Written Answers Nos. 213-228
213. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice if she acknowledges the long-term benefits of supporting organisations such as CASP Clondalkin Addiction Support Programme, which aim to reduce crime through addiction recovery and support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45658/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Government policy in the area of drugs is focused on reducing the harms for individuals, communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery.
This policy is guided by the national drugs and alcohol strategy, which represents a whole-of-Government response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland. Implementation of the strategy is led by my colleagues the Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, however it includes actions for all stakeholders, including my Department and An Garda Síochána.
While my Department’s key strategic priorities include tackling crime, they also include strengthening community safety and reducing reoffending and our range of criminal justice policies are cognisant of the need to appropriately balance those objectives. Drug use and trade do have serious negative impacts on communities across the country and must be addressed holistically, not only through the criminal justice system but also through appropriate health and social supports.
I’ve said consistently that the people who are best placed to know and respond to local safety issues are communities themselves. Through the Community Safety Innovation Fund (CSIF), my Department supports community groups, with grants ranging from €20,000 to €150,000, that have innovative proposals to improve community safety and have not been able to access other sources of funding. The fund reinvests the proceeds of crime back into community safety and reflects the continued successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in seizing the ill-gotten gains of criminals.
Last week I announced an allocation of €3 million under the CSIF, including an allocation to Ana Liffey for a project supporting drug treatment and recovery from addiction in the Broadstone/Smithfield area and the WASP Community Education Programme, who are supporting those impacted by drug related intimidation.
Furthermore, the Programme for Government commits to considering the mental health and addiction treatment of persons imprisoned and the primary care support provided on release and a lot of work is being done in this area.
In September 2022, Minister Donnelly and I jointly published the report of the High Level Taskforce considering the mental health and addiction challenges of people interacting with the criminal justice system.
The recommendations made by the Task Force aim to ensure better support for people at the earliest point at which they come into contact with the criminal justice system.
When implemented, the recommendations will divert people away from the criminal justice system where appropriate, while supporting them in their rehabilitation from addiction and in the recovery and management of their illness.
The recommendations also seek to address the question of better support for prisoners in their rehabilitation when justice requires a prison sentence, and that progress made in prison is not lost after release. Building on existing best practice, the recommendations ensure there is adequate provision of services and sufficient safeguards in place to support rehabilitation and care, from custody to the community.
214. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice how the people of Clare will benefit from her Department’s allocations in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45778/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that I secured a record €3.5 billion to support the Justice sector with a particular focus on building stronger, safer communities. The allocation provides for the services of An Garda Síochána, the Prison Service, Courts Service, my Department and a number of statutory agencies who operate within the Criminal and Civil Justice areas. This unprecedented budget will strengthen the work of An Garda Síochána and the criminal justice sector to prevent and detect crime and protect communities; allow for the establishment of the new statutory agency to support victims and work to eliminate domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; and fund the nationwide roll-out of Community Safety Partnerships.
Budget 2024 continues to build investment in diverting young people away from involvement in crime, to make youth diversion projects available in every community in Ireland for the first time, with an increased focus on weekend activities and marginalised young people.
There are currently over 100 Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) in operation nationwide, including two in Clare. Clare will also benefit from the €4m provided next year with the launch of Community Safety Partnerships (CSP) to replace the existing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs). These will provide a forum for state agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns.
Projects from Clare will again be able to benefit from the Community Safety Innovation Fund I just recently announced. This fund which will reach €3.75m in 2024 and reinvests the proceeds of crime back into communities.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding for the Garda Vote in Budget 2024 is €2.3 billion. This includes funding for an additional 800-1000 Garda trainees. While the allocation of resources is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner, the focus of Budget 2024 is to benefit every community across the country.
215. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of legal cases taken against his Department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023; and the costs associated with same in each of those years. [45390/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to provide this information in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Grand Total |
|
10 |
13 |
18 |
14 |
14 |
6 |
8 |
15 |
20 |
11 |
1 |
130 |
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Grand Total |
|
0 |
80,000 |
530,153 |
781,919 |
434,826 |
24,283 |
116,937 |
64,742 |
55,000 |
0 |
0 |
2,087,861 |
216. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the repairs to the western marina pontoon at Dingle Fisheries Harbour has commenced; and when are these works expected to be completed. [45417/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced the allocation of €37.3m for capital projects in 2023 in Ireland’s six state-owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth through the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. The western marina pontoon is used by leisure boats in the summer and provides a sheltered berth for small fishing vessels in the winter. The pontoon was damaged in an incident late last year. Work has commenced and the ongoing repairs are estimated to cost €700,000 during 2023, with further work required into 2024 including the installation of the replacement pontoon which is currently being fabricated. I have allocated €650,000 in funding in 2023 for other capital works at Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre.
217. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Dinish wharf expansion refurbishment programme at Castletownbere Fisheries Harbour has commenced; and when are these works expected to be completed. [45418/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced the allocation of €37.3m for capital projects in 2023 in Ireland’s six state-owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth through the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. The Dinish wharf expansion has been one of the flagship projects undertaken by my Department in recent years and €800,000 is allocated this year to complete the project. Additionally, I have allocated €4.34m in funding in 2023 for other capital works at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre.
The Dinish Wharf works have now been completed and this infrastructure helps to secure a vibrant future for the seafood sector. The development has doubled the landing facility to over 400 metres, alleviates vessel and traffic congestion, and facilitates landings by vessels up to 100 metres in length.
218. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to the increased cost of running animal welfare and animal rescue organisations as preparations are made to allocate animal welfare grants to various organisations; if increases in funding in line with the additional costs incurred by these organisations are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45565/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and the Government. Considerable funding is provided to support animal welfare charity organisations.
In December 2022, I announced the record allocation of over €5.8 million in funding to 99 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. This marks the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.
The figure awarded represents a very significant increase on previous years and greatly exceed the Programme for Government Commitment to double funding available to these organisations from the 2020 budget of €2.4 million.
This year's awards, which I intend to announce in December, will be allocated in line with financial resources available and strategic policy for the animal welfare sector.
219. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to renew the lime scheme in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45630/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Liming Programme was introduced this year as a once-off, National Exchequer funded measure in response to cost increases arising form the war in Ukraine. The budget of €16 million for the Programme is only available in 2023.
I recently announced an important flexibility regarding the lime spreading deadline under the Programme. This was in response to the exceptionally wet weather over recent months, impacting ground conditions and limiting farmer's opportunities to spread lime. Under this flexibility, the deadline of the 31st of October 2023 remains in place for receipt of claims for aid, however applicants now have until the 31st of March 2024 to spread their approved quantity of lime.
There is no available budget for the Programme to open to new applications. Therefore my Department will not be in a position to renew the Liming Programme in 2024.
220. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has carried out a review or impact assessment on the potential implications the changes to the current Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation may have on agricultural sectors in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45652/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNegotiations on the Commission proposal for a Regulation on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides are ongoing at EU level.
My Department held a public consultation on the Commissions proposal to engage stakeholders and the public on this important matter. Over 300 submissions were received, including significant input from agriculture sectors. The information and views gathered have informed Ireland’s awareness of potential impacts of the proposal and our approach to the negotiations.
Separately, my Department has also commissioned research on the possible impacts for Ireland of the legally binding targets, the availability and feasibility of non-chemical alternative methods and on the implementation of the proposed Integrated Pest Management requirements. This research, which is being conducted by Teagasc, is ongoing.
221. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 360 of 26 September 2023, if the lands in question are still designated as geese and swan habitats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45758/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note from the response provided in September 2023, that, of the folio numbers provided, one is fully within both the Middle Shannon Callows SPA and the River Shannon Callows SAC, while the vast majority of the second folio is also within in the same SPA and SAC apart from a very small portion which is outside the designated sites.
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are prime wildlife conservation areas in the country, considered to be important on a European as well as Irish level. The legal basis on which SACs are selected and designated is the EU Habitats Directive, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011), as amended. Ireland is required under the terms of the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) to designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the protection of:
• Listed rare and vulnerable species
• Regularly occurring migratory species
• Wetlands especially those of international importance
I understand that, as the Deputy refers, in particular, to geese and swans habitat, he may be asking about the eligibility of the area in question for the Geese and Swans action under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).
Applicants for the ACRES General approach may be considered for priority access to the scheme if they have at least 0.5 hectare (ha) of land within the Natura (SAC/SPA) mapped area in 2022 and select one of the appropriate actions intersecting the Natura mapped area.
They may also be considered for priority access to the Scheme if they have at least 0.5 ha of land within the Geese and Swan mapped area in 2022 and if they select the Geese and Swan action. It should be noted that the Geese and Swan mapped area used in ACRES is based on the Geese and Swan Hotspot map provided to my Department by BirdWatch Ireland. This map was developed as part of the Farmland Bird Hotspot Mapping Project that was funded by my Department. The maps highlight locations in Ireland with particularly important populations of farmland species of particular interest and was derived from recent bird observation records in various scientifically validated data sets.
While my Department has no involvement in relation to the Geese and Swan Hotspot Mapping provided by BirdWatch Ireland, I understand from the previous response to the Deputy that there has been no change to the designation, under the Directives mentioned, of the holding referred to.
222. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how the people of Clare will benefit from his Department’s allocations in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45767/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2024 Estimates provide a gross vote of €1.942 billion for my department. My goal in this budget is to support our farm families in Co. Clare and nationally. The funding provided supports the sector’s environmental ambition and on-farm sustainability while at the same time supporting farmer incomes and providing vital infrastructure to support the development of our fishing sector and coastal communities. Budget 2024 supports farm families as we implement the targeted supports for farmers provided in the largest ever €10 billion CAP Strategic Plan (CSP).
Measures included in Budget 2024 are:
• Over €100m in supports for beef and sheep sectors (€200/cow; €20/ewe)
• Over €700 million in funding in 2024 for agri-environment initiatives.
• Higher rate of TAMS grant (70%) for new tanks for those importing slurry.
• New separate TAMS investment ceiling for slurry storage tanks.
• Accelerated Capital Allowances on Slurry Storage continued.
• Targeted support for Tillage farmers.
• Key agri-taxation supports secured and land leasing targeted at active farmers.
• ACRES allocation increased to €200m to accommodate the full 50k participants promised under the CSP.
• Schemes for soil sampling and multispecies swards.
• €57m allocation to support Organic farmers.
• €110m in funding provided to drive ambitions of the Forestry Programme.
• €6.5m dairy beef scheme.
• €14.35 million to support the National Strategy for Horticulture
The farm, food and fishing sectors are the lifeblood of rural and coastal communities and contribute enormously to prosperity and employment creation right across the economy.
The definitive allocations will be set out in the 2024 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which will be published later this year.
223. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the revised capital ceilings under the National Development Plan for his Department given the transfer of specialist disability services to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, in tabular form. [45919/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below provides details of the revised capital budget that was allocated under the National Development Plan post transfer of specialist community based disability services to my Department, which took effect from 1 March 2023:
|
2023 €m |
2024 €m |
2025 €m |
|
|
DCEDIY Capital Allocation |
124.37 |
134.72 |
126.33 |
224. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if transport will be granted to a person (details supplied). [45372/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
225. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of legal cases taken against his Department in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023; and the costs associated with same in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45391/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is preparing a response and will provide the information sought shortly.
226. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to bring the Section 39 workers up to pay parity with the Section 38 workers (details supplied). [45410/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sustainability and stability of health and social care sectors and the impact of industrial action on essential services is a concern for Government.Following intensive talks under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), parties to the process, including the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Department of Health, reached a pay agreement with Unions representing Section 39, Section 56 and Section 10 organisations.The agreement, which unions have indicated will be put to their members, proposes an 8% increase in pay over three phases:
• An increase of 3% from April 1st 2023
• An increase of 2% from 1st November 2023
• An increase of 3% from March 2024.
In addition, agreement was reached to commence a process to consider appropriate further funding increases, having regard to Building Momentum and any successor public sector pay agreement.The Government is committed to the expansion of services for people with disabilities. The Disability Action Plan was approved by Government in July of this year and is currently being prepared for publication. It aims to progressively address unmet need by enhancing and reforming services.
227. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated full year cost of providing twenty additional emergency residential places for persons with a disability. [45414/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
228. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the location of each emergency accommodation centre for international protection applicants across the State; and the number of international protection applicants at each centre, in tabular form. [45442/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis information will issue directly to the Deputy.
