Written Answers Nos. 1242-1261
1242. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of contracts a company (details supplied) have had with his Department in the years of 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024; the nature of services this company provided to the Department; the amount the Department paid for such services in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [34487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo ask the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of contracts a company (details supplied) have had with his Department in the years of 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024; the nature of services this company provided to the Department; the amount the Department paid for such services in each of the years in question, in tabular form.
Details Supplied
Virgin Media
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
Up to 21/8/2024 |
|
No. of IMT contracts only |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Nature of Contract |
N/A |
N/A |
Provision of WAN Circuits(Dark Fibre) for Government |
|
Expenditure |
0 |
0 |
No expenditure to date |
1243. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times his Department has availed of the services provided by a company (details supplied) in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the nature of services provided to his Department in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [34506/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department availed of the company (details supplied) on one occasion in 2022. The information requested is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Nature of the Service provided |
|
2022 |
1 x Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre |
1244. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations regarding its work to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and opportunities to levy assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34526/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department leads Ireland's engagement with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
The mandate of FAO is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. In 2023, €4.4m in funding was provided by my Department to FAO, including a core assessed contribution and funding for a range of agriculture development projects.
The mandate of the UN World Food Programme is to provide life-saving relief in emergencies and use food assistance to build peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. For 2024, my Department contributed €25m in funding to the WFP. On an international development and humanitarian relief mission to the Horn of Africa in March 2024, I committed to increase this contribution amount by 40% to €35m per annum or a total of €105m over the term of a new Strategic Partnership Agreement between Ireland and WFP for 2025 to 2027. The absence of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza means that most of the international aid received from UN agencies is emergency and related humanitarian relief delivered through WFP, UNWRA, UNICEF and other UN humanitarian aid agencies. My Department will liaise with UN FAO on the potential consideration of support from Ireland on agriculture development projects whenever a cessation of hostilities in Gaza allows for FAO technical experts to resume their activities.
1245. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to extend the ash dieback reconstitution scheme to deal with the issue of ash dieback more generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1304. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give further consideration to the provision of financial assistance to persons who do not have forest plantations and are not availing of any forestry schemes who need to have ash dieback trees removed on their property adjacent to public roads from a safety point of view; if he is aware that there are substantial costs for individuals and households in having such diseased trees removed; if he is aware that this issue is particularly of concern to households on low incomes such as persons in receipt of pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35982/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1245 and 1304 together.
My Department has introduced a comprehensive Action Plan on Ash Dieback which provides comprehensive supports to landowners who planted ash plantations under a grant-aided scheme overseen by my Department.
There are no plans to extend the scheme.
My Department supported the Tree Council of Ireland in publishing guidelines for managing roadside trees. This document is available on the Tree Council of Ireland’s website www.treecouncil.ie and on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/642e6-forestry/gov.ie
1246. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has any responsibility for a location (details supplied); and if he accepts a finding. [34655/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has advised that the lands in question were acquired under the Charteris Estate in County Tipperary by the Irish Land Commission (ILC) in 1962 and subsequently allotted by the ILC under a Purchase Agreement which was vested and lodged in Tailte Éireann for registration. Responsibility for any issues relating to the ownership of these lands is now, therefore, a private matter between the parties concerned.
Maps showing the acquired and vested lands are available in the Records Branch of my Department which is located in Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise.
1247. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of flights he has taken to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Knock Airport since assuming office. [34750/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that I have not taken a flight to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Knock Airport since assuming office.
1248. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he is taking to implement action 26 of the Food Vision 2023 Tillage Group Report, namely to provide greater recognition and support for agricultural contractors recognising the important services they provide to the tillage sector; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to an FCI analysis tractor purchase costs have increased by more than 50% between 2015 and 2023, while replacement costs for modern high-technology machines that deliver improved work rates, fuel economy and lower emissions, combined with greater traceability, have increased by almost 100%; does he agree that these costs indicate the need for greater support for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34795/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAgricultural contractors provide a vital service to the agricultural industry and I wish to acknowledge the key role they play in supporting the sector. Contractors often have modern machinery that has higher output and the latest technology that is out of reach for some farmers. They also provide additional capacity for the tillage sector in narrow work windows as exemplified by their actions in aiding farmers through harvest in 2023 and the late sowing of spring crops in 2024.
I recognised the importance of farm and forestry contractors in supporting Irish agriculture by ensuring that the Association of Irish Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland was included as a stakeholder on the Food Vision Tillage Group that I established in May last year. The Group was set up to set out a roadmap for the sustainable growth and development of the sector to 400,000ha by 2030 in line with the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan.
The Group, which was made up of a wide range of stakeholders from across the industry, has listed 28 actions to achieve the target of 400,000ha in tillage by 2030. Action 26 specifically relates to contractors and relates to the setting up of a register and further examination of supports including training.
My Department is currently setting about implementing the actions identified in the report and contact has been made with many stakeholders to progress these actions and to put an overall implementation plan in place.
1249. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmed salmon that escaped from a farm (details supplied) on Sunday 11 August 2024; when the Department was notified of the escape; details of the comprehensive emergency plan in place, if any, by the licensee and or the Department to recapture the escapees as is required by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of their salmon farm licence; the number of escapees recaptured to date either by netting or anglers; when netting began in order to recapture the escapees; the sanctions, if any, to be imposed on the licensee or the operators of the salmon farm from which the farmed salmon escaped; if the escaped farmed salmon were infected with Amoebic Gill Disease or any other disease when they escaped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34809/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 13 August 2024 my Department received notification from the Licensee that there had been an escape of salmon from one cage at a site in Killary Harbour, Co. Galway. The Marine Institute and Inland Fisheries Ireland were also informed, in accordance with the applicable aquaculture licence conditions.
My Department’s Marine Engineers carried out an inspection of the site on 15 August and a report was prepared.
The operator has indicated that approximately 7,000-8,000 fish escaped through a tear in the net which was damaged by a boat working at the pen during inclement weather. The net was subsequently repaired and has since been replaced. A final figure of escaped fish will be available at the next grading of fish on the site.
The Licensee has advised that efforts are ongoing to recapture fish and they are liaising with Inland Fisheries Ireland in this regard.
A report has also been prepared by my Department’s scientific advisor, the Marine Institute. A disease surveillance inspection was carried out at the site on 17 May 2024, under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (‘Animal Health Law’) and its supplementing Regulations. This inspection did not indicate the presence of any disease listed in Annex II to that Regulation, or an emerging disease, as referred to in Article 6 of that Regulation. The Marine Institute has not been notified of any change to the health status of the site since then, and neither has the presence of any non-listed disease been reported.
Freshwater treatments have been carried out at the site, to prevent the development of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) in the establishment. The Marine Institute have advised that such timely treatment of early infection is good practice which is used to prevent the development of disease, thereby contributing to the overall health and welfare of fish on the site.
My Department is continuing to monitor the situation.
1250. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the development of two new all-island bioeconomy demonstrator facilities; to provide the total allocation; the expenditure to date; the amount that is contained with expenditure ceilings laid out in the Stability Programme update and Summer Economic Statement and the amount that will have to come from additional funding; the date the project was started; and the projected date of completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34810/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ‘Shared Island Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative’ is a new funding initiative to support bioeconomy piloting and demonstration actions across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
It recognises that both jurisdictions on the Island are facing similar climate and sustainability challenges, have similar agriculture, land use and marine activities, and have significant potential to unlock opportunities within the bioeconomy. From a policy perspective, support for piloting and demonstration activities is a key objective of the Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025.
The initiative has a total budget of c.€9 million, composed of €7 million from the Government’s Shared Island Initiative, and co-funding of €1.5 million from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and £0.5 million from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.
A call for proposals launched on 05 March 2024. The closing date for submissions was 07 June 2024. The call offered opportunities to support innovation for the Agri-Bioeconomy in Northern Ireland and for the Blue-Bioeconomy in Ireland, and a North/South collaborative approach was essential in applications. The submissions are currently being evaluated and results are expected to be announced in early 2025. There has been no expenditure to date.
1251. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of changes of ownership from private farmer to commercial forester after licences have been awarded to plant forestry for each of the years 2010 to 2018, in tabular form. [34839/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows the number of changes of ownership from private farmer to a commercial entity after licences have been awarded to plant forestry in each of the years 2010-2018.
|
- |
Number of Changes From Private Forest Owner to Commercial Entity 01 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2018 |
|
2010 |
0 |
|
2011 |
0 |
|
2012 |
0 |
|
2013 |
0 |
|
2014 |
1 |
|
2015 |
0 |
|
2016 |
2 |
|
2017 |
2 |
|
2018 |
9 |
1252. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of licences issued under the single consent system for forest roads, which was introduced in February 2020 under SI 39 of 2020, broken down by County; the number of those licences which involved a relaxation from the Department's technical standard, broken down by county; and the number of those licences where the local authority recommended a refusal, broken down by county, in tabular form. [34840/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Technical Standard for the Design of Forest Entrances from the Public Road provides robust standards and guidance in relation to the development of new entrances, and my Department ensures that these standards are implemented correctly in the processing of licence applications.
In every case, the designer of the entrance shall attempt to achieve, as close as possible, the requirements of the Technical Standard. In difficult circumstances, the designer may relax the standard set out in section 5 of this document, where specifically provided for within this section. Before a relaxation is sought, full consideration must be given to the relocation of an entrance without the need for a relaxation. There is a consultation process with the relevant Local Authority, and all information relating to the application - including requests and rationale for relaxations - is provided to the Local Authority.
The licensing process undertaken by my Department involves careful assessment of applications in relation to compliance with the Technical Standard, from engineering, silvicultural, environmental best practice and scheme compliance perspectives. All observations and submissions made by third parties, including Local Authorities, are taken into account in reaching a decision on applications.
The below table outlines the number of licences issued under the single consent system for forest roads from February 2020, broken down by County, along with the number of those licences which requested a relaxation of Technical Standards, by County. My Department doesn't specifically record, in a way that would enable it to easily disseminate the information immediately, where a Local Authority recommends a refusal, but this information is being assembled, and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible. I understand in any event that, in the majority of cases, Local Authorities have raised no objection to the relaxation of standards.
|
County |
Single Consent |
Relaxation of Technical Standard |
|
Carlow |
5 |
4 |
|
Cavan |
21 |
16 |
|
Clare |
70 |
55 |
|
Cork |
81 |
59 |
|
Donegal |
44 |
25 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
1 |
|
Galway |
71 |
45 |
|
Kerry |
56 |
36 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
28 |
19 |
|
Laois |
9 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
53 |
37 |
|
Limerick |
36 |
26 |
|
Longford |
19 |
12 |
|
Louth |
1 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
69 |
39 |
|
Meath |
3 |
3 |
|
Monaghan |
4 |
4 |
|
Offaly |
10 |
9 |
|
Roscommon |
73 |
47 |
|
Sligo |
47 |
18 |
|
Tipperary |
39 |
27 |
|
Waterford |
21 |
9 |
|
Westmeath |
13 |
7 |
|
Wexford |
5 |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
12 |
7 |
|
Total |
792 |
515 |
1253. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions taken to date with regard to the possible introduction of a €100-ha support for tillage farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34843/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra2023 was a difficult year for tillage farmers with the yield of all cereal crops below their five year average. Also, the wet weather this spring resulted in significant delays in getting crops planted.
As a consequence of pressure being experienced by tillage farmers, in April this year I announced a commitment to seek a €100/ha payment for all crops planted for this harvest year. This was to give confidence to tillage farmers to plant crops this year and to give them confidence in the future of their industry.
I am currently working with my colleagues in government to seek the necessary funding.
1254. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 298 of 11 July 2024, when he will publish his proposals regarding the independent review of the issues pertaining to the environmental impact of industrial emissions in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, as announced by him in Dáil Éireann on 4 July 2024; if his department has engaged with the farmer affected and the farm organisations in this regard; if he will ensure agreement from the affected farmer to a terms of reference and the mechanism of such a review; when a review will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I have committed to carry out an independent scientific review of the work carried out by my Department in relation to this case. I am pleased to inform you that my officials are in direct, and regular, contact with Mr. Brennan and I can assure you that the foundational steps of this review are being actively progressed in consultation with Mr. Brennan.
1255. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if ACRES land scores can be appealed the following year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34897/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs ACRES is one of the Schemes listed in the Schedule of the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001, participants in ACRES may submit appeals in respect of decisions taken in relation to their participation in the Scheme. The usual process is, however, that participants seek an internal review by the Department in the first instance. Where a participant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, they may formally appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
It is important to note that the relevant land is scored three times in the five-year contractual period, with the first scoring done in Year 1 to get the baseline and then the land would be scored again in Year 3 and Year 5. This work was undertaken in 2023 in respect of contracts and lands entered into the Scheme under Tranche 1. Participants whose lands were scored in 2023 had the opportunity to get the relevant land scored again in 2024 when submitting their annual claim, under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS).
It is recommended that participants discuss the scores assigned with the relevant assessor in the first instance to
gain an understanding of the basis for the score, as there are a number of factors considered during the assessment in accordance with the relevant scorecard for the land in question.
The assessment and scoring of lands under the two ACRES General results-based actions and the forage land under the ACRES Co-operation approach is done by the participant’s ACRES advisor. ACRES Advisors were required to attend mandatory scorecard training to upskill them on the assessment and scoring of lands. As there is a results-based payment for commonage greater than 10 hectares, such commonage was also scored. The assessment and scoring of such commonage within the ACRES Co-operation areas was done by the relevant ACRES Co-operation Project Team, while commonage outside those areas was done by four teams contracted by the Department. A participant may contact my Department to get the contact details of the group that assessed their commonage so that they can then make contact with them.
1256. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of political staff employed in his Department, including parliamentary assistants, secretarial assistants, special advisers, drivers and other relevant positions; the number of civil or public service staff seconded to work within his Department or constituency offices; the salaries and job titles of each such person; the duty or role of each, in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34907/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe numbers of political staff employed by my Department from 2020 onwards are as follows:
|
Post/Job Title |
Number |
Salary |
|
Special Adviser |
10 |
PO/AP Salary Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
6 |
Civilian Driver rate |
|
Staff seconded in to constituency offices |
3 |
EO Salary Scale (2)CO Salary Scale (1) |
These are total numbers, serving at various times throughout the time since my appointment to the post of Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in September 2020. It should also be noted that Parliamentary Assistants and Secretarial Assistants are employed under the Scheme for the Provision of Secretarial Assistance for Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Qualifying Parties (available at www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/salaries-and-allowances/scheme-for-secretarial-assistance/) and not directly by my Department.
1257. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide a list of the names of each special adviser employed by his Department since 2020; the Minister and Minister of State whom each adviser is associated with, and their respective salaries, in tabular form; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34925/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to Special Advisers who have served at my Department since 2020 is as follows:
|
Special Advisor |
Minister |
From |
To |
Salary Scale |
Area of expertise |
|
Aine Kilroy |
Michael Creed T.D. |
14/06/2017 |
27/06/2020 |
Principal Officer |
Agriculture and Fisheries policy |
|
Jonathan Hoare |
Michael Creed T.D. |
14/06/2017 |
27/06/2020 |
Principal Officer |
Media |
|
Avril Cronin |
Andrew Doyle T.D., Minister of State |
01/10/2018 |
27/06/2020 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
Policy & media |
|
Adam Ledwith |
Darra Calleary T.D. |
15/07/2020 |
21/08/2020 |
Principal Officer |
Strategy and Communications |
|
Stiofán Nutty |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
07/09/2020 |
07/11/2021 |
Principal Officer |
Policy |
|
Caroline Murphy |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
07/09/2020 |
01/03/2022 |
Principal Officer |
Media |
|
Niall Goodwin |
Martin Heydon T.D., Minister of State |
02/11/2020 |
24/04/2021 |
Assistant Principal Officer |
Policy & Media |
|
Patrick Donohoe |
Charlie McConalogue T.D. |
09/11/2020 |
02/06/2023 |
Principal Officer |
Agriculture policy and media |
|
Darran Brennan |
Charlie McConalogue T.D. |
01/12/2020 |
12/10/2023 |
Principle Officer |
Fisheries policy and media |
|
Barry Cassidy |
Martin Heydon T.D., Minister of State |
19/07/2021 |
Current |
Assistant Principal Officer |
Policy & Media |
|
Jack O’Donnell |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
24/01/2022 |
03/04/2024 |
Principal Officer |
Media |
|
Declan O’Rourke |
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State |
01/03/2022 |
Current |
Principal Officer |
Policy |
|
Amii McKeever |
Charlie McConalogue T.D. |
12/06/2023 |
Current |
Principal Officer |
Agriculture policy and media |
|
Ciaran O’Donnell |
Charlie McConalogue T.D. |
23/10/2023 |
Current |
Principal Officer |
Fisheries policy and media |
1258. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34943/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn common with many Government Departments, my Department has a number of Special Advisors appointed who play key roles in the provision of advice and support to myself and the Ministers of State. During 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 there have been a total of 14 officers assigned to the role of Special Advisor.
Where expenses are incurred by Advisors in the performance of duties relating to their brief, the Department pays mileage, travel and subsistence at normal Civil Service rates. The table below reflects the expenses paid to Advisors in each of the five years identified. It is relevant to note that the year in which the expense occurred may differ to that in which the expense was paid.
Expenses Incurred by Special Advisors during 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and up to 1 September 2024
|
2024 |
€6,718.47 |
|
2023 |
€40,744.89 |
|
2022 |
€36,677.29 |
|
2021 |
€16,154.59 |
|
2020 |
€1,615.21 |
|
Total |
€101,910.45 |
1259. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he recently signed a Ministerial order directing companies involved in pest control to take out the toxic product that kills rodents and replace it with a non-toxic poison (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34962/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraApproval and use of rodenticides in Ireland are regulated under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR - Regulation (EU) No 528/2012) which has been given effect in Irish law by S.I. No. 427/2013. The regulatory process is based on EU-harmonised guidance and decision-making criteria and involves Member State competent authorities and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The active substance(s) contained in products are subject to an EU approval process by ECHA and the Member States. Subsequently, products containing these active substances are authorised or not for specific uses in the Member State. The authorisation may specify strict mitigation measures based on the agreed EU criteria and active substance approval, to protect human health and the environment, to minimise potential impacts on wildlife and prevent the development of resistance to the rodenticide.
In Ireland, pursuant to S.I. No. 427/2013, all rodenticide products are authorised by my Department before they can be made available for sale and use. The conditions of use and the risk mitigation measures based on the agreed EU criteria and decision applied to different products vary and certain products are restricted to use only by professional and/or trained professional users.
There are a number of rodenticide products authorised in Ireland for a range of important purposes, such as public safety and food hygiene. Details of these authorised products can be found on the Department’s website (www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie).
My Department recognises the importance of responsible, sustainable use of rodenticides therefore rodent infestations should be controlled based upon an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach which includes using rodenticides in accordance with best practice and in accordance with the product authorisation as outlined in the approved label instructions.
1260. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1714 of 23 July 2024, the status of plans for the introduction of measures to protect the sprat fishery, which is concentrated within the six-nautical-mile zone; to provide a status update on the review of trawling activity inside the six-nautical-mile zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34967/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2018, a transition period to a ban on vessels over 18 metres trawling in inshore waters, inside the six nautical mile zone was announced. A significant part of the objective of this measure was to manage the fishing effort on sprat stocks which are primarily targeted within inshore waters. This measure was the subject of extended legal proceedings, the outcome of which, received last year, is that the ban has been overturned.
As set out in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 1714 of July 23rd, 2024, I held a new public consultation on a review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines. The consultation took place over a period of eight weeks and closed on Friday 12th April. This consultation took place without prejudice.
The purpose of this consultation was to invite stakeholders and interested parties to advise me of their views on any changes to policy within the scope of this review. A large volume of submissions - over 5,000 - were received. These submissions will be used to inform my review of trawling activity inside the six nautical mile zone and baselines. My Department is in the process of analysing the submissions. All relevant issues must be carefully considered before a decision can be made.
1261. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for a national action plan for the development of an indigenous wool industry, arising from the Review of Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool-Based Products, which was published in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34968/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1262. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the 2022 Review of Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool-Based Products; the details of any recommendations currently being followed up on by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34969/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1261 and 1262 together.
The key recommendation of the review cited by the Deputy was the establishment of an independent, all-Island Irish Grown Wool Council. This Council was to be industry-led to champion Irish wool and to develop the brand domestically and internationally.
The review also recommended that membership be broadly based and include a range of direct and indirect industry stakeholders on a voluntary basis. Members would therefore comprise a mix of primary producers and stakeholders, including commercial enterprises to fund research and marketing, and to advise on the scaling of micro businesses. The review envisaged that funding for the Council would be generated by an annual membership subscription, while corporate members could sponsor additional activities.
The review further recommended the creation of a wool hub, where academic researchers and commercial entities would collaborate on research projects. This hub would promote innovation through complimentary research and incorporate an independent, wool-testing facility to set standards and substantiate promotional claims.
The Irish Grown Wool Council was launched on 5 April 2023 in line with the recommendations set out above. The launch was well attended with representation from all sectors of the wool industry, including primary producers, farming organisations and industry from Ireland and Northern Ireland. As proposed in the review, the Council is independent, and consequently I do not hold a position on it.
Regarding the recommendation relating to the creation of a wool hub, I am pleased to say that this group was also launched on 5 April 2023 and is headed up by the Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West at Munster Technological University (Kerry Campus).
Although the Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body, I am supportive of it and I have allocated €30,000 in start up seed funding to it. I am optimistic that over time it will enable stakeholders across the island of Ireland to realise the potential of wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material. The Council's goal is to generate a roadmap to address the current challenges and create future opportunities for indigenous Irish wool.
As mentioned, as the Irish Grown Wool Council is independent of my Department, I suggest that the Deputy contacts the organisation directly for an overview of its current activities and plans for the development of the sector.
