Written Answers Nos. 99-118
99. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline all capital investments, if any, made by his Department in the constituencies of Louth and Meath East since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45403/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Project Title |
Project Details |
Commenced |
|
Flowerhill and Abbeylands Regeneration |
Under the Urban Development and Regeneration Fund, Meath County Council has been allocated €7,661,250 for the regeneration of the Flowerhill and Abbeylands areas in Navan town centre. The works proposed include public realm works, pedestrian and cycling facilities, development of a community destination building and frontage improvement works along Flowerhill. Meath County Council has not drawn down any URDF support to date on this proposal. |
TBA[1] |
|
Fire Services Capital Programme – Co. Louth |
The Fire Services Capital Programme has funded the purchase of approximately €340,000 of frontline emergency equipment and appliances. There are outstanding approvals awaiting claim from the council for a further €450,000 of equipment and appliances. Louth County Council have also been approved for two new Class B appliances, with a total approximate value of €1m. |
2020-2024 |
|
Fire Services Capital Programme – Co. Meath |
The Fire Services Capital Programme has funded the purchase of approximately €1.8m of frontline emergency equipment and appliances. €1.2m was provided under the programme for refurbishment costs for Dunshauglin and Nobber fire stations. There are outstanding approvals awaiting claim from the council for a further €650,000 of equipment and appliances. Meath County Council have also been approved for a new Class B appliance, with an approximate value of €0.5m. |
2020-2024 |
|
Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme |
Under the programme, €945,364 was provided to Louth County Council for capital works on group water schemes |
2020-2024 |
|
Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme |
Under the programme, €103,651 was provided to Meath County Council for capital works on group water schemes |
2020-2024 |
|
Approved Housing Body Mortgage to Rent Scheme (AHB MTR) – Co. Louth |
€134,150 approved funding for 2 private dwellings |
2020 |
|
Approved Housing Body Mortgage to Rent Scheme (AHB MTR) – Co. Meath |
€918,970 approved funding for 11 private dwellings |
2020 |
|
Ashbourne Road and Public Realm Improvement |
Under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Meath County Council was allocated €6,376,050 for public realm improvements and enhancement of cycling and pedestrian facilities in Ashbourne. The proposal consists of two projects, Milltown Road and Ashbourne Main Street. Meath County Council has drawn down €5,325,397 in URDF support to date for the proposal. |
2020 |
|
Built Heritage Investment Scheme – Louth County Council |
€78,456 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme |
2020 |
|
Built Heritage Investment Scheme – Meath County Council |
€64,000 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme |
2020 |
|
Conservation and Visitor Access Works - Girley Bog, Co. Meath |
€17,342 for conservation and visitor safe access works and invasive/alien species control |
2020 |
|
Historic Structures Fund - Louth County Council |
€45,000 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Historic Structures Fund |
2020 |
|
Historic Structures Fund – Meath County Council |
€35,000 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Historic Structures Fund |
2020 |
|
Mortgage Allowance Scheme – Co. Meath |
Mortgage Allowance Scheme - €1,270 |
2020 |
|
Navan Active Land Management |
Under the Urban Development and Regeneration Fund Meath County Council was allocated €3,683,000 to tackle priority derelict sites in Navan town centre through strategic acquisitions; remediation works to secure purchased sites; and preparation and site clearance works at Tailteann Drive. Meath County Council has drawn down €3,262,172 in URDF support to date for the proposal. |
2020 |
|
Social Housing Capital Investment – Co. Louth |
€48,045,033 capital investment has been made to support the delivery of social housing in Louth, by the Local Authority and Approved Housing Bodies, via funding schemes including LA/AHB Construction, Turnkey, Acquisitions and Part V |
2020 |
|
Social Housing Capital Investment – Co. Meath |
€44,523,127 capital investment has been made to support the delivery of social housing in Meath, by the Local Authority and Approved Housing Bodies, via funding schemes including LA/AHB Construction, Turnkey, Acquisitions and Part V |
2020 |
|
Thatching Grant – Co. Louth |
Thatching Grants awarded - €6,350 |
2020 |
|
Thatching Grant – Co. Meath |
Thatching Grants awarded - €15,240 |
2020 |
|
Traveller Accommodation Programme - Louth |
Traveller-specific accommodation programme capital expenditure - €287,087 |
2020 |
|
Traveller Accommodation Programme –Co. Meath |
Traveller-specific accommodation programme capital expenditure - €58,845 |
2020 |
|
Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) – Co. Louth |
€60,485,379[2] approved under the Capital Advance Leasing Facility for the following projects: - Development of 65 social housing units at Cathedral View, Ramparts, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 24 social housing units at Harbour View, Coulter Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 133 social housing units at Duiche Roden (formerly The Kitchen Garden) Desmesne Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 133 social housing units at Newtown, Marsh Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 55 social housing units at Clonmore Close, Ardee, Co. Louth - Development of 1 social housing unit at Knock Shee Close, Blackrock, Co. Louth - Development of 65 social housing units at Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co Louth - Development of 85 social housing units at Halliday Mills, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 94 social housing units at Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 6 social housing units at Carlinn Drive, Mullaharlin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 66 social housing units at Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 85 social housing units at Tullybrook, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 1 social housing unit at Castle View, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth |
2020 |
|
Project Title |
Project Details |
Commenced |
|
Flowerhill and Abbeylands Regeneration |
Under the Urban Development and Regeneration Fund, Meath County Council has been allocated €7,661,250 for the regeneration of the Flowerhill and Abbeylands areas in Navan town centre. The works proposed include public realm works, pedestrian and cycling facilities, development of a community destination building and frontage improvement works along Flowerhill. Meath County Council has not drawn down any URDF support to date on this proposal. |
TBA[1] |
|
Fire Services Capital Programme – Co. Louth |
The Fire Services Capital Programme has funded the purchase of approximately €340,000 of frontline emergency equipment and appliances. There are outstanding approvals awaiting claim from the council for a further €450,000 of equipment and appliances. Louth County Council have also been approved for two new Class B appliances, with a total approximate value of €1m. |
2020-2024 |
|
Fire Services Capital Programme – Co. Meath |
The Fire Services Capital Programme has funded the purchase of approximately €1.8m of frontline emergency equipment and appliances. €1.2m was provided under the programme for refurbishment costs for Dunshauglin and Nobber fire stations. There are outstanding approvals awaiting claim from the council for a further €650,000 of equipment and appliances. Meath County Council have also been approved for a new Class B appliance, with an approximate value of €0.5m. |
2020-2024 |
|
Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme |
Under the programme, €945,364 was provided to Louth County Council for capital works on group water schemes |
2020-2024 |
|
Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme |
Under the programme, €103,651 was provided to Meath County Council for capital works on group water schemes |
2020-2024 |
|
Approved Housing Body Mortgage to Rent Scheme (AHB MTR) – Co. Louth |
€134,150 approved funding for 2 private dwellings |
2020 |
|
Approved Housing Body Mortgage to Rent Scheme (AHB MTR) – Co. Meath |
€918,970 approved funding for 11 private dwellings |
2020 |
|
Ashbourne Road and Public Realm Improvement |
Under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Meath County Council was allocated €6,376,050 for public realm improvements and enhancement of cycling and pedestrian facilities in Ashbourne. The proposal consists of two projects, Milltown Road and Ashbourne Main Street. Meath County Council has drawn down €5,325,397 in URDF support to date for the proposal. |
2020 |
|
Built Heritage Investment Scheme – Louth County Council |
€78,456 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme |
2020 |
|
Built Heritage Investment Scheme – Meath County Council |
€64,000 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme |
2020 |
|
Conservation and Visitor Access Works - Girley Bog, Co. Meath |
€17,342 for conservation and visitor safe access works and invasive/alien species control |
2020 |
|
Historic Structures Fund - Louth County Council |
€45,000 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Historic Structures Fund |
2020 |
|
Historic Structures Fund – Meath County Council |
€35,000 built heritage capital grants were awarded through the Historic Structures Fund |
2020 |
|
Mortgage Allowance Scheme – Co. Meath |
Mortgage Allowance Scheme - €1,270 |
2020 |
|
Navan Active Land Management |
Under the Urban Development and Regeneration Fund Meath County Council was allocated €3,683,000 to tackle priority derelict sites in Navan town centre through strategic acquisitions; remediation works to secure purchased sites; and preparation and site clearance works at Tailteann Drive. Meath County Council has drawn down €3,262,172 in URDF support to date for the proposal. |
2020 |
|
Social Housing Capital Investment – Co. Louth |
€48,045,033 capital investment has been made to support the delivery of social housing in Louth, by the Local Authority and Approved Housing Bodies, via funding schemes including LA/AHB Construction, Turnkey, Acquisitions and Part V |
2020 |
|
Social Housing Capital Investment – Co. Meath |
€44,523,127 capital investment has been made to support the delivery of social housing in Meath, by the Local Authority and Approved Housing Bodies, via funding schemes including LA/AHB Construction, Turnkey, Acquisitions and Part V |
2020 |
|
Thatching Grant – Co. Louth |
Thatching Grants awarded - €6,350 |
2020 |
|
Thatching Grant – Co. Meath |
Thatching Grants awarded - €15,240 |
2020 |
|
Traveller Accommodation Programme - Louth |
Traveller-specific accommodation programme capital expenditure - €287,087 |
2020 |
|
Traveller Accommodation Programme –Co. Meath |
Traveller-specific accommodation programme capital expenditure - €58,845 |
2020 |
|
Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) – Co. Louth |
€60,485,379[2] approved under the Capital Advance Leasing Facility for the following projects: - Development of 65 social housing units at Cathedral View, Ramparts, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 24 social housing units at Harbour View, Coulter Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 133 social housing units at Duiche Roden (formerly The Kitchen Garden) Desmesne Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 133 social housing units at Newtown, Marsh Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 55 social housing units at Clonmore Close, Ardee, Co. Louth - Development of 1 social housing unit at Knock Shee Close, Blackrock, Co. Louth - Development of 65 social housing units at Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co Louth - Development of 85 social housing units at Halliday Mills, Quay Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 94 social housing units at Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 6 social housing units at Carlinn Drive, Mullaharlin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth - Development of 66 social housing units at Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 85 social housing units at Tullybrook, Drogheda, Co. Louth - Development of 1 social housing unit at Castle View, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth |
2020 |
100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families and individuals who are declared homeless, broken down by local authority area, that are not being provided with emergency accommodation due to its unavailability; the number of these families who have children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45414/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual local authorities.
A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each region in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. Decisions on the range of emergency accommodation services, including any additional capacity requirements, and funding required in each region are a matter for individual local authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum. It is a matter for the Management Group to bring forward proposals to my Department that meet the needs of homeless individuals in their administrative area and the funding requirements will be considered in this context.
My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by local authorities. These reports are based on data provided by local authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of September 2024. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's open data portal data.gov.ie/.
My Department will ensure sufficient funding is made available for all required homeless services, including the provision of emergency accommodation, to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
101. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the situation regarding part-time workers earning less than €20,000 and their entitlement or obligation to auto-enrol for pension purposes; the costs of this in such circumstances to the employee; the implications for their employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45316/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of a pensions auto-enrolment system is a Programme for Government commitment, and a key priority for me as Minister for Social Protection. The aim of introducing auto-enrolment is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland, and to help provide for better retirement incomes for workers. The legislation to underpin this new system was signed into law in July. In September I signed a Statutory Instrument, which provides for the commencement of enrolment and contribution collection on the 30th of September 2025.
When the new system commences, current and new employees, aged between 23 and 60 years of age, and earning €20,000 or above per annum (across all employments), and who are not actively contributing to a supplementary pension scheme, will be automatically enrolled. Those who fall outside the age and earnings threshold - in other words, those aged between 18 and 23 or between 60 and 66, or who earn below €20,000, will be able to join the new retirement savings system voluntarily by opting in.
Contributions into the retirement savings system will be made by the employee, the employer and the State. Based on the employee’s gross earnings, employee contributions will start at 1.5% of gross earnings for Years 1 to 3, rising to 3% in Years 4 to 6, and to 4.5% in Years 7 to 9. From Year 10 onwards the maximum contribution rate of 6% shall be applied. Employers will be required to match these contribution rates. A direct State top-up will also be contributed to participants' funds at the rate of €1 for every €3 the employee contributes.
Part-time workers will not be automatically enrolled where they earn less than €20,000 across all employments. However, they may voluntarily opt in to the scheme. Where this occurs, the part time worker will be treated as if they were auto enrolled. The worker and the employer will make contributions to the worker's retirement fund at the prevailing rate while the State will top up the fund at the rate of €1 for every €3 the worker contributes.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
102. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45339/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPersons who have been overpaid social welfare have a liability to refund the overpayment as they have been in receipt of a payment to which they were not entitled.
The person concerned has had a number of overpayments recorded on different schemes throughout the period 2018 / 2019. The outstanding balance on the debt is €17,661.45 which is currently being repaid at a rate of €30 per week. The majority of the outstanding debt is from overpayments on One Parent Family Payment (€12,551.60) and Carers Allowance (€4,307.50).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
103. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide any evidence-based policy or research data which informed the decision to increase of the penalty sanction rate from €44 to €90 in the Social Protection Bill 2024, including advice from civil servants, specialists or discussions at Cabinet level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45347/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed, under Pathways to Work, to encourage the uptake of employment support opportunities, including implementing reduced rates for non-engagement with the Intreo Employment Service. It is a well-established principal of economics and, the theory and practice of social policy, that incentives support engagement. Reduced rates were introduced in 2011 as a means of encouraging jobseekers to cooperate with efforts of the Department to assist them in securing employment.
Entitlement to a jobseeker payment is dependent on the recipient being available for, capable of and genuinely seeking work. This reflects the concept of ‘rights and responsibilities’ whereby people who are unemployed have the right to an income support from the State and a right to be supported in their efforts to secure employment, but also have a responsibility to seek employment and to engage with the employment services offered by the State.
Intreo supports jobseekers to find work and there are a wide range of supports on offer in terms of further education, training, upskilling, work placements as well as programmes such as Community Employment and TUS.
A reduced rate is a final step in a process to encourage a jobseeker to avail of the employment supports on offer and once a jobseeker resumes engagement the reduced rate is lifted immediately. Whether a reduced rate applies, and the duration of its application is totally within the control of the claimant.
Over the recent period, the labour market has been performing at historic levels, at full employment, with a number of records achieved over successive quarters. In light of these conditions and the labour market outlook, it is important to ensure that incentives are aligned so that individuals seek employment.
The decision to increase the reduced rates is timely and is a viable means to support my Department with its efforts to reintegrate unemployed people back into the work force and address ongoing labour market shortages. Discussions on the matter were conducted in line with all other Budget measures.
I am pleased following debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas that the Social Welfare Bill has now passed all stages and has been signed into law by the President.
104. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline all capital investments, if any, made by her Department in the constituency of Louth and east Meath since 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45407/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the delivery of capital projects in the State accommodation portfolio. Since 2020, there has been no capital expenditure incurred on behalf of this Department in the constituency of Louth East Meath.
105. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employers paying employer PRSI with fewer than 50 employees; the total number of employees employed by those employers who earn €592 or less per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45423/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to 2023 PRSI Class A data, there were some 145,000 employers paying employer PRSI with fewer than 50 employees. The total number of employees employed by those employers who earn €592 or less per week is some 475,000.
The current lower employer PRSI rate of 8.9% is applicable to those employers with employees earning €496 per week or below. This threshold will change from 1 January 2025 to €527. This ensures that employers with full time employees on the national minimum wage pay the lower rate of employer PRSI.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
106. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of the disability allowance claim for a person (details supplied); when they can expect a decision to be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45477/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that this appeal was allowed on the 4th November 2024 and notification of the outcome was issued by post to Mr Kennedy.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
107. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will ensure that the provision of a refuge centre in counties Cavan and Monaghan for victims of domestic abuse is progressed without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the overarching goals of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which I published in June 2022, is to ensure that everyone who needs a refuge space will get one and under the strategy we have committed to doubling the number of refuge units across the country.
This represents the fastest ever expansion of refuge accommodation in this country.
To accelerate the delivery of additional refuge accommodation year on year, I formally established Cuan - the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency – at the start of this year.
Cuan is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Agency to put in place the necessary structures and supports for organisations to take forward plans.
Last week, I welcomed the commencement of a site selection process for the building of a domestic violence refuge in the Cavan/Monaghan region, one of the regions identified as a ‘Phase 1’ priority for refuge development under the Zero Tolerance strategy to combat domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Cuan is now responsible for coordinating all Government actions set out in the Third National Strategy and has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges.
As this question relates to work being carried out by Cuan I have referred it to the agency for direct response.
108. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice to outline all capital investments, if any made by her Department in the constituency of Louth and east Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45404/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested in relation to capital expenditure is not recorded on an electoral division basis and so it is not possible to provide a comprehensive answer across the activities of my Department for the time period specified.
However, I can inform the Deputy that a major project at Slane Garda Station was completed in 2024 and the PEMS (Property and Exhibit Management System) project for An Garda Síochána in Drogheda is due to be completed in 2025. The project to build a new Garda Station for Laytown is now at tender stage. The Deputy will understand that it is not possible to provide the projected costs of each project for reasons of commercial sensitivity.
In addition to the above, minor works (refurbishments) have been completed at stations in Dromad, Dundalk, Collon, Castlebellingham, Ardee, Navan, Slane and Drogheda.
Capital allocations are negotiated with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for the Justice Sector which includes my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and the Irish Prison Service. Negotiations took place earlier this year in relation to capital allocations for 2024-2026. Funding remains to be allocated for the years 2027-2030.
I have prioritised building stronger, safer communities. In support of this I was very pleased, during those negotiations, to secure additional funding under the National Development Plan which now contains investment of over €300 million a year in capital projects for the Justice sector. This capital investment will support a number of areas such as ICT, transport investment and capital building and refurbishment works in An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service and my own Department.
109. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Justice the status of a visa application (details supplied). [45478/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy held a Stamp 1 immigration permission which expired on 27 October 2024.
In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA national must have an employment permit granted by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or a permission granted by the Minister for Justice which permits the holder to engage in employment, such as a Stamp 2, a Stamp 1G, a Stamp 1 or a Stamp 4.
If a person does not meet the criteria to be granted an immigration permission which permits employment, as a non-EEA national, they will need to seek an employment permit. A prospective employer must first obtain an employment permit in respect of them. Matters relating to employment permits do not fall within the remit of the Immigration Service of my Department and are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website, www.enterprise.gov.ie.
Should the person concerned be successful in securing a new employment permit from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, they will then be able to register on a Stamp 1 immigration permission with their local registration office.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie , which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
110. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine who is responsible for the enforcement of an EU Regulation (details supplied) in practical and immediate terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45336/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the role of the pesticides control division; the powers it has in terms of pesticides use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45335/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
My Department is the Competent Authority in Ireland with responsibility for pesticides (plant protection products and biocides). This includes responsibility for policy and implementation of controls regarding the placing on the market and use of pesticides, including Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009.
Pesticides are regulated under EU legislation which is transposed into Irish law giving relevant enforcement powers to authorised officers which I appoint. Pesticide Control Division, in conjunction with other divisions conduct an annual programme of official controls to ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements. This is done using a risk-based approach and appropriate enforcement actions are taken as provided for in legislation.
A range of powers are available where a non-compliance is identified up to and including prosecution. Examples of measures include issuing of compliance notices, removal of professional users or products from the register, recommendation to award a conditionality penalties to payments under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) scheme.
Further details are contained in the principle Irish legislation concerning the marketing and use of plant protection products and biocides (as amended):
S.I. 155 of 2012 - European Communities (Sustainable Use of Pesticides) Regulations 2012;
S.I. 159 of 2012 - European Communities (Plant Protection Products) Regulations 2012; and
S.I. 427 of 2013 - European Union (Biocidal Products) Regulations 2013.
Plant protection products play an important role as part of integrated pest management. Their usage levels in Ireland are amongst the lowest in the EU, due to our predominant grass-based systems and Ireland is making good progress in reducing chemical pesticide use as measured by EU indicators.
112. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full-year cost of the income volatility measure to support the farming sector outlined in budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarket volatility arises from a variety of factors, including geo-political and weather events. In the agriculture sector, we have just been through a period of higher input costs and falling output prices, exacerbated by challenging weather conditions. However, the outlook is now more positive, as input costs have fallen by 7% in the year to the end of August, with output prices up by 18% in the same period.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to “consider further taxation measures to manage evolving issues such as market volatility”. This has featured in discussions and consultations over the past number of years. As announced in Budget 2025, I agreed with the Minister for Finance that both our Departments would work together to progress proposals on income volatility to support the agricultural sector in advance of next year’s budget. This requires detailed consideration of complex policy issues on the operation of a scheme, including financial regulation, governance and legal structures.
An in-depth evaluation of income stabilisation previously took place ahead of Budget 2019. That showed that the projected annualised operation cost of the scheme for the first three years amounted to €15.3 million.
113. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline all capital investments, if any, made by his Department in the constituency of Louth and east Meath since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45393/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings.
To date, 830 farmers in counties Louth and Meath have received €12,924,791.84 in grant aid since 2020, with payments continuing to issue on a weekly basis. As the Herd number identifies holdings at a county level it is not possible to provide a specific amount for East Meath.
As regards fisheries, over the period 2022-2024, €1.58 million in funding has been provided by my Department to support twelve projects under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure (BALAMI) Scheme, at a co-funding rate of 95%.
114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when additional measures will be implemented to address the outbreak of bovine TB in parts of the country; if there are sufficient personnel in all district veterinary offices to deal with disease-control issues; if he will ensure compensation payments are issued without delay to affected herdowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45425/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implementation of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030 is overseen by the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum along with support from three working groups – a Scientific group, an Implementation Working Group and a Finance Group to ensure all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum and its working groups comprise representatives from across the agri-food sector, leading researchers, farming organisations and my Department. I am confident that the work of this Forum will result in the necessary measures to address the current high levels of TB will be agreed and implemented as soon as possible.
My Department like any Government Department manages its resourcing within budgetary constraints, and it remains committed to continuing to do this throughout 2024. The relevant administrative, technical and veterinary personnel working on the TB programme in the Regional Veterinary Offices are fully committed to combatting the current levels of TB disease in the national herd.
My Department is committed to making payments within specified timeframes as agreed in the Farmers Charter of Rights. To date in 2024, 82.3% of all compensation measures have been paid within these agreed timeframes.
Where issues such as discrepancies, tax or inheritance queries arise that prevent my Department from finalising payments, my officials work closely with those herdowners or their legal representatives to ensure that outstanding issues are resolved in a timely manner. Additionally, my Department recently wrote to over 1,800 herdowners who may be due balancing payments under the Income Supplement Scheme regarding the enhanced rates that were introduced by my Department in 2023. Due to the complexity of incorporating the changes while herds were in breakdowns and to ensure continued financial supports, some herdowners were paid the existing Income Supplement rates throughout the transition. Any additional monies due will be paid in the coming weeks.
I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. Since I launched the TB Strategy in 2021 stakeholders have been working collectively 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 details of TB Forum and working groups are available on www.bovinetb.ie.
115. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department plans to move refugees into a premises in County Donegal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45313/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that my Department has no current offer for accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) or International Protection applicants (IPs) at the property to which the Deputy refers.
I am further advised that while this property was appraised in the past by the Technical Working group set up for purpose of prioritising buildings to be refurbished for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, the Technical Working Group deemed this property to be unsuitable. The criteria for assessment included location, capacity, delivery timelines and value for money among others. No further offers for this property are currently being considered.
The Deputy might wish to note that my Department has currently paused accepting offers of commercial accommodation which require significant remedial, refurbishment or conversion works for consideration under the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
116. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on any service level agreement between his Department and an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45315/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for the Department Health, and the Minister has no role.
117. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if sponsored children under the national childcare scheme are getting the full 45 hours a week that is universally given under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45318/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for parents. A component of the Scheme is a Sponsorship referral which makes special provision for vulnerable children.
The NCS Sponsorship arrangement allows designated bodies to refer children to the Scheme where childcare is needed on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. Where a referral is made by a Sponsor body, the family will automatically qualify for a subsidy without having to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility, income or enhanced hours requirements.
The Scheme will pay the full cost of childcare for families referred to the Scheme by a Sponsor Body. A maximum of 45 weekly hours is available under Sponsorship. However, the actual hours awarded are determined by the referring Sponsorship Body based on the family’s individual circumstances and childcare requirements.
Year-to-date, a total of 7,982 children have benefitted from NCS Sponsorship. The average hours awarded according to each Sponsorship Body is as follows:
|
Sponsor |
Average hours awarded |
|
Department of Education (DOE) |
45.0 |
|
Health Services Executive (HSE) |
35.5 |
|
Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) |
36.0 |
|
National Homeless Authorities |
43.0 |
|
TUSLA Child and Family Agency |
36.9 |
Finally, it may be of interest to note that as of September 2024, the hourly rates for NCS Sponsorship have been increased. Sponsored children will now receive a rate of €5.30, or €5.87, depending on their age and educational stage. Further details on the Scheme, including sponsorship, may be found on www.ncs.gov.ie.
118. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when an assessment of needs will take place for a child (details supplied). [45323/24]
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.
