Dan Neville
Question:36 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to protect sugar beet growers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12035/06]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 5 to 27, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 28 to 35, inclusive, answered orally.
Sugar Industry.
Greencore recently announced its decision to discontinue sugar production. This was a commercial decision by the company having regard to the current situation on the sugar market and the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime. The agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime provides for compensation to beet growers of up to 64% of the reduction in the minimum price for beet. This compensation, which will be incorporated in the existing single payment scheme, is worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over the next seven years.
The agreement also provides for compensation by way of a restructuring scheme in the event of a decision to cease sugar production. Under this scheme, a restructuring fund becomes available for the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring of the sugar industry, including factory closure and renunciation of quota. In Ireland's case, this would be worth up to €145 million. The fund is subject to the submission of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry following consultations between the processor and the beet growers. The agreement provides that at least 10% of the restructuring fund shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors. That proportion may be increased by member states after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured.
The reform agreement also provides for the introduction of aid for diversification measures in the event that sugar beet production completely ceases. This aid, worth almost €44 million to Irish growers, would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme to be elaborated when the Commission's implementing regulation has been adopted.
Animal Welfare.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:37 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a report will be issued by her Department on the case of animal health problems such as high mortality, stunted growth and low milk production on the farm of a person ( details supplied ) in County Kilkenny; and if she will give this matter every priority and assistance in view of the huge financial loss being suffered primarily by the person concerned. [12176/06]
My Department, along with other agencies and this person's private veterinary practitioners, has been carrying out investigations in relation to the situation on the farm of the person named. As the problem on the farm is a complex one, the approach has been to investigate as many factors as possible in a methodical, scientific way so that the most appropriate course of action can be pursued to try to identify the underlying cause. In so far as my Department is concerned the following have taken place: feed and water intake studies conducted by my Department's regional veterinary laboratory, Kilkenny and Teagasc; elective post mortem investigations on a number of animals from the farm and numerous tests on live animals on the farm; and funding of aspects of a herd health programme.
It had been suggested that one of the possible causes of the problems might relate to exposure of the cattle to fluoride. The Department has examined this aspect and carried out elective and general post mortem examinations on a number of animals from the farm. The findings of the post mortems, coupled with results from live animals have not provided any evidence to date, that the problems reported on the farm are related to fluoride exposure. The detailed report of this work will be available in the near future.
It was also agreed that a herd health programme should be developed by private veterinary practitioners of the person concerned supported by my Department to deal with endemic diseases in calves and mastitis in cows. This is being pursued. In addition, further investigations are continuing, involving a number of agencies, in relation to epidemiological, ecological and environment aspects.
No specific source of the problems on the farm has been identified by the range of investigations undertaken to date despite the commitment of considerable resources both in terms of expertise and finance from the Department and other agencies. However, significant infectious diseases have been identified which may contribute to the problem. These are being addressed under the herd health programme. I am conscious of the particular difficulties that the situation is presenting for the person concerned and my Department will continue to give priority and assistance to the ongoing investigations in conjunction with the other agencies concerned.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:38 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of animal welfare officers here; the funding provided by her Department to the ISPCA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12004/06]
My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2000. In addition there is specific legislation in relation to pigs, calves and laying hens.
Welfare cases which come to notice are dealt with, generally, by officers based in my Department's district veterinary offices. These officers deal with the implementation of animal welfare legislation as well as having responsibilities in a wide number of other areas related to animal health, disease control, etc. Funding is available to deal with emergency care, feeding, transport, etc., of welfare compromised farm animals. I am satisfied that the resources available within my Department are sufficient to deal with such cases and to provide a high standard of animal welfare.
In 2004 the farm animal welfare advisory council, FAWAC, developed an early warning-intervention system, EWS, for dealing with animal welfare cases involving my Department, Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. The objective of the system is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming. The new system allows for concerned individuals to approach their local IFA representatives, their local SPCA or my Department in the knowledge that the matter will thereafter be dealt with in the most effective, timely and sensitive manner.
In addition to the foregoing, my Department makes ex gratia payments annually to organisations, including the ISPCA, involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services to assist in their ongoing work. To date we have provided a total of €5.97 million to such bodies, €1.2 million of which was paid to 86 organisations in December last to assist them during 2006. A provision of €1.1 million for this purpose is included in my Department’s Estimates for 2006 and applications will be invited later this year for payments in respect of 2007. Payments to the ISPCA have been in respect of both headquarters level and branches of the organisation in several counties.
The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with the Garda Síochána which may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the gardaí in such cases.
Farm Waste Management.
Gerard Murphy
Question:39 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the grant aid which will be made available to small farmers to manage rainwater under the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12057/06]
The revised farm waste management scheme to enable farmers meet the additional requirements of the nitrates directive was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Under the scheme, a standard grant aid is available at a rate of 60% for both animal housing and slurry storage, with 70% being available in the four zone C counties. The maximum eligible investment has also been increased from €75,000 to €120,000 per holding. Further top-up grants are also available for young farmers in certain cases.
The technical specifications for such buildings operated by my Department for the purposes of the scheme require the installation of adequate arrangements for the separation of clean and dirty water as part of the conditions of any new investment. In addition, I have added the installation of guttering on existing buildings as a further new eligible item in the terms of the revised scheme.
Grant Payments.
Paul Kehoe
Question:40 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in issuing the single farm payment to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12045/06]
One of my main objectives since assuming office as Minister for Agriculture and Food was to ensure the efficient implementation of the decoupled single payment scheme — the most significant change to agricultural support since our accession to the European Community.
This huge task was successfully implemented when over €1 billion in single payments issued to 118,500 farmers last December, meeting the target we had set ourselves of making the payments on the first possible date. This was a major undertaking and the outcome, after painstaking preparatory work in establishing individual entitlements, was, by any standards, a major achievement.
Under EU legislation, member states may commence payment under the single payment scheme on 1 December of the year of application, with payments being fully processed by the following 30 June. My priority in 2005, the first year of this new scheme, was to maximise the number of payments to eligible applicants by the earliest date possible of 1 December and I am satisfied that this was achieved. Since then, it has been my absolute priority to ensure that the issues that are holding up the remaining cases are resolved with the applicants concerned and that payments are made without undue delay. To this end, I have arranged that payments issue on a very regular basis, as soon as the problems with the outstanding cases are resolved.
In common with the coupled schemes, which the single payment scheme replaced, delays in processing can be caused by many factors, including incomplete application forms, errors on applications and discrepancies highlighted following computer validation, which must be resolved via correspondence with the applicant.
The ongoing objective of my Department is to make payments to all of those farmers who have yet to receive their payment or are entitled to a supplementary payment as soon as their cases are cleared for payment. Every effort is being made by my Department to resolve the outstanding cases but many of these are extremely complex and, in other cases, my Department is still awaiting documentation and applications for the transfer of entitlements before payment can be made. A number of payment runs continue to be made each week as the more complicated files are cleared.
I should add that the changeover to the single payment was undertaken while work continued on winding up the coupled schemes. The successful introduction of the single payment scheme in Ireland in 2005 is testimony to the efforts of all concerned. It is my intention that this success will be built on into the future. At present, total payments amount to €1,140 million involving 98% of farmers who hold entitlements and applied for the single payment scheme. Payments continue to issue to farmers as their applications are processed to completion in accordance with the EU legislation governing the single payment scheme.
EU Directives.
Dinny McGinley
Question:41 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12032/06]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In December, the Minister made regulations giving legal effect to Ireland's national action programme under the nitrates directive. These regulations were finalised following difficult negotiations between the European Commission and officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture and Food.
In January, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced a short de facto deferral of part 3 of the regulations, which covers nutrient management. This was to allow Teagasc to submit revised advice in relation to phosphorus limits. A detailed Teagasc submission, covering phosphorus as well as other aspects of the regulations, was received earlier this month. Officials of the two Departments have been examining it and a copy of the Teagasc advice has been provided to the European Commission. Officials of the two Departments and representatives from Teagasc met the Commission on 22 March where the Teagasc experts were given the opportunity to present the revised scientific advice and to clarify certain aspects. The Commission did not offer any definitive conclusions on the new advice at last week’s meeting. The Commission will continue to study the Teagasc advice and to assist this process Teagasc has now made available copies of various background research work.
The Commission's agreement will be required for any amendments that may be proposed to the regulations and I am satisfied that the Commission is open to arguments that are scientifically robust. However, it is important that the matter is brought to a quick conclusion so that negotiations on a derogation, which is vital to a large number of more intensive farmers, can proceed.
Michael Ring
Question:42 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the application for a derogation to the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12037/06]
In December, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made regulations giving legal effect to Ireland's national action programme under the nitrates directive. These regulations were finalised following difficult negotiations between the European Commission and officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture and Food. In those discussions, the two Departments made use of the advice provided by Teagasc. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has, however, agreed, with the consent of the European Commission, to a short de facto deferral of the part of the regulations that deals with nutrient management. This was to allow Teagasc to submit revised advice in relation to phosphorus limits which could form a basis for proposals to the Commission for changes in the regulations.
A central issue arising from the nitrates directive is the need to secure a derogation which will allow certain farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. The proposal was given an initial presentation to the EU nitrates committee in December and further scientific data have been supplied to the Commission following bilateral discussions. The proposal will need to be discussed again at future meetings of the nitrates committee before approval can be obtained.
Securing this derogation is vital, for the most productive dairy farmers in particular. However, the further examination of the matter by the EU nitrates committee is not expected to proceed until the regulations have been finalised. For that reason I am working with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to bring matters to a quick conclusion so that Ireland can meet its obligations under the nitrates directive while also safeguarding the future of commercial farming in Ireland and the interests of Irish farmers in general.
Export Refunds.
John Perry
Question:43 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the impact which the abolition of pre-financing of export refunds would have on the Irish food industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12018/06]
Irish beef exports in 2005 stood at 487,000 tonnes. All of these exports went to the UK and continental Europe except for 35,000 tonnes that went to third countries, mainly Russia. While the beef industry has in recent years become less reliant on third countries, these markets are important for specific cuts at particular times of the year. Third country beef exports attract export refunds.
At the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 20 March Commissioner Fischer Boel announced her intention of abolishing pre-financing of export refunds on the basis of criticisms levelled at the system in a 2003 report of the Court of Auditors. The report stated that controls were complex and not evenly applied across member states. The pre-financing regime allows for payment of refunds at the time the beef is put under customs control and for the meat to remain in storage for up to four months. The regime is of benefit to exporters in that it assists them with cash flow but also provides time for the exporter to build up an exportable quantity of stock and to find a suitable market.
At the Council of Ministers I strongly opposed the removal of pre-financing arguing that its abolition was not justified. Pre-financing is currently being used by most of our exporters of beef to third countries and is an important part of their operation. The system was streamlined in 2003 and the controls are now working well.
An internal impact study by the Commission shows that the main advantage of the scheme was in the administration of beef exports rather than the financial element. The Commission proposes new beef control measures to replace the present scheme and I and my Department will examine the proposals to ensure as far as possible that whatever is put in place by the Commission to replace the existing system best suits the needs of the Irish beef sector.
Animal Welfare.
Michael Ring
Question:44 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 4 October 2005, the steps she intends to take in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12059/06]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:105 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 23 June 2005, the steps she intends to take on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12060/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 105 together.
In reply to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 4 October 2005, I outlined in detail the unusual circumstances surrounding this case. Consequently, I do not propose to repeat all of the detail. The background to the incident is that the case involved the slaughter on-farm by the herdowner of 4,000 pigs over a five-day period following the discovery by Department veterinary inspectors of quantities of carbadox on the farm and an admission by the herdowner that he had spread the substance on the floors of pig pens. The movement of any animals from this herd, except under specific licence from the Department, had also been prohibited by the Department in the period preceding slaughter in order to protect public health. Notwithstanding this, some pigs were moved to slaughter plants and products from some of these did enter the food chain. Carbadox is a carcinogen, cancer-causing substance, which is banned by the EU and deemed to be unsafe at any level. Prosecutions have since been issued against the herdowner, alleging a range of offences relating to the use of this feed additive and other matters, including the illegal movement of pigs from the farm. The herdowner has issued proceedings against the Department under two headings.
The circumstances in this case were highly unusual. On-farm slaughter of animals in any number is an exception rather than the rule and occurs only in extreme circumstances — for example, the FMD outbreak in Cooley — where it is not possible to move the animals to a dedicated slaughter plant or where there are compelling reasons, such as fear of disease spread, for not attempting to so do. In this particular case, the herdowner had himself decided to slaughter his animals on farm and the Department considered at the time that it could not legally have forced him to have the operation conducted in a slaughter plant. I understand the matter will be before the courts in the near future.
Grant Payments.
Jimmy Devins
Question:45 Dr. Devins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the grant assistance available in the bio-energy and agri-environment areas under the research stimulus fund. [12209/06]
The areas of bio-energy and agri-environment are of particular interest due to the environmental advantages of biofuels, the increasing cost of fossil fuels, the opportunity farmers now have to explore alternative farm enterprises and the current requirements on farmers to farm in an environmentally friendly way. In view of this the call for proposals under the research stimulus fund programme in 2005 and the new round of research proposals for funding under the 2006 research stimulus fund programme, which I recently announced, includes both of these areas.
Under the 2005 research stimulus fund programme 12 research projects were recently awarded grant assistance totalling €4.5 million. The research projects selected for funding cover a broad range of areas including agri-environment, non-food crops and agrifood economics and will involve inter-institutional collaboration. Three of the projects selected for funding relate to research projects involving biofuels and energy crops and received total grant assistance of some €0.9 million. Five of the projects selected relate to the agri-environment area and were awarded total grant assistance of €2.6 million.
The new round of research proposals for funding under the 2006 research stimulus fund programme, which was advertised recently in the national press, includes also the theme areas of animal and plant biosciences in addition to the non-food uses of agricultural land and agri-environment. The research will support sustainable agricultural production in its broad sense, particularly development and use of knowledge in the biosciences in order to exploit new and emerging opportunities that support competitiveness and the sustainable use of natural resources.
The projects now being funded and the grant assistance to be made available under the 2006 programme should produce benefits not only for producers but also for the wider community. They will also contribute to improved collaboration between various research institutions and to the establishment of critical mass in certain research areas.
Food Industry.
Jimmy Devins
Question:46 Dr. Devins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her key priorities under the recently announced action plan for the agrifood sector. [12210/06]
The action plan is the response to the report of the Agri-Vision 2015 committee, which was chaired by Mr. Alan Dukes and contained some of most senior figures in the sector including leaders of the farm and industry organisations. It also takes account of the material from a wide variety of other reports and sources such as the enterprise strategy group.
This plan is based on a well-founded belief that the Irish agrifood sector, including our farmers, and our food and drink manufacturers, can compete with the best in the world when that objective is pursued with sufficient focus, determination and skill. The plan sets out a new vision for the future of the sector in the light of new changes impacting on it such as the change to a decoupled payments regime, a more liberalised trade policy, changes in lifestyle, the clear emergence of technology and research and development as significant market drivers and major changes in the structures of farming and retailing.
The Agri-Vision 2015 action plan was produced by my Department to map out the actions needed to ensure the success of the Irish agrifood sector into the future. The drivers of its success are competitiveness, innovation and consumer-focused marketing. The following are the key points. Competitiveness — the agrifood sector exports the majority of what it produces. To survive and grow it must be highly competitive on EU and international markets. Competitiveness is not optional for such an export-oriented sector. It is the primary objective on which this plan is based. Innovation — the modern food industry is a highly sophisticated knowledge based sector in which technological progress and product innovation is unremitting. Consumer focus — meeting consumer demands on product, presentation and price is critical to continuing success.
Our vision for success is focused on the objective of ensuring that the Irish agrifood sector compares to the best in the EU and in the world in terms of knowledge base, competitiveness, innovation and marketing. Actions are required under each of these headings. There are 166 such actions and I will refer to a few of them.
Overwhelmingly the future of the sector will be decided by its capacity to meet the demands of modern European consumers. Consumers require guarantees on food safety. Irish State agencies provide world class, effective food safety systems backed up by robust traceability systems. Food safety standards are the responsibility of everybody in the food chain, private and public. There is now an increased focus by consumers on food quality, nutritional value and ethical production and we must move our production systems to meet that demand. Among the practical steps to be taken is to ensure that consumers will have country of origin information on beef products and, as soon as possible, on other meat products and the revamping and relaunch of the school milk scheme.
The food industry currently only spends 0.3% of sales on research and development. This will have to change. The food industry is a high-tech sector now and we will have to recognise this change in our investment patterns. The State is doing its part both through the direct research effort of Teagasc and the universities and through our competitive research funding programmes. These programmes have stimulated collaboration and inter-institutional partnerships and have resulted in recognised centres of excellence and many new product and process developments. These developments must be further strengthened and the expertise gained rapidly disseminated to underpin a competitive and profitable Irish agrifood sector.
Some of the practical actions under this heading include the prioritisation of Exchequer funding for research and development in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. I have already shown my intent in this area by increasing research and development funding this year.
Competitiveness is literally a life and death issue for our food firms and ultimately for the commercial future of our farms and for farm income. For this reason, this is by far the longest chapter of this plan covering over 93 specific actions. I will refer to a few of them. One of the most important is the substantial change in the milk quota system that will commence in 2007. Arrangements are being made to introduce an open-market system of transferring quotas designed to facilitate consolidation of holdings, increase efficiency and contribute to more competitive milk production. This is a very important development for our commercial dairy farmers. There are also many actions in the plan to be taken in the other areas such as small-scale enterprises, horticulture and the organic sector, forestry, renewable energy and rural development.
This plan sets out our positive vision for the future of the sector. It underlines the fact that delivering safe, high-quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner, to well-informed consumers in high-value markets is the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry, and therefore for our farmers.
It sets out the 166 actions that are being, or will be, taken to fulfil this vision. The huge range of activities outlined makes it clear that the State and the taxpayer are doing their bit. It is vitally important that all the private interests in the sector also play their part. I am convinced that they will and I look forward to the establishment of the Agri-Vision forum, announced in chapter 7 of this plan, where we will bring all the relevant interests together and focus them on the achievement of our common aim.
Infectious Diseases.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:47 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of her Department’s efforts to detect and combat avian influenza; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9501/06]
My Department has in place a comprehensive and robust range of measures with a particular emphasis on maintaining high vigilance of the wild bird population, with the aid of ornithological organisations and has increased avian influenza surveillance.
In view of the role played by wild birds in spreading the avian flu virus, my Department's focus is on the early detection of any introduction of the disease in wild birds, minimising the risk of any subsequent transmission to the commercial poultry flock in the event of such a transmission and the efficient management of the outbreak.
Specifically, I made three statutory instruments earlier this month transposing three separate European Commission decisions allowing for additional precautionary measures to be taken in advance of any case as well as providing for the measures to be taken in response to a case in wild birds or an outbreak in poultry.
In deciding on the control measures to be taken, my Department is informed by the most up-to-date expert scientific and veterinary advice available. In particular, regard is being had to the spread of the virus and the increasing number of cases throughout the European Union, which increased the risk of introduction of the virus into Ireland. My Department is also taking account of the advice of the World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO, the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the EU Commission. I have personally participated in a number of discussions at the Agriculture Council and, earlier this month, discussed the issue with my French counterpart, following an outbreak in a domestic poultry flock in France.
In view of this increased risk and in accordance with my Department's avian flu contingency plan, I established an expert advisory group to provide me with ongoing advice in relation to avian control measures. This group is chaired by Professor Michael Monaghan of the faculty of veterinary medicine at UCD and includes members with veterinary, medical and ornithological expertise from within and outside my Department. The group has convened two meetings and has examined the situation in relation to the introduction of avian influenza into Ireland in the context of recent developments both in the EU and third countries. On both occasions, the group reviewed the current control measures put in place by my Department and has declared its confidence in their adequacy.
To date a range of EU and national measures has been put in place and others are under active consideration, including a possible requirement for the compulsory housing of domestic poultry, as has been done in a number of other European countries. The latter is provided for in EU, and now domestic, legislation in certain defined circumstances and I will have no hesitation in introducing such a requirement here as soon as I think it is appropriate. The expert group has concluded that the circumstances do not yet exist in which this would be warranted.
My Department also introduced and is maintaining a register of poultry flock owners and owners of other birds and it is now a statutory requirement that all poultry flock owners register with my Department. All those registered have been issued with biosecurity advice to limit the risk of introduction of avian influenza onto their holdings. The register will be of vital importance to my Department in identifying the precise locations of neighbouring flocks to any disease outbreak and will be of enormous assistance in ensuring that the necessary control procedures are fully in place.
In addition, my Department has extended the helpline facility which we have been operating since last autumn. The helpline will be a useful tool in early detection as people report dead birds. My Department placed an advice notice in all national papers last week giving advice to the public on what should usefully be reported to the helpline. I want to express my appreciation to those concerned members of the public who, conscious of the threat posed by avian flu, have been contacting the helpline in such large numbers.
At this stage, I am satisfied that the measures in place are appropriate to the current level of risk but the situation is clearly evolving and is being kept under review with a view to introducing such additional precautionary measures as are required. My Department is and has been continuing to review and modify its contingency arrangements in order to ensure the early detection and speedy eradication of avian influenza.
Direct Sales.
Trevor Sargent
Question:48 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will liaise with the Department of the Environment and Local Government to put in place a strategy to allow farmers engage in direct sales of vegetables and dairy products, etc., on the basis of 60% minimum own produce and 40% maximum bought in produce. [12172/06]
A growth opportunity exists in direct sales and the farmers markets concept presents opportunities for producers to sell directly to consumers. There are over 100 such markets operating throughout the country at present. An Bord Bia, the statutory food promotion agency, provides a range of support services for farmers markets including advice and mentoring assistance and has also published a comprehensive information guide on the running and operation of these markets.
It is not clear to me precisely what the Deputy is suggesting in terms of developing a strategy for direct sales in liaison with my colleague Deputy Roche, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Direct on-farm sales would of course have to comply with a wide range of legal and regulatory consent codes as apply in the retail sector.
Export Refunds.
Dinny McGinley
Question:49 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to retain pre-financing of export refunds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12015/06]
Irish beef exports in 2005 stood at 487,000 tonnes. All of these exports went to the UK and continental Europe except for 35,000 tonnes that went to third countries, mainly Russia. While the beef industry has in recent years become less reliant on third countries, these markets are important for specific cuts at particular times of the year. Third country beef exports attract export refunds.
At the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 20 March, Commissioner Fischer Boel announced her intention of abolishing pre-financing of export refunds on the basis of criticisms levelled at the system in a 2003 report of the Court of Auditors. The report stated that controls were complex and not evenly applied across member states. The pre-financing regime allows for payment of refunds at the time the beef is put under customs control and for the meat to remain in storage for up to four months. The regime is of benefit to exporters in that it assists them with cash flow but also provides time for the exporter to build up an exportable quantity of stock and to find a suitable market.
At the Council of Ministers, I strongly opposed the removal of pre-financing arguing that its abolition was not justified. Pre-financing is currently being used by most of our exporters of beef to third countries and is an important part of their operation. The system was streamlined in 2003 and the controls are now working well.
An internal impact study by the Commission shows that the main advantage of the scheme was in the administration of beef exports rather the financial element. The Commission propose new beef control measures to replace the present scheme and I and my Department will be examining the proposals to ensure as far as possible that whatever is put in place by the Commission to replace the existing system best suits the needs of the Irish beef sector.
Gender Equality.
Willie Penrose
Question:50 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she has taken, within the context of her responsibilities in respect of agricultural households, to implement Ireland’s commitments under the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action to improve the lot of rural living women here. [12232/06]
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action signalled a commitment on the part of governments to international norms in gender equality, to the elimination of discrimination against women and to the removal of obstacles to equality for women. Ireland accepted the Beijing platform without reservations. A national women's strategy is currently being prepared and my Department is represented on the interdepartmental working group tasked with its preparation. In leading the development of Irish agriculture, my objectives include the retention of the maximum number of farm families and policies pursued by my Department are geared towards achieving these objectives.
In so far as my Department's approach is concerned the schemes and services administered by it are administered in a gender-neutral fashion. Subject to the relevant eligibility criteria, it is open to women involved in farming and in rural life to avail of the full range of services operated by my Department and other agencies.
The advisory committee's report on the role of Women in Agriculture, published in September 2000, contained 36 recommendations in total, covering a very broad range of policy and operational areas. These areas were — statistical evaluation of women farmers; employment, training and information technology; representation; social inclusion, and personal finance-economic and legal issues. The advisory committee's central concerns related to broader issues affecting women in rural communities more generally and the recommendations have been addressed by the relevant Departments or agencies concerned.
Farm Waste Management.
Peter Power
Question:51 Mr. P. Power asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on progress on the introduction of the new farm waste management scheme to assist farmers meet the requirements of the nitrates directive. [12199/06]
Following receipt of the required EU state aid approval, the revised farm waste management scheme to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the nitrates directive was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Application forms, together with the accompanying terms and conditions, are available from the local agricultural environment and structures, AES, offices of my Department and are also available from my Department's website.
I am pleased that the negotiations with the EU Commission in relation to this scheme have now come to a satisfactory conclusion and I would like to pay particular tribute to Commissioner Fischer Boel for her assistance in this regard. I would also like to express my thanks to the various representative bodies for their assistance in drafting the terms of the new scheme.
I remind farmers that, as the current EU rural development round closes at the end of this year, applications can only be accepted under the revised scheme up to the end of 2006. In view of this short time-frame, I have decided that applications can be accepted by my Department as soon as any required planning permission has been applied for to the relevant local authority. I urge farmers to take the necessary steps to ensure that participation in the scheme is not made impossible by the late submission of completed applications.
Export Refunds.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:52 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she plans to secure the current pre-payment procedure for export refunds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12016/06]
Irish beef exports in 2005 stood at 487,000 tonnes. All of these exports went to the UK and continental Europe except for 35,000 tonnes that went to third countries, mainly Russia. While the beef industry has in recent years become less reliant on third countries, these markets are important for specific cuts at particular times of the year. Third country beef exports attract export refunds.
At the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 20 March, Commissioner Fischer Boel announced her intention of abolishing pre-financing of export refunds on the basis of criticisms levelled at the system in a 2003 report of the Court of Auditors. The report stated that controls were complex and not evenly applied across member states. The pre-financing regime allows for payment of refunds at the time the beef is put under customs control and for the meat to remain in storage for up to four months. The regime is of benefit to exporters in that it assists them with cash flow but also provides time for the exporter to build up an exportable quantity of stock and to find a suitable market.
At the Council of Ministers I strongly opposed the removal of pre-financing arguing that its abolition was not justified. Pre-financing is currently being used by most of our exporters of beef to third countries and is an important part of their operation. The system was streamlined in 2003 and the controls are now working well.
An internal impact study by the Commission shows that the main advantage of the scheme was in the administration of beef exports rather the financial element. The Commission propose new beef control measures to replace the present scheme and I and my Department will examine the proposals to ensure as far as possible that whatever is put in place by the Commission to replace the existing system best suits the needs of the Irish beef sector.
EU Directives.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:53 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the means she has or will put in place to encourage cultivation of crops in rotations which have a high nitrogen uptake such as stubble turnips, winter rye, Westerwolds ryegrass, mustard, phacelia, forage rape and so on to assist with compliance of the nitrates directive. [12177/06]
The cultivation of crops in rotations which have a high nitrogen uptake is good environmental and agronomic practice. However, decisions on the cultivation of crops and the specific rotation adopted on any holding are entirely a matter for the occupier of the holding who may avail of professional advice from his or her agricultural advisor if needed. It is the responsibility of the occupier of a holding to ensure compliance with the provisions of the nitrates regulations in relation to that holding.
David Stanton
Question:54 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress her Department is making, in consultation with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in considering the advice received from Teagasc in relation to phosphorous and nitrogen limits with regard to the derogation of part three of the nitrates directive; when it is expected the negotiations with the Commission to be resumed in relation to derogation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12182/06]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In January, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced a short de facto deferral of part 3 of the nitrates regulations, which covers nutrient management. This was to allow Teagasc to submit revised advice in relation to phosphorus limits.
A detailed Teagasc submission, covering phosphorus as well as other aspects of the regulations, was received earlier this month. Officials of the two Departments have been examining it and a copy of the Teagasc advice was provided to the European Commission. Officials of the two Departments and representatives from Teagasc met the Commission on 22 March and Teagasc has now made available copies of various background research papers to assist the Commission in considering the new advice.
The Commission's agreement will be required for any amendments that may be proposed to the regulations and I am satisfied that the Commission is open to arguments that are scientifically robust. However, it is important that the matter is brought to a quick conclusion so that negotiations on a derogation, which is vital to a large number of more intensive farmers, can proceed.
Food Industry.
John Curran
Question:55 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will comment on her initiative to promote local and regional food economies. [12202/06]
I am firmly of the view that there is great potential for development of local and regional food economies, which is why I have established a regional food fora initiative involving my Department, An Bord Bia and the other food development agencies. The first forum was held in Donegal in late 2005 on the theme "Market Focus for small food enterprises". Speakers shared experiences on regional food development with food enterprises from Counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. State agencies and service providers were on hand to assist producers and food enterprises interested in growing their business and food products from the north west were showcased to highlight the importance of food to the region's economy. I also launched the North West Food and Drink Trade Directory, a timely guide and reference source for small food business in the north west.
It is planned to hold the next food forum in the north east in June and as with the earlier event cross-Border attendance will be welcomed. This will offer small food entrepreneurs good opportunities to showcase products, build business linkages and obtain advice on what development agencies have to offer. By working closely with farmers, small food producers and local agencies we can successfully promote food enterprise and innovation to develop unique products reflecting the strengths of each region.
In order to promote regional produce at a wider level Bord Bia together with Invest Northern Ireland will host an International Speciality Food Forum on 11 May at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin on the theme ‘Regional and Local Foods — An Opportunity for Growth'. The objective of the event is to support and develop sales of Irish small business and speciality food companies on the core markets of Ireland and the UK. Up to 80 Irish speciality and premium food and drink producers will showcase their products to around 150 trade buyers attending from Ireland and the UK. This will represent the largest showcase of speciality Irish food and drink companies under one roof in 2006 and will provide a valuable framework for networking with innovative regional and local companies.
Varied routes to market are central to the development of small food businesses and the record growth of farmers markets is testament to this. Building on the outstanding success of the Farmleigh Food Market, Bord Bia and the Office of Public Works have drawn up a programme of one-day seasonal food markets on five OPW heritage sites with the objectives of enhancing public awareness of heritage sites and of fostering closer ties with the local farming, business and community interests. The heritage sites selected are: Fota House and Gardens, Cork — February; JFK Arboretum, Wexford — May; Castletown House, Kildare — July; Newmills, Letterkenny — Donegal, September; Emo Court, Laois — December.
During 2006 Bord Bia will undertake research on the opportunities for Irish speciality and local foods in Great Britain, in particular the motives of speciality food consumers, to assist and orient small food companies interested in that market. Bord Bia will also undertake research into the authentic ingredients which form part of Ireland's food tradition and which could raise awareness of local and regional foods and so assist producers with production diversification.
The output of the Irish artisan and speciality food sectors grew 10% in 2005 to reach €475 million. This strong performance demonstrates the opportunities that exist for the right products. There are further growth prospects for these sectors nationally and in the United Kingdom where the market is forecast to reach €7.5 billion over three years making the initiative to promote local and regional food economies very timely.
Sugar Industry.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:56 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the distribution of the compensation package arising from the demise of the sugar beet industry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12233/06]
Enda Kenny
Question:69 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedures to be employed to distribute the sugar compensation package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12012/06]
Pat Breen
Question:114 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedure she intends to employ when distributing the compensation envelope to those within the sugar industry who now face substantial losses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12009/06]
Simon Coveney
Question:128 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she took to retain the processing of sugar beet for the 2006 season; her plans for the future utilisation of the lands and the distribution of the compensation package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12010/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 69, 114 and 128 together.
The agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime which comes into effect on 1 July 2006 provides for a restructuring fund in respect of the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring of the sugar industry, involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. In Ireland's case, this fund would be worth up to €145 million. The agreement provides that at least 10% of the restructuring fund shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors. That proportion may be increased by member states after consultation of interested parties provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured.
Throughout the negotiations on reform of the EU sugar regime, my primary objective was to seek to have the Commission's proposals modified so as to ensure the continuation of an efficient sugar processing sector in Ireland. I had several meetings with the Commissioner in that regard and Ireland played an active role in a group of 11 member states which had common cause in seeking to modify the proposals. The group remained steadfast in its opposition to the reform proposals from the time they were first mooted in July 2004 right up to the final Council meeting in November 2005. When it became evident at the Council meeting that there was not sufficient political support to adapt the proposals to the extent necessary, I focused my efforts on securing a compensation package worth €310 million for Irish stakeholders. I also succeeded in having the reform arrangements phased-in in a manner that opened up the possibility of sugar processing being continued in Ireland for a further two campaigns. Unfortunately, the recent deterioration in the market situation was obviously a decisive factor for Greencore and on 15 March the company announced its decision to cease sugar production.
Where restructuring takes place in the first year of the new regime, following consultations between the processor and the beet growers an application for restructuring aid, including a detailed restructuring plan for the industry, must be made by 31 July 2006 and a decision on the granting of the aid must be made by the member state by 30 September 2006. Where aid is awarded in respect of restructuring in the first year, payment will be made in two instalments, the first instalment of 40% in June 2007 and 60% in February 2008. Depending on the financial resources available the EU Commission may decide to split the final payment into two payments.
The EU Commission is working on detailed rules for the implementation of the restructuring scheme. It is anticipated that the relevant Commission regulation will be adopted in May. This regulation will also cover the diversification funds, worth almost €44 million to Irish growers, to be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme.
World Trade Negotiations.
Michael Noonan
Question:57 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the World Trade Organisation talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12039/06]
The ministerial conference in Hong Kong in December 2005 made significant progress towards concluding an agreement on the current World Trade Organisation negotiations. The conference reached agreement on a number of issues, the end-date for export subsidies in particular, and set clear deadlines for the completion of the negotiations. A deadline of end of April 2006 was set for the completion of the modalities of the new agreement and a further deadline of end of July 2006 was set for completion of the detailed member country schedules. Intensive negotiations have been underway since Hong Kong and these are continuing with a view to meeting the end of April deadline.
I am continuing to play an active role in these negotiations and I am pursuing a balanced outcome between all sectors of the negotiations and across the different elements of the agriculture negotiations. My overriding objective remains to ensure that the final agreement on agriculture will not require a further reform of the Common Agriculture Policy.
Food Industry.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:58 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the future expansion and development of the food producing sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12220/06]
The mission of my Department is to lead the sustainable development of a competitive, consumer focused agrifood sector and to contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society.
Last week I launched a comprehensive action plan for the future of the agrifood sector. The plan sets out a new vision for the future of the sector in the light of new changes impacting on it such as the change to a decoupled payments regime, a more liberalised trade policy, changes in lifestyle, the clear emergence of technology and research and development as significant market drivers and major changes in the structures of farming and retailing. The plan focuses on three key requirements for success in the light of these challenges: competitiveness, innovation and consumer-focused marketing. There are also many actions to be taken in the other areas such as small-scale enterprises, horticulture and the organic sector, forestry, renewable energy and rural development.
The plan contains 166 specific actions under a series of headings to be implemented in the near future with the objective of ensuring that the Irish agrifood sector compares to the best in the EU and in the world in terms of knowledge base, competitiveness, innovation and marketing. The action plan also provides for the establishment of two high level groups, one comprised CEOs of the food agencies to ensure and implement a fully consolidated approach towards the development of the food sector as a whole and a food industry committee, comprising senior executives of the industry which will identify issues impeding the development of the sector. Both groups will be chaired at ministerial level.
In the area of building the knowledge base and innovation, increased Exchequer funding for research and development will be prioritised in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, which will build on the increased funding for research and development allocated this year. The importance of competitiveness for such an export-oriented sector is stressed throughout the plan and is the primary objective on which the plan is based. In the modern high-tech food industry, technological progress and product innovation are unremitting and vital to the future of the sector. Meeting consumer demands on product, presentation and price are also absolutely critical to continuing success.
The action plan sets out our positive vision for the future of the agrifood sector. It underlines the fact that delivering safe, high-quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner, to well-informed consumers in high-value markets is the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry and, therefore, for our farmers. My Department will be to the fore in delivering on the actions set out in the plan and with the co-operation and support from state agencies and the private sector I am convinced that our mission can be achieved.
Animal Welfare.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:59 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action her Department takes to ensure Irish entities conform to European standards on enforceability, animal health and welfare and consumer protection; the amount which is spent each year ensuring such compliance; the number of people who are engaged in investigating degrees of compliance with EU law in these areas; the deficiencies she is aware of in the compliance rates with such standards; and the deficiencies she is aware of in the manner of Ireland’s enforcement of such EU laws. [12229/06]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the controls enforced by my Department in relation to the wide range of animal health and welfare legislation for which my Department has responsibility and for which it is the competent authority in this country and to our involvement in food safety legislation in conjunction with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. About half of the Department's total staff are engaged directly or indirectly in the regulatory work in these areas. This involves staff costs of approximately €100 million and €35 million in ancillary costs.
The staff involved include administrative, veterinary and technical staff in the various headquarter locations of the Department as well as throughout all of the Department's local offices and in many other locations in which my Department maintains a presence, for example, slaughter plants, Border inspection posts and laboratories. Those working in the local offices are also involved to a very significant degree at farm-level, an essential component of the work.
I am satisfied that the staff of my Department who are involved in these areas of work ensure a very high level of compliance with the various requirements provided for in the legislation and this is regularly borne out by the results of the various missions undertaken by the Food and Veterinary Office of the European Commission which for the most part reflect very favourably on my Department's performance. In any circumstances in which shortcomings are identified, they are immediately addressed and remedial measures implemented as a matter of urgency.
Export Refunds.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:60 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position regarding the abolition of export credit refunds by the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12058/06]
The framework agreement for the current WTO round which was concluded in Geneva in August 2004 commits member countries, including the EU, to negotiate detailed rules, including an end-date for the parallel elimination of all forms of export subsidies and for the introduction of disciplines on export measures with equivalent effect. The framework agreement covers export refunds, export credits, the trade-distorting practices of state trading enterprises and food aid practices which are not in conformity with disciplines to be introduced.
At the WTO Hong Kong ministerial conference in December 2005, agreement was reached on an end date of 2013 for all forms of export subsidy. The EU's acceptance of this end date was conditional on the application of equivalent disciplines on all forms of export subsidy. The parallel elimination of all export subsidies should ensure equal competition on the world market for all exporters. I am committed to ensure that full parallel elimination of all forms of export subsidy is delivered by our negotiating partners and that, in so far as EU export refunds are concerned, the most flexible phasing-out arrangements are achieved.
Departmental Funding.
John Carty
Question:61 Mr. Carty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the themes of the latest round of research projects to be grant aided under the food institutional research measure. [12206/06]
FIRM, the food institutional research measure, is a public good food research programme funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Calls for proposals have issued periodically since 2000 and a total of €63 million in funding has been awarded for 137 projects under a variety of research themes.
I am convinced that high quality food research, which creates new knowledge and capacity, is of huge importance to the continued development of the agri-food sector. In early February, my Department issued a call through the national press inviting a new round of research proposals from institutions under the five themes of food and health; food quality and manufacturing; food safety and security of the food chain; food, the consumer and the food supply chain; and new uses for food and drink by-products. The themes have been selected to highlight strategic areas of opportunity for the food sector as well as consumer and food safety needs.
The areas covered by these themes are as follows. Food and health includes functional foods, product reformulation for enhanced health, nutrigenomics and food surveillance. Food quality and manufacturing refers to new innovative products, novel technologies for food processing and process control, food ingredients, as well as food composition, structure and sensorial properties, food waste management and new or innovative food products, including new uses for dairy fats. Proposals may incorporate meat, beverages, dairy products, prepared consumer foods.
Food safety and security of the food chain aims to build on research in the areas of microbiological and epidemiological research on food pathogens, chemical residues and contaminants in food products, novel processes and ingredients for control of pathogens in food and improved detection methods for food pathogens. Proposals are also invited on risk analysis, risk communication and risk management. Food, the consumer and the food supply chain includes consumer studies to support the development of the Irish food sector and studies aimed at food supply chain efficiency and traceability. New uses for food and drink by-products is left open to encourage new ideas.
The call is addressed to institutions that can demonstrate the necessary research capabilities, including universities, institutes of technology and Teagasc food centres. Proposals involving collaboration between research institutions are encouraged. Research work already funded under FIRM has led to the creation of a number of highly qualified research teams and the formation of recognised centres of excellence. The capability and critical mass that has been developed, together with the associated knowledge base, represents a major resource for industry and well as being instrumental in the development of a number of food products benefiting consumers.
Following the issue of the recent call my Department undertook five briefing sessions for researchers — two each in Dublin and Cork and one in Galway — to assist them in formulating their project proposals. The closing date for receipt of proposals is this coming Friday, 31 March. The proposals will be evaluated by external independent expert panels and then considered by the food institutional research committee, which comprises representatives of the private and public sectors. I look forward to a vibrant and innovative response to the call.
Forestry Sector.
Donie Cassidy
Question:62 Mr. Cassidy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the value of the forestry sector to the economy here; and the number of jobs involved in the sector. [12198/06]
The forestry sector provides a high value input to the national economy, and makes a significant contribution to the economic well being of rural communities. It is estimated that the forestry sector contributes some €698 million annually to the economy. In addition, the value of the non-timber benefits of Irish forests has been estimated as being of the order of at least €88 million annually, in respect of recreation, carbon-storage and biodiversity. In recent years over 14,000 private plantations have been established, the vast majority of these by farmers. In 2005, a total of €58.1 million in forestry premiums was paid out to forest owners. The level of employment generated through forestry in Ireland is of the order of 16,000 people, not including forest owners.
Farm Waste Management.
Dan Boyle
Question:63 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which she expects the new scheme of investment aid for waste management to proceed; and the advice she has for farmers endeavouring to apply for aid. [12174/06]
Pat Breen
Question:98 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself with the allocation of funding available to meet the farm waste management grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12029/06]
Paul Connaughton
Question:100 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the new grant scheme will be available for farm waste management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12028/06]
Dan Boyle
Question:112 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will honour fully the commitment to increase the standard costings for suitably qualified young farmers who qualify for a top-up as agreed in the charter of rights for farmers. [12173/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 98, 100 and 112 together.
Following receipt of the required EU approval, the revised farm waste management scheme was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Application forms, together with the accompanying terms and conditions, are available from the local agricultural environment and structures, AES, offices of my Department and are also available on my Department's website. The principal changes to the scheme include — an increase in the standard grant-rate from 40% to 60%, with 70% being available in the four zone C counties; an extension of the scheme for the first time to sectors such as horses, deer, goats, pigs and poultry, and mushroom compost; the removal of any minimum income requirements from farming from the scheme; and an increase in the maximum eligible investment from €75,000 to €120,000 per holding.
As the scheme closes for applications at the end of 2006, I have also arranged that applications will be accepted by Department as soon as any required planning permission has been applied for to the relevant local authority. I urge farmers to make use of this opportunity to participate in the scheme by ensuring that their application forms are received in good time.
Some €43 million is available in this year's Estimates for the scheme and I am satisfied that sufficient funding will be made available for the duration of the scheme to finance the likely demand. The standard costings for the scheme are currently under review and the commitments contained in the revised charter of rights for farmers will be fully adhered to.
Grant Payments.
Damien English
Question:64 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payments will be made under the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12024/06]
Tom Hayes
Question:73 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers awaiting payment under the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12023/06]
Paul Connaughton
Question:80 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in issuing the single farm payment under the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12019/06]
John Perry
Question:118 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in issuing entitlements under the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12021/06]
Bernard Allen
Question:120 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the national reserve will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12020/06]
Michael Noonan
Question:123 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the allocation of entitlements under the national reserve; when she intends to issue the entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12040/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 73, 80, 118, 120 and 123 together.
The position is that 17,500 farmers submitted applications to the national reserve but when account is taken of the number of farmers who applied under two or more categories over 23,000 files have to be processed. While much work has been done in processing the vast majority of the applications, none of the applications have yet been processed to finality with national reserve allocations attributed. Some 11% of the applications received are still under query with the farmers concerned as my Department has sought additional information in support of their applications. Processing of all applications is continuing and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants within the next two weeks. I will make a formal announcement, in due course, setting out the various criteria for allocating entitlements.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Jim Glennon
Question:65 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the prospects of REP scheme three in 2006 and on progress in the REP scheme four consultation process. [12207/06]
REPS 3 has been a major success and participation has broken previous records. Spending on REPS grew from €208 million in 2004 to €283 million in 2005, and provision has been made in the 2006 Estimates for a further increase to €323 million this year. The increased allocation for 2006 reflects the fact that I expect that there will be further significant growth in participation levels this year.
My Department received 80 written submissions as part of the REPS 4 consultative process. All those who made submissions were invited to an open forum which was held on 2 February at which they had a further opportunity to take part in the consultative process along with officials of my Department and the European Commission. The consultative process has been very informative and produced many ideas which can be incorporated in REPS 4 to the benefit of the scheme and the environment generally. My officials are currently in the process of drafting proposals on REPS 4, which will be incorporated in Ireland's draft rural development plan for the period 2007-13.
Infectious Diseases.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:66 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her Department’s strategy in dealing with the threat of avian flu among the wild bird population. [9584/06]
Joan Burton
Question:86 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself with the preparations in place for the protection of the country from avian flu; the position regarding recent international developments in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12235/06]
Bernard Allen
Question:116 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to prevent an outbreak of avian flu here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12044/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 86 and 116 together.
In view of the role played by wild birds in spreading the avian flu virus, my Department's focus is on the early detection of any introduction of the disease in wild birds, minimising the risk of any subsequent transmission to the commercial poultry flock and in the event of such a transmission, the efficient management of the outbreak.
To those ends, my Department has in place a comprehensive and robust range of measures with a particular emphasis on maintaining high vigilance of the wild bird population with the aid of ornithological organisations and has increased avian influenza surveillance.
In the event of a discovery of H5N1 in a wild bird in Ireland, my Department will immediately implement the provisions laid down in European Commission Decision 2006/115/EC as recently transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instrument 125 of 2006 — European Communities (Protection Measures in relation to Avian Influenza in Wild Birds) Regulations 2006.
In order to minimise the risk of an outbreak of avian flu in Ireland and, thereafter, to ensure speedy control and eradication, my Department is informed by the most up-to-date expert scientific and veterinary advice available. In particular, regard is being had to the spread of the virus and the increasing number of outbreaks throughout the European Union, which increased the risk of introduction of the virus into Ireland. My Department is also taking account of the advice of the World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO, the World Health Organisation, WHO, and the EU Commission. I have participated in a number of discussions at the Agriculture Council and, earlier this month, discussed the issue with my French counterpart.
In view of this increased risk and as provided for in my Department's avian influenza contingency plan, I set up an expert group to provide ongoing advice in relation to control measures. This group is chaired by Professor Michael Monaghan of the faculty of veterinary medicine at UCD and includes members with veterinary, medical and ornithological expertise from within and outside my Department. The group has had two meetings to date and has examined the situation in relation the introduction of avian influenza into Ireland in the context of recent developments both in the EU and third countries. The group has, on both occasions, reviewed the current control measures put in place by my Department and has confirmed its confidence in their adequacy.
To date a range of EU and national measures has been put in place and others are under active consideration, including a requirement for the compulsory housing of domestic poultry, as has been done in some other European countries closer to the recent outbreaks. The latter is provided for in EU legislation in certain defined circumstances and I will have no hesitation in introducing such a requirement here as soon as I think it is appropriate. The expert group has concluded that the circumstances do not yet exist on which this would be warranted.
My Department also introduced and is maintaining a register of poultry flockowners and owners of other birds and it is now a statutory requirement that all poultry flockowners register with my Department. The register will be of vital importance to my Department in identifying the precise locations of neighbouring flocks to any disease outbreak and will be of enormous assistance in ensuring that the necessary control procedures are fully in place.
The register is also very useful in ensuring that advice can be provided directly to poultry flockowners and my Department has already issued an advice booklet on biosecurity measures to all registered poultry flockowners and has drawn their specific attention to the need to use treated water where the water supply is being drawn from a surface water reservoir to which wild birds might also have access.
At this stage, I am satisfied that the measures in place are appropriate to the current level of risk but the situation is clearly evolving and is being kept under review with a view to introducing such additional precautionary measures as are required. My Department has been and is continuing to review and modify its contingency arrangements in order to ensure early detection and combat of avian influenza and that all reasonable precautions are taken to prepare for a possible outbreak of avian influenza in Ireland.
Grant Payments.
Paul McGrath
Question:67 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when all farmers will be issued with their single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12030/06]
Phil Hogan
Question:83 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers awaiting payment under the single farm payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12022/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 83 together.
One of my main objectives since assuming office as Minister for Agriculture and Food was to ensure the efficient implementation of the decoupled single payment scheme — the most significant change to agricultural support since our accession to the European Community.
This huge task was successfully implemented when over €1 billion in single payments issued to 118,500 farmers last December meeting the target we had set ourselves of making the payments on the first possible date. This was a major undertaking and the outcome, after painstaking preparatory work in establishing individual entitlements, was, by any standards, a major achievement.
Under EU legislation, member states may commence payment under the single payment scheme on 1 December of the year of application, with payments being fully processed by the following 30 June. My priority in 2005, the first year of this new scheme, was to maximize the number of payments to eligible applicants by the earliest date possible of 1 December and I am satisfied that this was achieved. Since then, it has been my absolute priority to ensure that the issues that are holding up the remaining cases are resolved with the applicants concerned and that payments are made without undue delay. To this end, I have arranged that payments issue on a very regular basis, as soon as the problems with the outstanding cases are resolved.
In common with the coupled schemes, which the single payment scheme replaced, delays in processing can be caused by many factors, including incomplete application forms, errors on applications and discrepancies highlighted following computer validation, which must be resolved via correspondence with the applicant. In many cases, payment could not be made because applicants did not submit an application to transfer the single payment entitlements, with lands, by way of inheritance, gift, lease or purchase. Many of these applications were only received after my Department made direct contact with the farmers in question, during recent weeks, and some have yet to be submitted.
The ongoing objective of my Department is to make payments to all of those farmers who have yet to receive their payment or are entitled to a supplementary payment, as soon as their cases are cleared for payment. Every effort is being made by my Department to resolve the outstanding cases but many of these are extremely complex and, in other cases, my Department is still awaiting documentation before payment can be made. A number of payment runs continue to be made each week as the more complicated files are cleared.
I should add that the changeover to the single payment was undertaken while work continued on winding up the coupled schemes. The successful introduction of the single payment scheme in Ireland in 2005 is testimony to the efforts of all concerned. It is my intention that this success will be built on into the future.
At present, total payments amount to €1,140 million involving 98% of farmers who hold entitlements and applied for the single payment scheme. In excess of 2,000 SPS applications are still awaiting clearance for payment. Payments are continuing to issue to farmers as their applications are processed to completion, in accordance with the EU legislation governing the single payment scheme.
Dairy Industry.
Dan Neville
Question:68 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had at EU level to protect dairy supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12034/06]
The Irish dairy industry continues to contribute very substantially to the national economy, with an annual output value of €2.3 billion. Irish dairy exports performed exceptionally well in 2005 amounting to €1.82 billion. This is a very positive performance given the downward adjustments to market management supports brought about by the implementation of the Luxembourg agreement on the reform of the CAP.
Throughout 2005, the EU Commission moved aggressively to reduce internal aids and export subsidies to the new intervention price levels, which caused a high degree of volatility on the dairy market. I strongly resisted these moves and pressed the Commissioner at the Council of Ministers to redirect policy and restore market stability. With the support of other Ministers, the market for the remainder of 2005 stabilised and market competitiveness was restored.
I am firmly of the view that the market management measures cannot be used in a crude manner but must be deployed carefully and sensitively. Earlier this year I highlighted to the Commission the need to maintain the competitive position of EU butter on third country markets and I was very pleased to see increases in export refunds for butter. I have no doubt that the Irish dairy sector will take advantage of these positive developments.
As we move towards the further agreed intervention price reductions next July I will continue to emphasise the need for stability on the market. Indeed, I have frequently discussed this matter with the Commissioner bilaterally and she is fully aware of my view that market stability is essential to allow the dairy industry time to adjust to the current market realities and adapt their business strategies accordingly.
Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 56.
Vaccination Programme.
Gay Mitchell
Question:70 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to introduce a bovine vaccination programme for tuberculosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12006/06]
Vaccination of bovines for tuberculosis is not allowed in EU member states and accordingly I have no proposals to introduce such vaccination as part of the tuberculosis eradication scheme here. However, my Department is currently seeking to develop a vaccine for badgers. It accepted that the availability of such a vaccine is a prerequisite if eradication of tuberculosis from the cattle population is to be achieved. In view of this, drawing on the latest national and international developments in immunology and molecular biology, a badger vaccine research group based at the department of large animal clinical studies, veterinary college, University College Dublin, in conjunction with colleagues in the department of zoology, University College Cork and Trinity College, Dublin is progressing an ambitious programme to develop a vaccine to protect badgers from tuberculosis.
The objective is to secure an orally delivered preparation of BCG vaccine for use in badgers that will result in lower TB levels in that species. With this in mind, a large scale field trial of BCG in badgers is planned to test the efficacy of the vaccine, as testing carried out to date under experimental conditions have shown encouraging results. However, any vaccine will not be available for wider use in the immediate future and the existing strategy will remain in place for some time.
EU Directives.
Damien English
Question:71 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her role to date on the implementation of the nitrates action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12027/06]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My own Department has worked closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government throughout the lengthy consultation process leading to the development of the nitrates action programme and the regulations.
In December, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made Regulations giving legal effect to Ireland's national action programme under the nitrates directive. These regulations were finalised following difficult negotiations between the European Commission and officials of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture and Food.
In January, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced a short de facto deferral of part 3 of the regulations, which covers nutrient management. This was to allow Teagasc to submit revised advice in relation to phosphorus limits.
A detailed Teagasc submission, covering phosphorus as well as other aspects of the regulations, was received earlier this month. Officials of the two Departments have been examining it and a copy of the Teagasc advice has been provided to the European Commission. Officials of the two Departments and representatives from Teagasc met the Commission on 22 March and Teagasc has now made available copies of various background research papers to assist the Commission in considering the new advice.
The Commission's agreement will be required for any amendments that may be proposed to the regulations and I am satisfied that the Commission is open to arguments that are scientifically robust. However, it is important that the matter is brought to a quick conclusion so that negotiations on a derogation, which is vital to a large number of more intensive farmers, can proceed.
Food Labelling.
Trevor Sargent
Question:72 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to end the fraudulent and dangerous practise of agricultural produce being imported and labelled in restaurants or in processing as Irish products in view of an FSAI report being known to her Department for over a year now. [12171/06]
The report to which the Deputy refers was an internal report of the FSAI on an audit to determine compliance with labelling and traceability requirements. The FSAI undertook this audit to determine whether food business operators in the fish, beef and poultry industries have in place a system of product traceability and recall. The FSAI copied to my Department the findings in the report that relate specifically to premises that come within its remit. The veterinary inspectorate in my Department examined each of the issues identified in the report and all of them have been addressed to the satisfaction of the FSAI.
As regards imports the position is that imported meat and meat products must be sourced from establishments that are approved and must bear a EU approved health mark. Exporting establishments must have: standards equivalent to the requirements for EU export establishments; effective control systems and supervision by the competent authorities; traceability-labelling in accordance with the systems approved by the EU's Food and Veterinary Office, FVO, and accepted and notified to the EU member states.
The FVO carries out inspections to ensure that only establishments that meet hygiene and health standards equivalent to those operating within the EU are approved. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met, an establishment may be removed from the EU approved list. If outbreaks of animal diseases occur in a third country approval to export to the EU is suspended for the infected regions of the country, or the whole country, as appropriate, until the disease risk has been eliminated. There are safeguard measures in operation suspending export of beef from regions of Brazil and Argentina where outbreaks of foot and mouth disease have occurred. Safeguard measures controlling the import of poultry and poultry products have also been adopted in respect of outbreaks of avian influenza in third countries.
Imported meat and meat products must be accompanied by the appropriate commercial documentation showing country and approval number of the establishment of production and a health certificate conforming to the models set down in EU legislation.
While there is free movement for trade within the EU all consignments from third countries must first be landed at a border inspection post, BIP, approved by the FVO and there must undergo documentary, identity and physical checks. These latter are carried out at frequencies laid down in EU law. In Ireland BIPs approved for the processing of imports of meat are located at Dublin Port and Shannon Airport. The FVO carries out monitoring and inspection of each member state's BIPs to ensure the conditions for import of animal products into Europe, provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied.
Once it has been established that imported meat and meat product has met all the required conditions it is released for free circulation within the Community. Copies of the BIP clearance document and the health certificate must accompany the consignment to its destination. Imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. If non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed.
As regards labelling, an enabling provision to allow for the extension of existing comprehensive beef labelling regulations to include a requirement for information on the country of origin of beef to be provided to the consumer at the point of choice, by establishments in the retail, restaurant and catering sectors, including food business operators, has recently been enacted by way of amendment to section 54 of the 1947 Health Act through the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. This will be commenced by a commencement order in the near future.
My Department is well advanced in drafting the consequential beef regulations which will be required and is currently in consultation with the Department of Health and Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the details including enforcement. While the regulations will then have to be submitted for EU approval, it is hoped that this process will not delay the making of the final regulations. In the meantime, the representative bodies for hotels, restaurants and pubs have agreed to recommend to their members to provide the information on a voluntary basis.
Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 64.
Food Agency Co-operation Council.
Richard Bruton
Question:74 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of meetings of the Food Agency Co-Operation Council in 2004 and 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12052/06]
The Food Agency Co-operation Council has met on 20 occasions since its inception in 2000. During 2004 and 2005 priority was given instead to meetings of the food development agencies directly concerned with the food programme components of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Two such meetings took place in 2004 and one in 2005 to assess progress on the plan in preparation for meetings of the NDP monitoring committees.
In recent months, my Department has been examining the role and format of the Food Agency Co-Operation Council and the manner in which the various food agencies can most effectively co-operate to develop the agri-food industry, in the light of the more market orientated CAP framework, the 2015 Agri-Vision report and the enterprise strategy report. Arising from the review, I recently announced plans to establish a high level group of CEOs of food agencies, chaired at ministerial level, to ensure and implement a fully consolidated approach towards the development of the food sector as a whole. The inaugural meeting of this CEOs' group will be held at an early date.
A number of other initiatives are planned at regional level, which will see the various agencies engage and co-operate with my Department to develop the food industry. The first of these initiatives, the North West Food Forum — Market Focus for Small Food Enterprises — took place in Killybegs last November. At the forum, significant time was allocated for the agencies to network with the industry's stakeholders and to showcase the services available to assist food company development in the region. Similar events focused in other regions as well as other initiatives involving inter-agency co-operation to promote the development of the food industry at all levels are being planned for 2006, including the North East Food Forum which will take place on 12 June in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Eamon Ryan
Question:75 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will give a report on the incident of illegally imported Syngenta BT 10 GM maize, 2,500 tonnes of which was stored in a shed at a County Louth port; the action that was taken to deal with this incident; and the related action that has been taken since by her Department to protect Irish agriculture from contamination by genetically modified organisms. [12181/06]
In May 2005 a consignment of 2,500 tonne of maize gluten, which tested positive for the presence of the unauthorised GM event BT10, was imported into Ireland. My Department had received prior notification from the importer, while the material was in transit, that samples of the feed material had tested positive, in a US laboratory, for the presence of the unauthorised GM event.
The material was immediately impounded under the supervision of authorised officers of my Department on its arrival at Greenore port and held in a secured store located at the port pending arrangements being made by the importer for its re-dispatch and destruction.
In December 2005 the importer, having received the approval of my Department, exported the material to Holland for incineration. All the necessary cleaning of equipment and stores was carried out in accordance with the required procedures.
Live Exports.
Jim Glennon
Question:76 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on progress on the recommencement of live sheep exports to the continent. [12208/06]
Trade in sheep between member states of the European Union is subject to the provisions of Council Directive 91/68/EEC, as amended, which provides reinforced controls on the movement of sheep and goats. Until very recently, these controls provided, as a minimum requirement, that breeding and fattening sheep had to be certified by an official veterinarian as having been continuously resident on a holding for at least 30 days prior to export and that no sheep or goats had been introduced on to the holding in the 21 days prior to export. Slaughter sheep had also to be certified as having been continuously resident on the holding of origin for at least 21 days prior to export and were also subject to a standstill period of 21 days prior to dispatch during which no sheep or goats have been introduced on to the holding of origin.
These controls were introduced in the aftermath of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and came into effect on 1 July 2004. Having been aware of the difficulties that these certification requirements caused, I instructed my Department to raise the matter with the European Commission in an effort to arrive at a certification procedure that best meets the concerns of farmers and exporters while, at the same time, protecting animal health.
I am pleased that, in response to our approach, the European Commission submitted proposals to amend these certification requirements to allow the official veterinarian to issue certification based on a written declaration by the farmer or on an examination of the flock register and movement documents. The proposals providing for these new arrangements were agreed to unanimously by the standing committee on the food chain and animal health on 11 November 2005 and came into force on 15 February 2006. I am confident that they will resolve most of the outstanding difficulties in relation to residency-standstill certification for exports of sheep to France and the United Kingdom. While I am happy to facilitate live sheep exports in any way I can, I would point out that securing outlets and the supply and availability of transport for the carriage of livestock is of course a commercial matter not within the remit of my Department.
Milk Quota.
Martin Brady
Question:77 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the future operation of the milk quota system here. [12211/06]
John Deasy
Question:87 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12041/06]
Billy Timmins
Question:90 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her proposals on the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12046/06]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:113 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the transfer of the milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12234/06]
Phil Hogan
Question:121 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the reform of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12042/06]
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:133 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to revise the allocation of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12050/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 87, 90, 113, 121 and 133 together.
I recently announced my intention to move to a more open market system for transferring milk quota which will come into effect on 1 April 2007. I made this decision because the current restructuring model will not meet the future needs of the industry and a more effective response is required in order to meet future competitive pressures.
This is crucial given the growing competition faced by the sector both internally in the EU and on international markets. These competitive pressures will increase as we move towards the conclusion of a new WTO agreement. I want to ensure the Irish dairy sector is well prepared for these challenges while also having the capacity to secure its share of global growth in demand for dairy products.
In making my announcement, I made it clear that the new system would continue to operate at co-op level and that it could be organised through an exchange system, through direct sales between individuals, between brokers-agents or though the marts. Quota could be sold with or without land and leased with land, with a variety of partnership options being allowed.
My Department has commenced its initial consultation process and when this is completed in the next few weeks, I will consider how best to proceed with a view to having the detailed arrangements in place at the earliest possible date. In announcing my intention to reform the existing system a full year in advance of the effective date of implementation, I was anxious to provide adequate time to consider all the relevant issues and also to alert farmers that new arrangements were under consideration.
Seed Potato Sector.
John Carty
Question:78 Mr. Carty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the assistance available to the seed potato sector; and her plans for the sector. [12205/06]
In August 2005 I announced a grant aid programme for the development of the seed potato sector. The programme, which comes under the national development plan, funds capital investment projects for specialised seed production in 2005-2006. A grant package of 35% applies under the scheme.
The main objective of the scheme is to improve the marketing infrastructure of the seed potato sector by providing grant assistance to producers towards the capital costs of equipment and facilities for the production, storage and marketing of seed potatoes. My main aim is to develop a competitive seed sector with strong links with ware growers to ensure that the €100 million potato industry continues to grow to its full potential.
To date 18 applications have been received and 14 approvals for grant aid under this scheme have been issued amounting to €767,000. There is provision of €1 million for this scheme in 2006.
Bio-Energy Crops.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:79 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to develop the biofuel sector; the discussions she has had with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12055/06]
David Stanton
Question:117 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress she has made in promoting the production of bioenergy crops as a viable alternative for beet growers following the announcement of the closure of the sugar plant in Mallow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12183/06 ]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:134 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action the Government will take to ensure demand for energy crops increases by which percentage each year over the next five years. [12225/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:226 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the incentives directly or through the EU which are available for bio-fuel production with particular reference to the need to replace the farm income of sugar beet growers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12488/06]
David Stanton
Question:236 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the fact that almost half of the cars in Brazil are flexi-fuel cars, which allow owners to switch fuel between ethanol and petrol; her plans to develop bio-energy crops here and assist beet farmers to continue to grow beet for use as a bio-energy crop; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2488/06]
David Stanton
Question:237 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her reason for failing to promote bio-energy crops as an alternative for beet growers here in view the success of the bio-energy ethanol crop industry as an alternative for the sugar crop in Brazil which devotes over 50 per cent of its crop to bio-energy production; the action she intends to take to assist the development of the bio-energy crops here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12564/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 117, 134, 226, 236 and 237 together.
Interest in the growing of energy crops is dependent on the demand for biofuels, the promotion of which is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Nonetheless the development of the biofuels sector is a matter that impinges on several policy areas including agriculture, environment, transport and taxation, and involves various Government Departments and agencies. My Department has been represented on a number of inter-Departmental groups considering the matter and there is also ongoing contact with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, for example in relation to the EU Commission's Biomass Action Plan and Strategy for Biofuels, which were discussed recently by the Council of Agriculture Ministers.
I am very conscious of the central role that agriculture can play in supplying the necessary raw materials for the production of biofuels. Oilseed rape, wheat and sugar beet can be used for the manufacture of liquid transport biofuels, while forestry by-products and other farming and food by-products, such as meat and bone meal and tallow, can be used for energy/heat generation. Tallow can also be used in biodiesel production.
Factors such as the increasing cost of oil, the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the opportunity for farmers to explore alternative land uses following CAP reform, mean that the potential of this area must be fully explored.
As a contribution to biofuels policy development, my Department in conjunction with COFORD and Teagasc has examined the potential of energy crops, wood biomass and farming and food by-products. In general, the production of energy crops for biofuels will have to be demand led and production by farmers will only be sustainable in the longer term if the economic returns are greater than those offered by traditional crop enterprises. The production of liquid biofuels from energy crops, in the absence of fiscal incentives, is not economic at current oil price levels.
The Budget announcement by the Minister for Finance of a major extension of the Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme to cover, when the relief is fully operational, some 163 million litres of biofuels per year should further stimulate the production of crops for the manufacture of liquid biofuels.
This initiative will benefit the environment in terms of a reduction in CO2 emissions, it will enhance security of supply of fuels, and it will create jobs and outlets for agricultural production. The grant aid scheme of up to €27m announced recently by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for domestic renewable heat technologies will have similar benefits and will help drive demand for wood biomass.
Within my own area of responsibility, a range of developments are already under way or in the pipeline that will encourage the production and use of biofuels. These include grants to promote and develop sustainable forestry, including alternative timber use to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; promoting the use of wood biomass, for example by the installation of a wood heating system at my Department's offices at Johnstown Castle; funding of forest-to-energy pilot projects; willow planting promotion; supporting biofuels research under the research stimulus programme; grant aiding the application of new technologies such as anaerobic/aerobic digestion and fluidized bed combustion, with a renewable energy dimension and the use of animal by-products for incineration and co-incineration in place of fossil fuels.
In Ireland, support to farmers for growing crops may only be provided in accordance with EU regulations. Under the EU Energy Crops Scheme administered by my Department, aid of €45 per hectare per annum is available for areas sown under energy crops intended for biofuel production. I am seeking to have this scheme made more attractive for producers in the context of discussions on the EU Biofuels Strategy.
In relation to Brazil, the switch from petrol to bioethanol is largely attributable to the fact that bioethanol can be produced far more cheaply from sugar cane, which is a perennial crop, than from sugar beet.
Question No. 80 answered with QuestionNo. 64.
Beef Exports.
John Curran
Question:81 Mr. Curran asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on prospects for Irish beef exports to continental Europe in 2006. [12203/06]
The Irish beef industry is worth €1.3 billion in foreign earnings to the national economy annually. Ireland produced 524,000 tonnes of beef in 2005, exporting 487,000 tonnes, which represents 93% of our production. Ireland is the number one exporter of beef into Europe where there is a widening gap between consumption and production resulting in an EU import requirement of an estimated 350,000 tonnes this year. Irish companies are major suppliers across Europe and have gained a top-class portfolio of retail accounts there. In 2005, Ireland exported 260,000 tonnes to the UK and 192,000 tonnes to continental EU countries which together represents in excess of 90% of our total beef exports. Based on performance to date in 2006 and current predictions for the remainder of the year, export volumes are expected to be up 5% overall on last year, with up to half of these exports going to the continental EU market.
Our aim is to consolidate our position in the EU market. Bord Bia is responsible for the promotion of our beef and I take every opportunity to support it in its efforts in this regard. Last September, I launched the board's "Irish Beef in Europe" autumn promotion campaign which was targeted at building sales of Irish beef in European supermarkets and establishing the "Irish Beef" brand firmly in the minds of consumers. This particular campaign involved on-pack promotions in 8,000 European stores which are frequented by 40 million shoppers every week. Feedback has been encouraging in terms of the improved demand in response to the promotion. Bord Bia, together with the meats exporters, is currently planning similar promotions for this year.
Animal Remedies Regulations.
Olwyn Enright
Question:82 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the animal remedies regulations; the discussions to date with the EU on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12038/06]
The Deputy will be aware that the Animal Remedies Regulations 2005, SI 734 of 2005, were signed into law on 17 November 2005. The relevant EU legislation provided for the adoption of criteria for exempting categories of medicines from the general mandatory rule that all medicines for food producing animals should be brought under veterinary prescription control. The draft exemption criteria, which are not yet formal Commission proposals, were published as a consultation document on the Commission's, DG Enterprise, website and the public consultation period ended on 17 March last.
The draft exemption criteria, as currently formulated by the Commission, are very restrictive and would leave very few medicines available off-prescription. My Department has made a submission to the Commission with a view to having them adapted to better reflect the risk-benefit profile of products and to facilitate decisions in this regard to be taken on a scientific basis. There are still a number of stages to be gone through in this process and my Department will engage fully with the Commission in the course of the deliberations in the relevant committees. My best estimate is that the process will not be completed at least until mid year.
As I have already stated publicly, I will review the national prescription and distribution arrangements in consultation with stakeholders when the final shape of the EU exemption criteria is clearer. In particular, I will, depending on the likely outcome, consider whether persons other than vets should be permitted to prescribe veterinary medicines. My intention is to complete the consultative process in time to permit decisions on this issue to be taken well in advance of the 1 January 2007 deadline provided for in the EU legislation.
Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 67.
Animal Welfare.
Olwyn Enright
Question:84 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she intends to take to develop an all Ireland animal health regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12036/06]
There is already a long history of co-operation between the administrations North and South on animal health issues. The administrations have traditionally shared information at local and national levels on disease control and surveillance issues and have worked together to combat illegal movements of animals and animal products. The foot and mouth emergency of 2001 is a testament to the extent of co-operation and consultation that exists at official, ministerial and political levels. Likewise, both administrations are co-operating on measures relating to avian influenza.
The establishment of the North-South Ministerial Council offered an opportunity to build on existing co-operation arrangements and provided a framework for the development of an all-island animal health policy. The main objectives of the Council are to foster co-operation and to devise a common, unified animal health strategy for the island as a whole. This involves the convergence of animal health policies and the development of joint strategies for dealing with animal diseases. The ultimate objectives are to establish a common import regime and equivalent internal arrangements with a view to achieving free movement of animals and animal products within the island.
The programme of work mandated by the NSMC to agree a common animal health and welfare strategy for the island has been taken forward by nine working groups at official level. The remit of these groups includes: TB and brucellosis; TSEs — BSE and Scrapie; veterinary medicines; other Zoonoses and animal diseases; disease surveillance; animal welfare; import and export of live animals and animal products; animal identification; traceability; and cross-Border aspects of fraud.
These working groups meet regularly and their work has focused on three main themes: common or equivalent controls at points of entry to the island; convergence of internal animal health policies; and development of joint strategies for the control of animal disease. The main achievements to date are the development of a co-ordinated and complementary approach towards import policies and portal controls at points of entry to the island, the convergence of policies in regard to animal identification and Scrapie and the strengthening of co-ordination and co-operation between both administrations on a variety of issues such as FMD, BSE and cross-Border fraud. These groups continue to report progress in exchange of information and in implementation of initiatives aimed at policy convergence and the development of a common unified strategy for the island as a whole.
It must also be recognised that the achievement of such an all-island animal health strategy involves complex dialogue and negotiation over a range of areas between the Irish, Northern Irish and British authorities. Ultimately, the agreement of the European Union will be required.
In addition to the above, there has been a significant deepening and strengthening of co-operation, information exchange and ongoing co-ordination between the two administrations on a variety of issues such as FMD, BSE, avian influenza and cross-Border fraud while the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council includes representation from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, DARD. DARD was also represented at a recent meeting of the avian influenza advisory group and will also be represented at future meetings of the group which indicates the collaborative approach taken by Dublin and Belfast in relation to challenges ahead. On cross-Border fraud, the two administrations have worked together successfully in a number of joint enforcement actions and ongoing exchanges of expertise and information are taking place.
In relation to the recent decision at EU level to lift the BSE ban on exports from the United Kingdom, meetings have already taken place between our two administrations to ensure that procedures are in place in good time to avoid any potential difficulties that may arise when trade from Northern Ireland resumes. It is expected that the decision will come into effect in six to eight weeks.
Dairy Industry.
Seymour Crawford
Question:85 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who were involved in milk production on 1 January 1998; the number who are now involved; the number she expects to be in business by 2015 taking into account her new proposals for the transfer of milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12212/06]
There were 35,114 farmers active in milk production during the 1997-98 milk quota year and this had declined to 22,386 active producers during the 2005-06 milk quota year. I expect there will a further decline by 2015 but the number active at that time will depend on developments in the dairy sector at national and international levels. It will also be influenced by economic factors as well as the personal circumstances of existing producers and their successors.
The report of the Agri-Vision 2015 committee indicated that the number of dairy farmers is expected to decline to 12,500 by 2015. However, this number could be higher or lower depending on the aforementioned factors, most critically the extent to which international factors influence competitiveness.
Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 66.
Question No. 87 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
Animal Diseases.
Ollie Wilkinson
Question:88 Mr. Wilkinson asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the incidence of BSE and brucellosis in cattle herd in 2005 compared with 2003 and 2004; and if she intends to introduce policy changes to these schemes. [12201/06]
The incidence of BSE in Ireland is in decline. The number of cases peaked in 2002 at 333, following the introduction of mass surveillance at slaughter plants and knackeries in 2001. Almost 700,000 animals per annum are tested in Ireland under this surveillance regime. Despite this the numbers of animals confirmed with the disease fell to 182 in 2003, 126 in 2004 and 69 in 2005. To date in 2006 there have been 16 cases of BSE which represents a decrease of 16% on the number of cases discovered in the same period in 2005 which was 19.
The vast majority of these cases were in animals born prior to the introduction of additional controls in 1996 and 1997. Investigations are carried out into the feeding regimes of all herds in which BSE is identified and in particular in herds in which cases born after the feed controls were re-enforced are confirmed. Within the context of the overall picture, the diagnosis of BSE in a small number of animals born after 1997 was to be expected. To date, 16 animals born after 1997 — four in 1998, seven in 1999, three in 2000 and two in 2001 — have been diagnosed with BSE. In addition, 11 cases were confirmed in 1997 born animals but some of these were born before all the re-enforced measures were fully in place. The Department had foreseen the likelihood that individual cases would from time to time arise which may relate to circumstances specific to the farms in question and which do not conform with the general trend as the incidence of the disease in the national herd recedes. There is, however, no basis for suspecting that these cases are indicative of either a systemic failure in controls or of a reversal of or deviation from the overall positive trend in relation to BSE in Ireland.
The shift in age profile in BSE cases as well as a reduction in case numbers indicates that the additional controls have been effective in significantly reducing the exposure of animals born after 1997 to the infectious agent. It is expected that the incidence of disease will continue to decline as cows born prior to 1998 leave the system. However, it is expected that because of the long incubation period that can be involved in some animals, cases will continue to be confirmed for many years yet.
Under current EU legislation and in line with trade rules of the World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE, member states now have the option of either compulsory whole herd depopulation or limiting depopulation to cohort animals — that is, cattle born in the herd at the same time or which shared feed from the same source in the early years of life as the index case — and progeny animals. It has been the practice, in recent years, for my Department to periodically review the policy of whole herd depopulation and, in that context, we are currently undertaking another such review.
The incidence of brucellosis has been falling progressively in recent years. For example, the number of laboratory positives has fallen from 6,417 in 1998 to 228 in 2005. The total number of animals slaughtered under the eradication programme fell from 29,778 to 2,375 during the same period. There has been a further improvement in the situation in 2005 compared with 2003 and 2004. The number of blood positives in 2005 was 228 compared with 664 in 2004 and 900 in 2003. The number of animals slaughtered fell from 14,841 and 6,195 respectively in 2003 and 2004 to 2,375 in 2005.
The substantial improvement in the disease situation is due to a number of factors, including continued co-operation from all parties with the eradication regime, the tightening up on illegal cattle movements through the cattle movement monitoring system, the regulation of dealers, prosecutions for breaches and the imposition of penalties for failures to comply with animal disease and identification regulations.
I am confident that this progress can be maintained into the future with the continued operation of the existing measures and the ongoing co-operation of farmers and all involved in the livestock industry. It is, however, vital that we continue to recognise that brucellosis is a highly contagious disease and that we do not relax or relent in our efforts to eradicate it from our national herd. In view of this, we need to continue in the medium-term with the existing comprehensive control and eradication measures, which have brought about positive results in recent years in terms of reduced incidence of the disease. I have no plans to introduce any policy changes to the programme.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Gerard Murphy
Question:89 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the release of genetically modified potatoes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12056/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the recent notification made by BASF to trial genetically modified potatoes at Summerhill, County Meath, was made to the Environmental Protection Agency. This notification is in accordance with part B of EU Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of GMOs into the environment but not for entry to the food chain. Responsibility for making a decision on the application is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency as the competent authority designated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Since procedures under legislation are in play it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this particular application.
Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
Rural Environment Protection Scheme.
Paul McGrath
Question:91 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she intends to take to address the problems experienced by farmers in the Shannon Callows, as a result of current proposals which do not allow them to spilt their lands for grant aid purposes between REP scheme funding and funding allocated under the special area of conservation and special protection area designation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12051/06]
The designation of land under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives is a function of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The question of compensation for farmers in the Shannon Callows area is a matter, in the first instance, for that Department, and I understand that discussions on the matter with the farming bodies have been going on for some time and are still continuing.
As far as REPS is concerned, arrangements are already in place designed specifically to address the situation of farmers in the Shannon Callows. Farmers in this area who wish to join REPS but believe that the REPS payments do not fully offset any income loss arising from the restrictions placed on their farming activities because of designation under the Birds and Habitats Directives may now also apply to the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for additional compensation. Before this arrangement was introduced in September 2004, such farmers had to choose between REPS and the compensation arrangements operated by NPWS but could not benefit from both.
This further concession was additional to the inclusion of a new supplementary measure in REPS when REPS 3 was introduced in June 2004. Designated areas are already eligible for payments under REPS measure A of €242 per hectare for the first 40 hectares and lesser amounts for areas over 40 hectares and the new supplementary measure provides for an additional payment of €100 per hectare on particular sites in the Callows which are important corncrake habitats. Those sites are monitored by BirdWatch Ireland and REPS farmers can qualify for the additional payment by subscribing to BirdWatch Ireland management prescriptions for them.
The arrangements I have outlined should address the situation in the Shannon Callows adequately as far as my Department is concerned. Nevertheless, I have asked my officials to examine the issue again in the context of the current consultation process on REPS to operate in the period 2007 to 2013.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Emmet Stagg
Question:92 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on proposals to change EU law to enable the European Food Safety Authority to conduct its own scientific assessments of the risks associated with allowing a particular application for approval of a particular genetically modified organism; her further views on proposals to empower, subsequent to a change in EU law, the European Food Safety Authority to consider, as part of an application for approval of a particular genetically modified organism, the possibility of long-term risks to the ecosystem should approval of that particular genetically modified organism be granted. [12223/06]
While there are no formal proposals by the Commission along the lines suggested, I understand policy debate did take place at the March meeting of the Council of Environment Ministers concerning, inter alia, procedures used by the European Food Safety Authority for risk assessment in the context of decision-making on the approval of new GMOs. There was a call from a number of member states, during the public debate which ensued, for the European Food Safety Authority to improve transparency of the procedures and to provide more appropriate information for consumers.
I support the view expressed at the meeting by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that Ireland recognises the independence and the expertise of EFSA and its role in dealing with the scientific aspects of questions. I am also in agreement with the view that it is too early to consider any changes to the regulatory framework given the limited experience with the operation of this framework to date and an absence of clear knowledge on possible scenarios that might arise in the GMO approval system in the future.
Afforestation Programme.
Donie Cassidy
Question:93 Mr. Cassidy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the prospects for forestry planting in 2006. [12197/06]
The prospects for planting in 2006 are largely dependent on farmer-demand. A most attractive package for forestry, including 100% planting grants and guaranteed tax-free premiums for 20 years for farmers, is in place. The concessions won in CAP reform, allowing farmers to plant up to 50% of their land and still draw down the full single payment on the rest, represents a significant increase in the attractiveness of forestry. Since the start of 2005, my Department has approved 25,000 hectares of land for planting but many land-owners have yet to act on these approvals. I encourage all those who hold such approvals to act upon them immediately.
Foodstuffs Provision.
Séamus Pattison
Question:94 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the commodities in which the European Union is sufficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12227/06]
In 2003, the most recent year for which fully comparable EUROSTAT statistics are available, the EU was more than self-sufficient in terms of foodstuffs for the 15 member states. In the case of cereals, the EU was 114% self-sufficient; the only exception below 100% self-sufficiency for individual cereal commodities was rice. For all forms of meat, the EU was 106% self-sufficient; the only commodity below 100% self-sufficiency was sheep and goat meat. For other major commodities such as milk, eggs, and potatoes, the EU was over 100% self-sufficient.
It should be noted that EU Commission estimates for individual commodities can provide more recent data, for example, their production and consumption estimates for the period 2005-06 show that net beef and veal self-sufficiency for the EU 15 members has fallen below the 100% threshold.
Export Refunds.
Richard Bruton
Question:95 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether the removal of the current pre-payment procedure for export refunds at EU level is the first step to the complete abolition of export refunds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12017/06]
Enda Kenny
Question:129 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the impact which the abolition of pre-financing of export refunds would have on the Irish food industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12061/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 129 together.
Irish beef exports in 2005 stood at 487,000 tonnes. All of these exports went to the UK and continental Europe except for 35,000 tonnes that went to third countries, mainly Russia. While the beef industry has become in recent years less reliant on third countries these markets are important for specific cuts at particular times of the year. Third country beef exports attract export refunds.
At the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 20 March Commissioner Fischer Boel announced her intention of abolishing pre-financing of export refunds on the basis of criticisms levelled at the system in a 2003 report of the Court of Auditors that controls were complex and not evenly applied across member states. The pre-financing regime allows for payment of refunds at the time the beef is put under customs control and for the meat to remain in storage for up to four months. The regime is of benefit to exporters in that it assists them with cash flow but also provides time for the exporter to build up an exportable quantity of stock and to find a suitable market.
At the Council of Ministers I strongly opposed the removal of pre-financing arguing that its abolition was not justified. Pre-financing is being used currently by most of our exporters of beef to third countries and is an important part of their operation. The system was improved and streamlined in 2003 and the controls are now working well.
An internal impact study by the Commission shows that the main advantage of the scheme was in the administration of beef exports rather the financial element. The Commission propose new beef control measures to replace the present scheme and I and my Department will examine the proposals to ensure as far as possible that whatever is put in place by the Commission to replace the existing system best suits the needs of the Irish beef sector. This proposal on pre-financing of export refunds does not have any implications for the operation of the export refund regime generally.
EU Directives.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:96 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the role her Department has in assisting farmers to comply with terms of the nitrates directive. [12175/06]
I have outlined previously the various measures put in place by my Department to assist farmers in meeting their obligations under the nitrates directive. The Sustaining Progress agreement included a number of commitments related to the nitrates directive and these have all been delivered in the form of improvements to the farm waste management scheme and the dairy hygiene scheme and substantially increased REPS payments under the REPS 3 scheme.
To help farmers understand the nitrates regulations, my Department placed an advertisement in the farming press and is preparing an explanatory booklet designed to explain the new rules clearly and simply. This booklet will be sent to all farmers as soon as the issue of fertiliser limits is finalised. In addition, my Department will be making maximum use of information held on its databases to provide farmers with information about their stocking levels and organic nutrient loading.
During the past week I announced details of a revised farm waste management scheme which has now been formally agreed with the European Commission. The revised scheme will inter alia provide for increased rates of aid towards on-farm investment is designed specifically to help farmers meet the requirements of the nitrates directive. Application forms for participation in the scheme are now available in my Department's local AES offices throughout the country and on its website. Applications must be received before 31 December of this year so I strongly urge farmers to take the necessary steps to ensure that their participation in the scheme is not made impossible by late submission of applications.
Sugar Industry.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:97 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans for the future utilisation of lands previously used to grow sugar beet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12011/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:224 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she proposes to take to encourage the sugar beet growing sector to diversify with particular reference to the need to maintain farm income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12486/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 224 together.
Following the introduction of the single payment scheme last year, farmers now have the freedom to choose whatever farming enterprise is most appropriate to their circumstances. Under the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime, the single payment scheme is being extended to cover sugar beet.
The sugar reform agreement also provides for the introduction of aid for diversification measures in the event that sugar beet production completely ceases. This aid, worth almost €44 million to Irish growers, would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme to be elaborated when the Commission's implementing regulation has been adopted.
One possible alternative is the cultivation of energy crops, such as oilseed rape, for biofuel purposes. The promotion of biofuels is receiving increasing attention by Government, led by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the context of renewable energy policies. The budget announcement of the extension of the excise duty relief scheme to cover, when the relief is fully operational, 163 million litres of biofuels per year should stimulate the production of crops for the manufacture of liquid biofuels.
Under the EU energy crops scheme administered by my Department, aid of €45 per hectare per annum is available for areas sown under energy crops intended for biofuel production. I am seeking to have this scheme made more attractive for producers in the context of discussions on the EU biofuels strategy.
Question No. 98 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Horticulture Industry.
Ollie Wilkinson
Question:99 Mr. Wilkinson asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the progress in expanding the horticulture sector here. [12204/06]
With a farm output value of over €270 million, retail sales of around €750 million and with approximately 10,000 people employed across the production and supply chain, the horticulture sector is one of the most dynamic sectors of the agrifood industry. Since I came into office, I have recognised the potential of this sector for further growth and development and, accordingly, I have provided increased funding to growers and operators further down the value added chain.
Under the NDP capital grant aid scheme for growers, €13 million in grant aid has been paid to horticultural producers throughout the country since 2001 to support investments to the value of over €38 million. This year I am providing a €5.5 million grant package which will fund projects to the investment value of €16 million. My Department has now received 174 applications from growers across the whole spectrum of the industry — mushrooms, field vegetables, protected crops, nursery crops, soft fruit, etc. — representing an investment of over €30 million. Successful applicants will be informed shortly. This has been the highest number of applications to date under the scheme and reflects a very high degree of confidence in the sector. This confidence is further bolstered by reports on the importance of fresh fruit and vegetables in a healthy diet while in the case of the amenity sector, the rapidly growing housing market and infrastructural improvements are creating considerable demand for plants and shrubs.
Demand in the consumer and food service sectors is also buoyant, both for fresh and prepared chilled produce and convenient value-added products. The retail value of prepared horticultural produce has more than doubled over the last few years and is now worth over €60 million. To further drive this sector I announced awards earlier this month of €4.6 million for 13 projects under my Department's capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of agricultural products. This brings to €9 million the total awarded to date under the NDP scheme.
Horticulture producers also benefit from EU aid under the producer organisation scheme with €5.6 million paid to ten groups in 2005. The development of producer organisations under EU regulations has made a very important contribution to the development of the sector as it enables producers to benefit from their combined strength in the production and marketing of their product.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
EU Directives.
Liam Twomey
Question:101 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of Ireland’s application for a derogation under the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12049/06]
In December, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made regulations giving legal effect to Ireland's national action programme under the nitrates directive. These regulations were finalised following difficult negotiations between the European Commission and officials of the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Agriculture and Food. In those discussions, the two Departments made use of the advice provided by Teagasc. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has, however, agreed, with the consent of the European Commission, to a short de facto deferral of the part of the regulations that deals with nutrient management. This was to allow Teagasc to submit revised advice in respect of phosphorus limits which could form a basis for proposals to the Commission for changes in the regulations.
A central issue arising from the nitrates directive is the need to secure a derogation which will allow certain farmers to operate, under appropriate conditions and controls, up to a level of 250 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. The proposal was given an initial presentation to the EU nitrates committee in December and further scientific data has been supplied to the Commission following bilateral discussions. The proposal will need to be discussed again at future meetings of the nitrates committee before approval can be obtained.
Securing this derogation is vital, particularly for the most productive dairy farmers. However, the further examination of the matter by the EU nitrates committee is not expected to proceed until the regulations have been finalised. For that reason, I am working with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to bring matters to a quick conclusion so that Ireland can meet its obligations under the nitrates directive while also safeguarding the future of commercial farming in Ireland and the interests of Irish farmers in general.
Animal Diseases.
Simon Coveney
Question:102 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the funding provided by her Department for the control of varroa in bees; the funding specifically available to beekeepers to control the mite in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12013/06]
Funding for research into the control of varroa in honey bees has been the main element of my Department's apiculture programme. From 2002 to 2004, a total of €138,800 was provided to Teagasc towards the development of integrated biological control methods under Irish conditions. Approval has been given for expenditure of a further €225,000 during the three-year period from 2005 to 2007 for this research programme. The programme, which is drawn up in close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations, is aimed at devising an integrated management strategy involving the use of chemical and biotechnical methods and the deployment of varroa-resistant bees. The programme is 50% co-funded by the EU. No funding is provided to individual beekeepers. My Department has also given financial support towards updating the Teagasc booklet entitled "The Varroa Mite in honeybees". This publication provides useful reference material for beekeepers on varroa detection, monitoring, control and treatment.
Health and Safety Regulations.
Liz McManus
Question:103 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she intends to take to reduce the incidents of farm accidents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12236/06]
I remain very concerned about the level of safety on our farms. I fully support the work of the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, the statutory body established under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, which works in partnership with the agriculture and forestry sectors to improve health and safety in farm and forestry workplaces.
I particularly welcomed the farm safety project launched before Christmas as a joint preventative initiative between the HSA and Teagasc. This three-year initiative, which aims to ensure that farmers with three or less employees complete and implement a comprehensive but user-friendly farm risk assessment, involves the provision of training at specially convened health and safety training courses for farmers and the provision of follow- up advice. This initiative is being piloted at present in a number of counties and I look forward to the evaluation of the initiative which will guide its future implementation at national level.
I also look forward to participating in this year's farm safety campaign, which begins early next month. The four themes proposed for the month by the farm safety partnership advisory committee, on which my Department is represented, are as follows. Tractor-machinery-vehicle accidents account for almost 50% of farm fatalities from 1996 to 2005. The number of fatal and serious accidents involving PTO shafts is again showing an increase. Livestock handling and falls from heights accounted for approximately 27% of farm fatalities during the 1996-2005 period. Almost 50% of farm fatalities over the last two to three years involved farmers over 65 years of age.
Food Safety Standards.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that all meat and poultry products imported here conform to EU and Irish traceability, production and processing standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12219/06]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:230 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied with regard to traceability, husbandry, production or processing in respect of all meat, poultry or fish imports into this country; if in all cases compliance with EU standards is assured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12492/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 230 together.
Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that member states must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal and fish origin, including and fish products, as well as to imports of these products from third countries.
Under harmonised legislation, a series of health and supervisory requirements are applied in the member states to ensure that animal products are produced to standards that guarantee the safety of food and the protection of human and animal health. The application of these standards in the member states is monitored by the Food and Veterinary Office, FVO, of the EU.
It is a requirement that animal products imported from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, member states. All such imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries approved for export to the EU.
The FVO carries out inspections to ensure that only establishments that meet hygiene and health standards equivalent to those operating within the EU are approved. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met, an establishment may be removed from the EU-approved list. If outbreaks of animal diseases occur in a third country, approval to export to the EU is suspended for the infected regions of the country, or the whole country, as appropriate, until the disease risk has been eliminated.
Irish farmers are required to ensure that their production systems and farm practices fully comply with a wide range of EU directives on important matters, including traceability, animal health and welfare and consumer protection. I fully support the policy that animal products imported into the EU from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, EU member states.
In this context, I have been in contact with the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr. Markos Kyprianou, on a number of occasions concerning the sanitary rules applying to the import of livestock products, especially beef, into the EU. The Commissioner has pointed out that, with respect to traceability and controls of residues of veterinary medicines, the purpose of EU legislation is not to impose on exporting third countries a system of guarantees that is equal to the EU system but that the exporting country provides guarantees that are equivalent to the standards applied in the EU. The Commissioner indicated his service is committed to protect the health of European consumers and European livestock. The Commissioner has further assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EU consumers, livestock or plants.
Question No. 105 answered with QuestionNo. 44.
Grant Payments.
Peter Power
Question:106 Mr. P. Power asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends aiding digesters and other new technology to deal with pig and poultry manure arising from the application of the nitrates directive. [12200/06]
As part of the arrangements to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the nitrates directive, I have announced my intention to introduce a scheme to support the demonstration of new technologies in reducing the volume of livestock manures or their nutrient content. Under the proposed scheme, financial support will be provided for up to ten projects throughout the State for the installation of such systems, including fluidised bed combustion or treatment plants comprising of anaerobic-aerobic digestion systems.
The maximum eligible investment ceiling per project will be €1 million and the total State contribution, at a grant-rate of 40%, will therefore be up to €4 million. The scheme will be introduced as soon as the required EU approval has been received.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Tom Hayes
Question:107 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food’s report on the early retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12053/06]
I am still considering certain aspects of the joint committee's report on the early retirement scheme and I expect to be in a position to make announcements in due course. A number of the committee's recommendations are, as I explained in my detailed response to the report, precluded by the EU regulations under which the current scheme and its predecessor are operated.
Animal Diseases.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:108 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide this Deputy with copies of presentations made (details supplied); and the person who represented Ireland at those meetings. [12221/06]
The agenda items to which the Deputy refers relate to discussions at the standing committee on the food chain and animal health, SCOFCAH, on the updated information on the foot and mouth disease situation, particularly in South America, provided by the representative of DG SANCO.
As is normal practice at meetings of this nature, Ireland was represented at both meetings by officials from the veterinary and animal health divisions of my Department. While Irish representatives normally contribute fully to all discussions at the SCOFCAH meetings, such contributions are not always made by way of formal presentation.
At the meetings referred to, formal presentations were not made by my officials but they did participate fully in the discussions and took the opportunity to again impress on the EU Commission our concern in respect of the situation regarding foot and mouth disease and the need for the EU to take appropriate safeguard measures. This is an opportunity we take on any occasion on which it is presented.
EU Directives.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:109 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether an integrated rural environment research centre is necessary in the wake of the nitrates directive chaos where scientific data and evidence seemed to be fragmented, inconclusive and inadequate to allow effective decision making to take place. [9590/06]
I am satisfied that the range of scientific expertise already available within Teagasc and the structures within that organisation are sufficient to provide advice of a very high quality. The revised advice on the nitrates regulations recently supplied by Teagasc, representing the work of a group of experts in a range of disciplines, is comprehensive and draws on a large body of research.
Over the coming weeks, Teagasc expertise will continue to be used by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and my own Department in the context of negotiating changes to the nitrates regulations. The outcome to these negotiations will depend ultimately on a critical evaluation of the Teagasc advice by the European Commission's own scientific experts. Teagasc will also be closely involved in discussions in respect of Ireland's derogation application and in other measures arising from the nitrates regulations, such as promotion and research measures to assist the pig and poultry industries in meeting the specific challenges presented by the nitrates directive.
Teagasc will continue to carry out research into aspects of agricultural production and to place emphasis on ensuring that research and development results and technology developments are published and transferred rapidly to its clients via its advisory and education programmes.
Seymour Crawford
Question:110 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the nitrates directive as it will affect pig and poultry farmers as well as intensive dairy and beef farmers; when a statement will be made on the most recent scientific information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12213/06]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In December, the Minister made regulations giving legal effect to Ireland's national action programme under the nitrates directive. These regulations were finalised following difficult negotiations between the European Commission and officials of the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Agriculture and Food.
In January, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced a short de facto deferral of part 3 of the regulations, which covers nutrient management. This was to allow Teagasc to submit revised advice in respect of phosphorus limits. A detailed Teagasc submission covering phosphorus, as well as other aspects of the regulations, was received earlier this month. Officials of the two Departments have been examining it and a copy of the Teagasc advice has been provided to the European Commission. Officials of the two Departments and representatives from Teagasc met the Commission on 22 March where the Teagasc experts were given the opportunity to present the revised scientific advice and to clarify certain aspects. The Commission did not offer any definitive conclusions on the new advice at last week’s meeting. The Commission will continue to study the Teagasc advice and to assist this process, Teagasc has now made available copies of various background research work.
The Commission's agreement will be required for any amendments that may be proposed to the regulations and I am satisfied that the Commission is open to arguments that are scientifically robust. However, it is important that the matter is brought to a quick conclusion so that negotiations on a derogation, which is vital to a large number of more intensive farmers, can proceed.
I am aware that some farmers, particularly in the pig and poultry sectors, may find it more difficult to find spreadlands for the organic manure they produce. Considerable efforts have already been made to alleviate the impact of the nitrates regulations on the pig and poultry industries and to help farmers to meet their obligations. Nevertheless, I have asked my officials to give the matter further consideration. Given that pig and poultry manure is high in phosphorus, there will be a limit to the amount of land where it can be spread. The most suitable outlet for this kind of manure is tillage land. There is more than enough tillage land in the country to utilise all of the pig and poultry manure but I am conscious that not all producers have tillage land nearby. The high liquid content of pig manure, in particular, makes it expensive to transport. Pig producers should, therefore, start looking seriously at technology for separating solids and liquids. As part of the new farm waste management scheme, which I announced last week, grant aid is available for this kind of technology. Pig and poultry producers are now eligible for this scheme for the first time.
I also urge other farmers to show solidarity with pig and poultry producers by taking their manure instead of using chemical fertiliser. I have asked Teagasc to make farmers aware of the nutrient value of slurry and the savings that they can achieve by substituting it for chemical fertiliser.
Food Labelling.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:111 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to establish an all-island food label; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12031/06]
I am supportive of initiatives to promote food on all-island basis where this is of mutual benefit and leads to closer economic co-operation. An Bord Bia, as part of its statutory role in promoting the development of Ireland's food and drink industry, works in close co-operation with its counterpart in Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland. Joint promotions and events have been successfully organised especially in the speciality food sector. Bord Bia is negotiating a formal inter agency agreement to provide for structured ongoing co-operation in food promotion at international trade fairs, retail promotions on the UK market, co-operation on developing the speciality sector on an all-island basis and market research and intelligence.
The development of an all-island animal health policy is, however, a necessary prerequisite to the establishment of an all-island food label. The development of the animal health policy is being actively pursued in the context of North-South co-operation. In addition, an all-island food label would require negotiation between the relevant authorities regarding its status and conditions for use and general acceptance from consumers and buy-in by producers and processors island-wide.
Question No. 112 answered with QuestionNo. 63.
Question No. 113 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
Question No. 114 answered with QuestionNo. 56.
Departmental Submission.
Brian O'Shea
Question:115 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Ireland has submitted results (details supplied) to the European Union; if so, when; if not, the reason for same; if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of that submission; and if it has not yet been submitted, a draft of what is currently proposed to be submitted. [12222/06]
My Department submitted the material referred to on 1 March 2006. A copy of this material will be provided to the Deputy.
Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 66.
Question No. 117 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Question No. 118 answered with QuestionNo. 64.
Afforestation Programme.
Gay Mitchell
Question:119 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps which she is taking to encourage the planting of forestry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12054/06]
A comprehensive range of incentives and supports is available from my Department to encourage the planting of forestry. Under the forestry grant and premium scheme, grants are available to cover 100% of planting costs, as well as a 20-year tax-free premium for farmers — 15 years for non-farmers — of up to €500 per hectare, depending on the species planted. Substantial tax concessions are also in place for forest owners. The single farm payment scheme enables farm-foresters to plant up to 50% of their eligible claimed areas with forestry, attracting immediate payment of forestry premiums, while still drawing down their full single farm payment.
Supports are also available for the growing forest in the form of grants for the shaping of broadleaves and pruning of conifers, with expenditure in 2005 on these schemes of €10.5 million. Grants are also available for the construction of forest roads to facilitate access for management and harvesting operations. Expenditure on forest roads in 2005 came to €3.3 million. In addition to these direct supports, funding is provided for research, advisory services and promotion. Free and independent advice on all forestry matters is available from Teagasc. This advice is provided with funding support from my Department.
In conjunction with the Irish forest industry chain, the forest service of my Department will shortly launch a major promotional campaign to further encourage new planting. I am convinced that sustainable forestry is of major importance to the securing the viability of rural Ireland and underpinning quality of life. It represents a major option for effective land use in Ireland.
Question No. 120 answered with QuestionNo. 64.
Question No. 121 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
EU Directives.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:122 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the aspects of the nitrates directive Ireland which were found to be in breach by the European Court of Justice in 2004; if she will make a statement on the matter of the lessons her Department has learned as a result of its contribution to the situation in which Ireland found itself in breach of so many aspects of a directive that should have been implemented 11 years prior to the aforementioned judgment; the steps she has taken to ensure her Department never again has responsibility for so many breaches of one EU directive in the future; if she has caused an audit of her Department’s performance in implementing the nitrates directive to be carried out; if not, when she plans to cause one to be carried out. [12226/06]
The implementation of the nitrates directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Court of Justice delivered a judgment on 11 March 2004 that Ireland was non-compliant with the nitrates directive. The main finding was that Ireland had not fulfilled its obligations under the directive by reason of its failure to establish and implement an action programme in accordance with Article 5 of the directive to protect water quality against pollution by farming. The text of the judgement has been published.
Question No. 123 answered with QuestionNo. 64.
Forestry Sector.
Eamon Ryan
Question:124 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason her Department has not sought a prosecution in the case of an alleged illegal felling of 71 mature native trees (details supplied) in County Galway in late February 2003, despite the fact that Department records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 indicate that the perpetrators were caught in the act. [12214/06]
My Department views the illegal felling of trees with the deepest concern and investigates all cases which are reported to it, prosecuting offenders through the courts where the facts of the case support such action. In this instance, my Department carried out an investigation of the alleged offence. Under section 4(3) of the Forestry Act 1946, proceedings for an offence under the Act must be instituted within 12 months of the cause of the complaint. Preparations commenced for the taking of proceedings but due to administrative error, the statutory period elapsed before they could be completed and as a result, no prosecution could be taken in this case. My Department has since introduced procedures to ensure that such errors do not recur. In addition, the question of increasing the statutory period allowed for prosecution of such cases is being examined as part of the review of the forestry legislation which is currently underway.
Organic Farming.
John Gormley
Question:125 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of agricultural land and the acreage which is certified as organic in each EU member state in each of the past ten years; and her views on the way in which Ireland compares with the other States. [12180/06]
Details of land certified as organic in EU member states in the years 1994 to 2004 are set out in the following table. Figures for other member states for 2005 are not yet to hand. While the size of the organic sector in Ireland is below the EU average, there are some signs of growth. The total area in conversion or with full organic status rose by nearly 5,000 hectares in 2005, which was an increase of some 15%. I expect that this trend will continue as farmers look for new opportunities in the wake of decoupling.
|
Year-end |
1994 |
% of UAA |
1995 |
% of UAA |
1996 |
% of UAA |
1997 |
% of UAA |
|
Austria |
192,337 |
5.90 |
335,865 |
10.31 |
309,089 |
9.49 |
345,375 |
10.60 |
|
Belgium |
2,683 |
0.19 |
3,385 |
0.24 |
4,261 |
0.31 |
6,818 |
0.49 |
|
Cyprus |
||||||||
|
Czech Rep |
15,818 |
0.44 |
14,127 |
0.39 |
17,022 |
0.47 |
20,239 |
0.56 |
|
Denmark |
20,688 |
0.78 |
38,334 |
1.44 |
44,991 |
1.69 |
59,963 |
2.26 |
|
Estonia |
1,600 |
0.20 |
3,000 |
0.38 |
3,000 |
0.38 |
3,000 |
0.38 |
|
Finland |
25,822 |
1.15 |
44,695 |
1.99 |
84,556 |
3.77 |
102,342 |
4.56 |
|
France |
94,806 |
0.34 |
118,393 |
0.43 |
137,084 |
0.49 |
165,406 |
0.60 |
|
Germany-cert |
445,267 |
2.62 |
461,549 |
2.72 |
475,746 |
2.80 |
450,000 |
2.65 |
|
Greece |
1,188 |
0.03 |
2,401 |
0.06 |
5,269 |
0.13 |
10,025 |
0.25 |
|
Hungary |
8,630 |
0.20 |
12,325 |
0.28 |
9,300 |
0.21 |
19,625 |
0.45 |
|
Ireland |
5,390 |
0.12 |
12,634 |
0.29 |
20,496 |
0.47 |
18,687 |
0.43 |
|
Italy |
154,120 |
1.18 |
204,494 |
1.56 |
334,175 |
2.55 |
641,149 |
4.89 |
|
Latvia |
1,250 |
0.08 |
1,147 |
0.08 |
1,200 |
0.08 |
1,500 |
0.10 |
|
Lithuania |
267 |
0.01 |
582 |
0.02 |
1,118 |
0.04 |
1,568 |
0.06 |
|
Luxembourg |
538 |
0.42 |
571 |
0.45 |
594 |
0.46 |
618 |
0.48 |
|
Malta |
||||||||
|
Netherlands |
11,340 |
0.56 |
12,909 |
0.64 |
14,456 |
0.72 |
16,960 |
0.84 |
|
Poland |
5,000 |
0.03 |
6,855 |
0.05 |
8,000 |
0.06 |
9,000 |
0.06 |
|
Portugal |
7,267 |
0.20 |
10,719 |
0.29 |
9,191 |
0.25 |
12,193 |
0.33 |
|
Slovak Rep |
14,762 |
0.69 |
18,813 |
0.88 |
27,661 |
1.29 |
27,809 |
1.30 |
|
Slovenia |
150 |
0.03 |
200 |
0.04 |
300 |
0.06 |
100 |
0.02 |
|
Spain |
17,208 |
0.07 |
24,079 |
0.10 |
103,735 |
0.41 |
151,865 |
0.60 |
|
Sweden-cert |
54,851 |
1.75 |
86,824 |
2.78 |
162,312 |
5.19 |
205,185 |
6.56 |
|
United Kingdom |
32,476 |
0.19 |
48,448 |
0.29 |
49,535 |
0.29 |
54,670 |
0.32 |
|
EU25 |
1,113,458 |
0.71 |
1,462,349 |
0.93 |
1,823,091 |
1.16 |
2,324,097 |
1.48 |
|
Year-end |
1998 |
% of UAA |
1999 |
% of UAA |
2000 |
% of UAA |
2001 |
% of UAA |
|
Austria |
287,899 |
8.84 |
272,635 |
8.37 |
272,000 |
8.35 |
276,410 |
8.49 |
|
Belgium |
11,744 |
0.84 |
18,515 |
1.33 |
20,667 |
1.48 |
22,410 |
1.61 |
|
Cyprus |
30 |
0.02 |
52 |
0.03 |
100 |
0.06 |
||
|
Czech Rep |
71,620 |
1.97 |
110,756 |
3.05 |
165,699 |
4.56 |
218,114 |
6.01 |
|
Denmark |
93,201 |
3.51 |
136,629 |
5.14 |
157,661 |
5.93 |
168,377 |
6.33 |
|
Estonia |
3,080 |
0.39 |
4,000 |
0.50 |
9,872 |
1.24 |
20,555 |
2.58 |
|
Finland |
126,176 |
5.62 |
136,662 |
6.09 |
147,268 |
6.56 |
147,943 |
6.59 |
|
France |
218,792 |
0.79 |
315,770 |
1.14 |
369,921 |
1.33 |
419,750 |
1.51 |
|
Germany-cert |
414,293 |
2.44 |
452,327 |
2.66 |
546,023 |
3.22 |
632,165 |
3.72 |
|
Greece |
15,402 |
0.39 |
21,451 |
0.54 |
26,707 |
0.67 |
31,118 |
0.78 |
|
Hungary |
21,565 |
0.50 |
32,609 |
0.75 |
47,221 |
1.08 |
79,177 |
1.82 |
|
Ireland |
24,411 |
0.56 |
29,360 |
0.67 |
27,231 |
0.62 |
30,017 |
0.69 |
|
Italy |
785,738 |
5.99 |
911,068 |
6.95 |
1,040,377 |
7.93 |
1,237,640 |
9.44 |
|
Latvia |
1,426 |
0.10 |
1,628 |
0.11 |
4,400 |
0.30 |
10,549 |
0.71 |
|
Lithuania |
4,006 |
0.16 |
3,995 |
0.16 |
4,709 |
0.19 |
6,469 |
0.26 |
|
Luxembourg |
744 |
0.58 |
888 |
0.69 |
1,068 |
0.83 |
2,006 |
1.57 |
|
Malta |
||||||||
|
Netherlands |
22,268 |
1.11 |
26,350 |
1.31 |
32,334 |
1.61 |
35,876 |
1.79 |
|
Poland |
10,000 |
0.07 |
11,000 |
0.08 |
25,000 |
0.17 |
38,732 |
0.27 |
|
Portugal |
29,533 |
0.79 |
47,974 |
1.29 |
50,002 |
1.34 |
70,857 |
1.90 |
|
Slovak Rep |
50,695 |
2.37 |
46,386 |
2.17 |
58,458 |
2.73 |
58,706 |
2.75 |
|
Slovenia |
214 |
0.04 |
2,697 |
0.55 |
5,440 |
1.12 |
10,828 |
2.23 |
|
Spain |
269,465 |
1.07 |
352,267 |
1.40 |
380,902 |
1.51 |
485,079 |
1.93 |
|
Sweden-cert |
243,657 |
7.79 |
306,743 |
9.81 |
343,000 |
10.97 |
382,000 |
12.22 |
|
United Kingdom |
274,519 |
1.63 |
390,868 |
2.32 |
527,323 |
3.13 |
679,631 |
4.04 |
|
EU25 |
2,980,449 |
1.90 |
3,632,608 |
2.32 |
4,263,335 |
2.72 |
5,064,509 |
3.23 |
|
Year-end |
2002 |
% of UAA |
2003 |
% of UAA |
2004 |
% of UAA |
|
Austria |
296,154 |
9.09 |
328,803 |
10.09 |
344,916 |
10.59 |
|
Belgium |
24,874 |
1.78 |
24,163 |
1.73 |
23,563 |
1.69 |
|
Cyprus |
166 |
0.11 |
500 |
0.32 |
1,018 |
0.65 |
|
Czech Rep |
235,136 |
6.47 |
254,995 |
7.02 |
263,799 |
7.26 |
|
Denmark |
174,350 |
6.56 |
165,146 |
6.21 |
156,802 |
5.90 |
|
Estonia |
30,623 |
3.85 |
42,573 |
5.35 |
46,016 |
5.78 |
|
Finland |
156,692 |
6.98 |
159,987 |
7.13 |
162,024 |
7.22 |
|
France |
517,965 |
1.86 |
550,990 |
1.98 |
540,000 |
1.94 |
|
Germany-cert |
696,978 |
4.10 |
734,027 |
4.32 |
767,891 |
4.52 |
|
Greece |
77,120 |
1.94 |
244,457 |
6.16 |
267,159 |
6.73 |
|
Hungary |
103,671 |
2.38 |
113,816 |
2.62 |
128,690 |
2.96 |
|
Ireland |
29,754 |
0.68 |
28,514 |
0.65 |
30,670 |
0.70 |
|
Italy |
1,168,212 |
8.91 |
1,052,002 |
8.02 |
954,361 |
7.28 |
|
Latvia |
16,935 |
1.14 |
24,480 |
1.64 |
48,000 |
3.22 |
|
Lithuania |
8,780 |
0.35 |
23,289 |
0.93 |
42,000 |
1.69 |
|
Luxembourg |
3,121 |
2.44 |
3,004 |
2.34 |
3,100 |
2.42 |
|
Malta |
3 |
0.03 |
14 |
0.13 |
||
|
Netherlands |
42,610 |
2.12 |
41,865 |
2.09 |
48,155 |
2.40 |
|
Poland |
43,828 |
0.30 |
49,928 |
0.35 |
82,730 |
0.57 |
|
Portugal |
91,006 |
2.44 |
120,729 |
3.24 |
206,526 |
5.54 |
|
Slovak Rep |
49,999 |
2.34 |
54,479 |
2.55 |
53,091 |
2.48 |
|
Slovenia |
13,828 |
2.84 |
20,081 |
4.13 |
23,280 |
4.79 |
|
Spain |
665,055 |
2.64 |
725,254 |
2.88 |
733,182 |
2.91 |
|
Sweden-cert |
414,120 |
13.24 |
445,776 |
14.26 |
462,438 |
14.79 |
|
United Kingdom |
741,174 |
4.41 |
695,619 |
4.13 |
690,269 |
4.10 |
|
EU25 |
5,602,151 |
3.57 |
5,904,481 |
3.77 |
6,079,694 |
3.88 |
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Liam Twomey
Question:126 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to evaluate the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12048/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that Teagasc has an ongoing programme of research that investigates the potential risks and benefits associated with the growing of genetically modified, GM, crops in Ireland including, inter alia, the economic implications. Preliminary research completed by it to date does indicate that the cultivation of certain crops with certain modifications may provide a financial incentive to the Irish farmer.
In order to establish greater clarity in the matter, I requested Teagasc to carry out an evaluation of the possible national economic implications for the agrifood industry from the use of genetically modified organisms, GMOs, in crop and livestock production. Teagasc has recently completed its study which it based on two scenarios: the economic implications of only allowing the importation into Ireland of certified GM-free soya bean and maize livestock feed ingredients; and the economic implications of GM-free crop cultivation in Ireland.
In the first scenario, the study showed that substantial additional costs would be placed on the livestock sector, particularly on specialist dairy and beef farmers, if they were to use certified GM-free soya and maize only in feeding stuffs. In the second scenario, the study examined five hypothetical GM crops which could be grown here — herbicide tolerant sugar beet, Septoria resistant winter wheat, Fusarium resistant winter wheat, Rhyncosporium resistant spring barley and blight resistant potatoes. This study showed that increased profits could be generated for growers of these crops compared to their conventional equivalent. However, the study showed that there is a significant cost in respect of identity preservation for conventional growers in a co-existence arrangement.
Land Management.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:127 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the means she has or will put in place to promote the planting of cover crops over winter to reduce nitrate losses and soil erosion. [12178/06]
The use of a winter cover crop is a desirable practice from an environmental and agronomic point of view and is to be encouraged. In some circumstances, a requirement already exists for farmers to ensure that cover crops are in place.
One of the conditions for receipt of the dingle farm payment is that the recipient must keep his or her land in good agricultural and environmental condition. This includes a requirement on the occupier of a holding to take all reasonable steps to ensure that soil is covered by vegetation or else ploughed to reduce soil erosion due to lack of ground cover. Unsown seedbeds are not permitted over the winter.
The nitrates regulations introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government require that where arable land is ploughed or when a non-selective herbicide is applied to arable land or grassland between 1 July and 15 January, the occupier of the holding will take the necessary measures to provide for emergence of green cover from a sown crop within 6 weeks. Alternatively, natural regeneration may be used where a non-selective herbicide has been applied. The rural environment protection scheme includes an option designed to promote the establishment of green cover.
It is the responsibility of the occupier of a holding to ensure compliance with the provisions of the nitrates regulations, or with the conditions of any other scheme in which he or she may be a participant, in relation to that holding. Farmers may avail of professional advice from an agricultural adviser if they need it.
Question No. 128 answered with QuestionNo. 56.
Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
Environmental Policy.
Jack Wall
Question:130 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the areas of research that have been identified by her Department into bio-fuels; the action which has been taken to ensure research in these areas is or will be carried out; when research into these areas will be carried out; the amount which has been allocated by her Department for each of these areas of research; the assistance she will offer the one power plant and the one cement company here which are investigating the feasibility of utilising MBM to generate fuel; the ways in which her Department are facilitating the use of tallow in thermal boilers in rendering plants as bio-fuel; when her Department will introduce procedures for the conversion of tallow into biodiesel; the way in which her Department will promote the use of anaerobic digestion and fluidised bed combustion; and when it is planned to begin such promotion. [12224/06]
My Department's research stimulus fund programme was broadened last year to incorporate biofuels research. Projects supported under this programme will complement the research work being done by Teagasc and others in the biofuels area.
Under the 2005 research stimulus fund programme, 12 research projects were recently awarded grant assistance totalling €4.5 million. These research projects cover a broad range of areas including agri-environment, non-food crops and agrifood economics and will involve inter-institutional collaboration. Three of the projects selected for funding relate to research projects involving biofuels and energy crops and received total grant assistance of some €0.9 million. In view of the importance of research in this area, the new round of research proposals for funding under the 2006 research stimulus fund programme, which I recently announced and advertised in the national press, also includes a research theme in that area covering land use for bio-energy purposes. The allocation made to this new round, which also includes research theme areas on agri-environment, animal and plant bioscience and agri economy and policy, amounts to some €4 million in 2006.
In addition to research on biofuels under the stimulus fund, my Department is currently seeking approval in regard to two bio-energy initiatives. The first of these is the short-rotation willow scheme which would provide assistance towards the establishment of willow as an energy crop. The second is the biomass harvesting machinery initiative which would provide grant-aid towards the purchase of specialised equipment. My Department is currently funding a wood energy project in County Clare which is aimed at promoting the development of the wood energy market through the creation of a wood chip supply chain. This is a multi-annual project whose funding in 2005 amounted to €50,000. A similar level of funding is envisaged for 2006.
My Department is in discussions with the power plant and the cement company mentioned by the Deputy on the usage of MBM as a fuel in their operations and will continue to offer advice on the issue. With regard to the use of tallow in thermal boilers in rendering plants as bio-fuel, the relevant EU regulation was amended in December last to allow for this. Draft conditions for the use of tallow in thermal boilers have been discussed with the industry and these will be finalised shortly. Concerning the conversion of tallow into bio-diesel, the EU regulation mentioned above contains amendments which will facilitate the introduction of this process. My Department is also in consultation with the industry on the conditions for conversion of tallow into bio-diesel.
As part of the arrangements to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the nitrates directive, I have announced my intention to introduce a scheme to support the demonstration of new technologies in reducing the volume of livestock manures or their nutrient content. Under the proposed scheme, financial support will be provided for up to ten projects throughout the State for the installation of such systems, including fluidised bed combustion or treatment plants comprising of anaerobic-aerobic digestion systems.
The maximum eligible investment ceiling per project will be €1 million and the total State contribution, at a grant-rate of 40%, will, therefore, be up to €4 million. The scheme will be introduced as soon as the required EU approval has been received. My Department recently finalised the conditions for approval and operation of composting and biogas plants treating animal by-products in Ireland. An information seminar was held in February 2006 to which all stakeholders were invited. Copies of the finalised conditions were distributed to all interested parties.
Animal Welfare.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:131 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of animal welfare officers here; the steps she is taking to ensure good animal welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12005/06]
My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2000. In addition, there is specific legislation in regard to pigs, calves and laying hens.
Welfare cases which come to notice are dealt with, generally, by officers based in my Department's district veterinary offices. These officers deal with the implementation of animal welfare legislation as well as having responsibilities in a wide number of other areas related to animal health, disease control, etc. Funding is available to deal with emergency care, feeding, transport, etc., of welfare compromised farm animals. I am satisfied that the resources available within my Department are sufficient to deal with such cases and to provide a high standard of animal welfare.
In 2004, the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council, FAWAC, developed an early warning-intervention system, EWS, for dealing with animal welfare cases involving my Department, the Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. The objective of the system is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming. The new system allows for concerned individuals to approach their local IFA representatives, local SPCA or my Department in the knowledge that the matter will be dealt with in the most effective, timely and sensitive manner.
In addition, my Department makes ex gratia payments annually to organisations, including the ISPCA, involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services to assist in their ongoing work. To date, we have provided a total of €5.97 million to such bodies, some €1.2 million of which was paid to 86 organisations in December last to assist them during 2006. A provision of €1.1 million for this purpose is included in my Department’s Estimates for 2006 and applications will be invited later this year for payments in respect of 2007. Payments to the ISPCA have been in respect of both headquarters level and branches of the organisation in several counties.
The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with the Garda Síochána which may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the gardaí in such cases.
Beef Imports.
Paul Kehoe
Question:132 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied with Brazilian beef imports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12043/06]
As a member of the EU and the World Trade Organisation, Ireland is in a position to avail of opportunities for trade that are essential for the development of our open economy. Membership of these organisations also brings reciprocal trade obligations. The principle is that imported animal products meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, member states. All such imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries that have been approved by the EU authorities for export to the EU.
I fully support the policy that animal products imported into the EU from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, EU member states. In this context, I contacted the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr. Markos Kyprianou, concerning the sanitary rules applying to the import of livestock products, especially beef, into the European Union. The Commissioner pointed out that, with respect to traceability and controls of residues of veterinary medicines, the purpose of EU legislation is not to impose on exporting third countries a system of guarantees that is equal to the EU system, but that the exporting country provides guarantees that are equivalent to the standards applied in the EU.
The Commissioner indicated his service is committed to protect the health of European consumers and European livestock. It has regularly carried out inspections in Brazil and has taken appropriate measures whenever necessary. The Commission's adoption of restrictive measures in regard to the finding of residues of unauthorised substances in poultry meat and the quick and proportionate protective measures applied to imports of beef as a result of the recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Brazil demonstrate the Commission's primary objective of maintaining the high sanitary status of the Community and respecting the EU's commitment under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, SPS agreement.
The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market, represents a risk to the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. An EU food and veterinary office inspection to evaluate animal health and public health control systems, traceability and certification procedures in place in Brazil was carried out in September last year. The FVO has just published its findings following a period of consultation with the Brazilian competent authorities and the review of action plans that have been submitted by the Brazilian authorities to the Commission. This report, as well as all previous FVO reports on inspection of third countries' controls for export, may be accessed from the EU Commission's website at the following address, http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fvo/ index_en.htm. While the report comments on a general improvement in the structure, organisation and tasks of the Brazilian competent authorities, it has listed a number of recommendations to the authorities to address deficiencies that were recorded in the course of its audit. The Brazilian authorities have undertaken to submit an action plan in response to these recommendations and my Department will continue to monitor the position.
Question No. 133 answered with QuestionNo. 77.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 75.
Tuberculosis Incidence.
John Deasy
Question:135 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to review the tuberculosis eradication programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12007/06]
The main elements of the current bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme include an annual mandatory test on each herd; test on herds contiguous to or otherwise epidemiologically linked to infected herds; veterinary inspection of carcasses presented for human consumption; prompt removal of reactor animals; epidemiological investigation following confirmation of infection and spread; tracing of TB infected or potentially infected animals back from and forward to other herds where appropriate; use of the gamma Interferon test, the ELISA and the anamnestic ELISA test in problem herds as an adjunct to the tuberculin test; depopulation of infected herds where the level or duration of infection indicates that this is necessary to clear the herd and-or protect the neighbourhood; contribution towards the cost of the eradication measures through the disease levies, which are paid on cattle slaughterings, live cattle exports and deliveries to creameries; compensation for animals removed as reactors based on the market value for each animal removed subject to certain limits; and a wildlife strategy and research on developing blood tests, vaccines and other technological tools required to improve effectiveness of programmes.
The present eradication programme is scientifically based and is kept under constant review, as evidenced by the changes that have occurred in recent times. Such recent changes include a more focused contiguous herd testing policy and greater use of the ancillary gamma interferon blood test in target herds. On the technology side, new and enhanced computer systems have been developed including an individual bovine animal unique identification and passport system, a computerised movement monitoring system for bovine animals, CMMS, and an animal health computer system, AHCS. In view of the recognition that the incidence of the disease in wildlife is a major impediment to eradication of the disease, the current eradication scheme contains a significant wildlife strategy aimed at removing badgers in adjacent areas where they are implicated in tuberculosis breakdowns and which is implemented under licence from and in co-operation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The recent changes which have been introduced into the scheme have improved the effectiveness of the programme as evidenced by a significant reduction in the incidence of the disease from 4.2 reactors per thousand in 1998 to 2.6 in 2004. However, my Department will continue to monitor and review the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme on an ongoing basis with a view to the eventual eradication of the disease. In this context, in the short-term, notwithstanding the fact that the existing wildlife strategy has contributed to a reduction in the incidence of bovine TB, it is accepted that the development of a vaccine for badgers is a prerequisite if eradication of tuberculosis from the cattle population is to be achieved. My Department plans to commence a large-scale field trial of BCG in badgers in the near future to test the efficacy of a vaccine. However, any vaccine will not be available in the immediate future and the existing strategy will remain in place for some time. In the meantime, the existing programme, updated as appropriate in light of developments, will remain in place.
Veterinary Service.
Billy Timmins
Question:136 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to provide a countrywide and weekend veterinary service for the issue of prescriptions for animal remedies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12047/06]
The Deputy will be aware that veterinary practices are primarily commercial entities and their locations are driven by commercial realities. However, in so far as State involvement is concerned, I can point to a number of recent measures which will alleviate difficulties that may arise in certain parts of the country. Under the new Veterinary Practice Act 2005, effective from 1 January 2006, there is a provision which for the first time enables the Veterinary Council to recognise qualifications from applicants in third countries generally. This, taken with the enlargement of the EU, will make for improved availability of practitioners to meet shortfalls that may arise on the supply side. Furthermore, the Animal Remedies Regulations 2005, which I signed into law on 17 November 2005, contain a number of measures which facilitate veterinary practitioners and their farmer clients to avoid difficulties in this area. These include changes to the prescribing rules in terms of the ending of the requirement to clinically examine an animal prior to writing a prescription and the extended validity period of prescriptions. The regulations also include a provision, which in a genuine emergency situation and subject to appropriate safeguards, allows a pharmacist to supply a prescription medicine in advance of receiving a written prescription.
Finally, I understand that Údaras na Gaeltachta provides funding to subsidise veterinary practices in remote areas in consultation with the local farming community.
Animal Welfare.
Joe Costello
Question:137 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cases involving animal welfare problems which were dealt with by her Department’s district veterinary offices in each of the past five years; the number of prosecutions involving animal welfare legislation which the district veterinary office was involved in over each of the past five years;and the number of convictions and acquittals which were the outcome of such cases during each of the past five years. [12230/06]
The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing complaints under that legislation rests with the Garda Síochána which may, on receipt of a complaint, investigate and bring a prosecution against any person alleged to have committed an act of cruelty against an animal. Officers of my Department are regularly involved in assisting the gardaí in such cases.
My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals. The legislation governing this is the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984 and the European Community (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations, 2000. In addition, there is specific legislation in regard to pigs, calves and laying hens.
Animal welfare cases which come to notice are dealt with, generally, by officers based in my Department's district veterinary offices. These officers deal with the implementation of animal welfare legislation as well as having responsibilities in a wide number of other areas related to animal health, disease control, etc. Information in regard to animal welfare cases dealt with in any particular year is not compiled centrally in my Department.
In 2004, the Farm Animal Welfare Council, FAWAC, introduced an early warning-intervention system, EWS, for animal welfare cases involving the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals. The objective of the system is to provide a framework within which farm animal welfare problems can be identified before they become critical or overwhelming. The new system allows for concerned individuals to approach their local IFA representatives, the local SPCA or my Department in the knowledge that the matter will be dealt with in the most effective, timely and sensitive manner. In addition, my Department makes ex gratia payments annually to organisations involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services to assist in their ongoing work. In this regard, some €1.2 million was paid to 86 organisations in December last to assist them during 2006 and a provision of €1.1 million for this purpose is included in my Department’s Estimates for 2006.
Live Exports.
Shane McEntee
Question:138 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to ensure adequate shipping capacity for the live export of calves to continental Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12026/06]
My Department's function in regard to the transport of livestock by sea is to approve vessels based on statutory requirements regarding the protection of animal welfare. The actual provision of such services is a commercial matter.
Approval for the carriage of livestock on roll-on roll-off vessels is considered on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the characteristics of the individual vessel, whereas there are specific statutory requirements which apply across the board where dedicated livestock vessels are concerned. Over the years, my Department has approved a number of dedicated roll-on roll-off vessels and works closely with applicant companies for approval to ensure that the conditions aboard such vessels are consistent with national and EU animal welfare requirements. A vessel currently approved by my Department for the carriage of livestock was recently approved for the carriage of two additional livestock units and underwent a successful trial voyage. The vessel is also provisionally approved for a further additional livestock unit subject to some minor modifications to the ventilation system. The vessel will then be capable of transporting a total of 21 livestock units. My Department has also authorised the transport of cattle from Shannon Airport on aircraft and to-date three consignments of animals have been exported by this means.
Up to 19 March 2006, 43,844 live cattle have been exported from the State, compared to 32,585 for the same period during 2005. This represents an increase of 35%. The live export trade provides a valuable outlet for categories of younger animals and a degree of competition, thereby sustaining prices. My Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities in regard to the live trade by ensuring that any such applications are dealt with in a thorough, professional and efficient manner and that our animal health status continues to allow producers to have access to markets in the EU and elsewhere.
The Government's consistent position in regard to live exports has been that they provide a vital and legitimate market outlet for the livestock sector. The role of the Government in the promotion and preservation of any commercial trade is to create an environment in which it can be carried on in an economic and sustainable manner and which allows it to make the maximum possible contribution to the national economy. In the case of live exports, the preservation of the animal health status of the country, the international reputation of its veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a framework, which ensures that good standards and welfare considerations are taken into account, are all key elements. In each of these areas, our record is exemplary. Ultimately, the transport of live animals is a commercial matter and there are sufficient numbers of approved vessels to provide a service if the commercial demand exists.
Sugar Industry.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:139 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a statement on the outcome of her meeting on 21 March 2006 with a delegation from Mallow, County Cork, to discuss the implications of the planned closure of the Irish Sugar Company plant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11716/06]
During the meeting on 21 March which the Taoiseach, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I, together with Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, had with a delegation from Mallow, I expressed my concern about the impact the closure of the Irish Sugar plant would have on workers, beet growers and all those who depended on the sector. I explained that the recent decision by Greencore to discontinue sugar production was a commercial decision by the company having regard to the deteriorating situation on the sugar market and the agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime.
Furthermore, I outlined the background to the EU negotiations on the reform, the negotiating stance I adopted and the compensation arrangements negotiated for Ireland when the opposition of the group of 11 member states dissipated at the Council meeting in November. The outcome of my negotiating strategy in these difficult negotiations was reflected in the final compensation package worth over €310 million to Ireland, which was way beyond the most optimistic expectations. There are three elements to the package. They include the compensation to beet growers of up to 64% of the reduction in the minimum price for beet. This compensation, which will be incorporated into the existing single payment scheme, is worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over the next seven years. There is the compensation by way of a restructuring fund covering the economic, social and environmental costs of restructuring the sugar industry, involving factory closure and renunciation of quota. In Ireland's case, this would be worth up to €145 million. The fund is subject to the submission of a detailed restructuring plan for the industry following consultations between the processor and the beet growers. The reform agreement provides that at least 10% of the restructuring funds shall be reserved for sugar beet growers and machinery contractors. That proportion may be increased by member states after consultation with interested parties, provided that an economically sound balance between the elements of the restructuring plan is ensured. Finally, the reform agreement provides for the introduction of aid for diversification measures where sugar beet production completely ceases. This aid, worth almost €44 million to Irish growers, would be drawn down in the framework of a national restructuring programme to be elaborated when the Commission's implementing regulation has been adopted.
The decision taken by Greencore is obviously difficult for everyone concerned. The compensation arrangements will be finalised when the Commission's implementing regulations are adopted in the coming months. I will endeavour to ensure that they are implemented in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with the regulations.
Care of the Elderly.
Dan Neville
Question:140 Mr. Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when funding will become available to the mid western region for care packages to provide home care grants for elderly people; and the criteria which will be used in allocation of these grants. [12285/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Mary Upton
Question:141 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she stands by her statement in Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 7 March 2006 that the long-term illness scheme provides for the supply, without charge of drugs, medicines and surgical appliances to persons with a medial condition (details supplied). [12286/06]
I am happy to confirm the position as set out in my answer of 7 March last and to clarify that, under the long-term illness scheme, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with cystic fibrosis for the treatment of that condition.
Infectious Diseases.
Finian McGrath
Question:142 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding preparations to deal with an outbreak of avian flu; and if all necessary supplies have been ordered for potential victims. [12287/06]
For the sake of clarity, avian flu, H5N1, is primarily a disease of birds. To date, there have been a very small number of human cases of H5N1 infection documented in situations where there has been very close contact with infected birds. There is no evidence of human to human transmission. The Department of Agriculture and Food is responsible for controlling avian flu in birds and mammals other than humans. That Department has put in place a range of measures aimed at maintaining Ireland's avian flu-free status.
The health sector's role in this respect relates to the human health implications that would arise were there to be an outbreak of avian flu in this country. My Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture and Food in this context. The Department of Agriculture and Food is an active participant in my Department's influenza pandemic expert group, a subgroup of which has developed guidance documents for use in the event of an avian influenza outbreak in animals in Ireland. Guidance on the investigation and management of suspected human cases of avian influenza has also been developed and circulated within the health system. These guidance documents are available on the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre website www.hpsc.ie.
The overall aims of influenza pandemic planning are to reduce mortality and morbidity and to minimise the resulting disruption to society. In line with information and evidence available internationally, my Department has consistently stated that the consequences of a global pandemic are likely to be serious. Pandemic planning can only mitigate the effects. I would like to draw a clear distinction between the current avian flu outbreak and the possibility of a future pandemic influenza in the human population. Experts advise that such a pandemic may arise as a result of the current H5N1 avian flu situation, but this is by no means inevitable.
My Department and the Health Service Executive are working closely together on pandemic planning. The pandemic influenza operational response plan is being updated in line with the most up-to-date expert advice. This work is being progressed through working and implementation groups established by the HSE to address actions within a number of functional areas, including personnel, supplies and excess mortality.
Health Services.
Paul Kehoe
Question:143 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding that was provided to Peamount Hospital for the last five years of its operation towards the treatment of tuberculosis; the breakdown of the figures per year; and where the funding that was saved with the closure of the tuberculosis unit in Peamount Hospital has been allocated, if at all. [12289/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Paul Kehoe
Question:144 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that people who receive home care grants are being told that they must pay PRSI contributions and so on for the person who receives the grant in lieu of work done; if this responsibility is proving to be a deterrent to people taking up the home care grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12290/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Seán Ardagh
Question:145 Mr. Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be accommodated for residential care in Stewarts Hospital. [12291/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Child Care Services.
James Breen
Question:146 Mr. J. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures she will put in place to ensure that all crèches and child care facilities are inspected on a regular basis in counties Clare and Limerick and north County Tipperary as figures in a newspaper (details supplied) reveal that 28 of 370 were inspected in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12292/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
I am aware, however, that in response to the newspaper article to which the Deputy refers, the Health Service Executive has informed my Department that the total number of annual pre-school inspections undertaken in the mid-west region in 2005 was 365, with a further 61 follow up visits. The number of notified services in that region is calculated at 445 in February 2006 and not 370 as published.
Care of the Elderly.
Mary Upton
Question:147 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding illegal nursing home charges in so far as it applies to persons who were not considered compos mentis; if she will confirm that the Statute of Limitations does not apply to such persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12293/06]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006 was published on 16 March 2006 and will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas in the coming weeks. This Bill will provide the statutory basis for a national repayment scheme for the repayment of long stay charges for publicly funded residential care to those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged.
Under the scheme, all those fully eligible persons, including those not considered compos mentis who were wrongly charged and are alive, will have the charges repaid in full. The estates of all those fully eligible persons, including those not considered compos mentis who were wrongly charged and died in the six years prior to 9 December 2004, the date on which the former health boards were instructed to cease charging, will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme will not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died more than six years prior to this date.
The decision to limit repayments to the estates of those who died in the six years prior to 9 December 2004 reflects the reference in the Supreme Court judgment to the Statute of Limitations that the State has available to it the Statute of Limitations, namely, a six year limit. The Government has a responsibility to have regard to what the Supreme Court said in order to limit the scale of total repayment that today's taxpayer would otherwise need to fund. I am satisfied that the scheme strikes a fair balance in this regard.
Health Services.
Mary Upton
Question:148 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken to ensure that home help service providers are being fairly treated in respect of their contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12294/06]
The Deputy's question relates to human resource management within the Health Service Executive. As this is a matter for the Executive under the Health Act 2004, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have it investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
I recognise the valuable role of the home help service in enabling people who might otherwise need to be cared for in institutional care to remain at home where this is appropriate. I am aware that a high level group has been established with representatives from the Health Service Executive and staff representatives from SIPTU and IMPACT to address issues pertaining to the standardisation of home help services. The group held its first meeting on 23 March last and further meetings are scheduled.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:149 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she intends taking, independent of a Medical Council inquiry and in the interests of patient safety, following the publication of the Judge Harding Clarke report that highlighted the conclusions reached by the three consultant obstetricians chosen by the former doctor, Michael Neary, and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12295/06]
Following the publication of the report of the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital inquiry, I have discussed its findings with Patient Focus, the National Hospitals Office of the Health Service Executive, HSE, and the Medical Council. As the Deputy is aware, the Medical Council is the body with statutory responsibility for issues relating to fitness to practice of medical practitioners and I have no function in relation to any such enquiries.
The recommendations in the report underline the importance of a number of policies and actions that I have been pursuing, in particular the introduction of a new medical practitioners Bill, which I hope to bring to the House later this year, and the introduction of a new contract for hospital consultants, which is intended to include provisions in relation to clinical audit and competence assurance.
International experience of health service failures demonstrates the value of review mechanisms to ensure clinical governance and quality in the health care. The report should cause us to deal clearly with the implications that its findings have for the health service as a whole. I have asked my Department to develop mechanisms in conjunction with the HSE to ensure that clinical governance arrangements are strengthened throughout the health system.
Departmental Bodies.
Seymour Crawford
Question:150 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of working groups and committees that she and her Ministers of State have set up since she has come to that office to date; the cost of each of these committees or inquiries; if she is satisfied that all of these groups are just; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12341/06]
The information requested is being collated in my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services.
John Deasy
Question:151 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if financial assistance will be provided to the Irish Society for Autism to assist it with the running costs attached to providing a residential centre for autistic girls at Myshall, County Carlow in view of the fact that this will be the only residential centre for autistic girls here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12342/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Mary Upton
Question:152 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for Our lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12343/06]
In the context of the decision to be taken on the possible relocation of the facilities at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, I asked the Health Service Executive to undertake a review of tertiary highly specialised paediatric services to ensure that they are planned and provided in the most efficient and effective manner.
On 3 February last, the Health Service Executive published a report on the delivery of tertiary paediatric services in this country. The report, which was prepared by McKinsey & Co., recommends that best outcomes for children should be provided by one national tertiary paediatric centre, which would also provide all secondary paediatric services for the greater Dublin area. Arising from the report's recommendations, a joint HSE-Department of Health and Children task group was established to progress matters and to advise on the optimal location for the new facility. The group is expected to report in early April. My primary concern is to ensure that we arrive at a solution which is in the best interests of the children of this country.
Nursing Home Subventions.
John Perry
Question:153 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the directive she has given to the Health Service Executive to implement greater consistency to the different levels of enhanced subvention support here to bring uniformity and to abolish regional disparities where enhanced subvention in the west of Ireland is €285 approximately while in other regions it is approximately €720; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12344/06]
The Nursing Home (Subvention) Regulations 1993 are administered by the Health Service Executive. There are currently three rates of subvention payable, €114.30, €152.40 and €190.50 for the three levels of dependency which are medium, high and maximum.
The HSE has discretion to pay more than the maximum rate of subvention relative to an individual's level of dependency in a case, for example, where personal funds are exhausted. The application of these provisions in an individual case is a matter for the HSE in the context of meeting increasing demands for subvention within its overall resources. The average rate of subvention paid by the HSE generally exceeds the current approved basic rates. Additional funding of €20 million for subventions has been made available to the Health Services Executive to support more basic level subventions, reduce waiting lists for enhanced subventions and, arising out of my concerns regarding inconsistency, reduce regional variations in these payments.
Child Care Services.
John Perry
Question:154 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will re-assess the application for funding for a group (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12346/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 is being implemented by the newly established Office of the Minister for Children under my auspices. With regard to the application for staffing grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 referred to by the Deputy, I understand that the community-based group in question was approved for staffing continuation funding of €174,500, up to 31 December 2007. There is no record of a request from the group to review this decision. The Deputy may also be aware that the community-based group has been approved capital grant assistance of €606,466 under the EOCP.
Departmental Strategy Statements.
Catherine Murphy
Question:155 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 197 and 198 of 15 February 2006, when the formulation of recreation policy for young people aged 12 to 18 will be completed and made available to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12418/06]
The Office of the Minister for Children is adopting an evidence-informed approach to the development of the recreation policy. I recently launched the report of the public consultation which was undertaken to give all interested parties, including young people, a chance to have a say in the development of the policy. The findings of the research published late last year and the key issues emerging from the public consultation process are being considered by the Office of the Minister for Children and the recreation policy steering group in finalising the recreation policy. It is expected that the recreation policy will be published and made available to the public later this year.
General Medical Services Scheme.
Mary Upton
Question:156 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason elderly medical card holders are being required to pay for certificates from doctors in order to avail of sporting facilities; if she will make a statement on the matter of elderly people being therefore disincentivised to participate in activities in which really they ought to be participating owing to the health risks associated with being inactive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12420/06]
Under the terms of the general medical services scheme, GMS, contract, participating GPs undertake to provide a range of treatments and general practitioner services for the patients on their GMS panel. Their GMS contract obliges them to provide the first and last certificates to explain work absence for their patients. All other requested certificates, such as those in respect of requirements for driving licences or life assurance policies, are a matter between the GP and the individual patient and may involve a charge.
Health Services.
Liz McManus
Question:157 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive has not responded to a request from a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 8 for information on the number of patients referred by it for psychiatric treatment abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12421/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Hospitals Building Programme.
Paul Kehoe
Question:158 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a hospital (details supplied) in County Wexford has been included in the Health Service Executive capital plan for 2006 to 2010; and if not, when a decision will be made on the matter. [12422/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Gerard Murphy
Question:159 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when approval will be given to the Health Service Executive to proceed to design stage of proposed extension of Kanturk Community Hospital (details supplied). [12423/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those in the health capital programme. Accordingly, my Department is requesting the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Jack Wall
Question:160 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a directive as Department policy will be given to the Health Service Executive exempting a persons home from inclusion as part of the income assessment for the means test associated with nursing home subvention payments as is the case in all other various means tested payments for all other relative Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12435/06]
The Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993 provide for the payment of subvention for private nursing home care for applicants who qualify on both medical and means grounds. General rules for the assessment of means in respect of an application for nursing home subvention are set out in the Second Schedule of the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993, as amended by the 2005 regulations. Under the regulations the Health Service Executive, when considering an application for subvention, carries out a means test which takes into account the means of the applicant and his or her spouse or cohabiting partner, where appropriate, and the assets of the applicant.
The HSE imputes an income of 5% of the estimated market value of the principal residence of an applicant for subvention, unless the residence is occupied by a spouse, or son or daughter aged less than 21 or in full time education or in receipt of the disabled person's maintenance allowance, blind person's pension, disability benefit, invalidity pension or old age non-contributory pension, and generally does so unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Under the Nursing Homes (Subvention) (Amendment) Regulations 2005, SI 814 of 2005, the HSE may refuse to pay a subvention if the value of the applicant's principal residence is €500,000 or more, where the residence is located in the Dublin area, or €300,000 or more, where the residence is located outside the Dublin area, and the residence is not occupied by a spouse, a son or daughter aged less than 21 or in full time education or a relative in receipt of a social welfare pension or allowance.
The recently published Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006 is designed to ensure that the existing subvention scheme for private nursing home care is grounded in primary legislation and to help the HSE to implement the scheme on a standardised basis across the country. It includes a provision to vary the 5% income imputation. I will be considering the issue of housing assets and long-term residential care following the enactment of this Bill and in the light of the report of the long-term care working group.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Jack Wall
Question:161 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have availed of the BreastCheck diagnosis in Kildare for each of the past three years; if the percentage attending the service is increasing; if there is a proposal to reduce the age of person entitled to the check; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12436/06]
The issues raised by the Deputy are matters for BreastCheck. My Department has requested the director of BreastCheck to examine the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:162 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the urgency and importance of the issues raised in Question No. 198 of 28 February 2006, she will intervene with the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive, to whom she has directed the question; and if an immediate response will issue. [12455/06]
The Department of Health and Children has been informed by the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive that a reply has now issued to the Deputy on the matter.
Health Services.
Gay Mitchell
Question:163 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will give financial assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [12456/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, for which the Health Service Executive is responsible under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department of Health and Children has asked the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange for this matter to be investigated and a reply to be issued directly to the Deputy.
Home Help Service.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:164 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider the provision of home help in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12485/06]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, for which the Health Service Executive is responsible under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department of Health and Children has asked the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange for this matter to be investigated and a reply to be issued directly to the Deputy.
Special Educational Needs.
Catherine Murphy
Question:165 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of unconcluded court actions before the courts in which her Department is participating regarding the provision of educational and support services to children with special needs. [12557/06]
The number of unconcluded court actions relating to the provision of educational and support services to children with special needs in which the Department of Health and Children is a defendant or respondent is approximately 80. The Deputy will be aware that the Department is not specifically named as a defendant in all cases regarding the provision of educational and support services to children with special needs, although it is involved in such cases due to its role in forming and developing policy on the provision of health care and support services. Under the Health Act 2004, which provided for the creation of the Health Service Executive on 1 January 2005, the HSE is responsible for managing and delivering, or arranging to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Therefore, the HSE is responsible for the provision of services to individuals. The HSE is named as a co-defendant in a number of cases.
Health Service Projects.
Liam Twomey
Question:166 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the review of PPARS has been completed; if she has been informed of the outcome; if she will publish the findings of this review; the action she intends to take following its recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12558/06]
I have been advised by the Health Service Executive that it has not yet concluded its deliberations on the course of action it proposes to pursue to allow the PPARS project to recommence. A recommended action plan which will seek to leverage the investment made to date will be submitted to the HSE's chief executive officer shortly. The action plan will have to take on board last December's report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The HSE will require the approval of the Departments of Finance and Health and Children before further investment can be made in the project. The question of publication does not arise at this stage.
Liam Twomey
Question:167 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the internal audit of the Health Service Executive into the awarding of PPARS contracts is completed; if she will publish its findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12559/06]
I have been advised by the Health Service Executive that the relevant internal audit report is being finalised and should be completed shortly. The HSE will then issue a copy to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The question of publication does not arise at this stage.
Liam Twomey
Question:168 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has identified the beneficial owners of a company (details supplied); if she has received updates on the contact that the Revenue Commissioners have had with the Health Service Executive’s north-western area to assess the facts regarding tax payments; if this information will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12560/06]
I have been advised by the Health Service Executive that its legal advisors on PPARS were asked on 7 December 2005 to establish the ownership of the company in question. The advisers initiated a process of locating the place of registration of the company and determining its shareholders and any other available information. On 16 December 2005, they reported that searches in Ireland, including Northern Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey produced no information on the ownership of the company. When they contacted the company's administrator in Guernsey, it was confirmed that the company is registered in the British Virgin Islands but does not have a physical presence there. The company's full registration number and address were given. The legal advisers made arrangements through a law firm in Bermuda to make local investigations in the British Virgin Islands. They confirmed the registration information that showed that the company was incorporated there on 25 February 2002.
The law firm advised that there is no general statutory requirement to produce or file financial statements in the British Virgin Islands, unless the company holds a particular kind of licence that requires filing, which does not apply in this case. The register of directors and members is not required to be made public or to be filed at the corporate registry in the British Virgin Islands. The search confirmed that no such filings have been made. It was not possible, from the publicly available filings in the British Virgin Islands, to discover who holds the shares in the company. Following contact by the legal advisers, the company confirmed in writing by letter dated 8 February 2006 that no persons or corporate entity resident in or incorporated in the Republic of Ireland has any interests in the shares of the company, directly or indirectly via nominees. It further stated that no person connected with the HSE has any beneficial interest in the company. The Revenue Commissioners contacted the finance unit of the HSE's office in Manorhamilton in December 2005 seeking information and copies of relevant documentation about the company, which were provided as requested. The HSE has received no further contact on the matter from the Revenue Commissioners.
Civil Service Recruitment.
Finian McGrath
Question:169 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of people with intellectual disabilities who are employed in the Civil Service; and if there are plans to recruit more under the 3% target. [12356/06]
As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for Government policy on the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service. The Deputy may wish to note that, as part of a review of that policy, the Department of Finance commissioned independent research into the operation of the 3% employment target. A survey carried out as part of that research, which was published in 2002 as Employment and Career Progression of People with a Disability in the Irish Civil Service, showed that 7% of Civil Service staff have a disability, compared with the figure of between 2% and 3% that is generally reported in the annual surveys. The types of disability recorded in this survey included physical disability, which was the largest single category at 30%, and sensory disability relating to visual or hearing impairment, which was the second biggest category at 27%. Mental health, emotional, psychological, learning and other difficulties counted for 34% of the staff in that survey. The Department of Finance employs a disability advisory officer to advise on a review of the monitoring, reporting and recording arrangements for staff with disabilities in Departments and offices. As this is a sensitive area which gives rise to complex issues about confidentiality and the use of information, specific guidelines are being examined. A disability liaison officers' network, involving all Departments, has been established to share information. The possible use of a survey based on voluntary self-disclosure for new staff on appointment and for existing staff will be considered in discussion with the staff unions.
The Government gives a high priority to the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service. In light of the research and the consultants' recommendations on recruitment, it is envisaged that there will be targeted recruitment arrangements to maintain work opportunities for people with disabilities in the Civil Service. The Department of Finance is in discussions with the Public Appointments Service about the planning of a programme of recruitment. This year, every Department and a number of offices are supporting the willing able and mentoring project, whereby summer work placements will be offered to graduates with disabilities.
National Parks.
Joan Burton
Question:170 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement in relation to the project steering committee, chaired by the Office of Public Works, in respect of the Liffey Valley and the proposals regarding a Liffey Valley national park; the people who are the members of the project steering committee and in what capacity; when it was established; how frequently it has met; its terms of reference; and if the steering committee will be arranging for public workshops as indicated in earlier statements made by the Government in respect of the proposed Liffey Valley national park. [12325/06]
A steering group was formed in October 2004 to consider the feasibility of establishing a Liffey park, as was originally envisaged when St. Catherine's Park in Lucan was acquired. The steering group, which comprises officials representing the county councils of Fingal, Kildare, south Dublin and Dublin city, as well as the Office of Public Works, has met on 13 occasions. The group is examining management models, inventorising resources, establishing a realisable vision for the concept and producing recommendations for implementation, within the statutory and operational ambits of the relevant public authorities. A firm of specialist consultants was engaged to carry out a detailed feasibility study to assist the steering group in its deliberations. Public consultation, as advertised in the newspapers, was an integral part of this process and a number of meetings were held with interested groups. Further public meetings are planned. Meetings were also held with the local area and strategic policy committees of the local authorities.
Tax Collection.
Ivor Callely
Question:171 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax which has been received by the Revenue Commissioners arising from taxable income gained from pyramid schemes. [12328/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that income derived from pyramid schemes may be identified by taxpayers on some individual tax return forms in comment form. However, such comments are not captured on the Revenue computer system in a way that provides a basis for compiling the information sought by the Deputy. Accordingly, the specific information requested is not available.
Joan Burton
Question:172 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he remains concerned, as stated by him on Committee Stage of the Finance Bill 2006, at reports of developers entering into arrangements for development and building on land by means of licensing arrangements with a view to avoiding, delaying or mitigating stamp duty; if the Revenue Commissioners have carried out a review of such practices; the loss of revenue; the number of cases which have arisen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12424/06]
Stamp duty is a charge on documents, which are mostly legal documents, used in the transfer of property. Where a property is purchased, stamp duty is charged on the conveyance or transfer effecting change of legal ownership of the property concerned.
If there is no conveyance, there is no stamp duty. A builder or developer can, therefore, obtain a licence from a vendor to build on land owned by the vendor without incurring a stamp duty charge at that stage of the venture. Once the buildings, whether commercial or residential are completed, the conveyances or transfers of such properties to purchasers are chargeable to stamp duty in the normal manner unless specific exemptions are available to such purchasers.
As regards the number of cases involved, this information is not available. Taking account of the proliferation of developments generally in recent times, and in the context of its major project in the construction sector in 2006, the use of licensing and similar arrangements are being reviewed by the Revenue Commissioners as part of their audit and compliance programmes. The review, as with Revenue's overall approach to its business, will focus on risk.
I have asked Revenue to let me know the outcome of its review and I will decide what action, if any, is required bearing in mind the effect on the housing market and the cost to the Exchequer.
Tax Code.
Joan Burton
Question:173 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a recent court case concerning companies (details supplied) in which evidence was given of arrangements in respect of the National Aquatic Centre which disclosed leasing or sub-leasing arrangements resulting in the creation of valuable tax allowances for a person; the estimated cost of such allowances; the way in which such tax allowances could arise in view of the fact that the State financed the development costs in full of the National Aquatic Centre via a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12430/06]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are precluded for reasons of confidentiality from disclosing any details of the affairs of an individual taxpayer and for this reason it is not possible to give a detailed reply to the Deputy's question. However, I am also informed that the general position for tax purposes is that capital allowances in respect of plant or machinery are claimed by the owner or the lessor of the plant or machinery who will normally have incurred the expenditure on that plant or machinery. There is also provision for allowances to be claimed by a lessee of plant or machinery in certain circumstances and subject to various conditions. To qualify, the lessee must use the plant or machinery for the purposes of his or her trade. The machinery or plant must be let to the lessee on such terms that he or she is bound to maintain the plant and machinery and deliver it over in good condition at the end of the lease and the burden of wear and tear must in fact fall on the lessee. Finally, where the expenditure incurred on plant or machinery has been met directly or indirectly by the State, there is also provision to deny entitlement to capital allowances in respect of that expenditure.
Jack Wall
Question:174 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications by sports personnel for special tax reliefs since the scheme was commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12442/06]
The scheme which provides that qualifying sportspersons, whether in a professional or semi professional capacity, are entitled, on retirement, to income tax relief was introduced in Finance Act 2002. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information available in regard to the numbers of individuals availing of the relief relates to individuals who are liable to income tax on a self-assessment basis and is as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Claimants |
|
2003 |
17 |
|
2004 |
7 |
|
2005 |
1 |
Any claims which may have been received for years prior to 2003 are dealt with separately and the amounts involved are not centrally recorded. There is, therefore, no basis on which to provide the information requested in respect of those applications. The figure now being provided for year 2003 is an update of the figure which was previously based on claims made via the Revenue on-line, ROS, system only. The current figure now includes applicants filing returns via both ROS and non-ROS systems. The figures currently available for years 2004 and 2005 relate to preliminary data for claims made via the Revenue on-line system only.
Freedom of Information.
Tony Gregory
Question:175 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 339 of 21 March 2006, the reason a fee of €150 was charged by the Office of the Information Commissioner in this particular case. [12443/06]
The reason the fee referred to by the Deputy was charged by the Office of the Information Commissioner is because it was determined to be a requirement under the relevant legislation, specifically section 47(6A) of the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 and SI 264 of 2003, Freedom of Information (Fees) Regulations 2003. SI 264 of 2003 provides inter alia for a standard fee of €150 to be charged in respect of a review by the Information Commissioner. No charge applies if the review is concerned exclusively with the personal information of the requester. As regards other information, the requester can qualify for a reduced fee if he or she is covered by a medical card.
Tax Code.
Brian O'Shea
Question:176 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance his proposals to increase the tax credit in regard to certain fees paid to private colleges from the present €5,000 maximum relief to cater for parents who are simultaneously paying fees to third level colleges for a number of children pursuing post graduate studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12457/06]
I have no plans at this time to increase tax relief on fees paid to third level colleges. As the Deputy will be aware, I increased the maximum level at which this tax relief is allowed from €3,175 to €5,000 in budget 2005. Any further increases would be a matter for consideration in the context of future budgets.
The Government has allocated €228 million to student support for 2006, an increase of 6% compared with 2005. In addition, generally speaking there are no tuition fees at full time undergraduate level, which is an effective subsidy to students who would otherwise have to pay some or all of this cost.
Tax Collection.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:177 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the reason a large number of certificates of tax credits which are normally issued in early January have not been issued causing in many instances distress to taxpayers who are as a consequence put on emergency tax deductions; the number outstanding; the reason for the delays; when these will be fully cleared up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12567/06]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the issue of approximately 2.2 million individual tax credit certificates to PAYE customers, reflecting the budget changes, was completed at the end of February.
Since the changeover to a calendar tax year in 2002, it has not been possible, in the context of a December budget, to issue all tax credit certificates in early January. The timescale for completion of the bulk issue this year was of the order of two to three weeks longer than usual. A dimension for 2006 was the new PAYE computer system put in place by Revenue in October last that forms the bedrock for a range of improved services for customers later this year. The bulk issue of tax credit certificates for 2006 was the first in the new system and Revenue advise me that it took some additional time with the bulk issue as part of the process of bedding in the new system. The issue of the tax credits notices to employers was prioritised by Revenue so as to ensure payroll benefits arising from the budget changes were put into effect as quickly as possible.
Revenue also advises me that the tax credit entitlements for a minority of customers were affected in the major changeover process. Revenue assures me that it had a very active process in place for identifying any such customers and, where appropriate, automatically issued amended notices to employers to enable them to immediately adjust the payroll deductions. Amended tax credit certificates for individuals subsequently issued as part of this process and any entitlements were backdated to the start of the year.
Inland Fisheries.
Jack Wall
Question:178 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans or reports envisaged in regard to determining the value of marine life on the Rivers Liffey and Barrow and their tributaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12437/06]
The Department's core policy goal is to conserve the inland fisheries resource in its own right and to facilitate exploitation of the resource on an equitable and sustainable basis. The Deputy will be aware that the regional fisheries boards have responsibility for the management, conservation, protection, development and improvement of the fisheries in their respective regions. The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board has responsibility for the River Liffey and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board has responsibility for the River Barrow. I understand the Deputy is particularly interested in the status of salmon stocks in these rivers.
I am advised by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board that it has been engaged in a number of projects over the past few years to improve the stocking levels of the River Liffey and its tributaries. These projects have included works to enhance the spawning and nursery habitats of the river and during 2005 provided assistance in the stocking out of salmon fry in the Ryewater, an important tributary of the Liffey.
According to the fisheries board, a recent survey of the River Liffey was carried out by the board in conjunction with the Central Fisheries Board and Ballymore anglers in the vicinity of Ballymore Eustace, which indicated that there had been a considerable improvement in water quality since the area was previously surveyed in 1987. Stocks of trout and juvenile salmon have also improved.
The River Barrow, including its tributaries is the sixth largest salmon producing catchment in the country. The Southern Regional Fisheries Board has advised that the average redd count on the Barrow is encouraging and that there has been over a 100% increase in the redd count for 2005-06 compared to 2004-05. While the Environmental Protection Agency has acknowledged that there are problems with pollution at various locations on the Barrow and its tributaries, pollution on the Barrow is below the national average.
The central and regional fisheries boards and the Marine Institute monitor fish stocks in the districts in which these rivers are situate. In each case stocks are not seen to be within their conservation limits. For this reason, I have recently published the terms under which the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme will be administered in 2006 and beyond with a view to assisting the recovery in these and other rivers.
Energy Resources.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received communication from or issued instructions to the Regulator in respect of conditions, cost or other issues relating to the generation, supply or purchase of electricity from Gamma, Tynagh, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12483/06]
I have asked my Department to check its records as regards any communication from the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, in respect of conditions, cost or other issues relating to the generation, supply or purchase of electricity from the Tynagh Energy Limited plant in County Galway. The outcome of that check will be communicated to the Deputy. The Department received some general information from the CER concerning the competition held for the purpose of facilitating the entry of new independent electricity generating plant. This information was sought on foot of the Deputy's disallowed parliamentary question. I have issued no instructions to the CER as regards the issues raised by the Deputy. I have no statutory powers to do so.
Telecommunications Services.
Catherine Murphy
Question:180 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there is a target date by which broadband services will be fully provided for in Kildare; if not, if his Department intends to set such a date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12565/06]
Catherine Murphy
Question:181 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which it is intended to provide full broadband cover for Kildare; if a project plan is in place for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12566/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the independent regulator.
It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband, so my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These metropolitan area networks, MANs, will allow the private sector to offer world class broadband services at competitive costs.
A total of 27 MANs have been completed under phase one and are currently being managed by e-net, the Management Services Entity. The second phase of the programme involves the building of MANs in over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the sector. Kildare is developing projects in respect of the following towns: Kildare, Newbridge, Rathangan, Sallins, Maynooth, Clane, Monasterevin, Kilcock and Prosperous. The network routes are currently being finalised prior to issuing the invitation to tender for detailed design. Construction on these projects is expected to commence in 2006.
For rural communities and the hinterlands of larger towns my Department offers funding under the county and group broadband scheme to enable these communities to become self-sufficient in broadband, in association with the service providers. To date, 12 schemes have been approved across County Kildare representing total capital investment of €396,750, making broadband available to 68 communities and 17,790 people. Full details of the scheme, including application procedures, are on the website www.gbs.gov.ie. My Department’s website, www.broadband.gov.ie, lists all service providers offering broadband services in all towns in Kildare, and gives contact details for each company, together with prices for the various service levels on offer.
Human Rights Issues.
Gay Mitchell
Question:182 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12319/06]
I have followed with concern the case of Mr. Abdul Rahman who was charged in Afghanistan with apostasy for converting from Islam to Christianity, a charge punishable by death under Sharia law. I am pleased to hear that Mr. Rahman was released from custody in the past couple of days and I welcome reports that he is likely to be accepted by a third country.
The EU has been monitoring the situation closely and EU heads of mission in Kabul have been and remain in active contact with the Afghan authorities. Article 2 of the Afghan Constitution enshrines the right to religious freedom and the EU heads of mission sought assurances from the Afghan Government that it would fully respect this right. The EU also conveyed to the Afghan Government its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
I should also emphasise that Ireland, along with its EU partners, is adamantly opposed to use of the death penalty under any circumstances. The EU has, on a number of occasions, raised this issue with the Afghan authorities and pressed for the death penalty to be abolished. Ireland and the EU will continue to closely monitor developments in Mr. Rahman's case, and to raise this and related human rights concerns with the Afghan authorities.
Catherine Murphy
Question:183 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to obtain information from the Chinese Government regarding the existence of a concentration camp in Sujiatun, Shenyang Province, China in which it is alleged that Falun Gong practitioners are being detained, killed and organ-harvested; the options which are open to him to obtain information on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12320/06]
Catherine Murphy
Question:184 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his Department’s position regarding allegations against the Chinese Communist Party on the establishment of a secret concentration camp in Sujiatun, Shenyang Province, China in which Falun Gong practitioners are being detained for the purposes of organ harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12321/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
I am aware of reports that are circulating on the issues raised. I am unable at present, however, to confirm the reliability of these reports, but I have asked my Department, in particular through the embassy in Beijing, to look into the situation as a matter of urgency and to report back to me.
Without prejudice to the outcome of the above inquiries, Ireland and the EU remain concerned about the situation of Falun Gong practitioners in China and have raised our concerns with the Chinese Government on many occasions. Human rights issues are a constant and important point of dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both bilateral and European Union level. In our bilateral exchanges, human rights concerns were raised most recently with the Chinese Government during the visit by the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to China for St. Patrick's Day earlier this month. At EU level, the EU-China human rights dialogue is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns with China about individual human rights cases, and more general issues such as the abolition of the death penalty.
At the latest round of the human rights dialogue, held in Beijing on 24 October 2005, the EU raised, inter alia, the right to freedom of religion and the need for reform of the administrative detention system, including the associated re-education through labour, RTL, camps, where Falun Gong members, among others, are known to be detained. The next round of the dialogue will take place in Vienna in May.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:185 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the growth of an ultra-right party in Bulgaria — Ataka — which has campaigned on an anti-Roma platform; if his attention has further been drawn to the very high levels of anti-Roma racism as evidenced by recent studies showing that over a quarter of ethnic Bulgarians support their forced expulsion from the country; the implications this has for Bulgaria’s accession to the EU in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12322/06]
I am aware of the Ataka party in Bulgaria. At the most recent election in June 2005 the party received 9% of the vote. It does not form part of the governing coalition and the policies it advocates are not those of the Bulgarian Government.
The existence of anti-Roma sentiment is unfortunately a feature of society in parts of central and eastern Europe where most of Europe's Roma live, including Bulgaria. This issue has been acknowledged by the Governments concerned. In Sofia in February 2005 Bulgaria and seven other countries from the region announced a major regional initiative to address the problem through the "decade of Roma inclusion". Under this initiative, Bulgaria and other governments are committed to working together towards eliminating discrimination and closing the gaps between the Roma and the rest of society over the period 2005 to 2015. The initiative focuses in particular on access for the Roma to education, housing, employment and health care.
Following the signing of the accession treaty for Romania and Bulgaria on 25 April 2005, the performance of the Bulgarian authorities with regard to protection and integration of minorities, in particular the Roma community, continues to be closely monitored by the European Union as part of the pre-accession process. In its most recent monitoring report, published on 25 October 2005, the European Commission stated that Bulgaria continues to fulfil the Copenhagen political criteria, while noting that further sustained efforts are required to realise the effective integration of the Roma minority. The issue was raised at the recent EU-Bulgaria Association Council on 31 January 2006. The association council noted that implementation of the Bulgarian framework programme for equal integration of Roma into Bulgarian society is ongoing, while underlining that the programme requires additional attention. The European Commission will publish two further monitoring reports in the coming months as part of the ongoing intensive monitoring process.
Overseas Development Aid.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:186 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the breakdown by country of overseas aid donations made by the Government to developing countries in the past five years. [12323/06]
Ireland assists over 30 of the poorest countries in Africa, via a wide array of partnerships through non-governmental organisation, NGOs, and UN agencies and through our own bilateral aid programme delivered via our missions in six priority countries, namely Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Lesotho. In addition, assistance is also provided to a number of countries in Asia such as Vietnam and Timor Leste, in Central and South America, the Middle East and Europe.
For example, in 2004 over €233 million was expended in Africa, on a wide range of developmental activities and humanitarian relief. This assistance was delivered directly through national, local and regional authorities, civil society and community groups. In addition, Ireland worked closely with, and funded, a number of key NGOs such as Christian Aid, Concern, GOAL, Self Help Development International, Trócaire and others in their development work. Emergency relief was delivered through UN agencies, NGOs and international humanitarian organisations such as the Red Cross family.
The detailed country-by-country breakdown of Ireland's official development assistance, ODA, is provided in the Irish Aid annual reports which have been placed in the Oireachtas Library. The annual reports also outline the projects and sectors which Ireland supports as well as the partner organisations through which a significant amount of assistance is delivered. I am arranging to have copies of the relevant reports delivered to the Deputy. The reports are also available on the Irish Aid website at www.irishaid.gov.ie. The specific breakdown for 2005 is not yet fully complete, but will be available when the 2005 annual report is published.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:187 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Eritrea has been in receipt of Irish overseas aid donations from the Government in the past five years. [12324/06]
Ireland provided total funding assistance of over €8 million to Eritrea for the period 2001-05 inclusive. Eritrea is one of the poorest countries in the world, being placed 161st on the UN human development index, HDI, out of a total of 177 countries.
The funding was provided to Ireland's key NGO and UN partners working on the ground in Eritrea on a range of humanitarian and developmental projects. Funding was also provided through the multi-annual programme scheme, MAPS, which aims to provide more strategic and programmatic funding to NGO partners. Ireland funds the work of Concern and Self Help Development International, SHDI, in Eritrea in this regard. Other funding support was provided to UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, WFP, and UNICEF, working to provide humanitarian relief to vulnerable, food-insecure populations across Eritrea.
The Government is continuing to keep the humanitarian situation in Eritrea under close review in the context of the current drought which is affecting the Horn of Africa region and for which, to date, Ireland has provided assistance of €5 million.
With its EU partners, Ireland has sought to encourage Eritrea to engage with the international community on the peaceful resolution of its border disputes. Ireland remains concerned about the internal political situation and issues surrounding human rights in Eritrea. It has conveyed these concerns through diplomatic channels to the Eritrean authorities. Ireland provides no humanitarian or development funding directly to the Government of Eritrea.
Marriage Certificates.
John Perry
Question:188 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the paperwork has not been released to persons (details supplied) who are due to get married in Scotland in May 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12350/06]
I am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that the applications by the persons to whom he has referred have been approved and that the certificates confirming their freedom to marry have been issued.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Richard Bruton
Question:189 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has schemes through which a plan could be developed to take over a swimming pool which has been an enormous asset to the community but in which the religious order which own it wish to divest its interest, with the possible participation in that plan of local swimming pool clubs, local schools and the local authority (details supplied). [12761/06]
Finian McGrath
Question:190 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is the policy of the Government to allow swimming pools, valuable community facilities, to close in order to make way for the development of apartments; if the proposed closure of a swimming pool (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be investigated; if the people who have been swimming there for over 27 years will be supported; and the amount of public money which was given to this pool over the years. [12332/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190, together.
The swimming pool in question was built, I understand, by a religious order and while privately owned and operated by it, has been open to the public. I also understand that the pool receives some financial support from Dublin City Council. Under the local authority swimming pool programme, my Department provides grant aid to local authorities towards the capital costs of a new or replacement public swimming pool or the refurbishment of an existing pool. The programme provides for a maximum grant level of 80% of eligible costs, 90% in the case of disadvantaged areas, subject to a maximum of €3.8 million. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the proposal must be considered, supported and submitted by the relevant local authority. Before supporting a project, the local authority would have to be satisfied that the proposal is viable, that the balance of funding required to complete the project is available and that the project, when completed, would have a suitable level of public access. Consequently, questions relating to the location or operation of a public swimming pool should be directed towards the relevant local authority.
The priority under the current round of the local authority swimming pool programme, which is administered by my Department and where the deadline for submission of applications was 31 July 2000, is to continue to support those projects remaining to be completed. Of the 57 projects being dealt with, 32 have been grant aided, of which 18 have been completed, leaving 14 under construction or about to begin construction. The remaining 25 projects are at various stages in the programme — six tender stage, 11 at contract document stage and eight at preliminary report stage. I am pleased that activity under the programme has increased considerably as evidenced by the results for 2005 and 2006 to date where I approved: grant aid for eight projects which permits the project developers to proceed with placing the contracts and having the work commence; contract documents for 12 projects allowing them to invite tenders for the projects; preliminary reports for nine projects which permit the preparation of contract documents.
My Department is carrying out an expenditure review of the programme, which is examining, among other things, the number and nature of projects supported and what amendments, if any, are required to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme. On the completion of this review, which I expect will be available by mid-year, the question of re-opening the programme to new applications by local authorities will be considered.
Sports Capital Programme.
John Perry
Question:191 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding will be allocated to a company (details supplied) for their sports facility in Coolaney community park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12348/06]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November last. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday, 20 January. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
John Perry
Question:192 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure that sports capital funding is allocated to a club (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the sporting groups in this village have an excellent reputation both on and off field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12349/06]
The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2006 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 27 and 28 November last. The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday, 20 January. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Joan Burton
Question:193 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to a recent court case concerning companies (details supplied) in which evidence was given of arrangements in respect of the National Aquatic Centre which disclosed leasing or sub-leasing arrangements resulting in the creation of valuable tax allowances for a person; the estimated cost of such allowances; the way in which such tax allowances could arise in view of the fact that the State financed the development costs in full of the National Aquatic Centre via a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12429/06]
Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, CSID, the limited company established to develop the site at Abbotstown and Dublin Waterworld Limited, DWW, formally signed a lease for a 30 year period to operate the National Aquatic Centre in March 2003. However, CSID was obliged to take legal action against DWW and sought forfeiture of the lease by DWW on the grounds of significant and repeated breaches of the terms of the lease. When the court proceedings commenced, it emerged that DWW had assigned its right to the lease of the centre to a named businessman. This was in direct contravention of the terms of the lease, which prohibited any assignment of the lease without the formal consent of CSID.
As the Deputy is aware, the court delivered its judgment on 21 March and found in favour of CSID on all counts and declined to grant relief against forfeiture of the lease to DWW. The matter will be subject to an order of the court this week.
The tax benefits and arrangements which, according to what emerged in court, were availed of by the named businessman are not matters in which my Department has expertise or auspices. It is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and I am sure they will be examining the court proceedings in this context.
It is a matter of record that the development of the National Aquatic Centre was carried out by means of a DBFOM process — that is the design, build, financing, operation and maintenance of the centre would be carried out by one consortium of companies. The development contract was awarded to the Waterworld consortium consisting of Rohcon, Dublin Waterworld Limited and Waterworld (UK), aquatic and leisure centre operators.
Jack Wall
Question:194 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the mechanism used by his Department in dealing with the problems attached to the National Aquatic Centre; his proposals in regard to the centre going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12447/06]
Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Limited, CSID, is the body charged with development of the campus at Abbotstown, including the National Aquatic Centre. Since the construction of the centre was completed, CSID's responsibilities have been those of a landlord of the centre. A commercial company, Dublin Waterworld, DWW, held a lease to operate the National Aquatic Centre and therefore the day to day operational matters at the centre, including any operational problems, were the responsibility of DWW.
As the Deputy may be aware, a judgment was delivered in the High Court in relation to the lease of the National Aquatic Centre by DWW on Tuesday, 21 March. CSID had sought forfeiture of the lease by DWW on the grounds of significant and repeated breaches of the terms of the lease. The court found in favour of CSID on all counts and declined to grant relief against forfeiture of the lease to Dublin Waterworld Limited. I fully supported CSID in taking the court case but there are constraints in terms of commenting on the issue as the judicial process has not yet been finalised and the judgment is due to be perfected on Wednesday, 29 March. CSID stand ready to put in place contingency arrangements to ensure that the National Aquatic Centre will remain fully operational; that those working in the centre have the option of retaining their jobs; and that the centre continues to provide excellent swimming and leisure facilities for the public.
Greyhound Industry.
Tony Gregory
Question:195 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the increasing use of unauthorised drugs in the greyhound industry including most recently in the Irish Coursing Club’s premier event, the Irish Cup; the action he intends to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12448/06]
Tony Gregory
Question:196 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the type of unauthorised drugs being used to improve the performance of greyhounds in racing and coursing club events; and the type for which a greyhound (details supplied) recently tested positive. [12449/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
I wish to reiterate my strong condemnation of the use of prohibited substances and methods in any form in sport. Under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, Bord na gCon is the statutory agency responsible for the promotion and development of greyhound racing in Ireland. The Act confers on Bord na gCon wide powers to regulate all aspects of greyhound racing, including integrity management and anti-doping controls.
Under section 26 of the Act, the Irish Coursing Club is recognised as being the controlling authority for the breeding and coursing of greyhounds, subject to the provisions of the Act and of the constitution of the club and subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon.
Responsibility for the day to day administration of the greyhound industry, including doping issues, lies with Bord na gCon and my Department has no role in such matters. Accordingly, the information sought by the Deputy is not available to the Department and he should, therefore, address his request directly to Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club.
The Deputy will be aware that on 31 January 2006, I appointed Mr. Tim Dalton, former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to carry out an independent assessment of issues relating to corporate governance in Bord na gCon as well as its management of positive tests for banned substances. One of the terms of reference of the independent investigation is to consider the way in which Bord na gCon procedures dealing with doping infringements are presently carried out, to comment on the adequacy of existing procedures and to advise whether there should be any changes or modifications put into effect. I expect to receive Mr. Dalton's report shortly.
Job Losses.
Róisín Shortall
Question:197 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the circumstances which led to the issuing of redundancy notice to 81 employees of a company (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if he will report on the contact which his Department has had with the company concerned; and the assistance which his Department will provide to employees in sourcing alternative comparable employment. [12336/06]
On 22 February 2006, the Minister originally received notice under the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended, of collective redundancies at the company. The position was up-dated by the company on 1 March 2006. On 15 March, an official from the Department contacted the local FÁS office at Finglas and appraised them of the situation with a view to providing training opportunities for the employees.
Since the commencement of section 7 of the Redundancy Payments Act 2003 on 10 April 2005, there has no longer been a legal requirement for employers to notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in advance of the statutory redundancies of individual workers. The new comprehensive, on-line statutory redundancy form RP50 is instead furnished in respect of each employee after the actual redundancies take place and after the employees receive their statutory redundancy lump sums, with the employer making an application for the 60% employer rebate.
As a result, the Minister has not as yet received the relevant form RP50 in respect of redundant employees of the company concerned. However, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will fully meet its statutory responsibility under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003 to ensure that all eligible employees receive their correct statutory redundancy lump sum entitlement.
In addition, as mentioned in an Adjournment Debate on 8 March 2006 on this issue, the Deputy can be assured that every effort will be made by the industrial development agencies to secure alternative employment for the redundant workers in the area. In addition, FÁS has been in contact with the company's human resources manager, setting out the full range of services which they are making available to the employees concerned.
Employment Conditions.
Tony Gregory
Question:198 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action that is being taken to investigate the malpractices and underpayment of wages to workers on the Spencer Dock site in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12451/06]
The labour inspectorate of the Department is responsible for monitoring certain employment conditions for all categories of workers in Ireland. The inspectorate has commenced enquiries with the main contractor concerned and is actively pursuing the case. Inspectors will be focused on trying to secure appropriate redress for the people concerned once the facts are satisfactorily established.
Trade Missions.
Jack Wall
Question:199 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of foreign trade missions attended by him, his junior Ministers or Department personnel in each of the past three years; the result of such missions; the potential employment positions created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12452/06]
The following table sets out the foreign trade missions attended by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister of State responsible for trade and commerce and other Ministers, from 2003 to date. Departmental personnel do not attend in their own right but may accompany the Minister or Ministers of State on trade missions.
Government policy has been, for a number of years, to build on the strength of our existing markets and diversify into new ones. These trade missions raise Ireland's profile as a world class supplier of goods and tradeable services, and increase awareness of Ireland, in particular, our recent economic performance. Missions project Ireland as a competitive source of world class expertise and products. They win access for Enterprise Ireland clients to key decision-makers and influencers in target sectors.
The missions have helped to expand our trade performance, as shown by the most recent CSO trade statistics which showed a 5% increase in our exports for 2005 over the previous year, to €88.4 billion and our trade surplus is now €31.9 billion. Our healthy trade performance helps to safeguard and expand employment in our exporting businesses but the precise impact on employment of individual trade missions is difficult to quantify.
|
Date |
Location |
Led By |
|
30-31 January |
Czech Republic |
Minister Ahern |
|
6 May |
South Africa |
Minister Ahern |
|
20 May |
London |
Minister Ahern |
|
27 May |
Austria |
Minister Ahern |
|
3 June |
Poland |
Minister Ahern |
|
22-28 September |
Middle East (Saudi) |
Minister Ahern |
|
6-10 October |
Canada |
Tánaiste |
|
14-15 October |
Geneva |
Minister Ahern |
|
21-23 October |
Russia |
Minister Ahern |
|
6 November |
Helsinki |
Minister Ahern |
|
13 November |
Milan |
Minister Ahern |
|
27 November |
Edinburgh |
Minister Ahern |
|
Date |
Location |
Led By |
|
18-30 March |
South America |
Minister Ahern |
|
20 April |
Netherlands |
Tánaiste |
|
29 April |
London |
Minister Ahern |
|
6 May |
Madrid |
Tánaiste |
|
6 May |
Stockholm, Sweden |
Minister Ahern |
|
15-22 May |
Gulf & Iran |
Minister Fahey |
|
24 May |
London |
Minister Ahern |
|
22-23 September |
Hungary |
Minister Ahern |
|
9 October |
Paris |
Minister Ahern |
|
28 October |
Switzerland |
Minister Ahern |
|
3-5 November |
UK |
Minister Ahern |
|
11 November |
Italy |
Minister Ahern |
|
14-20 November |
Korea & Japan |
Minister Martin |
|
15-16 November |
USA |
Minister Ahern |
|
Date |
Location |
Led By |
|
17-22 January |
China & Hong Kong |
Minister Martin, Minister Ahern |
|
14-17 February |
France |
Minister Martin |
|
5 April |
Czech Republic |
Minister Martin |
|
24-27 April |
East Coast USA |
Minister Martin |
|
10 May |
UK |
Minister Ahern |
|
12 May |
UK |
Minister Ahern |
|
23-28 May |
USA and Canada |
Minister Martin |
|
24-27 May |
Dubai |
Minister Killeen |
|
31 May — 2 June |
Russia |
Minister Ahern |
|
15 June |
Romania |
Minister Ahern |
|
19-21 June |
USA |
Minister Ahern |
|
20-22 September |
Hungary |
Minister Martin |
|
5-6 October |
UK |
Minister Martin |
|
18 October |
UK |
Minister Ahern |
|
25-26 October |
Slovakia, Austria |
Minister Ahern |
|
3 November |
Germany |
Minister Martin |
|
24 November |
Italy |
Minister Ahern |
|
16-27 November |
Australia |
Minister Martin |
|
Date |
Location |
Led By |
|
15-22 January |
India |
Minister Martin |
|
10-17 February |
Saudi Arabia/Jordan |
Minister Ahern |
|
10-12 February |
France |
Minister Kitt |
|
14-15 February |
Spain |
Minister Martin |
|
25 February — 2 March |
West Coast USA |
Minister Martin |
|
21-22 March |
Switzerland |
Minister Martin |
Job Creation.
Jack Wall
Question:200 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employment positions created by IDA initiatives in the south Kildare region for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12453/06]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The Forfás annual employment survey records jobs gained and lost in companies supported by the industrial development agencies. Data are compiled on an annualised basis and aggregated on a county basis. In the five year period from 2001 to 2005, inclusive, a total of 2,484 jobs were created in IDA supported companies. Details of the number of jobs created in each of those years are set out in the following tabular statement.
|
Year |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Number of jobs created |
265 |
481 |
555 |
529 |
654 |
Industrial Development.
Jack Wall
Question:201 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits organised by the IDA for foreign investors or industrialists for Newbridge, Rathangan, Kilcullen, Kildare, Monasterevin, Athy, Ballymore Eustace and Castledermot for each of the past three years; the results of such visits; if all of the IDA owned lands in the towns were visited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12454/06]
IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency. While I may give general policy directives to the agency, I am precluded under the Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others. I have been informed by the agency that, in the past three years, there has been one site visit to Kildare town, but no investment has resulted from this visit. No visits have been recorded to any of the other towns mentioned by the Deputy.
At present there are 25 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kildare employing approximately 10,800 people. The county has, in recent years, attracted some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Wyeth Medica, Braun Oral B and Hewlett Packard. These investments have been won in competitive global markets where manufacturing companies in particular are going to low cost destinations such as China and central Europe.
New FDI projects tend to concentrate on high population centres with significant infrastructural and educational facilities. This makes it more difficult for the smaller locations to compete and for the IDA to encourage clients to visit such locations even if a property solution is available. To address this market shift IDA Ireland is refocusing to areas such as international services, software, financial services and pharmaceuticals. In the end, the final decision as to where to locate or even where to visit lies with the investor. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by IDA Ireland, together with the ongoing support of Government, will continue to bear fruit in terms of maximising sustainable investment and jobs for the people of Kildare.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Mary Upton
Question:202 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if public servants paying full PRSI whose pension is integrated with their occupational pension will, upon reaching 66 years of age, be entitled to receive the household benefits package; and if not, the reason therefore. [12296/06]
The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. Public servants who pay full PRSI, subject to meeting the normal contribution conditions for entitlement, will qualify for a social welfare old age contributory pension which, under current rules, is a qualifying payment for the household benefit package.
Gay Mitchell
Question:203 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will withdraw a claim for an alleged overpayment of €3,128.50 to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [12459/06]
Recipients of one-parent family payments are obliged to notify my Department when there is a change in their circumstances, for example, when their earnings increase. Overpayments may arise where beneficiaries fail to notify my Department of an increase in their weekly earnings.
My Department has no record of having received any notification from the person concerned in relation to increased earnings. On the basis of her earnings from employment, a deciding officer has decided that the person concerned was entitled to a transitional payment — half the rate she had been receiving — of one-parent family payment for the period 1 January 2004 to 5 January 2005. The entitlement to one-parent family payment ceased completely from 6 January 2005. An overpayment to a total amount of €8,232.50 for the period from January 2004 to 23 November 2005 resulted.
In all cases, overpayments are recoverable. In the case of the person concerned, it was possible to reduce the amount of the overpayment from €8,323.50 to €3,128.50 as the Department took into account an underlying entitlement to family income supplement which the person concerned may have had during the period in which the overpayment was incurred. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 20 March 2006 and she was advised of her right of appeal.
Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
Road Network.
Beverley Flynn
Question:204 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the spend on national roads in the Border, midland and western region as against the planned spend to date under the national development plan 2000-2006. [12326/06]
In reply to the Deputy's question, the following table contains expenditure originally committed to national roads under the economic and social infrastructure operational programme for the years 2000 to 2006, the actual expenditure in each year and forecast for 2006.
|
Year |
National Roads Expenditure committed under NDP |
National Roads Actual Expenditure |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
2000 |
190.80 |
188.10 |
|
2001 |
293.23 |
236.90 |
|
2002 |
374.34 |
182.31 |
|
2003 |
382.38 |
186.80 |
|
2004 |
389.66 |
354.75 |
|
2005 |
415.49 |
416.40 |
|
2006 |
502.59 |
487.57* |
|
Total |
2,548.49 |
2,052.83 |
*Forecast.
Parking Fines.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:205 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the reason parking fines for illegally parked vehicles have been raised from €19 to €40. [12333/06]
Fines in the amounts of €19 and €25 are levied at present by the Garda Síochána and traffic wardens for a range of specified parking offences under the fine-on-the-spot system. This level of fine dates back to 1997 and was reviewed in the context of introducing a new fixed charge system.
From 3 April 2006 the fixed charge system, provided in the Road Traffic 2002, will replace the fine-on-the-spot system which is being abolished. The new fixed charge system will apply to the enforcement of parking offences under section 103 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 by the Garda Síochána or traffic wardens authorised by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and also to the enforcement of parking offences under section 3 of the Local Authorities (Traffic Wardens) Act 1975 by traffic wardens employed by local authorities.
The level of fixed charge fixed for parking offences is €40 if paid within a 28 day period or that amount plus 50% —€60 — if paid within a further 28 day period. The level of fixed charge to apply to the offence of illegal parking in a disabled persons parking bay is €80 if paid within 28 days and increasing to €120 if paid within the subsequent 28 day period.
Driving Licences.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:206 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the steps which are taken to inform companies or drivers of foreign commercial vehicles of the need to carry licences when operating here. [12334/06]
The requirement that all drivers, and those accompanying provisional licence holders, carry their licences with them was introduced with effect from 1 January 2003. There was considerable media coverage of the requirement at the time. No additional specific steps were taken to date. However, I will review the position and consider whether further measures need to be taken to raise awareness in this area.
Road Traffic Regulations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:207 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if it is a legal requirement for drivers of foreign commercial vehicles to carry test and insurance certificates while operating here; the steps which are taken to inform companies or drivers of that requirement; and if it is normal practice for a truck driver for a UK based company to be detained at the side of the road until the test and insurance certificates are faxed to gardaí. [12335/06]
Under EU Directive 96/96/EC, motor vehicles are liable to periodic compulsory roadworthiness testing in the country in which they are registered. In the case of goods vehicles, testing is required when they are one year old and every year thereafter. Member states are required to ensure that vehicles passing such tests are issued with proof to that effect. It is not a requirement of Irish law for lorry drivers to have the certificate of roadworthiness of their vehicle in their possession but they may be required to produce such certificate to the Garda Síochána within ten days, if requested.
EU and Irish law require all vehicles being driven in a public place to be insured for third-party liability. All vehicles registered in the State must display an insurance disc. Section 69 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 permits a member of the Garda Síochána, who believes or has observed that a mechanically propelled vehicle was used in a public place, to demand production of a certificate of motor insurance for up to one month after the occasion.
Section 69A of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as inserted by SI 178 of 1975, permits the Garda Síochána to detain a vehicle originating in a country outside certain designated territories, where the driver cannot produce evidence of motor insurance on demand. The designated territories include all the member states of the European Union, other than the State, and Croatia, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Andorra. I cannot give the Deputy any information on operational practices within the Garda Síochána.
Aer Lingus Staff.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:208 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the retirement age for pilots and cabin crew employed by the State airline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/06]
The retirement age for pilots and cabin crew in Aer Lingus is an operational matter for the company. I understand from the company that the retirement age for pilots is 55 years. However, pilots can continue in service up to age 60 with company consent. The pension scheme also permits early retirement between age 45 to 55 with company consent.
Cabin crew are members of the Irish airlines — general employees — superannuation scheme and the rules of that scheme dictate that members retire on the anniversary of joining after their 65th birthday. The scheme also provides for early retirement from age 55 with company consent.
Road Traffic Regulations.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:209 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the possibility of dangerous convoys of slow moving heavy goods vehicles and buses moving at the speed of the slowest vehicle on a motorway resulting from a strict prohibition on the use of any lane other than the left hand lane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12465/06]
In relation to motorways it is prohibited since 1997 under article 33 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 to drive large heavy goods vehicles, a single-deck bus or coach that accommodates more than eight passengers or any vehicle towing a trailer, etc., in the outside lane except where it is necessary to proceed in that lane due to an obstruction or because another lane or lanes is or are for the time being closed to traffic. This driving rule only applies to outside lanes on motorways so a driver is not prohibited from driving in the outside lane of a dual carriageway on other classes of road.
I would draw attention to the fact the term "obstruction" is not defined in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and that Article 5 of these 1997 regulations, as substituted by article 5 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking)(Amendment) Regulations 1978, SI 274 of 1978, provides that the regulations "shall apply save where compliance is not possible as a result of an obstruction to traffic or pedestrians or because of an emergency situation confronting a road user which could not reasonably have been expected or anticipated".
Several factors, including those raised by the Deputy, have been considered. The issue of speed differential between vehicles travelling on a motorway is the main factor behind this policy in that these categories of vehicles are subject to a maximum ordinary speed limit of 80 km/h whereas the default maximum speed limit for other vehicles driving on motorways is 120 km/h.
Penalty points will be applied to the driving licence records of drivers who are convicted of an offence or to those who pay a fixed charge to the Garda in order to prevent the instigation of court proceedings. This road traffic offence is included in the Schedule of offences listed in the Road Traffic Act 2002 to which the penalty points system can be applied and it is one of the 31 offences to which I propose to extend the penalty points system from 3 April 2006.
Public Transport.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a request for permission to provide a feeder bus service to all rail stations throughout County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his permission is required in this regard; if he will consider such a request having particular regard to the lack of adequate car parking and the need for potential commuters to be able to access the rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12484/06]
The provision of any public bus services on a specific route by a private bus operator is subject to the 1932 Road Transport Act. In the case of the State bus companies, the initiation or alteration of a bus service is subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirement of giving advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators.
My Department has not received any applications for bus services that are dedicated feeder services for the train stations in Kildare. However, there are a number of applications under consideration in my Department for bus services in the County Kildare area which include stops at train stations. The Department will consider any such application for bus services made by a private bus operator or by the State bus companies.
Road Network.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:211 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the amount spent on the upgrade of the major inter-urban routes since 1999 to date; the amount it is estimated that it will cost to complete the programme of upgrading the major inter-urban routes; and when same is expected to be completed. [12555/06]
The planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects is a matter, under the Roads Act 1993, for the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the local authorities concerned.
From 1999 to date approximately €6.7 billion has been spent on the national roads programme. Transport 21 provides more than €18 billion of further funding for the programme over the period 2006 to 2015. This will fund the expected completion of the routes referred to by the Deputy by the end of 2010.
I am informed by the NRA that the exact costs of completing the routes can only be established once all the road schemes making up these routes have been tendered for and contracts awarded.
Security of the Elderly.
Jack Wall
Question:212 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications received by his Department for houses for the provision of security measures by senior citizens in each of the past three years; if the number of groups or associations who provide the service is on the increase or if his Department has sought to increase or reassess the workings of such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12438/06]
The scheme of community support for older people encourages and assists the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. The scheme is open to people aged 65 and over who have a genuine need for assistance under this scheme and is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department.
Over the past three years the following numbers of local community and voluntary groups submitted applications under the scheme:
|
Year |
Number of Groups |
|
2003 |
460 |
|
2004 |
530 |
|
2005 |
450 |
Funding provided by my Department under the scheme in this period was as follows:
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€m |
|
|
2003 |
2.91 |
|
2004 |
2.24 |
|
2005 |
2.36 |
Expenditure over the period has remained consistent reflecting the level of demand on the ground. The funding allocated for this scheme in 2006 is €3 million.
My Department monitors the operation of this scheme on an ongoing basis and is currently involved in a comprehensive review prior to advertising the 2006 scheme.
Inland Waterways.
Seán Crowe
Question:213 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding will be made available to Waterways Ireland for the upgrade of the Royal Canal from Crossguns Bridge to O’Reilly Bridge on Ratoath Road in view of the fact that €11.8 million was returned by Waterways Ireland to his Department in 2005. [12331/06]
A figure of the magnitude referred to by the Deputy was not returned to my Department by Waterways Ireland in 2005. Of the total allocation for 2005 from my Department of €33.21 million, there was a saving of €3.2 million in 2005. This arose primarily due to the suspension of the institutions in Northern Ireland and the subsequent and related deferral of the building of the Waterways Ireland headquarters in Enniskillen, which is now due to commence in 2006. In the event of an underspend under any heading, the money is either re-allocated to other projects within the Vote or surrendered to the Exchequer. In the case of deferral, a further provision is re-entered in the Vote the following year.
I am informed by Waterways Ireland that there are no immediate plans for major works on the canal stretch in question but that the question of whether further improvements to amenities there are required will be kept in mind in the context of future programmes of work.
National Drugs Strategy.
Jack Wall
Question:214 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department’s appraisal of drug abuse in areas (details supplied) in County Kildare; his proposals to deal with the problems; the funding already made available in dealing with the problem; the success of such initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12439/06]
As the Deputy will be aware, the areas in question form part of the south western regional drugs task force. I am pleased to be able to say that progress has been made by all ten regional drugs task forces, RDTFs, which were established in 2003, in the development of their action plans. An initial sum of €5 million per annum has been allocated by me to progress implementation of those plans for 2006 and I envisage that funding will be increased on an incremental basis over the coming years to achieve the full roll out of these action plans, which are estimated to have a full cost in the region of €12.2 million per annum.
An initial sum of €735,000 has been allocated to the south western regional drugs task force, SWRDTF, to allow it to progress the implementation of the actions identified in its action plan. This includes the establishment of a community drug team for County Kildare and west Wicklow as well as research into appropriate models of service delivery and a partnership with other agencies in establishing a profile of drug use in the task force's area of operations.
In addition, a research proposal into harm reduction measures and improved treatment has been drawn up and is the focus of discussion with other agencies. A regional drug education co-ordinator is due to be appointed in the coming weeks and significant advances have been made by the task force under the community and JLO counselling pools scheme.
I am satisfied that the range of activities and initiatives identified in the SWRDTF action plan represents a comprehensive approach to tackling the problems of drug misuse not only in the areas identified by the Deputy but in the south western area as a whole.
Tony Gregory
Question:215 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Question No. 61 of 21 March 2006, if it is the case that the project concerned requested funding not for additional staff but to replace part-time FÁS staff with full-time staff for the purpose of rehabilitation of drug-users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12450/06]
An application on behalf of the project has been made under the emerging needs fund. The application seeks to replace the current funding arrangement for these posts, which is through the special CE scheme, with funding from the emerging needs fund as well as additional programme costs and staff and management training costs.
As I stated in my reply to Question No. 61 of 21 March, I am still not fully satisfied with the proposal and have many questions for which I require answers from the project promoters. I hope to visit the project in the near future to get a fuller picture of the proposal and to speak to those involved in the project.
Farm Waste Management.
Denis Naughten
Question:216 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the new grant scheme will be available for farm waste management; the discussions which she has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on streamlining the planning process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12551/06]
Following receipt of the required EU approval, the revised farm waste management scheme was launched by my Department on 24 March 2006. Application forms, together with the accompanying terms and conditions, are available from the local agricultural environment and structures, AES, offices of my Department and are also available on my Department's web-site.
Among other changes which have now been approved by the EU Commission, the scheme: increases the standard grant rate from 40% to 60%, with 70% being available in the four zone C counties; is extended for the first time to include horses, deer, goats, pigs and poultry, and mushroom compost; permits all small farmers to participate in the scheme by the removal of any minimum income requirement from farming from the scheme; provides for an increase in the maximum eligible investment ceiling from €75,000 to €120,000; and extends the maximum income unit ceiling from 450 to 650 income units, with no upper limit being applied in the case of investments for pigs and poultry.
I am particularly pleased that the EU Commission has been prepared to recognise the need for differential treatment of the four zone C counties — Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan — where a 70% standard grant rate is now applicable for animal housing and slurry storage compared to the new 60% grant in other areas, and thank Commissioner Fischer Boel for her support for the introduction of this wide-ranging new scheme.
As the current EU rural development round finishes at the end of this year, applications can only be accepted by my Department under this revised scheme up to the end of December 2006. In view of this short timeframe for receiving applications, I have decided that where the proposed investment works require planning permission, applications will be accepted by my Department as soon as such planning permission has been applied for to the relevant local authority. However, approval to proceed will, of course, not be issued until a copy of the full planning permission has been received by my Department. This will enable farmers to lodge their applications while awaiting the receipt of the required planning permission. I am satisfied that the new scheme now provides an extremely attractive financial platform to help farmers meet the new investment requirements of the nitrates directive.
Live Exports.
Seymour Crawford
Question:217 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that there is sufficient shipping accommodation for live cattle out of this country; her views on whether the price of young calves fell dramatically while the export was stopped or at least slowed down; the steps she will take to make sure it does not happen again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12337/06]
My Department's function in the transport of livestock by sea is to approve vessels based on statutory requirements regarding the protection of animal welfare. The actual provision of such services is a commercial matter. Approval for the carriage of livestock on roll-on roll-off vessels is considered on a case by case basis, having regard to the characteristics of the individual vessel, whereas there are specific statutory requirements which apply across the board where dedicated livestock vessels are concerned. Over the years, my Department has approved a number of dedicated roll on roll off vessels and works closely with applicant companies for approval to ensure that the conditions aboard such vessels are consistent with national and EU animal welfare requirements. Indeed, a vessel currently approved by my Department for the carriage of livestock was inspected last week for the carriage of two additional livestock units and underwent a successful trial voyage. The vessel is also provisionally approved to carry further additional livestock units subject to some minor modifications to the ventilation system.
The live export trade provides a valuable outlet for categories of younger animals and a degree of competition, thereby sustaining prices. My Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities in the live trade by ensuring that any such applications are dealt with in a thorough, professional and efficient manner and that our animal health status continues to allow producers to have access to markets in the EU and elsewhere.
The Government's consistent position on live exports has been that they provide a vital and legitimate market outlet for the livestock sector. The role of the Government in the promotion and preservation of any commercial trade is to create an environment in which it can be carried on in an economic and sustainable manner and which allows it to make the maximum possible contribution to the national economy. In the case of live exports, key elements are: the preservation of the animal health status of the country, the international reputation of its veterinary certification services and the existence and application of a framework, which ensures that good standards and welfare considerations are taken into account. In each of these areas, our record is exemplary. Ultimately, the transport of live animals is a commercial matter and there are sufficient numbers of approved vessels to provide a service if the commercial demand exists.
Since January 2005 there has been no indication that the price of young calves has fallen for transport related reasons. Up to 19 March 2006, 43,844 live cattle have been exported from the State, compared to 32,585 for the same period during 2005. This represents an increase of 35%.
Afforestation Programme.
Seymour Crawford
Question:218 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of acres which has been planted in forestry for each of the past ten years on a county basis; the number of acres she expects to grant aid in 2006; if she is satisfied that there will be a full take up of grants available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12338/06]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
As regards planting levels in 2006, this is largely dependent on farmer demand. A most attractive package for forestry, including 100% planting grants and guaranteed tax-free premiums for 20 years for farmers, is in place. The concessions won in CAP reform, allowing farmers to plant up to 50% of their land and still draw down the full single payment on the rest, represents a significant increase in the attractiveness of forestry.
Since the start of 2005 my Department has approved 25,000 hectares of land for planting but many landowners have yet to act on these approvals. I would encourage all those who hold such approvals to act upon them immediately.
|
County |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Carlow |
134.45 |
40.14 |
96.11 |
90.79 |
56.97 |
71.17 |
80.67 |
79.33 |
53.56 |
87.88 |
|
Cavan |
303.34 |
310.57 |
418.97 |
225.13 |
401.69 |
554.60 |
715.84 |
220.47 |
435.60 |
302.53 |
|
Clare |
1,732.14 |
762.52 |
881.11 |
931.72 |
1,467.23 |
1,503.59 |
1,012.00 |
590.14 |
833.49 |
748.75 |
|
Cork |
1,548.72 |
800.42 |
1,397.22 |
1,306.36 |
1,636.21 |
1,708.59 |
2,093.69 |
977.89 |
1,433.84 |
1,734.04 |
|
Donegal |
2,394.88 |
1,346.93 |
1,192.24 |
876.78 |
954.84 |
1,016.39 |
900.43 |
388.16 |
308.88 |
344.52 |
|
Dublin |
114.38 |
79.82 |
63.01 |
5.35 |
16.87 |
4.11 |
4.80 |
19.05 |
11.36 |
0.00 |
|
Galway |
1,450.99 |
528.44 |
768.06 |
445.77 |
640.03 |
454.02 |
659.90 |
451.82 |
526.98 |
498.51 |
|
Kerry |
2,218.71 |
1,419.72 |
1,054.59 |
1,126.49 |
1,828.47 |
2,017.71 |
1,824.92 |
930.07 |
893.01 |
770.19 |
|
Kildare |
210.16 |
237.01 |
249.65 |
155.94 |
233.91 |
136.38 |
153.77 |
133.52 |
84.46 |
129.02 |
|
Kilkenny |
592.81 |
444.21 |
362.96 |
502.89 |
422.14 |
530.28 |
528.74 |
456.27 |
296.71 |
544.72 |
|
Laois |
787.68 |
392.89 |
284.87 |
286.70 |
584.22 |
441.36 |
475.51 |
148.28 |
183.38 |
203.14 |
|
Leitrim |
918.15 |
615.22 |
591.40 |
477.78 |
688.40 |
463.88 |
466.75 |
324.64 |
393.91 |
410.98 |
|
Limerick |
692.48 |
553.30 |
488.54 |
584.39 |
964.30 |
1,182.90 |
1,175.08 |
807.48 |
767.25 |
683.57 |
|
Longford |
290.15 |
214.04 |
250.21 |
215.85 |
279.63 |
175.21 |
416.32 |
212.01 |
255.18 |
208.47 |
|
Louth |
18.92 |
13.50 |
98.90 |
2.19 |
9.96 |
1.78 |
63.35 |
7.51 |
17.77 |
2.10 |
|
Mayo |
1,297.53 |
795.07 |
1,094.29 |
841.25 |
913.74 |
924.35 |
928.66 |
556.28 |
483.17 |
359.48 |
|
Meath |
247.29 |
180.86 |
184.50 |
345.97 |
348.83 |
249.50 |
168.52 |
149.34 |
150.20 |
217.38 |
|
Monaghan |
102.96 |
42.30 |
75.63 |
23.31 |
23.17 |
47.52 |
47.34 |
58.70 |
73.87 |
59.17 |
|
Offaly |
686.86 |
116.53 |
295.90 |
654.48 |
584.76 |
509.36 |
308.67 |
385.69 |
315.57 |
262.32 |
|
Roscommon |
985.61 |
479.79 |
360.20 |
516.75 |
556.99 |
576.81 |
503.02 |
461.79 |
574.91 |
287.34 |
|
Sligo |
1,068.49 |
419.87 |
406.07 |
175.69 |
446.49 |
524.30 |
315.43 |
241.76 |
236.64 |
253.54 |
|
Tipperary |
1,289.99 |
621.44 |
897.88 |
1,154.05 |
1,251.84 |
1,195.05 |
892.88 |
710.34 |
633.32 |
1,086.74 |
|
Waterford |
552.10 |
237.51 |
332.88 |
441.76 |
381.26 |
128.56 |
481.82 |
230.93 |
220.37 |
238.99 |
|
Westmeath |
370.46 |
407.78 |
447.72 |
335.72 |
182.45 |
331.93 |
275.80 |
209.15 |
319.85 |
351.00 |
|
Wexford |
290.16 |
139.76 |
250.50 |
516.14 |
343.70 |
288.79 |
158.22 |
225.32 |
187.02 |
246.96 |
|
Wicklow |
682.19 |
244.06 |
385.03 |
427.65 |
477.83 |
425.53 |
401.51 |
121.78 |
48.31 |
64.67 |
|
Total |
20,981.60 |
11,443.70 |
12,928.45 |
12,666.90 |
15,695.93 |
15,463.67 |
15,053.64 |
9,097.72 |
9,738.61 |
10,096.01 |
Farm Waste Management.
Seymour Crawford
Question:219 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason on the 29 July 2005 she promised 70% aid and 10% top up for eligible young farmers in Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Donegal yet when the scheme was announced young farmers are only receiving 70% plus 5%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12339/06]
On 29 July 2005 I announced the outline of the revised farm waste management scheme on which I would be seeking EU Commission approval. However, during the course of the negotiations on the revised scheme, the EU Commission indicated that the maximum grant rate it would be prepared to accept in less-favoured areas would be 75%. Accordingly, the published scheme, launched on 24 March 2006, now reflects this ceiling.
Seymour Crawford
Question:220 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the young farmers who are eligible for top-up grants under the new grant scheme; if this includes young farmers with a green certificate under 35 or if there are other restrictions; if a young farmer inherits a farm where some grant work has been carried out recently they start with a clean sheet as far as investment is concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12340/06]
Under the revised farm waste management scheme launched by my Department on 24 March 2006, top-up grants are available for young farmers in less-favoured areas for investments in animal housing, slurry storage and related items. In order to be eligible for the top-up grant, the young farmer must be under 35, meet the educational requirements of the scheme, and be farming for less than five years. This latter requirement is a condition of the EU provisions governing the scheme and I have no discretion in the matter.
The top-up grants concerned are: 10%, where the site is in a less-favoured area and the applicant is not in receipt of a zone C grant; and 5%, where the site is in a less-favoured area and the applicant is in receipt of a zone C grant. Where the young farmer inherits a holding on which grant-aided investments have previously taken place under the scheme, such investments are deducted from the €120,000 investment ceiling applicable under the scheme.
Afforestation Programme.
John Perry
Question:221 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she plans to increase the forestry premium; if her attention has been drawnto the fact that farmers who invested 13 years ago into a 20 year scheme have not had a premium increase for five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12355/06]
I am aware that the premium paid to forest planters has not been increased since the year 2000. A review is currently being carried out and I am in discussions with the Minister for Finance as to what the appropriate rate should be.
Grant Payments.
Gerard Murphy
Question:222 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single payment will be awarded to persons (details supplied) in County Cork; the amount which will be awarded; if she will ensure that all entitlements are awarded; if contact will be made with these persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12425/06]
Two applications under the 2005 single payment scheme were received by my Department, one in the names of the first two persons named and a second in the names of the three persons named. Payment of the dairy premium element of the single payment issued in the names of the three persons named on 1 December 2005. However, given the change in herd owner details, with the addition of the third person named, the single payment due in respect of the entitlements established during the reference period has not yet issued, as it is necessary that an appropriate transfer of entitlements under the single payment scheme first be effected. This transfer is being processed, following which the single payment balance will issue shortly.
Gerard Murphy
Question:223 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an official of her Department will be appointed to make contact with a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding their entitlement to extra income supplement payment. [12426/06]
The person concerned has previously spoken to an officer in the local district veterinary office and has been advised that he is not eligible for payment under the income supplement scheme due to the fact that he moved animals into his holding during the restriction period. The relevant documentation giving approval for moving cattle into a restricted holding clearly states that this practice will disqualify a keeper from the scheme.
I have arranged for an officer in the local district veterinary office to write to the person concerned setting out the eligibility criteria for payment of income supplement under the tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication schemes and also to provide details of other issues relating to this specific case. A meeting, if required, can also be arranged to discuss all relevant issues. The person in question will be advised of the option to appeal this decision, first, to a senior officer within the Department and, if necessary, to the agriculture appeals office.
Question No. 224 answered with QuestionNo. 97.
Sugar Industry.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:225 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the countries likely to become the main producers of sugar throughout the European Union; the steps she has taken to protect producers in the poorer or more remote regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12487/06]
The agreement on reform of the EU sugar regime, necessitated by internal EU pressures as well as international pressures arising from WTO and EBA obligations, will lead to a significant reduction in EU sugar production. Five member states, France, Germany, Poland, UK and Italy, account for two thirds of EU sugar production and it is likely that these states will continue to account for the bulk of EU production. Impact studies by the EU Commission projected that in four member states, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Ireland, sugar production was likely to be drastically reduced or phased out as a consequence of reform. However, most member states are affected in varying degrees by the reform and the recent deterioration in the market. Factory closures have already been announced in 11 member states and more are expected.
To alleviate the impact of the reform on member states, a comprehensive compensation package is available. In Ireland's case, the compensation will be worth approximately €310 million. The EU is also providing assistance to developing countries which will be affected by the reform agreement.
Question No. 226 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Food Industry.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:227 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of her proposals to develop the agricultural sector with particular reference to the need to maintain this country’s position as a food producing economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12489/06]
Last week I launched the Agri-Vision 2015 action plan which set out in detail the actions which need to be taken to maintain the Irish agrifood industry as a viable food producing sector. This is a major strategic plan for the agricultural industry and contains a total of 166 major actions which I am taking or propose to take in the near future on a wide range of issues. The main drivers of its success will be a focus by all stakeholders on competitiveness, innovation and consumer led marketing.
Having launched the action plan, my immediate priority is now to set in place processes and systems which assign responsibility to individuals and organisations for specific actions and to establish systems which facilitate and drive its implementation. The success of this task requires constructive input and action from a wide spectrum of bodies including Departments, state agencies, farmers and the private sector.
Food Exports.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:228 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of countries to which Irish beef, pig meat and lamb are currently exported; the extent to which new markets have been established or old markets lost over the past five years; the countries with which Ireland has to compete in such markets; the degree to which Ireland is holding or losing it’s competitive edge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12490/06]
Irish beef exports are now concentrated in the high value UK and continental markets. This is a result of the combination of the targeting of these high value markets by meat plants and the emergence of a significant beef deficit in the EU. The deficit this year is expected to be of the order of 350,000 tonnes or 5% of EU beef production. In 2005, we exported 487,000 tonnes of beef, all of which went to these markets, except for 35,000 tonnes which went to third country markets. This contrasts with the situation in 1999, when our exports to third country markets amounted to 309,000 tonnes out of total exports of 554,000 tonnes. The demand for Irish beef in the UK, our principal market and which takes almost 50% of our beef, continues to be strong. We also have a considerable level of trade with France, Italy, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Russia is our main third country market, although Algeria and Egypt also import Irish beef. Our main competition comes from the domestic beef trade in the European markets supplied by Irish meat plants. Brazil and to a lesser extent, Argentina, also compete with us in European and third country markets.
According to the latest data available, Ireland's principal export markets for sheep meat in 2005 were, in order of importance, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and Belgium. Five years ago, the order of importance was France, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Portugal. The principal change over five years previously is an increase in exports to the UK and a reduction in exports to France. Ireland competes primarily with the UK and New Zealand in export markets.
Pig meat is exported to 25 to 30 third countries and to EU countries, the most significant of these being the UK, Germany, Denmark, Japan, USA, Russia and Hong Kong. Negotiations are ongoing for market access to important trade countries such as China, Canada and South Africa. Following the signature of a protocol on pig meat trade with China early last year, a team of experts from China is due in Ireland in the coming weeks to examine conditions in our pig meat export plants. I am hopeful this will pave the way for trade to that important market. Our main competitors in the EU markets are Denmark and Netherlands, while third country competition mainly comes from USA, Canada and Brazil. Irish pig meat is maintaining its competitive position in these markets.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:229 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the countries to which Irish dairy products are currently exported; the new markets gained or old markets lost over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12491/06]
The Irish dairy sector has enjoyed much success on international and EU markets in recent years and performed solidly in 2005. Exports of Irish dairy products and ingredients amounted to €1.82 billion last year, as Irish exporters responded to strong market demand worldwide. Ireland exports a wide range of dairy products to over 100 countries worldwide. The main dairy exports from Ireland are butter, cheese, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder and casein. Baby food, liqueurs, dairy spreads, etc., which contain dairy ingredients are also exported. Approximately two-thirds of all dairy exports from Ireland are destined for EU member states. The main destination is the UK, which accounted for 33% of our dairy exports in 2004.
Question No. 230 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:231 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers in receipt of farm retirement pension; the number of applications on hand; the length of time it currently takes to process an application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12493/06]
At the end of February 2006 there were 3,878 active participants in the 1994 scheme of early retirement from farming and 2,592 active participants in the 2000 early retirement scheme. My Department is currently processing 73 new applications for the 2000 scheme.
The charter of rights for farmers 2005-2007 requires my Department to process early retirement scheme applications within nine weeks of receipt of a valid application or 11 weeks if a file is selected for a pre-payment inspection. The charter also requires that payment of the pension be made within six weeks of the application being approved for payment. Where deficiencies are found in the application the time limit for processing does not apply.
Food Industry.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:232 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the production, home consumption and export of venison in each of the past five years; the extent to which markets have expanded or contracted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12468/06]
Figures available from 2002 show the number of deer slaughtered in export approved plants as follows:
|
Year |
No. of head slaughtered |
|
2002 |
1,759 |
|
2003 |
1,278 |
|
2004 |
1,079 |
|
2005 |
957 |
These figures do not include a significant number of animals now being sent to Northern Ireland. The Central Statistics Office does not publish data on the level of domestic consumption or exports of venison, which is classed as other meat for statistical purposes. However, the greater part of production is destined for the export market.
EU Directives.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:233 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has evaluated the extent to which agricultural production and, as a consequence, farm income will be restricted arising from the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12469/06]
The underlying principle of the nitrates directive is nutrient balance and, as far as grass growth and tillage are concerned, it means that maximum fertilisation rates will be set which will allow for the application of organic and chemical fertiliser that grass and other crops will take up in full. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which has primary responsibility for implementing the directive, is currently in discussions with the European Commission, along with my own Department and Teagasc, with the aim of refining the crop nutrient limits based on the latest scientific advice from Teagasc.
A number of measures have already been put in place by my Department to assist all farmers in meeting their obligations under the nitrates directive. The Sustaining Progress agreement included a number of commitments related to the nitrates directive and these have all been delivered in the form of improvements to the farm waste management scheme and the dairy hygiene scheme and substantially increased REPS payments under the REPS 3 scheme.
During the past week, I announced details of further improvements to the farm waste management scheme which have now been formally agreed with the European Commission. The revised scheme is designed specifically to help farmers meet the requirements of the nitrates directive. Application forms for participation in the scheme are now available in my Department's local AES offices throughout the country and on my Department's website. Applications must be received before 31 December of this year, so I strongly urge farmers to take the necessary steps to ensure that their participation in the scheme is not made impossible by late submission of applications.
To help farmers understand the nitrates regulations, my Department placed an advertisement in the farming press and is preparing an explanatory booklet designed to explain the new rules clearly and simply. This booklet will be sent to all farmers as soon as the issue of fertiliser limits is finalised. In addition, my Department will be making maximum use of the information held on its databases to provide farmers with information about their stocking levels and organic nutrient loading.
I am aware that some farmers, particularly in the pig and poultry sectors, may find it more difficult to find spreadlands for the organic manure they produce. Considerable efforts have already been made to alleviate the impact of the nitrates regulations on the pig and poultry industries and to help farmers to meet their obligations. Nevertheless, I have asked my officials to give the matter further consideration. Given that pig and poultry manure is high in phosphorus, there will be a limit to the amount of land where it can be spread. The most suitable outlet for this kind of manure is tillage land. There is more than enough tillage land in the country to utilise all of the pig and poultry manure but I am conscious that not all producers have tillage land nearby. The high liquid content of pig manure, in particular, makes it expensive to transport. Pig producers should therefore start looking seriously at technology for separating solids and liquids. As part of the new farm waste management scheme which I announced last week, grant aid is available for this kind of technology. Pig and poultry producers are now eligible for this scheme for the first time.
I also urge other farmers to show solidarity with pig and poultry producers by taking their manure instead of using chemical fertiliser. I have asked Teagasc to make farmers aware of the nutrient value of slurry and the savings that they can achieve by substituting it for chemical fertiliser.
Common Agricultural Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:234 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which the effects of the CAP review and WTO have affected the agricultural sector to date; the likely effects for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12470/06]
The main element of the most recent review and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy was the introduction of the full decoupling of direct payments from production in the case of livestock production, milk production and arable crops. Ireland opted to implement full decoupling with effect from 2005. Partial decoupling options were provided for member states that do not wish to decouple fully. The latest reform changed the way that the EU supports the agricultural sector.
Breaking the link between support payments and production has provided farmers with income stability allowing them to become more market-orientated in responding to consumer demand. Payment of the decoupled payments is conditional on farmers' compliance with a range of environmental, food safety and animal welfare standards. The net effect of these changes is to make agriculture more competitive, better prepared for globalisation, more compliant with food safety requirements, more environmentally sustainable and more conscious of animal welfare requirements.
CAP reform and the WTO negotiations are closely interlinked. The mid-term review in 2003 was designed in part to prepare and position the CAP for the negotiations in the current Doha round. The new WTO round represents a major challenge to agriculture and the future of the CAP. I am committed to securing an agreement which allows the EU and Ireland to enjoy the benefits of an active and supportive CAP and a rural development policy that protects farmers livelihoods and ensures the continuation of vibrant rural communities.
Food Labelling.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:235 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she will take or has taken to ensure the authenticity of food labelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12471/06]
Responsibility for general food labelling policy rests with the Department of Health and Children. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is responsible for the labelling of fish and aqua products and my Department is responsible for more detailed legislation on the labelling of specific food products including beef and poultry meat. The enforcement of all food labelling regulations has been centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI. This not only streamlines the enforcement measures but it also provides a one-stop shop for any complaints on mislabelling of food.
Consumers must be confident that Irish food business operators not only produce safe food but food which is properly labelled. The FSAI conducts audits to make sure that consumers' interests are protected by ensuring adequate enforcement of regulations in this area by the various state agencies concerned.
Questions Nos. 236 and 237 answered with Question No. 79.
Garda Deployment.
Martin Ferris
Question:238 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports that on St. Patrick’s night 2006 there were only three gardaí on duty in Castleisland town, one of whom was seriously injured in an assault; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12302/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Castleisland Garda station as at 27 March 2006 was nine, all ranks. I have been further informed that the unit detailed for work on St. Patrick's night 2006 consisted of one sergeant and one garda. To augment the unit a third member was employed on overtime. Garda management states that a public order incident arose which resulted in two persons, a male and a female, being arrested. The matter is currently under investigation and when complete a file on the matter will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Kerry division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:239 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Kerry Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003. 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12303/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743, or 16.3%, in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí, all ranks, stationed in the Kerry division as at 31 December 1997, 2000, and 2002-2005, inclusively, was as set out in the following table:
|
Division |
1997 |
2000 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Kerry |
230 |
251 |
266 |
266 |
262 |
266 |
This represents an increase of 36, or 16%, in the number of gardaí stationed in the Kerry division since 31 December 1997. In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda national units such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB; the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB; and other specialised units.
I should also state that the timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Kerry division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
Phil Hogan
Question:240 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Waterford and Kilkenny Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003. 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12304/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743, or 16.3%, in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí, all ranks, stationed in the Waterford and Kilkenny division as at 31 December 1997, 2000 and 2002 to date was as set out in the following table:
|
Division |
1997 |
2000 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
29/03/06 |
|
Waterford/ Kilkenny |
306 |
332 |
343 |
346 |
350 |
356 |
This represents an increase of 50, or 16%, in the number of gardaí, all ranks, stationed in the Waterford and Kilkenny division since 31 December 1997. In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda national units such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB; the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB; and other specialised units.
I should also state that the timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Waterford and Kilkenny division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
John Perry
Question:241 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in the Sligo and Leitrim Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12305/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength, all ranks, of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743, or 16.3%, in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the number of gardaí, all ranks, stationed in the Sligo and Leitrim division as at 31 December 1997, 2000 and 2002-2005, inclusive, was as set out in the following table:
|
Division |
1997 |
2000 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
257 |
265 |
259 |
267 |
263 |
271 |
This represents an increase of over 5% in the number of gardaí stationed in the Sligo and Leitrim division in this period, even taking into account the fact that the necessity for the large Garda presence in the Border counties has significantly diminished since the Good Friday Agreement. In addition, I would point out to the Deputy that the division's resources are further augmented by a number of Garda national units such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau, GNIB; the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB; and other specialised units.
It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel among and within divisions on a priority basis in accordance with the requirements of different areas. The allocation of such resources is determined by a number of factors including demographics, administrative functions, crime trends and other operational policing needs. The Garda authorities state that personnel assignments throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
I should also state that the timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources, and in this context the needs of the Sligo and Leitrim division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
Garda Vetting Procedures.
Mary Upton
Question:242 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made with regard to Garda clearance for child care workers; if he has satisfied himself that the situation provides adequate assurances for the children who are cared for by child care workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12307/06]
The Garda central vetting unit, GCVU, was established in 2002 and currently processes vetting requests in respect of, inter alia, prospective full-time employees of the Health Service Executive and certain agencies funded by the Health Service Executive, as well as in respect of selected employments in other sectors. In 2004, an inter-agency working group on Garda vetting reported with a clear and focused strategy for enhancing national vetting arrangements. The strategy provides for an expansion of the GCVU’s vetting service to all organisations which recruit persons having substantial unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults.
The implementation of the strategy is being overseen by an implementation group on Garda vetting comprising key stakeholders. Preparations are at an advanced stage for the extension of vetting services and, to facilitate this, an additional 17 staff have been provided to the GCVU to more than double its numbers from 13 to 30. In this regard, I am pleased that the GCVU has been successfully decentralised to new, custom-designed office accommodation in Thurles, County Tipperary, from where it will soon commence expansion of its vetting service.
Finally, it is worth noting that criminal record checks, while being capable in appropriate circumstances of making a significant contribution to ensuring that unsuitable persons do not secure positions of trust, are not the sole answer to ensuring applicants' suitability for posts. There will continue to be a particular onus of care on employers to maintain good employment practice both during the recruitment stage, for example, good interviewing practice and checking references, and in ensuring adequate supervision arrangements post recruitment.
Crime Levels.
Tom Hayes
Question:243 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded and detected across all headings in the Tipperary Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12308/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table provides the total number of headline offences, by group, recorded and detected in the Garda division of Tipperary for the years 2000 to 2005, inclusive.
The introduction of the PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 has led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Consequently the statistics provided for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for 2000 and subsequent years. The figures provided for 2000 and 2001 are incomplete due to the phased implementation of PULSE. The first full year captured is 2002 and is a more accurate base year to use.
It should be borne in mind that any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995, with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. To put this in context, during the two full years of the rainbow coalition Government, with a population of 600,000 less than at present, the headline crime figures were 102,484 in 1995 and 100,785 in 1996.
It should also be noted that the headline offence of homicide includes not only murder and manslaughter but the other homicide offences of infanticide, abortion, attempted murder and threat to murder. Over the six-year period shown in the table there were five murders recorded with three detected, and one manslaughter recorded with one detected.
|
2005* |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||||
|
Tipperary |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
|
Homicide |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
121 |
77 |
128 |
108 |
143 |
114 |
146 |
127 |
96 |
77 |
88 |
72 |
|
Sexual Offences |
72 |
35 |
45 |
25 |
73 |
55 |
84 |
64 |
85 |
56 |
37 |
25 |
|
Arson |
19 |
6 |
29 |
5 |
22 |
1 |
27 |
6 |
36 |
15 |
24 |
12 |
|
Drugs |
73 |
73 |
73 |
73 |
100 |
100 |
95 |
95 |
69 |
69 |
38 |
38 |
|
Theft |
993 |
371 |
1084 |
398 |
978 |
337 |
895 |
341 |
699 |
252 |
534 |
265 |
|
Burglary |
786 |
124 |
616 |
102 |
600 |
111 |
668 |
143 |
752 |
132 |
606 |
163 |
|
Robbery |
18 |
8 |
16 |
8 |
25 |
13 |
26 |
16 |
21 |
12 |
10 |
5 |
|
Fraud |
90 |
64 |
95 |
69 |
119 |
90 |
82 |
63 |
111 |
103 |
71 |
58 |
|
Other |
53 |
37 |
49 |
37 |
54 |
40 |
36 |
29 |
16 |
16 |
7 |
7 |
|
Total |
2,226 |
795 |
2,136 |
825 |
2,114 |
861 |
2,061 |
886 |
1,887 |
734 |
1,416 |
646 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
Seymour Crawford
Question:244 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded and detected across all headings in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12309/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table provides the total number of headline offences, by group, recorded and detected in the Garda division of Cavan-Monaghan for the years 2000 to 2005, inclusive.
The introduction of the PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 has led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Consequently the statistics provided for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for 2000 and subsequent years. The figures provided for 2000 and 2001 are incomplete due to the phased implementation of PULSE. The first full year captured is 2002 and is a more accurate base year to use.
It should be borne in mind that any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995, with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. To put this in context, during the two full years of the rainbow coalition Government, with a population of 600,000 less than at present, the headline crime figures were 102,484 in 1995 and 100,785 in 1996.
It should also be noted that the headline offence of homicide includes not only murder and manslaughter but the other homicide offences of infanticide, abortion, attempted murder and threat to murder. Over the six-year period shown in the table there were four murders recorded with three detected and two manslaughters recorded with two detected.
|
2005* |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||||
|
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
197 |
167 |
171 |
147 |
160 |
128 |
213 |
171 |
150 |
126 |
54 |
47 |
|
Sexual Offences |
60 |
29 |
47 |
27 |
65 |
41 |
115 |
92 |
62 |
52 |
31 |
25 |
|
Arson |
20 |
5 |
30 |
5 |
26 |
8 |
18 |
8 |
27 |
10 |
15 |
5 |
|
Drugs |
56 |
56 |
45 |
45 |
56 |
56 |
39 |
38 |
46 |
46 |
31 |
31 |
|
Theft |
958 |
387 |
798 |
326 |
964 |
454 |
881 |
274 |
518 |
210 |
391 |
158 |
|
Burglary |
485 |
121 |
403 |
106 |
492 |
138 |
502 |
123 |
509 |
179 |
381 |
124 |
|
Robbery |
8 |
5 |
12 |
6 |
9 |
6 |
16 |
5 |
8 |
4 |
15 |
8 |
|
Fraud |
121 |
96 |
132 |
82 |
108 |
93 |
97 |
63 |
134 |
117 |
63 |
46 |
|
Other |
44 |
37 |
51 |
40 |
60 |
42 |
46 |
33 |
28 |
22 |
13 |
11 |
|
Total |
1,950 |
903 |
1,690 |
785 |
1,940 |
966 |
1,929 |
808 |
1,485 |
769 |
994 |
455 |
*Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
Pat Breen
Question:245 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes recorded and detected across all headings in Clare Garda division during 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12310/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table provides the total number of headline offences, by group, recorded and detected in the Garda division of Clare for the years 2000 to 2005, inclusive. I am pleased to note that the statistics show a decrease of 7% in recorded crime when comparing 2005 with 2004, a decrease of 16.8% when comparing 2005 with 2003 and a decrease of 16% when comparing 2005 with 2002.
The introduction of the PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999 has led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Consequently the statistics provided for 1997 are not comparable to statistics provided for 2000 and subsequent years. The figures provided for 2000 and 2001 are incomplete due to the phased implementation of PULSE. The first full year captured is 2002 and is a more accurate base year to use.
It should be borne in mind that any interpretation of the crime figures should factor in the increase in our population in the past ten years. In 1995, with a population of almost 3.6 million people, there were 29 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2005, with a population of over 4.1 million, there were 24.6 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a reduction of 4.4 crimes per 1,000 of the population. To put this in context, during the two full years of the rainbow coalition Government, with a population of 600,000 less than at present, the headline crime figures were 102,484 in 1995 and 100,785 in 1996.
It should also be noted that the headline offence of homicide includes not only murder and manslaughter but the other homicide offences of infanticide, abortion, attempted murder and threat to murder. Over the six-year period shown in the table there were six murders recorded with six detected and one manslaughter recorded with one detected.
|
2005* |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||||
|
Clare |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
Rec |
Det |
|
Homicide |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
94 |
65 |
86 |
51 |
117 |
79 |
118 |
85 |
73 |
60 |
39 |
36 |
|
Sexual Offences |
36 |
20 |
52 |
24 |
105 |
94 |
82 |
57 |
71 |
55 |
28 |
21 |
|
Arson |
51 |
8 |
41 |
8 |
40 |
5 |
40 |
8 |
27 |
2 |
13 |
6 |
|
Drugs |
34 |
34 |
32 |
32 |
42 |
41 |
64 |
63 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
|
Theft |
867 |
291 |
993 |
317 |
999 |
281 |
1006 |
275 |
798 |
257 |
328 |
143 |
|
Burglary |
316 |
51 |
301 |
43 |
369 |
61 |
378 |
81 |
369 |
87 |
293 |
96 |
|
Robbery |
12 |
6 |
17 |
9 |
16 |
6 |
19 |
7 |
22 |
7 |
6 |
3 |
|
Fraud |
76 |
49 |
89 |
61 |
101 |
31 |
80 |
55 |
86 |
53 |
33 |
25 |
|
Other |
40 |
30 |
35 |
26 |
48 |
34 |
32 |
21 |
31 |
22 |
9 |
5 |
|
Total |
1,530 |
557 |
1,648 |
573 |
1,839 |
634 |
1,820 |
653 |
1,508 |
574 |
779 |
365 |
* Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.
Asylum Applications.
Joe Costello
Question:246 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has made a decision on the asylum application of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12311/06]
I refer my colleague to the answers I gave to Parliamentary Question No. 59 on 2 February 2006 and Parliamentary Question No. 678 on 21 March 2006.
The legal representatives of the person concerned wrote to my Department requesting a further opportunity to submit representations on his behalf and, as an exceptional measure, my Department has allowed these further representations to be submitted. I expect the file to be submitted to me for decision shortly.
Citizenship Applications.
Michael Ring
Question:247 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when decisions will be made on applications for naturalisation by persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12312/06]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, at his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. Those conditions are that the applicant must be of full age, or by way of exception, be a minor born in the State, be of good character, have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years. The applicant must intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation and have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State, periods granted for the purposes of study and periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act 1996.
The persons referred to by the Deputy submitted applications for naturalisation to the citizenship section of my Department on 21 January 2004. These applications were examined recently and it was determined that the couple did not satisfy the statutory requirement of one year's continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately prior to applying for naturalisation. It appears that they did not renew their permission to remain in the State until January 2004, even though their previous permission had expired in May 2003. Officials in the citizenship section of my Department will write to the persons in question in this regard in the very near future.
In order for the couple to be eligible to apply for naturalisation at any time in the future, they must ensure that they have one year's continuous reckonable residence in the State immediately before they apply. For instance, if they wish to apply in April 2006, they must be able to show that they have appropriate permission to remain in the State for the period May 2005 to April 2006.
Crime Levels.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:248 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the figure for headline crime in each of the Garda sub-districts in County Louth for each year since 2002. [12313/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that figures requested by the Deputy are not readily available at Garda sub-district level and could only be obtained with the expenditure of an inordinate amount of Garda time and resources.
Citizenship Applications.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:249 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his intentions regarding the residency rights of Irish citizens’ same sex partners from outside the European Union; the measures he intends introducing to address the current discriminatory situation that maintains; if amending legislation is planned; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Britain has recently introduced legislation to this effect, and thus Irish citizens resident in the six counties already have the right to be joined by their same sex partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12315/06]
At present, when determining whether or not a foreign national should be admitted to the State to join an Irish national, a number of questions arise. One fundamental consideration in most cases relates to the extent to which the couple will in the future be in a position to support themselves without recourse to public funds. That in turn requires an evaluation of the nature and extent of the relationship between the persons in question.
Where the persons in question are married that evaluation is relatively straightforward from an administrative point of view. However, where the relationship is more informal its dynamics are more difficult to determine objectively, particularly where it is not underpinned by any formal legal contract. At present the Irish immigration system does not have any formal procedures for recognising same sex partnerships. However, the Deputy will also be aware that my Department is currently preparing an immigration and residence Bill. The discussion document, Immigration and Residence in Ireland, which I published last year, indicates the range of issues to be addressed and indicates how they are likely to be dealt with in future legislation and in future policy. Among the issues the document identifies which will need to be considered are unmarried partners and same sex relationships.
I am currently preparing regulations to implement the Council Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the member states. This will provide certain entitlements to the partner of a Union citizen where there is a durable and duly attested relationship. The procedures which will operate in this area are currently being developed. I will examine this model for possible future use for partners of Irish citizens in the immigration system.
Crime Levels.
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:250 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the headline crime figures for the Garda sub-district of Ardee for each year since 2002. [12316/06]
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:251 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the headline crime figures for the Garda sub-district of Collon Ardee for each year since 2002. [12317/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 251 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that figures requested by the Deputy are not readily available at Garda sub-district level and could only be obtained with the expenditure of an inordinate amount of Garda time and resources.
Garda Deployment.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:252 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of gardaí on duty at any particular time who are on patrol in public areas; the percentage of these on foot patrols; the percentage on vehicular patrols; the figures for the above in relation to the national total and for each Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12318/06]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of all ranks of the Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 and 20 March 2006 was 10,702 and 12,445, respectively. This represents an increase of 1,743, or 16.3%, in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána during that period. The Garda Síochána operates a three relief roster system where three out of four units work in any 24-hour period, with the fourth unit resting in the same 24-hour period. Garda management states that for security and operational reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of gardaí on duty in any area at any given time.
The timescale for achieving the target strength of 14,000 members of the Garda Síochána in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government remains as when I announced the Government approval in October 2004 for my proposals to achieve this objective. The phased increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 will lead to a combined strength, of both attested gardaí and recruits in training, of 14,000 by the end of this year. This project is fully on target and will be achieved.
As part of the accelerated recruitment campaign to facilitate this record expansion, 1,125 Garda recruits were inducted to the Garda college during 2005. The college will induct a further 1,100 recruits this year and again in 2007, by way of intakes to the Garda college of approximately 275 recruits every quarter. The first incremental increase of newly attested gardaí under the programme of accelerated recruitment took place on 15 March 2006. The Garda Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources.
National Women’s Strategy.
John Perry
Question:253 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in publishing the National Women’s Strategy to which Ireland originally committed at the Beijing platform for action in 1995; when the strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12352/06]
Ireland's commitment under the Beijing platform to create an action plan for women was fulfilled with the publication of Ireland's report to the United Nations on the national plan for women, in autumn 2002. The report, which was prepared following extensive consultation, described Ireland's commitments to advancing the status of women in Irish society. It was also envisaged that this work would be followed by the preparation of a national strategy for women.
The preparation, by an inter-departmental committee, of a new and far-reaching national women's strategy has been under way under the chairmanship of my Department since 2005. Work is at an advanced stage and I am hopeful that it will be brought to fruition later this year.
The strategy will, when complete, cover a very wide range of actions and commitments to further advance the role and status of women in Irish society and will link with the Beijing platform, which, as the Deputy will be aware, was very broad reaching. It is my intention to bring forward a comprehensive and well researched national women's strategy which will reflect the lives and different situations of the women of Ireland.
Registration of Title.
John Perry
Question:254 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on a land registry application; if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12354/06]
I wish to inform the Deputy that I have requested the Land Registry to contact him directly concerning the current position of the application in question. I understand that, in circumstances where the completion of an application in a particular case is urgent, the Land Registry will make every reasonable effort to facilitate such requests on receipt of a written explanation as to the reason underlying the urgency.
Garda Deployment.
Finian McGrath
Question:255 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a safety and security plan will be put in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 3 to deal with vandalism and anti-social behaviour. [12357/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area in question is policed by gardaí from Raheny and Clontarf Garda stations. Current policing policy in the Raheny and Clontarf sub-districts is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.
Community policing within this area is a central feature and a core value in policing policy. I understand that extra gardaí have been allocated to community policing in both Raheny and Clontarf sub-districts. The community policing unit has lead responsibility for policing in this area and has evolved a good partnership approach to problem solving with the community. In addition to regular mobile and foot patrols the area is patrolled by the divisional task force and traffic units to ensure that a concentrated visible presence is maintained.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Question:256 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions in 2005 for breaches of the three tonne limit at Reilly’s Bridge, Ratoath Road, Dublin 7; if this restriction will be enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12444/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were no prosecutions in 2005 for breaches of the three tonne limit at Reilly's Bridge, Ratoath Road, Dublin 7. I am further informed that this restriction is enforced and any breaches detected will be dealt with according to law.
Tony Gregory
Question:257 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions in 2005 for the non-muzzling of dangerous dogs such as pit bull terriers; if there is evidence that this requirement in the interests of public safety has been enforced by the Garda Síochána; if consideration will be given to banning these dangerous breeds as is the case in Great Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12445/06]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there were ten convictions recorded in 2005 for the offence of no muzzle on a dog. The type or breed of dog is not recorded. The figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change. Legislation on the control of dogs is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Departmental Expenditure.
Jack Wall
Question:258 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the provision of a facility for a group (details supplied) in County Kildare; if funding is available for the project; if the project has to go to tender; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12446/06]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department is endeavouring to purchase a site, the subject of this parliamentary question, from Kildare County Council. I wish to confirm that funding is available from my Department for the purchase of the site and for the building of a premises to meet the needs of the project in question. Planning permission has been obtained in accordance with the plans and specifications. Once the purchase of the site is complete, the tender process for the construction of the premises will commence. I am advised, by our legal representatives, that there are some minor issues still to be addressed, however, they are confident that the purchase will be finalised very shortly.
Asylum Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:259 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, the applicant withdrew their application to the Belgium authorities when it was learned that the applicant’s sister was a nurse working here and that the applicant’s best interest could only be served where a family member was available and particularly when such a person had a medical competence appropriate to caring for a person with serious medical issues; if, in view of same he will allow the investigation of application for refugee status to take place here while in the care of their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12480/06]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to the numerous parliamentary questions from him on this specific case — Parliament Question No. 149 of 26 January 2006, Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 9 February 2006, Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 16 February 2006 and Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 2 March 2006, a reply given to an Adjournment Debate on 23 February 2006 and Parliamentary Questions Nos. 192 of 9 March 2006 and 659 of 21 March 2006 on this case.
There is little more that I can add to what I have stated in response to those parliamentary questions. The allowing of the entry of persons, who otherwise would have no right of entry, to EU states in order to claim protection is in accordance with international protection obligations imposed on all EU states. I need not repeat that the Dublin II Regulations and its predecessor, the Dublin Convention, were created to prevent the phenomenon of asylum shopping and asylum seekers in orbit which had existed in the EU prior to their creation.
The person who is the subject of this question is being treated, and will be treated, in accordance with those solemn obligations. The person concerned arrived in the State claiming asylum and was found to have claimed asylum previously in Belgium. The sole basis of the person's current status in Ireland is that she came here as an asylum seeker. In accordance with the Dublin II Regulations and to uphold the integrity of the asylum and immigration processes in this State, it is entirely appropriate that the person concerned should be returned to the first EU state where she claimed asylum, namely, Belgium. It should be noted also that the Belgian authorities have agreed to take back the person concerned.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Question:260 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will agree to meet with the family of the late Terence Wheelock who died following an incident in a cell in Store Street Station, Dublin 1. [12554/06]
In their communications with me to date on the tragic death of their late son Terence, the Wheelock family members are being represented by a firm of solicitors. The issues raised to date in that context did not include a request for a meeting with me.
I am willing to consider a request for a meeting and if they wish to pursue the matter, the family can either contact my office directly in writing or through their solicitor. I note that there is a pending inquest and in that context I have arranged for legal representation for the family.
Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Michael Ring
Question:261 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when the people who were in Artane can expect to have their cases heard under the Residential Institutions Redress Board; if she will request extra judges to expedite matters in order that these people can get finality to their cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12300/06]
The Residential Institutions Redress Board is independent in the performance of its functions in accordance within the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002. It is not open to me, nor would it be appropriate, to intercede on behalf of individual applicants. Based on the most up-to-date information available to my Department, the board has completed the process in a total of 5,240 out of 14,800 applications received. Each application is assessed individually and applicants are entitled to contact the board directly, or through their legal representatives, to inquire about the progress of their applications. The board has indicated in its guide to the application process that it will give priority to applicants born before 1 January 1936 and to applicants who at the time of making their application are suffering from a life threatening medical or psychiatric condition. Since the establishment of the Residential Institutions Redress Board in 2002, the number of board members has increased from four to 11. In consultation with the board, and following a competitive interview process, I have provided for the establishment of panels of potential board members from which any further appointments can be considered should the need arise.
Vocational Education Committees.
Sean Fleming
Question:262 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding implementation of the McIver report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12301/06]
Government commitment to the sector, by reference to the resources applied in teachers' pay, non-pay running costs, student support and certification costs, is very significant. The McIver report contains 21 over-arching recommendations, incorporating 91 sub-recommendations. It has been estimated, in consultation with management and staff interests, that the recommendations for staffing would involve at a minimum the creation of at least 800 new posts at a cost of over €48 million. This level of additional provision cannot be considered in isolation from other areas of education.
In their consideration of the needs of the PLC sector into the future my officials have been examining, inter alia, the non-teaching educational tasks particular to PLC teachers, the demands on the management side and the challenges presented by the variation in size of the 200 plus PLC providers. When their deliberations have been completed further discussion with the management and union side will be necessary. The Government’s support for this important sector is clear from the fact that it has increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996-97. The number of PLC places approved for 2005-06 is up by more than 1,600 on the 2004-05 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188. Government support for the sector is evident not only in the expansion of approved places and teachers, but also in the introduction of maintenance grants for students with effect from September 1998. Tuition fees for PLC courses are waived. The PLC maintenance grant scheme operates on the same basis as in higher education. There were nearly 8,000 PLC grant holders in 2005 and they received some €23 million in direct support. PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplementary non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This amounted to €5.5 million in 2005. It is evident that Government commitment to the sector, by reference to the resources applied in teachers’ pay, non-pay running costs, student support and certification costs, is very significant.
Schools Building Projects.
John Perry
Question:263 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on the site for a new national school in Gurteen, County Sligo to accommodate the amalgamation of Mullaghroe and Carn national schools in view of the fact that their is a site available which is in State ownership with the vocational educational committee; the directive she has issued or will issue on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12353/06]
Officials of my Department have been in correspondence with the patron and management authority of the schools referred to by the Deputy regarding possible amalgamation. Discussions are ongoing locally between the patron, the board and the school community about the issue. The final decision rests with the patron, subject only to my approval. Further deliberation is required on the issue of accommodation for the proposed amalgamated school before any final decisions are taken. Any building project which may be required to facilitate the proposed amalgamation will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-2010.
Gerard Murphy
Question:264 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be included in the school building modernisation programme; if the school is being considered for assistance; when details of the successful applicants of the school building modernisation programme will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12427/06]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to provide ancillary accommodation has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The project has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. The project is being considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-2010.
School Management.
Pat Carey
Question:265 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will arrange to have her officials communicate with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 on the issue raised in correspondence by the school principal on 12 October 2005, 20 January 2006 and 21 February 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12428/06]
The matter at issue in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has been the subject of communication, both oral and written, between my Department and the board of management of the school concerned for a considerable period of time. An inspector of my Department will be in contact with the board of management shortly on the issues raised in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:266 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to her recent visit to Naas in the matter of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, her plans to meet the schools requirements as set out by the school authorities; when she expects to be in a position to meet the requests in full having particular regard to the fact that such requirements were clearly visible in advance; the extent to which she has evaluated the entire primary and second level requirements in the Naas, Sallins and Kill areas having due regard for the rapidly expanding population in the area and the need to enable children receive their education in permanent classrooms instead of prefabricated structures; if her attention has been drawn to the continuous campaigning for extra educational facilities in the area over several years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12479/06]
I am aware that Sallins, Naas and Kill, like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, a range of significant measures has been undertaken by my Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in these areas. At primary level an entire new school has been provided at Killashee. A new 16-classroom school together with temporary accommodation has been provided at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's and St. Mary's NS and St. Conleth's Naofa in Naas. Temporary accommodation has also been provided at one of the two nearby national schools at Caragh. Approval has been given to Gaelscoil Nás na Riogh, Caragh NS and Kill NS for additional accommodation for September 2006. Gaelscoil Nás na Riogh has recently been approved to commence architectural planning for the provision of a new 16-classroom school.
At Sallins national school, a seven-classroom extension is complete and this extension has increased capacity from nine classrooms to 16 classrooms. An extension to bring the school up to 24 classrooms has commenced architectural planning. The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department on site acquisitions generally, is continuing, in consultation with the local authority, to explore all possibilities on the acquisition of a site for a new 16 to 24-classroom national school in Kill. Every effort is being made to ensure that a site is acquired as soon as possible. There are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's, Two Mile House and Caragh national schools. The accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Convent of Mercy in Naas and Scoil Pádraig in Johnstown are also currently being assessed.
At post primary level, the management authority of St. Patrick's post primary school, County Kildare VEC, is currently progressing plans to relocate the school and extend capacity to 1,000 pupil places. An extension project is under construction at St. Mary's College, which will increase capacity at the school to 900 pupils. A similar extension is under construction at Meánscoil Iognáid Rís and a further extension at the school is currently in architectural planning.
These initiatives represent serious capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The school planning section of my Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible. The issue of extra facilities for the school to which the Deputy specifically refers is under discussion with the board of management.
Special Educational Needs.
Catherine Murphy
Question:267 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of unconcluded court actions before the courts in which her Department is participating regarding the provision of educational and support services to children with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12556/06]
The number of unconcluded court actions before the courts in which my Department is a defendant-respondent is 80. As the Deputy is aware, however, there has been enormous progress made over the past number of years on increasing the number of teachers and other supports in our schools which are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs. At primary level approximately 5,000 teachers in our schools work directly with children with special needs, including those requiring learning support. This compares to fewer than 1,500 in 1998. One out of every five primary school teachers is now working specifically with children with special needs. At second level approximately 1,600 whole-time equivalent resource teachers are in place to support pupils with special educational needs. This compares to the approximately 200 teachers that were in place in the 1997-1998 school year for such pupils. There are approximately 6,300 whole-time equivalent special needs assistants, SNAs, in our primary and second-level schools supporting children with special needs.
In addition to the issue of resources at school level, the National Council for Special Education has also been established. This council has approximately 100 staff, the great majority of whom are special educational needs organisers, SENOs, who are locally based throughout the country. The role of the SENOs is to ensure that all special educational needs in their areas are addressed in an effective manner. In particular, the SENOs are a focal point of contact for parents or guardians and schools, and process applications for resources for children with special educational needs. I am satisfied that the establishment of the council and the work of the SENOs is transforming the delivery of special educational services in this country. I am confident that as a State we have faced up to the issue of providing appropriate educational provision for all children with special needs and that much work has been done to ensure that the necessary resources and structures are in place. I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education, ensure that all children with special needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.
School Staffing.
Joan Burton
Question:268 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to grant equality of conditions to primary school secretaries and caretakers who are currently being paid from school ancillary grants, with their colleagues, who are paid directly from her Department under the 1979 agreement. [12561/06]
My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in primary and secondary schools under two separate schemes. One is the 1978-79 scheme under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. These staff members are paid directly through my Department's payroll. The 1978-79 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created.
The 1978-79 scheme has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools including secretarial and caretaking services. The scheme is flexible giving boards of management and schools discretion as to the manner in which these services are provided. There are no plans to pay the school secretaries and caretakers funded under this scheme directly through my Department's payroll.
Disadvantaged Status.
Róisín Shortall
Question:269 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 is the only one of 11 schools designated disadvantaged in the Finglas area not invited to participate in DEIS; the criteria that were used to establish that the school would not be invited to participate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12562/06]
DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated school support programme, SSP. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support programme has been completed. As a result of the identification process, 840 schools have been invited to participate in the new programme. These comprise 640 primary schools, comprising 320 urban-town schools and 320 rural schools, and 200 second-level schools. Letters of invitation were issued to all 840 schools in late February with a request to complete and return an acceptance form by 10 March 2006. The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the new school support was managed by the Educational Research Centre, ERC, on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the inspectorate. In the primary sector the identification process was based on a survey carried out by the ERC in May 2005, from which a response rate of more than 97% was achieved.
The analysis of the survey returns from primary schools by the ERC identified the socioeconomic variables that collectively best predict achievement, and these variables were then used to identify schools for participation in the school support programme. The variables involved were percentages of unemployment, local authority accommodation, lone parenthood, Travellers, large families with five or more children, and pupils eligible for free books.
The school to which the Deputy refers is not among the 640 primary schools selected for participation in the school support programme. However this school is among the schools receiving additional resources under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing concentrated disadvantage and will retain these supports for 2006-07. The efficacy of these supports will be kept under review.
As well as the provision being made under the new school support programme for schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage, financial support will be provided for other primary schools where the level of disadvantage is more dispersed. This support will be based on the results of the new identification process and the arrangements which will apply in this regard will be notified to schools early in the autumn.
A review mechanism has been put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the school support programme but regard themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion. This mechanism will operate under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The school to which the Deputy refers has requested a review and a review form was issued to the school on 7 March 2006. The closing date for receipt of review applications is 31 March 2006.
Natural Heritage Areas.
Jack Wall
Question:270 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the serious concerns being expressed in regard to the state of the Curragh plains, his plans for protecting this great national asset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12433/06]
Jack Wall
Question:271 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of monuments and artefacts listed by his Department or the national monuments committee that are on the plains of the Curragh; his plans to refurbish this national item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12434/06]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
There are some 70 monuments and places listed for the Curragh under the Record of Monuments and Places, as established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. The Curragh itself is classified as a recorded monument under the Act and my Department ensures that the terms of that Act are adhered to before any works or alterations are permitted. The military authorities comply with relevant planning legalisation in relation to protected structures located at the Defence Forces training centre.
The main recommendation contained in the interdepartmental task force report on the future management and development of the Curragh of Kildare is that a statutory body should be established under the aegis of the Department of Defence to manage the Curragh, with the exception of the Defence Forces training centre. The necessary legislation to give effect to this, and to other recommendations of the task force report, is being drafted. My Department will continue to protect archaeological sites and historical features situated on the Curragh plains until the new authority is established within the legislation currently being drafted.
Road Network.
Ivor Callely
Question:272 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the recent NCB report predicting that the number of cars on the road will double to 3 million by 2020, adequate provision has been made for road building to meet this demand. [12327/06]
The provision and improvement of non-national roads is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. Responsibility for national roads is a matter for the relevant road authority and the National Roads Authority, which operates under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for Transport.
The National Development Plan 2000-06 commits expenditure of €2.43 billion to non-national roads in the plan period —€1.08 billion in the BMW region and €1.35 billion in the SE region. Expenditure in both regions is well ahead of target for the period up to 31 December 2005. Total expenditure in the period 2000 to 2005 was nearly €2.594 billion against a target of some €2.176 billion.
State aid in 2006 for non-national roads, at almost €558 million, is the highest ever level of funding available and represents a very substantial increase of 13% on last year's record allocation, or an increase of almost €62.5 million. The 2006 allocation also represents an increase of 313% on the 1994 allocation and an increase of 154% on the 1997 allocation. Total road grant allocations to local authorities for each of the years 1994 to 2006 are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Allocation €m |
|
1994 |
135.10 |
|
1995 |
134.53 |
|
1996 |
186.48 |
|
1997 |
219.43 |
|
1998 |
258.57 |
|
1999 |
307.51 |
|
2000 |
341.23 |
|
2001 |
410.42 |
|
2002 |
438.46 |
|
2003 |
433.99 |
|
2004 |
476.80 |
|
2005 |
495.27 |
|
2006 |
557.73 |
Bernard Allen
Question:273 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if extra money will be allocated to local authorities for the maintenance of county roads especially in view of the fact that roads have been resurfaced to a high standard but insufficient funds have been made available for the maintenance of inlets and water-tables. [12329/06]
The improvement and maintenance of non-national roads is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. It is open to county councils to use their annual restoration improvement grant allocations to finance the provision and improvement of drainage on non-national roads. In 2006, the total restoration improvement grant allocation by my Department to county councils is €205.299 million.
The maintenance of drains on non-national roads may be financed from my Department's discretionary maintenance and block grants. In 2006 the total discretionary maintenance grants to county councils and block grants to urban authorities are €28.7 million and €15.51 million, respectively. Very significant increases have been given to local authorities since this Government came into office in 1997.
|
Year |
Allocation €m |
|
1994 |
135.10 |
|
1995 |
134.53 |
|
1996 |
186.48 |
|
1997 |
219.43 |
|
1998 |
258.57 |
|
1999 |
307.51 |
|
2000 |
341.23 |
|
2001 |
410.42 |
|
2002 |
438.46 |
|
2003 |
433.99 |
|
2004 |
476.80 |
|
2005 |
495.27 |
|
2006 |
557.73 |
Animal Welfare.
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:274 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his reason for recently referring statutes governing animal welfare, that is, the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965, including proposals for amendments, to the Minister for Agriculture and Food when his Department advised that the recommendations of the working group on the management of dog breeding establishments can be legally implemented through amendments of the current Control of Dogs Act. [12330/06]
The principal statutes governing animal welfare are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for that legislation, including any proposals for amendment, is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Food.
My Department's functions relate to the provisions of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992. The main focus of these Acts is the control of stray and dangerous dogs, such as guard dogs, which could present nuisance or danger to the general public or to other animals. The implementation of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 is vested in local authorities which have power, inter alia, to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions.
Section 19 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986, as amended by section 8 of the 1992 Act, provides for the making of regulations to specify standards for premises in which a guard dog or more than five dogs aged over four months are kept. It is in this context that my Department is considering the recommendations of the working group established to review the management of dog breeding establishments and the responses received as a result of the recent public consultation process.
Housing Grants.
Michael Noonan
Question:275 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding approval for a thatching grant for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [12431/06]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
An inspection, with a view to approval of a grant, if in order, is being arranged and will be carried out as soon as possible.
Local Authority Funding.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:276 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent of funding provided by him to the various local authorities in regard to part-time or full-time fire services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12474/06]
The provision of a fire service, including equipment, training and the employment of both full-time and retained fire-fighting personnel, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities and my Department has no direct role in this matter. My Department supports the local fire authorities through the setting of general policy, the provision of capital funding, the issue of guidance to fire authorities regarding fire prevention and operational matters and other such initiatives.
Over the past 25 years, almost €240 million has been provided by my Department to local fire authorities under the fire services capital programme for the provision of new and refurbished fire stations and the purchase of fire appliances and other equipment. At this stage, over two thirds of our fire stations, including almost all of the busiest stations, have been replaced, we have a modern fleet of front-line fire appliances and we have a modern emergency response communications system. The fire services capital allocation for 2006 is almost €20 million.
The Fire Services Council assists fire authorities through the provision of training courses and seminars to supplement the training provided by the authorities themselves. Since 2001, my Department has provided over €2.3 million to the Fire Services Council for this purpose. Since 2001, my Department has provided almost €4.2 billion in general purpose grants to assist the local authorities in carrying out their statutory functions, including the provision of fire services.
State Property.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:277 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the local authorities which have swapped lands with developers in the private sector in the past five years; the locations of the lands in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12476/06]
As these issues are primarily a matter for local authorities, my Department does not compile information on the extent or location of land exchanges by local authorities. Under section 211 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, land acquired by a local authority may be sold, leased or exchanged. The consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to a land exchange only arises where what is obtained by the local authority on the exchange is not the best reasonably obtainable, but not in all such cases. Under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, such ministerial consent is not required where a local authority is of the opinion that, for economic or social reasons, it is reasonable that the disposal of land be carried out in accordance with the terms specified by the authority in the notice which is to be given to members of the authority regarding the proposed disposal of land in accordance with section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001. In such a case, the notice in question must incorporate or be accompanied by a report from the manager setting out the economic or social reasons that apply in relation to the disposal of the land in question.
Urban Renewal Schemes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:278 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of funding available for urban renewal in the Kilcock and Clane areas in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12477/06]
A strategy document prepared by Kildare County Council for the purpose of obtaining funding under the urban and village renewal measure of the Southern and Eastern Regional Operational Programme 2000-06 provides, inter alia, for renewal works at Main Street, Clane, and the Square, Kilcock.
There is a remaining balance of €1.534 million from Kildare County Council's overall allocation under this programme. The council submitted proposals on 24 March 2006 for renewal works in Naas, Rathangan, Ballitore, Kilcock and Clane, to be carried out over the period 2006 to 2007. From an initial assessment of these proposals it was deemed that further information is required before they can be approved for grant assistance.