Written Answers Nos. 331-350
337. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the proportion of total passenger movements into and out of the State that are undertaken by Irish and British citizens who can avail of free movement under the terms of the common travel area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52605/26]
View answer339. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of passenger arrivals in each of the past five years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52607/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 339 together.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Frontline immigration duties at other airports and ports of entry are the responsibility of An Garda Síochána.
The Department does not collate the figures in relation to passengers arriving in the State in the manner requested. Furthermore, as Ireland does not operate routine exit checks at Irish borders, it is not possible to give the figures of Irish and British citizens availing of free movement.
The table below shows the overall numbers of arriving passengers at Dublin Airport
Table 1. Total arriving passengers at Dublin Airport 2022-2026 (to 30/06)
|
Year |
Total Arriving Passengers |
|
2022 |
13,930,041 |
|
2023 |
16,628,545 |
|
2024 |
17,310,841 |
|
2025 |
18,202,584 |
|
2026 (to 30/06) |
8,945,664 |
340. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to support the restoration of native oyster reefs and other nature-based solutions in Ireland’s marine environment to improve biodiversity, enhance water quality and strengthen coastal resilience; whether further restoration projects are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52570/26]
View answerMy Department has a policy remit for seafood production and processing. While the development and implementation of oyster reef restoration projects and other nature-based solutions in Ireland's marine environment to improve biodiversity, enhance water quality and strengthen coastal resilience do not fall directly within the remit of my Department, I recognise the high value of these projects and the important role that our marine agencies (Marine Institute (MI) and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)) and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) programme - administered by my Department - can play in supporting them. I can assure the Deputy that my agencies will continue their good work in this area.
I can confirm that my Department has funded a number of oyster restoration projects under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the EMFAF in recent years. These projects are managed and co-ordinated by the MI and implemented in collaboration with community organisations and oyster co-operatives. BIM has also provided support in some cases. Such projects have been undertaken in Galway Bay, Clew Bay, Kilkieran Bay, Lough Swilly and Tralee Bay. The projects are complemented by annual surveys of oyster biomass in these areas conducted by the MI. The projects are components of the Ireland-UK network of oyster restoration actions and of the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance in Europe.
The MI also provides funding for marine-related projects under the Marine Research Programme and there are regular competitive research calls. The MI has awarded funding of €1.5 million under the Marine Research Programme to the BRICONS project, which is an all-island partnership of universities, led by University College Dublin, which aims to restore native oyster reefs.
The MI also undertakes numerous projects to improve biodiversity, water quality and coastal resilience. The MI is implementing the EMFAF Marine Biodiversity Scheme on behalf of the Government, which supports 20 projects amounting to circa €10.5m between 2021 and 2029. Under the current EMFAF programme, the MI is supporting two projects aimed at restoration and protection:
• Native oyster restoration project – 2022 to 2026
• Management of the crayfish fishery to protect critically endangered species – 2021 to 2027
Other supported projects aim to provide information on protection, recovery or sustainable use, such as “Monitoring the recovery of deep water species”, “Impacts of Fishing on Endangered, Threatened or Protected Species” and the “Pollack telemetry and genetics project.
As regards future restoration projects, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is leading the development of Ireland's first National Restoration Plan (NRP), as required under the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Article 5 sets out restoration targets for marine ecosystems, including shellfish beds (i.e. oyster reef). As part of the work towards the preparation of Ireland's NRP, an Inter-Departmental Working Group on the restoration of the Sea was established in February 2025. My Department and its agencies are represented on this Working Group.
341. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 649 of 30 June 2026, the whereabouts of the 23,760 non-coursing greyhounds entered on the Rásaíocht Con Éireann Traceability System in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52330/26]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to that body for direct reply.
342. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of confirmation from RCÉ that the RCÉTS does not retain a static record identifying the exact cohort of greyhounds included in the traceability system at a specific date, and that it is therefore not possible to retrospectively determine the active or inactive status of individual greyhounds on the system, if he considers the RCÉTS to be fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52331/26]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to that body for direct reply.
343. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update in relation to TB eradication scheme; the cost of the scheme from 2021 to 2026; the number of farmers compensated on that time; the number of reactors of that time per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51850/26]
View answerBovine TB (bTB) is an ongoing emotional and financial challenge for Irish farmers. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. The reasons underpinning current high levels of bTB incidence are the expansion of the dairy herd resulting in increased levels of intensive cattle farming and the increased movement of cattle. These conditions allow heightened susceptibility to disease, whether that is TB or any other infectious disease. In 2025 there were 37,834 reactors compared with 20,931 in 2021. The table below shows the number of reactors per county for each year from 2021 to date 28th June 2026.
To address these high disease levels, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025 it includes 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation.
There has been encouraging progress in recent months in reducing bTB levels. As of 28th June 2026 over a 12-month period the herd incidence was 5.32% down from 6.40% and the number of herds restricted was 5,300 down 17.82% from 6,449. This is due to the combined efforts of all stakeholders in engaging with farmers to reduce the risk bTB poses to Irish herds and rural communities.
My Department provides a range of financial supports that focus on compensating farmers for both direct and indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on the farm. The primary support scheme is the On Farm Market Valuation scheme where animals removed as reactors receive compensation subject to scheme ceilings equivalent to their market value in the event they were not disclosed as TB reactors. In 2025 of the 39,790 animals valued under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme just over 91% of animals were valued below the scheme ceilings.
In addition to the compensation package for eligible reactor animals that are removed during a TB breakdown, my Department operates three supplementary schemes that assist farmers with the indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on their farm;
The Income Supplement Scheme is a targeted scheme which assists farmers who lose 9.5% or more of their herd to disease due to a single TB breakdown.
The Hardship Grant is a targeted scheme aimed at assisting eligible herd-owners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown and that have more animals than the same period in the previous year. The scheme runs each year for herds restricted between November 1st and April 30th.
Depopulation Grant is paid for each animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those herds that are partial or fully depopulated on foot of a veterinary decision made on analysis of the overall TB disease situation within a herd.
Due to the increased cost of the bTB programme in recent years, the focus at present is on reducing the levels of disease which will reduce the impact of bTB on Irish farm families.
The cost of the TB Eradication Programme for years 2021 and as of 30th of June 2026 can be found in the table below along with a table outing the number of Herdowners compensated during that time.
Number of reactors per county for each year from 2021 to date 28th June 2026:
|
COUNTY |
Provisional Number of Reactors as of 28th June 2026 |
Number of Reactors Year 2025 |
Number of Reactors Year 2024 |
Number of Reactors Year 2023 |
Number of Reactors Year 2022 |
Number of Reactors Year 2021 |
|
COUNTY |
Provisional Number of Reactors as of 28th June 2026 |
Number of Reactors Year 2025 |
Number of Reactors Year 2024 |
Number of Reactors Year 2023 |
Number of Reactors Year 2022 |
Number of Reactors Year 2021 |
|
CARLOW |
245 |
371 |
133 |
144 |
77 |
81 |
|
CAVAN |
390 |
1,404 |
1418 |
1,171 |
528 |
851 |
|
CLARE |
479 |
1,110 |
1395 |
1,084 |
672 |
631 |
|
CORK North |
1436 |
3,249 |
3614 |
2,898 |
2,596 |
3,003 |
|
CORK South |
653 |
2,231 |
4004 |
2,916 |
1,448 |
1,820 |
|
DONEGAL |
244 |
570 |
453 |
524 |
261 |
371 |
|
DUBLIN |
170 |
178 |
178 |
181 |
265 |
186 |
|
GALWAY |
503 |
2,315 |
1804 |
1,148 |
1,053 |
1,070 |
|
KERRY |
962 |
4,275 |
2691 |
1,758 |
1,802 |
1,282 |
|
KILDARE |
413 |
516 |
513 |
375 |
257 |
245 |
|
KILKENNY |
480 |
1,503 |
2046 |
1,396 |
1,539 |
551 |
|
LAOIS |
601 |
1,438 |
1356 |
1,273 |
454 |
541 |
|
LEITRIM |
148 |
356 |
431 |
256 |
358 |
276 |
|
LIMERICK |
551 |
1,299 |
2148 |
1,422 |
1,570 |
923 |
|
LONGFORD |
301 |
783 |
911 |
476 |
309 |
302 |
|
LOUTH |
221 |
413 |
451 |
360 |
238 |
173 |
|
MAYO |
234 |
977 |
866 |
525 |
473 |
456 |
|
MEATH |
942 |
3,085 |
2465 |
1,669 |
1,359 |
881 |
|
MONAGHAN |
682 |
1,384 |
1606 |
1,445 |
905 |
758 |
|
OFFALY |
283 |
868 |
859 |
598 |
542 |
695 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
204 |
699 |
613 |
525 |
278 |
385 |
|
SLIGO |
181 |
431 |
549 |
374 |
327 |
282 |
|
TIPP NORTH |
368 |
1,756 |
4082 |
1,301 |
832 |
1,092 |
|
TIPP SOUTH |
1184 |
1,671 |
1993 |
1,116 |
1,535 |
875 |
|
WATERFORD |
339 |
1,319 |
1127 |
517 |
686 |
616 |
|
WESTMEATH |
414 |
891 |
1013 |
473 |
842 |
683 |
|
WEXFORD |
680 |
694 |
1111 |
945 |
808 |
383 |
|
WICKLOW East |
632 |
1,173 |
800 |
1,197 |
716 |
1,099 |
|
WICKLOW West |
718 |
875 |
1052 |
834 |
663 |
420 |
|
TOTAL |
14,658 |
37,834 |
41,682 |
28,901 |
23,393 |
20,931 |
Cost of TB Eradication Programme for years 2021 to 30th of June 2026: Expenditure ('000)
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
As of 30/06/2026 |
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
As of 30/06/2026 |
|
Compensation - Other |
€4,206 |
€3,641 |
€5,070 |
€9,662 |
€14,716 |
€5,761 |
|
Vet Fees - Testing |
€9,856 |
€13,574 |
€13,262 |
€14,623 |
€18,733 |
€6,155 |
|
Supplies |
€6,830 |
€8,103 |
€10,629 |
€8,615 |
€10,845 |
€1,890 |
|
Research |
€1,862 |
€1,131 |
€832 |
€1,798 |
€1,777 |
€39 |
|
On Farm Market Valuation |
€21,890 |
€22,880 |
€34,747 |
€54,348 |
€62,782 |
€28,980 |
|
Valuer Fees |
€747 |
€660 |
€818 |
€1,181 |
€1,211 |
€443 |
|
Wildlife |
€6,026 |
€6,407 |
€7,674 |
€9,171 |
€8,473 |
€4,109 |
|
Other Costs |
€1,072 |
€1,052 |
€1,252 |
€1,218 |
€3,450 |
€1,161 |
|
Total |
€52,489 |
€57,448 |
€74,284 |
€100,616 |
€121,987 |
€48,538 |
No of Herdowners Compensated in Years 2021 to 30th of June 2026.
|
Scheme |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
As of 30/06/2026 |
Total |
|
Scheme |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
As of 30/06/2026 |
Total |
|
On Farm Market Valuation |
3618 |
3319 |
4001 |
4942 |
5038 |
2150 |
23,068 |
|
Income Supplement |
1120 |
954 |
1149 |
1643 |
1959 |
1034 |
7,859 |
|
Depopulation Grant |
22 |
28 |
35 |
39 |
39 |
20 |
183 |
|
Hardship Grant |
1266 |
1036 |
1056 |
1732 |
3210 |
2722 |
11,022 |
344. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update in relation to Ireland’s negotiating position in the next round of talks in relation to the CAP strategic plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51851/26]
View answerThe current negotiations at EU level relate to the legislative proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027, which will establish the framework within which Member States will subsequently prepare their National and Regional Partnership Plans, including the CAP chapter. Discussions on Ireland’s future CAP implementation arrangements will therefore take place once the legislative framework has been agreed at EU level.
As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland’s role is to facilitate negotiations, build consensus among Member States and act as an honest broker in advancing discussions on the CAP Regulation. Our objective during the Presidency is to build on the significant progress achieved to date, and to advance negotiations on the remaining technical and political issues.
Discussions remain ongoing and no final decisions have been taken on the legislative proposals. Ireland will continue to work constructively with Member States, the European Commission and the European Parliament to support progress towards an agreed legislative framework that provides a strong foundation for the future CAP.
Following agreement on the legislative framework, Ireland will engage with stakeholders in developing its future National and Regional Partnership Plan, including the CAP chapter, to ensure that it reflects Ireland’s agricultural priorities while meeting the agreed EU legislative requirements.
345. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address the reported oversubscription of the straw incorporation measure; whether he intends to reduce payment rates, reduce eligible hectares, or impose any other limitation on participants; if he will provide an additional budget allocation to ensure all eligible applicants receive their full payment under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52360/26]
View answerThe Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) is a support Measure for tillage farmers which encourages them to increase soil organic carbon levels by chopping and incorporating straw from cereal and oilseed rape crops.
Under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, SIM has an overall allocation of €50 million with a projected annual spend of €10 million. Applications in 2026 amount to in excess of €16 million.
The Terms and Conditions for BISS and other area-based schemes sets out the various means by which the payment rates will be decided upon in circumstances where claims, as in 2026, are in excess of the available budget, namely:
• a linear cut to the rate of payment
• a degressive payment, and/or
• acceptance based on the application of tiered applications.
I'm acutely aware how important SIM is to tillage farmers and also the importance of farmers having certainty. At present all possible options are being considered and a decision will be made shortly to allow farmers to plan accordingly.
346. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to support the growth and international expansion of Irish-owned food and agri-food businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52387/26]
View answerA key focus of Food Vision 2030, the shared stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, is to grow the value of Irish agri-food exports on international markets.
In 2025, Irish exports were a record €20.8 billion, with exports to over 180 countries worldwide.
Given the dependence of the sector on exports, trade and market diversification are a priority for my Department. Food Vision 2030 reflects the importance of diversifying and developing new markets and new market segments for Irish food and drink products, in the UK, EU and wider international markets. Food Vision also aims to increase the value of exports of sustainably-produced and high-quality Irish food and beverages globally.
Bord Bia works to promote Ireland’s outstanding food, drink and horticulture produce around the world. Its activities include participation at food exhibitions and trade shows, and the running of digital campaigns, retail and restaurant promotions, as well as a range of other trade promotions and events, including campaigns around St. Patrick's Day global celebrations. Bord Bia also hosts inward buyer visits on an ongoing basis, as well as meetings with key international companies.
Ministerial-led trade missions are a key element of the strategy to deliver on the Food Vision priorities to develop and diversify markets, and to increase the value of Irish agri-food exports. They also present opportunities to expand Ireland’s trade and investment profile, and to promote Ireland’s strong international reputation as a producer of safe, nutritious, and sustainable food and beverages, for example through extensive business-to-business engagement, networking opportunities and high-level political discussions.
The destinations and markets targeted by my Department for trade missions focus on the best opportunities to develop new markets and to promote our agri-food products, in collaboration with our stakeholders, including Bord Bia, Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI) and Enterprise Ireland. Once market access is in place, Bord Bia, in particular, will work to promote Irish produce and assist companies in maximising those opportunities to export.
A key message across all trade missions is a strong focus on Ireland’s ability to produce nutritious, safe and premium quality food and drink in a sustainable manner.
To support this work, my Department has agricultural counsellors and attachés located in a range of global locations, including Beijing, Berlin, Paris, London, Mexico, Seoul, Tokyo and Washington DC. They work in close cooperation with Bord Bia, which has fourteen offices and 63 staff based overseas, and with Enterprise Ireland.
Accessing, growing, and developing new and existing international markets for our safe, high quality and nutritious food will remain a key policy objective for my Department.
347. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to support farm succession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52388/26]
View answerFarm succession is a key priority for the Government to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture. A range of supports are in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides substantial resources to achieving generational renewal and measures include the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF); the National Reserve Scheme, which prioritises young farmers; and a higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure. A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme provides financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers and the Succession Planning Advice Grant provides financial support towards the costs incurred for independent legal and financial advice for older farmers about succession planning.
Nationally, there are strong taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure, which along with 100% Stamp Duty Relief and Consanguinity Stamp Duty Relief, and Long-term leasing income tax relief support access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers.
In addition, the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) provides low-cost, long-term investment loans up to ten years, and is a viable source of finance for young farmers. Teagasc education and knowledge activities focus on equipping young farmers with necessary education, training and advice to build long and successful careers in farming. Teagasc also run annual “Transferring the Family Farm” clinics to guide farmers on succession.
The Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming estimated that total financial support to generational renewal in Ireland was some €428.6m in 2024. It was necessary however to consider whether existing supports are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future. The Commission produced this analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas. Some of the recommendations may be commenced in the short term, but some will be more medium term. For example the current CAP is fully programmed and recommendations relating to CAP supports will have to be considered in the context of the next CAP period after 2027.
The EU Vision for Agriculture and Food identified generational renewal as a priority, and this has been reflected in the proposals for a post 2027 Common Agricultural Policy. The European Commission has also presented its ‘Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture'. The increased focus on generational renewal at EU level is welcome and the EU strategy comes to many of the same conclusions as our own Commission.
Women have an important role to play in farm succession and I believe that the Women in Agriculture initiatives taken by my Department, with strong support from stakeholders, are showing young women and girls that farming is an attractive career option.
Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. It is an issue I am actively engaging in as it is vital that we have skilled, innovative young farmers coming into the sector to secure a viable and sustainable future for Irish farming.
348. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which Agricultural Reserve allocation was distributed for each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, by each sector that benefited, the amount allocated and the basis upon which sectors were selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52414/26]
View answer350. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to identify each occasion since 2014 on which Ireland has sought, received or considered seeking Agricultural Reserve or equivalent exceptional market support from the European Commission following adverse weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52416/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 350 together.
There have been two separate systems for the allocation of funding from the Agricultural Reserve in the period specified in the questions.
Prior to 2023, when financing from the reserve was required, it needed Council and Parliament decision, and implied financing from reductions in CAP direct payments (financial discipline). While exceptional aid had been allocated on several occasions across the EU in this period, the Agricultural Reserve had never been used as the source of this funding until March 2022, when some €350m of the €500m used to provide supports to producers affected by the war in Ukraine was drawn from the 2022 reserve.
The Common Market Organisation for Animal Products (CMO) Regulation forms part of the CAP 2023-2027 legislative framework and covers all the products listed in Annex I to the TFEU, with the exception of fishery and aquaculture products. The CMO Regulation lays down provisions in a number of areas including making provision for exceptional measures.
These exceptional measures are set out as follows:
1. Measures against market disturbance.
2. Measures concerning animal diseases and loss of consumer confidence due to public, animal or plant health risks.
3. Measures to resolve specific problems.
These make provision for the Commission to adopt implementing acts in certain circumstances taking emergency measures to address the market disturbance or resolve specific problems.
Ireland has received Agricultural Reserve Funding in the periods specified, namely;
Due to challenges experienced by the tillage sector in 2023 (particularly due to weather but also rising costs post Covid-19 and Ukraine war), €7.148 million was allocated from the EU Agricultural Reserve (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1465). This was topped up with €7.147m of exchequer money for a targeted scheme to compensate growers for unharvested crops in 2023 with the remaining available funds distributed to the tillage sector by way of a one-off flat rate payment per hectare on the area of oilseed rape, winter and spring barley, wheat and rye declared under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) in 2023.
Under the same implementing regulation, the Horticulture Crisis Fund provided support of €2.38 million to the sector in 2024 as an emergency support for specific problems impacting the economic viability of horticulture growers.
In addition, Ireland received exceptional aid in 2019 for the Beef and Veal sector (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132) amounting to over €49m following Brexit. It should be noted however that this was not drawn from the Agricultural Reserve, nor was it allocated due to severe weather events.
349. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department considered recognising the 2023/2024 potato crop losses as a force majeure event for the purposes of CAP administration; the criteria considered in arriving at the decision taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52415/26]
View answerThe concept of force majeure allows farmers who have been unable to fulfil all their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) requirements due to exceptional and unforeseeable events outside their control (such as extreme weather events) not to lose CAP support.
As force majeure is not intended to cover compensation for crop losses, it does not apply in this instance.
