Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Written Answers Nos. 660-671

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (660)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

660. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how Youthreach providers can offer summer programmes, with opportunities for extracurricular activities when there is a staff reduction (outside of the 166 days when teaching staff depart at the start of June annually) – in some centres the minimum figure of Resource Person : Teacher Grade is 49% nationally rising upwards to almost 90% in some individual centres. [20754/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Youthreach programme is a national full-time programme for unemployed early school leavers generally between 16 and 20 years of age and is delivered in two settings, Youthreach Centres and Community Training Centres. The Operational Guidelines on Youthreach provide for a year of 225 days, with learners being required to attend for 208 days. Individual learner plans are developed for each Youthreach learner. While the precise configuration of the programme in each location is decided locally having regard to the individual learner and community needs and potential, the programme includes general education, vocational training and work experience as well as a variety of complementary experiences that build confidence and broaden horizons.

The Youthreach programme is staffed by Co-ordinators, Resource Persons and teachers with nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment. They have specific, clearly defined job descriptions. which were designed very much with the programmes structure in mind. Template contracts of employment for Youthreach were negotiated and agreed by all stakeholders. Full-time Co-ordinator and Resource staff are expected to be present on the days that learners are in attendance.

Summer programmes are optional at the discretion of the individual ETB having regard to the needs of the learners, the estimated attendance over the period and the potential to liaise with local youth work services.

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (661)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

661. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the value of summer programmes has been identified in inspection reports of Youthreach undertaken by the Inspectorate in the Department of Education; and if his Department has also noted the potential health and safety issues that arise with a reduced staff providing this programme. [20755/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Youthreach Operational Guidelines provide that centres may arrange programme activities over the summer period before the centre closes in addition to the minimum 208 learner days. The provision of such programmes or activities is not mandatory. It is a matter for each ETB to determine having regard to the needs of the learners, the estimated attendance over the period and the potential to liaise with local youth work services.

Summer programmes can offer opportunities for extra curricular activities, community projects and work experience modules to build the transversal skills of participants.

An example of recent commentary in reports by the Inspectorate include that the summer programme in the centre was good and varied while offering suggestions for additional certification in areas such as Safe Pass, first aid, Gaisce and less focus on work experience. Another example noted the opportunities for work experience, outings, local community involvement and additional certification.

Research and Development

Ceisteanna (662, 663)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

662. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the criteria or considerations that the Government evaluates when deciding on membership in European Research Infrastructure Consortia, such as EATRIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20757/24]

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

663. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will set up an interdepartmental working group to consider the benefits of Ireland joining EATRIS, the ERIC for translational research, given that research falls under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20758/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.

As part of my Department’s whole of government strategic approach to drive research and innovation (Impact 2030), DFHERIS directly manages some of Ireland's EU and other international research partnerships. This is not the case with European Research Infrastructure Consortium’s (ERICs) – such as EATRIS, as it remains the Government’s position that there is a ‘bottom-up’ approach in Ireland to membership of ERICs.

This means that membership considerations are managed by the Department working in the relevant policy area, as they are best placed to make an assessment on whether a Government decision favouring membership should be sought. It is at the discretion of the relevant Department to decide on the benefits and opportunities of membership, resource participation and to secure membership in an ERIC.

The EATRIS research infrastructure is tasked with advancing research in translational medicine by connecting leading European research institutes, that dedicate part of their research and development capacities to EATRIS ERIC – sharing content, tools and knowledge related to research in translational medicine. In particular on the following:(a) biologics and advanced therapies, such as gene and cell therapies and regenerative medicine; (b) biomarkers; (c) small molecules; (d) molecular imaging and tracers; and (e) vaccines.

Given this policy position, Ireland’s translational medicine research community would ideally engage with the Department of Health on this matter in the first instance. There are currently no plans to set up an interdepartmental working group to consider this issue, and that Department would be best equipped to provide guidance on the criteria that it would evaluate when deciding on membership of EATRIS.

Question No. 663 answered with Question No. 662.

Community Development Projects

Ceisteanna (664)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

664. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to indicate the potential funding available for a group (details supplied); the appropriate scheme, if any, in respect of which this group should apply for to secure funding for this valuable community service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20190/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department has provided funding for vehicles for community first responder groups through the CLÁR programme since 2022. The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.

I launched the CLÁR 2024 programme on 12 April this year. Measure 2 of this years scheme once again provides funding for Community First Responders. The funding will cover the cost of a vehicle and/or the fit out of a vehicle only. It does not cover any ongoing operational costs. In order to be eligible for funding, it will be necessary for applicants to demonstrate that over 80% of the area in which the service is provided is within CLÁR areas. This would need to be considered by the group referred to by the Deputy given that Kildare does not contain any CLÁR areas.

Details in respect of CLÁR areas and the application process for 2024 are available on my Department's website.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (665)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

665. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of employees within her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations; to outline, in tabular form, the length of time these employees have been under suspension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20321/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

There are no employees currently suspended from my Department on full pay pending disciplinary investigations.

There are four organisations under the aegis of my Department. These are Pobal, Water Safety Ireland, the Western Development Commission and the Charities Regulator. No employee of any of these organisations are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations.

European Union

Ceisteanna (666)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

666. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the EU programmes or funds outside of the multiannual financial framework that Ireland has paid into from the year 2014 to date; any receipts from same, by programme or fund, by year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20362/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department does not pay into any EU programmes or funds. I would note that EU funding is made available to my Department through schemes included in the multi-annual financial framework, namely, the LEADER Programme, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), and the PEACEPLUS Programme.

Rural Schemes

Ceisteanna (667)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

667. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an updated timeline on the new Leader fund; and when information on the various funding streams and criteria will be issued to local authorities and development companies. [20562/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.

The process to select Local Actions Groups (LAGs) to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER programme is nearing completion, with the selection complete in 27 of the 28 sub-regional areas to date. Once a Local Action Group is selected it can commence the delivery of the programme in their area.

In October 2022 I announced funding for the 2023 - 2027 LEADER programme of €180 million. This is in addition to the €70 million in funding allocated for the transitional period 2021 to 2022, maintaining the level of funding of €250 million provided for the 2014-2020 programming period. Information on the funding streams for the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme issued to prospective LAGs at that time also.

The funding streams or themes under which projects will be supported for the 2023-2027 period are:

• Economic Development and Job Creation

• Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion

• Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

The criteria to determine if a project may qualify for LEADER funding is outlined in the programme’s Operating Rules which has been provided to all Local Action Groups and their Implementing Partners and is also available on my Department’s website at gov.ie.

I look forward to seeing the new LEADER programme fully up and running and continuing to make real impacts in rural communities across Ireland.

Community Development Projects

Ceisteanna (668)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

668. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an application (details supplied) was unsuccessful; if any similar proposals were successful in this round or in previous rounds; if this group can reapply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20594/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Since the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2016, over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. The 2023 Scheme placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government policies, and which will encourage more people into town and village centres to work, shop and socialise.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages.

Funding under the Scheme is awarded on a competitive basis, with all applications assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Successful projects under the 2023 Scheme were announced on 29 April 2024.

The project referred to did not qualify for funding under the 2023 TVRS as it was for the construction of a new build childcare facility. New build community spaces were listed under the ‘types of activities not supported’ within the Scheme Outline.

I intend to open a further iteration of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme later this year.

Community Development Projects

Ceisteanna (669)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

669. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the community recognition fund 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20623/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.

Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.

To further support communities, I announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund on March 15th last. The additional funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in cities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.

This allocation is being targeted at larger projects than in 2023, with a minimum of €50,000 per project, and will continue to support projects delivering a real and tangible benefit to communities. Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities across three phases, so as to allow flexibility and adequate engagement and collaboration on larger projects. The first phase for applications from local authorities closes on 31st May.

Each local authority is required to have a dedicated space on their own website outlining the various ways communities can access Community Recognition Funding in that local authority area. Links to each of those dedicated spaces is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/e626a-community-recognition-fund-2023/

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (670)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

670. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of full-time qualified barristers employed by the Charities Regulator in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and the civil service grade this post is normally filled by. [20636/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

The Charities Regulatory Authority (the ‘Charities Regulator’) was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Authority is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice.

The Charities Regulator is under the aegis of my department. It is important to note however, that the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.

The table below displays the number of full-time qualified barristers employed by the Charities Regulator in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024. This post is normally filled at the civil service grade of Assistant Principal.

-	2023	2024
Number of full-time qualified barristers employed by the Charities Regulator	1	1

Community Development Projects

Ceisteanna (671)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

671. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the Cappahoosh mountain trail in Connemara, which received funding through the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme; the status of the project; when it is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20658/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded under Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €113 million has supported more than 1,700 projects across the country.

Under Measure 3 of the 2020 scheme, funding of €500,000 was approved for the Connemara Trails and Eurovelo Route project. The proposed works included the upgrading of an existing 10km walking trail at Cappahoosh through Coillte lands, replacement of two bridges along the route of the Western Way walking trail, upgrade of an existing mountain bike trail at Derroura Oughterard, and signage on the Eurovelo cycling route from the Mayo border at Leenane to the Clare border at Kinvara.

Last July, it was brought to the attention of my Department that the National Parks and Wildlife Service had concerns regarding the works carried out within the Connemara Bogs Complex Special Area of Conservation in Booheeshal in Connemara, Co Galway. Based on the circumstances outlined and in accordance with the funding agreement, the applicant was advised to cease works on site and the funding offer has been withdrawn until investigation of the matter has been concluded and the issues resolved. There are also additional concerns in respect of a forestry road at Cappaghoosh/Boheeshal, Recess, Co. Galway constructed as part of the project which are also under investigation at this time.

Officials in my Department are in ongoing consultation with the local authority in respect of these matters.

• Written Answers Nos. 639-659