Written Answers Nos. 1-17
5. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends conducting a review of the Control of Dogs Act 1986-1992 in view of the recent dog attack in County Wexford which left a child with life-changing injuries; if she will appoint an expert panel to review the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62505/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would like to say that my thoughts are with Alejandro Mizsan and his family and friends following the horrific ordeal that he endured. I was utterly shocked at the awful events in Wexford last week. And in recent days we heard of a serious dog attack on sheep on a farm in Offaly, which is devastating for the farmer and his family.
I believe that now is the time to consolidate work in relation to dog control legislation across Government. We need act to ensure we are safeguarding people and livestock as best we can and that we are promoting a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland.
So I was delighted to respond to a recent request from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and confirm that my Department and I will work with him on a cross-departmental review of the laws around the control of dogs. The review will focus on strengthening current legislation, enforcement and policy.
I also intend to take action shortly to respond to the growing concern about dogs which are not under proper control. My Department is currently working on options in this regard, including amendments to primary legislation and regulations relating to on-the-spot fines.
In addition, as a result of a recent review, my Department is proposing to amend Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 442 /1998 - Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 to include the Presa Canario breed of dog. My Department will also continue to promote a culture of responsible dog ownership in Ireland, by supporting responsible dog ownership, education and awareness campaigns.
10. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. [61830/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28th November I was delighted to launch Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors 2023 - 2027, the new five year National Outdoor Recreation Strategy in Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co Kilkenny.
This Strategy was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a cross-Government, stakeholder-led strategy.
It reflects the views of stakeholders, the public and the whole of Government and it sets the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.
The implementation of the Strategy will be led by my Department in partnership with Sport Ireland, with Comhairle na Tuaithe providing an oversight role in the Strategy delivery.
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors will provide a strong strategic focus to underpin significant exchequer investment and will ensure a more joined-up and cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at both a national and county level.
It also focuses on encouraging increased participation for underrepresented groups, providing better education on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly while respecting our environment.
The Strategy also acknowledges the essential role that landowners play in facilitating permissive access to their lands while acknowledging that this goodwill and the legal rights of the landowner must be respected by all recreational users. This is a forward thinking strategy that will act as a stepping stone for the future of the outdoor recreation sector and it will adapt over time to meet the ever changing needs of the sector. Through the Strategy there is a great opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on the shape of outdoor recreation in Ireland.
12. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the support that her Department has provided to organisations (details supplied) across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62021/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has provided a range of supports over recent years which both Men's and Women’s Sheds have availed of.
In 2020, under the Community Enhancement Programme,124 men’s sheds projects benefited and received funding to the value of €207,836, and 15 women's sheds projects benefited and received funding to the value of €23,956.
In 2021, under the same programme, 68 men’s sheds received funding to the value of €126,804, and 6 women's sheds received funding to the value of €4,728 from this programme.
Since 2018, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to over 200 Men’s Sheds, with small grants totalling over €98,000 awarded to 116 Men’s Sheds. This support is still is available from SICAP.
My Department also funded the Irish Men’s Sheds Association under the COVID-19 Stability Funding in 2020. They distributed €70,424 equally among their member sheds to support the organisation to continue to deliver services despite the challenges brought by COVID-19.
My Department's Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association has been allocated total funding of €243,158 over the three year period of the scheme which runs until 2025.
I recently awarded €800,000 in funding to Men's Sheds, meaning each Shed in the Country can get a grant of up to €2,000 by applying to their parent organisation. This funding complements the €100,000 ring-fence funding I announced in October to support the growing network of Women’s Sheds.
And finally, Men's and Women's Sheds can apply to the recently launched Community Support Fund which provides supports to small groups who are struggling with running costs. Sheds should contact their local LCDC for details of this fund.
16. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding could be allocated to community groups and centres to help them meet the increased costs of operating this winter. [62481/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to launch the Community Support Fund with funding of €10 million on 18th November this year. This new fund, under the Community Enhancement Programme, is designed to assist community groups across the country. Support is available to Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds and other community groups who provide vital services to communities around the country.
The fund will provide grants to help groups with rising energy and operational costs such as electricity bills, insurance costs etc. Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade or refurbishment works and for the purchase of equipment which supports their activities such as laptops and printers, training equipment, tables, chairs etc.
The Community Support Fund is being administered on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. Groups should contact their local LCDC for further details on the application process.
Separately, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, will provide once-off energy supports to organisations within the community and voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government.
I can confirm that my department has streamlined the process for the CVESS and a further round of the scheme is now open. In addition, eligible organisations who missed the deadline for Phase One may also apply under Phase Two, with the scheme remaining open until 20th January 2023.
I was pleased to announce the first tranche of successful applicants under Phase One earlier this week, with further announcements to follow.
Further details on all of my Department schemes and funds can be found at www.gov.ie/drcd.
