Written Answers Nos. 124-143
125. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has been provided with any knowledge by An Garda Siochana or his Department that information concerning protected disclosures were withheld from Tánaiste Simon Harris in 2023, when he was required to caretake the role of Minister for Justice during the second maternity leave of then Minister for Justice Ms. Helen McEntee. [69140/26]
View answer126. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration were any protected disclosures directed for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding An Garda Siochana withheld from him or his predecessor. [69141/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
The Protected Disclosures Acts 2014 and 2022 were put in place to support and protect people with concerns about actions or omissions in their workplace to speak up, confidentially and safely.
There are robust structures, policies and procedures in place across the criminal justice sector to ensure the effective management of protected disclosures and to provide support to people who make disclosures.
My Department complies with the Statutory Guidance for Public Bodies and Prescribed Persons in relation to these Acts, which was published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in 2023.
Protected disclosures made to the Minister are dealt with in accordance with section 8(3)(a) of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, as amended. Section 8(3)(a) states that 'The relevant Minister shall, without having considered the report or the information or any allegation contained therein, as soon as practicable but in any case not later than 10 days after receipt of a report, transmit the report to the Commissioner.
The Commissioner referred to is the Protected Disclosures Commissioner.
The Department works at all times to ensure that protected disclosures are dealt with appropriately and in accordance with the law.
I am not aware of any information concerning protected disclosures being withheld from Ministers. However, if the Deputy has any specific concerns in this regard, he should bring them to my notice.
127. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason his Department does not fund the Cork City Coroners (details supplied). [69174/26]
View answer128. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to identify the coroners services that are funded by his Department; and the corners services that are funded by local authorities. [69173/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The Coroner Service comprises a network of coroners located in districts throughout the country. Responsibility, including financial support, for the Coroner Service has been a matter for local authorities since the introduction of the modern coroner system. Responsibility for the provision of financial and administrative supports to the Dublin District Coroner’s Office was transferred from Dublin City Council to my Department in 2018. Legislative change is required for the funding of the Coroner Service, outside Dublin, to be removed from the responsibility of local authorities.
In October 2024, Government approval was given to draft a general scheme of a Bill to significantly reform the Coroner Service. As part of this work, my Department is examining ways to increase efficiencies and minimise the impact of the death investigation process on bereaved people. Department officials are currently working on drafting the Heads of Bill in this regard, with the aim of bringing them before Government in the coming months.
The proposed legislation to reform the Coroner Service will provide for a national coronial service to be centrally funded, thereby removing the responsibility for coronial services outside of the Dublin area from the local authorities. It will also provide for the establishment of an independent Office of the Chief Coroner, the appointment of full-time salaried coroners, and the discontinuation of the existing fee-based system.
A restructured and modernised Coroner Service will drive consistency and assist coroners to better meet the needs of bereaved people, through the provision of enhanced ICT, administrative, and family liaison supports.
129. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he will take to assist an applicant (details supplied) to renew their permission to continue to stay in Ireland. [69291/26]
View answer130. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he will take to assist an applicant (details supplied) to renew their permission to continue to stay in Ireland. [69279/26]
View answer131. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps he will take to assist an applicant (details supplied) to renew their permission to continue to stay in Ireland. [69337/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 130 and 131 together.
Officials in the Registration Unit of my Department are fully informed of the circumstances faced by the person referred to by the Deputy. They are in direct contact with an advocate to assist with this renewal.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases 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.
132. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the gross profit margin before interest and tax used in calculating the forest road grant rate for the forestry programme 2023 to 2027. [68984/26]
View answer133. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the fixed overheads used in calculating the forest road grant rate for the forestry programme 2023 to 2027. [68983/26]
View answer134. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the charge rate for approved foresters per day used in calculating the forest road grant rate for the forestry programme 2023 to 2027. [68982/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 133 and 134 together.
My Department commissioned a Cost Benefit Analysis on the Forestry Creation and Roads element of the Forestry Programme 2023-2027. This analysis considered the costs and benefits of the proposals and took account of a variety of factors, not all of which could be monetised, including water quality and regulation, landscape, and biodiversity, amongst others. The overall conclusions were positive and confirm that spending on forest roads under the Forestry Programme represent value for money to the Exchequer.
The Forest Road Scheme provides grants to forest owners to facilitate the construction of new forest roads. It provides opportunities for forest owners to create and improve access to forests to facilitate maintenance, recreation, harvesting of timber and the monitoring of and protection of forests. The current Forest Road Scheme caters for optimal road provision, with a grant aid allowance of 25 linear metres of road allocated per hectare of forest served.
Furthermore, Forest Roads were also considered during the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme, which was published in March 2026. This provided for a 20% increase in the grant rate per linear metre with aid now to be applied at a rate of €66 per linear metre constructed to harvesting road standard.
For forest owners whose roads may require an entrance from a public road or the material widening of an Existing Entrance, my Department offers an additional Engineering Design Support grant. This Engineering Support Grant was also increased from €1,000 to €1,500 during the Mid-Term Review.
It is important to note that the Forestry Programme operates pursuant to State Aid approval. My Department, as the granting Authority in this instance, must ensure that any State Aid provided is proportionate and does not subsidise the costs of an activity or undertaking that would have incurred in any instance and must not compensate for the normal business risk of an economic activity.
I am confident the supports provided for forest roads is sufficient for forest owners to access their forests and to assist in their selected form of forest management.
135. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the charge rate for office admin and technical support cost per day used in calculating the afforestation grant rate for the forestry programme 2023 to 2027. [68981/26]
View answer136. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total overhead or management costs used in calculating the afforestation grant rate for the forestry programme 2023 to 2027. [68980/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
The Forestry Programme 2023–2027 was designed to incentivise landowners to engage in tree planting, with grant rates reflecting the direct costs of establishing different forest types.
In calculating grant rates, the Department had regard to the COFORD report, “Economic Activity and Employment Levels in the Irish Forest Sector” (2022), direct operational costs and overheads averaging over 40%. The costs are indicative and can vary according to the operation, site, location, economies of scale and contractor or forester rates.
The grant rates were considered within the parameters and framework of the public expenditure code and were subject to financial approval from DPER. It is important to note that the Irish Forestry Programmes also require State Aid approval from the European Commission to implement. A key principle of State Aid approval is that this aid must be proportionate to remain compatible with the EU internal market.
The purpose of State Aid is to facilitate changes in the behaviour of an undertaking, such as additional activity contributing to the development of the sector, where it would not have taken place without such aid or where in its absence the activity would have transpired in a restricted or different manner.
My Department, as the granting Authority in this instance, must ensure that any State Aid provided is therefore proportionate and does not subsidise the costs of an activity or undertaking that would have incurred in any instance and must not compensate for the normal business risk of an economic activity.
Work on the Forestry Programme post-2027 is underway and my Department is committed to reviewing opportunities to help support this important sector and to encourage the expansion of forestry as part of a diverse farm or landholding enterprise.
137. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants that availed of the private high forest option under the native woodland conservation grant scheme and the corresponding area that was grant aided, per year from 2015 to 2022, in tabular form. [68978/26]
View answerThe Native Woodland Conservation Scheme, which was launched in 2015 under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (which was extended to 2022) promoted the appropriate restoration of existing native woodland (including the conversion of non-native forest to native woodland), through the provision of financial support to forest owners towards the cost of appropriate works.
One of the options available under the scheme was NWS Conservation Private High Forest. The table below details the number of applicants and corresponding area that was grant aided from 2015 to 2022 as requested.
NATIVE WOODLAND CONSERVATION SCHEME 2015- 2020 (EXT 2022)
|
Year |
No of Applicants |
Area |
|
2015 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
2016 |
0 |
0.00 |
|
2017 |
3 |
11.30 |
|
2018 |
2 |
22.90 |
|
2019 |
19 |
112.07 |
|
2020 |
11 |
46.86 |
|
2021 |
6 |
38.49 |
|
2022 |
8 |
66.63 |
|
TOTAL |
49 |
298.25 |
138. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to urgently address and rescind a licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69067/26]
View answerAll applications for aquaculture and foreshore licences are considered in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation. All submissions received during the public and statutory consultation phases are considered during the licensing process.
The application referred to by the Deputy also underwent an Appropriate Assessment in compliance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended, and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as part of the licensing process.
I made a determination in respect of this application on 17th August 2026. A public notice of the determination was published in the “Kerryman” newspaper dated 26th August 2026 and “The Southern Star” newspaper dated 29th August 2026. The timeline for possible appeals to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) remained open until 28th September 2026, as part of the statutory process.
As provided for in legislation, the Board shall, as soon as practicable after receiving a notice of appeal, send by post to the Minister a copy of the notice. As the timeline for possible appeals has only now closed, and the Department has yet to receive any possible notice of appeal from ALAB, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
139. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a fuel income support scheme applicant (details supplied) will be allowed to request payment for additional months; and if the person can appeal this decision. [69065/26]
View answerThe Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced as a targeted income support to assist farmers and agricultural/forestry contractors facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
My Department has contacted the named individual regarding the amendment of their Fuel Income Support Scheme application. An amended application will be considered, once supported by receipts of Marked Gas Oil purchases in 2025.
140. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has received an application for a succession planning advice grant from an individual (details supplied), which was submitted in October 2025; and when will a decision be made on this application. [69085/26]
View answerMy Department has no record of a Succession Planning Advice Grant application from the named individual in October 2025. All applications for the 2025 Succession Planning Advice Grant have been processed and payment for successful applicants were issued in Q1 2026. Where applicants were unsuccessful, they were notified accordingly.
141. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to specify the tangible fixed assets acquired by an organisation (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive. [69082/26]
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 question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to that body for direct reply.
142. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to confirm if the foundation pillar of the afforestation programme since 1993 for grant aid to cover 100% of afforestation establishment costs is still the case. [69308/26]
View answer143. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his Minister of State have the overall authority to set forestry grant and premiums rates. [69306/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
The current Forestry Programme 2023-2027 provides significant supports for afforestation and the management of existing forests. This includes grants and premiums for the creation a broad range of forest types offered through the Afforestation Scheme 2023-2027.
Premium rates offered through this scheme represent the calculation of income foregone from other farm enterprises and an additional amount for forest management and forest-environmental and climate services provided by the forest owner. My Department strives to cover 100% of the cost of establishing a forest when developing a Forestry Programme. Grant and premium payments are income tax free and in addition where applicable, farmers may also retain their BISS payments.
While my Department has the authority to initially set grant and premium rates within a Forestry Programme, this is subject to financial sanction and Government approval. Furthermore, while the Forestry Programme is funded under the National Exchequer, all forestry schemes must operate pursuant to State Aid approval from the European Commission.
A key principle of State Aid approval is that this aid must have an "incentive effect" to remain compatible with the EU internal market. An incentive effect is present when the aid changes the behaviour of an undertaking such as additional activity contributing to the development of the sector, where it would not have taken place without such aid or where in its absence the activity would have transpired in a restricted or different manner.
My Department, as the granting Authority in this instance, must ensure that any State Aid provided is proportionate and does not subsidise the costs of an activity or undertaking that would have incurred in any instance and must not compensate for the normal business risk of an economic activity.
I am confident that the existing attractive rates and supports offered under the Forestry Programme, in conjunction with the Mid-Term Review published earlier this year, will continue to support and encourage landowners to plant trees on their land.
