Written Answers Nos. 329-348
329. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage the fishing industry, with particular reference to ensuring that the Irish industry can compete with all others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18879/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that my Department constantly monitors the needs of the fisheries sector. Along with regularly meeting with representatives of the sector, holding formal consultations and attending public forums, we monitor developments in key economic indicators. My Department prepares and publishes an Annual Review and Outlook (ARO), which provides up-to-date information and statistical analysis from a variety of sources, to give a detailed overview of Ireland’s agrifood sector and an outlook for the future. The most recent Annual Review and Outlook report was published in November 2022.
I established the Seafood Sector Taskforce in March 2021 to examine the impacts of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on our fishing sector and coastal communities and to make recommendations to me on a mitigation strategy. I received the Report of the Seafood Task Force in October 2021 and, based on its recommendations, I have announced over €271 million in supports and development strategies to date.
Included in the schemes announced to date are short term supports and longer-term restructuring initiatives for the fishing fleet, capital supports for both processing and aquaculture sectors, funding for entrepreneurial initiatives in coastal communities and investment in marine infrastructure. Combined, these schemes contribute to sustaining employment in the seafood sector as a whole, providing new career opportunities and ensuring those transitioning within the sector are supported.
Despite the challenges, Ireland’s fishing industry has remained resilient. Earlier this week, BIM published its Business of Seafood report for 2022. The report indicates that the value of the overall Irish seafood sector increased by 13% to €703 million, while the overall value of Irish aquaculture products increased by 10% to €196 million.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to addressing the challenges facing our seafood sector and I continue to pursue all opportunities to increase the fishing opportunities for Ireland’s fishing fleet.
330. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to ensure that the interests of Irish agriculture and the food industry in general do not become any more penalised in order to meet global emission reduction targets when compared with other European countries with a similar dependency on the food industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18880/23]
View answerFood Vision 2030, the overarching strategy for the future development of the Irish agrifood sector, envisages that Ireland will become a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems during this decade. Achieving that ambition will enable the sector to derive future competitive advantage from meeting the highest standards of sustainability.
The role of my Department is to formulate and implement policies that will achieve a balance between the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, while making an important contribution to Ireland achieving its climate and environmental targets.
With an indicative budget of €9.8 billion, the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023 to 2027 seeks to strike the balance between economic and environmental sustainability for the benefit of farmers and rural communities. The Government has invested significant national co-funding including carbon tax funding in the CSP, to support farmers in transitioning their systems to adjust to climate targets.
At an European level, I will continue to engage with Ministerial colleagues on the development of EU policies and strategies that affect the sector.
331. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which efforts continue to protect the sheep farming industry, with particular reference to the need to ensure and protect the markets for Irish lamb as well as the viability of the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18881/23]
View answerA vibrant sheep sector is as an integral element of a balanced regional economy and I know that sheep farmers are committed to producing a world-class, safe and sustainable product. The sector is one extremely close to my heart.
Businesses in towns and villages across the country benefit from the activity of sheep farmers. The money spent by farmers stays in the local economy and generates multiples in economic activity. I want to see the sector grow, prosper and thrive.
Although there has been a solid and sustained increase in average sheep prices since the end of February, I recognise that sheep farmers are experiencing more difficult market conditions in 2023 compared to recent years. Market prices, however, are a commercial matter to be bargained between suppliers and buyers and Government has no role in determining commodity prices in the sheep sector.
However, with hoggets crossing €7/kg and lambs exceeding €8/kg, it is heartening to see markets returning better prices than at the start of the year.
To bolster the sustainability of sheep farming, my Department provides significant support to the sector under the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), both through a new targeted scheme for sheep farmers - the Sheep Improvement Scheme, which aims to improve sheep health and welfare - and through the broad range of schemes in the CSP.
My Department has received over 19,000 applications for the new Sheep Improvement Scheme, which has a 20% increase in the payment rate per ewe - from €10 to €12 - compared to the previous Sheep Welfare Scheme.
The CSP provides almost €10 billion in supports over the period to 2027 for farm families. Sheep farmers are eligible for several other CSP schemes, including the ACRES and Organics schemes, which are particularly suited to sheep enterprises or mixed beef and sheep enterprises, and which are likely to provide higher direct payments to sheep farmers this year.
I have secured places for all 46,000 farmers in ACRES which I am certain will also benefit many sheep farmers.
Furthermore, support for early-stage producer organisations, which will be introduced later this year, will strengthen the position of sheep farmers in the supply chain.
Additionally, over the last year I have supported livestock farmers in dealing with increased costs by introducing:
- a €56 million fodder incentive scheme;
- an innovative €8 million national liming programme; and
- a €2.5m package for multispecies swards and red clover to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.
While market returns have reduced for sheep farmers, mainly because of increased input costs, Teagasc forecasts suggest that family farm income for specialised sheep farms in 2023 will be €19,500, a reduction of 2% on 2022. This reflects the important role which direct payments play in supporting sheep farm incomes.
With regard to the current challenges facing the sector, I have requested my officials to maintain close monitoring of market trends over the coming months and the Government will continue to make every effort to support the sector.
With regard to the current challenges facing the sheep sector, I have requested my officials to closely monitor market trends over the coming months and the Government will continue to make every effort to support the sector, including ongoing efforts to boost promotion activities and enhance export outlets for Irish lamb through ministerial trade missions.
I can confirm that securing, developing and diversifying market access for Irish lamb remains a priority for my Department in accordance with the strategic objectives of Food Vision 2030. The sheep sector has been successful in accessing and developing new market opportunities abroad.
In 2022, total raw sheepmeat exports were worth €453m, increasing by 17% and 14% in value and volume terms respectively relative to 2021.
Having grown up on a suckler and sheep farm in Donegal, I am acutely aware of the skill and dedication of sheep farmers here. I want to ensure that there is a long-term and successful sector for this and subsequent generations of sheep farmers be a priority.
332. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that no further reduction in viable agricultural land is conceded to the forestry industry or other sectors thus reducing the food production capacity of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18882/23]
View answerThe use to which private owned land is put is, subject to the law, a matter for the owners of that land.
As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government committed to a land use review and the first phase of this review has just been completed. The review aims to balances environmental, social and economic conditions with land use and evolves a process of evaluation of the ecological characteristics of the land, consideration of emissions to air and water, carbon sequestration and climate adaption challenges.
Phase One was an evidential review which was led by the EPA and guided by a cross-governmental technical steering group, which included my Department. Phase one provides an evidence base to determine an appropriate land use indicator set for Ireland, as well as determining the environmental, ecological, and economic characteristics of land types across Ireland. A number of reports from Phase one have been published and are available for download.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/f272c-land-use-review-phase-1/.
A Memo for Government was recently brought forward which set out proposals for Phase 2. Officials from the relevant Government Departments are currently working to agree the scope, timelines and exact packages of work that need to be dealt with.
There are many demands on our land to deliver on the environment, on biodiversity and indeed contributing to our energy security including the critical importance of food production in terms of food security and the very important role it plays in rural livelihoods and the rural economy.
The importance of forestry and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere will play an important role in reducing emissions from the land use sector which is currently a net source of carbon dioxide. Decisions on land use are complex and Ireland has a target to increase forest cover from 11.6% to 18%. The new Forestry Programme which is currently being examined by the European Commission as part of the State Aid process aims to provide €1.3 billion in grants and supports for a wide range of measures. It is important to note that land use change to forestry is voluntary and it will be the land owner who will make the ultimate decision to plant trees. The land Use Review Phase 2 will now examine in more detail the policy decisions around how we use our land and I look forward to this next phase of the review.
333. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the likelihood of a reduction in food supply to major urban centres, including Dublin, that may experience a reduction in reliable food supplies in the event of a reduction in capacity to produce same necessitated by global warming issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18883/23]
View answerIreland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index, released last September.
The Irish agrifood sector is globally orientated, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported each year. Currently Ireland produces significantly more food than we consume.
While we also import food such as some fruit and vegetables, bread, flour, sugar and cocoa, most of these foods remain readily available on world markets. The resilience of the food supply chain was clearly demonstrated over the past number of years when dealing with the effects of Brexit and the international lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While global warming may pose additional challenges to the food supply, based on recent experiences these challenges will be dealt with and a ready supply of food will be available all across Ireland, including Dublin.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is part of the EU single market and participates in the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which is the key mechanism for ensuring food security throughout Europe. The EU is largely self-sufficient for many agricultural products but is a considerable net importer for specific products.
Issues such as conflict and climate change are challenging established assumptions on food security and will continue to impact both food affordability and farmer incomes. The EU communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems” sets out actions in the three areas of security, stability, and sustainability. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers, of which I am a member, will continue to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the recently established European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM).
334. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which large-scale beef seed feedlots are likely to be affected by emission issues in the same way as beef producers dependent largely on grassland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18884/23]
View answerIt is important to clarify that there is no legal definition of a feedlot herd. The Department defines certain herds as Controlled Finishing Units (CFUs) in the context of the Bovine TB Eradication Programme. This definition is unique to that programme and does not necessarily mirror the use of the term "feedlot" by the public and/or other institutions. CFUs are subject to enhanced biosecurity measures as part of the TB Programme and can only sell direct to slaughter.
The Department’s remit in relation to controlled finishing units is to ensure that they operate in compliance with the EU's animal health and animal welfare standards, and with the biosecurity arrangements noted above.
Ireland is a unique agricultural country with a largely extensive livestock sector utilising an excellent and sustainable grass-based system. Our shared Food Vision 2030 strategy strongly advocates for sustainability as we develop our agrifood sector to meet the highest standards of sustainability across all three pillars – economic, environmental, and social. The strategy recognises the challenges ahead, while proposing solutions and charting a pathway towards sustainability.
The agriculture sector has been designated a specific target within the Climate Action Plan of reducing emissions by 25% by 2030. My Department is leading on various measures to assist all farming enterprises in contributing to the achievement of this overall sectoral emissions target.
335. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to promote and support the Irish dairy sector at home and at EU level with a view to ensuring adequate supplies for the home market as well as exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18885/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that Ireland is among the most food secure countries in the world and ranks second of 113 countries assessed for food security, according to the latest Global Food Security Index released last September.
The Irish agrifood sector is globally orientated, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported each year. Currently Ireland produces significantly more food than we consume.
The EU communication "Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food systems” sets out actions in the three areas of security, stability, and sustainability. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers, of which I am a member, will continue to focus on these core areas and to support the work of the recently established European Food Security Crisis preparedness and response Mechanism (EFSCM).
Specifically in relation to the supply of dairy, I note that the Dairy Industry is one of our largest and most profitable sectors. Irish Dairy exports exceeded the €7 billion euro mark last year, making it the largest food and drink export category. Last year, we exported over 1.6 million tonnes of dairy products to over 130 different countries around the globe. We ship over 85% of our dairy products to the EU and beyond. My Department continues to engage intensively with competent authorities overseas, our Embassy network, Bord Bia and industry, to ensure as many markets as possible are available for a broad and balanced range of dairy products.
For such an export orientated sector, Ministerial led trade missions to our priority markets are a key part of our market access and diversification strategy. These overseas missions allow me to meet key decision-makers on market access requests, to strengthen commercial relationships with industry customers, and to bolster Ireland’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high quality, safe and sustainable dairy products. I look forward to working with my Department and Bord Bia on further trade mission activity this year.
336. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote Irish food products abroad to the maximum possible extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18886/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a key element of Food Vision 2030, the agrifood sector's ten-year strategic development plan, is to grow, promote and diversify our agrifood export profile abroad. Food Vision identifies a number of actions targeted at realising this growth ambition, including market diversification and market promotion activities.
These include my Department working with industry and Bord Bia to realise new opportunities in countries and regions with growing middle-class populations and rising disposable incomes. These markets are characterised by consumers who have a significant appetite for the high-quality, sustainable and safe dairy, meat, beverages and seafood produced by our farmers, fishers and processors.
A key component of my Department's efforts to promote Irish food products abroad is our Ministerial Trade Mission programme, which we undertake in conjunction with industry and Bord Bia. In 2022 we restarted in-person Trade Missions with visits to the United States, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as European promotional activities in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
In 2023, an intensive schedule of Ministerial led Trade Missions has commenced. In February, Minister Hackett successfully completed an Organics focused Trade Mission to Germany. Last week, Minister Heydon returned from China, where he supported a number of Irish exporters in promoting their high quality produce at one of China's largest trade fairs in Hainan, and held high-level executive meetings with key customers for Irish food in Shanghai. I will lead a second trade mission to China in May, including to the SIAL trade fair in Shanghai. This activity underlines the Government's commitment to what is the top opportunity market in Asia for Irish agrifood exports.
Later in the year, Trade Missions are planned to West Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, to South East Asia, Malaysia and the Philippines and to a number of key European markets including UK and France all of which are priority growth targets for our agrifood export sector.
337. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he continues to ensure the application of the highest standards in beef and dairy production, with a view to ensuring that Irish products can adequately compete on national and world markets given the various potential threats at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18887/23]
View answerMy Department operates a robust system of official controls so that Irish beef and dairy output can compete successfully nationally and internationally. Food security, food safety and nutrition are central to Food Vision 2030, the overarching strategy for the future development of the Irish agrifood sector.
With regard to food safety and hygiene controls, the role of my Department is to ensure compliance with both EU and national legislation for the areas under its remit.
Based on the fundamental principle that each food and feed business operator is responsible for the safety of food/feed they produce, all dairy and meat establishments must be compliant with the requirements of the European Food Hygiene Regulations (known as the “Hygiene Package”). Food Business Operators (FBOs) must also adhere to the internationally accepted HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point) principles, which give FBOs the flexibility to adapt control systems to the specific requirements of their operation.
My Department maintains a list of approved and registered food establishments on its website.
My Department continues to monitor and verify that all approved establishments remain compliant with regulations through risk based controls, audits and inspections at all stages of production, processing and distribution. My Department's Official Control reports are completed and submitted annually to the EU via the Multi Annual National Control Plan Report. These reports are publicly available.
In addition, exports to third country markets must be certified by my Department as compliant with the specific requirements of the competent authorities of each particular market in addition to meeting EU standards.
Ireland’s agrifood sector is outward looking, dynamic and strongly export and consumer oriented. It has earned a strong reputation internationally as a trusted supplier of high-quality, safe, sustainable food. Given the competitive and dynamic nature of global markets that we sell into, the sector must constantly strive to protect that reputation, to innovate and to maintain a level of competitiveness that enables it to prosper.
338. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value and volume of food and food product imports into this country in the past three years; the degree of fluctuation, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18888/23]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine conducts checks on food products of animal origin and certain categories of foods of non-animal origin, imported into Ireland from non-EU countries.
These checks are carried out at dedicated facilities called border control posts. There are four designated border control posts in Ireland; Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Rosslare Port and Shannon Airport. The attached table details the volumes of food imports checked by my Department between 2020 and 2022.
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Food of animal origin |
8,590,875 |
152,442,884 |
170,870,900 |
|
Food of non-animal origin |
397,096 |
352,346 |
958,502 |
|
Total (kg) |
8,987,971 |
152,795,230 |
171,829,402 |
The Environmental Health Service is responsible for checks on food products of non-animal origin that do not fall under the responsibility of my Department.
My Department has no information on the monetary value of these imports.
It should also be noted that the Central Statistic offices publishes regular reports on overall volume of trade into and out of Ireland, including comprehensive information as regards both volumes and value of food imports.
339. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value and volume of beef and dairy exports from this country in the past three years; the degree of fluctuation, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18889/23]
View answerCSO figures set out in the table below indicate totals of beef and dairy exports from Ireland in the past three years in terms of volume and value. It also shows the percentage value of dairy and beef exports relative to total agrifood exports.
|
2020 |
2020 |
2021 |
2021 |
2022 |
2022 |
|
|
€ 000 |
Tonnes |
€ 000 |
Tonnes |
€ 000 |
Tonnes |
|
|
Beef |
2,334,772 |
524,683 |
2,423,026 |
453,028 |
2,982,485 |
479,614 |
|
Dairy |
5,184,179 |
1,723,486 |
5,192,212 |
1,643,676 |
7,048,626 |
1,602,738 |
|
Total (Beef and Dairy) |
7,518,951 |
2,248,169 |
7,615,238 |
2,096,704 |
10,031,111 |
2,082,352 |
|
Grand Total (All Agrifood exports) |
14,342,968 |
7,355,412 |
15,557,203 |
7,423,788 |
18,944,215 |
7,467,731 |
|
Beef % of all exports |
16.28% |
7.13% |
15.57% |
6.10% |
15.74% |
6.42% |
|
Dairy % of all exports |
36.14% |
23.43% |
33.37% |
22.14% |
37.21% |
21.46% |
340. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which bovine TB continues to be a problem for the beef and dairy sectors; the new efforts being made to examine the deer population and other non-farm animals that might be potential carriers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18890/23]
View answerBovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis, is a persistent problem in cattle herds in Ireland. The epidemiology of TB is complex and challenging. I am committed to making real progress in eradicating TB because I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial pain associated with a TB breakdown.
There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.
As of 16th April 2023, on a 12-month rolling basis herd incidence has slightly increased to 4.42% compared to 4.38% at same time last year. In the past 12 months 4,563 TB Herds were restricted, compared to 4,607 in the previous 12-month period. A decrease of 44 TB Herds restricted (1%).
The expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on bTB levels since dairy herds, larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of bTB breakdown. The attached file provides the reactor percentage per herd type for 2022.
As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.
My Department's aim is to reduce the density of badgers in areas of high TB prevalence. However, it is acknowledged that culling on its own is not sustainable as a long-term measure, and a vaccination programme has now also been integrated into the DAFM Wildlife Programme. I have, over recent budgets, provided significantly extra funding for the Wildlife Programme and I will continue to back its work.
Badger vaccination is now an integral part of the Irish TB Eradication Programme. This follows over 15 years of research work using BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis infection in badgers, and scientific trials carried out between 2013 and 2017 that show that vaccination is no less effective than culling.
Badger vaccination is thus being substituted for continued culling of badgers such that a significant reduction in the numbers of badgers culled can be achieved over the coming years while still maintaining effective control of the risk posed to cattle.
The large-scale roll-out of badger vaccination commenced in late 2019. Every year more and more of the countryside is designated as vaccination zones. This is reflected in the numbers of badgers captured for vaccination in these zones rising from an initial figure of 1,937 badgers in 2019, to 4,698 badgers in 2020. This figure rose again in 2021 to 6,586 badgers, with a further 7,244 badgers captured in vaccination zones in 2022.
Deer within the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts, which falls within the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Deer may be controlled by landowners in accordance with the Wildlife Acts, by way of licensed hunting. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) considers applications and where appropriate, issues licenses to allow the hunting of wild deer. Landowners may apply directly to the NPWS for these licenses.
The Minister for Housing and I launched a consultation on a National Deer Management strategy for deer in late 2022. The consultation process was open until 10th February where views of the public on the relative importance of any issues associated with deer, potential solutions, potential barriers to their implementation and how these can be addressed.
The Deer Management Strategy Group, chaired by Mr Teddy Cashman, is now examining these submissions with a view to direct further discussions with stakeholders in formulating a strategy to manage deer, which will require the input of the various stakeholders. My Department has and will continue provide the leadership in facilitating these discussions. In addition, my Department is funding research on deer ecology in Ireland. This project, which is being carried out by scientists in UCD, will help to provide an evidence base for those considering wild deer management issues.
As I said, I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.
Herd type and animal type of reactors in 2022 (full year)
|
Herd Type |
Cow |
Bull |
Heifer |
Steer |
Calf |
Total per herd type |
|
Dairy |
50.5% |
0.1% |
8.7% |
3.3% |
0.7% |
63.2% |
|
Suckler |
12.7% |
0.0% |
6.7% |
6.0% |
0.9% |
26.3% |
|
Beef |
1.6% |
0.0% |
2.4% |
4.2% |
0.1% |
8.4% |
|
Other |
0.6% |
0.0% |
0.7% |
0.7% |
0.0% |
2.1% |
|
Total per animal type |
65.4% |
0.1% |
18.5% |
14.3% |
1.8% |
100.0% |
341. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he proposes to address the issues raised in the horticultural sector, with particular reference to the need to ensure the industry can be supplied with adequate moss peat to meet the full requirements of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18891/23]
View answerMy Department, in conjunction with the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communications and Housing, Local Government and Heritage has developed a series of actions to support the horticulture sector as it transitions to sustainable alternatives.
These targeted actions reflect the multifaceted nature of the problem and seek to address the short-term issue of supply, the medium term one of future access to peat and also the longer-term issue of replacement with alternatives.
My Department commissioned an independent expert to work with all peat suppliers to ascertain the level of horticultural peat stocks available to growers and to identify sub-30 hectare sites for the extraction of peat that may be used for domestic horticultural use. The expert was unable to get information on peat supplies and suitable sub-30 hectare sites, however a number of recommendations to address the challenge of peat supply during the transitionary period to peat free alternatives were proposed, and these recommendations are being considered across Government.
My Department also commissioned experts to provide focused guidance to those wishing to achieve regulatory compliance for extraction of horticultural peat on sub-30 hectare bogs for supply to the domestic horticulture industry. This guidance together with earlier guidance published by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and the National Parks and Wildlife Service should assist stakeholders wishing to become legally compliant and all stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the regulatory framework in place.
The report and guidance were published on 9th November 2022 and are available on www.gov.ie
To support and facilitate research into the development of alternatives to peat for horticultural use, my Department committed €1.69 million to a five-year research project entitled ‘Beyond Peat’ which is being led and co-ordinated by Teagasc. My Department is also funding research projects through the EU Producer Organisation scheme for fruit and vegetables.
342. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the natural drainage of agricultural land continues given the extent to which heavy machinery has a tendency to break down the drains resulting in over wetting of productive agricultural land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18893/23]
View answerAll soils in Ireland are at risk of compaction and trafficability problems. Wet, poorly-drained soils can present problems for much of the year, but even free-draining soils will be prone to compaction and trafficability challenges during wet periods.
Once soils are wet, they are structurally weak and this can result in a compacted structure.
My Department does not have a mechanism for monitoring the impact of trafficability, surface damage or compaction. It is up to individual farmers to use appropriate management strategies to protect their soil when it is wet.
343. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role of the HSE safeguarding team in regard to a person with a disability (details supplied) who is awaiting the outcome of a trust in care investigation; if he will provide the details on what the HSE has done to assist in safeguarding the service user in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/23]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this issue.
Adult safeguarding is an important matter for all of society, agencies, and Government Departments. I take all concerns regarding the abuse/mistreatment of vulnerable adults very seriously.
On the matter of Safeguarding, I am informed that significant work is ongoing to further strengthen and enhance policy and legislation in the health and social care sector, led by the Department of Health, building on the robust structures already in place.
I understand the Department of Health is currently finalising the development of an overarching national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care (including disability) sector.
My Department will liaise with the Department of Health on how this policy relates to specialist community based disability services.
As the question raised relates to an individual case, I am referring it to the HSE for direct reply to the deputy.
344. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine and increase in parental leave in the near future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18815/23]
View answerThe Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced an individual leave and benefit entitlement for parents of a child in their earliest years. This entitlement has been increased in recent years and is now seven weeks for each parent to be taken within the first two years of the child's life.
This leave is in addition to Maternity Leave and Paternity Leave entitlements, which currently stand at 26 weeks and 2 weeks with the associated benefit. An additional 16 weeks unpaid Maternity Leave can also be taken.
The payment of Parent's Benefit and the level of the payment are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. Budget Year 2023 directs that these benefits pay a weekly rate of €262.00, an increase from €250.00 in Budget Year 2022.
Therefore, a mother would be entitled to a combined total of 33 weeks of paid Maternity and Parent's Benefit, at €262.00 per week. (€8,646.00).
The further combined entitlement of 9 weeks of Paternity and Parents Benefit at €262.00 per week (€2,358.00) would be available to the other parent.
Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are appropriate to the needs of working parents.
345. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of residents in IPAS-renated accommodation in County Wexford for the years 2018-2023, cross tabbed with the associated spend for each facility, in tabular form. [18634/23]
View answerPlease see the requested information below in relation to IPAS accommodation in Wexford from 2018 to 2023. There were no IPAS accommodation centres in Wexford in 2018. The information range provided is from 2019 to 2023.
The amount paid to individual accommodation providers is deemed to be commercially sensitive information. The total annual amount paid to providers in Wexford for the requested periods is outlined below.
|
Year |
Number of residents |
Total Paid |
|
2019 |
||
|
Courtown Hotel |
72 |
|
|
The Gallery Bed and Breakfast |
16 |
|
|
Hotel Rosslare |
50 |
|
|
Total paid 2019 |
€2,013,848.06 |
|
|
2020 |
||
|
Rosslare Port Lodge |
90 |
|
|
Courtown Hotel |
60 |
|
|
The Gallery B &B |
16 |
|
|
Hotel Rosslare |
50 |
|
|
Total paid 2020 |
€4,654,275.29 |
|
|
2021 |
||
|
Rosslare Port Lodge |
114 |
|
|
Courtown Hotel |
105 |
|
|
Total paid 2021 |
€4,467,930.49 |
|
|
2022 |
||
|
Rosslare Port Lodge |
92 |
|
|
Courtown Hotel |
102 |
|
|
Total paid 2022 |
€4,659,122.29 |
|
|
2023 to date |
||
|
Courtown Hotel |
134 |
|
|
Hotel Rosslare |
3 |
|
|
Rosslare Harbour Accommodation Centre (Port Lodge) |
99 |
|
|
Total paid to date to date |
€974,764.00 |
346. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views in relation to any further plans for IPAS to engage properties in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/23]
View answerUnder the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is legally required to provide accommodation to international protection applicants who seek it while their claim for international protection is being determined by the International Protection Office which falls under the aegis of the Department of Justice.
The accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs) and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) is a demand-led process with applicants arriving in the country and seeking accommodation spontaneously.
The Department receives offers of accommodation from commercial providers directly who are located all over the country and is currently considering one accommodation proposal in Wexford. Negotiations are ongoing for this property and it has yet to be contracted.
Given the current acute shortage of accommodation for IPAs the Department must consider all offers of accommodation made to it including re-purposed office buildings, sports facilities, tented accommodation and decommissioned army barracks to address the shortfall.
These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.
Emergency centres for IP accommodation have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been over 130 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 in 23 counties across Ireland.
Before the opening of any facility the Department endeavours to engage with local representatives to provide information as soon as possible following the agreement of terms with contractors.
347. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of each time his Department, or public bodies under the aegis of his Department, enlisted the services of consultants in 2022; the purpose and value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18726/23]
View answerMy Department is preparing a response and will contact the Deputy as soon as possible.
348. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on a contract (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18757/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge from the invasion of Ukraine, including 80,000 people, of which over 59,000 have sought accommodation.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 750 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people in safe and secure accommodation.
I am advised by my officials that the property referred to was submitted for consideration as part of the Emergency Refurbishment Programme in the D/Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
