Written Answers Nos. 930-945
930. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will consider implementing a scheme to promote the growth of hedgerows on farms considering the positive environmental benefits associated with their growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32331/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra931. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the growth and maintenance of hedgerows on farms will be considered for inclusion under the new rural environmental protection scheme. [32332/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 930 and 931 together.
A new agri-environmental scheme to be known as the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (‘ACRES’), has been proposed as part of Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan which is currently with the EU Commission for approval. We havea committed €1.5 billion in funding for the scheme over the lifetime of the next CAP.
ACRES will be a really exciting and farmer-friendly scheme that will help address biodiversity decline while delivering an important income support for up to 50,000 farm families. This is the highest amount of money ever committed by a Government to a single agri-environmental scheme.
Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through both multi-functional prescription and results-based actions, ACRES aims to contribute significantly to achieving improved biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes. These will be achieved through two approaches under the scheme:
- an ACRES General approach offering a range of actions (both prescription and results-based) for individual farmers to choose from; and
- an ACRES Co-operation Project approach, available to farmers in defined high priority geographical areas, who opt to undertake measures, as well as bespoke farm, and landscape actions. Farmers participating in this approach will have the assistance of a Local Cooperation Project (CP) Team, who will assist with implementation of the scheme at local level.
An outline of the proposed actions was provided at the CAP Information evenings held by my Department earlier this year. As indicated, it is proposed that there will be a range of field boundary actions (including planting new hedgerow, hedgerow rejuvenation coppicing and hedgerow rejuvenation laying) which farmers may opt to undertake under the ACRES General approach. As regards the ACRES Co-operation approach, the local CP Teams will be developing their Local Action Plans and engaging with participants in the relevant areas to determine actions.
It should be noted that approval for Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan is awaited from the EU Commission, so all of the proposals may be subject to change.
932. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to introduce a blanket quarantine period for all dogs coming from Ukraine and eastern Europe in general, given that war refugees still continue to come here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32510/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecognising the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine, temporary arrangements have been put in place to allow people travelling from Ukraine to Ireland to be accompanied by their pets, even if the pets are not in full compliance with EU Travel Regulations.
In accordance with Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and, by way of derogation from the conditions provided for non-commercial movements of pet animals, Member States may, in exceptional situations, authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals which do not comply with the conditions in Regulation (EU) 756/2013.
Temporary exceptional humanitarian arrangements have therefore been put in place for refugees from Ukraine. They are allowed to enter Ireland with their accompanying pets under specific conditions. This includes pre-notification by email the point of entry they will be arriving to in advance and animals must be presented to Department staff at the point of entry for examination.
Where these pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine veterinary services are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. These measures include, as determined to be necessary in each case, microchipping animals, providing tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination.
All non-compliant pets must then be home isolated for a minimum of four months after vaccination, and undergo a blood test, paid for by the Department. Instructions are given to owners in both English and Ukrainian. These exceptional response measures are being kept under review and arrangements for official isolation are available when deemed necessary.
Currently most Ukrainian pets are being subject to home isolation. The Department has been keeping the situation under review. At the current time it is considered appropriate, from a risk management perspective, that a small number of what would be considered as higher-risk dogs would be subject to a period of isolation in kennels.
Decisions on isolation of pets will be based on risk and the number of pets to be placed in isolation will depend on the number of pets entering Ireland. The length of stay in the kennels will be dependent on the animals status on arrival.
It should be noted that the number of pets entering Ireland from the Ukraine has reduced significantly in recent times.
It is important to note that these exceptional measures only apply to accompanied pets from Ukraine.
All other movements of animals (including unaccompanied pet animals, commercial, unknown origin, stray animals, animals from shelters) that do not meet regular requirements for entry, cannot be accepted into Ireland without full compliance with legislatively prescribed health certification.
933. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce a support scheme for the aquaculture industry, using funds available from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund; the measures that can be expected to be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32563/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Seafood Task Force - Navigating Change (October 2021) recommends that funding under both the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and my Department's forthcoming Seafood Development Programme under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund be utilised, as appropriate, to develop Irish aquaculture to mitigate against the negative impacts of Brexit that have been most pronounced in the Irish seafood industry. The Report recommends that graduated grant aid rates should apply so that categories of activity that will be most impactful would be incentivised, with total grant aid support of €60 million being made available for investment. The Reports states that this would stimulate the modernisation of production sites in line with international best practice, increase resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact, advance understanding of market opportunities and innovation capability and develop technical, marketing and management capability.
I am proposing to implement a capital investment support scheme initially with funding under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve in 2022 and 2023, and to implement broader supports for the aquaculture sector through the EMFAF Seafood Development Programme.
The scheme under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve requires State Aid clearance from the European Commission before it may be opened for applications. My Department has submitted the necessary State Aid Notification and a decision from the Commission is awaited. BIM stands ready to implement the scheme without delay once a decision is received.
934. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount that remains unspent in the current European Maritime and Fisheries Fund programme for Ireland; his plans to spend this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32564/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's €240.4 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme 2014-20 has been the principal source of funding in recent years for the sustainable development of our seafood sector. The Programme was adopted by the European Commission in December 2015 and formally launched in 2016. Since then, the Programme has been a great success in distributing funding to support our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors with capital investment, innovation, advisory services, training and marketing supports.
At the end of 2021, the last date for which official data is available, funds of €233.8 million had been committed to projects through grant approvals (97.2%), while funds of €213.8 million had been spent and declared by beneficiaries (88.9%). Implementation of the Programme continues in 2022 and indeed some approved projects will not complete until 2023. My Department, BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta continue to pay out grants in 2022 as approved projects complete. Some limited number of projects may complete under budget, releasing funds for new commitments. In addition, a limited number of schemes remain open for new applications, including training and lobster v-notching, so commitments may increase from day to day. Furthermore, I have given an undertaking to producer organisations to fund their eligible activities as they fall due for payment in 2022 and 2023, and these commitments do not show in the above commitment figures.
By the time the Programme closes on 31 December 2023, I expect full draw down of funds.
935. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that he and his Department have not fully implemented the recommendations from the report by the independent aquaculture licensing review group published in 2017; when these recommendations are intended to be fully acted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32565/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review Group carried out a detailed examination of the existing aquaculture licensing process, undertook comprehensive stakeholder consultation and examined comparative national and international consent systems to determine best practice for managing a complex licensing process in a transparent, environmentally appropriate and legally robust manner.
The Review Group identified the backlog in aquaculture licence applications that existed at that time as the key priority to be addressed. Since then the backlog in relation to shellfish aquaculture licence applications has been effectively eliminated as an issue affecting the industry and priority work is ongoing to address outstanding renewal applications in finfish aquaculture.
In addition, the Department has secured funding from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund to undertake the development of GIS modelling, to include, the spatial mapping of aquaculture sites. This key technical infrastructure is required to underpin the development of an on-line aquaculture licensing facility, as recommended by the Review Group.
The Department’s AQUAMIS (Aquaculture Management Information System) is currently being developed. Phase 1 of the project will see the production of a Public Aquaculture Licence Viewer and this will be available by the end of quarter 2, 2022. The viewer will allow all stakeholders involved in the licensing process as well as the general public to view licenced aquaculture sites.
The further implementation of the Licensing Review Group Report forms an important part of the current Programme for Government and I have requested that an Implementation Programme be prepared in respect of the remaining recommendations of the Report with a view to their implementation, both as they apply directly to the Department and to the Agencies of the Department, and work on this is currently underway. Once prepared, I will consider the proposed Implementation Programme in due course, having regard to the legislative, environmental, technical and public interest issues that arise.
936. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of fin fish processed in Ireland by species in each of the past ten years tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32566/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) publish annually "The Business of Seafood" which provides a snapshot of Ireland's Seafood Sector. This publication includes a section on Seafood processing. As BIM compile the data, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to BIM for direct response.
937. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh faoi iarratas ó dhuine i mo Dháilcheantar (sonraí tugtha) faoin “Scéim um Choigeartú Múnla Gnó Iascaigh Chladaigh Brexit” [32784/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs ceist oibriúcháin í an cheist a chuir an Teachta ar Bhord Iascaigh Mhara a riarann an scéim deontais seo. Tá ceist an Teachta curtha ar aghaidh agam chuig BIM le freagairt go díreach.
938. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the use of grinders is allowed in Ireland with regard to chicks born within the meat and egg industry in Ireland; if it is legally permitted; and if any farms actively use them. [32812/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a high priority for me, and my Department is fully engaged with the ongoing review of the European Union animal welfare legislation.
In Ireland, the laying hen industry does not kill male chicks, as we import the female chicks from the United Kingdom. There is some limited killing of male chicks using maceration in other sectors, for example in the broiler breeding industry. However, the numbers are very small as male broiler chicks are generally suitable for the production of meat.
Maceration of chicks (up to 72 hours of age) is permitted as a killing method under EU law, namely Council Regulation No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing. It must be carried out in such a way that it results in immediate death of the chicks.
This is a topic will be looked at in the context of the ongoing review of the animal welfare legislation at EU level as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy. In July 2021, Ireland supported a German-French proposal that asked the European Commission to carry out an impact assessment on a potential EU-wide prohibition of this practice in the laying hen sector, with a view to better understanding the potential practicalities and implications for the poultry sector.
939. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if chickens in Ireland are imported from other countries in relation to chicks born within the meat and egg industry in Ireland; and if not, if they are bred with sexed semen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32820/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraChicks for the meat industry in Ireland are born in Ireland. They are not bred with sexed semen as both male and female chicks are used in this industry. Chicks for the table egg industry in Ireland are imported as day old chicks.
940. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a grant available for community associations and groups to train volunteers and staff on how to use defibrillators; if not, if she will confirm that her Department will give consideration to providing such a grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31936/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome of my Department's programmes, including the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) can fund the purchase of equipment such as defibrillators. This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed. I would advise the local groups to check www.gov.ie/drcd on a regular basis for updates and to also make contact with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) for further details on the programme.
The LEADER Programme is also a source of funding for rural areas and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. Groups should contact their Local Action Group to determine eligibility.
My Department does not operate a dedicated fund to provide training for volunteers in the use of defibrillators. There are currently no plans to introduce a specific current fund dedicated to this purpose.
941. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the review of measures for the control of dogs in Ireland public consultation that was undertaken in July 2019; the outcome and recommendations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32061/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recently published the consultation report on ‘A review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland’. The report, and a selection of submissions from representative organisations, is available to view at www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/1e785c-dog-control/#review-of-measures-relating-to-the-control-of-dogs-in-ireland.
I intend to take action shortly to respond to the growing concern in rural communities about livestock worrying, and in particular sheep worrying, by dogs which are not under proper control. My Department is currently working on options in this regard, including amendments to primary legislation and regulations relating to on-the-spot fines.
In addition, as a result of this review, my Department is proposing to amend Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 442 /1998 - Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 to include the Presa Canario breed of dog. My Department will also promote a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland, by supporting responsible dog ownership, education and awareness campaigns and the consultation report outlines measures regarding how it is proposed to do this.
942. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will clarify the situation regarding the current tranche of applications under the rural regeneration development fund; when her Department expects to be in a position to approve funding to the successful applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32558/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €377 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The fourth call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on 29 April 2022. My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of over €149 million.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming months.
943. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the proposed budget for the social inclusion community activation programme in 2022 for County Mayo; the current number of participants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP 2018–2023) is the Government’s primary social inclusion programme. SICAP is managed at a local level by 33 Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with support from local authorities. The programme is implemented nationally by 46 Local Development Companies (LDCs) across 51 areas (Lots).
The total current budget for SICAP in 2022 for County Mayo is €1,484,438, an increase of €176,430 from 2021. To date, 374 individuals and 47 Local Community Groups (LCGs) were supported across the three areas in 2022. Further detail in respect of Mayo Lot areas is supplied in the following table.
|
Lot |
Annual Budget 2022 |
No. of Individuals supported |
No. of Local Community Groups (LCGs) supported |
|
Mayo Ballina & Mayo West (29-2) |
€850,099.00 |
165 |
19 |
|
Mayo Castlebar & Claremorris (29-3) |
€584,728.00 |
195 |
24 |
|
Mayo Islands (29-1) |
€49,611.00 |
15 |
4 |
|
Total |
€1,484,438.00 |
375 |
47 |
944. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position with the provision of a food and training hub (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €377 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The hub referred to by the Deputy was approved for funding of €311,159 under the second call for Category 2 applications to the Fund, which was completed in August 2020. The lead party for this project is Kildare County Council. Based on progress reports submitted to my Department by the council, I understand that development work on the project has been proceeding well.
The fourth call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on 29 April 2022. My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of over €149 million. I understand an application for further funding for the hub referred to by the Deputy was submitted by Kildare County Council to this call.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming months.
945. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of connected hubs in north County Kildare under the Government's connected hubs initiative; if Maynooth, Celbridge, Clane and Straffan will be included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In furtherance of this commitment, my Department continues to focus on strategically developing the national hubs network, and adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure.
In May 2021, I launched the National Hub Network together with the platform connectedhubs.ie. The National Hub Network currently comprises of 249 remote and co-working facilities that have been onboarded onto the Connected Hubs platform. This includes 8 hubs in county Kildare, which are as follows:
- National Equine Innovation Centre (NEIC) (Kildare),
- ACDAL Remote Working Hub (Allenwood),
- Newbridge Business Centre (Newbridge),
- The Hub at Ballymore Eustace (Ballymore Eustace),
- Premier Business Centres @ The Osprey (Naas),
- MERITS (Naas),
- Venture House (Ballitore),
- County Kildare Chamber iHub (Naas).
A further 5 hubs in Kildare have also been invited to join the National network, as follows:
- Monasterevin Community Centre (Monasterevin),
- Athy Community Enterprise Centre (Athy),
- AgTechUCD Innovation Centre (Celbridge),
- Clane Project Centre (Clane),
- Business Barn (Leixlip).
Connectedhubs.ie is a shared online booking and payments platform for member hubs and their users. The network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating companies of different sizes. It is expected that, in time, the National Hub Network and the connectedhubs.ie platform will include more than 400 facilities.
In February of this year, I launched the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, allocating €5 million in funding to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in remote working hubs and Broadband Connection Points throughout the country.
On Wednesday 8 June, I announced that 81 projects across the country were successful in securing funding via the Connected Hubs 2022 scheme. This included approximately €250,000 being awarded to the following 5 hubs/BCPs in county Kildare - Kildare Chamber I Hub, Merits, Athy Community Enterprise Centre, the National Equine Innovation Centre and Venture House.
Details of the successful projects can be found on my Department website at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/49822-2021-connected-hubs-fund-successful-applicants/
I have been clear throughout my tenure as Minister for Rural and Community Development that balanced regional development, sustainable and thriving communities, and indeed the wider national economy will all benefit from workers and employers embracing the remote working revolution.
I am committed to ensuring that the National Hub Network will continue to make a central contribution to the achievement of the Government's vision for rural Ireland, as set out in Our Rural Future.
