Bernard Durkan
Question:294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the current and or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30828/24]
View answerImmigration Status
Questions (294)
Written answers
My Department has no record of having received an immigration application on behalf of the person concerned.
If the person is in the State without an immigration permission, they must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally. Therefore, I would encourage them to contact the Immigration Service of my Department or their local immigration office and to take all appropriate steps to regularise their status.
Any application submitted should explain their current circumstances and future intentions in the State and provide any documentation they feel will support their application.
The application should be submitted via registered post to: Unit A – Domestic Residence and Permissions Division, Immigration Service Delivery, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70.
In all cases, people must engage with the authorities if they wish to be permitted to remain here legally.
The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) examines each application to remain in the State on a case-by-case basis and has consistently urged anyone in this position to come forward if they wish to apply to regularise their immigration position in the State.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (295)
Bernard Durkan
Question:295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice to indicate the current and/or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30829/24]
View answerWritten answers
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times. Based on the current application levels, I expect going forward that most straightforward applications will receive a decision within one year.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Visa Applications
Questions (296)
Bernard Durkan
Question:296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of appeals for visas in the case of a family (details supplied); when the appeals can expect to be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30868/24]
View answerWritten answers
The visa applications referred to by the Deputy were refused by the Visa Office in Dublin. The reasons for these decisions were set out in the refusal letters sent to the applicants on 24 January 2023. Appeals of these decisions were received on 08 March 2023.
All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that meticulously follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.
It should be noted that visa appeals are dealt with in strict chronological order. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.
A decision will be issued to the applicants as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Animal Welfare
Questions (297)
Paul Murphy
Question:297. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or officials from his Department will meet with a group (details supplied); and if not, the reason therefor. [30598/24]
View answerWritten answers
I acknowledge your request for myself or officials from my Department to meet with the newly established community of stakeholders group - Dogs in Society.
The Deputy will be aware that the Department of Rural and Community Development (DCRD) has policy responsibility for Dog Control and Dog Breeding Establishments. I would be most grateful if the Deputy could provide my office with more information on this group and contact details so that my Department can establish if the groups main interest lies with my Department.
Departmental Investigations
Questions (298)
Matt Carthy
Question:298. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals regarding the independent review of the issues pertaining to the environmental impact of industrial emissions in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, as announced by him in Dáil Éireann on 4 July 2024; if he will engage with the farmer affected and the farm organisations to agree a terms of reference and the mechanism of such a review; when a review will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30610/24]
View answerWritten answers
The deputy will be aware that in response to the July 4th Dail motion on this issue I outlined the very significant resources invested by the State to get to the bottom of the matter, with scientific studies carried out by the Inter-agency group, comprising experts from my Department’s Veterinary laboratories, Teagasc, the South-Eastern Health Board (as it then was), and Kilkenny County Council. The Environmental Protection Agency, as the body with specific expertise and responsibility for monitoring and control of environmental pollution, was also a member of the Group. This joint and combined scientific investigation into Mr Brennan's animal health issues and the wider environment was impartial, detailed, and substantial.
The Final Inter Agency Report, 2010, specifically concluded that there was no evidence of environmental pollution, Cadmium or Fluoride impact on the health of animals on Mr Brennan’s farm. These conclusions were based on wide ranging chemical and pathological analyses of blood and tissues of animals from the farm and from extensive environmental analysis.
I am, however, aware of the stress caused to the Brennan family in relation to the health issues in their herd. In acknowledgement of the work carried out by the Joint Committee for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have agreed to seek an independent review of the work carried out by my Department. I will now carefully consider the next steps in this matter, and in the meantime, have asked my department to engage with Mr. Brennan.
Grant Payments
Questions (299)
David Stanton
Question:299. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his Department is working to reduce the burden of bureaucracy, administration, red tape and duplication of requests for information, sometimes already in the possession of his Department, on farmers, especially pertaining to grant applications; his further plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30611/24]
View answerWritten answers
Simplification is a key focus of my Department. The Department has taken full advantage of all the digitisation in recent years. All area-based interventions under the CAP or National Schemes are now applied for on the single platform, agfood.ie. This is a major change and simplification for farmers, who previously had to manually enter information in a number of different places, occasionally leading to duplication.
Grant applications on the platform now remember a farmer’s information between years. Farmers applying for our area-based interventions in 2024 will have seen their 2023 data carried forward, streamlining the application process.
With regard to administrative simplification and red tape, the new CAP made a number of significant changes, that have reduced the burdens on farmers. The first was a change to the basic definition of the eligible hectare. Farmers are no longer required to redline out areas of scrub in order to remain eligible. This saves time and effort for the farmers.
Secondly, my Department has implemented a new Area Monitoring System (AMS). This use of satellite technology reduces the need to conduct on the spot controls (OTSC) and inspections for a number of checks that previously had to be carried out on the ground, and with the cooperation of the farmer. It also gives early warning to farmers when an anomaly or potential non-compliance is detected, meaning that farmers are given an opportunity to address any issues as they arise, and avoid a penalty.
Furthermore, I have participated in making impactful changes to the basic regulations through my work with the European Council, to agree a set of simplification measures. These changes cover a number of areas, including simplifications to the basic Conditionality Standards. Some of these will need to be tailored to the Irish situation through an amendment to the CAP Strategic Plan, later in the year. Others will be implemented immediately, such as an exemption from controls and penalties under the CAP conditionality for 20,000 small farmers farming on less than ten hectares.
I am committed to meaningful simplification for farmers, both for the current 5-year CAP programme and for future CAP reform. As set out above, we have already made large scale and impactful improvements in this area, and we will continue to take every opportunity to make changes to benefit farmers.
Farm Inspections
Questions (300)
Michael Creed
Question:300. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current situation regarding a farm inspection (details supplied); the financial penalties involved; and if an appeal has been submitted in this case. [30663/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has examined the relevant records and has confirmed that the herd owner submitted a Basic Payment Scheme application on the 30th of March 2022. The applicant was subject to a 2022 cross reported inspection.
A 5% penalty was applied following a non-compliance with Statutory Management Requirement 1 – EU Nitrates Directive. The applicant was notified of the inspection outcome on the 13th of June 2024 and this communication afforded the applicant the right to seek an internal review within the Department. To date, a request for review has not been received. Any review including supporting documentation should be submitted to the attention of the District Inspector for the South West region, Hibernian House, 80 South Mall, Cork City Co. Cork.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (301)
Brendan Smith
Question:301. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the planned payment dates in 2024 for the areas of natural constraints scheme and the basic income support for sustainability scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30820/24]
View answerWritten answers
Farm payments are a critical component of farm income. I'm fully aware of the importance of the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) and the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) schemes as for many farmers these form a significant proportion of their annual payments.
The planned 2024 payment dates for the ANC scheme and the BISS scheme, are set out in the BISS terms and conditions which note:
• September 18th, 2024 - ANC Advance payments commence.
• October 16th, 2024 – BISS Advance payments commence.
• December 2nd, 2024 – Balancing payments commence.
I would encourage all farmers to engage with any requests for further information that they may receive in relation to their 2024 claims to ensure any outstanding issues are dealt with in advance of the payment dates.
Agriculture Schemes
Questions (302)
Brendan Smith
Question:302. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the planned payment dates in 2024 for applicants under ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30821/24]
View answerWritten answers
Scheme year 2024 advance payments are scheduled to commence in November 2024.
Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) payments for scheme year 2023 commenced over the period December 2023 to January 2024, when €88.35 million was issued in advance payments to 19,719 ACRES General participants.
In recognition of the complexity of the scheme and the time required to fully process all payments, interim payments issued to all other participants in February and March 2024. Payments of €4,000 were made to General participants and €5,000 to Co-Operation participants.
My Department commenced balancing payments on the 19th of June. A total of 31,808 participants have been paid to date, with total payments made to ACRES participants since last December now amounting to just under €234 million. Further balancing payments will continue to be made on a fortnightly basis as cases are cleared.
Forestry Sector
Questions (303)
Brendan Smith
Question:303. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in expediting the processing and approval of applications for planting and felling forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30822/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department published a Forestry Licensing Plan in December 2023 which outlines our strong commitment to issuing licences in 2024. The Plan estimates that we will issue 4,200 new forestry licences of all types in 2024, which includes 1,000 afforestation licences. This is however contingent on receiving enough applications to achieve this goal. We are working towards the priorities outlined in the Plan and we are committed to reducing turn around times for all schemes to six months for screen out files and nine months for files screened in for appropriate assessment.
All applications go through a very rigorous assessment process to ensure that all environmental obligations are fully complied with. Over the last three years my Department has invested significantly in additional resources to address the increased complexity of licensing applications which has resulted from more stringent environmental requirements. These included investments in additional forestry inspectors, ecologist and administrative staff. We have also implemented changes to our systems and processes on foot of the recommendations contained in an independent end-to-end Systems and Processes Analysis.
My Department publishes details of all licences issued on the Departments weekly Forestry Dashboard which can be found here: gov - 2024 Forestry Weekly Dashboard (www.gov.ie). We have issued 1,708 licences this year, covering roads, felling and afforestation. More roads and private felling licences were issued than received, and the Coillte felling applications on hand refer to the 2026 harvesting programme. At present, there are approximately 4,273 hectares approved and available to plant through the Afforestation and Native Tree Area Schemes, of which my Department has received notifications of the intention to plant for 1,802 hectares. In addition, some 808 hectares have been planted and paid for to date in 2024, with applications for payment being submitted and paid on a weekly basis.
Forestry Sector
Questions (304)
Brendan Smith
Question:304. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in conjunction with other Departments or agencies, further consideration can be given to assisting people with the costs of felling small numbers of trees with ash dieback, where such people do not have plantations and are not participants in any Department scheme, and may have a very small number of trees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30823/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has introduced a comprehensive Action Plan on Ash Dieback which provides comprehensive supports to landowners who planted ash plantations under a grant-aided scheme overseen by my Department.
While I am aware all landowners with ash trees are impacted by ash dieback, my Department does not have responsibility for the removal or reconstitution of Ash trees for private homeowners and landowners with ash trees in their gardens or on individual holdings who did not plant under a Departmental ash scheme.
My Department supported the Tree Council of Ireland in publishing guidelines for managing roadside trees. The document is available on the Tree Council of Ireland’s website www.treecouncil.ie and on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website www.gov.ie/en/publication/642e6-forestry/gov.ie - A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees (www.gov.ie).
Animal Slaughtering
Questions (305)
Bernard Durkan
Question:305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that adequate checks take place on all meat processing outlets throughout the country with a view to ensuring the highest possible national and European standards at all times; the number of inspections that have reported contrary to this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30870/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am satisfied with the current system of controls at meat plants which is reinforced by a permanent presence of staff at slaughter plants. All plants are subject to inspections and audits by resident staff, and verification audits by regional supervisory staff who must confirm whether the establishment is in general compliance with the conditions of approval under SI 22/2020. All inspection and audit data are reported to the FSAI, who may choose to audit any DAFM plants at any time. Plants are also subject to audits from DG Sante and Third Countries to verify compliance with their requirements”
To date in 2024 one plant has had its approval revoked for failure to comply with National and European standards
Animal Welfare
Questions (306)
Bernard Durkan
Question:306. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that strict animal welfare provisions apply throughout the country, including at horse abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30871/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Ireland’s Programme for Government includes a commitment to improve animal welfare standards and promote responsible pet ownership.
The welfare of animals is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is taken where breaches or shortcomings are identified. All reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated, with 162 Animal Welfare prosecutions, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, to date. Recently, I took the action of suspending the approval of a licensed slaughter house, where violations were reported.
In December 2023, my Department announced record funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the animal welfare grant programme, these awards also support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
My Department also supports urban horse projects, spending a total of €1,860,000, since 2015, with a budget of €350,000 allocated for 2024, for these projects. At present there are 8 live projects nationwide, which encourage good care and welfare of horses.
In accordance with Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, "Working Together for Animal Welfare", the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) was established in November 2021, comprising of independent members with a range of expertise and experience. ACCAW advises my department on policy matters and where appropriate, issue guidelines and recommendations in relation to companion animals.
My Department also operates a confidential Animal Welfare helpline service, to allow the reporting of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect, which can be contacted, in confidence, on: Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379
Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (307)
Robert Troy
Question:307. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will expedite an appointment for an autism assessment for a child (details supplied). [30623/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.