make reports of sexual harassment or assaults that may occur by another department employee.

While my Department does not have a specific policy for making sexual harassment or assaults reports for members of the public, any such reports can be made in line with our customer service policy which is published on the my Department's website, and can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/94a93a-customer-service/

In respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department, information relating to polices in those bodies is a matter for the entities concerned.