Written Answers Nos. 472-491
472. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the number of reserve Gardaí who have been attested to date from Garda College in Templemore from the first intake in December 2006; the number of reserve Gardaí currently remaining in the force; and the number of reserve Gardaí who obtained their Annual Allowance in 2023. [21821/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to collate and examine all the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
473. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the total costs incurred by her Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21869/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to collate the information requested in the time allowed. I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
474. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the current number of roads policing Gardaí who have access to the ANPR app via their mobility device to allow them to scan all vehicles approaching them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21893/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
In March of this year, there were 631 Gardai assigned to roads policing. I am informed that all Roads Policing Gardaí have access to the ANPR app.
475. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the current number of roads policing Gardaí who have access to the 'traffic app' to search driving licences by scanning the driving licence rather than having to type in manual details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21894/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
In March of this year, there were 631 Gardai assigned to roads policing. I am informed that all Roads Policing Gardaí have access to the app in question.
476. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Land Commission records (details supplied) will be digitised and made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21801/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working with the National Archives in relation to identifying and cataloguing Land Commission records with a view to ultimately transferring the collection to the National Archive from where the records can eventually be made available to the public. I anticipate that certain Land Commission records (e.g. Fair Rent Orders) will start transferring to the National Archive within about 2 years. Additional Land Commission records will transfer to the National Archives at scheduled intervals thereafter.
477. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to ensure a balance between meeting emission reduction targets and ensuring the future of the agri-food sector, ensuring the future of the agricultural production sector while meeting carbon reduction targets to the greatest possible extent; if he is satisfied that neither will progress at the expense of the other, that food security for the future is assured and that everything possible is being done to reduce emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21834/24]
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.
478. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his Department’s actions to combat items being sold as Irish produce in supermarkets that do not have the Bord Bia logo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21192/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bord Bia Sustainable Quality Assurance Schemes are voluntary schemes operated by Bord Bia whose statutory role is to promote, assist and develop the marketing of Irish food and livestock and the production, marketing and consumption of horticultural produce. Not all Irish producers are members of these schemes.
The quality assurance schemes are built on best practice in farming and processing, food legislation, relevant industry guidelines and international standards, and are accredited under the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) standard No. ISO 17065:2012.
Product placed on the market by scheme members bearing the Bord Bia Quality Assurance logo means that the product has been produced / processed by Bord Bia certified members in accordance with the scheme criteria.
Produce with a different specification that may be on the market that does not meet the scheme requirements cannot carry the Bord Bia Origin Ireland Quality Mark.
Bord Bia has a defined process in place for logo approval on promotional materials. The Quality Assurance logo can only be used on advertising or promotional material where all products advertised or promoted have been certified as Bord Bia Quality Assured.
Bord Bia carry out retail audits all year to monitor the use of the logo in stores. My Department has no role in this process.
Around 50,000 farmers and over 100 meat processors are accredited to the voluntary Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes. Recent research carried out in 2023, by Bord Bia indicates that 77% of consumers are more likely to purchase fruit and vegetables that carry the Bord Bia quality mark. It therefore makes sense for producers and processors to join the scheme.
479. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a Teagasc matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21231/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeagasc operates as a non-commercial state body under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Its statutory remit is to provide research, advisory and education services to the agri-food sector.
The number of permanent staff employed in Teagasc is governed by a delegated sanction framework, which gives the organisation discretion to make appointments within an overall pay ceiling. Teagasc also has discretion to hire fully funded contractors outside the terms of the delegated sanction framework. On 1 January 2024, Teagasc had 1,465 full-time equivalent (FTE) serving staff, of which 1,132 were permanent and 333 were fully funded contractors.
The allocation of resources to the advisory service is an operational matter for Teagasc. I am informed that of the 1,465 FTEs employed, 477 FTEs work in the advisory service providing face-to-face and digital advisory services to 130,000 farmers, including 43,000 paying clients.
Conscious of the additional demands placed on the advisory service arising from the CAP Strategic Plan 2023 to 2027 cycle of schemes, principally ACRES and BISS, I was pleased to secure approval for 90 additional farm advisors and support staff during the period from June 2023 to December 2024.
I am confident that the additional resources will greatly assist Teagasc to continue delivering a professional advisory service for the benefit of Ireland’s farmers.
480. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide, in tabular form, an account of the distribution of Brexit adjustment reserve funds to enhance, upgrade, and develop Ireland's coastal and marine infrastructure; the specific projects and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21290/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe responsibility for the enhancement, development and maintenance of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each local authority in the first instance. I am also mindful that the primary governance role for local authorities rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any wider funding issues should be addressed to that Minister.
Through the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme 2022-2023, my Department co-funded up to 95% of the eligible costs of the approved projects, with the local authorities funding the balance. Local authorities were reimbursed eligible project costs (pro-rata) on a matured liability basis following inspection of the capital works and verification of the evidenced expenditure. The focus of the Scheme is on supporting actual capital works and it was a matter for each local authority to progress any preparatory studies, permitting and design works. Therefore, if the Deputy requires overall project costs, each local authority would be best positioned to provide same.
The attached table details the funding distribution of specific projects under the BALAMI Scheme 2022-2023, and also includes the projects completed so far in 2024. The BAR does not provide for reimbursement of VAT so that element was supported by the National Exchequer. The Scheme Contribution total (to date) is €38.9m of which €36.4m has been funded from BAR and the balance of €2.5m by the National Exchequer.
481. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that incentivised schemes under his Department are seeing battery energy storage systems erected on farmland, without the proper safety facilities in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21385/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. The Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of the measures in TAMS, which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy, thereby reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.
The safety of Solar PV systems, both at installation phase and during subsequent use by farmer applicants, is of paramount importance. With that in mind, my Department has introduced Specification 198, which outlines the minimum specification for the installation of Solar PV systems. All relevant electrical and structural standards concerning both solar PV systems and battery storage facilities are prescribed in this specification.
This specification also includes the requirement that batteries be installed in a suitable enclosure and/or cabinet which is IP65 rated (marking that indicates the degree of protection of an electrical device against dust and water ingress), fire resistant and adequately ventilated, and which allows sufficient clearance for installation, inspection, maintenance and repairs.
My Department also requires that registered solar PV installers have undertaken training in Micro Solar Photovoltaic Systems Implementation and Micro-Generators Electrical Installation.
Furthermore, it is a requirement of the TAMS grant aid scheme that all installations are accompanied by a testing and commissioning report, which confirms that the system is ready for electricity generation in a safe manner in line with the latest electrical standards applicable, and that such reports are signed off by Safe Electric registered (qualified) electricians. This condition extends to installations incorporating battery storage facilities.
482. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will urgently review an application for payment under the young farmer capital investment scheme (details supplied). [21395/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a claim under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme for grant aid for a mass concrete tank and animal housing in June 2023. A letter was issued to the applicant in January 2024 advising of a 100% penalty.
The applicant requested a review of this decision, which resulted in the original decision being overturned. I am pleased to advise that the payment due is currently being processed.
483. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of calls received by his Department's animal welfare helpline in 2023 and for the first four months of 2024, in tabular form. [21412/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of calls received by my Departments animal welfare helpline in 2023 and for the first four months of 2024 are listed below in tabular form.
Animal Welfare Helpline calls
|
Year |
Calls Received |
|
2024 (January - April) |
700 |
|
2023 |
1609 |
484. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the international trade missions that will take place for the remainder of 2024, by location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21446/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below outlines the Ministerial-led trade missions by my Department planned for remainder of 2024. The Trade Missions will be undertaken in conjunction with Bord Bia, Teagasc, Sustainable Food Systems Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and industry stakeholders.
|
2024 |
TRADE MISSION |
|
September |
China & Korea (Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul) |
|
October |
Vietnam & Thailand (Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) |
|
December |
London, UK |
|
December |
Paris, France |
The planned programme of Ministerial trade promotion visits underlines my commitment to supporting the Irish agri-food sector's ambition to develop, consolidate and diversify its footprint on international markets.
The visits planned to China, Vietnam, Thailand, UK and France highlight the diverse market opportunities which exist to promote the high quality and sustainable agri-food goods produced by Irish farmers, fishers and processors.
485. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21626/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the CAP Strategic Plan Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme (DBWS) is to incentivise the use of genetic tools to improve the beef merit of progeny from dairy herds. Breeding with high Dairy Beef Index (DBI) sires has established progeny performance benefits as measured by their Commercial Beef Value (CBV). The scheme supports the use of the Dairy Beef Index to produce calves with a higher Commercial Beef Value.
The DBWS is a breeding measure which supports farmers using genotyped and genetically superior beef sires for breeding dairy beef calves. Participants will be required to have calves born on their holding in the scheme year which must be sired by a 3 or 4 or 5-star stock bull or from 3 or 4 or 5-star AI straws or a mixture of both to be eligible for payment in each scheme year for which an application has been submitted.
The scheme runs from 2024 to 2027 inclusive. Scheme year one is in respect of calves born between 01 January 2024 and 31 December 2024, and each succeeding scheme year is from 01 January to 31 December for calves born in that calendar year. Payments will issue each year in March following the scheme year end.
Farmers who satisfy the scheme requirements will receive a payment of €20 per eligible calf up to a maximum of 50 calves per holding.
Applications for the scheme opened on 21 March 2024 and can be lodged through agfood.ie until the closing date of 15 May 2024 at 23.59hrs. There is a 25-calendar day period after the 15 May 2024 closing date for the acceptance of late applications - however, deductions to payments at a rate of 1% per working day in respect of the scheme will apply to applications which are received during this period.
The objective of this scheme is to encourage the use of better beef sires on dairy cows. The ultimate beneficiaries will be those who purchase the resultant calves, which will have significantly better beef attributes than heretofore.
486. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the financial assistance or lending assistance available to a landowner/farmer for a stocking loan, who has been refused financial lending from high-street banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21669/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile banking is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Finance, I regularly engage with the banks on the financing needs of the agri-food sector. However, my Department cannot intervene in individual cases. If an applicant is dissatisfied with a loan decision, in the first instance they should submit an appeal through the bank's internal appeals process. If, after a determination is made, they remain dissatisfied, the case may be referred to the Credit Review Office for adjudication.The Credit Review Office (www.creditreview.ie) was established by the Minister for Finance to ensure the flow of credit to viable Irish businesses, providing a simple and effective credit review and appeals process for business owners who had been refused credit from participating banks. My Department does facilitate targeted financial support to the sector via state-backed guaranteed loan schemes, which are delivered via the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI). Currently the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme may be suitable for stocking requirements. The UCGS provides low-cost working capital and medium-term investment to SMEs (including farmers), impacted by economic challenges arising from the Ukraine conflict. These include supply chain disruptions and increased input (including energy) costs. Eligibility applications can be submitted on www.sbci.gov.ie. However, it should be noted that eligible loan applicants must still meet existing bank lending criteria in line with Central Bank rules.In addition, Microfinance Ireland (MFI) provide small business loans through the Government's Microenterprise Loan Fund. Loans of between €2,000 and €25,000 are available unsecured to both Start-ups and Established businesses (including farmers) experiencing difficulty in accessing funding. MFI can also consider applications from businesses that may have been declined a loan from their bank. Further details are available on the MFI website www.microfinanceireland.ie.
487. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the payment systems to make payments under TAMS III are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21672/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe functionality to lodge payment claims is in place for all the schemes under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3). The payments system is in place for eight of the ten schemes, with the Young Farmer Scheme and the Women Farmer scheme anticipated to be in place next month.
My Department is currently processing payment claims with payments to begin to issue in June in cases where there are no issues with the claim.
488. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide, in tabular form, the number of applications outstanding under TAMS III for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21673/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 435 applications outstanding under Tranche 1 of TAMS 3, where a query has been raised with the applicant.
The processing of applications under Tranche 2 is continuing, with approvals issuing on a daily basis. Of the total of 9,110 applications received in Tranche 2, a total of 4,255 applications have yet to receive approval. Many of the applications received are in respect of mobile equipment, so applicants may purchase the mobile equipment, at their own risk, subject to verification of eligibility in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the relevant schemes.
Administrative checking has commenced on Tranche 3, which closed for applications on 12 April 2024. Updated statistics outlining the number of approvals issued are published on my Department's website weekly.
|
TRANCHE |
STATUS |
Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage Scheme |
Dairy Equipment Scheme |
Low Emission Slurry Spreading |
Organic Capital Investment Scheme |
Pig & Poultry Investment Scheme |
Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme |
Tillage Capital Investment Scheme |
Solar Capital Investment Scheme |
Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme |
Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme |
TOTAL |
|
1 |
Application Received |
2494 |
235 |
551 |
928 |
49 |
441 |
445 |
751 |
2050 |
259 |
8203 |
|
1 |
Awaiting Approval |
173 |
18 |
0 |
23 |
2 |
31 |
4 |
74 |
81 |
29 |
435 |
|
2 |
Application Received |
2200 |
217 |
756 |
634 |
46 |
524 |
444 |
738 |
3113 |
438 |
9110 |
|
2 |
Outstanding |
1022 |
89 |
321 |
211 |
36 |
281 |
79 |
629 |
1382 |
205 |
4255 |
|
3 |
Application Received |
998 |
89 |
318 |
321 |
38 |
268 |
216 |
329 |
1055 |
170 |
3802 |
|
3 |
Outstanding |
998 |
89 |
318 |
321 |
38 |
268 |
216 |
329 |
1055 |
170 |
3802 |
|
Total |
Application Received |
5692 |
541 |
1625 |
1883 |
133 |
1233 |
1105 |
1818 |
6218 |
867 |
21115 |
|
Total |
Outstanding |
2217 |
196 |
647 |
566 |
76 |
589 |
315 |
1036 |
2587 |
413 |
8642 |
489. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider fast-tracking payments under TAMS III, given the investment made by farmers and their need for payment. [21674/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of over 11,000 approvals have issued in respect of applications submitted under Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 of TAMS 3, which will allow farmers to proceed with their investments.
To date, 785 claims for payment in respect of approved investments have been submitted, and these are currently being assessed. It is anticipated that payments will start to issue in June in respect of applications where there are no issues with the claim.
490. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his attention has been drawn to a correspondence (details supplied) concerning a shipping vessel; his views on the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21681/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the correspondence relating to a shipping vessel dated 08 April 2024 as supplied.
The dedicated livestock vessel mentioned in the correspondence is not currently approved by my Department under the Carriage of Livestock by Sea Regulations 2016.
Irish approval standards require that any vessel seeking approval under the aforementioned regulations must be registered under a White Flag State, and that the performance level of the Recognised Organisation issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the Flag State is recorded as “High” on the Paris MoU performance table. These standards are applied to all such applications for approval.
Regulating the access of shipping vessels to Irish ports is not a function of this Department.
491. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any State, semi-State or commercial semi-State agency under the aegis of their Department is aware of any cases of bogus self-employment in any bodies under their remit from 2020 to 1 May 2024; if they will outline if there are currently any cases from such agencies or bodies currently before the SCOPE section of the Department of Social Protection for investigation or determination; if there are any SCOPE findings and recommendations relating to any agencies or bodies under their remit where SCOPE has found in favour of the worker, and where they recommended the reclassification of the workers employment status to that of direct employee between 2020 and 1 May 2024; if they will provide information on the numbers involved and the names of the individual agencies and bodies in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21685/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested regarding the 13 Bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.
