Written Answers Nos. 130-149
130. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice the reason An Garda Síochána has failed to fully cooperate with operation Newham in terms of failing to provide a single document in relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings; the reason An Garda Síochána has failed to provide intelligence information in relation to this case to operation Newham; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27608/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious of the recent 50th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. As discussed last week with the Deputy, it is a matter of deep regret that, to date, no person has held responsible for these terrible attacks. The Garda investigation files into these bombings and the murders that took place remain open. Any new evidence that comes to light, from whatever source, will be pursued by An Garda Síochána. The Deputy refers to Operation Newham, which is an investigation by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland into allegations of collusion between the then RUC and the activities of the so-called Glenanne gang.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has been assisting the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) in relation to Operation Newham which, due to its extremely broad ranging nature, has been ongoing for a number of years. An Garda Síochána has engaged with PONI over those years in relation to a number of investigations, including Dublin Monaghan, and is continuing its work in providing assistance to PONI. This co-operation between State authorities and Operation Newham is a matter to be dealt with through the appropriate formal channels and is, of course, an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.
I am however confident that the Gardaí remain committed to cooperating to the greatest extent possible with Operation Newham and PONI generally. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to seeking out the truth behind these appalling events and, hopefully, to secure some measure of solace for the victims’ families and the survivors.
131. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Nature Restoration Act will not be linked in any way to pillar one payments under CAP in the current programming period and in future programming periods, and will not become a term and condition on any farm scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27364/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023-2027 underpins the sustainable development of Ireland’s farming and food sector by supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing competitiveness, by strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas, and by contributing to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels. Some €9.8 billion is being delivered to our farm families over these five years to support them to continue to produce world-class, safe and sustainable food as well as supporting them in their important work of meeting our climate ambitions.
All of the wide range of schemes within the current CSP were designed before the NRL was adopted. They are not linked to it. .
132. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects a decision to issue on a TAMS II application for a person in County Mayo (details supplied), given the supporting documentation was submitted to the Department a number of months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27333/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application on 1 July 2022 in respect of sheep fencing under the Animal Welfare Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme of TAMS II.
A requirement of the scheme is that full ownership or a valid lease is in place in respect of the land on which the proposed investment is to take place. To date, neither the person named or his advisor have provided sufficient evidence of ownership of the land to allow the claim to be paid.
133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1284 of 17 January 2024, the number of approved slaughter facilities; the locations of each; and the number of the 1,428 thoroughbreds slaughtered in 2023 that were killed at a location (details supplied). [27338/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe central equine database is a live system that is continually updated as information is entered. The final figure for the number of thoroughbreds slaughtered in 2023 is 1,440. All were slaughtered at the one approved equine slaughter facility in Co. Kildare. There are no other approved facilities slaughtering horses in Ireland.
134. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 101 of 25 April 2024, the breakdown of the figure of 1,998 equines slaughtered in 2023 at Department-approved slaughter plants, broken down by type of animal slaughtered, location of slaughter and reasons for slaughter. [27339/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll 1,998 equines were slaughtered at the one approved slaughter facility in the country. One thousand four hundred and forty (1,440) of the equines slaughtered were registered as thoroughbreds and 558 were non-thoroughbreds. My Department does not record reasons for slaughter.
135. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of injured horses that have been killed at Irish racecourses to date in 2024, with a breakdown into type of injury and location; and if, given the ongoing suffering and death at races, he will defund horse racing. [27340/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Details relating to racehorse fatalities and injuries is an operational matter for HRI, therefore, that part of the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
The horse racing industry receives financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
This Government is fully committed to the future of the horse-racing sector, recognising the contribution made by the sector socially and economically to both urban and rural Ireland. According to the Deloitte report of May 2023 it is estimated the Irish thoroughbred industry has an annual economic impact amounting to €2.46 billion and supports direct and indirect jobs of some 30,000 people.
My Department's support is critical to the survival and continued development of the Horse Racing Industry and has allowed Ireland to develop a world class industry that has developed a reputation for excellence in all areas of the thoroughbred racing industry.
I have no plans to discontinue exchequer support for this industry.
136. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds injured in racing and trials to date in 2024, with a breakdown into type of injury; the date and location where they occurred; the number killed outright or euthanised by track vets; the number and causes of additional racing fatalities; and the results of any related post-mortems. [27341/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht 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 the body for direct reply.
137. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle sold through livestock marts that were subsequently slaughtered within 20 days, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27358/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra193,359 bovines were slaughtered in 2023 having moved through a mart in the 20 days preceding slaughter.
138. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of herds currently restricted for TB in which cattle were purchased in the previous two years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27359/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am committed to making real progress in eradicating TB as I am aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown for farmers
The table below outlines the number of herds restricted for TB in which cattle were purchased in the previous two years prior to the date of restriction of those herds.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme is guided by national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:
• movement of infected cattle with undetected infection.
• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
• spread across farm boundaries from infected cattle to uninfected cattle.
• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or
• spread from infected badgers to uninfected cattle.
As of 16th June 2024, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence increased to 5.12% compared to 4.62% at the same time last year. In the past 12 months 5,242 herds were restricted, compared to 4,776 in the previous 12-month period.
Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. In addition, the expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on increasing TB levels also.
As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors and wildlife.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving three or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, including when buying in animals.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. Since I launched the TB Strategy in 2021 stakeholders have been working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
The details of the TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie .
|
Number of Herds Restricted 12 month rolling 16th June 2024 |
Number of restricted Herds that moved in animals in the Previous Two years |
|
5,242 |
4,816 |
139. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will increase the budget for the dairy beef scheme 2024 in light of the number of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27360/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CSP Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme opened for applications on 21 March 2024 and closed for applications on 15 May 2024. The acceptance of late applications was facilitated for a 25-calendar day period after the closing date, at the end of which a total of 13,541 applications had been received.
The objective of the scheme is to provide support to dairy farmers to improve the animal health and welfare of the national dairy herd by using better genetic merit beef sires.
There is only one action required under the scheme - applicants will be required to have calves born in the scheme year which must be sired from a genotyped 3 or 4 or 5-star stock bull / AI – the sire must be a minimum of 3 stars on the Dairy Beef Index (DBI) and a minimum 3 stars on the Beef Sub-Index of the DBI.
The scheme is co-funded by the National Exchequer (59.79%) and the EU (40.21%) with a 4-year allocation of €25m under the CAP Strategic Plan, equating to an annual budget of €6.25m covering 312,500 calves per year. A provision for a linear reduction has been included in the scheme terms and conditions.
My Department will continue to monitor eligible calf numbers as the year progresses but preliminary analysis indicates that the number of eligible calves for applicants to the scheme in 2024 is broadly in line with the €6.25m budget allocation as some 3,000 of the applications under the scheme currently have no eligible calves.
140. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on deficiencies in veterinary inspections at the slaughter facility featured in TV reports (details supplied); the measures he intends to take to prevent a re-occurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27361/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe footage shown in the TV reports focuses on activities at a holding close to the slaughter plant but which does not form part of the approved premises. No deficiencies have been identified with the veterinary inspections at the slaughter facility which have been subject to verification by Regional Supervising Veterinary Inspection
The matters highlighted on the TV programme are subject to an investigation by my Department with the support of An Garda Síochána.
141. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of registered cattle dealers and agents in Ireland; the inspection regime for same including the frequency of inspections, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27362/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 934 cattle dealers and agents in Ireland registered under S. I. 439 of 2020 European Communities (Approval and Registration of Dealers of Bovine Animals and Swine) (Amendment) Regulations 2010. In 2023, there were 132 inspections.
142. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the beef prices paid to feedlots, factory owned cattle, organic cattle and cattle under contract are included in the Department’s weekly price reports; if not, the reason; if cattle sold under a flat price are included; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27366/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department receives slaughter data on a weekly basis for beef carcasses from 29 beef slaughter plants in Ireland, who are obliged to price report in compliance with EU Regulatory requirements. The data received from plants includes, inter alia, date of slaughter, category, (A, B, C, D, E, V or Z), Conformation, Fat score and Price/kg paid to the supplier. The weighted average prices are then reported by my Department on a weekly basis.
The prices paid by plants in respect of reactors, factory owned, organic, contract slaughter and condemned carcasses are excluded from the calculation of the weighted average weekly price report as inclusion of these cattle could distort the average prices paid for the typical commercial kill or, in the case of contract slaughter, there is no price available.
Other than the above-mentioned exclusions, all other cattle, including private feedlots and cattle sold under a flat price, are included in the calculation of the weekly price report by my Department.
143. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the methodology used to establish the reference costs under TAMS; and to provide the data used to determine the changes in the last review. [27411/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the success of TAMS II, I significantly increased the number of investment items available under TAMS 3 and I also increased the reference costs as appropriate across all schemes, based on a review carried out in late 2022/early 2023.
The reference costs are updated periodically to ensure that they reflect actual/market costs for the construction of farm buildings and facilities, and for farm equipment. To achieve this objective, the review of the reference costs is based on a comparison with receipted costs. For an effective comparison, an adequate number of receipted claims are required.
A further review of the reference costs is envisaged in the second half of this year, with a publication of the revised costs likely in mid-2025.
144. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total funding, by organisation, paid to An Bord Bia, Teagasc, and two organisations (details supplied) in 2022 and in 2023. [27412/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is set out in the tables below.
2022
|
Name of Organisation |
Funding Amount € |
|
An Bord Bia |
70,825,713 |
|
Teagasc |
159,658,420 |
|
the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation |
2,509,694 |
|
Animal Health Ireland |
806,650 |
2023
|
Name of Organisation |
Funding Amount € |
|
An Bord Bia |
70,210,246 |
|
Teagasc |
167,383,965 |
|
the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation |
15,726,408 |
|
Animal Health Ireland |
811,030 |
145. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what research is being carried out into developing a vaccine for tuberculosis in bovine animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27422/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main Global body of research on developing a vaccine for tuberculosis in bovine animals is being carried out by Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the UK. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) continue to engage with our colleagues in DEFRA and are monitoring this very closely. To date the biggest issue with a vaccine for cattle has been the availability of a test that is capable of distinguishing between an animal that is truly infected and one that has been vaccinated.
The candidate vaccine, CattleBCG, a BCG strain, has shown in past studies to reduce TB severity in cattle but needs further field testing. A DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) skin test has been developed to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals, addressing the issue of false positives caused by BCG vaccination. This test, however needs validation and if validated and approved, will be crucial for the effective use of CattleBCG, aligning with international standards set by the WOAH.
Field trials are underway to evaluate the safety and performance of both this vaccine and the Diva Test. Phase 1 assessed this test in unvaccinated cattle, while Phase 2 focused on safety in vaccinated cattle. Phase 3 will expand these tests to more herds.
The latest phase (Phase 2) of the TB vaccine field trials has concluded. Phase 3 will aim to gather more data on the DIVA test's specificity and improve its performance. Phase 3 will also involve testing BCG vaccination and the companion DIVA skin test on a wider range of herds.
However, it should be noted that even if the research is successful there are a significant number of legal and international trade obstacles to be surmounted before a vaccine for tuberculosis in bovine animals can be used as part of our bovine TB eradication programme.
146. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who applied for the nitrates derogation in Ireland in 2023; the average income of those farmers; and the average amount those farmers received in CAP and any other payments. [27484/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2023 a total of 7,063 farmers, who were eligible to do so, applied to avail of a Nitrates Derogation.
The total CAP and non-CAP payments these derogation farmers received from my Department in 2023 on average was €25,283. This average value includes all payments for income support and well as incentives for specific works such as grant aid paid in 2023 associated with capital investments and other measures on these farms.
I understand that Teagasc’s National Farm Survey data cannot specifically identify derogation farmers as the survey has not been designed to provide income data for that specific cohort of farmer.
147. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify whether the irregularities in client accounts at an organisation (details supplied) have been addressed or not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27562/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
148. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason a person (details supplied) diagnosed with autism has been let down by the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27373/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
149. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the schemes available through his Department to enable the provision of new facilities and the upgrading of existing facilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27327/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe support my department provides for the development of new play and recreation facilities for children and young people is through the annual Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation. Established in 2013, this grant scheme operates through and with Local Authorities. The scheme also funds the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements.
The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network, established to bring a focus on play and recreation within each local authority.
For each project, 25% of the awarded amount must be provided by the Local Authority. Facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.
All facilities and equipment funded must be child-friendly and safe, and all projects funded under the scheme must provide evidence that children and young people living locally who will have access to the facility have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought.
All spaces and facilities for which funding is granted must be available for use by all children and young people in the locality at times when they are free to use them, including outside of school hours.
Children’s playgrounds and play areas should be places of fun and activity for all children to enjoy, so that every child can experience the joy and excitement that comes with playing outdoors.
Since 2021, funding of €450,000 per year has been made available to Local Authorities through this scheme. Applications must be made through the relevant Local Authority Play and Recreation Network member.
