Written Answers Nos. 895-914
895. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered expanding his proposed silage scheme to include those with a mixed beef dairy farm and small-to-medium sized dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35840/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fodder Support Scheme was launched on 15th June 2022. The €56 million nationwide scheme aims to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) to ensure Ireland does not have any animal welfare issues over the coming winter and next spring. Securing sufficient fodder will be more of a challenge in the beef and sheep sectors than it is for the dairy sector. There is currently no plan to expand the Fodder Support Scheme to expand the scheme.
The Scheme is open to farmers who meet all the eligibility criteria set out in the Terms and Conditions. To be eligible for the fodder support scheme a farmer must have eligible grassland declared on their 2022 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application, including grassland that is Area of Natural Constraints (ANC) Category 1 land.
The land applied on must be land on which either hay or silage is cut and conserved on before 05 September 2022. Tillage land is not eligible for the scheme. The payment rate will be up to €100 per hectare, up to a maximum of 10 hectares with the maximum potential payment of up to €1,000.
Online applications for the Fodder Support Scheme is now open. Farmers wishing to apply can do so either themselves or through their advisor up to 2nd August 2022 by logging on to agfood.ie. The full Terms & Conditions of the Scheme and a Frequently Asked Questions document are also now available the Departments website www.gov.ie/agriculture.
896. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the bodies under his aegis in which persons will receive a pay rise from 1 July 2022; the role of each where appropriate, or the anonymised salaries bands otherwise, the current remuneration and the proposed increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that Circular 15/2022 was issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 5th July 2022. This circular sets out the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) pay restoration salary rates for certain General Service Grades in the Civil Service in accordance with the relevant legislation with effect from 01 July 2022.
As regards the 12 State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
897. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Ministerial direction provided to Horse Racing Ireland with regard to the expenditure of its allocation of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35873/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) as provided for under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
My Department makes payments from the Fund to HRI and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ). This is distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, with 80% allocated to HRI and 20% to RCÉ.
Following Oireachtas approval of the Fund my Department issues a "parameters letter" to HRI advising the body of the allocation from the Fund and the split between current and capital funding distribution. The letter also advises HRI that it must comply with certain conditions in relation to this funding.
These conditions include compliance with obligations under legislation and the various Codes and directives issued by the Government and by my Department.
In 2022, HRI will receive €70.4m from the Fund of which €14.7m will be for capital spending and €55.7m for current spending. In relation to the allocation of €55.7m for current expenditure, no more than 80% is to be applied for prize money and a minimum of 20% is to be applied for integrity services. As part of this process HRI is also requested to provide formal assurances to my Department in relation to the previous years' allocation from the Fund.
898. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated to Horse Racing Ireland from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund by year since 2012, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35874/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The information the Deputy has requested is detailed below.
Contribution to Horse Racing Ireland from the Horse and Greyhound Fund
|
Year |
€ |
|
2012 |
45,032,000 |
|
2013 |
44,016,000 |
|
2014 |
43,376,000 |
|
2015 |
54,400,000 |
|
2016 |
59,200,000 |
|
2017 |
64,000,000 |
|
2018 |
64,000,000 |
|
2019 |
67,200,000 |
|
2020 |
67,200,000 |
|
2021 |
76,800,000 |
|
2022 |
70,400,000 |
899. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total prize fund of Horse Racing Ireland since 2012; the amount initially announced and any revisions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35875/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI and I have requested my officials to refer the question to them for direct reply.
900. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total grants provided by Horse Racing Ireland by racecourse and by year since 2012, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35876/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI and I have requested my officials to refer the question to them for direct reply.
901. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the revenue raised by Horse Racing Ireland since 2012; the amount held by Horse Racing Ireland; the amount provided to racecourses by year and since 2012 by racecourse in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35877/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI and I have requested my officials to refer the question to them for direct reply.
902. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation made by Horse Racing Ireland’s to its prize fund; the allocation to the prize fund from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund; the allocation from commercial activity by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35878/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI and I have requested my officials to refer the question to them for direct reply.
903. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36038/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeer within the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts, which falls within the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Deer may be controlled by landowners in accordance with the Wildlife Acts, by way of licensed hunting. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) considers applications and where appropriate, issues licenses to allow the hunting of wild deer. Landowners may apply directly to the NPWS for these licenses.
I acknowledge the challenges associated with wild deer populations in certain parts of the country. In this context, and in cooperation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, my Department is currently establishing a Irish Deer Management Forum, where stakeholders will be convened to develop a holistic strategy to the management of the wild deer population.
904. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a BEAM scheme will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36099/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland. The granting of the aid was subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
Just over 33,000 participants, including the person named, joined the scheme and, in doing so, gave a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021, compared with the reference period of 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019 as recorded on the Department's AIM system.
In light of the difficulties some farmers were experiencing in meeting this reduction arising from COVID-19 Government Public Health restrictions, I secured a new reduction. From 19th March 2021, BEAM participants were able to select the alternative reduction period of 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 over which to meet their 5% reduction. This facility remained open until 21st June 2021 and some 16,000 BEAM participants opted for the deferred reduction period.
The person named applied to defer the reduction period and therefore his reduction period was 1st January 2021 - 31st December 2021. Following the end of that reduction period, my Department undertook a series of administrative and compliance checks to ensure that the commitments farmers had entered into under the BEAM Terms and Conditions had been met.
In the case of the person named, the commitment to reduce the bovine livestock manure nitrogen by 5% was not met and, as a result, all BEAM payments made to him were to be recouped.
The person named was informed of this decision by letter, which also advised him of his right to request a review of the decision if he so wished. To date, no such request has been made.
905. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal under the beef exceptional aid measure scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36135/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) was to provide temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland. The granting of the aid was subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
Just over 33,000 participants, including the person named, joined the scheme and, in doing so, gave a commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 as compared with the reference period of 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019 as recorded on the Department's AIM system.
In light of the difficulties some farmers were experiencing in meeting this reduction arising from COVID-19 Government Public Health restrictions, I secured a new reduction period, from 19th March 2021. BEAM participants were able to select the alternative reduction period of 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 over which to meet their 5% reduction. This facility remained open until 21st June 2021 and some 16,000 BEAM participants opted for the deferred reduction period.
The person named applied to defer the reduction period and therefore his reduction period was 1st January 2021 - 31st December 2021. Following the end of that reduction period, my Department undertook a series of administrative and compliance checks to ensure that the commitments farmers had entered into under the BEAM Terms and Conditions had been met.
In the case of the person named, the commitment to reduce the bovine livestock manure nitrogen by 5% was not met and, as a result, all BEAM payments made to him were to be recouped.
The person named was informed of this decision by letter which also advised him of his right to request a review of the decision if he so wished. The person named contacted my Department to request a review of the decision and a decision on that review issued to him on the 4th March 2022, upholding the original decision and advising him of his right to appeal the outcome to the Agriculture Appeals Office. To date, no such appeal has been received.
906. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1977 of 14 June 2022, if he will clarify a matter with the appeals section of his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position as advised to the person named and in the response to Parliamentary Question No. 1977 of 14 June 2022 has not changed. My Department still awaits receipt of the late applications which will be reviewed in conjunction with the medical evidence which was submitted. If the person named wishes to proceed with the request for a review he must submit the necessary documents.
A member of staff from my Department will make direct contact with him again to explain in detail and provide assistance to the person named.
907. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds in the racing dog pool as recorded on the race management system for each of the years from 2015 to date in 2022. [36145/22]
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.
908. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of racing greyhounds exported to the United Kingdom for each of the years 2010 to date in 2022; the number of racing greyhounds exported to the UK that were registered on the race management system in Ireland; and the value in euros of these exports. [36146/22]
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.
909. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provisions in place to track dogs that fail to produce a qualifying time and are therefore not presented for racing on the traceability system operated by Rásaíocht Con Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36147/22]
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.
910. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if only racing greyhounds with at least one race record in Ireland will be tracked by the new traceability system operated by Rásaíocht Con Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36148/22]
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.
911. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that must be carried out before dredging work can begin as part of the development of the deep-water quay at Ros na Mhíl; the length of time the tendering process for the dredging contract is anticipated to take; when it is hoped that the said dredging work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has procured the services of consulting engineers and the detailed design for the Deep Water Quay Project is at an advanced stage. Additionally, the consulting engineers will manage the tender process for construction works, supervise the construction works, and in due course handover completed construction works back to my Department. My Department is being advised by the consulting engineers on the schedule of the different elements of the project including the dredging and construction works.
The tender for the dredging element of the works is in the final stages of preparation and is expected to be issued in the coming days. Until the tender process has been completed, I am not in a position to accurately estimate the commencement date of the works.
912. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the options for funding that are available to an organisation established to respond to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees given that it has been deemed not eligible to apply through the Ireland for Ukraine fund due to it only being established in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced additional funding of €10.5 million for the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine.
Some €5 million in funding is being provided to the Local Development Companies through the SICAP Programme. Additionally, €500,000 is being allocated to support our volunteer centres, which have been dealing with a huge demand for services since the start of the war in Ukraine.
The remaining €5 million is being allocated to the Ireland for Ukraine Fund, which is a fund administered by the Community Foundation for Ireland. The eligibility criteria for this fund is set by CFI.
As with all Government funding, organisations applying for funding must show a track record of appropriate governance arrangements and demonstrate the capacity to effectively target and utilise funds. In the case of new groups set up to address a particular issue, I would urge them to consider aligning with an established charity already operating in the area providing the kinds of practical supports and assistance that the Ukrainian people need at this time.
From the outset of the crisis, my Department has supported the community response to people arriving from Ukraine. For example, in Wexford, every flexibility was given in relation to the SICAP Programme from the time of the first arrivals into the county. This enabled SICAP paid staff in local development companies focus on providing the immediate supports that the new arrivals needed, particularly in Rosslare as a point of entry into Ireland.
Funding in the amount of €25,000 was also made available to the Wexford Volunteer Centre given their unique role in the front line reception centre in Rosslare. This funding enabled the volunteer centre to source an additional resource for a six month period. This was provided in advance of the allocation of €500,000 to volunteer centres nationally referred to above.
913. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of former civil servants who are currently serving on State boards under her remit; the number of former county managers and chief executive officers of local authorities who are currently on each of the State boards under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33859/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has four agencies under its remit. They are Pobal, the Western Development Commission, the Charities Regulatory Authority, and Water Safety Ireland. I have set out the details the Deputy has requested in relation to each board below.
Pobal
There are no former civil servants, county mangers or chief executives of local authorities on the board.
Western Development Commission
There is one former chief executive of a local authority on the board.
Charities Regulator
There are no former civil servants, county mangers or chief executives of local authorities on the board.
Water Safety Ireland
There is one former civil servant on the board.
914. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline any supports for a private commercial concern who wishes to develop a remote working hub in a rural town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35263/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur 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 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 some 250 remote and co-working facilities across the State on Connected Hubs, including both private and publicly run 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.
Over €100m has been invested in recent years in the development of remote working facilities through programmes implemented by my Department. For example, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, many applications focusing on the development of remote working hubs have been developed and submitted by local authorities in consultation with local community and business groups. Similarly, my Department has provided some €14m over the course of the 2021 and 2022 Connected Hubs Call for public and privately owned hubs to develop their capacity and facilities.
The LEADER programme may also be of relevance to the Deputy's question. The LEADER programme is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. A feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.
Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. This theme focuses on driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy, and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community. Funding may be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project referred to by the Deputy.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department’s website.
