Niamh Smyth
Ceist:338. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the state of affairs in relation to the pair trawling issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37750/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFisheries Protection
Ceisteanna (338)
Freagraí scríofa
In 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.
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.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (339)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:339. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if force majeure will be accepted on a suckler carbon efficiency programme application by a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37761/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) aims to provide support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. The programme aims to build on the gains delivered in recent years through the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) by improving the genetic merit of the Irish suckler herd.
As per the terms and conditions of SCEP, under the requirements of the programme action 1 – Eligible Bull/Eligible AI, applicants are required to maintain a proportion of high genetic merit animals on their holding. In each scheme year, applicants must calve at least 50% beef breed animals of their yearly reference number. In scheme year 1 and 2, 80% of these calves must have been sired from a 4 or 5 star source, i.e., a genotyped 4 or 5 star bull on either the Terminal or Replacement index (on a within or across breed basis) and/or if using AI, the AI straw used on participating holdings must be from a 4 or 5 star eligible bull on either the Terminal or Replacement index (on a within or across breed basis). This increases to 85% in scheme years 3 and 4 and 90% in scheme year 5.
Failure to meet this requirement in 2024 results in no payment for the action plus an additional 20% penalty. There was a derogation from this requirement for Scheme year 1 only.
My Department received a request for review on behalf of the person named on 8 August 2024, which was deemed unsuccessful. A letter issued to the person named on 28 August 2024 confirming this and informing him of his right to request a review of this decision to the SCEP section. To date, the SCEP section has not received a request for review of this decision. A request for review can be submitted in writing to SCEP@agriculture.gov.ie.
EU Funding
Ceisteanna (340)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:340. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projects and programmes with his Department which have been allocated funding under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Programme; the funds drawn down to date in each instance; the profiled drawdown in each of the forthcoming years of the programme; the steps he is taking to ensure that projects and programmes are completed within the specified timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37780/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, through the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform have received approval for Recovery and Resilience Programme funding, intended to help support the initial development of biomethane in Ireland. The Government approved the inclusion of a biomethane section, upscaling a biomethane industry in Ireland, within Ireland’s REPowerEU chapter. The chapter sets out that DAFM is to receive funding of €40 million for a capital grant scheme for biomethane production plants.
It is envisaged that the majority of this funding will be drawn down in early 2026 to be payable to completed Biomethane projects that were successful in the grant application process. Successful applicants that meet the scheme eligibility and selection criteria are in line to receive a grant aid of 20% of investment up to a maximum of €5 million.
A thorough evaluation of applications has taken place to ensure that only projects that are likely to be finished on time will be funded through this grant scheme. Successful applicants are also required to commence the project by a specified date and progress reports must be submitted to DAFM quarterly. Projects that are not completed by 31/12/2025 will not be eligible for funding.
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (341)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:341. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 716 of 20 January 2021, in which the Minister stated "it can be interpreted that those involved in sporting activities, as opposed to domestic pets, are classed as farm animals", if he will ensure that this is corrected and that greyhounds are classified as domestic pets like other dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37807/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rásaíocht 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.
For welfare purposes Section 2(1) of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013 (the Act), defines “farm animals” as, among other qualifiers “(b) for use in, or for the purposes of, breeding, sport or the farming of land,”.
The Act does not specifically refer to greyhound classification. However, it can be interpreted that those involved in sporting activities, as opposed to domestic pets, are classed as farm animals.
I have no plans to amend the legislation at this time.
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (342)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:342. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agricultural appeals pending, by month; how long an application is taking for a final decision; how long an application is taking from oral hearing to final decision, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37813/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department. The Agriculture Appeals Office has, however, provided details as requested by the Deputy as follows:
Appeals open by month:
|
Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
2023 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
9 |
15 |
14 |
8 |
|
2024 |
8 |
15 |
14 |
11 |
20 |
34 |
54 |
48 |
17 |
There are a further 9 files open for years 2020 (1), 2021 (6), and 2022 (2). These appeals may still be open for a number of reasons, including the complexity of the case, cases awaiting further submissions and the unavailability of parties to attend hearing.
|
Year Appeals Received |
Average no. of days from receipt of appeal to final decision |
Average no. of days from assignment to Appeals Officer to final decision |
Average no. of days from date of oral hearing to final decision |
|
2023 |
173 |
141* |
57 |
|
2024 |
95 |
63 |
21 |
* Please note: The figure contained in the 2023 Annual Report is different as the above statistic takes into account all of the closed 2023 files, some of which were closed in 2024.
Animal Welfare
Ceisteanna (343)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:343. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the shortages in black-leg vaccines for farmers; the measures he has explored to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37860/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are several Irish authorised products for vaccination to protect against blackleg (caused by a bacterium called Clostridium chauvoei).
Despite a decrease in the availability of some of these vaccines, I am advised that market data indicates that overall supply of clostridial vaccines to the market is adequate to meet demand.
Whilst, periodically, a specific brand/type of Clostridial vaccine may be in limited supply, alternatives are generally available.
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (344)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:344. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is a measure under TAMS to facilitate the structure for a gallop to train horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37879/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
This includes support for equine training facilities, including gallops, which are available under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS), the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS), and the Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS).
Details of all investments available under TAMS 3 are available on my Department's Website.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (345)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:345. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how officials from his Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara can engage with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland to ensure that fishermen can avail of financial supports and loans that compliment financial assistance from Bord Iascaigh Mhara or his Department and that help those fishermen to sustain their businesses in a challenging time for the industry. [37895/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 is the primary funding programme for the seafood sector. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU. The Programme delivers a wide range of supports for aquaculture, fisheries and seafood processing through a suite of 10 schemes, including the Young Fishers Scheme and Sustainable Fisheries Scheme.
On access to finance, my Department works closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Finance and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to provide access to finance supports to small and medium businesses in Ireland, including farmers, fishers, foresters and food businesses. Access to finance is vital in helping businesses to invest and grow and to deal with economic challenges. Economic disruption arising from events such as Brexit, COVID-19 and, most recently, rising costs exacerbated by the illegal invasion of Ukraine, have increased the need for SME supports.
The €1.2 billion Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme (UCGS) supports businesses to effectively meet their liquidity and working capital needs arising from the impacts of the conflict in Ukraine, i.e. businesses with increased costs. It was preceded by similar schemes in response to COVID-19 and Brexit. Fishers and the seafood sector generally are eligible for UCGS.
The €500m Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme is for long-term investment and enables Irish SMEs and Small Mid-Caps invest in the growth and resilience of their business and contribute to climate action and environmental sustainability. 70% of the overall funding is allocated for strategic investments with a view to increasing productivity and competitiveness, underpinning future business sustainability and growth. A minimum of 30% of the lending volume will be targeted towards Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability purposes with the aim of helping SMEs to invest in sustainability and energy efficiency. Fishers and the seafood sector generally are eligible for GSLS.
My Department is open to further discussions with the SBCI on any new proposals to assist fishers and the seafood sector.
Brexit Supports
Ceisteanna (346)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:346. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the funding allocated to Galway County Council under the Brexit adjustment local authority marine infrastructure scheme 2022-2023 (details supplied) was drawn down; the status of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37903/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The responsibility for the development and maintenance of local authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each local authority in the first instance.
Unprecedented funding was provided through the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme 2022-2023 which was administered by my Department for capital works undertaken by the local authorities. The focus of the scheme was on supporting actual capital works and it was a matter for each local authority to progress any preparatory studies, permitting and design works. Funding for individual projects was allocated in advance of project commencement. My Department reimbursed the local authorities up to 95% of the eligible project costs (pro-rata) on a matured liability basis following inspection of the capital works and verification of the evidenced expenditure. The local authorities provided the balance of funding.
In 2022, Galway County Council was allocated total funding of €1,225,975 for 20 capital projects, all of which were completed, and it was reimbursed €1,206,912 through the Scheme from my Department.
Fishing Industry
Ceisteanna (347)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:347. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he expects that a quota in white pollock will be available to the Irish fishing fleet next year. [37956/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The advice on fish stocks published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) forms the basis of the scientific advice used by the European Commission in proposing Total Allowable Catches (TACs).
The ICES advice for Pollack in ICES Areas 6-7 (the waters around Ireland) for 2024 was for zero catch.
Following the conclusion of the EU-UK negotiations on 2024 fishing opportunities for shared stocks, the parties agreed on a limited, by-catch only TAC for Pollack in Areas 6-7 to avoid a "choke" situation which would lead to the premature closure of whitefish fisheries where Pollack is caught as a by-catch. Given the scientific advice for this stock, the need to balance socio-economic considerations with achieving good biological status for stocks, and taking into account the challenges of managing mixed fisheries, setting a by-catch only TAC is the most appropriate approach.
As the ICES advice for Pollack in ICES Areas 6-7 for 2025 is again for zero catch, I will be seeking that a similar approach be taken in the EU-UK negotiations on 2025 fishing opportunities.
Ireland is actively involved with the scientific research to improve the understanding of Pollack. The Marine Institute is taking a leading role in the next ICES benchmark process for this stock, which will be completed in the spring of 2025. An alternative assessment model, one which uses additional sources of data, will be evaluated as part of this process.
While the preliminary results indicate that this extra information does not change the perception of the stock, the new model will give a more precise estimate of the state of the stock and improve short-term forecasts that determine when the target fishery could re-open.
In addition, the Marine Institute is actively working with scientists from the UK and France on a number of fronts, including genetic analysis of Pollack stock structure and analysing historic data from commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries and scientific surveys.
Care Services
Ceisteanna (348)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:348. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 635 of 18 September 2024, to provide a detailed response on the costs of the care investigation to date, as of September 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37885/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (349)
John McGuinness
Ceist:349. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to resolve the crisis in after-school childcare in Kilkenny, where there are no places available for working parents to have their children cared for; if he has examined the models of care in other European countries, such as Sweden, to determine what might work better in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37284/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Each year, Pobal compiles data from the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers as part of the Early Years Sector Profile Survey. The most recent capacity data for the 2022/23 programme year estimated that there were 4,293 children enrolled in Kilkenny ELC and SAC services, 57% of services had at least one vacant place, and 55% had a waiting list.
Waiting list data can be used as an indicator of demand for places for a given age group or service type. However, it should not be used as a measure of demand as not all services operate a waiting list and an individual child may be on multiple waiting lists in different services.
To support parents to find appropriate ELC places to meet their needs, my Department funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees which provide support and assist families and ELC providers with ELC matters. Parents can contact Kilkenny County Childcare Committee on 056 775 2865 or at mail@kkccc.ie.
The availability of high-quality early learning and childcare (which includes school aged childcare) is a key Government priority. Considerable investment has taken place in recent years to improve the resourcing, quality and availability of early learning and childcare.
It should be noted that the substantial progress that has been achieved in relation to affordability (detailed below), which in addition to high employment levels and increasing population, is contributing to increased demand which in some locations is outstripping increases in supply.
The development of the Action Plan on School Age Childcare (2017) was informed by national and international literature considering models from Norway, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia focusing on non-parental care and after-school. The literature review identified three essential components of a SAC system which were the importance of Access, Quality, and Affordability.
There have been major developments in the areas of access, quality and affordability in recent years.
Access
This year, I established a Supply Management Unit within the Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare Division of my Department. A key part of the Supply Management Unit’s remit is to develop capacity for monitoring, analysing and forecasting of supply and demand. The development of a forward planning model is currently underway. The model will seek to identify the nature and volume of different types of ELC and SAC places across the country, whether or not those places are occupied and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level.
Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in the number of stand-alone SAC services registered with Tusla, with 546 more services now on the Tusla register. At the end of Q1 2024, there was a total of 2,546 registered school-age services. The latest data on new service registrations and service closures provided to my Department by the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate for January to July this year shows a net increase of 39 standalone SAC services.
According to latest data, almost 17% of all ELC services are located in schools. The scope for wider use to be made of school buildings is a matter for the Department of Education and the various patrons that govern schools across the country. The Department of Education policy is to encourage the use of school facilities, where possible, for community, training and education-related activities, including ELC.
To assist schools in considering applications for use of their facilities, the Department of Education recently published Procedures on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours. To encourage the greater use of such facilities, the Department of Education has committed to provide schools with a guarantee that any income from after-school use of their facilities will not affect their State grants, capitation fees or any other form of departmental funding.
Quality
The publication of the National Quality Guidelines for School Age Childcare Services (2020). It describes the features of a high-quality service and is intended to show how services can go beyond the minimum standards that are specified in regulations. It is intended to be a practical tool, and it will form the basis of training and other supports to help school-age childcare providers to offer high quality services for children.
My Department will continue to build on the Guidelines over the years ahead in the development of comprehensive regulations for school-age childcare and the development of training to support staff to deliver high quality services in line with these Guidelines.
Affordability
More children than ever, over 181,000, are benefitting from subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). Since September 2022, the upper age eligibility for the NCS Universal award increased from 3 years of age to 15 years of age meaning more parents could avail of subsidies for school-aged children. Furthermore, as of 2 September 2024, the minimum NCS rate has increased from €1.40 to €2.14 meaning that parents may receive a higher rate towards their ELC, including after-school and childminders.
Also of note is the extension of funding supports and regulation to childminders who are currently outside the scope of regulation under the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028. The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024, which was enacted in July, will remove the legal exemption of childminders from regulation. Childminding specific regulations are due to be commenced, along with the opening of the Tusla registration process, at the end of September 2024. Following registration, childminders will be able to take part in the NCS.
A list of early learning and childcare services participating in the NCS, including childminders, is available on: https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/childcare-search/
Health Services
Ceisteanna (350)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:350. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of clinical sessions typically offered to children and adolescents attending the CHO4 primary care occupational therapy services; and if these clients are placed on another waiting list following discharge in the event that they require ongoing support. [37306/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (351)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:351. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of clinical sessions typically offered to children and adolescents of the CHO4 primary care physiotherapy services; and if these clients are placed on another waiting list following discharge in the event that they require ongoing support. [37307/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to Primary Care Physiotherapy Services it might be better suited to my colleague - the Minister for Health.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (352)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:352. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of on-site school therapists operating in each special school, by county; and their grade and level, in tabular form [37316/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (353)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:353. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the budget line for school therapy places available; and the amount spent in 2023 and to date in 2024. [37319/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Education Policy
Ceisteanna (354, 355)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:354. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the Minister responsible for school therapy places at Cabinet. [37322/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Sherlock
Ceist:355. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagement that was had with party leaders in the coalition regarding school therapies in the past number of months. [37325/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.
Since 2021 the Government has sought to reinstate the pre-existing on-site health and social care supports to special schools. Between 2021 and 2022, Government provided funding for the reinstatement of 223 posts that had been historically provided. While some services have been reinstated it is acknowledged that progress has been affected by the shortage of health and social care professionals.
On 9th August, I together with Minister Foley, Minister Rabbitte and Minister Naughton welcomed the government decision to support a special school’s pilot which will provide delivery of in-school therapy supports to children in selected special schools. The pilot follows on from discussions I have had with both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste around the return of therapists to special schools, including those that took place as part of the Cabinet Committee on Children, Education and Disability. The programme will be provided by the Health Service Executive’s Children’s Disability Network Teams in sixteen special schools, commencing in Cork and Dublin and will be supported by the National Council for Special Education.
Question No. 355 answered with Question No. 354.
School Facilities
Ceisteanna (356)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:356. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will instruct the HSE to release funds to allow interim funding arrangements to be progressed for a school (details supplied) in Mayfield, and any other school that is seeking same. [37328/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible