Written Answers. - Farmer's Charter.
John Ellis
Question:
136
Mr. Ellis
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry
if he will give details of the implementation of his Charter for Farmers Rights; and the progress, if any, made under each heading as listed in the charter.
[18831/95]
John Ellis
Question:
152
Mr. Ellis
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry
the progress, if any, by location, made in the development of his plans to upgrade facilities in local farm offices in view of his commitments in the Farmer's Charter.
[18902/95]
John Ellis
Question:
154
Mr. Ellis
asked the
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry
in view of the commitment in the Farmer's Charter, the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that farmers are fully aware of their entitlements by providing the fullest information in a climate where privacy and confidentiality are respected; and the arrangements, if any, he has made to explain in detail the way in which this commitment in the charter has been implemented at local level.
[18905/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 152 and 154 together.
The publication of the Charter of Rights for Farmers in April of this year was a clear indication of my commitment to the improvement of the services provided by my Department to farmers. Copies of the charter have been made available to farmers through all local offices of my Department. The charter envisaged a programme of substantially improved services for farmers to be implemented over a two year period. The payment targets set for 1995 have been largely met or indeed exceeded. This is the case especially in relation to headage and premia payments which are, of course, a primary concern of farmers.
The following is a summary of the progress made in implementing the charter:
Confidential Office Consultations
The programme to improve local office facilities, including provision for private and confidential office consultations, is well advanced and is set out by location in the attached table.
Help for Farmers to Minimise Errors in Application Forms
In June an effective service was provided at local marts to help farmers in completing their forms.
Speedy Response to Application Problems
In general, where problems arise with application forms the local offices are issuing letters promptly to farmers.
Appeals Procedures
The appeals unit promised in the charter is now in operation.
Upgraded Telephone System
Arrangements for the introduction of this new system are well in hand.
Access to Department's Offices
The Department's offices are providing a full service to farmers during the hours 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m.-5.00 p.m. This is a very important step in the provision of a one stop shop service.
One Stop Shop
The final steps in the provision of this service have been delayed due to industrial action.
Review Group
I will shortly be setting up the review group which will report annually on the operation of the charter.
Scheme Payments
PAYMENTS TARGETS (position at 12 December 1995)
Slaughter Premium
99.6 per cent of cases processed; 95 per cent paid; value £14 million.
Arable Aid
99 per cent of cases processed and paid; value £79 million.
Special Beef Premium
98.5 per cent of cases processed; 93 per cent paid; value £83 million.
Ewe Premium
96 per cent of cases processed and paid; value £77 million.
Cattle Headage/Beef Cow
95 per cent of cases processed; 88 per cent paid; value £76 million.
Suckler Cow Premium
89 per cent of cases processed; 83 per cent paid; value £60 million.
Sheep
90 per cent of cases processed and paid; value £18 million.
Extensification Premium
Payments not due till 1996.
Reactor/Compensation Grants — TB,
Brucellosis and other Schemes
In general, there is no delay in payment except in cases of dispute regarding the level of compensation. Payments are now processed on a weekly basis as against monthly prior to the charter.
On Farm Investment Schemes
Payment targets under the following schemes are being met:
alternative enterprises scheme
agri-tourism scheme
control of farmyard pollution
dairy hygiene scheme
farm improvement programme
installation aid.
Other Schemes
On the remaining schemes, almost 90 per cent of valid applications under the rural environment protection scheme are being paid within the target period of six weeks, while reasonable progress has been made towards meeting the payment targets in respect of the early retirement scheme and the afforestation grant-premia schemes.
Local Office Accommodation
CARLOW
Information desk and interview room available and upgrading of offices will be completed by end of December 1995.
CAVAN
Information desk and interview room available and upgrading of offices completed.
CLARE
Information desk and interview room available. Upgrading of offices in progress and will be completed early in 1996.
CORK
Information desk and interview room available. Proposals to improve existing facilities under consideration.
DONEGAL
Information desk and interview room available.
DUBLIN
Information desk and interview room available.
GALWAY
Information desk and interview room available.
KERRY
Information desk and interview room available, upgrading of office will be completed early in 1996.
KILDARE
Additional accommodation provided. Upgrading of office will be completed in 1996.
KILKENNY
Information desk and interview room available, upgrading of office in progress.
PORTLAOISE SPECIAL BEEF PREMIUM UNIT
Information desk and interview room available. In both the above locations, facilities will be significantly improved when the new decentralised office opens early 1996.
SLIGO/LEITRIM
Information desk and interview room available, upgrading of office virtually completed.
LIMERICK
OPW are endeavouring to provide additional adjacent space in the building in order to provide modern facilities at this office for staff and clients alike.
LONGFORD
Information desk and interview room available.
LOUTH
Information desk and interview room available, upgrading virtually complete.
MAYO
Information desk and interview room available. Planning permission has been sought for major extension to the building to improve facilities for the public and staff alike.
MONAGHAN
Information desk and interview room available, renovation of accommodation will be completed by the end of 1995.
MEATH
Information desk and interview room available, upgrading virtually completed.
OFFALY
Information desk and interview room available.
ROSCOMMON
Additional accommodation provided, proposals to upgrade existing accommodation currently under consideration.
TIPPERARY
Proposals are under consideration to construct a new building, which will provide suitable facilities for both staff and public.
WATERFORD
Information desk and interview room available.
WESTMEATH
Information desk and interview room available. Proposals to improve existing facilities under consideration.
WEXFORD
An Information desk and limited interview room facilities available. Proposals are in train to provide a new building.
