Written Answers Nos. 293-298
296. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is currently planning the introduction of payments and compensation to farmers to reduce herd sizes to meet climate emission targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52275/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established the Food Vision Dairy, and Beef and Sheep Groups this year to advance the actions for the dairy, beef and sheep sector identified in the Food Vision 2030 strategy, taking account of the requirement for the sectors to contribute to achieving the targets set for agriculture emissions in the Climate Act process.
The first priority for both Groups is to fulfil the Food Vision commitment to produce a detailed plan to manage the sustainable environmental footprint of the dairy and beef sector, respectively, including minimising total emissions, while making a positive contribution to improved water quality and biodiversity, in line with Government policy. I have tasked the Groups with providing reports to me as soon as possible. The Groups will then move on to progressing the other important actions for their respective sectors as set out in the Food Vision 2030 strategy.
The Dairy Group has submitted an interim report, which has been published on the Department website, and I look forward to receiving their final report shortly. The interim report on the beef sector is due to be submitted to me in the coming weeks.
I will give careful and full consideration to all of the potential actions outlined in the reports once finalised and submitted to me. I will consult with farm representatives on the outcome of the report.
297. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans, if any, to introduce capital funding schemes modelled on the REDZ scheme to invest in the development and or expansion of local enterprise centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52389/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) are functional, rather than administrative, geographic areas that reflect the spatial patterns of local economic activity and development. They are, in effect, sub-county zones within which most people live and work.
The central objective of the REDZ model was to stimulate economic activity at a local level by strengthening collaborative development between rural towns and their outlying areas.
A pilot REDZ scheme operated in 2015, with a second pilot phase being run in 2016. A total of €9.956m was approved for 98 projects countywide under the REDZ Scheme in 2015/16.
The REDZ approach was incorporated into my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme from 2017. Both this scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are informed, inter alia, by the collaborative aspects of the REDZ scheme. I was happy to confirm as part of Budget 2023 that over €200m has been secured for my Department's Rural Development schemes such as the Town ad Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and LEADER.
298. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will confirm the way the €60 million announced in Budget 2023 to support community and voluntary organisations with energy costs will be allocated; the framework for assistance under same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52396/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector in meeting the high cost of energy currently and is committed to supporting the sector in meeting these costs.
Not-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector are woven into the fabric of community life across Ireland, but they are vulnerable to the impact of increased energy costs.
The recent budget allocated €10m to my Department to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and charities. The framework for delivering this assistance will be developed by my department within the next few weeks to ensure access to support in a timely manner. Additional funding has also been allocated to the Department of Tourism, Sports, Arts, Gaeltacht and the Media to address the challenges faced by not-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Arts, Sports and Gaeltacht sectors.
My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the community and voluntary sector, charities, local authorities and local development companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. I would encourage all groups to engage with Gov.ie, their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
