Written Answers Nos. 242-261
242. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social Protection to examine a recent rejection of a social welfare claim which the office of appeal has awarded (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13424/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
My Department received an application for IP for the person concerned on 20 October 2022. His application was refused on 30 January 2023 on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. The person in question appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). An Appeals Officer disallowed the appeal on 15 May 2023. Further medical evidence submitted on behalf of the person concerned and at an oral hearing was taken into account by another Appeals Officer, who, having fully considered all the evidence, found that the person in question did meet the medical conditions for IP and allowed the appeal by way of summary decision on 23 January 2024.
Along with satisfying the medical conditions for IP claimants must also satisfy the contribution conditions for the scheme. Claimants must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions (class A, E, H or S) since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of their Invalidity Pension claim.
According to the Department’s records, there were no qualifying contributions paid or credited during the relevant periods that could be taken into account to establish an entitlement to IP. Accordingly, the application has been disallowed.
The person concerned was notified of the decision on 19 February 2024, along with the reasons for the decision and regarding his right of review and appeal. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has not received a request to appeal this decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
243. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 331 of 21 November 2023, if she will now expedite payment of DA and arrears which was approved months ago under appeal (details supplied). [13425/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
Where a customer’s appeal is successful, every effort is made to promptly implement the decision of the Appeals Officer (AO) following notice of the decision being received from the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The Disability Allowance section received confirmation from the AO on 11 December 2023 that the appeal was allowed, and the person concerned was awarded Disability Allowance with effect from 24 May 2023. The first payment is due for collection on 20 March 2024. The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 27 February 2024.
Arrears of payment due from 24 May 2023 to 19 March 2024, less any deductions for other welfare payments received during the period, has been calculated and the person was notified in writing on the 15 March 2024.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
244. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the target of income adequacy in old age; the contribution which she hopes that auto-enrolment will make to achieving that; and by what date she expects people retiring to have reached that target. [13551/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of an automatic enrolment (AE) system is a Programme for Government commitment and a key priority for me as the Minister for Social Protection. Implementation of the AE system is well underway, with the first enrolments expected late this year.
Without specifying a target figure, one key objective of AE is to improve income adequacy in retirement. The other key objective is to improve pension coverage overall. Without action, large numbers of people may face a significant and unwanted reduction in their living standards in their retirement years if they were to become solely reliant on the State Pension for their income. The AE system will therefore complement the State Pension, which will remain the bedrock of the Irish pension system.
Income adequacy in retirement is generally measured through the term ‘replacement rate’, which means the proportion of pre-retirement income that can be achieved by people in retirement. It is generally agreed that people on lower incomes need higher replacement rates than those on higher incomes if they are to maintain satisfactory living standards in retirement. For those on lower incomes, the State Pension can already provide a reasonable replacement rate in retirement.
When fully implemented, the overall contribution rate in AE will be 14%, consisting of 6% per employer, 6% per employee, plus a 2% State top-up. This rate is in line with OECD and ESRI analysis on the minimum level of contribution that is required to provide an adequate level of income replacement in retirement, when taken together with the State pension.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
245. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the role, if any, which MABS plays in advising on pension and financial planning for old age; and if she has considered developing a programme in mid-career by MABS which would equip people to plan better for their retirement. [13552/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCitizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department, and it funds the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) to provide free advice and support to people on debt and money management issues, in particular those on low income.
MABS also provides support to people in mortgage arrears and is the gateway to Abhaile - the National State Funded Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service.
While MABS can provide advice on savings, including long-term savings for pensions, its main remit, in accordance is to provide advice to individuals in relation to personal debt and money management.
I understand that there are currently no plans to develop a specific programme in MABS on pension or financial planning for old age. However, MABS has been recognised by Age Friendly Ireland in supporting people in this age profile, by providing support with managing bills (particularly for people who are widowed) and with payments plans through budgeting and will continue to seek to provide important advice and support to people in relation to their money management issues.
In relation to the broader issue of pensions, as you will be aware, my Department is introducing Ireland's first ever Auto Enrolment scheme. This scheme will address low pension coverage and adequacy in retirement, by providing a retirement savings scheme to those over 23 years of age, earning more than €20,000, and who have no pension coverage. These individuals would otherwise be totally reliant on the State Pension on retirement. The Auto Enrolment scheme is due to commence at the end of 2024.
246. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has systems for identifying and supporting more vulnerable carers, such as older parents caring for ageing children with disabilities, in order that extra supports could be developed in partnership with other Government agencies. [13553/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the valuable role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.
The main income supports to carers provided by my department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending on these payments is expected to amount to over €1.7 billion this year.
Since my appointment as Minister, I have made a number of improvements in the social welfare system to enhance the supports available for all our carers. These have included: -
• An increase of €150 to the annual Carer’s Support Grant bringing it to €1,850, the highest level since its introduction.
• The weekly rates of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit have cumulatively increased by €29 over the last three Budgets.
Specifically with regard to Carer’s Allowance, I am the first Minister since 2007 to make changes to the means test: -
• In June 2022 the income disregards were increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner.
• The capital and savings disregard for the means assessment for Carer’s Allowance was increased from €20,000 to €50,000, aligning it with the capital means test for Disability Allowance.
• As part of Budget 2024, the weekly income disregard will be further increased from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse/partner.
In terms of acknowledging the role of older carers, my department makes a number of targeted provisions in terms of its payments, for example:-
• where a carer is aged 66 or over the weekly rate is €286, some €36.00 higher than the rate for a carer under 66.
• where a carer is providing full time care and attention to another person (whilst also meeting all other conditions for Carer’s Allowance) and they also meet the qualifying conditions for another social welfare payment for example the State Pension they may apply for the other payment and and half-rate Carer's Allowance.
In addition, one of the key landmark pension reform measures I introduced from January this year is to enhance State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for 20 years or more. It will do this by attributing the equivalent of paid contributions to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record. In implementing this reform I was particularly conscious of carers who have been unable to work and have been caring for their child with a disability through childhood and now into adulthood.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to keep the range of income supports available to family carers under review to ensure they meet their stated objectives.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
247. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 359 of 27 February 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered. [13337/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the Deputy's question as to whether or not An Garda Síochána or the Department of Justice has made funding applications for projects under the EU Anti-Fraud Programme in 2023 and to-date in 2024. At the time, I contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy. Regrettably, this information was not available in time.
I am now advised that the EU Anti-Fraud Programme (2021-2027) has the following general objectives:
- protecting the financial interests of the European Union by supporting action to combat irregularities, fraud and corruption affecting the EU budget;
- supporting mutual assistance between administrative authorities in EU Member States;
- ensuring the correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters by supporting cooperation between administrative authorities in EU Member States and the European Commission
The programme provides funding, in particular, for technical and operational investigation equipment, specialised training and research activities, to support the protection of EU financial interests.
I can confirm to the Deputy that neither An Garda Síochána nor my Department have made any applications under this programme.
248. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the amount of revenue generated through the issuing of Irish residence permits in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13338/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Income |
|
2022 |
58,162,220 |
|
2023 |
71,012,700 |
|
To end February 2024 |
11,887,500 |
The following applicants are exempted from the fee if they are:
• Under 18 at the time of registration
• A spouse, widow or widower of an Irish citizen
• A civil partner or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen
• A spouse or dependent of an EU national who has a residence permit
• A Programme Refugee or a person granted Refugee Status under Section 47(1) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A person granted Subsidiary Protection under Section 47(4) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A person granted Permission to Remain under Section 49(4)(a) of the International Protection Act 2015
• A family member reunited with a recognised refugee in Ireland under Section 56 of the International Protection Act 2015.
249. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 28 February 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities to have this PQ answered. [13339/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately, the information was not received in time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
250. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank, attached to the Garda band as of 14 March 2024. [13340/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to the recruitment, training and appointment of its members. This responsibility extends to members of the Garda Band. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 14 March 2024, there are 25 Garda members attached to the Garda band at the ranks of Inspectors and Gardaí.
251. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice how many appeal applications to the regularisation scheme for undocumented people have been refused; and how many have not been processed at all, to date. [13363/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Regularisation of Long Term Undocumented Migrants scheme provides an appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.
The table below details the appeal applications received to date.
|
No. of appeals received |
1,005 |
|
No. of successful appeals |
36 |
|
No. of unsuccessful appeals |
699 |
|
No. of appeals on hand |
270 |
*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.
While every effort is made to process these applications as soon as possible, processing times of appeals of decisions made under the scheme will vary depending on the complexity of the case.
252. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí, by rank attached to each community policing unit in each Garda district within DMR as of 14 March 2024, in tabular form. [13374/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled out across the country, and is fully commenced in ten Garda divisions.
The new model will provide more frontline Gardaí and increased Garda visibility, and will deliver a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within divisions into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent, focus on community policing in all divisions.
The Garda authorities have advised that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality-of-life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement.
I very much welcome the new interactive map launched recently on the Garda website which is designed to allow the public to identify the local CPT in their area. This map will continue to develop in line with the continued rollout of the new Garda Operating Model.
While there are designated CPTs within An Garda Síochána, It is important to note that the number of Gardaí assigned to those teams is not an accurate reflection of the number of Gardaí who are carrying out community policing work on a daily basis around the country.
Community Policing Teams strategically manage and lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the Garda Community Policing Framework, and, as I have said, Gardaí assigned to those teams are deemed to be ‘Community Gardaí’. Like other Garda members they also have dual functions. In addition to their strategic roles in their Community Policing Teams, part of which requires them to regularly update their Community Engagement Superintendent on the policing needs of their community, and they are also frontline members.
However, it is important to note that CPTs draw on all frontline Gardaí to carry out community policing. Therefore, just because a Garda may not specifically be deemed a 'Community Garda' by virtue of the fact that they are not assigned to a Community Policing Team, that does not mean that they do not carry out crucial work in that area.
Given the organisational and structural changes outlined above which are a natural consequence of the introduction of the new Garda Operating Model, the provision of number of ‘Community Gardaí’ no longer gives an accurate picture of the number of Gardaí carrying out what was traditionally understood to be the role of the ‘Community Garda’.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.
For the Deputy's information, the number of Community Gardaí by Division from 2008 until February 2024 is published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
253. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Justice when an application (details supplied) will be completed, given it is over six months since the application was submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13471/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for permission to remain in the State based on parentage of an Irish Citizen Child (ICCA) was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 07 September 2023 and continues to be examined by my Department.
In order to be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order. My Department endeavours to process all applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.
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 Question 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.
254. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to introduce a standalone offence in relation to the spiking of drinks, in view of the serious repercussions of such deplorable behaviour and the effects on victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13478/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpiking is a serious offence with potentially devastating effects on victims.
It is already a crime under section 12 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, which provides offence of administering a substance capable of interfering with the victim’s bodily functions. Where spiking is committed with intent to commit a further offence (such as sexual assault or theft), that further offence, or an attempt to commit it, may also be charged.
A number of legislative proposals for a separate offence have been made on this issue, including most recently the introduction of a Private Members’ Bill in the Seanad in May 2023, which proposes a new offence covering the administration of a substance with intent to sedate or overpower for the purposes of engaging in a sexual act, make a gain or cause a loss, or commit any other offence. This PMB has passed the Seanad.
Submissions have been received from the DPP and the Gardaí on the relevant issues and consideration is being given to whether legislative changes are needed.
In December 2021, Minister Harris and I launched an information campaign with the Union of Students of Ireland to raise awareness of the signs of drink spiking and to give guidance on how to help a potential victim. The initiative featured on various social media platforms and gave people information on spiking – for example, what exactly spiking is, what signs to look out for, and what to do if you think you or a friend have been targeted. It also spelled out to perpetrators or potential perpetrators that spiking is a very serious offence.
I urge anyone who has been a victim of or witness to assault or sexual assault, or spiking, to report it to Gardaí.
255. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations operational in Cavan/Monaghan at present; when Bawnboy Garda station will be reopened as announced by Government previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13479/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all decisions related to the Garda Estate. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy.
This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year. This is a 25% increase on 2020 and includes €57 million for the Garda Capital Building Programme, which is an additional €7 million on 2023.
As the Deputy will also be aware, under the new Garda Operating Model, the restructured Cavan/Monaghan/Louth Division went live on 3 December 2023.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that within the Division, there are currently 18 operational Garda Stations in the Cavan Community Engagement Functional Area and 8 operational Garda stations in the Monaghan Community Engagement Functional Area.
I am advised that Bawnboy is being serviced by a 24 hour presence at Ballyconnell Garda station and by personnel stationed at Swanlinbar and Blacklion stations.
I am also advised that the proposed works to Bawnboy Garda station remain under consideration and will be the subject of ongoing review by the Garda Commissioner.
256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in an investigation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13494/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 December 1972, bombs exploded in three border towns, Clones, Co. Monaghan, Belturbet, Co. Cavan and Pettigo, Co. Donegal. The perpetrators of these bombings demonstrated a callous disregard for human life. Many people were injured and the bomb in Belturbet took the lives of two innocent young people.
The bombings were fully investigated by An Garda Síochána at the time with technical assistance from the Defence Forces and the close cooperation of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
It remains a source of great regret that in spite of a comprehensive investigation, it was not possible for those responsible to be prosecuted for their crimes.
As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive review of the investigation was carried out by An Garda Síochána in recent years which identified a number of lines of inquiry. A Senior Investigating Officer was appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room established at Ballyconnell Garda Station.
I can assure the Deputy that the investigation into the Belturbet bombing continues to progress and I would call on anyone with information to bring it to the attention of the Garda authorities.
257. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she is aware of the concerns of sporting clubs and other community groups which run small-scale lotteries and is generally their main fundraiser in relation to the effects of the new legislation concerning betting regulations and gambling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13495/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online including lotteries and other similar gambling activities permitted under the Bill and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
My Department has engaged in extensive consultation with representatives from the industry, the charity sector and related sectors, as well as with professionals working in the area of problem gambling, persons adversely affected by the consequences of gambling and those with lived experience of problem gambling.
I have had wide-ranging engagement with the charity sector and have listened to their concerns. I and my officials met with 14 individual organisations from the charity sector, including the Charities Institute Ireland, in February 2023 to hear their views on the Bill. In addition, my Department has corresponded with over 40 charitable and sporting organisations in relation to the Bill, including the GAA and the Federation of Irish Sport. A further meeting between my officials and representatives from the Charities Institute Ireland took place in August 2023.
The Government recognises and appreciates the enormous role played by sporting and other local organisations in our communities, not least from a social and health perspective. It is not the intention to prevent local sports clubs from fundraising via lotteries, raffles and other gambling activities.
The Bill provides for a new type of licence that permits gaming, betting and lottery activities for fundraising for charitable or philanthropic purposes such as charities, local sports clubs and for other good causes. Under section 87 of the Bill, the advancement and promotion of sport is specifically outlined as being considered a charitable or philanthropic cause.
As the Deputy will be aware, local sports clubs that operate and promote lotteries as part of their fundraising model are already subject to regulation via the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The Gambling Regulation Bill is a direct continuation of this policy, and the measures, albeit modernised, provided for in the 1956 Act. The exclusion of the charity sector and sporting organisations would result in a removal of safeguards and protections that those sectors have complied with for close to the past 70 years.
258. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice to provide details of the recently announced Ballymun Implementation Board; which departments and agencies will have representatives on the board; if the representatives of various Government departments and agencies on the board will be senior officials; the annual budget for this body; how the new body will align with the local drugs and alcohol task force and the joint policing committee; if the Brighter Ballymun Report will set the agenda for this group; if local members of the Houses of the Oireachtas will have a role in this body; and the inaugural meeting will take place. [13558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I announced the Ballymun Implementation Board, with former Dublin GAA CEO John Costello as Chair, last month. As has already been announced, the Board will be hosted by Dublin City Council, and will include local representatives from the relevant agencies. A list of these agencies was published as part of the announcement of the Board on the Government website: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/8e4dc-minister-mcentee-announces-the-formation-of-a-new-group-to-improve-community-safety-in-ballymun/.
Officials from my Department, the Chair of the new Board, and Dublin City Council, are working together to identify the appropriate ex-officio and other members of the Board necessary in the context of the challenges locally.
In line with other Implementation Boards (Drogheda and Cherry Orchard), the Department of Justice will fund the positions of a coordinator and an administrator as required by the Board.
Specific capital funding is being made available by both Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, but in line with best practice elsewhere, any projects or interventions which are identified to support community safety in Ballymun will need to be funded through engagement with the relevant agencies who would be mainstream funders of such projects.
The Board's agenda and programme of work, along with its engagement with existing reports and bodies in the area, will be determined over the course of its initial meetings, which it is hoped will commence in the coming weeks.
259. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether a complaint (details supplied) was logged; and what action was taken. [13385/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to the ongoing promotion of high animal welfare standards and to the continued enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.
I can confirm a complaint was received by my Department's Animal Welfare helpline regarding the matter referred to. The complaint was recorded and referred for appropriate action by officials, as is standard practice for complaints received by the helpline.
We do not provide further information relating to any specific actions taken on foot of complaints, as such matters may be the subject of ongoing investigations.
The Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect, for investigation.
The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379.
Email address – animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
260. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if cattle are still being exported to Israel from Ireland; if so, how this is appropriate, given that the people of Gaza are being starved and face famine; if the Government has any intention of halting the export of cattle and other foodstuffs to Israel in the face of impending famine in Gaza; if he accepts that this is seen by many as putting money before the lives of Gazans who are being slaughtered daily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13488/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that two consignments of cattle have been traded by private commercial businesses from Ireland to Israel over the past six months.
Currently there are no trade restrictions on Israel in place.
261. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13539/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a Felling application on this site.
If the Forest Owner or their forester wishes to apply for a Tree Felling Licence they can access information at the following link:www.gov.ie/en/publication/19b8d-tree-felling-licences/:
If they have any queries or concerns regarding the application process they can contact Felling Section at the following email address:
Felling.forestservice@agriculture.gov.ie
