Holly Cairns
Ceist:230. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to add spinal muscular atrophy to the new-born heel prick test. [33185/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Priorities
Ceisteanna (230)
Freagraí scríofa
The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NBS) Programme is a priority for me, and the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) has been progressing work on this expansion.
The NSAC is an independent, expert committee which makes recommendations to me and my Department on new screening programmes, as well as changes to existing population-based screening programmes, based on international processes and best practice.
The NSAC has been working closely with HIQA, clinicians and other stakeholders, including patient advocates, in setting out the best approach for Ireland in relation to the further expansion of newborn screening.
I am pleased to report recent progress in expanding newborn screening with a ninth condition, ADA-SCID (Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), being added to the NBS programme on 23 May 2022. The NSAC has commissioned HIQA to undertake a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) looking at the addition of other SCID types to the NBS programme. This HTA is underway and I am looking forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee on this condition after the HTA process is finalised later this year.
The NSAC is now well established and recently published its second annual report which detailed significant progress in 2021. The Committee's first Annual Call for proposals for new screening programmes or changes to our existing programmes, received a significant response with a total of 53 submissions received, including on newborn screening. Submissions were received from various sources and are now undergoing consideration by the committee. The NSAC will publish its full work programme once it has completed consideration of all submissions.
Given that this is a complex area careful consideration must be given to the expansion of the NBS programme and these things can take time, however, it is important that decisions are made based on internationally accepted criteria and scientific rigour.
I am aware of how difficult it is for parents whose children have received a diagnosis of a rare disease, and how challenging daily life can be for them, their families and their children. It can be an overwhelming situation and can be very isolating for many families because of the significant work that is involved when a rare disease is diagnosed. I am committed to the further expansion of newborn screening in Ireland and in identifying opportunities for future additions to it.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (231)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:231. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to fill the optometrist role in Cork University Hospital which has been vacant since February 2022. [33186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (232)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:232. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of clinical staff, including breakdown of consultants, in-consultant hospital doctors and therapeutic staff on each CAMHS team in CHO4. [33187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (233)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:233. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 842 of 5 April and 308 of 18 May 2022, the percentage of appointments to senior psychologist posts in the adult mental health services in CHO4 between August 2017 and January 2021 that took place via unadvertised transfers; the details of each of those appointments by unadvertised transfer, that is, the exact service locations and the date of the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33188/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (234)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:234. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 666 of 1 March, 840 of 5 April and 308 of 18 May 2022, the way that fairness and transparency could be attributed to a process of expressions of interest in appointments by transfer of mental health psychologists in CHO4 which were not made known to all candidates through annual personal development plan meetings or by any other formal means and where these opportunities were therefore made known and offered to some psychologists but not others who were equally eligible; his views on the fact that these public appointments took place in a manner that was not covered by HR policy and circumvented relevant national recruitment panels and therefore imposed disadvantage on candidates ranked on those recruitment panels who would have expressed an interest in the posts in question. [33189/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (235)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:235. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if an urgent response will issue and if he will address the decision to downgrade the north east doctor on call services (details supplied) which was put down to HSE underfunding and the proposed downgrading of Navan accident and emergency and intensive care unit services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33227/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
GPs contracted under the General Medical Services Scheme are required by their contract to make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum or deputy, for emergencies outside of normal practice hours. While there is no obligation on GPs to participate in GP out of hours co-operatives as a means of meeting the contractual requirement, most GPs do so as such services facilitate the provision of GP services outside of normal surgery hours and help to spread the burden of this provision.
NEDOC GP out of hours cooperative has informed the HSE of its intention to reconfigure its GP out-of-hours service with effect from August 2022, with no availability of late night in-person GP consultations. The HSE have sought an urgent meeting with the board of NEDOC to discuss the proposed reduction in services.
GP out of hours cooperatives are private organisations. The HSE provides significant funding to co-operatives, including NEDOC, through service level agreements to support the provision of out of hour GP services.
NEDOC have also expressed its concern regarding the HSE’s proposal, which has been made on the basis of patient safety, for the transition of the Emergency Department at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan. Service availability and capacity issues for the area would need to be fully addressed before any proposed transition could take place.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (236)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:236. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of Parkinson’s disease nurse specialists currently employed in the health service per CHO area in tabular form. [33239/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (237, 238)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:237. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will assist a person (details supplied) in their application for residential services. [33242/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:238. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when the promised meeting with a person (details supplied) and a disability case manager to discuss a residential application and gather further information in relation to their case will take place. [33243/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The Minister has no direct function concerning the management of health and personal social services provision to a particular individual.
Under the Health Act 2004, the HSE is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services including services to people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I am referring the question for response to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 237.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (239)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:239. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health the number of women and pregnant persons who required hospital care as a result of untreated hyperemesis or dehydration or other effects of hyperemesis for 2021. [33251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (240)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:240. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if health workers (details supplied) will be included for the Covid-19 bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33253/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. Rolling out the payment to eligible non-HSE and non-Section 38 employees is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered.
Officials in the Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
The Government is mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above frontline workers faced. In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (241)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:241. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to stop Russian imports to Ireland given that Russian associated ships and cargo carrying products made in Russia including agri-food products such as animal feed are still landing on Irish shores; the length of time that it will take to change sourcing of products to other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 5th package of EU sanctions that came into effect on 9 April 2022 and the trade provisions as set out in Council Regulation (EU) 2022/576, amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, include a ban on Russian-flagged vessels accessing EU ports from 16 April 2022. The EU sanction prohibiting Russian-flagged vessels accessing EU ports has an explicit derogation to allow for the import of agricultural and food products.
My Department made four recommendations to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment – as the relevant Competent Authority - for authorisation of derogations under Article 3ea(5) of the Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (as amended) to allow Russian flagged vessels dock in Irish ports. These derogations for imports of animal feed met specific criteria, were in respect of contracted purchases prior to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and have since been landed in Irish ports.
My Department regularly engages with feed industry representatives. Feed import companies have been actively engaged in sourcing alternative feed materials from existing and new sources, and regular commercial activities in this regard are ongoing.
It is not anticipated that there will be a requirement to further rely upon the derogation set out in the EU Regulation, as it applies to the use of Russian-flagged vessels to import feed into Ireland.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (242)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:242. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32839/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have however been advised that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate that an appeal was received from the person named in May 2022.
The Appeals Office requested the file and a statement on the grounds of appeal from my Department and all relevant documentation have been forwarded to the Appeals Office.
I am advised that the Director of Agriculture Appeals has recently assigned the appeal to an Appeals Officer for examination. I have been assured that this appeal will be dealt with in due course.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (243, 244)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:243. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reopen the Rural Innovation and Development Fund to include capital projects such as composters under the waste reduction section. [32840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Sherlock
Ceist:244. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider grant funding for waste reduction capital projects. [32842/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
I would like to acknowledge that the Deputy has clarified that he is referring to food waste in both questions.
The Rural Innovation and Development Fund (RIDF) in my Department currently provides funding for activities or items that relate to the promotion and/or development of innovative food waste reduction pilot projects which are designed to reduce food waste generated by food businesses, retailers, wholesalers or suppliers in rural areas. The full amount of the available funding for food waste reduction projects under the RIDF this year for initiatives aimed at improving sustainability and reducing food waste has already been allocated to four such innovation projects. In that context, funding for capital expenditure is not deemed to be eligible for assistance.
My Department has provided capital funding for the purchase of equipment by the Prepared Consumer Food Centre at Teagasc, Ashtown, which allows food businesses to pilot equipment and to enable adoption of novel technologies concerning food shelf life, packaging and related issues.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is the lead Department for the Government's Climate Action Plan. My Department works closely with that Department, with the Environmental Protection Agency, and with other relevant state agencies in relation to food waste and on the development of the Food Waste Prevention Roadmap.
I am committed to working to achieve reductions in food waste as outlined in the Government’s Food Vision 2030, in the Climate Action Plan and in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 243.
Horticulture Sector
Ceisteanna (245)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:245. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking in response to calls from an organisations (details supplied) concerning the continued need for horticultural peat as a growing medium in the horticultural industry. [33174/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department, in conjunction with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Housing) has developed a series of actions to support the horticultural growers who are dependent on peat as a growing medium.
In these targeted actions which reflect the multi-faceted nature of the problem, my Department is endeavouring to address the short-term issue of supply, the medium term one of future access to peat and also the longer-term issue of replacement with alternatives.
My Department has commissioned an independent expert to work with all peat suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers and to identify sub-30 hectare sites for the extraction of peat that may be used for domestic horticultural use. The independent expert has engaged with the organisation whose details are supplied. Having full information on available peat stocks and the location of sub-30 hectare sites is very important and it is incumbent on those who have this information to fully engage with this work. The work on this action is nearing completion and a final report is expected in a matter of weeks.
My Department has also commissioned experts to provide focused guidance to those wishing to achieve regulatory compliance for extraction of horticultural peat on sub-30 hectare bogs for supply to the domestic horticulture industry. A draft of this report has been received by my Department and will be finalised shortly. It is essential that there is full engagement with the regulatory processes in order to ensure peat supply for the domestic horticulture industry.
My Department, in looking towards the future, continues to support and facilitate research in the development of alternatives to peat for horticulture.
Wildlife Protection
Ceisteanna (246)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:246. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the protections that are in place to preserve the nests of rare birds during nesting season when felling licences are being granted. [33175/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) is Ireland’s national forest authority. The Felling and Reforestation Policy document (www.gov.ie/en/publication/19b8d-tree-felling-licences) aims to provide a consolidated source of information on the legal and regulatory framework relating to tree felling.
Environmental legislation, such as the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, has led to strengthened controls on forestry operations, ensuring that important environmental considerations are fully taken into account by the Department during the assessment of individual felling licence applications. This has included a greater focus on consultation with relevant bodies, the application of various protocols and procedures (including the Forest Service Appropriate Assessment Procedure), and the requirement for applicants on occasion to provide further information (e.g. a Natura Impact Statement).
The Habitats and Birds Directives are transposed into Irish law by (inter alia) the European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011). As required under the Habitats Directive and as set out under S.I.477 of 2011, on receipt of an application for a felling licence, the Department must undertake screening to assess whether or not the project is likely to have a significant effect on a Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, in view of both the conservation objectives of that European site (available at www.npws.ie/protectedsites/) and best scientific knowledge.
If a significant effect is likely, or where uncertainty exists, the Department must either seek a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) from the applicant or carry out an Appropriate Assessment Report itself. Subsequently, the Department will undertake an Appropriate Assessment Determination, primarily to gauge the nature of the impact and the effectiveness of any avoidance or mitigation measures proposed, in order to avoid adverse effects on the integrity of a European site.
Screening for appropriate assessment, and the appropriate assessment itself, must both be carried out in accordance with Regulation 42 of the European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. When carrying out the appropriate assessment (if required), the Department must include a determination under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive as to whether the project would adversely affect the integrity of the Natura site. The assessment carried out under Article 6(3) cannot have any deficiencies or data/information gaps, and must contain complete, precise and definitive findings and conclusions capable of removing all reasonable scientific doubt as to the effects of a project on the European site.The Department can approve the application only after it has ascertained – either at screening or at appropriate assessment – that the project will not significantly affect the integrity of the Natura site.
The Department recognises its responsibilities regarding the conservation of rare birds such as the Hen Harrier, and is fully engaged in the development of the Threat Response Plan, led by the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. We are supplied with geographical location information on High Likelihood of Nesting Areas (HLNAs) from the NPWS, in order to underpin the application of its procedures, which have been developed to avoid disruption to breeding Hen Harrier within designated SPAs arising from certain forestry operations. The HLNA information layer is fully integrated into iFORIS and the QGIS system used by Ecologists involved in assessing applications.
On a case-by-case basis, where the Department becomes aware of the presence of a roost site "through referral responses from NPWS, submissions from third parties or other means" - the Department attaches appropriate conditions to the licence and / or grant approval, if issued.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (247)
Robert Troy
Ceist:247. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the applications for town and village renewal funding for organisations (details supplied). [33034/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country. Since the launch of the Scheme in 2016, almost €113 million has been allocated to more than 1,400 projects across Ireland.
I can confirm an application for funding was submitted to my Department by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2020 Town & Village Renewal Scheme. Funding through the Scheme is awarded on a competitive basis. The successful projects were announced on 8th January 2021 following assessment of the applications by my Department and unfortunately the application in question was unsuccessful.
It should be noted that the 2022 TVRS is now open for applications, with a closing date for the submission of applications of 22nd July 2022. The community group in question may wish to explore the possibility of submitting an application through their local authority for this year's Scheme. It is expected that successful application under the 2022 scheme will be announced towards the end of the year.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (248)
Mary Butler
Ceist:248. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the timeline for the announcements of funding allocations under Rural Regeneration Development Funding to successful applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33066/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 the 29th 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.
Flexible Work Practices
Ceisteanna (249)
Mary Butler
Ceist:249. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to incorporate national regional development policy into the roll-out of the rurally based remote working hubs in an effort to regenerate towns and villages; if such rural regeneration initiatives will facilitate the distribution of public service roles and associated job opportunities to rural towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy was launched in early 2021. The policy recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025.
In furtherance of this commitment, my Department’s focus to date has been on strategically developing a national hubs network, and adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure.
Over €100m has been invested in the development of remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with Local Authorities and Communities with many projects seeing vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages converted into remote working hubs.
In May 2021, I launched our National Hubs Network - Connected Hubs. Connected Hubs is a shared online booking and payments platform for member hubs and their users. There are currently 249 remote and co-working facilities across the State on Connected Hubs. This number is growing all the time meaning we are well on track to meet our target of 400 remote working hubs nationwide by 2025. The network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating companies of different sizes.
The Deputy will appreciate that following the launch of Our Rural Future in 2021, the immediate priority over the past year has been on establishing the national hubs network, putting the necessary infrastructure in place and achieving an initial critical mass.
Following strong progress on the establishment phase of the project with hubs now in place across every county, our focus has now shifted to the next stage of development. This will include working with our enterprise agencies as well as the private and public sector to raise awareness of the Connected Hubs network and its benefits for both workers and employers. To this end, I recently launched a new Voucher Scheme which will allow users who register on ConnectedHubs.ie to avail of three free days working from a Hub between now and the end of August.
Departmental Programmes
Ceisteanna (250)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:250. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will increase in the CAP Strategic Plan budget to all contracted organisations given that there has not been an increase in the core grant in the past 14 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33021/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The LEADER Programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched last year.
The 2014-2020 LEADER programme had a total allocation of €250 million. €225 million of this budget was allocated directly to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This funding was allocated to the LAGs for the programming period rather than on an annual basis to give them greater flexibility to manage their budgets. The balance of €25 million was provided for thematic projects which are approved at national level.
In December 2020, I launched the Transitional LEADER Programme, which came into effect from 1 April 2021 and will run to the end of 2022. A total of €70 million has been made available over this programming period.
An indicative budget of €180 million has been announced for the LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027. When taken together with the €70 million already provided for 2021 and 2022 under the Transitional LEADER Programme, a total of €250 million will be made available for the 2021 - 2027 period, thus maintaining the level of funding provided for the 2014-2020 programming period. The maintenance of the €250m funding allocation will underpin the continued contribution of the LEADER approach in delivering on the Government’s vision for rural Ireland.
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.
The ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders, combined with the funding allocation of €250 million indicated, will ensure that the LEADER programme from 2023 will continue to support and further develop our rural communities and businesses.