Bernard Durkan
Ceist:249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the assistance that can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26162/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCitizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (249)
Freagraí scríofa
The person referred to by the Deputy was refused permission to remain in the state at the end of May 2024.
As the applicant has subsequently filed legal proceedings in the High Court challenging this decision it would not be appropriate to comment further on ongoing legal proceedings.
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.
Coroners Service
Ceisteanna (250)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:250. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Justice her views on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice’s report on the operation of the Coroner Service published in November 2023; the actions she is taking to ensure that the recommendations therein are progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26166/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 17 February 2023, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice published its Report on An Examination of the Operation of the Coroner Service. I received a copy of the report and departmental officials have carefully examined its contents.
On 20 October 2023, I launched a wide-ranging public consultation exercise to inform the development of proposals for comprehensive reform of the Coroner Service in Ireland, which closed on 19 January 2024.
The Joint Committee’s report, and its recommendations were taken into account of during the preparation of the consultation and the Committee’s report is referenced in the consultation document. My Department will welcome the Joint Committee’s ongoing engagement with the process of coronial reform and will consider any further submissions it makes on the relevant issues.
The consultation provided an opportunity for members of the public, stakeholder groups and members of the Oireachtas to express their views, express observations and provide proposals on how the Coroner Service might be enhanced into the future.
I am pleased to say that there was a very high level of public engagement in the consultation process with approximately 250 submissions received across both surveys. Departmental officials are currently analysing the information gathered during the consultation process with a view to bring forward proposals for the reform the Coroner Service .
My officials are currently analysing the information gathered during the consultation process with a view to publishing a report on the main themes emerging from the Consultation later this year. I intend to bring forward proposals for the reform of the service thereafter.
International Students
Ceisteanna (251)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:251. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice her views on visa requirements for international students in third level courses (details supplied). [26167/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has responsibility for immigration-related matters, including the entry and residence conditions of non-EEA students, who are granted a Stamp 2 immigration permission, and engages on an ongoing basis with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, among other key sectoral stakeholders, in this area.
The validity period of a residence permission to remain in the State on a Stamp 2 basis is based on confirmation of enrolment in an academic year or term. Renewal of an Irish immigration permission to be in the State for an educational purpose arises from the requirement that the student must demonstrate progression in their studies, i.e. pass their exams for that year and enrol in the subsequent year.
If the student does not progress in their studies or, does not continue their course of study, they will no longer be enrolled in the educational institution and thus, cannot have their student permission renewed on the basis of anticipation of further study.
The conditions attaching to all immigration permissions are kept under ongoing review by my Department in conjunction with relevant stakeholders. However, there are no plans to change this approach to the renewal of student immigration permission at this time.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (252)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:252. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 22 May 2024, if she will provide an update in relation to the new youth diversion projects which are due to become operational this year; where they are located; when they are expected to become operational; the amount of resourcing that will be provided to each of them; the number of spaces that will be open to children in each of the projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26183/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The expansion and deepening of the services offered to young people by the Youth Diversion Projects, which are fully funded by my Department, is a significant priority both for myself and Minister McEntee. These projects provide an invaluable support to complement the work of An Garda Síochána in addressing youth crime and protecting local communities.
In Budget 2024, the funding allocated to Youth Justice Services increased by 10% to €33 million. This will facilitate an increase in the availability of YDP services in the evenings and at weekends when many young people need them the most, as well as an increase in supports for families, interventions for typically hard-to-reach young people and early interventions for 8-11 year olds who may be at increased risk of becoming engaged in criminal activity.
The current network of 99 YDPs is extensive, but we will continue to develop it further to ensure that every child who needs it is reached. Four new Youth Diversion Projects were launched last year - South Monaghan, Claremorris and district, South and East Co. Wicklow and West Cork (North of Bandon) and are now operational with a further two additional YDPs planned for later this year.
The two new YDPs will be based in (i) East Clare and (ii) Thurles and surrounding towns in North Tipperary.
The Department is currently engaging with youth-related services working in the two identified areas to discuss the needs of the communities the YDPs will be serving in greater detail. The Department will publish an invitation for expressions of interest from local community-based and youth service organisations to establish these two new YDPs in Q3 of this year.
The two new YDPs will then be commissioned before the end of 2024. This will achieve full nationwide availability of these important services to ensure that they are available to young people and their families across the whole of the State.
Catchment areas for projects are determined in consultation with local community groups, members of An Garda Síochána and other stakeholders on a case-by-case basis. As the YDPs have evolved organically since their inception, catchment areas vary depending on the project’s background and local needs.
Consequently, it is not possible at this time to provide a standard estimate of the number of young people who will engage with these new YDPs or the cost of the additional projects. However, I can assure the Deputy, that adequate funding will be provided to ensure that they are fully operational as quickly as possible.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (253)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:253. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí, by rank, attached to the community policing unit of each station in DMR West, south and south central as of 1 June 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26184/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled out across the country and is fully commenced in thirteen Garda divisions.
The new model will provide more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within the division into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent focus on community policing in all divisions.
The Garda authorities have advised that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
Community Policing Teams strategically manage and lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the Garda Community Policing Framework. Like most Garda members, those assigned to CPTs have dual functions. In addition to their strategic roles in their Community Policing Teams, part of which requires them to regularly update their Community Engagement Superintendent on the policing needs of their community, they are also frontline members. It is also important to note that CPTs draw on all frontline Gardaí to carry out community policing.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were 707 Community Gardaí nationwide at the end of March 2024, the latest date for when figures are available. This represents an increase of 12.5% since the end of 2023.
I am also informed that the table below sets out the number of Community Gardaí assigned to the DMR West Division, DMR South Central Division and the DMR South Division by station on 31 March 2024. Please note that these figures are operational and may be subject to change.
|
DMR WEST |
Insp |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Ballyfermot |
1 |
1 |
8 |
10 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1 |
1 |
9 |
11 |
|
Cabra |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Clondalkin |
0 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Finglas |
0 |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Lucan |
0 |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
Rathcoole |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Ronanstown |
0 |
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
Total |
2 |
6 |
58 |
66 |
|
DMR South Central |
Insp |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Donnybrook |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Irishtown |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Kevin Street |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Kilmainham |
0 |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
Pearse Street |
0 |
5 |
50 |
55 |
|
Total |
0 |
9 |
74 |
83 |
|
DMR SOUTH |
Insp |
Sergeant |
Garda |
Total |
|
Crumlin |
0 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
|
Rathfarnham |
0 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
Rathmines |
0 |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Sundrive Road |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Tallaght |
1 |
2 |
12 |
15 |
|
Terenure |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
|
Total |
1 |
5 |
42 |
48 |
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (254)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:254. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice to provide an update on the initiatives of by An Garda Síochána and her Department to tackle increasing levels of anti-social behaviour in Dublin city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26185/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. I continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities in Dublin and around Ireland are safe and feel safe. Budget 2024 provides the highest ever allocation to An Garda Síochána – over €2.35 billion which is a 25% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
Last year, I provided additional funding to the Commissioner for overtime in Dublin and it is important to note that the overall Garda overtime budget for 2024 is a substantial increase on last year.
I have been assured by the Commissioner that he has the resources to police the city and that additional resources continue to be deployed.
Additional permanent full-time Gardaí have been assigned to Dublin. 165 new recruits attested at the end of March, and 101 of these were assigned to support policing in Dublin.
While the distribution of Garda members and resources is an operational matter for the Commissioner, I am assured that he continues to supplement resources in Dublin from neighbouring regions as needed, and particularly for public order policing.
The deployment of the Garda National Public Order Unit (GNPOU) remains increased with a full GNPOU deployed Sunday to Friday inclusive, and two Units deploying on Saturdays, or where a risk identifies the requirement for additional units. Members performing duty with the Public Order Unit provide tactical support as well as a graduated policing response to appropriate incidents, while effectively assisting frontline Gardaí.
I am informed that there are a number of Garda Operations taking place in Dublin to deter crime. These include:
• Operation Citizen which continues to reassure the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin City Centre that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy its amenities;
• Operation Saul which aims to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the Dublin Metropolitan Region;
• Operation Thor which targets criminals engaged in burglaries;
• Operation Táirge targeting Retail Theft;
• Operation Tara tackling street level drug-dealing.
The Government has taken a number of steps to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminality.
This includes:
• providing An Garda Síochána with its largest ever budget to support a highly visible Garda presence on our streets;
• giving An Garda Síochána the tools and technology to fight crime in a digital era by rolling out improved CCTV and body worn cameras (the first of which have been deployed in the Dublin Metropolitan Region Central Divisions);
• increasing a range of maximum sentences including for assault causing harm and assaulting a peace officer;
• increasing the number of judges to improve the efficiency of the courts, and increasing prison space through four capital projects at Castlerea, Cloverhill, the Midlands and Mountjoy prisons.
In addition, the pilot North Inner City Dublin Local Community Safety Partnership published its community safety plan last year, which includes a number of actions to be taken, both by An Garda Síochána and other partners, to ensure that people are safe and feel safe in the city centre.
Crime Prevention
Ceisteanna (255)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:255. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the work of the Cherry Orchard Implementation Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26188/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In November 2022 I, along with Minister of State James Browne, announced the establishment of a new group to implement and co-ordinate supports for the Cherry Orchard community.
The Cherry Orchard Implementation Board forms part of a cross-government initiative led by the Department of An Taoiseach to best examine the issue of local area disadvantage in a number of areas and how best to intensify the interventions already underway, where necessary. The model followed by the Cherry Orchard Implementation Board (COIB) is similar to the Drogheda Implementation Board, where an independent chair is working with government departments and agencies to progress projects and initiatives to improve safety and wellbeing. The Cherry Orchard Implementation Board is supported by my Department and Dublin City Council.
Brendan Foster, a former partner in Grant Thornton and former Chair of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Cherry Orchard Development Group, is the Chair of the Cherry Orchard Implementation Board.
Membership of the Board includes representatives from Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, the HSE, City of Dublin Youth Services, the Probation Service, St. Ultan’s Primary School, Ballyfermot & Chapelizod Partnership, and the City of Dublin ETB, alongside local residents and a business representative.
In May 2023, the first Board meeting was held and there have been 10 meetings held as of April 2024.
In April 2024, the Cherry Orchard Implementation Board launched its ‘Progress Report & Action Plan 2024’ at an event in Cherry Orchard Community Centre. The Plan sets out six key sub-pillar groups, each chaired by a member of the COIB:
• Infrastructure
• Youth Work Services
• Community Safety
• Lifelong Learning
• Education
• Family & Wellbeing
Work is ongoing in each of these subgroups and it is anticipated that the Board will meet in July to consider initial responses and recommendations.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (256)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:256. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff, broken down by rank, assigned to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in advance of the transition next month to the Office of the Police Ombudsman, Fiosrú, particularly given comments made (details supplied) at the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee in February 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26189/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the independent body established by law to investigate complaints against members of An Garda Síochána. GSOC is completely independent in the exercise of its functions, and as Minister I have no role in any of GSOC's operations, including all HR matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that GSOC has the necessary supports and resources in order to fulfil its statutory functions and mandate. This is reflected in Budget 2024 where funding for GSOC increased by €2.9 million to a total of €19.6 million.
I have been advised by GSOC that there are currently a total of 169 staff members. The current staff complement of GSOC is set out below in tabular form, broken down by grade.
|
SEC |
1 |
|
ASC |
3 |
|
PO |
7 |
|
AP |
28 |
|
PTP |
1 |
|
AO |
2 |
|
HEO |
60 |
|
SO |
1 |
|
EO |
43 |
|
CO |
23 |
|
Grand Total |
169 |
I have been further advised by GSOC that the majority of staff are deployed to teams tasked with GSOC’s investigative functions. In addition there are a number of vacancies due to ongoing staff turnover (promotions, mobility, retirements, etc.). Following development of a workforce plan, the focus of recent recruitment has been on filling all posts required for the forthcoming transition to Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, on commencement of the Police, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This exercise has now been substantially completed and the current focus is to fill the remaining key positions, as well as filling a number of vacancies arising across the organisation.
All available means are being employed to fill these key posts and GSOC is in ongoing engagement with the Public Appointments Service. It is expected that there will be further appointments in the coming weeks and months.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (257)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:257. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí injured in the course of their duties over each of the last five years and for how long each of them were unable to attend work as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26190/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 18 June 2024 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí injured in the course of their duties over each of the last five years and for how long each of them were unable to attend work as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the requested information was available.
As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes Garda HR matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Government has consistently sought to support the mental and physical wellbeing of Gardaí in recent years. In Budget 2024, the government provided €6m for Garda wellbeing initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
An Garda Síochána has introduced a range of measures in recent years to support front-line Gardaí including an increase in personal safety equipment and in the number of front-line supervisors.
There are also a number of support systems in place to help Gardaí address issues of stress and mental health. These include an Employee Assistance Service, as well as trauma counselling and peer support.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, details the number of Gardaí who reported sustaining an injury in the course of their duties. The number of Gardaí are categorised by the anticipated days absent from work between 2019 up to 13 June 2024.
|
Year |
0 Days (non-reportable |
1-3 days (non-reportable) |
4-6 days |
7-13 days |
14-20 days |
21 days < 1 month |
1 Month< 3 months |
3months < 6months |
+6 months |
Total |
|
2019 |
147 |
135 |
47 |
44 |
29 |
30 |
89 |
26 |
36 |
583 |
|
2020 |
170 |
107 |
43 |
55 |
38 |
36 |
68 |
31 |
22 |
570 |
|
2021 |
145 |
114 |
39 |
68 |
37 |
33 |
84 |
29 |
28 |
577 |
|
2022 |
130 |
123 |
41 |
61 |
35 |
28 |
71 |
31 |
28 |
548 |
|
2023 |
189 |
144 |
46 |
74 |
50 |
41 |
109 |
41 |
27 |
721 |
|
2024 |
66 |
49 |
21 |
28 |
21 |
12 |
33 |
<10 |
<10 |
230* |
|
Total |
847 |
672 |
237 |
330 |
210 |
180 |
454 |
158* |
141* |
3229* |
I am informed that An Garda Síochána do not provide additional information on counts that are fewer than 10. In cases where the requested figures amount to a total of fewer than 10, the personnel referenced may be identifiable to the general public, thus posing a potential risk to their safety. Therefore, total counts for absences of a duration of 3-6 months, 6+months, and the total for 2024 and overall total are impacted. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána, along with fellow Government Departments and public bodies, is bound by existing Data Protection legislation; the release of figures of fewer than 10 has the potential to compromise the protection and privacy of individuals employed by An Garda Síochána and moreover constitute a breach of this legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
I hope the above is of assistance.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (258)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:258. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí broken down by rank who have resigned each month over the last five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26192/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (259)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:259. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice to outline the standard equipment provided to Gardaí assigned to the public order unit, and to confirm where this is provided to every Garda assigned to this unit; to outline the standard equipment provided to Gardaí who have received public order training but are not currently assigned to the public order unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26193/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 18 June 2024 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice to outline the standard equipment provided to Gardaí assigned to the public order unit, and to confirm where this is provided to every Garda assigned to this unit; to outline the standard equipment provided to Gardaí who have received public order training but are not currently assigned to the public order unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. I was pleased to secure unprecedented funding of over €2.35 billion for this year, a 25% increase since 2020 which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.
As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and civilian staff. I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí with specialist training in public order policing perform public order duties. Members performing duty with the Public Order Unit provide tactical support as well as a graduated policing response to appropriate incidents, while effectively assisting frontline Gardaí.
These Garda members are only required to perform public order duties when operational demands require their deployment, otherwise they are engaged in routine policing duties. The Garda National Public Order Unit, (GNPOU), is not a full-time unit. Members trained in public order are deployed from across the organisation for operational requirements when the need arises.
I am further advised that Members of An Garda Síochána that complete the Public Order Training course receive the following equipment:
• Helmet
• Overalls
• Boots
• Gloves
• Polos
• Long johns
• Kit Bag
• Baseball Cap
• Headover
• Baton & Holder
• Arm Guard
• Leg Guard
• Thigh Guard
• Water Bottle & Holder
I trust this information is of assistance.
Animal Slaughtering
Ceisteanna (260)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:260. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of thoroughbred horses that have been slaughtered to date in 2024, in tabular form. [25993/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine maintains the central equine database which records the registration details of all equines issued with a passport by approved Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) in Ireland. It further records the registration details of equines resident in the country but issued with a passport by approved PIOs outside the State. The date of movement of horses to approved slaughter plants is recorded on the central database as these movements occur.
As per the central equine database, 641 thoroughbred horses have been slaughtered to-date in 2024 in a slaughter plant approved by the Department.
Agriculture Industry
Ceisteanna (261)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:261. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason farm organisations were not included in the Carbon Farming Working Group while appointing representatives of co-operatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26018/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Carbon Farming Working group was established in August 2023 and has representatives from Bord Bia, Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), EIT Climate KIC, Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), Irish Co-operative Sector (ICOS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Economic and Social Council (NESC) and the Department of Environment, Communication and Climate (DECC).
Stakeholder engagement has been central to policy development in this area with DAFM holding meetings and workshops with relevant stakeholders which included farm organisations, agencies of the department and the non-government organisation (NGOs) sectors. In relation specifically to engagement with farmers, all farm organisations and their representatives were consulted through individual stakeholder meetings to inform the process. These included, the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Association, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, the Irish Grain Growers Group, the Irish Organic Association, Macra na Feirme and individual farmers through various publicly funded European Innovation Partnership Projects (EIPs).
In relation to co-operative involvement, specific technical expertise was available in ICOS as ICOS’s representative currently sits as a representative of Copa Cogeca on the carbon removals expert group at EU level for the development of the EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification (CRCF) Regulation.
I am reviewing participation of the group with a view to including farm organisations.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (262)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:262. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received the 2023 annual report and 2023 audited financial statements from each State agency under the remit of the Department; and if not, the State agency that have yet to submit either their annual report and/or financial statement to his Department, in tabular form. [26089/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information sought by the Deputy is laid out in the attached table.
|
Name of State Body |
2023 Annual Report and 2023 audited financial statements received Yes /No (Please indicate date received and specify which document) |
Please give the reason why documents have not yet been received |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board
|
No |
2023 Financial Accounts are still waiting on C& AG sign off. Draft financial statements have been received. |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
|
No |
2023 Financial Accounts are still waiting on C& AG sign off. Draft financial statements have been received. |
|
Marine Institute
|
No |
2023 Financial Accounts are still waiting on C& AG sign off. Draft financial statements have been received. |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
|
No |
2023 Financial Accounts are still waiting on C& AG sign off. Draft financial statements have been received. |
|
Greyhound Racing Ireland (Rásaíocht Con Éireann) |
Yes – Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements received 24 May 2024. (Letter issued on 03/05/2024 allowing extension until 30/06/2024 due to ongoing C&AG audit as provided for under the Code) |
|
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
No |
Ongoing C&AG Audit – a letter issued on 02/05/2024 allowing extension until 30/06/2024 as provided for under the Code. |
|
Irish National Stud
|
Yes – Annual Report Financial Year ended 31/12/2023 received on 11/04/2024 |
|
|
Bord Bia
|
2023 Annual Report received 28th March 2024. |
2023 Financial Statements are currently with the Comptroller and Auditor General. |
|
Coillte
|
Yes, to both, Annual Report 2023 received 15/04/2024, Audited financial statements 2023 received 04/04/2024. |
|
|
National Milk Agency |
Audited financial statements received 25th March 2024
Annual Report not yet received. |
As the NMA is a non-commercial State Body the Annual Report is not due until six months after the end of the financial year as per the Code. |
|
Teagasc |
No |
Under the governing legislation for Teagasc, the Annual Report for 2023 is not due until 30/06/2024 |
|
Veterinary Council of Ireland |
2023 Annual Report and 2023 audited financial statements Delivered to Minister: 28 March 2024 |
|
|
(Agri-Food Regulator) Board of An Rialálaí Agraibhia |
2023 Annual Report received by Minister on 13/06/2024. Audited Financial Reports not received. |
An Rialálai Agraibhia was only established on 13/12/2023 and no expenditure was made in 2023. |
European Court of Justice
Ceisteanna (263)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:263. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a breakdown of the fines issued against his Department by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26127/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by my Officials that there have been no fines issues by the Court of Justice of the European Union for the period 2010 to date in respect of matters for which my Department is responsible.