Written Answers Nos. 217-235
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which funding for state-of-the-art technology is currently available or being made available to An Garda Síochána to assist in the detection and prosecution of all forms of crime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to deliver on their mission of Keeping People Safe. This is reflected in the record budgetary allowance of €2.3 billion in 2024. As part of Budget 2024's unprecedented allocation, €155 million has been allocated for digital capital investment and IT. An Garda Síochána's Digital Strategy for the period 2019 – 2023, reflecting the recommendations in the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, ensures that information and communications technology will continue to support and transform An Garda Síochána’s capabilities. Garda ACTIVE Mobility apps allow members to access their email on the move, check a vehicle’s history and tax status, and enables them to work more efficiently with local business and community groups. All Garda members now have mobile devices with real-time access to apps eliminating paperwork and allowing Gardaí to carry out their frontline duties far more efficiently. The organisation’s new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, GardaSAFE, is now operational across all regions. The modern policing tools within this system allow call takers and dispatchers to deliver enhanced support to responders, supporting them in their mission to keep the public safe. As well as the significant new technology support in the regional control rooms there are now over 4,000 users of the CAD mobile app which provides frontline members with key incident, intelligence and warning details as well as turn-by-turn directions to the scene.
I am informed by Garda authorities that the introduction of an online portal for uploading and reporting of digital evidence such as video of road traffic offences will be delivered as part of a planned Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS).
I am advised that the mechanism for An Garda Síochána to accept video footage from the public will be via an online Portal. I am informed that once the footage is uploaded, a DEMS will be required to store, manage and process any footage received.
The project to introduce body worn camera technology and a DEMS to An Garda Síochána is underway. A limited Proof of Concept deployment of body worn cameras in a small number of areas is planned for early 2024. This Proof of Concept will provide learnings for the next stage of the project, which is the national procurement and rollout of body worn cameras, including the introduction of a DEMS.
I am further advised that there are currently two helicopters attached to the Garda Air Support Unit, a Eurocopter EC 135 T2 and a EC135 T2+ which were delivered in 2001 and 2007 respectively. The Government has approved the purchase of a fixed wing plane and a helicopter to replace these aircraft and these are expected to be delivered in quarter 1 of 2025.
218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the total number of gardaí available throughout the country on a full-time basis; the extent to which this number has fluctuated in each of the past six years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8598/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of the 31 December 2023, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 13,998 Garda members. This represents an increase of over 3% since the end of December 2017. In addition, the civilianisation programme has freed up almost 900 Garda members from back office work for front line policing work since 2015.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda members at the end of December 2017 up to the end of December 2023. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
|
- |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Total Gardaí |
13,551 |
14,032 |
14,307 |
14,491 |
14,235 |
14,133 |
13,998 |
As the Deputy may be aware, the number of recruits in the Garda training college continue to increase, a total of 746 trainees entered the training college in 2023. This is the highest intake in any year since 2018.
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which hate speech, hate crime and racism continue to be addressed in all areas throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8599/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to the fight against racism, prejudice and bigotry, and strongly condemns the actions of those who abuse and attack others because of their own prejudices against a person’s religion, ethnic origins, sexual orientation or any other part of their identity as a human being. Ireland is a diverse and tolerant country, and such behaviour is not acceptable.
It is currently an offence under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 to speak, publish, display or broadcast threatening, abusive or insulting material, where that material is intended or likely to stir up hatred against a person(s) on the basis of a protected characteristic. It is also an offence to prepare or possess such material with a view to its publication, broadcast or display.
The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 will update the existing offences to include incitement to violence as well as incitement to hatred and it will create new hate crime offences for the first time in Ireland.
Under the Bill, it will be an offence to incite violence, in addition to hatred, towards individuals and groups based on a list of protected characteristics, which are a person’s race, colour, nationality, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability, their descent and sex characteristics.
The Bill also creates new hate offences as aggravated forms of existing offences, for example: “assault aggravated by hatred”. This will allow a court to impose a sentence that recognises the hate component of an offence where it is motivated by hatred or where hatred is demonstrated during the commission of the offence.
Other elements of the existing Act are retained, including the offence of preparing and possessing material likely to incite hatred and powers of search, arrest and forfeiture necessary for the investigation of the offence.
In addition to my work on this legislation, my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth last year fulfilled the Programme for Government commitment to publish a National Action Plan against Racism.
Other actions to tackle racism, prejudice and intolerance in the Programme for Government include the Migrant Integration Strategy and the National LGBTI+ Strategy.
Work also continues on Supporting a Victim's Journey', the detailed plan to implement the recommendations of the O'Malley Review so as to introduce important reforms to support and protect vulnerable victims and make our criminal justice system more victim-centred.
I would encourage anyone who has been a victim or has witnessed any hate motivated crime to report it to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
An Garda Síochána takes hate crime seriously and is strongly committed to engaging proactively and respectfully with all members of society, and, in particular, persons from minority groups and diverse backgrounds.
The Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit monitor all incidents recorded on Pulse that have a discriminatory motive attached to them. They advise, support and assist investigating Gardaí across the country who are investigating incidents which may have a discriminatory motive attached.
There are now over 600 specially-trained Garda Diversity Officers (GDOs) across every Garda division. Their role is to liaise with representatives of the various minority/diverse communities in their division, establish communication links, inform and assure these communities of Garda services and provide support to victims of hate crime.
Since 1st April 2022 it is also mandatory for all Garda Personnel, of all ranks and grades, to complete online Hate Crime training which includes a full section devoted to bias motivations.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the efforts in hand to process applications for citizenship and naturalisation in an organised and timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8600/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which the number of persons awaiting naturalisation is being addressed, with particular reference to those in this jurisdiction for more than five years and anxious to obtain employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8602/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 222 together.
I am deeply conscious of how important the granting of naturalisation is to all of those who apply for it. I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating and disruptive for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
In a little over two years Citizenship Division has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications. This 66% increase in processing has been achieved through digitising and streamlining processes. Median processing times currently stand at approximately 19 months.
The digitisation measures introduced include eVetting and online payments, and more recently a move to online based applications. This provides a streamlined application process and helps guide applicants through what is required for their application.
I can advise the Deputy that the Citizenship Division of my Department continues to communicate regularly with all applicants to keep them informed as to updates on processing times and arrangements.
Finally, I can clarify to the Deputy that people do not require Irish citizenship in order to work in Ireland. A person may engage in employment once they have been granted the appropriate work permit and/or immigration permission.
221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which she proposes to strengthen the law in regard to child sexual abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8601/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government takes the issue of sexual exploitation of children very seriously and there is comprehensive legislation in place to deal with these offences. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act was enacted in early 2017. It is a wide-ranging piece of legislation which significantly enhances laws to combat the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. Specific offences have been provided for in this Act to target the recognised steps in what is often a gradual process of grooming a victim. Among the provisions of the 2017 Act are measures to strengthen significantly the existing criminal law in combating child exploitation and, in particular, to address the use of modern communication technologies as a tool which may lead to child sexual exploitation. The Deputy will be aware that sophisticated grooming often involves seemingly innocent contact with, or befriending of, a child, perhaps through text messaging, social media or messaging apps. This may be followed by the exposure of the child to sexual images or content. Section 8 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 provides for a specific offence of using information and communications technology to communicate with a child for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The offence allows An Garda Síochána to investigate and bring to justice online predators and carries a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment. Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Act 2017 also includes an offence of sending sexually explicit material to a child. This provision recognises that the intention behind this type of activity may be to expose the child to material with a view to developing the child’s familiarity with such material or activity so as to facilitate the production of pornography or to meet the child for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The penalty for this offence is up to 5 years imprisonment. The Deputy will also be aware that child trafficking and exploitation (including the production of child pornography) are criminalised under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, as amended by section 3 of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 amended the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 to raise the maximum penalty for engaging in a sexual act with a child who is under the age of 17 years from 5 to 7 years imprisonment. Furthermore, the 2017 Act amended the 2006 Act to raise the maximum penalty for attempting to engage in a sexual act with a child under the age of 17 years from 2 to 7 years imprisonment. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006, as amended, also provides that the maximum penalty for engaging in a sexual act with a child under the age of 15 years is life imprisonment and the same penalty applies to attempting to engage in a sexual act with a child under the age of 15 years. Ireland ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (known as the "Lanzarote Convention") on 21 December 2020. The Convention entered into force in Ireland on 1 April 2021. Part 2 of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 which strengthens the law relating to the sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography, and criminalises the use of information and communication technology to facilitate such exploitation, ensures the State’s full compliance with criminal law provisions in the Convention. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Act 2019 introduced, inter alia, stricter penalties for repeat sexual offenders. The Act provides that where an offender is convicted of a sexual offence listed in a new schedule to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 (including a number of sexual offences against children) and is sentenced to imprisonment for a period of at least 5 years and is subsequently – within a period of 10 years – convicted of a further scheduled offence, the court shall, when imposing sentence for that offence, specify a term of imprisonment to be served by the person, that is no less than three quarters of the maximum penalty for the offence.
While there are currently no new legislative measures being advanced specifically in relation to child sexual abuse, last year the Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 was enacted which strengthens the management of convicted sex offenders on release. In addition, I am currently bringing forward the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 which will increase the protections for victims of sexual crime. It is expected that the Bill will be enacted by summer this year. I am of course committed to ensuring the law in this area is comprehensive and effective. As such, it is constantly kept under review and if further changes are identified as being needed, these will be brought forward.
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which members of An Garda Síochána injured or traumatised in the course of their duty have access to appropriate counselling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8603/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes Garda HR matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Government has consistently sought to support the mental and physical wellbeing of Gardaí in recent years. In Budget 2024, the government provided €6m for Garda wellbeing initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
An Garda Síochána has introduced a range of measures in recent years to support front-line Gardaí including an increase in personal safety equipment and in the number of front-line supervisors.
There are a number of support systems in place to help Gardaí address issues of stress and mental health. These include an Employee Assistance Service, as well as trauma counselling and peer support.
I am pleased to note that the Garda Employee Assistance Service provides a proactive response to support and assists Garda personnel in managing and resolving work and personal difficulties at an early stage, and in an effort to maintain their health and wellbeing.
The service provides a confidential, professional, support and assistance service to:
- Serving members and their families.- Garda Trainees and Probationers.- Retired members and their families.- Reserve Gardaí.- Garda Staff and their families. - Retired Members of external police services resident in the State.
I am informed that the service is supported by peer supporters within An Garda Síochána who are located in each District/Division. Peer Supporters are colleagues who are appropriately trained to provide support to personnel who have been exposed to or experience a traumatic event in the workplace.
Peer Supporters are activated following a traumatic incident in the workplace and very often the immediate activation and response from a peer supporter has a huge impact in assisting colleagues in the aftermath of such occurrences.
I am further informed that a 24/7, 365 Independent Helpline and Counselling Service is available to all staff within An Garda Síochána with the service available for both work and personal difficulties.
224. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons with two or more Garda vetting requests being processed in parallel. [8619/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016. As Minister, I have no role in the management of the vetting system or individual vetting applications.
I have contacted the Garda authorities to be of assistance and have been advised by GNVB that it is not possible to provide statistical information in respect of the number of persons with two or more vetting applications processed in parallel.
Each vetting application is processed on a case-by-case basis having regard to the role applied for. While the record of previous applications is maintained, it is not possible to ascertain the number of persons would have been the subject of more than one vetting process or the number of persons who have applied for different roles that require vetting at the same time.
225. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the provision of ACRES payments; and the number of eligible farmers who have not yet received payment from his Department. [8556/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the deputy is aware, there was unprecedented demand under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) Tranche 1. This is a reflection of the interest amongst farmers in taking on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues. In response to this ambition by farmers, I ensured that all eligible Tranche 1 applications were approved, with just under 46,000 active contracts now in place.
ACRES payments commenced on December 15th, with payments issuing in the initial payment run to two-thirds of all ACRES General participants. Further payments have been made in 2024 to additional ACRES General participants that had cleared payment validations. Over €88 million has now issued to almost 20,000 ACRES General participants, leaving approximately 26,000 yet to receive payment.
ACRES is also an ambitious scheme, with results-based actions - for the first time under any large-scale environmental programme - constituting an important element. This is in line with the objective of delivering the maximum possible environmental benefit under the scheme. This however brings with it new challenges and new complexities - particularly in relation to the Co-operation Project stream, and also in relation to commonages - which have to be fully addressed before all payments can issue.
Every effort continues to be made to ensure that all of these payments can be issued as quickly as possible. This work is ongoing and is a priority, but is likely to take a further period to complete. In these circumstances, I have decided to make an interim, nationally-funded, payment to those farmers affected across ACRES General and Co-operation.
The rate of this interim payment will be €4,000 for those in ACRES General and €5,000 for those in ACRES Co-operation Projects. It is my intention to have this interim payment delivered to those farmers affected across ACRES General and Co-operation by the end of this month.
Intensive work will continue on the calculation of the full payments due to farmers under Tranche 1 of ACRES, and when this work is completed, the final payments issued to farmers - which will take place in June - will take into account the interim payments already made to the relevant participants.
226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which he continues to ensure the meeting of emission targets while protecting the agrifood industry, given the likelihood of food shortage in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3222/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is one of the most food secure countries in the world. In fact, Ireland has come second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index.
The issue of maintaining food production has been the subject of much discussion in the context of the Government's economy-wide target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. My position has been consistent- each sector, including agriculture, will need to play its part to achieve this target.
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine have a number of policies and strategies in place to ensure Agriculture plays its role in meeting the national climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while continuing to sustainably produce food and feed. The Food Vision 2030 Strategy sets out a pathway to become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems over the next decade. Food security, food safety and nutrition are key components of Sustainable Food Systems.
Under the Government's Climate Action Plans, the pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the sector is clearly set out. These measures are grouped around three themes: inputs and additives, husbandry practices, and diversification. In practical terms, the types of actions that the sector is undertaking include reducing chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type, providing voluntary diversification options for farmers, while also improving the environmental dividend from our farmed land.
My aim is to future proof Ireland’s agri-food sector for the benefit of our industry, the environment and our farm families who are the backbone of the sector and rural communities. The sector will continue to be underpinned by our world class livestock and tillage sectors, and it is critical that we work collectively to achieve our environmental targets while maintaining food production.
227. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what measures will be taken to deal with circumstances where forestry planting has occurred close to power lines, resulting in power outages due to power lines being knocked over by trees and sallies in their vicinity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5475/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of forestry plantations is ultimately the responsibility of the owner of the land in question. Where the landowner is no longer under contract with my Department in relation to their forestry plantation, it is for the landowner to decide how and when they carry out general maintenance on their lands and there is no requirement to notify or seek approval from my Department under the Forestry Act 2014 or Forestry Regulations 2017, as amended, provided such general maintenance does not entail thinning or felling for which a licence would be required under the 2014 Act. In respect of the maintenance of electricity transmission line corridors within forests, Section 98 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927, as amended by Section 45 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, empowers the ESB to lop or cut any tree, shrub or hedge which obstructs or interferes with electrical wires.
Such works may also be subject to terms of the agreement entered into between the Irish Farmers’ Association and the ESB as regards ESB lines interacting with grant-aided forest areas. My Department is not a party to the IFA / ESB agreement and its only function in relation to the same is to provide information, upon request, to parties regarding loss of earnings as they would otherwise arise from Afforestation Scheme payments. As set out in the Forestry Standards Manual, whilst such ESB corridors are intended to be left unplanted at the initial afforestation stage, where naturally regenerated trees do colonise the area, the trees are not to be allowed to grow to a height of more than 3m above the ground and the landowner is responsible for cutting or lopping the trees to ensure this. The landowner is also responsible for keeping a minimum corridor of at least 4 metres in width totally clear of regenerating trees for ESB maintenance access, this is not subject to any requirement for a Tree Felling Licence. If someone is dissatisfied with the outcome of such works, the landowner or any other 3rd party complainant, then has the option to complain to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Finally, my Department carries out regular inspections of the forest estate, and if issues are found that pertain to the implementation of the Forestry Acts then my Department will work with the relevant landowners on the matter.
228. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action he is taking to ensure proper maintenance of forestry plantations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5476/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Forestry Programme 2023-2027 provides a range of schemes to support the maintenance and management of forests.
Recognising the importance of managing forests the €1.3 billion Forestry Programme provides a range of measures to support forest owners. For example, my Department has launched a forest roads scheme that facilitates the construction of new forest roads to support forest management. This will provide opportunities for forest owners to create and improve access to forests to facilitate maintenance, harvesting of timber and the monitoring of and protection of forests. Forest roads also provide access to utility companies and forest owners to manage trees adjacent to powerlines.
We will also launch later this year a forest management plan scheme to provide funding to forest owners to prepare plans which will support certification and applications for licensing.
My department, recently opened the Woodland Improvement scheme which provides financial support to existing forest owners who wish to manage and maintain their forests to benefit the environment and the ecosystem services they provide. The Woodland Improvement Scheme has five elements; Thinning and Tending, Agroforestry Maintenance, Continuous Cover Forestry, Coppice and Coppice with Standards and finally Seed Stand Management. These schemes support forest owners to manage their forests in keeping with the principles of sustainable forest management and the protection of the environment, including water.
The protection and restoration of ancient woodland through close to nature schemes such as the Native Woodland Conservation scheme, aims to support the appropriate restoration of existing native woodland.
The Forestry Programme will also introduce on a Pilot basis, a payments for Ecosystem Services for particular schemes with a range of premium payments over a seven year period. Scheme’s that come with an ecosystem payment for forest owners who successfully enter these schemes include: Continuous Cover Forestry, Seed Stand Maintenance and Native Woodland Conservation.
Overall the Forestry Programme 2023- 2027 recognises and financially supports the benefit to the environment that long term management and maintenance bring to existing woodland owners.
229. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues he proposes to progress at a sectoral level through the work of the North-South Ministerial Council; if meetings will be held at an early date under the auspices of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8392/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI look forward to the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings returning after more than two years in abeyance. It is my wish that these meetings should recommence shortly.
The revival of regular NSMC meetings means that the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive will be able to continue to have the important conversations necessary to share experience and consider our shared challenges.
From an agricultural perspective there are a number of perspective areas where I believe Ministerial engagement would be helpful. These include animal and plant health, research, farm safety and climate/environmental challenges. These are all areas where closer engagement and ongoing discussion would be beneficial for all.
230. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for a milk tank under TAMS 2, which was submitted in 2022, will be paid in full, including VAT, to a person (details supplied). [8469/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the Dairy Equipment Scheme of TAMS II. An approval to commence investment works issued on 31 March 2023, with works to be completed and claim submitted online before the expiry date of 31 March 2024. To date a claim for payment has not been submitted by the applicant or their advisor.
Farmers who qualify for grant aid under TAMS are grant aided on the lower of the reference or receipted cost of the item, excluding VAT. The rules for the reclaiming of VAT in respect of on-farm investments are set by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, and are not under the remit of my Department.
231. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the financial supports to veterinary practitioners outlined in his Department's notice to private veterinary practitioners regarding the entry of Ukrainian pets into Ireland are still available to practitioners; and, if not, when the said supports ended. [8486/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe financial supports available to private veterinary practitioners for the treatment of Ukrainian pets ceased on 1st of July 2023. Notice of the cessation of the scheme was circulated by email to any practice that engaged with the Department, and was also posted on the Department's website on June 29th, 2023.
From 1st July 2023, all special emergency arrangements that were in place for pets entering Ireland from the Ukraine ceased. Any new pets presented to private veterinary practitioners after this date were not eligible for the scheme, with the cost for any treatment administered, borne by the pet owner.
Veterinary practitioners were advised to submit any outstanding invoices for eligible pets, that entered Ireland before July 1st 2023, to the Department by September 1st 2023 to receive payment. Any invoices submitted to the Department after that date were not eligible for payment.
232. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the sum provided by his Department to veterinary practitioners pursuant to his Department's notice to private veterinary practitioners regarding the entry of Ukrainian pets into Ireland; and if the said sum was included in the sum of €808,131.51 set out in his response to this Deputy of 16 February 2024 to the commitment given by the Taoiseach during Questions on Policy or Legislation on 13 February 2024. [8487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department paid €38,155.70 to Private Veterinary Practitioners who registered with my Department in relation to work they carried out on ensuring pets entering Ireland from the Ukraine met the relevant requirements. This is included in the €808,131.51 figure.
From 1st July 2023, all special emergency arrangements that were in place for pets entering Ireland from the Ukraine ceased. From this date, any new pet entering Ireland from Ukraine was treated as a third country pet with the cost for any treatment administered, borne by the pet owner.
233. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding that will be spent in 2024 out of the Brexit compensation fund for the fishing industry; when details of the various schemes will be finalised and announced; the agency or agencies that will administer the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8502/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI established the Seafood Sector Task Force in March 2021 to examine the impacts of Brexit/the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on our fishing sector and coastal communities. Support schemes were developed in line with the recommendations set out in the Seafood Task Force report of October 2021 so as to ensure a profitable and sustainable fishing fleet, and to identify opportunities for jobs and economic activity in coastal communities dependent on fishing.
The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund contributed €305.5m from 2021 to the end of 2023 in funding, to deliver on the recommendations of the Seafood Taskforce. The schemes operated under BAR were designed to support the sector to adapt, diversify and engage in sustainable practices, mitigating some of the impacts of Brexit.
The term of the BAR fund expired on 31 December 2023. Although there is some flexibility in the operation of a small number of schemes funded under BAR in terms of expenditure having applied before 31 December 2023 for some projects that will be delivered in 2024, it is important to clarify that no new support measures for the seafood sector may be funded under BAR from 01 January 2024. While Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, is administering the majority of the schemes on behalf of my Department, the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme is administered by my Department, although each local authority is responsible for governance and delivery of its own projects. Further information is available at: bim.ie and gov.ie.
Beyond the BAR, support measures will be funded under my Department’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Seafood Development Programme which is commencing its implementation. This €258 million programme will continue to provide a wide range of supports for fishers and the wider development of the seafood sector.
234. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he has considered the possible tax implications for some farmers of receiving a double ACRES payment in 2024; the level of tax disregards applied to ACRES payments; whether he has engaged with other Departments on this matter; whether he has considered the possible impact on thresholds for SUSI applications for some farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that taxation policy is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and that the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has responsibility for the operation of the taxation system.
The Deputy may also be aware that thresholds for SUSI applications is a matter for Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), who operate the National Student Grant Scheme in the higher education sector.
However, my Department does engage on taxation issues relating to the agri-food sector with a view to supporting Government policy in this regard.
In this context, there is a system for income averaging for farmers, and further information can be found at www.revenue.ie. This is an important agri-taxation measure and it assists in addressing income volatility in allowing farmers to pay tax based on the average of five years’ farming profits and losses.
235. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the future of Irish agriculture following the ending of the nitrates derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8545/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2022, Ireland secured an extension to our Nitrates Derogation covering the period to 2022-2025. Ireland's Nitrates Derogation has therefore not ended. Ireland is legally entitled to apply for a further derogation from 2026.
