Written Answers Nos. 710-729
710. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible for additional measures to be provided through ACRES for farmers on free-draining land who are limited by the current options provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60181/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027.
There are two approaches available to farmers under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach or the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding, with the eligibility for each outlined in the Scheme Terms and Conditions available on the Department’s website at gov.ie - Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) (www.gov.ie).
Land included in the ACRES Co-operation approach falls within eight identified zones, which comprise of high nature value farmlands.
The approaches, and the options available under each, have been designed to address a range of objectives and it is considered that there is a wide range of actions from which a farmer may choose.
The ACRES Co-operation is mainly a result-based programme, so forage parcels located in the Co-operation Project (CP) zone can be scored using habitat scorecards and a payment rate will apply depending on the score.
Once the land has been scored there will be an opportunity to select appropriate actions. There is a maximum result-based core payment of €7,000 each year, with up to €3,500 also available each year by the selection of voluntary supporting actions (non-productive investments or landscape actions) within the respective co-operation area.
Where the participant does not reach the maximum core payment of €7,000 they can make up the shortfall by applying for Non-Productive Investments (NPI) and/or Landscape Actions.
There will be a list of approximately 50 Non-Productive Investments that will be available to participants. Farmers in the CP zone have the flexibility to select NPIs and/or landscape actions each year.
The ACRES General approach is similar to the Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) which was available under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, in that there is a list of actions the farmer can select with their advisor, the satisfactory completion of which makes him/her eligible for payment under the ACRES General approach.
The maximum annual payment under the ACRES General approach is €7,311. A list of the specifications for all of the ACRES General actions may be viewed on my Department’s website at the above address. While it is not possible at this stage to add more actions to that list, there are actions currently available within this approach that would suit free draining land for both tillage and grassland parcels.
The application process involves the submission of a Farm Sustainability Plan which will guide the ACRES advisor to identify the most appropriate action for the parcel of land and to advise the farmer accordingly.
711. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of farmers paid under the basic payment scheme since the formation of the current Government; the total amount of payments in Euro paid out under this scheme by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60256/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) are completed online via agfood.ie. The online application facility takes in approx. 130,000 applications annually. Eligible applications are processed promptly for payment. The application facility opens mid-February annually and closes mid-May.
BPS payments begin each year with an advance payment mid-October and a balancing payment the first week in December. The efficient issuing of Scheme payments to farmers continues to be a key priority for my Department. The information requested is outlined in the tables below.
|
County |
Year |
Total number of Farmers paid |
Total amount paid |
|
CARLOW |
2020 |
1,593 |
€21,085,010.35 |
|
CAVAN |
2020 |
4,732 |
€33,569,133.33 |
|
CLARE |
2020 |
5,914 |
€54,654,143.68 |
|
CORK |
2020 |
12,705 |
€146,556,459.28 |
|
DONEGAL |
2020 |
8,340 |
€59,229,863.76 |
|
DUBLIN |
2020 |
608 |
€8,577,210.10 |
|
GALWAY |
2020 |
11,762 |
€83,319,862.27 |
|
KERRY |
2020 |
7,575 |
€66,773,979.74 |
|
KILDARE |
2020 |
2,043 |
€28,135,732.20 |
|
KILKENNY |
2020 |
3,289 |
€46,161,045.69 |
|
LAOIS |
2020 |
2,864 |
€34,569,125.69 |
|
LEITRIM |
2020 |
3,372 |
€20,623,920.60 |
|
LIMERICK |
2020 |
4,983 |
€47,676,646.24 |
|
LONGFORD |
2020 |
2,336 |
€17,996,783.99 |
|
LOUTH |
2020 |
1,455 |
€17,089,844.91 |
|
MAYO |
2020 |
11,273 |
€72,322,174.69 |
|
MEATH |
2020 |
3,749 |
€48,093,215.06 |
|
MONAGHAN |
2020 |
3,959 |
€26,399,651.43 |
|
OFFALY |
2020 |
2,942 |
€32,107,264.80 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
2020 |
5,573 |
€39,074,589.53 |
|
SLIGO |
2020 |
3,875 |
€24,920,856.48 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2020 |
6,730 |
€86,706,927.59 |
|
WATERFORD |
2020 |
2,338 |
€34,502,702.77 |
|
WESTMEATH |
2020 |
2,957 |
€30,580,539.70 |
|
WEXFORD |
2020 |
3,982 |
€52,670,888.32 |
|
WICKLOW |
2020 |
2,091 |
€27,161,707.78 |
|
|
TOTAL |
123,040 |
€1,160,559,279.98 |
|
County |
Year |
Total number of Farmers paid |
Total amount paid |
|
CARLOW |
2021 |
1,594 |
20,887,143.11 |
|
CAVAN |
2021 |
4,729 |
33,160,339.00 |
|
CLARE |
2021 |
5,922 |
45,108,444.21 |
|
CORK |
2021 |
12,664 |
145,181,945.92 |
|
DONEGAL |
2021 |
8,373 |
58,949,473.03 |
|
DUBLIN |
2021 |
597 |
8,431,397.81 |
|
GALWAY |
2021 |
11,717 |
82,567,516.25 |
|
KERRY |
2021 |
7,511 |
66,322,869.71 |
|
KILDARE |
2021 |
2,025 |
27,724,231.30 |
|
KILKENNY |
2021 |
3,261 |
45,676,063.51 |
|
LAOIS |
2021 |
2,842 |
34,120,622.78 |
|
LEITRIM |
2021 |
3,374 |
20,467,875.74 |
|
LIMERICK |
2021 |
4,960 |
47,410,036.09 |
|
LONGFORD |
2021 |
2,356 |
17,875,127.31 |
|
LOUTH |
2021 |
1,453 |
16,998,291.10 |
|
MAYO |
2021 |
11,236 |
71,960,485.30 |
|
MEATH |
2021 |
3,726 |
47,533,606.18 |
|
MONAGHAN |
2021 |
3,947 |
25,986,775.31 |
|
OFFALY |
2021 |
2,913 |
31,714,002.46 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
2021 |
5,565 |
38,712,257.77 |
|
SLIGO |
2021 |
3,843 |
24,679,823.00 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2021 |
6,720 |
86,118,686.66 |
|
WATERFORD |
2021 |
2,320 |
34,129,005.53 |
|
WESTMEATH |
2021 |
2,992 |
30,492,271.13 |
|
WEXFORD |
2021 |
3,974 |
52,073,781.27 |
|
WICKLOW |
2021 |
2,089 |
26,835,292.11 |
|
|
TOTALS |
122,703 |
1,141,117,363.59 |
|
County |
Year |
Total number of Farmers paid |
Total amount paid |
|
CARLOW |
2022 |
1,569 |
20,781,729.92 |
|
CAVAN |
2022 |
4,633 |
33,091,360.13 |
|
CLARE |
2022 |
5,863 |
44,916,846.21 |
|
CORK |
2022 |
12,387 |
142,908,342.74 |
|
DONEGAL |
2022 |
8,280 |
57,149,053.04 |
|
DUBLIN |
2022 |
573 |
8,352,666.58 |
|
GALWAY |
2022 |
11,510 |
81,342,763.94 |
|
KERRY |
2022 |
7,382 |
66,091,230.89 |
|
KILDARE |
2022 |
1,989 |
27,281,467.22 |
|
KILKENNY |
2022 |
3,199 |
45,356,522.68 |
|
LAOIS |
2022 |
2,797 |
33,831,129.02 |
|
LEITRIM |
2022 |
3,331 |
20,424,266.22 |
|
LIMERICK |
2022 |
4,867 |
46,831,848.39 |
|
LONGFORD |
2022 |
2,328 |
17,839,163.99 |
|
LOUTH |
2022 |
1,430 |
16,587,219.16 |
|
MAYO |
2022 |
10,976 |
70,624,476.48 |
|
MEATH |
2022 |
3,681 |
47,439,453.19 |
|
MONAGHAN |
2022 |
3,859 |
25,548,562.02 |
|
OFFALY |
2022 |
2,881 |
31,256,125.48 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
2022 |
5,495 |
38,414,430.60 |
|
SLIGO |
2022 |
3,785 |
24,527,584.23 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2022 |
6,579 |
85,141,390.64 |
|
WATERFORD |
2022 |
2,283 |
33,850,993.21 |
|
WESTMEATH |
2022 |
2,921 |
29,645,391.81 |
|
WEXFORD |
2022 |
3,880 |
50,917,686.36 |
|
WICKLOW |
2022 |
2,064 |
26,712,786.50 |
|
|
TOTAL |
120,542 |
1,126,864,490.65 |
712. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of farmers paid under the areas of natural constraint; the total amount of payments in Euro paid out under this scheme since the formation of the current Government by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60257/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see information requested by the Deputy in the tables below for the ANC scheme years 2020, 2021 and 2022, which covers the period since the formation of the current government. Scheme year payments provided are payments to date for each year.
Note that balancing payments for 2022 commenced on 5th December 2022 and payments will continue to be made into 2023 because some farmers will not have met their minimum stocking requirements until 31st December 2022.
Areas of Natural Constraints scheme year 2020 – payments commenced September 2020
|
County |
Number Paid |
Amount Paid |
|
Carlow |
793 |
€1,934,722.61 |
|
Cavan |
4,547 |
€10,634,190.58 |
|
Clare |
5,717 |
€14,705,336.36 |
|
Cork |
7,257 |
€19,690,372.63 |
|
Donegal |
8,163 |
€23,574,384.26 |
|
Dublin |
143 |
€385,215.96 |
|
Galway |
11,261 |
€27,898,877.28 |
|
Kerry |
7,226 |
€20,619,044.20 |
|
Kildare |
585 |
€1,192,665.54 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,806 |
€4,278,028.14 |
|
Laois |
1,704 |
€3,839,043.65 |
|
Leitrim |
3,224 |
€8,479,148.43 |
|
Limerick |
4,222 |
€9,457,587.43 |
|
Longford |
2,282 |
€5,246,877.72 |
|
Louth |
782 |
€1,565,734.37 |
|
Mayo |
10,649 |
€27,511,518.17 |
|
Meath |
1,442 |
€2,923,399.15 |
|
Monaghan |
3,822 |
€8,046,948.63 |
|
Offaly |
2,397 |
€5,221,491.49 |
|
Roscommon |
5,341 |
€12,607,436.43 |
|
Sligo |
3,714 |
€9,285,327.77 |
|
Tipperary |
4,666 |
€11,156,423.26 |
|
Waterford |
1,400 |
€3,537,813.24 |
|
Westmeath |
2,720 |
€5,813,992.36 |
|
Wexford |
1,503 |
€3,107,867.00 |
|
Wicklow |
1,799 |
€5,031,942.15 |
|
Total |
99,165 |
€247,745,388.81 |
Areas of Natural Constraints scheme year 2021 – payments commenced September 2021
|
County |
Number Paid |
Amount Paid |
|
Carlow |
787 |
€1,929,942.73 |
|
Cavan |
4,529 |
€10,583,809.23 |
|
Clare |
5,697 |
€14,662,777.59 |
|
Cork |
7,262 |
€19,599,168.64 |
|
Donegal |
8,192 |
€23,582,691.70 |
|
Dublin |
146 |
€395,421.44 |
|
Galway |
11,182 |
€27,811,450.29 |
|
Kerry |
7,182 |
€20,520,000.18 |
|
Kildare |
590 |
€1,198,660.72 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,789 |
€4,232,376.91 |
|
Laois |
1,687 |
€3,798,757.03 |
|
Leitrim |
3,218 |
€8,474,223.62 |
|
Limerick |
4,241 |
€9,480,028.85 |
|
Longford |
2,271 |
€5,211,156.47 |
|
Louth |
785 |
€1,553,024.43 |
|
Mayo |
10,588 |
€27,450,947.39 |
|
Meath |
1,441 |
€2,902,621.59 |
|
Monaghan |
3,793 |
€8,010,117.00 |
|
Offaly |
2,378 |
€5,197,112.98 |
|
Roscommon |
5,337 |
€12,591,183.31 |
|
Sligo |
3,678 |
€9,221,096.32 |
|
Tipperary |
4,655 |
€11,098,830.51 |
|
Waterford |
1,393 |
€3,494,040.79 |
|
Westmeath |
2,721 |
€5,786,486.15 |
|
Wexford |
1,500 |
€3,104,065.01 |
|
Wicklow |
1,783 |
€4,996,731.86 |
|
Total |
98,825 |
€246,886,722.74 |
Areas of Natural Constraints scheme year 2022 – payments commenced September 2022
|
County |
Number Paid |
Amount Paid |
|
Carlow |
760 |
€1,871,007.37 |
|
Cavan |
4,396 |
€10,334,325.89 |
|
Clare |
5,535 |
€14,349,422.45 |
|
Cork |
6,955 |
€18,909,991.55 |
|
Donegal |
7,750 |
€22,325,617.40 |
|
Dublin |
133 |
€364,769.35 |
|
Galway |
10,671 |
€26,730,663.14 |
|
Kerry |
6,826 |
€19,689,914.44 |
|
Kildare |
556 |
€1,149,110.45 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,701 |
€4,107,430.21 |
|
Laois |
1,637 |
€3,707,307.69 |
|
Leitrim |
3,110 |
€8,257,468.01 |
|
Limerick |
4,106 |
€9,239,832.67 |
|
Longford |
2,176 |
€5,065,671.48 |
|
Louth |
728 |
€1,461,566.70 |
|
Mayo |
10,137 |
€26,343,494.70 |
|
Meath |
1,394 |
€2,830,704.16 |
|
Monaghan |
3,673 |
€7,786,222.74 |
|
Offaly |
2,292 |
€5,054,671.50 |
|
Roscommon |
5,152 |
€12,275,817.34 |
|
Sligo |
3,558 |
€8,990,540.94 |
|
Tipperary |
4,459 |
€10,706,254.09 |
|
Waterford |
1,324 |
€3,369,232.20 |
|
Westmeath |
2,613 |
€5,611,618.60 |
|
Wexford |
1,355 |
€2,879,604.65 |
|
Wicklow |
1,660 |
€4,732,807.30 |
|
Total |
94,657 |
€238,145,067.02 |
713. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of funds allocated to each local authority under the local authority marine infrastructure scheme 2022-2023 since the formation of the current Government by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60259/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that last January I announced the roll-out of the €35m Brexit Adjustment: Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023. The BALAMI Scheme was one of the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce which I established following Brexit. This scheme is proposed to be funded in the main from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).
In April this year, after the first call of the Scheme, I approved €31.7m in funding for 110 projects around the Irish coast. Details of the funding allocated in tablular form is available online at gov.ie
- McConalogue announces approval of €31.7 million Brexit investment in Public Marine Infrastructure (www.gov.ie)
The second call of the Scheme closed at the end of September. In view of the large volume of applications submitted I asked my Department to examine the scope to increase the BAR funding available for the scheme. I hope to make an announcement on this in the coming days.
In the meantime, the projects already approved for funding will be delivered by the local authorities concerned. My Department will reimburse eligible project costs (pro-rata) on a matured liability basis following inspection of the capital works and verification of the evidenced expenditure. Funding from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve must be availed of before the end of 2023. A number of terms and conditions must be met for projects under the Scheme, including pre and post inspections and evidence of costs incurred.
I must stress that responsibility for the development and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance. I am also mindful that the primary governance role for local authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any wider funding issues for local authorities should be addressed to that Minister.
714. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agri climate rural environment scheme applications that have been received by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It is the successor to the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) which was available under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
ACRES is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into the Scheme, will undertake certain actions on their land for at least five years.
There are two approaches available to farmers under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach and the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration with the aim of facilitating the participation of 50,000 farmers.
The intake into the scheme will be phased, with at least two tranches. This will help to spread the workload on advisors and enable them to allocate sufficient time for the preparation of applications, the completion of the Farm Sustainability Plans and selection of appropriate actions.
Tranche 1 of ACRES opened for applications on Monday 17th October 2022 with the aim of securing a total of 30,000 ACRES contracts. As of Monday 5th December, 31,700 applications had been submitted with 17,295 submitted for ACRES General and 14,404 for ACRES Co-operation. The scheme will remain open for applications until 23:59 on Wednesday 7th December after which further updates on application numbers will be available.
715. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agri climate rural environment scheme general approach applications that have been received by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60349/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It is the successor to the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) which was available under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
ACRES is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into the Scheme, will undertake certain actions on their land for at least five years.
There are two approaches available to farmers under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach and the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration with the aim of facilitating the participation of 50,000 farmers.
The intake into the scheme will be phased, with at least two tranches. This will help to spread the workload on advisors and enable them to allocate sufficient time for the preparation of applications, the completion of the Farm Sustainability Plans and selection of appropriate actions.
Tranche 1 of ACRES opened for applications on Monday 17th October 2022 with the aim of securing a total of 30,000 ACRES contracts. As of Monday 5th December, 31,700 applications had been submitted with 17,295 submitted for ACRES General and 14,404 for ACRES Co-operation. The scheme will remain open for applications until 23:59 on Wednesday 7th December after which further updates on application numbers will be available.
716. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agri climate rural environment scheme co-operation approach applications that have been received by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60350/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food opened the system for the drafting of applications for the Agri-rural, Climate, Environmental Scheme (ACRES) in September this year, with the system fully opened for the submission of applications from 17th October and remaining open until 7th December. Approved ACRES advisors could submit applications for both ACRES streams – general and co-operation project (CP), for applicants all over the country.
The ACRES CP stream is open to farmers within eight pre-defined high-priority geographical areas known as Co-operation Project (CP) Zones. Farmers in each of the CP Zones will engage in the Scheme with the assistance of their local CP Team. These farmers will benefit from payment rates, up to a maximum €10,500 per year, should they participate and undertake environmentally ambitious actions.
As of Monday 5th December, the Department has received 14,404 applications for ACRES CP.
717. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the expected timeframe from the date applications are received in respect of the climate rural environment scheme to the date that a final decision is taken and the applicants notified as to whether or not they have been accepted in to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60351/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027.
It is the successor to the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS) which was available under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. ACRES is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into the Scheme, will undertake certain actions on their land for at least five years.
There are two approaches available to farmers under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach and the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding. The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration with the aim of facilitating the participation of 50,000 farmers.
The intake into the scheme will be phased, with at least two tranches. This will help to spread the workload on advisors and enable them to allocate sufficient time for the preparation of applications, the completion of Farm Sustainability Plans and selection of appropriate actions.
The application system opened on Monday 17th October 2022 for the submission of applications under ACRES Tranche 1 with the aim of issuing a total of 30,000 approvals. The application system will remain open until 23.59 on Wednesday 7th December 2022. Application processing, including possible ranking and selection, will begin on 8th December 2022, and I expect approvals to issue towards the end of January 2023.
718. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that many approved FAS/ACRES advisors did not have access to the GLAMS ACRES online planning portal on 20 September 2022; the period of time that elapsed before all advisors had access to the portal; and, if the advisors affected will be granted a time extension to prepare ACRES plans for their existing clients for each day that they were without access to the ACRES online portal. [60365/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) began the process of engaging with farm advisors in early 2022 in preparation for the launch of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). Advisors were invited to register their interest in participating in ACRES and were advised of the steps to be undertaken to be approved as an ACRES advisor.
To participate in ACRES, advisors were required to:
- have completed the ACRES registration process;
- be approved under the Department’s Farm Advisory System (FAS);
- attend ACRES training.
To ensure the receipt of quality applications access to the Farm Sustainability Plan (FSP) portal on the Department's GLAM platform and to the ACRES application system was only made available to advisors once all criteria were satisfied. In addition, to access the Department's systems advisors were required to have secured system access codes from the Department’s Online Services Section and to create online links with their clients to enable them make submissions on behalf of their clients.
To support the ACRES training needs of advisors my department held three ACRES training and information sessions in Carrick on Shannon and Charleville in July and in Athlone in September.
The online system for the submission of ACRES applications opened on 17th October 2022, with an initial closing date of Monday 21st November 2022, for the submission of applications under the current Tranche.
I am conscious that the submission of ACRES applications is creating a significant workload for, and pressure on, advisors. For this reason, I extended the deadline for submission of applications for ACRES Tranche 1 to 23.59 Wednesday 7th December 2022.
719. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund-Operational Programme for Ireland prohibits a 50% advance of approved production and marketing plan funding as provided for in Article 66(4) of EU regulation 508/2014 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60428/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's EMFF Programme is nearing its end, with remaining grants mostly being paid out this year and arrangements for closing out the programme commencing. An exception was made for the Producer Organisation Scheme, in that commitments have been made to pay grants in 2023 to fund PO's 2022 activities. The new European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Regulation (2021/1139) was adopted in July 2021 and work is well advanced on preparing a new Seafood Development Programme 2021-27 under that Regulation. It is anticipated that the new Programme will be adopted by the Commission by the end of 2022. Under this Programme, new schemes, including those relevant to Producer Organisations, will be brought forward in due course.
The present EMFF Producer Organisation Scheme provides supports to recognised and prospective Producer Organisations. Part A of the scheme provides supports of up to €55,000 to groups of fisheries or aquaculture producers working to achieve recognition as a PO, while Part B of the scheme supports POs that have been recognised by this Department, up to a maximum of almost €100,000.
The EU Common Provisions Regulation (1303/2013) provides that grants under the EMFF Programme may take the form of reimbursement of eligible costs actually incurred and paid by the beneficiary, or alternatively through 'Simplified Cost Options' or SCOs, which are essentially fixed grants based on the past grant history of the beneficiary.
Article 66 of the EMFF Regulation (508/2014) allows the Managing Authority for the EMFF Programme to avail of a partial derogation from the above regulatory requirements, in that a 50% advance may be paid after approval of the PO's production and marketing plan. However, this derogation was not included in the terms of the Producer Organisation scheme, adopted at the outset of the Programme by the EMFF Monitoring Committee. The EMFF Monitoring Committee membership includes the Producer Organisations. The scheme states only that once the PMP is approved by this Department as competent authority and the Annual Report for the year concerned is also approved, expenditure related to implementation of identified measures in the approved PMP, as verified by the Annual Report and necessary vouching documentation, is eligible for support under the scheme.
Ireland did not avail of the article 66 derogation as advance payments require the sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and in addition, in the absence of official data in the form of grant history, the derogation was not considered to be practicable in this circumstance as there is no data on which to base a 50% advance. The proposed actions described in the PMP would have not yet been implemented and the Annual Report would not have been prepared, so the costs of actions actually implemented are unknown, and therefore a 50% calculation cannot be made.
720. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail each fishery harbour centre that was allocated capital funding since the formation of the current Government on 27 June 2020, in tabular form and the total amount allocated to each fishery harbour centre since then. [60438/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.
In 2020, funding of €32.6m was allocated to the six Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2020 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme prior to the formation of the current government.
In 2021, I announced funding of €33.4m for the six Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2021 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at: gov.ie - Minister McConalogue announces €38.3 million in funding for Capital projects at Ireland’s six Fishery Harbour Centres including an enhanced scheme for 79 Local Authority harbours (www.gov.ie)
In February of this year, I announced a capital investment package of €35m for the six Fishery Harbour Centres as part of the 2022 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Details of the project allocation are available in tabular form online at: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3030f-minister-mcconalogue-to-invest-35-million-during-2022-in-Irelands-six-fishery-harbour-centres/
721. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of funding allocated under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme since the formation of the current Government on 27 June 2020 by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60441/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme 2014-2020 has over recent years been the principal source of public funding for the sustainable development of our fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors and has been co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
As it comes to its conclusion, the list of beneficiaries under the various schemes continues to be published on an ongoing basis as required by the EU Regulation 1303/2013 at the link below, with the county of each beneficiary detailed. Beneficiaries are listed on 6 different tabs based on the six Union priorities set out in Article 6 of the EMFF Regulation (508/2014). The final tab details Technical Assistance spending which facilitates delivery of the Operational Programme.
Supports to fishers can be found on the Union Priority 1 (UP1) tab, with supports to processors mainly located on the UP5 tab and some also located on the UP1 tab. To be aware that the spreadsheet details the amount of EU funding received by each beneficiary in column H. As supports to fishers and processors are co-funded under the EMFF on a 50/50 basis with exchequer funds, the total funding received by those beneficiaries will be twice the "Amount of EU contribution" figure detailed in column H. Individual fishers' names are redacted in line with data protection guidance.
eufunds.ie/european-maritime-and-fisheries-fund/operation-beneficiary-list/.
722. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the figures for fish landed into all the local authority harbours in County Clare in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60456/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006, all operational issues concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service.
The data requested on fish landings is held by the SFPA and I have referred the Deputy's request to the SFPA for attention and direct reply.
723. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding schemes that he plans to introduce in 2023 to support the Irish fishing fleet and the wider seafood sector and that have been developed in line with the recommendations of the “Report of the Seafood Task Force - Navigating Change”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60709/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Seafood Task Force – Navigating Change (October 2021) recommended 16 support schemes at an estimated cost of €423 million, collectively designed to address the impacts of Brexit and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) on our seafood sector and coastal communities.
Given the large number of recommendations and the work required to examine each from the perspective of funding available, eligibility under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve Regulation, State Aid rules, and the Public Spending code, the Task Force recommended that its 16 recommended schemes be considered on a phased and prioritised basis.
Since the publication of the Task Force Report, €225m in supports and developmental strategies have been launched. These are more generous and comprehensive than those put in place elsewhere and will enable our seafood sector and coastal communities to overcome the significant challenges it faces. Key measures introduced include the €45 million Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme, the €25 million Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme and a €35 million Brexit Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme. The Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme recently closed having received 63 applications which are now undergoing assessment by BIM.
The evaluation and examination of the remaining Task Force recommendations is continuing with proposed measures at varying stages of progress and dependent also on the varying factors outlined above, including the securing of State Aid approval where appropriate. In addition to this, it is worth noting that the Task Force recommendations extended to the use of funding under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme which was approved by Government in September and has been submitted to the European Commission for adoption. This will provide a platform for longer term development of the sector up to 2027.
724. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of the categories of public sector workers and civil servants under his Department whose contracts fall under the Croke Park Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Croke Park Agreement encompassed all civil and public servants under my Department. No distinction was made between categories of civil servants under the Agreement.
725. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding for Horse Racing Ireland can be allocated to urban horse rearing projects such as an equine club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60839/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. As such, its statutory remit is limited to the thoroughbred horse racing sector.
In line with the Programme for Government, however, my Department is fully committed to providing for additional urban horse welfare projects and continues to take a proactive approach in promoting the development of facilities for urban horse populations and in enabling and educating young people in the care and welfare of horses.
Work to support urban horse welfare projects is carried out in close collaboration with local authorities, charities and community stakeholders, reflecting Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025.
The Department has shown considerable commitment to this area through the provision of the largest capital outlay in support of an urban horse programme. €503,000 was provided to South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in 2016 for the development of the club’s infrastructure.
This funding was committed on agreement with SDCC that the club, when up and running, would be self-sustaining. Funding under the terms of the Urban Horse Projects is limited to the provision of education courses and infrastructure
To assist with the initial sustainability of the project, however, the Department worked with the club and SDCC towards the hiring of managers responsible for the further development of the club. This agreement was subject to the club agreeing further efforts to secure alternative funding.
In 2021 following further representations from the club and engagement with SDCC, the Department agreed to provide a final tranche of short-term funding to the project through SDCC. This agreement was in the context of limitations imposed by COVID-19, the club agreeing further efforts to secure alternative funding and the proposed formulation of a strategy and robust governance for the organisation going forward.
To date, the Department has provided €585,000 in funding to this project. In addition, officials from the Department continue to work with the club, SDCC and other statutory agencies in assisting the club to source alternative funding. The Department will continue to engage with the club board and SDCC with a view to identifying a long-term, sustainable model for this project.
726. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is intended to reintroduce a 16-mile exclusion zone for larger boats around the coast, particularly in view of the damage sprat fishing by larger boats is causing in Galway Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you may be aware, in December 2018, following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine announced that vessels over 18m will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone.
A Policy Directive was issued by the Minister to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures. The Policy Directive directed the Licensing Authority to insert a condition to this effect into the licences of affected vessels.
A Judicial Review to the High Court was taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. On 6th October 2020, the Judge held in summary that the High Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. The breach of fair procedures as referenced above related to a failure with obligations to consult with the applicants in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the consultation process and in particular by failing to consult with them a second time once a preferred option had been identified. A stay on the order was refused by the High Court on 10th December 2020.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal, also seeking a stay on the order of the High Court. The Court of Appeal reinstated the Ministerial Policy Directive on 19th March 2021, when the Court was persuaded that the balance of justice leaned in favour of the State and granted a stay on the order of the High Court up until the hearing of the substantive appeal in June. Following a full hearing by the Court of Appeal on 22nd June 2021, the Court decided to temporarily extend the Policy Directive excluding large vessels from trawling in inshore waters within 6 miles of the coast, save for a restricted sprat fishery.
On September 23rd, 2021, the Court of Appeal refused the application I had made to further continue the stay. This refusal means that the decision of the High Court stands and the Policy Directive is no longer valid; meaning vessels over 18 metres in length overall have resumed trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles. These vessels also no longer require an authorisation to fish for sprat inside 6 nautical miles.
The Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgment on 19th July last and requested further submissions from both parties. These have been provided to the Court on my behalf.
As this matter continues to be sub judice, I am not in a position to comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
727. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to review the Charities Act 2009 in particular section 6 of the Act. [60863/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, Minister Humphreys, published the General Scheme of the Charities (Amendment) Bill on 29 April 2022. This General Scheme was subsequently submitted to the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands for Pre-Legislative scrutiny.
This Bill is to provide for a number of amendments to the Charities Act 2009. The aim of the proposed amendments is to improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, providing greater transparency, clarity and fairness in terms of the regulation of charities, leading to greater public trust and confidence in the sector. It is important that we strike the right balance between necessary regulation and proportionate governance, ensuring that a reasonable and fair approach is at its core.
The Joint Committee issued its Report on the Pre-Legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme on 14 November 2022, and its recommendations are currently being reviewed by my officials.
I look forward to working with members of both Houses of the Oireachtas to enable the passage and enactment of this Bill, as expeditiously as possible.
728. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when notice will be given to applicants in categories 2 and 3 under the community centres investment fund as to their outcome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60234/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll applications to the Community Centres Investment Fund are subject to a competitive assessment process based on the assessment criteria as set out in the fund guidelines.
Category 1 applicants were notified of the outcome of this process in October. Details of successful applicants are available on my department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
Due to the high level of applications to the fund, the appraisal process is currently ongoing for Category 2 and 3. It is expected that applicants for these categories will be notified of the outcome of the application and appraisal process shortly.
729. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total amount of funding allocated to respective local authorities for all rural schemes provided by her Department, including town and village renewal scheme, CLÁR, LEADER, LIS, outdoor recreation and rural regeneration since the formation of this Government by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60260/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested by the Deputy are set out in the tables below including in respect of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Town & Village Renewal Scheme (T&V), the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
|
2022 |
RRDF |
T&V* |
Clár |
LIS |
ORIS |
Connected Hubs |
|
Carlow |
€277,990 |
€550,000 |
€86,983 |
€944,082 |
€740,800.00 |
€74,296 |
|
Cavan |
€7,133,360 |
€549,950 |
€616,057 |
€1,273,457 |
€307,012.04 |
€144,923 |
|
Clare |
€7,967,170 |
€334,500 |
€679,222 |
€1,238,015 |
€939,336.29 |
€127,779 |
|
Cork |
€21,763,670 |
€190,000 |
€672,311 |
€1,298,240 |
€855,500.00 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
€7,725,410 |
€410,000 |
€690,000 |
€1,711,214 |
€950,000.00 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
€150,000 |
0 |
0 |
€467,200.00 |
0 |
|
Galway |
€956,080 |
€462,080 |
€612,862 |
€1,682,841 |
€1,189,245.70 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
€1,691,100 |
€219,500 |
€589,840 |
€1,495,490 |
€1,126,100.50 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
€4,277,660 |
€549,950 |
0 |
€435,326 |
€242,183.51 |
€181,734 |
|
Kilkenny |
€2,207,370 |
€294,330 |
€420,207 |
€628,610 |
€1,128,272.00 |
0 |
|
Laois |
€1,669,310 |
€500,000 |
€444,105 |
€860,277 |
€473,884.13 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
€10,606,380 |
€550,000 |
€480,104 |
€1,081,038 |
€648,929.20 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
€600,000 |
€550,000 |
€353,289 |
€930,989 |
€355,848.00 |
0 |
|
Longford |
€1,115,400 |
€314,950 |
€530,140 |
€465,940 |
€589,214.90 |
€119,993 |
|
Louth |
€0 |
€400,000 |
€64.427 |
€448,273 |
€30,000.00 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
€10,247,670 |
€131,500 |
€480,866 |
€610,944 |
€728,276.04 |
0 |
|
Meath |
€1,807,100 |
€549,500 |
€343,868 |
€569,299 |
€446,801.00 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
€3,534,460 |
€430,000 |
€660,570 |
€932,889 |
€1,029,961.60 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
€2,695,810 |
€375,000 |
€188,693 |
€674,785 |
€180,076.34 |
€149,249 |
|
Roscommon |
€6,123,370 |
€500,000 |
€498,167 |
€571,758 |
€1,139,770.00 |
€58,636 |
|
Sligo |
€580,000 |
€550,000 |
€457,849 |
€558,030 |
€505,000.00 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
€32,027,420 |
€549,500 |
€490,676 |
€1,125,773 |
€1,115,875.00 |
€214,088 |
|
Waterford |
€6,425,030 |
€549,500 |
€279,500 |
€587,176 |
€788,211.14 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
€3,815,200 |
€550,000 |
€336,200 |
€656,781 |
€562,313.75 |
€75,000 |
|
Wexford |
€814,390 |
€514,500 |
0 |
€781,027 |
€886,250.00 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
€1,034,700 |
€550,000 |
€169,200 |
€637,748 |
€1,191,870.00 |
0 |
*2022 Allocations for T&V Scheme and Project Development Measure will be announced shortly. Figures above reflect the Marketing Measure, Streetscape Enhancement Measure and Building Acquisition Measure.
|
2021 |
RRDF |
T&V |
Clár |
LIS |
ORIS |
Connected Hubs |
|
Carlow |
0 |
€1,258,400 |
€89,963 |
€463,931 |
€546,600.00 |
€103,320 |
|
Cavan |
€2,211,750 |
€1,351,990 |
€364,499 |
€1,119,389 |
€863,855.50 |
€225,000 |
|
Clare |
0 |
€1,118,860 |
€308,313 |
€828,528 |
€417,741.05 |
€209,700 |
|
Cork |
€4861,210 |
€1,746,930 |
€298,370 |
€1,412,738 |
€753,490.25 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
€19,062,300 |
€748,660 |
€383,470 |
€1,188,403 |
€609,681.63 |
€250,000 |
|
Dublin |
0 |
€141,170 |
0 |
0 |
€402,000.00 |
0 |
|
Galway |
€2,2552,510 |
€850,770 |
€315,438 |
€1,580,871 |
€1,047,197.64 |
€239,095 |
|
Kerry |
€2,039,090 |
€918,530 |
€225,984 |
€1,187,099 |
€1,065,648.10 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
€252,990 |
0 |
€495,586 |
€206,419.05 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
€2562,290 |
€1,335,340 |
€57,300 |
€778,682 |
€1,063,865.00 |
€96,088 |
|
Laois |
€1,094,880 |
€1,056,350 |
€179,517 |
€554,259 |
€252,087.23 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
€4,9426,260 |
€1,443,280 |
€386,328 |
€503,830 |
€1,016,379.00 |
€248,368 |
|
Limerick |
€1,500,00 |
€1,341,780 |
€183,742 |
€1,504,659 |
€545,100.00 |
€81,900 |
|
Longford |
€6,664,800 |
€913,890 |
€344,227 |
€393,041 |
€651,830.94 |
€234,677 |
|
Louth |
€2,864,640 |
€1,075,510 |
€80,000 |
€417,821 |
€246,079.00 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
€8,278,680 |
€118,950 |
€389,059 |
€1,361,625 |
€450,000.00 |
€195,475 |
|
Meath |
€727,210 |
€930,500 |
€96,800 |
€803,937 |
€953,481.95 |
€222,354 |
|
Monaghan |
€10,765,490 |
€1,093,460 |
€328,622 |
€1,326,223 |
€625,350.95 |
€150,902 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
€590,500 |
€72,225 |
€545,240 |
€304,000.00 |
€212,282 |
|
Roscommon |
€2,174,400 |
€1,220,020 |
€318,012 |
€445,495 |
€975,930.00 |
€177,444 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
€1,570,000 |
€300,782 |
€470,542 |
€576,100.00 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
€4,495,700 |
€1,475,590 |
€140,108 |
€721,531 |
€664,637.22 |
€250,000 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
€825,580 |
€155,925 |
€872,759 |
€619,510.74 |
€240,890 |
|
Westmeath |
€8,174,780 |
€398,530 |
€163,669 |
€628,389 |
€504,819.00 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
€1,254,360 |
0 |
€653,786 |
€708,062.00 |
€217,350 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
€692,930 |
€82,257 |
€741,635 |
€947,900.00 |
0 |
|
2020 |
RRDF |
T&V |
Clár |
LIS |
ORIS |
Connected Hubs |
|
Carlow |
0 |
€816,000 |
€99,900 |
€250,000 |
€571,250.00 |
n/a |
|
Cavan |
€787,500 |
€1,166,270 |
€334,692 |
€269,254 |
€739,464.60 |
n/a |
|
Clare |
0 |
€1,215,110 |
€261,365 |
€480,811 |
€488,250.40 |
n/a |
|
Cork |
€551,250 |
€1,410,540 |
€248,372 |
€900,000 |
€984,205.00 |
n/a |
|
Donegal |
372,250 |
€810,320 |
€293,362 |
€677,456 |
€600,000.00 |
n/a |
|
Dublin |
0 |
€431,880 |
0 |
0 |
€148,500.00 |
n/a |
|
Galway |
€1,984,880 |
€1,105,320 |
€269,049 |
€856,959 |
€793,685.00 |
n/a |
|
Kerry |
€2,056,380 |
€1,111,550 |
€177,856 |
€669,930 |
€540,000.00 |
n/a |
|
Kildare |
€2,063,860 |
€854,530 |
0 |
€250,000 |
€0 |
n/a |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
€1,036,030 |
€77,000 |
€288,905 |
€486,791.00 |
n/a |
|
Laois |
0 |
€775,280 |
€166,440 |
€250,000 |
€393,045.00 |
n/a |
|
Leitrim |
€476,030 |
€922,100 |
€267,907 |
€250,000 |
€464,510.00 |
n/a |
|
Limerick |
€2,500,000 |
€1,030,860 |
€133,100 |
€384,090 |
€723,210.00 |
n/a |
|
Longford |
€468,750 |
€711,060 |
€256,667 |
€250,000 |
€522,745.45 |
n/a |
|
Louth |
€710,980 |
€745,490 |
€63,500 |
€250,000 |
€99,653.87 |
n/a |
|
Mayo |
€490,970 |
€1,241,820 |
€236,551 |
€778,496 |
€540,000.00 |
n/a |
|
Meath |
€608,250 |
€905,560 |
€80,600 |
€326,394 |
€694,683.38 |
n/a |
|
Monaghan |
€295,000 |
€1,228,860 |
€233,276 |
€250,000 |
€643,965.17 |
n/a |
|
Offaly |
€454,530 |
€1,250,000 |
€99,000 |
€278,871 |
€606,483.00 |
n/a |
|
Roscommon |
€454,010 |
€1,228,890 |
€309,144 |
€355,104 |
€929,850.00 |
n/a |
|
Sligo |
€424,000 |
€1,095,000 |
€158,206 |
€256,154 |
€734,000.00 |
n/a |
|
Tipperary |
€1,701,520 |
€1,180,660 |
€79,628 |
€599,969 |
€521,300.00 |
n/a |
|
Waterford |
€1,394,822 |
€805,130 |
€148,500 |
€258,802 |
€688,204.00 |
n/a |
|
Westmeath |
€1,394,822 |
€575,600 |
€150,000 |
€256,433 |
€415,732.00 |
n/a |
|
Wexford |
0 |
€1,177,980 |
0 |
€329,878 |
€671,309.10 |
n/a |
|
Wicklow |
€477,000 |
€961,540 |
€60,000 |
€282,494 |
€620,865.00 |
n/a |
