Written Answers Nos. 1202-1221
1202. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of compensation orders that have been implemented in each of the years 1993 to 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35919/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, at oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
Figures of this nature are recorded by the Courts Service. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
1203. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice if there are any changes that can be implemented to assist British citizens, who are long-time residents of Ireland, in avoiding long security delays on re-entry to the State (details supplied). [35948/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that UK nationals entering or reentering the state are treated no differently for immigration purposes than Irish or EU citizens.
1204. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will ensure that adequate financial resources continue to be provided for the work of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains, in view of the great importance of their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35994/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Good Friday Agreement specifically provided that it was essential to acknowledge and address the suffering of the victims of violence as a necessary element of reconciliation. The establishment by both the UK and Irish Governments of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) was one among a key set of actions taken by the Governments in fulfilling this commitment.
The ICLVR was established under the Agreement signed on 27 April 1999 by the Governments of Ireland and the UK, and by legislation enacted in the two jurisdictions. As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission is responsible for facilitating the location of the remains of victims of paramilitary violence (known as 'the Disappeared') who were murdered and secretly buried.
The Commission’s role is purely humanitarian. Their overriding priority is to return the remains of the victims to their families in order that they can receive a decent burial and that the families may, in some measure at least, achieve resolution or closure in regard to the deaths. These families have for decades struggled with the pain and trauma of not knowing what happened to their loved one.
The ICLVR is a concrete demonstration of the commitment of the two Governments to the families of the disappeared. The Commission has a total of 17 persons on its list and, to date, they have recovered the remains of 11 of the Disappeared. Two other victims’ remains were recovered, though not by the Commission. Four remain to be found: Joseph Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire.
The Commission, with the support of the Irish and British Governments, continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the families of the Disappeared and is committed to completing its task and locating the remains of these four people. At present a search by the Commission is underway for the remains of Captain Robert Nairac.
I can assure the Deputy of my Department’s full support for the work of the Commission. The work of the Commission is demand led and when extra resources have been needed, those resources have been provided.
The ICLVR continues to call on those with information to bring that information to the Commission. I call on anyone with information that could help recover the remains of those still missing to please pass that information onto the Commission where it will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
1205. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice when a Garda service will be restored (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all decisions related to the Garda Estate. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy.
This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
I am advised that Bawnboy Garda Station remains closed. Since 18 March 2024, an additional number of Gardaí have been assigned to the West Cavan area which comprises Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Dowra, Swanlinbar and Blacklion. This assignment ensures the provision of a 24-hour policing service to West Cavan which includes the Bawnboy area.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that within the Division, there are currently 18 operational Garda Stations in the Cavan Community Engagement Functional Area.
1206. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33793/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of a difficult harvest in 2023 and a prolonged housing period, very little straw was carried over from 2023 into 2024. The early part of the summer saw continued difficult weather, and also with fodder supplies already low, fears of an impending fodder shortage in the coming winter were very real.
Against this backdrop of depleted fodder reserves and poor growth rates I wanted to ensure the maximum amount of fodder was available. Therefore, following extensive engagement with representatives of the tillage sector, I have launched the Baling Assistance Payment (BAP) scheme to provide flexibility to Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) applicants in support of baling the straw from their SIM cereal crop instead of chopping and incorporation.
The Government is fully aware of the difficulties that tillage farmers have experienced in recent years, both due to low prices and difficult weather. Increased supports have been put in place to assist farmers. For example, increased funding in the new CAP for Protein crops along with the introduction of the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS), Unharvested Crop Loss and the Tillage Top- Up schemes.
Tillage is an integral part of Irish farming and the Government will explore all possible means of supporting the sector and will closely look at the recommendations of the Food Vision Group, including the request for a new scheme to support tillage farmers in the medium to long term.
Both the introduction of the SIM and now the BAP shows that the Government is actively engaged with the tillage sector and will continue to work with farmers and their representatives to ensure the viability of the sector.
1207. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to restricting or banning the sale of leylandii trees and saplings, which are the bane of many a neighbour’s life, as they are often planted in close proximity in urban settings which are not often appropriate for such tall leafy trees which grow rapidly and become unmanageable quickly unless properly maintained and pruned back regularly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33815/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a member of the EU. The EU single market seeks to guarantee the free movement of goods (one of the ‘four freedoms’). This is achieved through common rules and standards that all participating Member States are legally obliged to follow. One such set of rules are the rules on plant health which seek to protect the Union’s territory and its plants together with ensuring safe trade.
The trade and movement of plants and plant products into and within the EU is permitted and governed by the EU Plant Health Regulation 2031 of 2016 and the Official Controls Regulation 625 of 2017. These Regulations harmonise the rules on several areas, including trade and movement of plants. This is important in order to ensure the same level of phytosanitary protection within the EU and a level playing field for all EU producers and traders. The Department cannot restrict or ban the sale of lleylandi trees or saplings which meet EU plant health rules.
1208. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to address concerns regarding the abrupt changes to the straw chopping scheme; if he is aware that tillage farmers had customers already lined up and that this abrupt alteration to the scheme will adversely affect agri-business and tillage farmers including financial loss; if he will reverse the proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33846/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of a difficult harvest in 2023 and a prolonged housing period, very little straw was carried over from 2023 into 2024. The early part of the summer saw continued difficult weather, and also with fodder supplies already low, fears of an impending fodder shortage in the coming winter were very real.
Against this backdrop of depleted fodder reserves and poor growth rates I wanted to ensure the maximum amount of fodder was available. Therefore, following extensive engagement with representatives of the tillage sector, I have launched the Baling Assistance Payment scheme to provide flexibility to Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) applicants in support of baling the straw from their SIM cereal crop instead of chopping and incorporation.
The Government is fully aware of the difficulties that tillage farmers have experienced in recent years, both due to low prices and difficult weather. Increased supports have been put in place to assist farmers. For example, increased funding in the new CAP for Protein crops along with the introduction of the Tillage Incentive Scheme (TIS), Unharvested Crop Loss and the Tillage Top- Up schemes.
Tillage is an integral part of Irish farming and the Government will explore all possible means of supporting the sector and will closely look at the recommendations of the Food Vision Group, including the request for a new scheme to support tillage farmers in the medium to long term.
The inclusion of SIM in the CAP Strategic Plan and the introduction of BAP show that the Government is actively engaged with the tillage sector and will continue to work with farmers and their representatives to ensure the viability of the sector.
1209. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if separate individual owners can plant adjacent to each other land under the native tree area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33855/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Native Tree Area Scheme was introduced to facilitate small-scale native tree planting on farms without the requirement for an afforestation licence. This planting will contribute to Ireland’s targets in relation to a wide range of environmental priorities, particularly climate change, biodiversity and water quality.
Individual landowners that have successfully made an application for entry into the scheme can plant adjacent to each other’s land on separate farm holdings.
Full details of the schemes Terms and Conditions can be found on my Departments website here:
www.assets.gov.ie/272397/bd7eeafd-d554-4773-a32b-4c2b5fa357e8.pdf
1210. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grid reference boundaries of Fintra Bay, County Donegal for aquaculture licensing purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33886/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to a particular licence application and further to PQ 55696/23, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department considers applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Foreshore Act 1933 (as amended) and applicable national and EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
As part of the public consultation process a notice is published by the applicant in a locally circulating newspaper. For most applications, the location details given on the public notice refer to the general location by stating the bay in which the application site is situated. As some bays cover a vast expanse of coastline, in an effort to guide the public to the closest point possible our GIS experts are tasked with mapping the coordinates of an application to the closest descriptor such as ‘Fintragh Bay’ within the confines of the much larger ‘Donegal Bay’.
The public notice also advises that a copy of the application form which contains the address of the site and all supporting documents including maps and drawings are available on the Department’s website and in the one or more local Garda Stations for consideration. The full suite of application documentation clearly shows the location and co-ordinates of the site along with the details of the proposed aquaculture.
1211. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether a departmental investigation into the animal cruelty aspects of an RTÉ programme (details supplied) has commenced; if not, if it will commence; the date it will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33904/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department, in conjunction with the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, is carrying out a coordinated investigation into these matters.
1212. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the engagements he has had with veterinary practitioners to discuss their concerns in relation to the changes to medicine rules under the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33916/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn preparing the Regulations, there has been extensive stakeholder engagement over the last four years and all stakeholder views have been considered to find the appropriate balance of routes of supply, medicine availability and cost while meeting our obligations in EU and national legislation.
On 14th December 2023, I met with Veterinary Ireland to discuss their concerns on the draft Regulations.
On 16th July, I met with Veterinary Ireland to discuss their concerns on the potential inclusion of the prescription only medicine (exempt) (POM(E)) category in the Regulations.
On 31st July my Department met with veterinary, farming, retail and pharmacy organisations to hear their views on the POM(E) route of sale.
Further consideration of the views expressed in relation to POM(E) vaccines and the proper assessment protocol for the prescribing of anti-parasitic medicines will be considered before finalisation of the Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 2024.
1213. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the implementation of the programme for Government commitments under the remit of his Department. [34002/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince publication of the “Programme for Government: Our Shared Future” in 2020, my Department has identified and examined 161 actions in the Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Chapter. My Department is the lead organisation in 148 of these actions, and reports that 76% of those are either “target achieved” or “substantial action undertaken & ongoing”, with another 20% reported as “commenced & progressing”.
Some of my main policy achievements under the Programme for Government include:
• In August 2021, Food Vision 2030 was launched, the stakeholder-led strategy for the continuing development of the agri-food sector in Ireland. Food Vision is a landmark for the Irish agri-food sector with the potential to transform our agriculture, food, forestry and marine sectors in the period to 2030, with sustainability in all its dimensions (environmental, economic and social) at its core. The Food Vision Dairy Group and the Food Vision Beef and Sheep Group have produced reports, representing a broad consensus on the key requirements in the context of the sector’s sustainability obligations. In addition, the Food Vision Tillage Group Report highlights the significant role the tillage sector plays in Ireland’s food and feed security and our ambition to grow the sector. Two Food Vision annual reports have been published, the latest of which I launched in June.
• On 1 January 2023, Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023 to 2027 came into effect. The plan will deliver €9.8 billion over the next five years and provide vital support to farmers and rural communities to ensure the continued viability of family farms, maximising the environmental and social sustainability of the sector.
• I delivered a payment of €200 euro per suckler cow and doubled the payments available to the sheep sector from €10 to €20 per ewe.
• I continue to work closely with all stakeholders in gaining, maintaining, restoring and enhancing access for Irish agri-food products to a wide range of priority markets. This includes participating in an ongoing programme of trade missions and promotional activities, in cooperation with Bord Bia. Secured access to new markets for beef with China reopened, and South Korea opened for the first time as well as access to the United States for Irish lamb. Agri-food exports were valued at €18.3 billion in 2023.
• The agriculture, food and marine sectors continue to play a leadership role in delivering on the ambitions target which culminate in a whole-of-economy 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. Policies and strategies devised by my Department are bearing fruit with emissions from agriculture trending downwards, which marked an important reversal of what had been a steady upwards trend since the lowest emissions were reported in 2011. I have introduced measures to achieve abatement potential in the agriculture sector, backed by financial commitment including a budget of €1.5 billion for the new agri-environment scheme ACRES, a five-fold increase in funding for Organic Farming to €256 million to triple the area to 7.5% of utilised agricultural area, €260 million to improve the carbon efficiency of the suckler herd through genetic improvement, and €43 million for a major genotyping programme for Irish cattle, which will enhance the environmental sustainability, health and productivity of Irish beef and dairy herds.
• The Forestry Programme 2023-2027 has been published. It was created in alignment with Ireland’s new Forest Strategy and will be the main implementation mechanism for this Strategy in the immediate to short term. This €1.3 billion funded Programme is the best-funded, most environmentally friendly programme in the history of the State.
• We continue to implement schemes developed on the recommendations of the Seafood Sector Taskforce. I have provided funding of €305.5m to support these schemes such as the Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme, the Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme, and the Brexit Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme. This is in addition to a programme of capital investment in our sea fishery harbours. I recently announced the opening of new schemes, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027 (EMFAF), which deliver important elements of the €258 million Seafood Development Programme.
• The Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on 11th July 2023 and An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator) was formally established in December 2023.
• The area of research and development is a key focus for my Department, with a budget now standing at €22.45 million. This will be used to drive greater innovation in our agriculture and food sectors as we position Irish agriculture as a leader in sustainable food production.
• The publication of the new National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027 highlights the potential of the horticulture sector to play a key role in the achievement of our vision for the Irish agrifood sector, both economically and environmentally.
• Other points of note recently include the publication of Ireland’s first National Bioeconomy Action Plan for the period 2023-2025 and the new National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.
I will continue to lead the development of agri-food in collaboration with the sector and continue to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments.
1214. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live horses exported from Ireland, by month in 2023 and up to the end of June 2024, in tabular form. [34020/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information the Deputy has requested is detailed in the table below.
This table includes the number of live horses traded to the EU and exported to third countries. The information for this table has been generated from the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) the European Commission's online platform for sanitary and phytosanitary certification and records of export certification maintained by my Department for third country exports which are managed outside the TRACES system.
Number of live horses traded to the EU and exported to third countries
|
Year |
Month |
Movement to EU |
Exported to Third Countries |
|
2023 |
January |
499 |
335 |
|
February |
509 |
594 |
|
|
March |
497 |
812 |
|
|
April |
734 |
1,259 |
|
|
May |
1,173 |
1,287 |
|
|
June |
1,207 |
1,187 |
|
|
July |
623 |
826 |
|
|
August |
648 |
883 |
|
|
September |
1,561 |
1,097 |
|
|
October |
974 |
1,353 |
|
|
November |
960 |
1,119 |
|
|
December |
423 |
470 |
|
|
*2024 |
January |
416 |
414 |
|
*Up to 30 June 2024 |
February |
547 |
513 |
|
March |
535 |
836 |
|
|
April |
708 |
1,416 |
|
|
May |
1073 |
1,373 |
|
|
June |
963 |
1,099 |
1215. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the animal welfare and food safety issues exposed by an RTÉ documentary (details supplied). [34021/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in conjunction with the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is carrying out animal welfare and traceability investigations into activities associated with the facility referred to and its surrounds.
The approval of the plant has been revoked on the grounds of animal welfare, food safety and traceability.
1216. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are being taken to ensure that any horses that remain on the land owned by a company or a person (details supplied) are being appropriately cared for; and if veterinary visits are taking place. [34022/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the person mentioned is subject to legal notices from my Department to ensure that obligations under law to safeguard the welfare of horses under his care are met, and that this includes veterinary care. I can also confirm that my Department continues to closely monitor and verify compliance by the operator with the legal notices in place.
1217. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1670 of 23 July 2024, under which piece of legislation the control notices are issued, in the response provided the Minister states “has been subject to a legal notice since late May prohibiting the presence or entry of any horses”, and given that it was stated at the PAC that Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have confirmed that there is no animal welfare investigation; the reason Department officials said there was an animal welfare investigation in previous meetings; the reason there is ambiguity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34076/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe notice, dated 27th May 2024, was issued pursuant to Section 42 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
I wish to clarify any misunderstandings that may have arisen around the scope and nature of the current investigation by stating, unequivocally, that equine traceability and welfare issues will all form part of the ongoing investigation, by my Department, in conjunction with the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
I also wish to confirm that that my Department moved very quickly to correct the PAC record to clarify that scope of the current investigations to include both traceability and welfare matters.
1218. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider implementing a policy providing financial support or compensation to foresters for attending necessary training events (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34082/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1219. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how the forestry service plans to address the financial and logistical challenges faced by foresters due to the increased training requirements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34083/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1218 and 1219 together.
I recognise that training is required in order to ensure that new environmental requirements are complied with, and to aid more generally in the delivery of the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027. Therefore, my Department has held both in-person and online training sessions for registered foresters and ecologists in relation to the changes that have been made to the afforestation scheme. This training has been welcomed by the vast majority of participants. Further training will be provided as required over the duration of this Programme.
These optional training events are free to attend and we have no plans to fund attendance at these events. In addition, training events delivered via webinar are published on my Department’s website and can be accessed at any time or location.
To date, five training webinars for registered foresters and ecologists on the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 have been published. Topics covered by these webinars include Afforestation Scheme applications, the Native Tree Area scheme, the Reconstitution Ash Dieback scheme, the Woodland Improvement Scheme, the Climate Resilient Reforestation Scheme, Native Woodland Establishment, and the Forest Road Scheme.
I fully recognise and appreciate the critical role played by registered foresters in implementing this new Forestry Programme. My Department has therefore established an Afforestation Technical Working Group, comprised of registered foresters and my officials, to assist in identifying any technical issues associated with the delivery of the Afforestation Scheme, to ensure standards are applied correctly, and to identify and prioritise such training requirements.
1220. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of ash crop owners, out of the 6,500 individual owners, that have applied for the RUS scheme; the number of hectares in total that have been approved for clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34117/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme 2020 (RUS) has been superceded by the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme (RADS) introduced in 2023. Those applicants who were not approved under RUS at the end of 2022 were given the opportunity to opt into the RADS. Prior to RUS, the scheme was known as the Reconstitution Scheme Ash Dieback 2013. Outlined below is the amount of applications and approvals issued for each scheme.
|
Scheme |
Applications |
Hectares |
Approvals |
Hectares |
|
Reconstitution Scheme Ash Dieback 2013 |
575 |
2,877 |
565 |
2,786 |
|
RUS (minus opt-ins to RADS*) |
398 |
1,307 |
364 |
1,136 |
|
RADS (including RUS opt-ins) |
1,034 |
3,961 |
764 |
2,884 |
|
Total all schemes |
2,007 |
8,145 |
1,693 |
6,806 |
*543 applications for 2,273 ha not approved opted into RADS.
I would encourage those landowners who planted ash plantations under a Departmental Scheme and who have not yet applied to clear and replant these areas to now do so under my Department's RADS. Those landowners who replant their ash plantation under a Reconstitution Scheme may then apply for an additional Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) of €5,000 per hectare. Full details on how to apply for both the RADS and the CAPP are available at www.gov.ie/ashdiebacksupports.
1221. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on questionable sales practices from a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34151/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current legal framework permits antiparasitics to be sold without a prescription.
I am at present considering new Regulations to up regulate all antiparasitics so that they can only be supplied on foot of a veterinary prescription issued by a veterinary practitioner. This will reinforce the central role of professional veterinary advice in the determining the necessity and suitability of anti-parasitic products.
In preparing for drafting the Regulations, there has been extensive stakeholder engagement over the last 4 years and all stakeholder views have been considered to find the appropriate balance of routes of supply, medicine availability and cost while meeting our obligations in EU and national legislation.
