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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Mar 2007

Vol. 633 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.

Organic Farming.

John Gormley

Question:

10 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the achievements in establishing a large and thriving organic sector since June 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9145/07]

I am strongly committed to the development of the organic sector in Ireland. While the total area under organic production is still small by European standards, 2006 was the second year in succession in which the Irish sector showed significant and encouraging growth. Nationally, the total area in conversion or with full organic status rose by 15% in 2005 and by a further 14% in 2006. Currently there are just over 1,270 organic operators and some 40,000 hectares of land under organic production methods. The market is also growing strongly, with the organic retail sector in Ireland estimated to be worth €66 million, compared to €38 million in 2003.

My Department already provides substantial financial supports for organic producers, through the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and the Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Sector. Since REPS began in 1994, it has delivered some €43 million to the sector. The draft Rural Development Programme for the period 2007–2013 includes measures designed particularly to encourage development in the organic tillage and horticulture areas. It is proposed, for example, to allow organic farmers to obtain organic support payments without having to be in REPS.

Special investment aid was also available for organic farmers and processors under the Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Sector, which supported investment both on-farm and off-farm. For on-farm investments, grant aid was given for 40% of the cost up to a maximum grant of over €50,000. For off-farm investments, the maximum grant was over €500,000. From 2002 to the end of 2006, my Department had paid a total €1.75m to applicants under this Scheme. While the Scheme closed at the end of December 2006, I propose to introduce a similar Scheme for the 2007–2013 period.

Substantial progress has also been made on the implementation of the recommendations in the Organic Development Committee report, published in 2002.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

11 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will bring forward proposed measures for coexistence of genetically modified and non-GM crops before 18 May 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9142/07]

As the Deputy may be aware an interdepartmental/ interagency Working Group was established within my Department in 2003 to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices to ensure the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming. That Group presented me with their Final Report and Recommendations in December 2005 which, inter alia, recommended that a combination of mandatory and voluntary measures are best to meet the objective of implementing the coexistence of GM crops alongside non-GM crops in Irish agriculture. In developing its recommendations the Working Group considered all the relevant issues including overall government policy on genetically modified organisms; the principles set down in Commission Recommendation 2003/556/EC; scientific issues; current developments in GM crop technology; Irish crop production systems and farm infrastructure; and liability issues. The views of the major stakeholders were solicited and discussions were held with colleagues from Northern Ireland in order to harmonise, as far as possible, coexistence measures in both jurisdictions.

In order to capture the widest range of views on the issue raised I then arranged to have the Report placed on my Department's website and invited observations from the general public. I am currently engaged in the process of considering the submissions received in the light of the recommendations made and the ongoing international developments in this area, particularly relating to thresholds for organic produce.

Draft legislation is currently being prepared in my Department to give effect to the mandatory measures proposed such as the requirement to get approval before cultivation commences, confirmation that the GM crop grower has undertaken the required education and training on the cultivation of GM crops; demonstration that agreement has been reached with neighbouring farmers in respect of cropping arrangements that involve the neighbours' lands being used for separation distance, and the establishment of sanction and powers for authorized officers. Once sufficient progress has been made in evaluating these areas I will endeavour to bring forward coexistence regulations as soon as possible.

Food Labelling.

Mary Upton

Question:

12 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the recent survey by a company (details supplied) of 17,000 consumers that found that 80% of respondents found traffic light labelling more comprehensible than guideline daily amount labelling; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that neither the recent Review of Food Labelling Legislation nor the EU’s Nutrition Labelling Review of Technical Issues considered the relative merits of traffic light labelling and GDA labelling; her views in view of the fact that there is no evidence that research has been conducted into this issue using funding by her Department on providing such funding and coordinating with the Department of Health and Children to commission such a study; if not, the reason for same; the other labelling research undertaken by Government Departments and agencies which she referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 352 of 20 February 2007 that has any bearing on the question of the relative merits of traffic light and GDA labelling; and if she will make a statement on the argument that introducing traffic light labelling here would negatively affect the production of Irish cheeses which are high in fat. [9073/07]

In her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 352 of 20 February 2007 the Minister for Health & Children stated that the European Commission is currently reviewing food labelling legislation. Ireland's submission to the Commission on this subject was co-ordinated by that Department and included comments on the use of symbols and signposting on food labels.

Central to the concept of food labelling is that the consumer should not be misled. In addition, consumers should be provided with sufficient clear information to allow them to make food consumption choices which best suit their circumstances and preferences: an appropriate labelling system is a key element to enable these informed choices to be made.

The intention of the ‘traffic light' nutrition labelling system is to provide a clear and simple means to allow consumers to select healthier foods to support a healthier diet. However, at present, there are some concerns that such signposting information, which is essentially summary information, may be used selectively and the information provided may not reflect the full nutritional value of the product. An excellent example is given in the Deputy's question where labelling products such as cheese with a fat indicator could certainly mislead the consumer as to the nutritional value of the product.

There would also appear to be a profusion of front of pack labelling schemes in addition to the UK Food Safety Agency (FSA) ‘traffic light' system. The principal basis of alternative schemes is the use of Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs). However, there are many different presentations of the GDA approach on products available on the Irish market — some with traffic light colour coding and others where colour is not relevant in interpreting the GDA information provided. Consequently there is a concern that rather than providing clarity to consumers, current front of pack labelling may actually be adding to consumer confusion.

Like the Minister for Health & Children, I have no proposals at present to commission research. I do not rule out the possibility that it may be worthwhile to consider such research at some later stage. I also agree with her view that clarity in food labelling needs to be achieved through the development of a consumer-friendly, EU wide approach to nutrition labelling. The Department of Health & Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland are focusing efforts on the nutrition labelling reform process currently underway in the European Union, where front of pack labelling will be examined.

I have also raised the matter of accurate food labelling in the Council of Ministers as well as in bilateral contact with Commissioners Fischer Boel and Kyprianou.

National Bovine Herd.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

13 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the strength of the bovine herd; the extent to which the numbers have increased or decreased in the past 10 years on a yearly basis; if the current number is adequate to meet the requirements of the beef and dairy industry without curtailment of either; if herd reduction is deemed to be a wise tactic in the context of the World Trade Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9134/07]

Over the last ten years, the National Bovine Herd has gone from 6.6m animals in 1996 down to 6.2m animals in 2005 having peaked at 6.9m in 1998. The number of dairy cows has decreased from 1.2m to 1.1m, but beef cows during the corresponding period have remained relatively stable at 1.1m.

Beef Sector

Consistent with the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan and to support the beef sector in responding to the very real challenges it faces on an on-going basis I announced, late last year, two new initiatives that will assist the beef sector in cementing the achievements already made and to better equip it to face the ongoing challenges of a competitive marketplace. These complement and underpin the existing Quality Assurance Schemes.

Proposals for the introduction of an Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds were submitted to the European Commission in December 2006. The scheme, which is subject to EU approval, is designed to encourage suckler farmers to record data for animal welfare and breed improvement purposes in order to assist both quality and productivity. A budget of €250 million is being provided over the duration of the scheme.

A Capital Investment Support Scheme for the beef and sheepmeat primary processing sectors was also announced in November 2006. The rationale for this scheme is to assist the industry in facing the challenges of the future, through increasing competitiveness and efficiency. Some €50 million has been committed for this package, and it is envisaged that this will generate further investment, bringing the value of the overall plan to some €120 million. The aid scheme, funded by the Department, will be managed by Enterprise Ireland, the state agency responsible for implementing such state aid packages.

I believe these measures, combined with our high levels of food safety standards, will support the industry in positioning itself to face the challenges of the marketplace.

Dairy Sector

Ireland's milk production is limited by the milk quota regime, which was introduced in the early 1980s. During the past 10 years, milk production has remained stable at the national reference level. Improved breeding and husbandry have resulted in increased milk yields in Irish dairy cows and consequently the number of animals in the dairy herd has reduced while the volume of milk produced has remained constant at national level.

Despite the challenges brought about by the implementation of the 2003 Luxembourg Agreement to reform the CAP, the Irish Dairy Sector performed well in 2006 with exports of €2.08bn. Having regard to the new CAP framework where market forces have a huge influence on the price paid for milk and milk products I launched a €300 million capital investment package, including €100 million of Government grant assistance, in September 2006. One of the key aims of this package is to allow Irish dairy processors generate greater efficiencies to better support the price paid to producers. The fund has been oversubscribed with projects from all the major dairy companies. The commercial and technical evaluation of applications has begun and I hope to announce the grant awards in May of this year.

WTO

The most recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy introduced the concept of decoupling and means that the majority of subsidies are now paid independently of production. This gives EU and Irish farmers freedom to farm and to produce what the market wants. In that context, future variations in the numbers in the national bovine herd will be informed by individual producer decisions arising from market demands and there is no direct connection between this and developments in the WTO negotiations. However, what is important is to ensure that farmers are allowed a reasonable degree of policy stability so that they can develop their operations and plan for the future in a rational manner. In that connection, in the ongoing WTO negotiations, I am determined to ensure that the internal support system of direct payments applied under the reformed CAP is continued and that EU production is adequately protected from low-priced imports.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

14 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on EU plans to increase the rate of modulation to 15%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8959/07]

There are no proposals at present to increase the rate of modulation to 15%. Commissioner Fischer Boel has signalled the possibility that an increase in the current rate of modulation may be proposed in the context of the forthcoming "Health Check" of the Common Agricultural Policy. I am not aware that a decision has been taken in this regard. The Commission's proposals are not expected to be brought forward until well into 2008.

Food Labelling.

Mary Upton

Question:

15 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the obstacles preventing the implementation of the Food Labelling Group’s recommendation in relation to its definition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9088/07]

The Food Labelling Group was established in July 2002 to examine issues surrounding food labelling in the context of consumer expectations about the food they buy. The Group which was widely representative of the major stakeholders in the food chain, consumer interests, industry, Government Departments and Agencies — presented its report to the Department in December 2002.

As regards the recommendations of the Group the position is that all recommendations except two have been fully addressed. The outstanding issues relate to labelling of origin at certain outlets and the definition of substantial transformation. As regards the former all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required by law to carry an indication of country of origin.

The primary legislation enacted by the Oireachtas last year, under which our beef labelling requirements on country of origin were extended to the catering sector also allows for the extension of country of origin labelling to other meats. However, because different origin labelling requirements apply to other meats in the retail sector under current EU legislation, and different systems of traceability are in operation coupled with some import/export complexities, it is not as straightforward as it is for beef. The European Commission, the Deputy will be aware, has opposed Member States introducing legislation in this area that is in excess of common EU requirements. Nonetheless, my Department has been involved in consultations with the Department of Health and Children on draft new regulations to require operators in the retail and catering sectors to provide country of origin information on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat. It is intended to submit these regulations, when they are finalised, to the European Commission for approval as required by EU legislation.

Of course, the preferred way forward is that the Commission would progress the question of country of origin labelling of all meat at EU level. I have been in regular contact with the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection on this subject and I also raised this issue in the Agriculture Council and will continue to take every opportunity to press for progress on this matter. I also used the opportunity provided by bilateral meetings with EU Ministerial colleagues to seek their support for EU action on Country of Origin Labelling and so far have been encouraged by their response.

Last year the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission undertook a consultative process on a wide range of issues in this area, under a document entitled ‘Labelling: Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation for the EU'. I arranged for my Department to make a submission on food labelling and country of origin labelling of meat through the Department of Health and Children, who co-ordinated the Irish contribution to this process. This confirmed my strong preference for origin labelling of meat and meat products and the desirability of there being common EU wide legislation to support a labelling regime. I also ensured that the second outstanding issue i.e. the definition of substantial transformation was raised in the submission by the Commission. The concept of substantial transformation is the basis used throughout the EU and elsewhere to define the origin of goods as being from the country where the last substantial economic change was made to them. In my view it should not be used to disguise the origin of certain products or to mislead the consumer as to the origin of raw materials.

Organic Farming.

Jack Wall

Question:

16 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to encourage supermarkets to provide opportunities for organic producers to sell their produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9080/07]

Last year I approved substantial funding of €1.5m for a three-year Organic Marketing Plan, which was produced by Bord Bia in consultation with the Organic Market Development Group, a sub-group of the National Steering Group for the Organic Sector. The objective of the Marketing Pan is to develop the organic sector in Ireland both for existing suppliers and for new entrants. Central to the Plan is the involvement of retail multiples and of the independent and direct channels. This dual-strategy approach was recommended in research carried out by Bord Bia on the organic market.

Bord Bia have already met the retail multiples and have found them very keen to increase their supplies and range of organic products. They have agreed to support the initiatives in the Plan over the three-year period. This will include involvement in promotional activities such as National Organic Week through press advertising, highlighting organic products in-store, organising events and distribution of recipe and information leaflets. To address the difficulties that some retailers have in making contact with domestic producers and suppliers, Bord Bia will produce an Organic Linkage Guide later this year. This Guide will be useful for providing retailers with up to date information on sources of organic products in Ireland.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

17 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her response to the EU petitions committee report on the EU early retirement scheme; the steps she is taking to address the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8532/07]

A group representing retired farmers lodged a petition with the European Parliament Committee on Petitions in May 2003, alleging that Ireland had not implemented correctly the Council Regulations governing the 1994 and 2000 Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming. The Committee requested information from the European Commission. In reply, the Commission made it clear that in its considered opinion there was no question of any infringement having been committed by Ireland in the implementation of the Schemes.

The Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Petitions, subsequently acknowledging the view that the Commission had taken, raised these issues with me.

A reply to the Chairman of the Petitions Committee is being prepared and will issue shortly. Most of the issues raised in his letter were also dealt with in the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food. Certain of the Joint Committee's recommendations are precluded by the EU Regulations under which the current Scheme and its predecessor are operated. I saw some merit in other aspects of the Committee's report, specifically those relating to income limits and in line with the Joint Committee's recommendations I increased the off-farm income limit for transferees in the Scheme from €25,400 to €40,000 and abolished the income limit for transferors with effect from 1 September 2006. Other recommendations in the Committee's report will be considered in the context of the proposal for a new Early Retirement Scheme, which has been included in the draft Rural Development Programme for the period 2007–2013.

The Committee paid particular attention to two issues: the rate of pension, and the implications of decoupling for retired farmers who had leased out land and quota to transferees before or during the Single Payment Scheme reference period.

As regards decoupling, I believe we secured the best deal that we could for people in this situation, in spite of the reluctance of the Commission at the outset. A specific mandatory category was included in the National Reserve arrangements under the Single Payment Scheme. This category caters for farmers who inherited or otherwise received a holding free of charge or for a nominal amount from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005 where the land in question was leased out to a third party during the reference period. Under these arrangements, where a farm reverts to the retired farmer at the end of a lease without any entitlements, the farmer taking it over will have access to the National Reserve. Retired farmers in the Early Retirement Scheme who farmed during part or all of the reference period and who held Single Payment entitlements could activate entitlements and lease them to their transferees. If the transferee did not wish to use the entitlements, a transferor has until 2007 to lease the entitlements with land to another farmer. Once at least 80% of the entitlements have been used by the lessee, the transferor has the option to sell the entitlements with or without land; otherwise he can continue to lease the entitlements with land.

Following clarification from the European Commission, I announced increases in the rate of pension under both Schemes in November last. These increases, which are financed entirely from the National Exchequer, will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes, and some 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Dan Neville

Question:

18 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to review the Forestry Act 1946 in view of the impediment it creates for landowners who grow short rotation coppice, and who wish to return such lands to agricultural production; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8796/07]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the establishment and management of willow trees on a short rotation cycle. Nothing in the Forestry Act 1946 creates any impediment for landowners who wish to grow such a short rotation crop and who subsequently wish to return such lands to agricultural production.

My Department has introduced a new Bioenergy Scheme to provide establishment grants to farmers for up to 50% of the costs associated with establishing willow. The aid is payable on set-aside land and on areas, which have been subject to an application for the EU Premium of €45 per hectare under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. The Bioenergy Scheme provides a maximum establishment grant of up to €1,450 per hectare. I have extended the deadline for receipt of applications for pre-planting approval to 30 March 2007 to provide every interested farmer with the opportunity to submit an application. Application will be processed for approvals on receipt.

My Department has also introduced a new national payment of €80 per hectare to top-up the existing EU premium of €45 per hectare available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. This increases the overall premium to €125 per hectare. It is intended that the €80 payment will apply for three years and will be subject to a maximum ceiling per producer over the three years. The current maximum area per producer is 37.5 hectares. Willow is eligible for the premium of €125 per hectare, subject to an application under the EU Energy Crops Scheme.

Farm Records.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

19 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to ease the burden of paperwork placed on farmers by the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8825/07]

The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 contain a number of requirements in relation to record keeping. Much of this information, such as stock numbers and farmed area, is already maintained by farmers on their herd registers or contained in their declarations for the Single Payment Scheme.

To assist farmers in complying with their obligations on record keeping, my Department will, where possible, make use of its data holdings to send organic nitrogen and phosphorus statements to farmers in respect of each calendar year. Statements in respect of 2006 are being prepared at present, and will issue as early as possible.

My Department has already produced an Explanatory Handbook for farmers setting out in clear terms their obligations under the Regulations. The handbook contains explanations of and suggested formats for the records required, and helpsheets that farmers can use as examples. This handbook, together with a copy of the Regulations, was sent to all farmers in October 2006.

While my Department is committed to minimising the practical burden of compliance with the Regulations, responsibility for compliance rests ultimately with the occupier of a holding. Farmers should therefore ensure that they have read and understood their obligations under the Regulations and they should, if necessary, obtain professional advice from their agricultural advisers. My Department is currently arranging specific cross-compliance-related training for Teagasc and private planners, in accordance with the provision, in the Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme, that member States shall set up a system of advising farmers on land and farm management to be known as the "farm advisory system". This system will cover the Statutory Management Requirements, including the Nitrates Directive, together with Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition associated with cross-compliance.

European Council Meetings.

Dan Boyle

Question:

20 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on preparations for the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of 18 to 19 March 2007; the draft agenda for that meeting; the positions that Ireland will be taking at that meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9146/07]

The next meeting of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers is scheduled to take place on 19 and 20 March. At this stage, the provisional agenda for the meeting indicates that there will be policy debates on Commission proposals to amend the Common Organisation of the market in Cereals and to amalgamate the 21 existing Common Market Organisations into a single CMO. Political agreement will be sought on proposed rules for the implementation of voluntary modulation and the Council is expected to adopt conclusions on employment in rural areas: closing the jobs gap. The Council will also have an exchange of views on experiences with the implementation of controls in the food chain.

Under other business, the Commission will present information on the thematic strategy for soil protection and updates of the current position regarding the WTO negotiations, Avian Influenza and the veterinary negotiations between the EC and the Russian Federation. There will also be oral reports from the Presidency on the Nuremberg conference on renewable resources and on the conference on "prevention for Health — Nutrition and Physical Activity — A Key to Healthy Living".

Preparations for the Council are continuing at Council Working Groups, COREPER and the Special Committee on Agriculture and the nature of the discussions in the Council may change depending on the outcome of the negotiations at official level.

At this stage I have some concerns about the proposal to amend the Common Market Organisation for Cereals. The Commission proposal is to abolish intervention for maize with effect from 2007. I believe that this represents a major policy change to the CAP. Together with several of my Ministerial colleagues, I believe that the Council should consider carefully alternative means of improving the situation in the cereals market before abolishing such a market management mechanism.

I have no difficulty with the proposed implementing rules on voluntary modulation which was agreed by the European Council in December 2005 in the context of the decision on the EU Financial Perspective for the period 2007-2013. It is not my intention to avail of voluntary modulation in Ireland.

I can support the draft Council conclusions on employment in rural areas and I am looking forward to the exchange of views on the experiences of the Commission and Member States on implementation of controls in the food chain. Under Other Business, I will be reiterating my views regarding the WTO negotiations. In summary, while I favour a successful conclusion to the negotiations, the outcome must be balanced both within agriculture and between all different sectors. I will strongly oppose any outcome that sacrifices EU and Irish agriculture for the sake of an agreement or that necessitates a further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

21 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the REP scheme 4 is to be open to applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8812/07]

REPS 4 will form part of the new Rural Development Programme for the period from 2007 to 2013. The Programme was sent to the European Commission in late December 2006 and has to go through a formal approval process. I cannot be definite as to how long this process will take but I continue to pursue early approval. My officials are in ongoing contact about it with their counterparts in the Commission services.

Food Labelling.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

22 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has held either informal or formal discussions directly with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or with the Department of Health and Children or the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding environmental labelling of Irish food; her views of the UK Government’s recent report in collaboration with Manchester University Business School on the environmental impacts of food production and consumption; her views on whether her Department should contribute to the commissioning of a project to map the environmental impacts of the top 150 food products sold in supermarkets here; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter of environmental food labelling. [9099/07]

The Minister for Health & Children has responsibility for the European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 483 of 2002 — as amended) which is the main legislation in Ireland dealing with the general labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs. It also requires information on food labels to be given clearly, accurately and in a language understood by the consumer. There are many other separate labelling provisions in national and European legislation, such as provisions relating to nutrition, natural mineral waters, novel foods, food additives, food supplements, sweeteners and declarations on price indication, weights and measures and merchandise markings.

My Department is responsible for more detailed legislation on the labelling of specific food products including beef, poultrymeat, milk and milk products, spirit drinks and wines. The labelling of fish and fish products comes within the remit of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The European Commission is reviewing its labelling legislation having taken account of stakeholder opinions canvassed over recent years. At the request of the Department of Health and Children, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) undertook a public consultation exercise on the European Commission consultation document — "Labelling: competitiveness, consumer information and better regulation for the EU". A large number of comments were received and these have assisted in developing this Irish response to the questions raised. This submission is also cognisant of the relevant findings and recommendations of a survey commissioned by the FSAI in April/May 2002, the aim of which was to provide a better understanding of consumer attitudes, knowledge and awareness with regard to food safety and standards within Ireland. In addition this response takes account of the report of the expert Food Labelling Group established in July 2002 by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, which examined issues surrounding food labelling in the context of consumer expectations.

Like the Minister for Health and Children I have no proposals at present to commission research along the lines suggested. I do not rule out that it might be worthwhile to consider such research at some later stage. I also agree with her view that our approach to all aspects of food labelling reforms needs to be achieved through the development of a consumer-friendly EU wide policy on food labelling. The Department of Health and Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland are focusing efforts on the labelling reform process currently underway in the European Union.

I have also raised the matter of accurate food labelling in the Council of Ministers as well as in bilateral contact with Commissioners Fischer Boel and Kyprianou. I will continue to take every opportunity to raise these important matters at Community level.

Poultry Industry.

Phil Hogan

Question:

23 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to support the poultry industry due to the lack of adequate processing facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8838/07]

There are adequate poultry processing facilities in this country having regard to such criteria as the overall volume of poultry being produced here. Poultry processing plants must strive to compete efficiently with operators in other countries and volume throughput is essential to this efficiency. Our poultry slaughter plants are small by comparison with the main players in other countries and increasing the number of processing plants would not serve the interests of the Irish poultry industry. The need to seek economies through rationalisation and reduction in the number of poultry plants was identified in the Agri Food 2010 report.

Poultry processors have faced major challenges over the last couple of years. A number of the remaining plants have increased their throughput to make up in part for the void created by plant closures. I am aware that many suppliers to now-closed plants have entered into contracts with new processing outlets. Others are converting their production facilities from conventional to free range systems in line with the good demand for free range poultry meat and my Department is assisting them in this transition.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

24 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to address the burden of cross compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8817/07]

My Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme, compliance with EU legislation in the areas of the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition.

A minimum of 5% of Single Payment Scheme applicants are required to be inspected under the eligibility rule. Up to two-thirds of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit and using the technique of remote sensing.

The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements (including the Nitrates Directive) or GAEC apply. However at least 5% of producers must be inspected under the Bovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements as this level is prescribed under the relevant Regulations.

Inspections under the 2007 scheme have not yet commenced. In 2006, 7,514 farmers had their holdings selected for on-the-spot inspection out of some 130,000 who have applied for the Single Payment Scheme (over 100,000 of these are also applicants for Disadvantaged Areas Scheme). The value of both schemes to Irish farmers was some €1.55 billion in 2006. It should be noted that while 1,414 farmers were subject to cross-compliance penalties under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme, a further 804 farmers, while technically in breach of the requirements, did not suffer any penalty because of the tolerance regime applied by my Department. Indeed breaches of cross-compliance in 2006 resulted in some €722,296.31 being withheld from farmers by way of penalties representing 0.06% of Ireland's National ceiling of €1.3billion. The vast bulk of penalties applied (1,239 farmers) were for breaches of the rules relating to the identification and registration of bovine animals i.e. tagging and registration of births, movements and deaths representing 78.72% of all breaches found. The requirements for the timely tagging and registration of cattle and for the notification of movements and deaths have been in place in Ireland for over 10 years.

My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission with a view to simplification of Single Payment Scheme requirements with particular reference to the arrangements for cross-compliance inspections. I have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with Commissioner Fischer Boel. The European Commission is currently undertaking a full review of the cross-compliance regime and the results of that review will be presented to the Council of Ministers during April. I have personally met with my German and French counterparts with a view to emphasising the importance of achieving progress on the simplification issue during the German presidency. In tandem with this my Department is carrying out a full review of the inspection arrangements for the Single Payment Scheme with a view to simplification of the arrangements (including paperwork) where possible while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements. The review of the forms together with the outcome of the Commission's review of the cross-compliance arrangements generally, will be fully discussed with the farming organisations before the inspections for 2007 get underway.

In so far as the Department's inspection checklist on cross compliance is concerned, this is an internal checklist used for the 2006 inspections which was made available to the farming organisations and the farmers being inspected. The various forms used during cross-compliance inspections are also available on my Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie. These forms are currently being reviewed as part of the full review my Department is carrying out on the inspection arrangements for the Single Payment Scheme for 2007.

The policy towards on-farm inspection has been to give advance notification of up to 48 hours in all cases. This policy of systematic pre-announcement of inspections was questioned by the European Commission in July 2006 and its unacceptability was conveyed to my Department in a formal communication in August. As a result my Department was obliged to agree to a proportion of Single Payment Scheme inspections being carried out in 2006 without prior notification. Some 650 farms out of 130,000 involved in the Single Payment Scheme were subsequently selected for unannounced inspection. The balance of inspection cases, representing some 92% of the 7,514 farms selected for Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme inspection in 2006, were all pre-notified to the farmer.

The EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme would allow my Department to give pre-notification of inspection in all cases where certain elements of cross-compliance are involved e.g. the Nitrates Regulations. However, my Department is committed, in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007 to carrying out all Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Area Scheme checks during one single farm visit in most cases. This then obliges my Department to respect the advance notice requirements applicable to the most stringent element of the inspection regime viz. maximum of 48 hours notice but with no advance notice in a proportion of cases.

My Department is also committed in the Charter of Rights to pursuing with the European Commission a strategy to deliver advance notification of 14 days for inspections. The matter has been raised with the Commission on a number of occasions since 2004, particularly in the context of the Irish situation where we are applying a fully decoupled and essentially area-dependent Single Payment Scheme. I have personally made the case again recently to Commissioner Fischer Boel and this issue will be a key point for Ireland in the CAP simplification initiative of the Commission which is now underway.

Food Labelling.

John Deasy

Question:

25 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the enforcement of the food labelling laws in view of their report to her Department of breaches in the law under her jurisdiction following an investigation of 90 food businesses completed in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8839/07]

My Department has regular ongoing contact with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on a whole range of matters including labelling.

The Food Safety Authority's Chief Audit Manager and three Audit Managers conducted the audit of the 90 food premises in question. Following this audit, the FSAI provided each of the official agencies with a copy of the report on those premises under their supervision, which were inspected. The Authority has confirmed that follow up action was taken by way of additional visits and inspections and that the matters, which required attention, have now been rectified.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Billy Timmins

Question:

26 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food’s report on the farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8831/07]

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture published its report on the Early Retirement Schemes in February 2005. The report dealt with a range of issues and I responded to it in detail in September 2005. As I explained in my response, certain of the Committee's recommendations were precluded by the EU Regulations under which the Scheme and its predecessor were operated. The Scheme closed to new entrants on 31 December 2006.

I saw some merit in other aspects of the Committee's report, specifically those relating to income limits and, in line with the Joint Committee's recommendations, I increased the off-farm income limit for transferees in the Scheme from €25,400 to €40,000 and abolished the income limit for transferors with effect from 1 September 2006.

The Committee paid particular attention to two further issues. One was the implication of decoupling for retired farmers who had leased out land and quota to transferees before or during the Single Payment Scheme reference period. I believe we secured the best deal that we could for people in this situation, in spite of the reluctance of the Commission at the outset. A specific mandatory category was included in the National Reserve arrangements under the Single Payment Scheme. This category caters for farmers who inherited or otherwise received a holding free of charge or for a nominal amount from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005 where the land in question was leased out to a third party during the reference period. Under these arrangements, where a farm reverted to the retired farmer at the end of a lease without any entitlements, the farmer taking it over will have access to the National Reserve. Retired farmers in the Early Retirement Scheme who farmed during part or all of the reference period and who held Single Payment entitlements could activate entitlements and lease them to their transferees. If the transferee did not wish to use the entitlements, a transferor has until 2007 to lease the entitlements with land to another farmer. Once at least 80% of the entitlements have been used by the lessee, the transferor has the option to sell the entitlements with or without land; otherwise he can continue to lease the entitlements with land.

The second issue the Joint Committee focused particularly on was the levels of payment under the two Schemes. In the course of discussions on this issue, the European Commission had pointed out that the rate in the earlier Scheme was set at the maximum amount for co-funding that the Regulation allowed, and that it would not be possible to secure co-funding for an increase in the rate of pension for existing participants in the 2000–2006 Scheme. The Commission later indicated, however, that it would not object to increases for existing participants in both schemes if they were funded entirely from the National Exchequer as a State Aid. I therefore announced substantial increases in the maximum pension rates payable under both Schemes, which took effect from 1 November 2006. I increased the maximum pension rate payable under the 1994–99 Scheme from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum and the maximum pension rate payable under the 2000–2006 Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum. These increases will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes, and over 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

EU Directives.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

27 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views of the proposed EU soil protection directive; the input she has made into its formulation; the way its transposition and implementation are expected to affect farmers here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9098/07]

The proposal by the Commission for a Framework Directive is intended to establish a common strategy across all Member States for the protection and sustainable use of soil. Its aims include the integration of soil concerns into other policies, preservation of soil functions within the context of sustainable use, prevention of threats to soil and mitigation of their effects, and restoration of degraded soils. While some of the measures relate to agriculture, the proposals would also extend to other sectors and as such a number of Irish Government Departments will be involved.

The national position on this proposal will be finalised in conjunction with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, but I have already expressed my own views on the subject in relation to the agriculture sector at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in January.

It is my view that any policies to be adopted in the proposed Soil Framework Directive must be flexible and adaptable given the diverse nature of soils in the Member States. In addition, they should not replicate or cut across existing measures and should avoid imposing an untoward financial burden on Member States. Ireland has also supported the similar concerns expressed by a number of other Member States in relation to the proposals. I understand that the Commission may present a report on progress to the Agriculture Council in March.

Food Labelling.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

28 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will amend legislation to ensure that foodstuffs of foreign origin cannot be labelled produced in Ireland, processed in Ireland or sourced and produced in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9140/07]

The enforcement of all food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). This work is carried out through a number of service contracts between the FSAI and other Government Department and Agencies including my own Department. The Department of Health & Children is responsible for general food labelling regulations, the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources has responsibility for the labelling of fish and my Department is responsible for the labelling of specific food products including beef and poultry meat at processing plants.

A central element of food labelling is that the consumer should not be misled. The issue referred to in this question is what is known as substantial transformation. The concept of substantial transformation is the basis used throughout the EU and elsewhere to define the origin of goods as being from the country where the last substantial economic change was made to them. In my view it should not be used to disguise the origin of certain products or to mislead the consumer as to the origin of raw materials.

I have made my concerns in this respect known to the EU Commission both in the context of the review being carried out by them on "Labelling, competitiveness, consumer information, better regulation for the EU" and in the Council of Ministers as well as in bilateral contact with Commissioners Fischer Boel and Kyprianou. I will continue to pursue this matter at EU level.

Veterinary Medicines.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

29 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the price differentials between veterinary medicines supplied from veterinary practices and those supplied through pharmacies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9077/07]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

37 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the difficulties faced by farmers in obtaining veterinary medicines, in particular in areas where veterinary surgeons are not readily available; the actions she will take to get the veterinary profession to write prescriptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9076/07]

Liz McManus

Question:

91 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that the range of animal treatment products that are currently POM is appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9079/07]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

92 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the risk of a black market in veterinary medicines arising from their increased cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9078/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 37, 91 and 92 together.

The legislation governing the approval and distribution of veterinary medicines provides for a range of approved sales outlets for different categories of medicines viz. licensed merchants, pharmacies and veterinary practitioners and these are located throughout the country. As regards availability of veterinary practitioners, the position is that veterinary practices are primarily commercial entities and their locations are driven by commercial realities. However, I have outlined to the House on a number of occasions the measures I have taken in the context of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005 and the Animal Remedies Regulations 2005 which should help to ameliorate difficulties which may arise in particular parts of the country. I also understand that Údarás na Gaeltachta has provided funding to subsidise veterinary practices in some remote area in consultation with local farming communities.

With regard to prices charged by veterinary practitioners, the position is that prices are primarily a commercial matter between the veterinary practitioner and his/her client. Farmers, who are concerned or have information in relation to profiteering by veterinary practices should complain in the first instance to the National Consumer Agency. However, in my view, the best way to keep prices down is to foster competition and I have taken a number of steps in recent years to foster this dynamic in the veterinary medicines area. In particular, it has been a legal requirement under the Animal Remedies Regulations, since 1 January 2006, for veterinary practitioners to issue written prescriptions to their clients. This requirement, combined with the extension in the maximum validity period for a veterinary prescription from one to six months, ensures that farmers have a better choice as to where to purchase their prescription veterinary medicines requirements and, if prices in pharmacies are lower than those charged by veterinary practitioners, farmers should have their prescriptions dispensed at pharmacies. In addition, vets are now required to show the cost of medicines separately from the cost of the professional service. This provision has introduced greater transparency into the pricing system for veterinary medicines. In particular, it provides farmers with better information on relative prices as between veterinary practices and pharmacies and this facilitates decision making by farmers about where they can get best value when purchasing their medicines. Furthermore, I have extended the range of outlets which may supply some prescription medicines to include the Licensed Merchant category, thus extending the scope for price competition. Finally, arising from the approach my Department pursued in the EU discussions on the ‘exemption criteria', important categories, such as wormers and certain vaccines, will continue to be available off prescription.

I believe that the foregoing measures will ensure the continued availability of veterinary medicines at reasonable cost and, in any event, I could not accept that there could be any justification for unscrupulous operators selling medicines illegally, or for farmers sourcing medicines from such persons. Any such activity will be closely monitored and fully investigated by my Department and, where evidence of such activity is found, appropriate action, which may include prosecution, will be taken.

With regard to prescription only medicines, decisions as to which medicines are designated POM, as with all decisions on the route of supply of veterinary medicines, are matters for the Irish Medicines Board, on the basis of that body's scientific evaluation of the risk-benefit profile of each product, having regard to objective criteria laid down in the legislation.

Food Labelling.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

30 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to ensure that non-organic food is not mislabelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8845/07]

Willie Penrose

Question:

60 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to ensure non-organic food is not mislabelled; the procedures in place that she is responsible for which seek to prevent such mislabelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9100/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 60 together.

My Department is fully committed to ensuring that consumers can have full confidence in the organic food they buy. For that reason my Department assigned extra resources to the Organic Unit last year and we are now systematically inspecting retail outlets, including supermarkets, shops and farmers markets, checking to ensure that all product identified as organic has been produced fully in accordance with the organic regulations.

The introduction of the European Communities (Organic Farming) Regulation 2004 (SI No 112 of 2004) gave my Department powers to prosecute contraventions of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs. To date one operator has been convicted of an offence for labelling product in contravention of these Regulations.

Agricultural Prices.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

31 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the fact that the reported 5% rise in the prices paid to farmers in 2006 has been all but wiped out by rising energy, fuel and fertilizer costs; and the steps she is taking to address this issue. [9105/07]

The Central Statistics Office measures the changes in agricultural prices and inputs. The agricultural output price index was 4.9% higher in 2006 than in 2005, while the input price index increased by 4.3% over the same period. This equates to a positive change of +0.6% for farmers. The increase in the annual output price index for 2006 was largely due to increased prices for cattle and pigs as well as cereals and potatoes, while the annual input indices for 2006 showed higher prices for energy, fertilizers, veterinary expenses, seeds and feeding stuffs.

In addition to these market price developments, account must be taken of the importance to Irish farmers of direct payments as an income platform. Decoupled payments, and in particular the Single Payment scheme, remain the primary mechanism of farm income support. In 2006, direct payments to farmers, excluding Forestry Premia totalled over €1,898 million and accounted for 81% of operating surplus. This very substantial figure includes almost €1.3 billion under the Single Payments Scheme, €246 million on the area based compensatory allowance scheme and €328 million on REPS.

Horticulture Sector.

John Gormley

Question:

32 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will intervene to curtail the ongoing dominance of supermarket chains in the food market, which is driving many vegetable growers here out of business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9144/07]

The vegetable sector is a very important sector of the horticultural industry which is capable of further substantial growth and development. The value of farm gate output of the fresh vegetables sector in 2006 is estimated at €80m of which outdoor field vegetables were valued at approximately €60m. While there has been a consolidation of grower numbers over the last number of years, production has remained relatively steady. As is common for all sectors of the food industry the vegetable sector has experienced strong competitive pressures from the highly concentrated retail chain which has resulted in static or falling prices. The Deputies will appreciate that in a free market situation the Minister does not have the power to set prices.

However, my Department provides substantial indirect support to the sector through the EU Producer Organisation Scheme and through the National Development Plan. The Producer Organisation Scheme provides a mechanism for producers to work together to strengthen their position in the market place by becoming part of a larger supply base, and thereby putting them in a position to negotiate more effectively with the supermarket multiples. Since 2000 over €24m in EU aid has been paid out to Irish POs of which fruit and vegetable POs have received approximately €2m. The proposals for reform of the Common Organisation of the Market for Fruit and Vegetables, which were presented to the Agriculture Council on 29 January, identify a strengthening of the role for POs as the core part of the strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future. The number of vegetable growers involved in Producer Organisations is relatively small. All growers should be encouraged to consider the potential benefits which membership can bring to their enterprise.

Under the 2000-2006 NDP Scheme of Investment Aid for development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector over €20m has been paid out of which in excess of €3m was provided to vegetable producers. This scheme has enabled vegetable growers to reduce costs and improve the quality of products. Further grant aid of €10.5m has been provided for downstream developments in the edible horticulture industry of which the vegetable sector has been the main beneficiary. Under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013 some €49m is being provided for horticultural producers and I hope to be in a position to announce the commencement of this scheme shortly following its clearance by the European Commission. In accordance with the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan this support which will be strategically targeted will improve the overall development and competitiveness of the sector.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

33 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on allowing regions within Ireland to establish bans on genetically modified crops, in view of the fact that Ireland supported Hungary’s bid to uphold its ban on GM maize in a recent meeting of EU Environment Ministers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9137/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

260 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on allowing regions within Ireland to establish bans on genetically modified crops, in view of the fact that Ireland supported Hungary’s bid to uphold its ban on GM maize in a recent meeting of EU Environment Ministers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9216/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 260 together.

The rules governing the production and use of GM crops within the Community are set down in EU legislation that has been jointly adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. This legislation is binding on all Member States and does not provide for the declaration of a GM free country or region. There are, however, options available to restrict the growing of GM crops within regions of a country. One option is the concept of voluntarily developed GM free regions, where there is a voluntary agreement among all growers in a region not to grow a GM crop or crops. A second option is to seek a derogation from the European Commission that, on the basis of sound scientific evidence, coexistence of GM crops with non GM crops is not possible in certain regions in respect of certain named crops. The cultivation of these crops can then be legitimately prohibited if the case made is accepted by the Commission.

The provision also exists for a Member State to enact the safeguard clause, that is, where a Member State has detailed grounds on the basis of scientific evidence that a GMO constitutes a risk to human health or the environment, then that Member State may provisionally restrict or prohibit the growing of that GM crop in its territory or in a region within its territory. The Commission must be then immediately informed and will decide within 60 days if the ban is scientifically based and give its decision.

Food Labelling.

Phil Hogan

Question:

34 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to ensure that country of origin labelling is clear and transparent to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8832/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

50 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to extend country of origin labelling in the catering trade to lamb, pigmeat and chicken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8833/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 50 together.

All beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required by law to carry an indication of country of origin. There are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The information which these regulations require on the label includes the registered number of the slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin. There are no specific EU regulations governing the labelling of pigmeat or sheep meat beyond the general food labelling regulations which do not require ‘country of origin' information.

The general EU food labelling regulations covering all food sold in Ireland require that the information be given clearly, accurately and in a language understood by the consumer. Among these requirements is origin marking in cases where failure to provide such information would be likely to mislead the consumer to a material degree. This legislation comes under the remit of the Department of Health and Children.

The primary legislation enacted by the Oireachtas last year, under which our beef labelling requirements on country of origin were extended to the catering sector, also allows for the extension of country of origin labelling to other meats. However, because different origin labelling requirements apply to other meats in the retail sector, under current EU legislation, and there are also different systems of traceability as well as some import/export complexities, it is not as straightforward as it is for beef. The European Commission has opposed Member States introducing legislation in this area that is in excess of common EU requirements. Nonetheless, my Department is at present in the process of drafting new regulations to require operators in the retail and catering sectors to provide country of origin information on poultry meat, pigmeat and sheep meat. It is my intention to submit these regulations, when they are finalised, to the European Commission for approval as required by EU law.

Of course, the preferred way forward is that the Commission would progress the question of country of origin labelling of all meat at EU level. I have been in regular contact with the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection on this subject. I have also raised this issue in the Agriculture Council and will continue to take every opportunity to press for progress on this matter. I have used the opportunity provided by bilateral meetings with EU Ministerial colleagues to seek their support for EU action on Country of Origin Labelling and so far have been encouraged by their response.

The Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission undertook a consultative process on a wide range of issues in this area last year, under a document entitled ‘Labelling: Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation for the EU'. I arranged for my Department to make a submission on food labelling and country of origin labelling of meat in particular to the Department of Health and Children, who co-ordinated the Irish contribution to this process. This confirmed my strong preference for origin labelling of meat and meat products and the desirability of there being common EU-wide legislation to support a labelling regime. In the meantime, my Department will continue its work on the drafting of national measures.

Farm Waste Management.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

35 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to address the delay in processing the farm waste management grant scheme; when the 2007 costings will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8803/07]

48,580 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Waste Management Scheme by the closing date of end-December 2006. This figure includes incomplete applications (e.g. missing the required drawings) and those for which planning permission has either not yet been applied for or is still awaited. Farmers and their advisers have until end-March 2007 to submit the required drawings and, where planning permission is required, to confirm that they have applied for planning permission. Of course, approval to proceed with the works concerned cannot issue until written evidence of the issue of such planning permission has been received by my Department.

To date, approx. 10,600 approvals have been issued to farmers to commence work under the Scheme and revised arrangements are being introduced later this week to speed up the approval process under the Scheme. The staffing levels in the local AES offices of my Department are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary staffing resources are in place to ensure delivery of the Scheme.

The revised Standard Costings for 2007 which are used to calculate grants payable under the Scheme will be issued shortly and will be applied to all approvals issued by my Department to commence work under the Scheme since 1 January 2007.

Food Industry.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

36 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the range of measures An Bord Bia has introduced to assist small food producers to adapt to emerging market opportunities; the budget available to An Bord Bia in 2007 which is allocated specifically to this range of measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9082/07]

Bord Bia has operated an extensive Small Business Programme since 1996. The range of measures it has provided includes information services, market research and marketing competency development, promotion of the speciality sector for sales growth and the positioning of Ireland — the Food Island through trade fairs, co-ordination of buyer visits, hosting specialist foods including International Speciality Food Symposia, most recently in Kilmainham in 2006 and the speciality food presence on Ryder Cup menus, co-ordinating operational support of farmers' markets, internet selling and farm shop and box schemes, and the management of retail promotions in Ireland and Britain for speciality and organic foods as well as extensive consumer public relations targeting print and broadcast media in Ireland and Britain.

These services have been underpinned by a marketing finance programme providing direct financial support for the marketing development activities of small firms and medium-sized enterprises in the food, drink, and horticulture sectors. An industry led approach has been adopted through ongoing consultation with the TASTE Council, a representative group of the small and speciality food supply chain in Ireland and Britain.

The sector is growing at 10% per annum fuelled by consumer market drivers of health and well being, quality, provenance, authenticity and taste. While this offers growth potential for products meeting these requirements, commercial challenges however, exist for small food business owner/managers in accessing the opportunities afforded by rapidly changing food markets. Managing and controlling food business growth and development for success is a key challenge requiring access to timely and necessary market knowledge and information and an understanding and management of distribution in line with the small food firm's stage of development and aspiration for growth.

In response to these challenges Bord Bia has now established a Centre of Excellence for Small Food Business, designed to guide Bord Bia services to support the commercial growth potential of this sector. A new suite of services is being introduced for small businesses and 2007 will see the launch of a new resource centre for owner/managers of small food firms allowing them access to knowledge and expertise for market development and growth. Broader national and international marketing support will also be provided for specialist food in recognition of its potential as an added value business opportunity for the rural economy and contribution to the image and positioning of Ireland — the Food Island.

The budget allocated by An Bord Bia to these small business services including the marketing finance programme in 2007 is €1,213,000 compared with €819,000 in 2006.

Question No. 37 answered with QuestionNo. 29.

EU Directives.

Billy Timmins

Question:

38 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to address the burden placed on farmers by the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8824/07]

The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 contain a number of requirements in relation to record keeping. Much of this information, such as stock numbers and farmed area, is already maintained by farmers on their herd registers or contained in their declarations for the Single Payment Scheme.

To assist farmers in complying with their obligations on record keeping, my Department will, where possible, make use of its data holdings to send organic nitrogen and phosphorus statements to farmers in respect of each calendar year. Statements in respect of 2006 are being prepared at present, and will issue as early as possible.

My Department has already produced an Explanatory Handbook for farmers setting out in clear terms their obligations under the Regulations. The handbook contains explanations of and suggested formats for the records required, and helpsheets that farmers can use as examples. This handbook, together with a copy of the Regulations, was sent to all farmers in October 2006.

While my Department is committed to minimising the practical burden of compliance with the Regulations, responsibility for compliance rests ultimately with the occupier of a holding. Farmers should therefore ensure that they have read and understood their obligations under the Regulations and they should, if necessary, obtain professional advice from their agricultural advisers. My Department is currently arranging specific cross-compliance-related training for Teagasc and private planners, in accordance with the provision, in the Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme, that member States shall set up a system of advising farmers on land and farm management to be known as the farm advisory system. This system will cover the Statutory Management Requirements, including the Nitrates Directive, together with Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition associated with cross-compliance.

Farm Inspection Scheme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

39 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to ensure farmers have notice of all on farm inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8958/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

57 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will issue farmers with a copy of her Department’s inspection checklist on cross compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8794/07]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

74 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farm inspections that have been carried out to date in 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006; if these inspections will continue over the coming months in the same manner and in the normal way; the steps she has taken at EU level to give reasonable time in order that the farmer or a representative can be available for such inspections in view of the fact that most farmers have been forced into off farm employment or else are the sole operator on the farm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8955/07]

Enda Kenny

Question:

100 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the practical steps she is taking to address the burden of cross compliance on farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8802/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 57, 74 and 100 together.

My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission with a view to simplification of Single Payment Scheme requirements with particular reference to the arrangements for cross-compliance inspections. I have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with Commissioner Fischer Boel. In this connection the European Commission is currently undertaking a full review of the cross-compliance regime and the results of that review will be presented to the Council of Ministers during April. I have personally met with my German and French counterparts with a view to emphasising the importance of achieving progress on the simplification issue during the German presidency. In tandem with this my Department is carrying out a full review of the inspection arrangements for the Single Payment Scheme with a view to simplification of the arrangements (including paperwork) where possible while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements. The review of the forms together with the outcome of the Commission's review of the cross-compliance arrangements generally, will be fully discussed with the farming organisations before the inspections for 2007 get underway.

Insofar as the Department's inspection checklist on cross compliance is concerned, this is an internal checklist used for the 2006 inspections which was made available to the farming organisations and the farmers being inspected. It is not a document for completion by the farmer, but for the inspector of my own Department. This checklist is being reviewed as part of the full review my Department is carrying out on the inspection arrangements for the Single Payment Scheme.

Inspections under the 2007 scheme have not yet commenced. In 2006, 7, 514 farmers had their holdings selected for on-the-spot inspection out of some 130,000 who have applied for the Single Payment Scheme (over 100,000 of these are also applicants for Disadvantaged Areas Scheme). The value of both schemes to Irish farmers is some €1.55 billion in 2006. It should be noted that while 1,414 farmers were subject to cross-compliance penalties under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme, a further 804 farmers, while technically in breach of the requirements, did not suffer any penalty because of the tolerance regime applied by my Department. Indeed breaches of cross-compliance in 2006 resulted in some €722,296.31 being withheld from farmers by way of penalties representing 0.06% of Ireland National ceiling of €1.3 billion. The vast bulk of penalties applied (1,239 farmers) were for breaches of the rules relating to the identification and registration of bovine animals i.e. tagging and registration of births, movements and deaths representing 78.72% of all breaches found. The requirements for the timely tagging and registration of cattle and notifying movements and deaths has been in place for over 10 years.

The policy towards on-farm inspection has been to give advance notification of up to 48 hours in all cases. This policy of systematic pre-announcement of inspections was questioned by the European Commission in July 2006 and its unacceptability was conveyed to my Department in a formal communication in August. As a result my Department was obliged to agree to a proportion of Single Payment Scheme inspections being carried out in 2006 without prior notification. Some 650 farms out of 130,000 involved in the Single Payment Scheme were subsequently selected for unannounced inspection. The balance of inspection cases, representing some 92% of the 7,514 farms selected for Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme inspection in 2006, were all pre-notified to the farmer.

The EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme would allow my Department to give pre-notification of inspection in all cases where certain elements of cross-compliance are involved e.g. the Nitrates Regulations. However, my Department is committed, in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007 to carrying out all Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Area Scheme checks during one single farm visit in most cases. This then obliges my Department to respect the advance notice requirements applicable to the most stringent element of the inspection regime viz. maximum of 48 hours notice but with no advance notice in a proportion of cases.

My Department believes that pre-notification of Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme inspections fits in with the practicalities of Irish agriculture where increasingly, farmers are also engaged in off-farm employment. In a decoupled Single Payment Scheme system, the provision of advance notification of inspection to the farmer should not negatively impact on the effectiveness of the control. However, as the EU regulations stand, my Department is obliged to carry out a proportion of inspections without prior notification and this is what was done in 2006. My Department is seeking authority to allow advance notification in all inspection cases and I will continue to press this point in the CAP simplification process.

Food Industry.

Damien English

Question:

40 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has for the enhancement of research and development within the agri-food sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8822/07]

My Department's Agri Vision 2015 Plan of Action and the National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 identify the necessary actions to build a knowledge-based, competitive, innovative and consumer focused agri-food sector. Investment in Research and Development is at the forefront of these strategy documents and funding in this area has been a priority for my Department and is identified as a priority in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013.

As well as providing core funding for research carried out by Teagasc, my Department provides competitive funding of public good food research, from basic to pre-commercial, to the Universities, Institutes of Technology and Teagasc under the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM). An important role is also played by Teagasc's commercial subsidiary, Moorepark Technology Ltd, a pilot plant that provides industry and Teagasc with a commercial technology transfer vehicle. The Research Stimulus Fund (RSF) programme provides grant assistance, on a competitive basis, for agri-production research including agri-environment and biodiversity, advances in animal and plant bio-science, animal and plant health, rural economy and other areas of sustainable agriculture not covered in the major research programmes.

The main objectives of FIRM are to provide a base of information and expertise in generic technologies to support innovation and product development in the food industry and assure consumer protection by ensuring that product development is underpinned by attention to food safety and quality issues. Funding for FIRM under the NDP 2007-2013 will amount to some €14 million a year compared with average annual expenditure of €7 million between 2000 and 2006. Funding for RSF under the NDP 2007-2013 will amount to over €7 million on average annually compared with an annual average expenditure of some €1.5 million in the period 2000 to 2006.

Funding to the food industry for in-company research and technology transfer is administered by Enterprise Ireland. My Department works closely with Enterprise Ireland to ensure that all aspects of food research, from applied to commercial, are facilitated and has supported initiatives by Enterprise Ireland to encourage greater involvement by the food industry in food research and development.

Under the new NDP my Department will continue to operate its competitive research programmes in sustainable agriculture, food and forestry, including development of non-food crops such as bio-fuels. These measures are operated in a coherent way with linked programmes in other Departments. In addition, the Teagasc R&D programme will continue to be a priority for my Department. In this regard I announced last year that some €27 million arising from the sale of Teagasc assets would be retained and re-invested in the Teagasc Research Vision programme to provide centres of excellence that will equip those involved in agriculture and food with the knowledge to improve efficiency, competitiveness and responsiveness to the market.

Farm Waste Management.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

41 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who have applied under the new farm waste management scheme; the number of applications that have been sanctioned to date; if she is satisfied that there is sufficient personnel available in the Farm Development Office to process the urgent applications where facilities need to be sanctioned and built for pollution control this season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8956/07]

48,580 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Waste Management Scheme by the closing date of end-December 2006. This figure includes incomplete applications (e.g. missing the required drawings) and those for which planning permission has either not yet been applied for or is still awaited. Farmers and their advisers have until end-March 2007 to submit the required drawings and, where planning permission is required, to confirm that they have applied for planning permission. Of course, approval to proceed with the works concerned cannot issue until written evidence of the issue of such planning permission has been received by my Department.

To date, approx. 10,600 approvals have been issued to farmers to commence work under the Scheme and revised arrangements are being introduced later this week to speed up the approval process under the Scheme. The staffing levels in the local AES offices of my Department are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary staffing resources are in place to ensure delivery of the Scheme.

Milk Quota.

Damien English

Question:

42 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the abolition of the milk quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8837/07]

The current Milk Quota regime was extended to 2014/15 as part of the 2003 Luxembourg Agreement on the reform of the CAP. A review by the EU Commission is scheduled for 2008/09, and any proposals submitted by the Commission will be considered by the Council of Ministers at that time.

Commissioner Fischer Boel has already stated her preference for the abolition of quotas in 2015, and a number of possible options in this regard have been flagged by the Commission. My Department, with the support of Teagasc and the dairy sector, is studying the likely impact of any changes in the quota regime, and in the event that the Commission comes forward with further proposals in this area I will participate fully in the Council to ensure that the best interests of the Irish dairy sector are protected.

Animal Cruelty.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

43 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedures which led up to the reported decision to order the slaughter of the pigs which survived the bridge collapse incident in County Kerry earlier in 2007; the reason, when a national newspaper had reportedly found homes for these pigs, they were slaughtered; and if she will make a statement on the animal cruelty aspects of the bridge collapse. [9084/07]

The position in this case is that the pigs in question were being transported from a farm in Kerry to Northern Ireland for slaughter when a bridge collapsed under the lorry being used for the transportation.

When the lorry was recovered, the situation was assessed by officers from the local DVO. Casualties were unloaded at the farm of origin and the rest of the pigs were deemed to be fit to travel onwards to a lairage where they were unloaded fed and rested. These pigs were subsequently slaughtered and any alternative means of disposal would have been a matter for the owner of the pigs rather than for my Department.

I understand that a complaint has been made to the Gardaí relating to this incident and that this is being pursued.

Food Labelling.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

44 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to establish an all island food label; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8843/07]

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. The development of an all-island animal health policy is 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 cooperation. 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. A Memorandum of Agreement was finalised between Bord Bia and Invest Northern Ireland (INI) in November 2006 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.

Equine Sector.

John Deasy

Question:

45 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will explain her Department’s failure to implement the regulations covering passports for equines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8960/07]

My Department is actively following up on the requirement that equines be identified in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Equine Stud-Book and Competition) Regulations, SI 399 of 2004. The Department has written to the managers of some of the principal marts reminding them of the provisions of the European Communities (Equine Stud-book and Competition) Regulations 2004. A publicity campaign is also being arranged to remind the general public of the regulations relating to the identification of equidae. As a follow- on action Department Officers will also carry out random compliance checks with regard to identification documents at sales, ports and other places where horses are assembled.

My Department has also been actively engaged with the European Commission in discussions on the Commission's forthcoming proposals regarding the matter of the identification of equidae. My Department has drawn the Commission's attention to the desirability, from a disease prevention perspective, to make it mandatory to register any premises in which horses are kept.

The Commission has also been informed of my view that the proposal to introduce compulsory microchipping for equines serves no purpose without provision being made for the establishment of a compulsory central database that can link the microchip number to the animal identification.

Sugar Beet Industry.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

46 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when compensation will be issued to sugar beet producers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8820/07]

The compensation package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime is worth in excess of €310m to Ireland. It comprises three elements.

The first element is the sugar beet compensation which has been incorporated into the Single Payment Scheme with effect from 2006. It will be worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over seven years.

The second element is the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry, which in Ireland's case is worth €145m approx. In accordance with the EU Regulations, the Government made certain decisions last July regarding the implementation of the restructuring aid, in particular the percentage to be reserved for beet growers and contractors. These decisions are now the subject of judicial review proceedings instituted by Greencore in the High Court. Under the EU Regulations, the first instalment of aid would fall to be paid in June 2007. In view of the legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.

The third element of the compensation package is the diversification aid, also provided for in Council Regulation (EC) 320/2006, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case. A national restructuring programme has been prepared and submitted to the EU Commission, in accordance with the EU Regulations, with a view to drawing down the diversification aid. The Regulations provide that payment of this aid would commence in September 2007.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

47 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will establish an advisory service for farmers to facilitate the implementation of cross compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8793/07]

The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provide that Member States shall set up a system of advising farmers on land and farm management to be know as the farm advisory system. The system is to be operated by one or more designated authorities or by private bodies. The advisory activity must cover at least the Statutory Management Requirements and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition associated with cross-compliance. The Regulations also provides that farmers may participate in the system on a voluntary basis but that Member States shall give priority to farmers who receive more than €15,000 of direct payments each year.

The position in Ireland is that Teagasc already provides an advisory service for farmers. In addition there are a number of private consultancies and REPS planners who also provide advice to farmers. My Department is currently arranging specific cross-compliance related training for Teagasc and private planners in the context of the farm advisory system requirement.

International Agreements.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

48 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the degree of implementation of the general commitment by the main World Trade Organisation negotiating partners at Davos on 28 January 2007 to a full resumption of WTO negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9092/07]

Michael Noonan

Question:

83 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of the WTO talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8846/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 83 together.

Following the political commitment made by WTO Ministers from the main negotiating partners at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, the WTO Director General announced the full resumption of formal negotiations across all negotiating areas of the current WTO round at the meeting of the WTO General Council meeting on 7 February.

These negotiations are on-going at present and take the form of bilateral and plurilateral meetings between the main negotiating partners and multilateral meetings of the full WTO membership in Geneva. The efforts to achieve progress will continue over the coming months.

I remain committed to an ambitious and balanced outcome to the negotiations. As an open economy dependent on trade Ireland has much to gain from the conclusion of a new WTO agreement. However, I remain determined that agriculture must not be sacrificed for the sake of an overall agreement and that, in accordance with the agreed EU negotiating mandate, a new WTO agreement will not necessitate further reform of the CAP. The EU has undertaken CAP reform in preparation for the negotiations and I believe that it has already made a generous offer to reduce trade distorting subsidies and to provide substantial Special and Differential Treatment for developing countries.

I will continue to take every opportunity to emphasise the absolute necessity that the Commission remains within the terms of the negotiating mandate. I will continue to work closely with like-minded Ministers in other Member States to seek support for my position.

Sheep Industry.

Liam Twomey

Question:

49 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to implement the recommendations of the sheep strategy group report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8829/07]

The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group issued its report in June 2006. This is a comprehensive study of the sheep industry that sets out a Development Plan for the sector contained in 37 recommendations. I decided that the best way to implement these recommendations was to set up an implementation body comprised of representatives of all sectors in the industry, including the relevant state bodies. It is chaired by Mr John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, who was also the author of the Strategy Group report.

The Implementation Group is nearing the completion of its work and I look forward to its final report in the near future.

Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 34.

Milk Quota.

Tom Hayes

Question:

51 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will issue a quota to applicants under the new quota exchange system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8806/07]

The first Milk Quota Trading Scheme ran successfully in January and my Department provided the Co-ops with full details of the results of the exchanges run for their areas. The Co-ops themselves have in turn been communicating those results to successful and unsuccessful applicants, as well as engaging in the necessary administrative follow-up.

The second stage of the scheme has a closing date for applications of the 9th March 2007, and the second exchange will be run in April. The same notification procedures will apply to the results of the second stage.

Beef Industry.

Liz McManus

Question:

52 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to address the apparently widening gap between the beef price here and that of British beef, which is higher; the reason for this gap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9096/07]

The gap between the British and Irish price for beef has, over recent weeks, narrowed since its peak in the first week of December 2006. A number of factors contributed to the differential in prices including lower prime cattle supplies within the UK, lower prices on the continental market and higher supplies here.

To support the beef sector in responding to the very real challenges it faces on an on-going basis I announced, last year, two new initiatives that will assist the beef sector in cementing the achievements already made and to better equip it to face the ongoing challenges of a competitive marketplace. These complement and underpin the existing Quality Assurance Scheme.

Proposals for the introduction of an Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds were submitted to the European Commission in December 2006. The scheme, which is subject to EU approval, is designed to encourage suckler farmers to achieve higher standards in animal welfare and husbandry and to record data for breed improvement purposes in order to assist both quality and productivity. A budget of €250 million is being provided over the duration of the scheme.

A Capital Investment Support Scheme for the beef and sheepmeat primary processing sectors was announced in November 2006. The rationale for this scheme is to assist the industry in facing the challenges of the future, through increasing competitiveness and efficiency. Some €50 million has been committed for this package, and it is envisaged that this will generate further investment, bringing the value of the overall plan to some €120 million. The aid scheme, funded by the Department, will be managed by Enterprise Ireland, the state agency responsible for implementing such state aid packages.

I believe these measures, combined with our high levels of food safety standards, will support the Irish beef sector in positioning itself to face the challenges of the marketplace.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Shane McEntee

Question:

53 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to promote wood energy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8830/07]

Wood biomass is one of the most versatile of renewable energy sources and has the potential to play a major role in Ireland's future energy strategy. Wood energy, in the form of logs, chip and pellet, is renewable, carbon neutral, sustainable and can be produced locally. Solid biomass, mainly in the form of solid wood, is already the largest source of renewable energy in Ireland, accounting for 57% of Ireland's total renewable energy consumption in 2004.

My Department, working in co-operation with COFORD (the National Council for Forest Research and Development) and Teagasc, actively encourages the development of the wood-energy sector through a range of support measures aimed at creating an effective and efficient supply chain from producer to end user. These measures complement more recent support schemes introduced by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources targeting the user side of the chain through the Pilot Bio-heat Boiler Deployment Programme and the Greener Homes Scheme. My Department offers 100% grants and attractive premiums for up to 20 years to encourage the establishment of new forests on agricultural land. In addition my Department supports a number of individual projects and initiatives which focus specifically on wood-energy.

During 2006 COFORD, which is wholly-funded by my Department, held a series of thinning and chipping demonstrations across the country under the banner Forest-Energy 2006, in cooperation with Teagasc, Waterford Institute of Technology, Bord na Móna and the major private forestry companies. Building on the success of this programme, Forest Energy 2007 will address the core issue of securing marketable wood fuel of acceptable moisture content for sale as wood chip and firewood. The new programme will encompass wood chip and firewood harvesting, processing, stacking and storage trials.

In terms of new schemes, details of the Wood Biomass Harvesting Machinery Scheme will be made public very shortly. The purpose of the proposed scheme is to encourage investment in wood biomass processing machinery, such as mobile chippers and forest residue bundlers.

My Department's Bioenergy Scheme offers establishment grants for up to 50% of the costs of planting willow and miscanthus as a renewable source of energy. €8 million has been allocated to this Scheme over the period 2007-2009.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Seán Ryan

Question:

54 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the status of the CAP simplification process; and if she will make a statement on her position in this process. [9095/07]

The process of simplification of the CAP has been under way for some years and is on-going. Achievements to date include simplification in the areas of State Aids, the CAP financing system, the removal of obsolete legislation, the CAP reforms of 2003 and 2004 which brought together a large number of direct income supports into the single farm payment and the Rural Development Regulation which streamlined into one fund the programming, funding and financial systems for rural development.

In October 2006, the Commission hosted a conference with stakeholders and Member States with a view to defining the future simplification agenda. The Conference discussed a draft Action Plan for technical simplification presented by the Commission. Currently the draft plan contains some 20 proposals for legislative simplification, mainly technical in nature.

In December the Commission published its proposal for the creation of a single Common Market Organisation by the rationalisation and amalgamation of the existing 21 CMOs. This proposal which the Commission regards as a key element of its simplification strategy will be discussed in the Council on 19 March.

A Commission report on the application of cross-compliance is due to be published in March and presented to the Council in April. At the January Council, the Commissioner acknowledged that the implementation of cross-compliance was perceived as an additional burden and undertook to streamline and simplify measures where possible. She undertook, in particular, to consider a de minimis threshold to exempt minor infringements from financial sanction.

The Commission has also indicated that it will pursue the simplification agenda in the context of the forthcoming reforms of the wine, fruit and vegetables and bananas Common Market Organisations and the 2008 Health Check. The simplification agenda is a key priority for the current German Presidency.

I am fully supportive of the simplification process. My priority is to ensure that simplification relates to practical measures to reduce bureaucracy and to ease the administrative burden on farmers, the public and the Department, notably in the areas of Single Payment System and cross-compliance. I have discussed the matter on numerous occasions with the Commissioner and with the German Presidency. I wrote to Commissioner Fischer Boel and the Presidency in January last outlining my concerns in relation to a number of specific issues. My main concerns relate to the lack of advance notification of inspections under the Single Payment Scheme and the level of sanctions to be applied under cross-compliance, including the extent of tolerance applied where non-compliance is inadvertent or negligible. I also raised these issues in the Council of Ministers in January and urged the Commissioner to present proposals to improve the current situation as quickly as possible. I have also raised these matters with a number of my EU Ministerial colleagues in order to garner support for my position. I intend to pursue these issues actively over the coming months.

Farm Waste Management.

Paul McGrath

Question:

55 Mr. P. McGrath 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. [8850/07]

The technical specification for farm buildings operated by my Department for the purpose of the Farm Waste Management Scheme require the installation of adequate arrangements for the separation of clean and dirty water as part of the conditions of any new investment. This would include rainwater. In addition, I extended the terms of that Scheme in March 2006 to include the provision of grant-aid for the installation of guttering on existing buildings as a further new eligible item.

As far as the new 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme is concerned, I have provided that grant-aid will be available under the new Farm Improvement Scheme for the installation of water retention equipment on farms. This Scheme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

56 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of samples of US rice tested here since the announcement of the presence of non-authorised LLRICE601 in US rice. [9102/07]

Notwithstanding the fact that very small amounts of rice bran are used in certain animal feeds, accounting for less than 1% of total feed imports, officials of my Department took samples in two consignments of that product during 2006 in response to the EU Commission Decision setting down measures to detect imports of the unauthorised GM event LL601. These samples were analysed by the State Laboratory and all were found negative for the unauthorised event.

The Department of Health and Children and the FSAI are responsible for testing of GM events in food.

Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 39.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

58 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will establish an advisory service for farmers to facilitate the implementation of cross compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8800/07]

The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provide that Member States shall set up a system of advising farmers on land and farm management to be known as the farm advisory system. The system is to be operated by one or more designated authorities or by private bodies. The advisory activity must cover at least the Statutory Management Requirements and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition associated with cross-compliance. The Regulations also provides that farmers may participate in the system on a voluntary basis but that Member States shall give priority to farmers who receive more than €15,000 of direct payments each year.

The position in Ireland is that Teagasc already provides an advisory service for farmers. In addition there are a number of private consultancies and REPS planners who also provide advice to farmers. My Department is currently arranging specific cross-compliance-related training for Teagasc and private planners in the context of the farm advisory system requirement.

Meat Plants.

Pat Breen

Question:

59 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that provision is made under the new meat plant investment scheme to provide facilities for farmers to clearly view weighing scales in factories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8811/07]

In keeping with commitments given in the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan, I announced last November a Capital Investment Scheme, totalling some €50 million, for the beef and sheepmeat processing sectors. This grant assistance, which should trigger investment of some €120 million, is yet another clear indication of the Government's commitment to the continued development of a modern, competitive, innovative and market-focused food industry.

The objective of the scheme is to make financial assistance available towards the cost of the construction and acquisition of buildings, new machinery and equipment and, consequently, assist the industry in improving efficiency and competitiveness and in so doing, not only strengthen primary processing but also underpin agricultural incomes.

As regards the operation of weighing scales I would point out that officials of my Department carry out regular inspections of meat plants to ensure that weighing equipment is operating efficiently and that weighing procedures are being correctly carried out in a consistent manner. In some meat plants, farmers have a clear view of the scales readout, where the plant has installed a special viewing area specifically for this purpose. In some instances, however, it might not be practical for the meat plant to install a viewing area because of building design. In such cases it would be a matter for the plant to decide, taking account of hygiene and health and safety concerns, whether a farmer would be permitted access to the scales area during processing of his or her animals.

Question No. 60 answered with QuestionNo. 30.

Food Labelling.

Willie Penrose

Question:

61 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of reports she has received from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland of breaches of food labelling law within her jurisdiction; the action has she taken on foot of these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9101/07]

Responsibility for enforcement of labelling and traceability legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland through its service contracts with the Department of Agriculture and Food, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Following on an investigation conducted in 2004 the FSAI reported to my Department breaches of labelling regulations in certain processing plants that come within the remit of the Department. My Department addressed all the issues raised in the report to the satisfaction of the FSAI.

In addition in accordance with its service contract with the FSAI my Department reports quarterly the results of its ongoing inspections in food all matters covered by the contract including labelling.

Food Industry.

Richard Bruton

Question:

62 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of meetings of the Food Agency Co-operation Council in 2004, 2005 and 2006; the number of times that its successor the high level group of CEOs has held meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8848/07]

The Food Agency Co-operation Council (FACC) met on 20 occasions between 2000 and 2003 to promote co-operation between the State Agencies involved in the food industry. In subsequent years the food development agencies directly concerned with the National Development Plan 2000-2006 met periodically to assess progress under the Plan. Two meetings were held in 2004 and one each in 2005 and 2006 while my Department was examining future arrangements in the light of changes in the CAP and the 2015 Agri-Vision Report.

Arising from this, the Agri-Vision 2015 Plan of Action, which I launched last year, included the establishment of a high level group of CEOs of food agencies, chaired at Ministerial level. This group has met twice in July 2006 and February 2007. In addition the agencies have been brought together on five separate occasions at regional level since November 2005 to participate in the AV 2015 Food Fora to encourage the development of regional and local food enterprises.

Under the Agri-Vision 2015 Plan of Action, the Food Agency CEO Group is complemented by Food Industry Groups, also at CEO level, and chaired at Ministerial level. These groupings, working side by side, ensure a co-ordinated approach to addressing the issues arising for the food sector generally and in relation to realising the objectives set out in Agri-Vison 2015.

Food Safety Standards.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

63 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the categories of establishments for inspection and sampling purposes; the number of establishments her Department is responsible for inspecting; the number of establishments in each inspection category; the number of inspections of establishments in each of the inspection categories which were carried out during 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9086/07]

The total number of food premises under the supervision of my Department was 771 in 2005 and 794 in 2006. The total number of inspections carried out in 2005 was 2,759 and 16,663 in 2006. The apparent dramatic increase in inspections is mainly due to changes in the reporting formats over the two years in question. Up to 2005, statistics were compiled on a basis of inspections by regional and national supervisory officers of the Department. Following the adoption of the EU Hygiene Package, the changes in collection and reporting of statistical data were changed to include day to day inspections carried out at meat plants, by Departments inspectors primarily based at the plants.

All DAF approved plants are subject to risk assessment. Each risk criterion is scored and the overall score determines the frequency of inspection to be undertaken at a plant in the course of a particular year.

The main risk criteria used are as follows:

Compliance history;

Effectiveness of plant's own checks programme — Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) prerequisites;

The type of product processed and manufacturing process;

Plant throughput; and

General view of the inspecting officer in relation to overall implementation of the plant food safety management system.

At any time during the year the frequency can be amended to reflect changing circumstances in the establishment.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

64 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when her attention was drawn to the fact that a consignment of 17 tonnes of illegal poultry from China was apparently seized at Belfast port in August 2005; the steps she has taken to ensure that such consignments do not enter the food chain here. [9104/07]

The Deputy is referring to control operation carried out by the Border Inspection Post Services (BIP) of the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The incident referred to has been the subject of notification through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) and consultation between DARD, the EU Commission, the Northern Ireland Food Safety Agency (FSA), the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and my Department. The consignment in question was seized and destroyed by the Northern Ireland Authorities on 12 September 2005.

Following on from the subsequent investigation of this case all Member States made arrangements to check that certain activities in trade of products of animal origin for human consumption are in compliance with EU law.

While the Peoples Republic of China is an approved country for the purpose of trade in animal products with the EU, the following Safeguard Measures have been applied to protect animal and human health by:

(a) banning the import of certain animal products for human consumption, like meats, because residue controls in that country have been found not to comply with EU requirements,

(b) requiring the submission of analysis results for residues of chloramphenicol and nitrofurans for consignments of certain aquaculture products, animal casings, rabbit meat, honey and royal jelly presented for veterinary check on entry into the EU,

(c) requiring confirmation that consignments fishery products, gelatine and petfoods have also been tested and been found not to contain residues, and

(d) banning the import of poultry, and poultry meat, eggs and egg and poultry meat products because of the risk of the spread of High Pathogen Avian Influenza.

At the point of entry on the territory of the EU, importers of animal products are required to present their consignments and health certificates to an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) for veterinary inspection. At the BIP documentary, identity and physical checks are undertaken in accordance with EU requirements. Once it has been established that imported animal product has met all the required conditions it is released for free circulation within the Community. Copies of the BIP clearance documentation must accompany the consignment to its first food business operator destination. Imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. If non-compliance is established they are seized for destruction at cost to the importer.

BIPs also carry out control checks on manifests at airports and ports in co-operation with the Customs Services and undertake a physical check on selected consignments for the presence of animal products. The criteria for applying such can be on the basis of random selection, country of origin, follow-up to a previous illegal import or as a result of investigations being undertaken by other Government services.

Dairy Sector.

Denis Naughten

Question:

65 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the National Milk Rights Group submission on a dairy welfare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8531/07]

My officials met with representatives of the National Milk Rights Group recently to discuss their submission under the EU Rural Development Programme for support towards a voluntary improvement scheme for dairy herds. I am having the proposal examined, together with other submissions that have been made in respect of the dairy herd.

Milk Quota.

Tom Hayes

Question:

66 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will commence a review of the new quota exchange system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8805/07]

The first Milk Quota Trading Scheme ran successfully in January and resulted in 120 million litres of quota being offered for sale, with 73 million litres traded. My Department conducted a review of the first stage in early February, which included consultations with the main farming organisations and ICOS. Following this, the second stage of the 2007/08 scheme was announced with a closing date for applications of the 9th March, and the 2nd exchange will be run in April.

A comprehensive review of the Trading Scheme will take place after the second stage of the 2007/08 scheme has been completed.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

67 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether Austria’s ban on genetically modified crops, upheld at the December 2006 European Council, leaves the way open for Ireland and regions within Ireland to establish similar restrictions; her further views on whether such restrictions would be consistent with EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9135/07]

I do not accept that the outcome of the vote in the Environment Council on the EU Commission proposal requesting the Austrian authorities to lift their ban on the cultivation of two authorised GM maize crops alters the current EU legislative position on the arbitrary banning of the cultivation of authorised GM crops in Member States.

The rules governing the production and use of GM crops within the Community are set down in EU legislation that has been jointly adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. This legislation is binding on all Member States and does not provide for the declaration of a GM free country or region or the banning of authorised GM crops. There are, however, options available to restrict the growing of GM crops within regions of a country. One option is the concept of voluntarily developed GM free regions, where there is a voluntary agreement among all growers in a region not to grow a GM crop or crops. A second option is to seek a derogation from the European Commission that, on the basis of sound scientific evidence, coexistence of GM crops with non GM crops is not possible in certain regions in respect of certain named crops. The cultivation of these crops can then be legitimately prohibited if the case made is accepted by the Commission.

The provision also exists for a Member State to enact the safeguard clause, i.e where a Member State has detailed grounds on the basis of scientific evidence to show that a GMO constitutes a risk to human health or the environment, then that Member State may provisionally restrict or prohibit the growing of that GM crop in its territory or in a region within its territory. The Commission must be then immediately informed and will decide within 60 days if the ban is scientifically based and give its decision.

Any proposals to introduce bans on genetically modified crops would have to be consistent with the legislative position.

Animal Welfare.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

68 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of animal welfare officers in the country; the funding provided by her Department to the ISPCA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8842/07]

My Department has certain statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984, and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2006 (SI 705 of 2006). In addition there is specific legislation in relation to pigs, calves and laying hens.

Welfare matters are dealt with generally by officers based in my Department's District Veterinary Offices, which also have 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 these matters.

In 2004 the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council developed an Early Warning/ Intervention System for dealing with animal welfare cases. This involves 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 directly involved in the provision of animal care and welfare services, to assist in their on-going work. To date, a total of €7.2m has been paid to such bodies, some €1.24m of which was paid to organisations in December last to assist them during 2007. A provision of €1.3m for this purpose is included in my Department's Estimates for 2007. ISPCA has benefited from these payments.

The headquarters of the Association has received a total of €414,880 to date. That figure does not include significant payments to affiliated branches of the organisation at national and local level.

The main statutes governing cruelty to animals in this country are the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Responsibility for pursuing cases under that legislation rests with An Garda Síochána, who 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 Retirement Scheme.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

69 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will backdate the top up payment under the farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8809/07]

I decided to increase the maximum pension payable under the 1994–99 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum and the maximum pension payable under the 2000-2006 Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum with effect from 1 November 2006.

These increases, which will be funded entirely from the Exchequer, formed part of the undertakings in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. They will benefit some 5,000 retired farmers and add some €33 million to the cost of the Schemes over the time they have left to run.

Departmental Investigations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

70 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of complaints her Department has received arising from the activities of the Special Investigations Unit of her Department during each of the past five years; the outcome of each complaint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9075/07]

Following are details of written complaints received over the past 5 years by my Department arising from inspections carried by the Special Investigation Unit:

Year

Number

2002

None

2003

1

2004

2

2005

None

2006

None

Each of the complaints was investigated and did not give rise to the need for any action. Since February 2004, the SIU has operated under a written Code of Practice which covers aspects such as conduct of investigations, communications and includes a documented procedure to deal with any complaints which are made.

The investigative procedures of the Unit comply with the standard requirements in regard to the taking and presentation of evidence and the rights of the person under investigation. As such, they reflect the procedures followed in criminal investigations by other agencies. On occasions, investigations by the Unit involve use of search warrants, with all the rules of evidence being strictly complied with. The fact that the work of the Unit has formed the basis for almost all of the successful Court prosecutions taken by my Department is clear evidence of the legality of the actions taken, the integrity of the officials involved and the manner in which they perform their duties.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

71 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if bans on genetically modified crops must be provided for under EU law if they are to be put into effect on a regional or national basis; if she will support such bans as have been adopted by local public representatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9136/07]

The rules governing the production and use of GM crops within the Community are set down in EU legislation that has been jointly adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. This legislation is binding on all Member States and does not provide for the arbitrary placing of bans on the cultivation of authorised GM crops on a regional or national basis. There are, however, options available to restrict the growing of GM crops within regions of a country. One option is the concept of voluntarily developed GM free regions, where there is a voluntary agreement among all growers in a region not to grow a GM crop or crops. A second option is to seek a derogation from the European Commission that, on the basis of sound scientific evidence, coexistence of GM crops with non GM crops is not possible in certain regions in respect of certain named crops. The cultivation of these crops can then be legitimately prohibited if the case made is accepted by the Commission.

The provision also exists for a Member State to enact the safeguard clause, i.e where a Member State has detailed grounds on the basis of scientific evidence that a GMO constitutes a risk to human health or the environment, then that Member State may provisionally restrict or prohibit the growing of that GM crop in its territory or in a region within its territory. The Commission must be then immediately informed and will decide within 60 days if the ban is scientifically based and give its decision.

I will support any application that is made in accordance with the above legislative position.

Food Industry.

Dan Boyle

Question:

72 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimate of the increase of food prices between March 2006 and March 2007; if she has quantified the reason for these increases; the action she will take to temper these increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9143/07]

The most recent annual data available from the Central Statistics Office relate to 2006 when food and non-alcoholic beverages prices, as measured by the food price index, increased by 1.4% on average. This is a lower level of increase than the overall annual rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, which averaged 4.0% during the year. In the period since mid 2002, the food price index has recorded a consistently lower level of increase than the overall consumer price index.

Within the food price index for 2006, large increases were evident for beef (+9.7%) and fresh vegetables (+11.1%). Decreases were recorded in categories such as biscuits (-3.0%), bread and cereals (-0.2%) and butter (-2.6%).

Changes in food prices are primarily a function of market forces at international, EU and national levels.

Organic Farming.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

73 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the apparent success of bringing over two specialist agronomists from the UK on a pilot basis in 2006 to share their experience in relation to organic agriculture with farmers here, on making such expertise available year round to farmers who seek such expertise; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9089/07]

The National Steering Group for the Organic Sector, which was established to aid the development of the organic sector in Ireland, approved a proposal to bring in organic agronomic expertise from abroad on a trial basis in 2006. The Steering Group took the view that the tillage and horticulture areas within the organic sector could benefit most from such an input of expertise. Lack of technical expertise has been recognised as a barrier to progress in both the organic tillage and organic horticulture areas. Accordingly my Department, in conjunction with Teagasc, arranged to bring in two specialist agronomists from the UK.

The two specialists shared their experience, through a series of farm visits and workshops, with Teagasc advisers and agricultural consultants as well as with organic tillage farmers and vegetable growers. The initial feedback from this pilot programme has been very positive. I am confident that growers, advisers and consultants have a higher level of expertise as a result. I understand that the National Steering Group for the Organic Sector is considering the possibility of further initiatives of the same kind.

Question No. 74 answered with QuestionNo. 39.

Afforestation Programme.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

75 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number, size, sale prices and locations of separate sites owned or managed by Coillte in each county (details supplied) which have been sold or leased during each of the past five years. [9085/07]

The information requested in relation to sales and leases is as outlined as follows. The sale prices are not provided as this is commercially sensitive information.

2002

County

Location

Size (hectares)

Carlow

Drumfea

12.50

Cavan

Cullentragh

5.08

Keenagh

0.40

Castlesaunderson

0.30

Gowlan

14.60

Snugborough

89.00

Aughrim

2.00

Drumgill

2.71

Clare

Lack west

2.70

Cloonloum more

16.20

Glenstar

0.46

Ballymalone

0.60

Dromoland

9.00

Lisroe

1.08

Cork

Driminidy

0.05

Tinnabinnia

8.10

Glinny

1.20

Garretstown

0.13

Garrigduff

0.40

Bawnishal

0.19

Ballygiblin

0.33

Glashaboy nth

0.40

Island

4.50

Rathluirc

3.30

Killinga

5.60

Lacken

0.40

Skanagore

0.20

Donegal

Mullans

0.44

Glasaghbeg

0.34

Tullynagreand

1.24

Listellian

0.45

Magheradrummand

0.42

Ballykernan

0.38

Tullynagreana

0.36

Carrickmagrath

1.80

Knader

0.60

Dublin

Slievethoul

4.30

Galway

Cloonlyon

0.12

Tourmakeady

4.56

Cloonabinnia

7.05

Clogh

0.24

Glencraff

1.26

Woodford

6.00

Sonnagh old

47.70

Portumna

1.45

Ballinahinch

41.70

Kerry

Tursillagh

36.60

Kildare

Derrymullen

2.90

Russellstown

4.60

Derryoughter

3.90

Windgates

2.18

Ballynafagh

1.06

Moore abbey

36.90

Laois

Carn

1.30

Leitrim

Derrynahimrick

0.63

Tullynamoyle

0.26

Druminargid

0.40

Ballyglass

5.90

Limerick

Glenastar

0.41

Belvior

3.56

Formoyle beg

19.20

Longford

Cornafushin

0.40

Louth

Concra

94.67

Mayo

Creegaree

0.67

Toomore

0.91

Creggagh

2.80

Monaghan

Lannatt

1.13

Rossmore

0.80

Roscommon

Rockingham

8.18

Reagh

1.66

Tipperary

Timoney hills

3.80

Clonmore

5.80

Rearcross

1.00

Waterford

Modeligo

1.42

Ballygarran

0.92

Colliganwood

0.15

Wexford

Gorteen lower

0.44

Camolin pk

0.49

Camolin pk

1.16

Ballyraine

8.38

Camolin pk

0.49

Linnanagh

0.80

Rathkyle

4.60

Total

83.00

2003

County

Location

Size (hectares)

Carlow

Ballintemple

0.41

Cavan

Burren

1.14

Brackley

6.30

Culliagh

0.56

Killyvanny

2.79

Drumersee

0.70

Corneen

2.38

Corneen

4.37

Clare

Reanagishagh

0.50

Moyriesk

6.30

Ballygriffy

3.50

Cork

Aghatubridmore

7.40

Shanavoher

0.05

Taurbeg

52.00

Donegal

Coolboy little

0.45

Meenacally

2.10

Kilrean lower

0.44

Magherareagh

5.77

Mullans

0.57

Dublin

Slievethoul

1.11

Galway

Woodstock

2.28

Kilcornan

0.85

Cullenagh

0.93

Kerry

Cronins pk

24.20

Kildare

Ballynafagh

1.94

Ballynafagh

5.12

Garrisker

2.83

Clonmoyle

0.30

Laois

Portnahinch

0.96

Portnahinch

1.29

Leitrim

Kinlough

0.05

Longford

Rinn valley

4.05

Louth

Townley hall

0.80

Mayo

Kilogarriff

0.56

Ashford

0.26

Gortaroe

1.34

Monaghan

Rossmore

6.47

Offaly

Derrymore

4.20

Roscommon

Loughlinn

8.86

Annagh

8.40

Tipperary

Barnabaun

0.52

Newtown

8.50

Killoskehan

0.55

Waterford

Kilnagrehan mdl

0.86

Westmeath

Joanstown

0.70

Emper

0.34

Wexford

Horetown

37.70

Camolin park

0.40

Eleven acres

0.10

Total

49.00

2004

County

Location

Size (hectares)

Carlow

Ballintemple

0.49

Cavan

Aghnacally

0.40

Kilcogy

16.00

Lismore demense

3.20

Clare

Maghera

0.02

Lismore

0.15

Kilcloher

0.48

Formoyle beg

19.20

Cork

Ballynagechy

0.80

Castlefreke

3.60

Annaghmore

0.40

Glinny

2.60

Fermoy

8.10

Donegal

Coolboy little

0.40

Coolboy little

0.43

Mullans

0.22

Meenahorna

76.33

Lough Eske

0.95

Lough Eske

1.11

Lough Eske

1.65

Teevickmoy

0.80

Churchland

2.71

Galway

Aghrane

0.03

Creglucas

0.05

Kerry

Ahaneboy

1.42

Dooneen

1.30

Kildare

Derrymullen

3.40

Timahoe

6.11

Blackwood

1.87

Mayfield

3.40

Mayfield

3.80

Glenbawn Wood

19.09

Laois

Timogue

0.80

Leitrim

Derrinurn

1.89

Kinlough

2.59

Drumawheel

1.44

Longford

Newcastle

1.78

Carrowlinan

0.54

Creeve

0.40

Mayo

Turlough

44.50

Gortaroe

1.08

Bellagelly south

159.70

Offaly

Edenderry

0.12

Roscommon

Kilronan Abbey

0.47

Sligo

Cullaghmore

1.35

Tipperary

Gortnagowna

1.87

Waterford

Ballygarran

1.31

Readoty

0.40

Parknoe

0.36

Westmeath

Clonhugh

1.35

Wexford

Camolin

0.14

Tombrick Wood

0.40

Tomcoyle upper

6.20

Macoyle upper

4.72

Camolin pk

0.40

Barnland

3.19

Ballinastraw

0.06

Battlestown

4.96

Kilgibbon

5.90

Total

59.00

2005

County

Location

Size (hectares)

Carlow

Ballintemple

0.49

Cavan

Lismore Demense

3.20

Kilcogly

16.00

Edennagully

0.40

Cloverhill

11.10

Aghakinnagh

0.33

Clare

Kilmoon east

0.08

Drimmeennagun

0.30

Scalp

0.17

Cork

Bottlehill

138.20

Dromanallig

0.15

Taurbeg

50.00

Rathluirc nursery

3.30

Briska upper

0.40

Kilbarry

0.13

Donegal

Teevickmoy

0.80

Churchland

2.71

Lough eske

1.65

Carnamogagh lwr

3.44

Teevickmoy

1.20

Carnamogagh lwr

0.04

Carnamogagh lwr

3.44

Galway

Cappaghcon west

0.37

Ballygloonen

9.60

Killarainy

2.27

Dunsanle

7.70

Kerry

Muingnaminnane

20.00

Coomagearlahy

276.00

Capparoe

0.12

Kildare

Derrymullen

3.40

Timahoe

6.11

Ballynafagh

2.30

Ballynafagh

8.07

Oldgrange

0.03

Kilkenny

Foxcover

0.80

Pollagh

2.00

Laois

Knockacollier

17.10

Leitrim

Drumawheel glebe

1.44

Milltown

6.39

Beagh

0.19

Kinlough

0.41

Limerick

Garryduff

2.72

Longford

Newcastle

2.30

Louth

Sheepgrange

3.23

Mayo

Raheens

2.65

Monaghan

Gortakeeghan

0.10

Barratitoppy

0.40

Attiduff

0.40

Offaly

Carrick

2.00

Killurin

6.90

Roscommon

Aghrane

0.30

Castletenison dem

2.90

Shanballybaun

0.77

Castletennision dem

1.21

Sligo

Hazel Wood

0.08

Ballysodare

2.05

Formoyle

0.29

Rinn

0.80

Drumskibbole

0.64

Tipperary

Foilmahonmore

2.24

Knocknabansha

1.00

Waterford

Parkmoe

0.36

Ballygarran

4.16

Westmeath

Ballynafid

0.39

Wexford

Annagh lower

4.30

Beaufield

0.76

Camolin park

0.20

Mullanour

3.17

Ballinastraw

0.06

Holmestown

62.10

Ballythomas

0.09

Kilgibbon

4.70

Forth

2.48

Total

73.00

2006

County

Location

Size (hectares)

Cavan

Cabra

0.45

Omard

0.80

Drumcor

0.08

Rahardrum

0.06

Cabra

0.40

Killyneary

2.00

Clare

Finanagh

0.13

Monanoe

0.90

Cork

Ballycolman

1.00

Strawhall

0.28

Ballygiblin

0.19

Russell hill

0.04

Rosstellan

2.00

Taurmore

0.34

Aultagh

0.05

Newcastle

12.60

Bengour east

1.40

Loughleigh

0.60

Donegal

Lughveen

0.40

Dublin

Shankill

0.10

Galway

Newcastle

5.78

Castletaylor nth

2.38

Newvillage

4.00

Kildare

Mayfield

10.30

Coolree

0.02

Hortland

5.60

Kilkenny

Ardra

3.11

Kingsmountain

0.80

Loan

0.50

Laois

Durrow

0.81

Pass

6.55

Garryhinch dem

1.62

Clonageera

0.09

Ballylusk

2.12

Leitrim

Rinn

13.2

Beagh

0.13

Cornagillagh

1.30

Kinlough

9.75

Limerick

Ballynacregga nth

9.20

Longford

Lissard

4.05

Louth

Feede

28.85

Mayo

Glenmullynaha

1.59

Tourmakeady east

0.62

Tomboholla

3.63

Monaghan

Mullaghmatt

0.26

Concra

15.1

Leonsgarve

2.79

Offaly

Doon demense

1.28

Roscommon

Raheen

18.40

Corramore

30.10

Sligo

Mullaghnaneane

1.20

Rue

1.50

Ballydawley

3.00

Tipperary

Cordangan

0.40

Foilmahonmore

0.062

Shanballyedmond

19.30

Boolatin

10.60

Waterford

Ballygarran

2.39

Knockalisheen

0.40

Ballymacarbry

1.01

Ballyphilip east

13.03

Ballygarran

12.74

Ballylemon

0.40

Wexford

Shelmaliere Com

2.00

Croghan middle

3.29

Forth Commons

0.89

Forth Commons

1.50

Barnadown lwr

14.36

Camolin park

0.80

Ballynestragh

0.05

Total

70.00

Lease of Mast sites 2002-2006

County

Number of Leased Sites

Total area (ha) leased

Cavan

3

0.12

Clare

2

0.08

Cork

10

0.4

Donegal

10

0.4

Dublin

2

0.08

Galway

15

0.6

Kerry

8

0.32

Kildare

1

0.04

Kilkenny

3

0.12

Laois

1

0.04

Leitrim

2

0.08

Limerick

2

0.08

Louth

1

0.04

Mayo

9

0.36

Meath

3

0.12

Monaghan

2

0.08

Roscommon

3

0.12

Sligo

5

0.2

Tipperary

3

0.12

Waterford

4

0.16

Westmeath

4

0.16

Wexford

4

0.16

Wicklow

2

0.08

Total

99

3.96

Other leases: County Roscommon: 40 hectares to Moylurg Rockingham — this is a joint venture between Coillte and Roscommon County Council to develop Lough Key Forest Park. Approximately 1,200 hectares at various locations throughout the country to IForUT (Irish Forest Unit Trust), a pension fund.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Question:

76 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that farmers can receive their REP scheme payment and compensatory allowance on lands used to grow renewable crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8795/07]

REPS farmers availing of the €45 per ha premium under the EU Energy Crops Scheme will have their REPS payment adjusted to avoid double payment on the area planted to comply with EU regulatory requirements. They will, however, qualify for the 50% establishment grant and the €80 per ha national top up payment.

As payment under the Area-Based Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowances Scheme is based on eligible forage areas i.e. lands used for grazing of cattle, sheep, horses, goats or deer, it will not be possible to pay this allowance on lands where bio energy crops are produced.

Poultry Industry.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

77 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will provide support to the former poultry suppliers of Castlemahon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8836/07]

I am aware of the serious concerns of these poultry producers from my meeting with them last November.

There is no scope under EU Common Market Regulations to give financial support or aid to these producers. Several conventional broiler producers who were under contract to Castlemahon have taken the opportunity since its closure to adapt their premises to free-range poultry production units. My Department is in the process of inspecting many of these units with a view to facilitating this transition and registering them as free-range producers. I understand that there are more producers showing interest in this area as well. In addition to this some broiler producers who were under contract to Castlemahon Foods are now supplying other major poultry slaughter plants.

The Government and the Industrial Development Agencies recognise the need to create employment opportunities in Co Limerick that will provide sustainable jobs whether in the food area or otherwise and recent announcements indicate success in this regard. A recent example of the attraction of Limerick as a location for new business was the decision by Northern Trust Corporation to create 300 high quality jobs in the financial services sector. Another example is Vistakon which recently announced its intention to expand its Limerick operation and create 120 jobs in high-end manufacturing.

Milk Testing.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

78 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to provide for independent milk testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8828/07]

My Department already conducts regular checks on the results of butter fat testing carried out by milk processors. It also checks the calibration of the instruments used in milk processing establishments for measuring the fat and protein levels in milk collected from producers. My Department also monitors the instruments used in measuring somatic cell levels in milk delivered to processors.

The Department also conducts random administrative checks to ensure that the results of butter fat and protein tests are correctly transcribed into the calculation of the milk price paid to the producer. As part of the partnership agreement Towards 2016 my Department will extend its monitoring and cross checking of the milk testing regime to include all constituents used for payment purposes and, in consultation with the partners, shall ensure transparency in the milk analysis regime.

Grant Payments.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

79 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to increase the rate of support provided to farmers under the energy crop scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8797/07]

As announced in Budget 2007, €14 million will be provided over the period 2007-2009 to incentivise farmers to grow energy crops.

Under the EU Energy Crops Scheme, aid of €45 per hectare is available for areas sown under energy crops provided they are intended primarily for use in the production of biofuels and electric and thermal energy produced from biomass. I intend to introduce an additional national payment of €80 per hectare in 2007 as a further incentive for farmers to grow energy crops. The €80 payment will be paid as a top-up to the EU premium of €45 per hectare, bringing the overall payment to €125 per hectare. It is intended that the €80 additional payment will apply for three years and will be subject to a maximum ceiling per producer over the three years. The current maximum area per producer is 37.5 hectares. My Department is pursing EU approval to increase this hectarage ceiling. €6 million has been allocated to this measure over the period 2007- 2009.

Set aside land can also be used for a variety of non-food uses including the growing of crops for energy purpose and will therefore qualify to activate set-aside entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme.

I have also announced a new Bioenergy Scheme to encourage farmers to plant willow and miscanthus for use as a renewable source of energy. The Scheme will provide establishment grants to farmers for up to 50% of the costs associated with establishing miscanthus and willow on set-aside land and on areas, which have been subject to an application for the EU premium of €45 per hectare. The maximum grant aid payable is €1,450 per hectare. €8 million is being allocated to this Scheme over the period 2007-2009.

On the demand side, the recently announced Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme valued at €205m will provide an additional stimulus for the production of energy crops. When fully operational in 2008, it will deliver some 163 million litres of biofuels per year and provide farmers with a stable market to supply feedstock for production of biofuels.

I am confident that these measures will increase the production of energy crops in Ireland and encourage farmers to consider energy crops as an alternative land use options.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

80 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will increase the rate of payment made to organic farmers; the last time this payment was increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8814/07]

The current situation is that organic farmers in REPS with holdings of 3 hectares or more qualify for a supplementary organic payment of €181 per hectare on the first 55 hectares, and €30 per hectare over 55 hectares during the in-conversion period. The equivalent rates when full organic status is attained are €91 and €15 per hectare respectively. Organic farmers also qualify for basic REPS payments. Significant increases in the basic REPS payments were introduced in 2004; €200 per hectare for the first 20 hectares, €175 per hectare between 20 and 40 hectares, €75 per hectare between 40 and 55 hectares and €10 per hectare over 55 hectares.

Organic farmers in REPS with holdings of less than 3 hectares are eligible for payments of €242 per hectare during conversion and €121 with full organic status, on top of the basic REPS payment.

Subject to the approval of the European Commission, I am proposing to increase the payments to organic farmers under Ireland's new Rural Development Programme for the period 2007 to 2013. I am also proposing that the system of organic payments should be operated separately from REPS, though organic farmers will be able to join REPS as well.

Sugar Beet Industry.

David Stanton

Question:

81 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will use her golden share in Greencore; the circumstances under which she would use such powers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8816/07]

As Minister I hold a Special Share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but has conditions attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without the prior written consent of the Minister. In summary, the Special Share prevents the disposal of the controlling interest in Irish Sugar Ltd, or the sale, transfer or disposal of more than 20% of specified assets, including lands and properties, of Irish Sugar Ltd in Carlow and in Mallow used in the production of sugar. It also prevents a single shareholder or group of shareholders from gaining control of Greencore plc. The Special Share does not empower me to get involved in operational matters or normal business decisions made by the company. I have had no basis for invoking the provisions attached to that Special Share to date.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

82 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the parties or categories of individuals entitled to receive EU modulation funds; the amount of the modulation funds that have been made available to date to such parties or categories of individuals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9081/07]

In accordance with the decision of the Council of Agriculture Ministers and the Mid Term Review of the CAP modulated funds are provided by reducing single farm payments to farmers by 3% in 2005, 4% in 2006 and 5% from 2007 onwards. The sums involved are available to use for certain rural development measures commencing in 2006. For 2006, the potential use was limited to existing measures in the CAP Rural Development Plan — REPS, compensatory allowances, early retirement and forestry — and some new possibilities introduced by the CAP mid-term review — meeting standards, animal welfare, food quality and advisory services. Following widespread consultation, I decided that the €18.6m available to Ireland in 2006 should be used as an additional once-off payment under the compensatory allowances scheme, with some 100,000 farmers in the disadvantaged areas benefiting.

For 2007 onwards, the modulated funds — some €225.5m. — will form an integral part of the overall funding available for the 2007-2013 rural development strategy. A strategy and programme prepared by my Department address three priorities — competitiveness, the environment and the wider rural economy — and are currently with the EU Commission awaiting approval.

Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 48.

Food Safety.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

84 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the inspection regimes administered by her Department in relation to the mushroom growing industry; the frequency with which such inspections take place; the penalties in place for failure to comply with these Departmental regulations; the number of such establishments found to be in breach of existing regulations in 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8815/07]

The regulatory framework governing plant protection products in Ireland which is set out in SI 83 of 2003 is designed to ensure a very high standard of protection for human health and the environment. Enforcement of the legislation involves inspections to ensure that only approved products are present in the market and are used by farmers and growers. Inspections normally take place at wholesale/distribution level. However where there is evidence of possible misuse of plant protection products generated through the residue monitoring programme at wholesale/distribution level or from any other source, specific inspections at end-user level take place.

The pesticide residue monitoring programme conducted by my Department on behalf of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), is agreed on an annual basis with the FSAI. This programme is risk-based and involved the analysis of some 1,350 samples of agricultural produce in each of the years 2005 and 2006 for up to 150 different pesticide compounds. The number of samples of mushrooms taken and analysed in 2005 and 2006 was 10 and 13 respectively. All were found to be free of illegal residues.

Penalties involving fines of up to €5,000 and or 6 months imprisonment can be imposed where evidence of misuse is uncovered, at the discretion of the courts.

School Milk Scheme.

Ivor Callely

Question:

85 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the moneys available in 2007 to Dublin City Council for the school milk scheme; the funding available in each of the years 2003 to 2006; the number of schools that participate in the milk and cheese scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8543/07]

The objective of the EU School Milk Scheme, which is funded, by the EU and the national exchequer is to encourage and promote the consumption of milk amongst school children of secondary, primary and nursery school age. In Ireland, approximately 1,390 schools participate in the scheme, and approximately 81,033 pupils.

Dublin City Council provides free school meals to schools designated with disadvantaged status and funding for this scheme is a matter for Dublin City Council and not my Department. In total, 357 schools in Dublin participate in the school milk scheme and 123 are within the Dublin City Council School Meals Scheme.

My Department acts as a paying agency for participants who submit claims under the School Milk Scheme. In the case of Dublin City Council, the service provider receives payments for the milk element of the school meal and Dublin City Council receive payment for the cheese element. Funding paid to Dublin City Council for cheese supplied averaged €5,500 per school year over the period 2003-2006.

Last year I re-launched the School Milk Scheme and funded €150,000 for the purchase of 1,000 fridges throughout the country. There has been significant new interest in the scheme and I am convinced that the increasing variety of milk products now being offered will attract a greater level of participation, and in the process will contribute in a positive way to a healthier school going population.

National Genotyping Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

86 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on introducing legislation here to deal with the issues it raises while she awaits the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection to deal with the issue of the importation of embryos from cloned animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9090/07]

I have recently written to the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection regarding the matter of cloned animals and embryos from these animals.

Pending full consideration of the matter at EU level it would not be appropriate at this stage to take the suggested unilateral action of introducing national legislation.

Direct Payment Schemes.

John Perry

Question:

87 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will introduce a specific single farm payment reserve fund to allocate a top payment to those who faired poorly under the national reserve allocation due to the DED averaging system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8807/07]

The position is that the Single Payment Scheme is applicable to farmers who farmed during the three-year reference period 2000-2002, who drew down livestock or Arable Aid premia in at least one of those years and who continued to farm in 2005. The Single Payment Scheme entitlements established for individual farmers, therefore, are a true reflection of their farming activity and premia draw-down during the reference period. Special provisions were made for farmers (including young farmers) who entered farming for the first time in either 2001 or 2002. Their Single Payment was determined based on the average of the years 2001 and 2002 or on the basis of premia paid in 2002 as appropriate.

The EU regulations also provided for the setting up of a National Reserve. In Ireland's case, the Reserve was created by reducing each farmer's individual Single Payment by an amount of up to 1.82%. The purpose of the National Reserve is to try to minimise the impact on farmers who, for a variety of reasons, may find themselves disadvantaged in the transition to the new decoupled support regime as a result of changes in their businesses during or since the reference period. There were mandatory and non-mandatory categories of farmers catered for when working allocations under the 2005 National Reserve. The mandatory categories included those who inherited land that was leased out during the reference period, those who made investments in production capacity or purchased or leased land on a long-term basis or who converted from dairying to a sector for which a direct payment would have been payable during the reference period. The non-mandatory categories were those dealing with new entrants and certain hill sheep farmers who were prevented from increasing production during the reference period pending the publication of commonage framework plans. Separate application arrangements were in place for this latter group.

In allocating entitlements to successful applicants in the mandatory categories the Member State must apply objective criteria and ensure equal treatment between farmers. In allocating entitlements to successful applicants in the non- mandatory categories the Member State must ensure that the allocation does not have the effect of increasing the value of any existing entitlements above the regional average value of entitlements. Similarly, the value of any new entitlements allocated to non-mandatory categories must not exceed the regional average. The Member State was allowed to determine what constituted the regional average.

I established a Single Payment Advisory Committee comprising representatives of the farming organisations, Teagasc and officials from my Department to assist me in considering the objective criteria that should be used in making allocations from the reserve to the mandatory categories and also the most appropriate way to determine the regional average value of entitlements in the case of the non-mandatory categories. Having considered the Committee's views, I decided that the regional average value of entitlements would be the average value of entitlements in the District Electoral Division (DED) associated with the applicant's herdnumber. This was considered to be a reasonable interpretation reflecting, as it did, the average value of payment entitlements and therefore the average farming activity in the DED concerned during the reference period.

The total amount of money available for distribution under Ireland's 2005 National Reserve was some €22.7m of which some €18m has already been allocated. Any remaining balance will be carried forward to the 2006 and subsequent years' Reserve. In this connection the Member State is only obliged to have one mandatory category from 2006 onwards for farmers who inherited land that was leased out during the reference period. However, I have arranged that new entrants to farming would again be catered for under the 2006 National Reserve.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the National Reserve is a scarce resource created by reducing the entitlements of existing farmers and will only be replenished by a claw-back on sales of entitlements and the relinquishing of any entitlements that remain unused. My Department must, therefore, be prudent is determining how the funds in the reserve are administered. I have no plans therefore to create a new reserve as suggested by the Deputy.

Beef Imports.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

88 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the volume of beef that was imported in the years 2002 to 2006, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9139/07]

Imports of Beef:

1. In certain cases the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country.

2. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, these returns may stand to be adjusted marginally as data are rechecked by the CSO.

3. Information for imports from EU does not differentiate between products originating in other EU countries and those originating in 3rd countries that may already be in free circulation within the Community.

4. 3rd country imports may also include meat entering the EU through an Irish Border Inspection Post that is ultimately destined for another Member State.

Year

EU

3rd Country

Total

tonnes

tonnes

tonnes

2002

8,048

4,998

13,046

2003

8,612

5,522

14,134

2004

16,254

6,672

22,926

2005

23,577

7,160

30,737

2006 to October 2006

17,784

6,208

23,991

Source: Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Ireland is a key player on the export markets. Production at export plants last year rose by almost 5% to some 550,000 tonnes, the highest level since 2003, with cattle slaughter amounting to 1.7 million head, also the largest figure for a number of years. 2006 was a year characterised by further growth and advancement, particularly on export markets. Beef exports rose by some 6% and exceeded 5000,000 for the first time since 1999.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

89 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the EU committee report on the EU early retirement for farmers scheme; the action she will take arising from the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9074/07]

A group representing retired farmers lodged a petition with the European Parliament Committee on Petitions in May 2003, alleging that Ireland had not implemented correctly the Council Regulations governing the 1994 and 2000 Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming. The Committee requested information from the European Commission. In reply, the Commission made it clear that in its considered opinion there was no question of any infringement having been committed by Ireland in the implementation of the Schemes.

The Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Petitions, while acknowledging the view that the Commission had taken raised these issues with me subsequently.

A reply to the Chairman of the Petitions Committee is being prepared and will issue shortly. Most of the issues raised in his letter were also dealt with in the Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food. Certain of the Joint Committee's recommendations are precluded by the EU Regulations under which the current Scheme and its predecessor are operated. I saw merit in other aspects of the Committee's report and some recommendations have been either fully or partially implemented and others will be considered in the context of the proposal for a new Early Retirement Scheme, which has been included in the draft Rural Development Plan for the period 2007–2013. Following clarification from the European Commission, I have also increased the rate of pension under both the 1994 and 2000 Schemes. These increases, which are financed entirely from the National Exchequer, will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes, and some 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

90 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to address the burden of red tape in agriculture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8823/07]

I am fully committed to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in the administration of the CAP and one of my main priorities is to pursue simplification of procedures at farm level. The adoption by Ireland of full decoupling under the Single Payment Scheme, thereby replacing six EU subsidy schemes each with complex application, qualification and implementation procedures, demonstrates in a very tangible manner the extent of my commitment. I have also, on a continuous basis, applied the benefits of IT, wherever possible, in the interests of quality customer service.

I fully support the EU Commission's ongoing efforts to reduce the regulatory burden of administration on producers, food processors and national administrations and I am contributing actively to this process. I have raised this issue on numerous occasions with the Commissioner and, indeed, with the German Presidency which is giving the highest priority to the process of simplification and the reduction of the bureaucratic burden of the CAP. I wrote to Commissioner Fischer Boel and the Presidency in January last outlining my concerns in relation to a number of specific issues. My main concerns relate to the lack of advance notification of inspections under the Single Payment Scheme and the level of sanctions to be applied under cross-compliance, including the extent of tolerance applied where non-compliance is inadvertent or negligible. I outlined my position in the Council of Ministers in January and urged the Commissioner to present proposals to improve the current situation as quickly as possible. I have also raised these matters with a number of EU Ministerial colleagues in order to garner support for my position.

I believe that other aspects of the Single Farm Payment System should also be simplified. Specifically, I am seeking additional flexibility in the management of the National Reserve and in the leasing arrangements for payment entitlements. I have also sought rationalisation in the payment dates, additional flexibility in application of the ‘ten-month rule' and simplification of the current ‘modulated funds' deduction procedure.

I intend to pursue these issues actively over the coming months, in particular in the context of a report by the Commission on the implementation of cross-compliance which is expected to be published at the end of March and presented to the Council in April.

Questions Nos. 91 and 92 answered with Question No. 29.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Liam Twomey

Question:

93 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason she did not backdate the top up payment under the farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8810/07]

I decided to increase the maximum pension payable under the 1994–99 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum and the maximum pension payable under the 2000-2006 Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum with effect from 1 November 2006.

These increases, which will be funded entirely from the Exchequer, formed part of the undertakings in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. They will benefit some 5,000 retired farmers and add some €33 million to the cost of the Schemes over the time they have left to run.

Animal Welfare.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

94 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the fact that she is prepared to administer ex-gratia payments to a number of organisations directly involved in the delivery of non-farm animal care and welfare services, she will accept, albeit non-statutory, responsibility for steering Ireland towards ratification of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9091/07]

My Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984, and the European Communities (Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 705 of 2006). It does not have statutory responsibility for the care and welfare of other animals such as domestic pets or exotic animals.

I understand that the matter relating to ratification of Council of Europe Conventions and the responsibilities of Departments in that regard are still under consideration. Consequently it would not be appropriate that I would assume responsibility for these aspects.

Since 1995, my Department has made ex-gratia payments to a number of organisations directly involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare services. Until 2004, these payments were made from residual funds available in the Department's Vote at the end of the year. From 2004, specific provisions for this purpose have been included in and published as part of the Department's estimates. However, these payments continue to be ex-gratia and the granting of an amount in any year does not imply an entitlement to further amounts in subsequent years.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

95 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if voluntary modulation funds will become available to farmers here; the other forms of modulation in this context and those that benefit farmers here; the extent of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9087/07]

The Single Payment Scheme was introduced in Ireland with effect from 1 January 2005, following the decision to opt for full decoupling. The Regulations governing the implementation of the Single Payment Scheme provide for the application of compulsory Modulation at a rate of 3% in 2005, 4% in 2006 and 5% in each of the years 2008 to 2012, inclusive. Those applicants with entitlement to payment of less than €5,000, in any given year, are entitled to a refund of their Modulation payments.

The amounts deducted in each Member State form a common Community pool, which is then available for re-distribution to Member States as additional Community support for rural development measures. Each Member State receives a minimum of 80% of the total amount that the Modulation has generated in that Member State.

As part of the agreement on the EU Financial Perspective 2007-2013, the European Council decided in December 2005 on the introduction of voluntary modulation of up to 20% of direct payments and market supports in order to allow Member States to increase funding for rural development measures. I am satisfied that substantial funding has already been provided from the EU rural development budget, Exchequer funding and compulsory modulation for Ireland's draft Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which was submitted to the Commission for approval in December. It is not my intention, therefore, to further reduce direct payments to farmers through voluntary modulation in order to provide additional funding for the programme.

Dairy Industry.

Dan Neville

Question:

96 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. [8844/07]

Simon Coveney

Question:

104 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to support dairy incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8835/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 104 together.

Despite the greater challenges brought about by the implementation of the 2003 Luxembourg Agreement to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) the Irish Dairy Sector performed well in 2006 with exports of €2.08bn.

Dairy farmers incomes are made up of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. The average price paid to producers in 2006 was 26.4 cent per litre. Added to this is the dairy premium, a direct payment amounting to 3.6 cent per litre equivalent to €180 million in 2006. In total this gives an average return of 30 cent per litre. This average return for 2006 was comparable or better than the return to producers in the previous three years.

At EU level, I have consistently challenged the pace and rate of reduction in support implemented by the Commission. In the wider context of W.T.O. I have strongly defended the CAP as a whole and have advocated a EU position that fully takes account of the needs of Irish agriculture including the dairy sector in the areas of internal support, export support and market access. At every opportunity I have impressed on Commissioner Fischer Boel and colleagues from other Member States the importance of a competitive combination of market supports to provide the platform for a sustainable and vibrant EU dairy sector.

At national level I have implemented new initiatives to stimulate investment at processor level and to assist active committed producers develop greater efficiencies and generate economies of scale.

I introduced a new Milk Quota Trading System which provides a more open market system of transferring quota. The system allow farmers much greater freedom to make choices about how much milk quota should be transferred, affording them far greater scope to decide the volume and price of quota they wish to buy and sell.

I have also established a €300 million investment package for the dairy sector. The investment fund includes €100 million of Government grant assistance. One of the key aims of this package is to allow Irish dairy processors generate greater efficiencies to better support the dairy farmers incomes.

Organic Production.

Seán Ryan

Question:

97 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her view of proposals to provide redress to an organic farmer who suffers verifiable economic loss as a result of a mixture of genetically modified crops and non-GM crops contained in the proposed new EU regulation on organic production; and if she will make a statement on the matter of the way Ireland’s organic production industry would survive should such a proposal not be included in the final regulation if GMO production here grows. [9094/07]

In the absence of the insurance industry being willing to offer insurance cover to growers of GM crops the Interdepartmental Working Group, which was established by my Department to draw up strategies and best practices to ensure that efficient and effective co-existence of GM and non GM crops in Ireland, identified compensation for possible economic losses that might be incurred by non-GM and organic crop growers as an area that needed to be considered. In order to address these difficulties and help create an environment which facilitates the choice of enterprise, be it organic, conventional or GM, the Working Group have recommended the establishment of a redress fund to compensate conventional and organic crop growers for any verifiable economic loss identified.

I am currently engaged in the process of considering this recommendation in conjunction with all other recommendations presented by the Working Group. This consideration will take cognisance of the observations received during the public consultation process and the ongoing international developments in this area, particularly relating to organic labelling thresholds. I hope to be in a position to bring proposed measures to Government, including those relating to compensation for economic loss arising from admixture, in due course.

Animal Diseases.

Jack Wall

Question:

98 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the selection criteria used by her Department in deciding the premises that would be subject to restrictions on the movement of horses, in the aftermath of the current outbreak of equine infectious anaemia; and if she will make a statement on the progress of the investigation into what precipitated the outbreak. [9083/07]

From the time that the first case of Equine Infectious Anaemia was confirmed last June, my Department's approach to the containment, management and eradication of the disease has consistently been based on risk. All decisions, whether related to the restriction of premises, restriction of individual horses or the surveillance of certain equine populations, were aimed at containing and eradicating the disease as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The periods for which restrictions applied and the surveillance regime to which horses were subjected during their period of restriction was also risk-based.

It is now 87 days since the most recent case of EIA was confirmed and, assuming no further developments, the remaining few restrictions should be lifted very shortly, subject to all outstanding tests being negative for the virus. I am satisfied that the disease control measures put in place by my Department were central to the manner in which this outbreak has been contained and such good progress made towards its eradication. In all situations of this nature, my Department has a responsibility to take such actions as are appropriate to contain and eradicate disease while, at the same time, minimising the disruption and inconvenience that such measures can cause.

The Department's investigation into the introduction of the virus is a thorough and comprehensive one and is continuing. Because of the nature of and stage at which the investigation is, it would be imprudent of me to comment further, other than to say that my Department remains determined to bring the investigation to a satisfactory conclusion.

Animal Health Regime.

Simon Coveney

Question:

99 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to introduce an all-island animal health regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8840/07]

There is 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 establishment of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) 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 of an all-island animal health policy 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, is being progressed 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 including T.B, Brucellosis, FMD, BSE, Avian Influenza 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.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is represented on the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council and the Avian Influenza Advisory Group.

Since the decision at EU level to lift the BSE ban on exports from the United Kingdom from 3 May 2006, arrangements are in place and working well between the two administrations facilitating the trade of cattle from Northern Ireland for slaughter, breeding and production.

The achievement of an all-island animal health strategy involves complex dialogue and negotiation over a range of areas between the Irish, Northern Irish and British authorities and will require the agreement of the European Union ultimately.

Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 39.

Land Mobility.

Bernard Allen

Question:

101 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to increase land mobility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8841/07]

Low levels of land mobility can be an obstacle for those who wish to enter farming or expand the size of their holding. More recently, leasing has become an increasingly popular means of securing land as the volume of land sold on the open market declines and land prices rise. A number of schemes and reliefs have been introduced in recent years to bring about improvements in land mobility that will, in turn, improve productivity and efficiency.

At present there are a number of generous schemes and reliefs aimed at encouraging land mobility and reducing the cost of transfers to young trained farmers. These include:

A rental income tax exemption of up to €15,000 for farmers over 40 years who lease out land for a period of 7 years or more.

A rental income tax exemption of up to €12,000 for farmers over 40 years who lease out land for a period of 5 to 7 years.

Capital Gains Tax — Retirement Relief for farmers aged over 55 years.

A 90% Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax.

The provision of full Stamp Duty Relief for young trained farmers.

Stamp Duty relief for land swap for the purpose of farm consolidation between two farmers.

The Finance Bill includes a number of provisions to further encourage land mobility and farm consolidation. The measures include a third rental income exemption threshold of €20,000 for leases of 10 years or over; stamp duty relief for farm consolidation where only one farmer is consolidating his holding; and a provision whereby farmers who are leasing out land can still, subject to certain conditions, qualify for Capital Gains Tax retirement relief.

In addition, increased support for land mobility is to be provided through a range of enhanced measures included in the draft Rural Development Plan 2007-2013. The Installation Grant Aid for young farmers is to be increased by 55% to €15,000 and a maximum early retirement pension of €15,000 per annum is to be provided for farmers who dispose of their land by gift, sale or lease.

All these measures help to improve land mobility through early farm transfer or by encouraging greater levels of leasing, land swaps or farm consolidation.

EU Directives.

Richard Bruton

Question:

102 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that farmers are fully aware of the compliance rules under the nitrates directive. [8826/07]

The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in July 2006.

In order to inform and assist farmers with the Regulations, my own Department produced an Explanatory Handbook for farmers setting out in clear terms their obligations under the Regulations. This Handbook, together with a copy of the Regulations, was sent to all farmers in October 2006. In addition, my Department made use of its data holdings to send organic nitrogen and phosphorus statements to farmers in respect of the 2005 calendar year. Statements in respect of 2006 are being prepared at present, and will issue as early as possible.

A series of open information meetings took place between 20 November and 4 December 2006, conducted by my Department in conjunction with Teagasc. The dates and venues of these meetings were widely publicised by way of advertisements in the farming press.

While my Department is committed to minimising the practical burden of compliance with the Regulations, responsibility for compliance rests ultimately with the occupier of a holding. Farmers should therefore ensure that they have read and understood their obligations under the Regulations and they should, if necessary, obtain professional advice from their agricultural advisers. My Department is currently arranging specific cross-compliance-related training for Teagasc and private planners, in accordance with the provision, in the Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme, that member States shall set up a system of advising farmers on land and farm management to be known as the "farm advisory system". This system will cover the Statutory Management Requirements, including the Nitrates Directive, together with Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition associated with cross-compliance.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

David Stanton

Question:

103 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will backdate the top up payment under the ERS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8813/07]

I decided to increase the maximum pension payable under the 1994–99 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum and the maximum pension payable under the 2000-2006 Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum with effect from 1 November 2006.

These increases, which will be funded entirely from the Exchequer formed part of the undertakings in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. They will benefit some 5,000 retired farmers and add some €33 million to the cost of the Schemes over the time they have left to run.

Question 104 answered with QuestionNo. 96.

EU Directives.

Paul McGrath

Question:

105 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the procedure involved for farmers to avail of the 250 kilogram derogation under the nitrates directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8827/07]

Although Ireland's application for a derogation has been approved by the EU Nitrates Committee, the European Commission has not yet issued its formal decision. Until it does so, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government cannot make the necessary amendments to the Regulations. However, my officials are actively making preparations to implement the derogation. Full information, including the detailed conditions and application procedures, will be published by my Department once the Regulations have been amended.

Departmental Reports.

Joan Burton

Question:

106 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the annual progress report on the implementation of Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9093/07]

The first annual progress report on the implementation of the Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan will be made available at the Agri Vision stakeholders' forum, which is scheduled to take place on 23 March 2007. This report will provide detailed information on progress under each of the action points contained in the Plan.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

107 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her position on the release of genetically modified crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8849/07]

The deliberate release of genetically modified crops into the environment is legislated for under EU Directive 2001/18/EC which provides, inter alia, for controls governing the assessment and authorisation procedures for GM crop cultivation. The EPA is the competent authority for the implementation of this Directive in Ireland.

This Directive is part of a suite of GM legislation, adopted by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, and which is binding on all Member States that is aimed at achieving the highest possible degree of human health and environmental protection for the citizens of the EU.

Ireland's general position in developing and implementing this legislation is informed by the Government's acceptance of the recommendation set out in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Modern Biotechnology (October 2000) that Ireland's stand at EU level and in international fora should be one of being positive but precautionary — a position which acknowledges the benefits of genetic engineering, while maintaining a fundamental commitment to safety and environmental sustainability based on scientific risk assessment and management.

I am satisfied these authorisation procedures, coupled with effective coexistence measures which I plan to introduce in due course, will adequately protect the environment and human health from any adverse effects.

Sheep Industry.

John Perry

Question:

108 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will introduce a ewe welfare and quality scheme similar to the suckler cow scheme for the sheep industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8819/07]

The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group issued its report in June 2006. This is a comprehensive study of the sheep industry which sets out a Development Plan for the sector contained in 37 recommendations. I decided that the best way to implement these recommendations was to set up an implementation body comprised of representatives of all sectors in the industry, including the relevant state bodies. It is chaired by Mr John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, who was also the author of the Strategy Group report.

The recommendations address issues such as ewe welfare and quality assurance. The Implementation Group is nearing the completion of its work and I look forward to its final report in the near future.

Bovine Disease Controls.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

109 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the comprehensive review of the reactor compensation scheme will be completed; when, after it has been completed, she will introduce appropriate changes to the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9097/07]

My Department's programmes for the eradication of TB and Brucellosis provide for a comprehensive range of measures, including the mandatory annual testing of all cattle in the national herd, the early removal of reactors, a wildlife programme involving the targeted removal of badgers where they are implicated in a TB outbreak, the depopulation of infected herds where appropriate and the payment of compensation to farmers whose herds are affected by disease.

With regard to compensation, the On-Farm Market Valuation scheme was introduced in 2002 and, while I am satisfied that, in accordance with the scheme's objective, full market value is paid generally for animals removed as reactors, my Department is currently reviewing the operation of the scheme, taking account of submissions made by farming representatives in relation to certain aspects of the scheme. Submissions have also been received regarding certain disease control measures. I am not in a position at present to state when the review will be completed or what changes may be implemented as discussions with the farming representatives are ongoing.

In addition, my Department is carrying out a Value for Money and Policy review of the TB Eradication programme. This review is expected to be completed by the end of the year, after which the report will be published and submitted to the Select Committee of the Oireachtas.

Sheep Industry.

Bernard Allen

Question:

110 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will implement the recommendations of the strategy report for the Irish sheep sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8818/07]

The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group issued its report in June 2006. This is a comprehensive study of the sheep industry that sets out a Development Plan for the sector contained in 37 recommendations. I decided that the best way to implement these recommendations was to set up an implementation body comprised of representatives of all sectors in the industry, including the relevant state bodies. It is chaired by Mr John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, who was also the author of the Strategy Group report.

The Implementation Group is nearing the completion of its work and I look forward to its final report in the near future.

Agrifood Sector.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

111 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to ensure the sustainability of agribusiness enterprise; the loans, grants and other assistance available from her Department and its agencies to companies in the agribusiness sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8354/07]

The Agri-Vision 2015 Report sets out a vision identifying the delivery of safe, high-quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner, to well-informed consumers in high value markets as the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry. The 160 actions in the Agri-Vision Action Plan, which I launched last year, form a coherent strategy for implementation, which is reinforced by the 2016 Partnership Agreement and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013.

The agriculture and food elements alone of the NDP will account for total public expenditure of €8.7 billion and together they constitute an integrated package that addresses the overall developmental needs of the sector and specific requirements in the areas of competitiveness, consumer-focus and innovation.

The sector will also benefit from the huge investment in transport and other infrastructure in the NDP, which is key to sustained competitiveness and to growing sales and exports. Agribusiness enterprise will also have full access to the generic industry supports in the NDP for research, technology, knowledge building, skills and people and will benefit from the increase in NDP funding for food research. My Department will double funding of public good food research and expand funding of research back through the food and production chain.

In addition, some €289 million is provided in the specifically in the Plan for the food industry for capital investment and marketing. A capital investment envelope of up to €200 million will underpin huge investment in key areas of the food industry. This includes a core €100 million fund to support investment of €300 million in the dairy sector for which evaluation of proposals is underway; an investment fund of up to €50 million, which will shortly be launched for the beef sector, and funding of projects in other Annex I sectors which have been approved. Some €90 million will be provided for marketing including funding for An Bord Bia for generic promotion, market supports in line with EU rules, promotion of quality and quality assurance.

The fact that food and drink exports exceeded €8 billion for the first time in 2006 despite competitive challenges augurs well for its resilience and continued importance to the economy. I am committed to the detailed strategies and mechanisms established under Agri-Vision 2015 plan and the National Development Plan to enable agribusiness enterprise continue to develop to its full potential.

Passports for Investment Scheme.

John McGuinness

Question:

112 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to the number of passports issued under the passports for investment scheme, his Department has monitored the passport holders or investors to determine if they acted or are acting within the guidelines of the scheme; if the terms of investments made relative to the scheme have been complied with; if his Department continues to monitor the guidelines to ensure compliance; if difficulty has emerged relative to the scheme or investments; if his Department has a role in resolving such issues where they relate to a breach in the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9315/07]

The introduction of a scheme of investment based naturalisation had been advocated by Ministers for Industry and Commerce throughout the 1980s but opposed by successive Ministers for Justice on policy grounds.

In April 1989, the then Minister for Justice decided to seek Government approval in relation to a particular proposal which involved a large number of individual citizenship applications. The Government decided that the applications should be approved and, furthermore, so should future applications from anybody who was prepared to invest in the State.

Around this time a Statement of Intent was made available to persons who enquired about naturalisation linked to investment. This Statement indicated that the Minister would accept as fulfilling the requirements of "Irish Associations" in section 16(a) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, and would waive the residence condition at section 15(c) of the Act, applications in respect of which

(a) the applicant acquired a residence in the State, had been resident in the State for two years and had spent a reasonable amount of time here over the two years,

(b) the Minister was satisfied, on the advice of a Minister of the Government, that the applicant had established a manufacturing or international services or other acceptable wealth and job creating project here that was viable and involved a substantial investment by the applicant, and

(c) all other requirements of the Act had been complied with.

In the period 1989 to 1994, 66 investors (plus 39 spouses and children) were naturalised. The Report of the Review Group of the Investment based naturalisation scheme, which I published in August 2002, reports "that there was a significant number of cases in which the requirements of the Statement of Intent either were not adhered to or where evidence that they were adhered to is absent from the Department's files."

Arising out of a view that there should be a more formal and transparent approach to investment based naturalisation, new guidelines were introduced in 1994, which took the form of Terms of Reference of an Advisory Group to the Minister. The Group was to examine each application for naturalisation based on investment, with the assistance of evaluation/advice from relevant agencies where necessary and, in making their recommendations to the Minister, would apply the following criteria:

(a) Substantial residence must be purchased and retained in ownership for a period of at least 5 years with an undertaking to reside in the State for a minimum of 60 days in the 2 years following naturalisation.

(b) The level of investment must involve a net contribution of at least £1 million per applicant.

(c) Where the investment is in the form of a loan it shall be for a duration of at least 7 years at an interest rate not greater that 1 per cent below the representative Government bond yield on the secondary market, or not greater than 1 per cent below DIBOR, whichever is lower. The loan shall be made by the applicant direct to the firm concerned, without involvement by any intermediary. The loan arrangement shall be transparent and open to scrutiny and shall be such as to prevent the loan being factored or sold on. The loan shall not be secured by the assets of the company in which the investment is to be made.

(d) As ordinarily naturalisation would be for life, the duration of the investment should be for a significant period; at the very least 5 years.

(e) the number of jobs created or maintained must be readily quantifiable and arise from the investment only.

(f) Audited and certified confirmation of the investment to be available to the Group from an established auditing firm of accountants to the effect that the investment has taken place in accordance with the rules of the scheme for naturalisation.

(g) The investment will be monitored by Forfás to ensure that the conditions of the investment are being maintained and, in the event that they are not, will inform the Group who, in turn, will inform the Minister for Justice with a view to revocation of citizenship.

(h) Police certificate of character must be provided by authorities in country of origin (and, if required, from the Police in any country where the applicant has resided or carried on business or maintained substantial investments) together with express permission to the authorities in Ireland to enquire behind it.

(i) Annual certification by an established auditing firm of accountants to Forfás that the investment is being maintained for the appropriate period.

If approved by the Minister, written assurances in respect of the various requirements of the terms of reference were obtained from the applicant prior to the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. 41 investors and 37 minor children of investors were naturalised since the introduction of the Terms of Reference. The Review Group reported that there appeared to be a greater degree of compliance with the Terms of Reference.

It has been the practice of successive Ministers for Justice not to publish details of individual naturalisation cases other than those which are required by law, that is, the publication in Iris Oifigiúil of the name and address of the applicant, the date naturalised and whether he or she was an adult or minor. Applicants linked to investments — and for that matter all applicants — have an expectation that there will be no additional form of publicity about their applications other than that which is prescribed by law.

I am on the record in this House some years ago in relation to the naturalisation in 1990 of eleven persons under the Scheme. Question No. 5 of 17 October 2002 sets out the background to this matter. I subsequently informed the House in response to Question No. 193 on 13 May 2003 that I had received legal advice to the effect that grounds did not then exist for the revocation at that time of the naturalisation certificates in question. The Deputy can be assured that if the circumstances of any particular case are brought to my attention, I will have no hesitation in using my statutory powers of revocation to the fullest extent possible.

The investment based naturalisation scheme was abolished in April 1998 and, as the Deputy will be aware, I introduced provisions in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 2004 to ensure that this scheme will not be re-instituted and to rule out any future such scheme.

Graffiti Offences.

Tony Gregory

Question:

113 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 618 of 21 March 2006, the number of graffiti related charges brought in Dublin City in 2006; the progress made with the anti-graffiti campaign; if the action programme referred to has taken place with Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9209/07]

Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.

I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, embarked on a pilot project which commenced in August, 2006, to specifically deal with the removal of incidents of graffiti. This initiative involves the removal of graffiti from sites within the pilot areas of Dublin City, Galway City and Bray, Co. Wicklow. Particular emphasis was placed from the outset on RAPID areas and the project has also been extended to other sites within the pilot project boundaries.

Sites chosen continue to be identified through the work of RAPID area coordinators, the local authorities concerned and the Garda Síochána. As soon as sites are reported to my Department, immediate arrangements are made to have them cleaned. The identification of graffiti sites in each of the pilot areas is an ongoing process. Over 1,300 sites affected by graffiti throughout the pilot areas have been identified to date and are either completed, in the process of being cleaned or due to be cleaned shortly.

The pilot project is overseen by a steering group comprising representatives from the three Departments, and an independent evaluation of the programme has been commissioned in order to determine the programme's effectiveness. Should the programme prove successful in eliminating or significantly reducing the incidence of graffiti, consideration will be given to extending it to other areas.

The Deputy may wish to note that this project is separate from graffiti abatement programmes carried out by the local authorities themselves on an ongoing basis.

Garda Strength.

Liam Twomey

Question:

114 Dr. Twomey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda strength and resources allotted to Castlebridge in County Wexford in 1997; the way this compares to the situation in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9219/07]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006, as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of approximately 1100 new recruits per annum into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Castlebridge Garda Station on 31 December, 1997 and on 31 January, 2007 was 1 (all ranks). Castlebridge Garda Station forms part of the Wexford District. The personnel strength of the Wexford District on 31 December, 1997 and on 31 January, 2007 was 76 and 103 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 27 (or 35.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. Vehicles and IT resources allocated to Wexford town are utilised in policing the sub district of Castlebridge.

Resources are further augmented by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), other specialised units and the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), all of which have had increased resources.

I should add that it is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

Garda Training.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

115 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of hours training Gardaí receive in order to complete the advanced driving course. [9226/07]

The Advanced Driving Course is of three weeks duration and can only be conducted on completion of the Standard Car Course which is two weeks in duration.

Eighty-three hours of instruction are provided in the Advanced Driving Course.

Residency Permits.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

116 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 1 March 2007, if he will accept some method of identification other than a passport, as the person (details supplied) can not obtain a passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9248/07]

A fundamental requirement of the IBC/05 Scheme was the submission by the applicant of a valid passport/national identity document.

In the absence of the provision of such identification the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State for a period of one year. This was granted as an exceptional measure to afford the person the opportunity to obtain the appropriate identity documentation.

If the person in question remains unable to supply this documentation a statement as to why this is the case should be submitted to my Department for consideration. The statement should be supported by written confirmation of the position from the national authorities of the person in question.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Finian McGrath

Question:

117 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no prosecution was brought in a case (details supplied); and the measures being put in place to ensure that the same people do not assault others again. [9260/07]

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report on the matter referred to and will revert to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

Residency Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

118 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when long term residency will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [9261/07]

As outlined in Parliamentary Question put down for answer on the 31st January 2007 (PQ No. 418) persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.

An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 16th June 2006. I understand that applications received in early June 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Visa Applications.

John Perry

Question:

119 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason, in view of the fact that Taiwan is a maturing democracy and a developing economy in modern terms, that Ireland is the only European country with a referral process for student visas and that only seven student visas are granted for Taiwanese students to travel here where the one area of difficulty in student visas is that they have to be referred back to Dublin for a decision which takes more than eight weeks whereas over 60,000 students enter England on student visas; the further reason there is no Irish personnel in the visa section in Taipei; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9264/07]

All student visa applications (with the exception of those lodged in Beijing, Moscow and New Delhi) are determined by the Visa Office in Dublin. The turn around time for study visa decisions is currently between five and seven days and while there can be a delay in applications reaching Dublin I am satisfied that the service provided to the education sector has improved considerably and continues to do so.

The placement of staff in Missions abroad is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs. At this time I see no reason to change current practice in relation to study visa applications from Taiwan. I am satisfied that the visa office in Dublin provides, and will continue to provide, a quality service to students seeking to study in Ireland from all parts of the world.

Refugee Status.

John McGuinness

Question:

120 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application to remain in the State for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the timeframe for a decision in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9266/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Application Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, I am advised that the finalisation of the case referred to by the Deputy must await the outcome of Judicial Review proceedings.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

121 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9294/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement:

Name of Public Body

Number of Appointments

Censorship of Publications Appeal Board

1

Tribunal of Inquiry into Complaints Concerning some Gardaí of the Donegal Division *

1

The National Disability Authority

1

Judicial Appointments Advisory Board

3

Committee on Court Practice and Procedure

1

Refugee Appeals Tribunal

9

Independent Monitoring Committee for the Refugee Legal Service

3

Cork Prison Visiting Committee

1

Fort Mitchel Place of Detention Visiting Committee

1

Castlerea Prison Visiting Committee

1

Mountjoy Prison Visiting Committee

1

Portlaoise Prison Visiting Committee

1

St. Patrick’s Institution Visiting Committee

1

Wheatfield Prison Visiting Committee

1

Prisons Authority Interim Board

1

Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal

1

Land Registry/Registry of Deeds Interim Board

7

* Appointed by the Government.

I wish to further inform the Deputy that sixty eight appointments to the position of Peace Commissioner were also made during the period in question.

Dan Boyle

Question:

122 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9308/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement:

Name of Public Body

Number of Appointments

Property Registration Authority

1

Private Security Authority

1

Criminal Law Codification Advisory Committee

10

Refugee Appeals Tribunal

14

National Disability Authority

1

Castlerea Prison Visiting Committee

1

Cloverhill Prison Visiting Committee

6

Cork Prison Visiting Committee

2

Mountjoy Prison Visiting Committee

1

Portlaoise Prison Visiting Committee

3

Shelton Abbey Place of Detention Visiting Committee

1

St. Patrick’s Institution Visiting Committee

1

Training Unit Place of Detention Visiting Committee

1

Wheatfield Prison Visiting Committee

2

I wish to further inform the Deputy that I also made eight appointments to the position of Peace Commissioner during the period in question.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status in the application for family reunification in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9327/07]

The first person in question arrived in the State on 8 November 1999 and claimed asylum. The second named person arrived in the State on 15 March 1999 and also claimed asylum. Both persons withdrew their application on 8 March 2001 and applied for permission to remain based solely on their parentage of an Irish born child. They were granted residency in the State on this basis on 25 April 2001. However, from the information provided, no trace can be found of a current application for family reunification.

On the 18 July 2003 the Government announced its policy in relation to leave to remain for parents of Irish born children. A feature of that policy was that there would be no presumption in favour of allowing parents granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child to be joined in the State by other family members including other children.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

124 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects conclusion of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9328/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Number 105 on Thursday 22 February 2007. The position remains as stated.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

125 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation and family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9366/07]

The person concerned became an Irish Citizen when he was granted a Certificate of Naturalisation on 15 February 2007.

With regard to the Family Reunification I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question No. 357 of the 27th September 2006.

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the Refugee Applications Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.

This application is in the final stages of processing by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

126 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9367/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of Wednesday, 27th September, 2006 and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

127 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of residency and naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9368/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 23 February 2006.

The average processing time for applications for naturalisation for adults is approximately 30 months at the present time. However, I understand that the persons concerned are refugees. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible, having regard to the general volume of applications on hand.

I will inform the Deputy and the persons concerned when I have reached a decision on the applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9369/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in March 2005.

The processing of this application is near completion and officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department will be writing to the person in question in the very near future.

I will be in touch with both the Deputy and the applicant when the case is finalised.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

129 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9370/07]

The position is that the person concerned arrived in the State on 26 March, 2004 and claimed asylum on 30 March 2004. His application and subsequent appeal was refused and he was notified of my decision to refuse him refugee status by letter of 16 November, 2004 in which he was informed of the three options open to him at that point, i.e., to leave the State before his case was considered for deportation; consent to the making of a deportation order in respect of him; make written representations, within 15 working days, to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out reasons as to why he should not be deported, i.e. why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

His case was examined under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement), including consideration of all representations received on his behalf. On 11 May, 2005 a deportation order was made in respect of this person. The order was served on him by registered post requesting him to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on Thursday, 16 June, 2005. He is due to present again on 29 March, 2007 at Ennis Garda Station.

The enforcement of the deportation order is a matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

130 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9371/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of Thursday, 14th December, 2006 and the written reply to that Question. The position is unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

131 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will examine the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 on hardship and humanitarian grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9372/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 173 of Wednesday, 6th December, 2006 and 158 of Thursday, 11th May, 2006 and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

132 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures to be allowed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to enable their spouse join them here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9373/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 15th December, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on 5th January, 2007.

The Visa Officer who examined the application was not satisfied, on the basis of the evidence provided, of a relationship being in existence prior to the marriage.

An appeal against the refusal decision was received on 22nd January, 2007. Following a re-examination of the application, the decision to refuse was upheld on 30th January, 2006 as the applicant had not adequately addressed the reason for the refusal. As each applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review in this matter can be granted; however it is open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Garda Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

133 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of breathalysers and intoxilysers available to An Garda Síochána in each Garda division. [9374/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 64 evidential breath testing instruments (intoxilysers) in use in Garda stations and 439 instruments in use for road-side screening (alcometers) which are allocated on a Divisional basis as shown in the following table.

Division

Alcometers

Intoxilysers

Carlow / Kildare

19

3

Cavan / Monaghan

19

3

Clare

9

4

Cork City

24

1

Cork North

19

2

Cork West

10

4

Donegal

21

4

Galway West

26

4

Kerry

15

3

Laois / Offaly

17

3

Limerick

17

3

Longford / Westmeath

17

3

Louth / Meath

21

4

Mayo

20

3

Roscommon / Galway East

7

2

Sligo / Leitrim

19

2

Tipperary

21

3

Waterford / Kilkenny

22

3

Wexford / Wicklow

15

3

DMR North Central

11

1

DMR South Central

13

1

DMR North

17

1

DMR South

13

1

DMR East

19

2

DMR West

3

1

DMR Traffic Corp

24

GNTB

1

Total

439

64

Visa Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

134 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a holiday visa will be approved to allow a person (details supplied) to stay in County Mayo. [9637/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Irish Consulate in Damascus and sent to the Irish Embassy in Cairo for processing. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse this application was taken on 5th March, 2007.

The application was refused because the Visa Officer was not satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied, that the applicant had demonstrated a sufficient obligation to return home following the visit. In addition no financial information had been provided by the applicant or the reference in Ireland showing funds to support the applicant for the duration of their visit.

It is open to the applicant to appeal this decision; however, to date, no appeal has been received. All appeals must be submitted within two months of the initial refusal decision.

National Monuments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the current or intended proposals to preserve, restore and maintain the obelisk known as Conolly’s Folly, Maynooth, County Kildare; the full extent of any intended expenditure in 2007 and in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9196/07]

A contract was placed on 1 March, 2007 for a measured survey and record of Conolly's Folly. The completion of this survey will inform the level of conservation work required at the site, and will facilitate the preparation of the necessary documentation for this work. It will only be possible to estimate the level of expenditure required to conserve the site once the aforementioned survey is complete. I expect that work on the survey will commence in the very near future.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

136 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the tax credit system that a person who is separated from their spouse belongs to; and the expenses a separated person who pays maintenance for their children and looks after their children two to three days a week is entitled to claim for tax purposes. [9203/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as regards separated spouses, the above question gives rise to a number of issues that may be enumerated as being:

1. the tax treatment of maintenance in respect of children;

2. the tax relief in respect of child care;

3. the tax treatment of maintenance to a spouse;

4. the tax credits to which separated spouses may be entitled.

As regards items 3 & 4, it is probably best to outline these in the context of situations where maintenance is payable under a voluntary arrangement and where the maintenance is payable under a legally binding arrangement.

1. The tax treatment of maintenance in respect of children

Maintenance in respect of a child is ignored for tax purposes irrespective of whether such maintenance is paid under a voluntary or legally binding maintenance arrangement.

2. The tax relief in respect of child care

There is no tax relief in respect of child care irrespective of whether parents of the children in child care are married, separated, widowed or unmarried.

3. Non-legally binding (voluntary) maintenance arrangements

3.1 Tax treatment of maintenance payments

Where a legally binding maintenance arrangement is not in place (i.e. voluntary maintenance payments are made) the spouse who makes the payments is not entitled to a tax deduction for them. Additionally, the spouse who receives the payments is not taxed on them.

3.2 Tax credits

Both spouses are taxed on their own income as single persons. Each spouse is entitled to the single person's tax credit and, if in employment, the PAYE tax credit.

However, if the voluntary payments are sufficient to wholly or mainly maintain the spouse, the payer will be entitled to claim the married persons tax credit. The spouse receiving the payments can also claim single person's tax credit against his/her income (if any).

In addition, the one-parent family tax credit may be claimed by a single parent whether widowed, single, deserted, separated or divorced, who is not co-habiting and who has a dependent child resident with him or her for the whole or part of the relevant tax year.

4. Legally binding maintenance arrangement

4.1 Tax treatment of maintenance payments

Where a legally binding maintenance arrangement is in place, the spouse who makes the payments is entitled to a tax deduction for them. Additionally, the spouse who receives the payments is taxed on them.

4.2 Tax credits

Both spouses are taxed on their own income as single persons. Each spouse is entitled to the single person's tax credit and, if in employment, the PAYE tax credit.

In addition, the one-parent family tax credit may be claimed by a single parent whether widowed, single, deserted, separated or divorced, who is not co-habiting and who has a dependent child resident with him/her for the whole or part of the relevant tax year.

Alternatively, a separated couple who have in place a legally binding maintenance arrangement (i.e. the maintenance payments are legally enforceable) can elect to be treated as a married couple for income tax purposes if they are both resident in the State.

A divorced couple also have the option of being treated as a married couple for income tax purposes if they are both resident in the State and neither spouse has re-married. However, where a civil annulment is obtained there can be no election to be taxed as a married couple.

Where a separated couple wish to be treated as a married couple for tax purposes, they must submit a joint election in writing before the end of the tax year (the election must be signed by both spouses). If such an election is made, maintenance payments are ignored for tax purposes, that is, the spouse making the payments does not get a tax deduction for them and the spouse who receives the payments is not taxable on them.

Where both spouses have income, separate assessment will apply. Tax credits and standard rate cut-off point will be apportioned between the spouses, subject to a review at the end of the year. This ensures that any unused tax credits or relevant rate bands may be given to the other spouse.

Where only one spouse has income the full tax credits, reliefs and tax rate bands will be given to that spouse.

More detailed information is contained in the Revenue Commissioners' explanatory leaflet IT 3 — What to do about tax when you separate which is available on the Revenue website www.revenue.ie.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

137 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if a tax clearance certificate will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [9228/07]

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that an application for a tax clearance certificate has not been received from the person concerned. As soon as an application is received, it will be examined with a view to issuing the required certificate.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

138 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the criteria for persons wishing to claim rent tax credit from rents obtained from members of their family or extended family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9234/07]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the tax exemption on rental income available to a person who meets the conditions of the "Rent-a-Room" scheme. This scheme exempts from income tax income received from the letting of rooms in a person's sole or main residence provided the income does not exceed €7,620 in a year.

I announced in Budget 2007 that with effect from 1 January 2007, I intended to close off use of this scheme in cases where the rent received was from connected persons. Accordingly, the Finance Bill 2007 provides that rent-a-room relief will not apply where the rental income in question is received by a person from his or her adult child. However, the relief continues to be available where rent is received from any other member of the person's immediate or extended family whether or not those persons are claiming an allowance for rent which they pay.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

139 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the status of the decentralisation of the Department of Education and Science to Mullingar; when construction of the new offices will commence; when this building will be occupied; if temporary offices will be sourced in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9253/07]

An advertisement was placed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the national newspapers and in the Official Journal of the European Union seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced developers/contractors who wished to be considered in connection with the provision of office accommodation for the Department of Education & Science in Mullingar. This is part of a major PPP project which also involves the provision of office accommodation for the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment in Carlow and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Portlaoise. The project will be procured on a Design/Build/ Finance/Maintain basis and a single contract will be placed covering the three buildings. Financial advice is being provided to the OPW by the National Development Finance Agency.

Evaluation of the Expressions of Interest received is nearing completion and the OPW expects to be in a position to invite tenders in the very near future. When selected, it will be a matter for the preferred tenderer to secure a satisfactory planning permission in respect of each of the locations. On receipt of satisfactory planning permissions, the preferred tenderer will be instructed to prepare working drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities with a view to a contract being placed and construction work commencing on the three sites. Construction is expected to be completed in 2009.

At present, there are no plans to provide temporary advance accommodation for the Department of Education & Science in Mullingar.

Denis Naughten

Question:

140 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the status of the decentralisation of the land registry to Roscommon; when construction of the new offices will commence; when this building will be occupied; if temporary offices will be sourced in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9254/07]

Expressions of Interest have been received by the Office of Public Works (OPW) from contractors who wish to be considered in connection with the provision of new permanent office accommodation for the Land Registry in Roscommon. These are being evaluated at present with a view to drawing up a short-list of suitable candidates from whom tenders will be invited on a design/build basis.

Tender documentation is also being finalised and tenders will be invited in the near future. Following receipt and assessment of the tenders, a Preferred Tenderer will be selected who will be instructed to apply for planning permission. On completion of the planning process, the OPW will request the Preferred Tenderer to submit working drawings and a Bill of Quantities with a view to a contract being placed and work commencing on site at the earliest possible date.

Temporary space has been sourced for the Land Registry in Roscommon with 33 staff currently in position. It is envisaged that this number will increase to 90 by the end of April 2007.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

141 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9292/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

142 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Finance the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9305/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.

I take it that the appointments that the Deputy is interested in are appointments made to bodies under the aegis of my Department. The following table gives details of appointments made for the first six months of 2002 and for the period 1 January 2007 to 28 February 2007.

Name of Body

No. of Appointments made in the first 6 months of 2002

Number of appointments made in January and February 2007

State Claims Agency Policy Advisory Committee

7

No appointments made

National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission

No appointments made

1

National Treasury Management Agency Advisory Committee

2

No appointments made

Board of the National Development Finance Agency

No appointments made

1

Interim Board of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority

8

No appointments made

Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal

No appointments made

7

Financial Services Consultative Industry Panel

No appointments made

1 reappointment

Central Bank of Ireland (which became the Central Bank & Financial Services Authority of Ireland in May 2003)

2

No appointments made

Interim Board of the Civil Service Childcare Agency

5

No appointments made

Valuation Tribunal

4

No appointments made

Ordnance Survey Ireland

10

No appointments made

Civil Service Disciplinary Code Appeal Board

1

No appointments made

Adjudicator under the C&A scheme for the Permanent Defence Forces

1

No appointments made

Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal

3*

1*

*All appointments were made on the nomination of the Minister for Health and Children under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994.

Decentralisation Programme.

John Cregan

Question:

143 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance when the planning process will be complete in relation to the new building in Newcastle West where Revenue employees will be based, following decentralisation; the length of time it will take to appoint a contractor to commence work on the building; the length of time construction will take; and if he will provide an approximate date for the opening of this building. [9320/07]

A site for the new decentralised offices in Newcastle West was purchased from Limerick County Council in 2005. In common with other projects in the Decentralisation Programme, following receipt and evaluation of Expressions of Interest, tenders for the proposed building were invited by the OPW from a number of contractors on a design/build basis and a preferred tenderer was identified.

A planning application was lodged by the preferred tenderer with Limerick County Council in October 2006. In December 2006, additional information was requested by the Council in relation to the foul sewer, the site boundaries and the front elevation of the proposed building. Also requested by the Council was a comprehensive historical study and comprehensive record drawings and a photographic study relating to certain existing buildings that were on the site at the time of purchase from the Council. In the interests of moving the project forward, the OPW assisted the preferred tenderer in providing the additional information which has been submitted to the Council. A decision on the planning application is due by the end March 2007 and will be open to appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

On receipt of a satisfactory planning permission, the OPW will endeavour to have the working drawings and other necessary documents completed by the preferred tenderer with a view to a contract being placed and work commencing on site at the earliest possible date. The tender documentation provides for a construction period of 14 months from the date of placing a contract. On completion of construction, the building will be handed over for occupation by staff of the Revenue Commissioners.

Flood Relief.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

144 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if the Commissioners of Public Works have carried out a review of the effectiveness of the pump in alleviating flooding of land in the River Cashen area of north Kerry; if they will provide additional pumps to alleviate further flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9321/07]

As I stated in reply to the Deputy's Question of 7th February, 2007 (Ref. No. 129) the Commissioners of Public Works are satisfied that the pump installed on a trial basis is effective. However, the report that recommended pumping indicated that this could cause a lowering of the land level over time due to the peaty nature of the soil. Such shrinkage would diminish the viability of pumping as a long term solution. During 2007 the Commissioners will review all aspects of the trial to determine whether installing further pumps would be appropriate.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

145 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork can claim a tax refund in respect of medical expenses incurred by their partner and their child. [9322/07]

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for claims for the tax year 2006 and previous tax years back to 2003 a person can only claim tax relief for medical expenses incurred on their own behalf, on behalf of their child or children or on behalf of their spouse. They cannot claim medical expenses relief on behalf of a partner. However, the Deputy may wish to note that, as a result of measures I introduced in this year's Finance Bill, the requirement that there be a defined relationship between the taxpayer and the person who is the subject of the tax claim is being abolished. In addition, the de minimis condition is being removed. Both of these measures are in respect of claims for the 2007 tax year and subsequent years and will be given effect subject to enactment of the Finance Bill by the Oireachtas.

If either the person in question or their partner wishes to make a claim for tax relief for medical expenses they should forward a completed form Med 1 to: Revenue Commissioners, South West Region, PAYE Mail Centre, PO Box 63, Ennis, Co Clare. Alternatively they may claim a refund on line at www.revenue.ie.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

146 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork can claim a tax credit in respect of costs incurred in purchasing and carrying out special adaptation of their shoes for medical purposes. [9323/07]

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidated Act, 1997 provides for relief from income tax on "health expenses". "Health expenses" is defined as expenses in respect of the provision of health care and includes the cost of "the supply, maintenance or repair of any medical, surgical, dental or nursing appliance used on the advice of a practitioner". In this case, while the purchase cost of the shoes would not meet the specified criteria, the additional cost of having a shoe specially adapted for use does qualify for relief from income tax. Relief cannot be claimed for any expenditure that has been or will be reimbursed by a medical insurer or where a compensation payment is, or will be, made in respect of the expenditure.

For claims for the tax year 2006 and previous tax years back to 2003, the first €125 of any medical expenses incurred in the tax year is borne by the taxpayer and in the case of an individual claiming relief in respect of two or more persons, the taxpayer must bear the first €250 himself or herself. However, the Deputy may wish to note that, as a result of an amendment which I introduced at the Report Stage of the Finance Bill 2007, the de minimis condition is being removed in respect of claims for the 2007 tax year and subsequent years, subject to enactment of the Finance Bill by the Oireachtas.

Willie Penrose

Question:

147 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is due any repayment or refund of tax on the basis of their P60 for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9324/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Inspector of Taxes for Westmeath Offaly is unable to determine if any tax refund is due to the named individual (and/or her spouse) until such time as forms P60 are submitted. However, from the information available, it would appear that correct tax credits were granted to both the named individual (and her spouse) for the 2006 tax year.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when certificate of tax free credits or entitlements are refund of emergency income tax paid will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9362/07]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a duplicate certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut off point for 2007 issued to the taxpayer on 5 March 2007. The taxpayer has agreed to forward her Form P60 for 2006 and on receipt of same any overpayment of emergency tax deducted will be refunded to her without delay.

Departmental Units.

Richard Bruton

Question:

149 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance when the central evaluation unit was set up within his Department; and if he will outline its exact role and terms of reference and its programme of work for the next twelve months. [9387/07]

I initiated the Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit (CEEU) in my Department in June 2006 with the appointment of a Head of Unit and assignment of appropriately qualified staff. The Unit's initial phase of operations included development of a work programme and running a recruitment process for appropriately skilled expenditure evaluators. Two evaluators have now been appointed from this competition. In addition, my Department currently has four participants in the Masters Programme in Policy Analysis delivered by the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in association with the Faculty of Commerce, UCD. Upon completion of the programme, they will be assigned as expenditure evaluators to the Central Expenditure Evaluation Unit, two in mid 2007 and two in mid 2008.

The Unit is charged with promoting best practice in the evaluation and implementation of programme and project expenditure across all Government Departments and Public Sector Agencies. It has a particular focus on checking that Department of Finance frameworks in relation to the appraisal and management of programmes and projects are being implemented, and in overseeing ongoing Programme Evaluation under the Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and the National Development Plan. I would stress that responsibility for achieving VFM for programmes and projects rests in the first instance with the relevant Departments and Implementing Agencies. The role of the CEEU is to assist these bodies by promoting best practice in the evaluation and implementation of programme and project expenditure.

The Unit's programme of work for the next twelve months will focus on checking compliance with the capital expenditure VFM frameworks, including undertaking its own programme of spot checks of individual capital projects; overseeing ongoing programme evaluation under the Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and development and implementation of a scheme of programme evaluation under the new National Development Plan (2007-2013). Overall it is my objective that the CEEU will play an important role in inculcating better VFM practice throughout the system.

Public Private Partnerships.

Richard Bruton

Question:

150 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the PPP spend under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006; and the percentage this represented under the roads, water, public transport and waste management programmes. [9389/07]

The National Development Plan/Community Support Framework (NDP/ CSF) 2000-2006 is an integrated investment plan and strategy for economic and social development for Ireland. The Plan is delivered through seven Operational Programmes (OPs), the Economic and Social Infrastructure OP, the Employment and Human Resources OP, the Productive Sector OP, the Southern and Eastern (S&E) Regional OP, Borders, Midland and Western (BMW) Regional OP, the PEACE OP and the Technical Assistance OP. Each of these OPs has a Monitoring Committee which meets twice yearly to monitor the ongoing implementation of the Programme. There is also an overarching NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee which is chaired by my Department and this Committee also meets at least twice a year. My Department does not maintain data on the status of individual projects under the NDP/CSF as this is a matter for individual Departments and Agencies who are responsible for project funding and, where appropriate, project implementation.

The most recent information on expenditure relates to the period January 2000 to end June 2006. This was reported to the NDP/CSF Monitoring Committee in December 2006.

Under the National Roads Priority of the Economic and Social Infrastructure OP, PPP funding reported from January 2000 to end-June 2006 was €462 million (7% of the total expenditure of €7 billion). This relates to the level of private investment in PPP projects and is the only such funding reported under the NDP/CSF. No PPP funding was reported to end-June 2006 under the Public Transport or Environmental Infrastructure Priorities of the Economic and Social Infrastructure OP or the Waste Management Measures of the Regional OPs.

It should be noted that Public-Private Partnerships are a means of procurement for projects of the right scale, risk and operational profile. Under the arrangements for monitoring expenditure on the NDP/CSF, data is collected on the sources of funding (including EU, national Exchequer, local authorities, and PPP/private) rather than on the means of procurement. However, PPP procurement has been used in the form of Design/Build/Operate (DBO) contracts for water services contracts and in the form of an operational contract for the LUAS project.

Departmental Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

151 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of applications with her Department in regard to funding for a women’s refuge centre (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9188/07]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, 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.

Question No. 152 withdrawn.

Hepatitis C Incidence.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

153 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people presenting for cocaine addiction who have contracted Hepatitis C; if it is possible to contract Hepatitis C from sharing the straw used to sniff cocaine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9207/07]

The 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 have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Community Employment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

154 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 746 of 27 September 2006 and in view of the response from the Health Service Executive, if she will furnish a further reply to the question raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9208/07]

Community Employment Schemes come under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. However, the issues raised in the Parliamentary question referred to by the Deputy, have been the topic of discussions between officials from my Department and the HSE. The HSE have indicated that they would work in tandem with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to assist in the mainstreaming of CE Schemes where possible.

Post Mortems.

Liam Twomey

Question:

155 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the timescale it takes on average for results of post mortems to be given to bereaved families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9220/07]

There are two categories of post mortem performed in this country. The first is a post mortem carried out under the Coroner's Act, 1962 and the second, a post mortem carried out at the request of an attending doctor and with the consent of the next of kin of the deceased.

I have no function in relation to post mortems carried out under the Coroner's Act, 1962. In relation to the second category of post mortem, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have the specific question investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Liam Twomey

Question:

156 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children if action is being taken to improve the system of feedback to families on the progress involved in the post mortem procedure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9221/07]

A national protocol and guidelines on the provision of a quality response to families in relation to hospital post-mortems were produced by the National Working Group on Organ Retention in 2002 and adopted by the Chief Executive Officers in 2003. In addition, the Madden report into paediatric post-mortem practice and procedures, which contained 50 recommendations, including recommendations on the provision of information to families, was published on 18 January 2006. Considerable progress has been made by the Health Service Executive in implementing both the national guidelines and the recommendations of the Madden Report in hospitals across the country and the Department will continue to liaise with the Executive to evaluate progress in this regard.

Departmental Funding.

Pat Carey

Question:

157 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on making funding available to a project (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in order that a fourth project can be established with State funding which will in turn enable a national voluntary organisation to fund a further project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9227/07]

The funding of these projects is not a matter for my Department. I understand that existing State funding is provided through the Department of Education and Science. Accordingly, I have referred the matter to my colleague the Minister for Education and Science for her consideration.

Hospital Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

158 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy or situation with respect to a general medical practitioner in west Wicklow who requests a Health Service Executive ambulance to bring a patient to Tallaght General Hospital as opposed to Naas Hospital due to the fact that they believe the treatment required by the patient is only available at Tallaght Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9230/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case / issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service.

Billy Timmins

Question:

159 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the general policy with respect to a general medical practitioner requesting or using a Civil Defence ambulance to bring a patient to hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9231/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case / issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

160 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of basic grade speech and language therapists to be hired by the Health Service Executive in 2007; her views on whether this is adequate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9239/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

163 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of posts that will be created in 2007 within the Health Service Executive and hospitals for speech and language therapy graduates. [9256/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 163 together.

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

A particular priority for my Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates, including speech and language therapists. In response to concerns regarding labour shortages, my Department commissioned a report from Dr. Peter Bacon and Associates on current and future supply and demand conditions to 2015 in the labour market for speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists (Bacon Report).

The report was published in 2001 and arising from its recommendations additional courses in speech and language therapy providing 75 places were established in three universities. UCC, NUIG and UL each established courses in speech and language therapy with 25 places on each of the 3 courses. The first cohort of graduates from the UL masters level course in speech and language therapy graduated in 2005 and the first cohort from the bachelor degree programmes in UCC and NUIG will graduate this year. This investment represents an increase in training capacity of 300% in speech and language therapy. The total number of speech and language therapy training places now stands at 100, the level at which the Bacon Report recommended as being sufficient to meet current and future demand to 2015 for speech and language therapists.

An issue has recently come to my attention whereby physiotherapy graduates have had some difficulties in finding employment. I want to ensure that the combination of factors which have led to this situation are addressed urgently and do not impact on the other therapy professions. My Department is addressing this situation in a proactive manner and is working closely with the HSE to tackle the various factors which are contributing to this situation. A working group made up of the Department, the HSE and the profession themselves, including nominees from the unions, is continuing to work to tackle this situation in preparation for the 2007 graduates.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

161 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been brought for physiotherapy; and when they can expect to be brought for physiotherapy. [9244/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

162 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a home-care package application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9246/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 163 answered with QuestionNo. 160.
Question No. 164 withdrawn.

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

165 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children when joint replacement surgery will commence at the orthopaedic unit of Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan; the reason a person (details supplied) living in County Louth was not notified of cancelled surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9259/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

166 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public appointments she made in the past two months. [9307/07]

Since the beginning of January 2007, I have appointed a total of 18 persons to the boards / committees of bodies under the aegis of my Department as follows:

Irish Blood Transfusion Service (1)

National Cancer Screening Service Board (12)

Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (1)

Food Safety Authority of Ireland (1)

Advisory Committee for Veterinary Medicines — Irish Medicines Board (1)

Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal (2)

Health Service Allowances.

Bernard Allen

Question:

167 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was told that they would not be granted a mobility allowance on the grounds of age and that they should be between the ages of 18 and 66 to be eligible for same; and the further reason it has taken so long to allocate them an electric wheelchair despite the fact that they had a leg amputated in May 2005. [9313/07]

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.

Departmental Funding.

John McGuinness

Question:

168 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if revenue funding of the L’arche project, Callan, County Kilkenny, will be increased in 2007 in line with the recommendations of a report (details supplied); the level of revenue funding granted in each of the past five years; if a meeting will be arranged between representatives of L’arche and the decision maker in the Health Service Executive regarding funding issues; the names and contact numbers for the persons relative to this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9314/07]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

169 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork to the Southern Health Service Executive for enhanced nursing home subvention. [9325/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

170 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for nursing home subvention. [9326/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she has responded to applications for refund under the national repayment scheme in respect of charges imposed on those in nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9364/07]

The health repayment scheme is administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in conjunction with the appointed Scheme Administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald.

The HSE has informed the Department that over 25,000 forms have been submitted to the Scheme Administrator applying for repayments and these applications are being processed at present. The timeframe for repayment is predicated primarily on whether the applicant is alive as living people who were wrongly charged will be prioritised to receive repayments. It is estimated that there are now in the region of 14,000 people within this category, approximately 10,000 of whom have already applied. Provision has been made for applications to be received up to 1 January 2008.

The HSE has advised that offers of repayment commenced in November 2006 and that the first payments issued in December 2006 with further payments continuing on an ongoing basis. The HSE had indicated that almost €20 million has been repaid to date and that the average repayment is approximately €21,000.

A dedicated website, an information phone line and an e-mail facility have been established by the Scheme Administrator to assist the public in accessing claim forms and general information on the scheme. The information line operates between the hours of 9.00am and 6.00pm from Monday to Friday. To date approximately 33,000 call centre queries have been dealt with.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

172 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a fully subvented and dedicated nursing home bed or the financial equivalent will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9365/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Accommodation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

173 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the increase in hospital beds in primary care centres and in community nursing facilities by end 2006 under the Health Strategy 2001. [9386/07]

In 2001, the year of the publication of Health Strategy, the average number of in-patient beds and day places available in the 53 public acute hospitals was 12,145. At the end of 2005, this figure had increased by 1,199 to a total of 13,344, involving an additional 719 in-patient beds and 480 day places. This expansion of capacity represents an increase of 300 beds and places on average per year.

During 2006 the Health Service Executive undertook an extensive survey of capacity across all acute hospitals, including in-patient beds, day beds and other treatment placements, on a speciality by speciality basis. I understand that the HSE intends to publish the results of the survey in March 2007 and to make copies available to members of the Oireachtas.

The long stay activity report of 2001 indicated that, in 2001, there were 9,218 beds in public nursing homes, of which 8,671 were long-stay, and 12,731 voluntary and private nursing home beds, of which 12,483 were long-stay. In 2007, there is a total of 9,488 beds in public nursing homes including Welfare Homes of which about 8,250 are long-stay beds. In addition, there are an estimated 16,000 voluntary and private long stay beds. The reduction in public long stay beds is accountable by improvements made to some public homes to improve the environment so as to meet with increased standards and client centered care responses.

In 2006, the HSE contracted a total of 1,050 extra beds in the private nursing home sector. A total of €28m is being allocated to cover the full year cost in 2007 of these beds. In addition, the HSE hopes to contract a further 350 beds in 2007 at a cost of €12m.

As part of the overall investment package for the development of services for older people, the DOHC and the HSE have prioritised the delivery of additional public continuing care beds through the development of community nursing units in large urban centres in both Dublin and Cork together with the expansion and the development of additional facilities across all regions. The HSE proposes to expand public capacity by 446 beds in 2007 and by 414 in 2008. This expansion will take account of the regional variations identified in the HSE/Prospectus report. The running costs in full year of this additional public capacity will be €42m.

The Primary Care Strategy (2001) aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others. The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure for the effective functioning of Primary Care Teams is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the achievement of the best value for money.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

174 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is physiotherapy available in a nursing home (details supplied) in County Mayo for the community to avail of. [9638/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Renewable Energy Grants.

Damien English

Question:

175 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a grant exists for the installation of solar windows in houses. [9242/07]

In March 2006, I launched the Greener Homes Scheme, which is providing support to homeowners to invest in a range of renewable energy heating technologies including solar technology, wood biomass boilers and stoves, and heat pumps. Funding of €47m has been provided for the scheme.

Grant aid of €1,100 to €6,500 is being provided under the scheme, depending on the individual technology used. The grant for solar panels is €300 per m2.

The scheme is being rolled out on behalf of my Department by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and all applications are being processed through SEI. Details of the scheme and application forms are available on the SEI website (www.sei.ie/greenerhomes), and a dedicated low-call phone line is also open (Phone: 1850 734 734).

Biofuels Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the volume of pure plant oil or ethanol expected to be produced here in 2007 which qualifies for maximum excise relief; the extent to which producers in excess of the number provided for have applied to participate; his plans to extend the scheme to meet the requirements of all producers and potential producers in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9363/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which adequate biofuels are being produced here to facilitate a 2.5% or 5% blend with petrol or diesel. [9380/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

180 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the volume of petrol, diesel or bio-fuel replacements currently in use; his intention for the development of the biofuel industry. [9382/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 179 and 180 together.

The Government is firmly committed to the development of an Irish biofuels market and to the increased development of bio-energy generally in Ireland. A range of initiatives are in place to support the development of a biofuels sector in Ireland. The Minister for Finance has made it clear that any extension in the amount of relief which formed part of the Budget 2006 announcement is not envisaged at this stage citing non-fiscal measures that can be used to promote Biofuels. In this regard on 12th February I signalled my intention to introduce a Biofuels Obligation by 2009, which will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales.

In announcing the obligation, I have also committed to achieving 5.75% market penetration of biofuels by 2009, in advance of the date proposed for such a target in the EU Biofuels Directive. I have also committed to achieving 10% market penetration of biofuels in Ireland by 2010.

The introduction of the Biofuels Obligation will build on the success of the two biofuels excise relief schemes which were rolled out in 2005 and 2006. The 2005 pilot scheme has resulted in eight projects being awarded excise relief for a two year period including four pure plant oil, three biodiesel or other biofuel and one bioethanol proposal.

Under the pilot scheme, which commenced in 2005, there has been 2.128m litres of biofuel produced to the end of December 2006. Overall under the pilot scheme excise relief to the value of €1.562m has been given to the end of 2006 under the pure plant oil, biodiesel and bioethanol categories.

The second Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme, valued at over €200m, was launched in July last year and will enable us to reach the initial target of 2% market penetration of biofuels by 2008. There were sixteen successful projects under the second scheme including three pure plant oil, four biodiesel, four bioethanol and five in the captive fleets category.

In the three months since the results of the scheme were launched, over 300,000 litres of biofuels have been placed on the market. Blends of up to 5% ethanol and biofuels complying with the diesel standard EN590 are already being sold at regular petrol and diesel pumps, as a result of this scheme. This is in addition to the biofuels placed on the market under the pilot scheme. The scheme will enable us to reach the initial target of 2.2% market penetration of biofuels by 2008. When fully operational the relief is expected to support the use and production of some 163 million litres of biofuels each year. The scheme provides for production of 112m litres of biofuels in 2007, including 40m litres of bioethanol and 3m litres of pure plant oil. This is in addition to the pilot scheme, which provides for the production of 10.5m litres of bioethanol and pure plant oil in 2007.

The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes were rolled out as competitive calls for proposals. They involved an open and transparent process in which the scoring mechanism was published as part of the application form and accompanying documentation. The schemes were the subject of State Aids applications which were approved by DG Competition. Under State Aids Rules the process must be open and fair and subject to single market rules. 34 applications were received in respect of the 2005 pilot scheme and 102 applications were received under Scheme II.

On 4th March I published the Bioenergy Action Plan which sets out a series of cross-Governmental and inter-agency actions to support the deployment of bioenergy in Ireland. In formulating the plan, it was agreed that while excise relief is an effective short-term measure to stimulate the biofuels market, other policy initiatives, such as a renewables obligation, would be beneficial in the longer-term. The obligation will also give all market players the necessary long-term certainty to make appropriate investment decisions.

Telecommunications Services.

Sean Fleming

Question:

177 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to provide broadband in areas of County Laois where it is currently unavailable. [9223/07]

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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband I am aware that there are still some parts of the country, including areas in County Laois where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. It is planned to address the question of availability of broadband to unserved areas via a new scheme which, when it is fully rolled out, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in these unserved areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme and work on the design of an appropriate tender is underway. Indicative maps are being prepared to help inform the tendering process.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

178 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9299/07]

I have made seven public appointments in the past two months.

On 1st January 2007, two were made to Bord na Mona and four to the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). In addition, one further appointment as Chair of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority was made on 22nd February 2007.

Questions Nos. 179 and 180 answered with Question No. 176.

Departmental Correspondence.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

181 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when correspondence will issue to a local authority (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9391/07]

The Department is in communication with the Chief State Solicitor's Office concerning the preparation of an appropriate lease in respect of the proposed works. Priority is being given to this matter, and when a draft lease has been prepared, it will be forwarded to Donegal County Council for acceptance.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

182 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when correspondence will issue to a local authority (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9392/07]

The harbour at Greencastle is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with the local authority in the first instance.

The first phase of the development at Greencastle involves the construction of a rock breakwater. Initially this involves the carrying out of mitigation works on a number of local properties (as required by An Bord Pleanála) prior to commencement of the project. The initial phase also involves some enabling works including some infilling on the foreshore to construct a haul road to the breakwater, boundary wall construction, coastal footpath formation and associated works. Once these works have been completed the breakwater itself can be constructed.

While this project was approved for funding under the Fishery Harbour Development Programme in 2006 on the usual basis of a 75% grant aid from the Department and a 25% contribution from the local authority, it did not proceed as Donegal County Council advised the Department that it was not in a position to co-fund the project at the normal rate.

Discussions have been ongoing between the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Donegal County Council and I with a view to progressing the project on an agreed basis. These discussions have been concluded and I will be making an offer of grant-aid to Donegal County Council shortly.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

183 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9293/07]

I wish to advise the Deputy that no public appointments were made under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs during the period in question.

Dan Boyle

Question:

184 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9306/07]

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have made no such appointments during the period in question.

Dan Boyle

Question:

185 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9287/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

186 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9298/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.

As the Deputy is aware my Department was not established until mid June 2002. The following table sets out the appointments I have made to State bodies under the aegis of my Department since the beginning of this year.

Name of Body/State Board

Appointments since 01/01/07

National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA)

Mr. Dan Flinter (Chair), Newly appointed

All newly appointed

Ms Mary Davis*, Newly appointed

Ms Lucy Gaffney*, Newly appointed

Mr. Con Haugh*, Newly appointed

Mr. Sean Benton*, Newly appointed

Mr. William Attley*, Newly appointed

Mr. Tom Kiernan*, Newly appointed

Mr. John Treacy*, Newly appointed

Mr. Seán Donnelly*, Newly appointed

Mr. Pat Hickey, Newly appointed

Ms Caroline Murphy, Newly appointed

Ms Miriam O’Callaghan, Newly appointed

Mr. Christy O’Connell, Newly appointed

Horse Racing Ireland

Mr. Michael Murphy Mr. Michael Doyle Mr. James Nicholson

All newly appointed

Bord na gCon

Mr. Tony McKenna Mr. Frank O’Connell

Both re-appointed

Foynes Flying Boat Museum

Mr. Peadar Caffrey

Newly appointed

*Members of the former Campus and Stadium Ireland Development (CSID) Board. NSCDA, which is a statutory body, succeeded CSID in function and responsibility with effect from 1 January 2007.

EU Directives.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

187 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received correspondence from the European Commission dated 15 January 2007 regarding the Working Time Directive; if he responded by the deadline of 1 March 2007; the main points of his response; his views on whether Ireland is in compliance with the European Court of Justice judgments on on-call time, in particular the SiMAP and Jaeger cases, reference C303/98 and C151/02 respectively, as well as the Pfeiffer C-397/01 and Dellas C-14/04 cases; the steps he will take to ensure full compliance with the on-call provisions of the Working Time Directive and the relevant ECJ judgments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9243/07]

I have received a letter from the European Commission on the transposition into Irish law of the Working Time Directive with a request that observations be provided no later than two months from the date of receipt of the letter. I understand that broadly similar letters have issued to twenty-two other Member States. A response is currently being prepared and will issue within the timeframe of the request by the Commission i.e. by 17th March 2007.

Ireland endeavours to meet in full its obligations under European law and will continue to do so. On the basis of observations provided by Ireland, the Commission in its role as guardians of the Treaty will now be in a position to draw its own conclusions on the extent to which Irish legislation transposes the requirements of the Directive, having regard to rulings from the European Court of Justice.

Industrial Development.

John Perry

Question:

188 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number, with regard to the Institute for Trade and Investment of Ireland which was established in 1990 and whose function was to process visas for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, promote Ireland as a location for Taiwanese companies to do business in Europe, assist EI start up companies to find opportunities in Taiwan, promote Ireland’s higher education and place FÁS graduates to companies in Taiwan, of these roles that have been carried out; his views on whether many opportunities have been lost; the plans in place to redress this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9262/07]

John Perry

Question:

189 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the links established and the future plans to further develop opportunities in view of the fact that the current market for Taiwanese companies focus on two main sectors, digital media and software companies and international financial services projects; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 60,000 Taiwanese students enter England on student visas, whereas only seven student visas are granted for Ireland; his plans to redress same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9263/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

In common with most Member States of the United Nations, Ireland recognises the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China. Taiwan's official status is that of a province of China.

The Institute for Trade and Investment of Ireland (ITII) was established in 1989 and it undertakes a range of activities related to the work of some Agencies. ITII promotes Ireland as a location for Taiwan investment. Enterprise Ireland (EI) avails of the services of ITII when necessary, in carrying out its role in promoting the development of Irish exports. This is in addition to the work of the EI office in Hong Kong which also manages activities for the Taiwan market.

In relation to the Deputy's enquiry regarding the ICT sectors, a number of EI clients from the IT and software sectors are very active in the Taiwan market, as Taiwan is a powerhouse in the Electronics sector generally. The world's largest contract semiconductor fabrication facilities are based in Taiwan and a number of Enterprise Ireland's client companies get their Integrated Circuits manufactured there. Ireland's merchandise trade with Taiwan is significant, in 2005 we exported goods to the value of €329m and our imports from Taiwan totalled €920m. In addition, services exports to Taiwan in 2005 totalled €518m and services imports were valued at €31m that year.

ITII also facilitates the work of Enterprise Ireland in recruitment for Irish Higher Education Institutions. The promotion of education is a relatively new activity in Taiwan and, as such, the scale of promotion is low at present but Enterprise Ireland will continue to promote Ireland there, as a location for educational services.

The Institute also handles Visa applications. All applications for student visas are determined by the Visa Office of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in Dublin. On receipt of such study visa applications, the turnaround time in the Dublin Visa Office is currently 5-7 days. This Department are not aware of the exact number of Educational Visas issued, as this is the responsibility of that Department.

FÁS also uses the IITI office to promote its Overseas Graduate Programme. In recent years, the numbers of Irish graduates placed in Taiwan companies has been 4 in 2005, 1 in 2004 and 5 in 2003. I understand that FÁS have recently reviewed this programme and plan to significantly increase the number of graduates placed in the Far East, over the next three years.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

190 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9290/07]

National Competitiveness Council: 6 Appointments were made to the NCC in the first 6 months of 2002.

The Competition Authority: 1 Appointment was made to the Competition Authority on 20th May 2002.

Industrial Development Agency Ireland: 2 Appointments were made to the Board of IDA Ireland in January 2002.

Enterprise Ireland: 1 Appointment was made to the Board of Enterprise Ireland on 8 May 2002.

Crafts Council of Ireland: 2 Appointments were made to the Board of the Crafts Council of Ireland in January 2002.

Shannon Free Airport Development Co. Ltd.: 3 Appointments were made to the Board of Shannon Development on May 22, May 24 and June 5, 2002.

Forfás: 2 Appointments were made to the Board of Forfás on February 7, 2002.

National Standards Authority of Ireland: 4 Appointments were made to the Board of the National Standards Authority of Ireland in April 2002.

Employment Appeals Tribunal: 6 Appointments were made to the Board of the Employment Appeals Tribunal in the first six months of 2002.

Dan Boyle

Question:

191 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9303/07]

Science Foundation Ireland: 1 Appointment made to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland in the last 2 months.

Company Law Review Group: 1 Appointment made to the Board of the CLRG in January 2007.

IDA Ireland: 2 Appointments were made to the IDA Ireland Board on 22 January 2007.

Crafts Council of Ireland: 1 Appointment was made to Board of the Crafts Council of Ireland on 27 Feb 2007.

Forfás: 2 Appointments were made to the Board of Forfás on 1 January 2007.

Employment Appeals Tribunal: 115 Appointments were made to the EAT on 30th January 2007. This comprised of 79 reappointments and 36 new appointments.

The Labour Relations Commission: 2 Appointments were made to the LRC in February 2007.

Expert Group on Future Skills Needs: 1 Appointment was made to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs on 1 January 2007.

Community Employment Schemes.

John Cregan

Question:

192 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress being made in relation to mainstreaming community employment schemes for those participants working with disabled people as personal assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9318/07]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged groups — such as Persons with a Disability, with an opportunity to engage in training and work experience within their communities on a temporary basis. There are approximately 3,000 CE participants inclusive of CE supervisors actively participating in health related services on this programme. An important element of these CE places is the learning that takes place and the qualifications that are gained by FÁS participants through these projects.

The CE programme with its focus on the needs of disadvantaged persons forms a major part of the FÁS response to tackling social exclusion, particularly with reference to Persons with a Disability.

The provision of labour market services to Persons with a Disability is a key priority of the FÁS Statement of Strategy, 2006-2009. In order to facilitate the continuity of provision of health related services to local communities FÁS has ring-fenced and continues to maintain the number of places that provide such services.

Redundancy Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

193 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who received voluntary redundancy from Semperite Ireland in 1978 and 1979 did not receive the State or statutory level of payment in view of the fact that all other employees received their full payment at that time and on foot of the fact that they made an application for same at that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9319/07]

As indicated in a previous reply to Dáil Question No. 1137 dated 31st January 2007 there is no record of a redundancy claim having been received in this Department in the respect of the person concerned.

On making the person concerned redundant, it is up to the employer to pay the statutory payment in the first instance.

If an employee is dissatisfied with the decision of the employer it is open to him to appeal the decision to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. However such an appeal must be made within 12 months of the date of termination of employment. In exceptional cases, the Employment Appeals Tribunal may allow a further delay of 12 months.

Grocery Industry.

Michael Ring

Question:

194 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether there is a cartel in operation within the grocery trade, resulting in small suppliers being forced out of operation, when shops that are tied into a franchise are told not to purchase from small local producers; and if he will investigate this matter. [9394/07]

The Competition Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law in the State. I would urge anyone who is aware of, or who has suspicions regarding anti-competitive practices in the grocery sector, or indeed any other sector, to report all details to the Authority who will investigate the matter. On 20 March 2006 when the Competition (Amendment) Act 2006, which repealed the Groceries Order, came into force, I asked the Competition Authority to review and monitor the structure and operation of the grocery trade for the foreseeable future to see how it responds to the new legislative environment. The Chairperson of the Competition Authority appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business on 21 February last and informed the Committee that the Competition Authority had commenced its Grocery Monitor Project and that the project would: Describe in some detail the structure of the retail and wholesale segments of the grocery sector; Report on business practices in the sector, especially pricing behaviour; and Consider barriers to entry and expansion with a particular focus on the planning system. Following analysis of the information compiled as a result of this project, a Report will be drafted and published by the Competition Authority. I understand that the Authority expects to publish a first report toward the end of the third quarter of 2007. Further reports will be published annually for as long as it is considered necessary or appropriate to do so. It remains the case that the Competition Authority has not received any complaints about the groceries sector since the commencement of the Competition (Amendment) Act 2006. I have however brought the substance of the Deputy's question to the attention of the Chairman of the Authority and asked that the issue be borne in mind as part of the monitoring project. If the Deputy has any further information in regard to this issue, I would suggest that he also pass this on to the Authority.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

195 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 10 for rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9198/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of my Department by the Health Service Executive. It provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to eligible persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation needs. The Health Service Executive has advised that it has terminated payment of a rent supplement in this case as the person in question advised the Executive that he would be commencing full-time employment in February 2007. The Executive has further advised that the person concerned should contact the community welfare officer dealing with the case so that any possible continued entitlement to rent supplement can be determined. The community welfare officer will also advise him about any other payments he may be entitled to, such as family income supplement.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Question:

196 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a financial implication to the changeover of the community welfare officers from the Health Service Executive to his Department; the offices these people will be using; if his Department will be renting out those offices from the HSE; when the transfer is complete, the location the CWOs will be working from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9276/07]

In February 2006 as part of its reform of the Health Sector, the Government decided to transfer certain functions together with staff and other associated resources from the Health Service Executive to my Department. The functions to be transferred include the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme as well as certain other functions. The SWA scheme is currently administered by some 700 Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) and 59 superintendents and supporting clerical and other staff within the Community Welfare Service of the HSE. They will remain community based and will continue to provide key information, advice, advocacy and referral links between agencies following the transfer. The SWA scheme is already 100% funded by my Department and this includes overheads such as accommodation costs. The scheme is currently administered from over 1,000 locations throughout the country. In some cases, the service is provided from premises owned by the HSE. In other cases, the service is provided from premises leased by the HSE in respect of which my Department pays the rent in full or in part. In a small number of cases, the service is provided from Departmental premises. These arrangements will continue in place following the transfer. In November 2006, my Department published a report of a Review of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. The report points to the need for a more streamlined approach to the delivery of income support through the Social Welfare system actively supported by case management. In that regard, the report provides a valuable working template to support the transfer programme. My Department's commitments in Towards 2016, the National Development Plan and the National Anti-Poverty strategy provide further under-pinning for this enhanced approach. The future development of the service following the transfer should see more co-location in Departmental premises. This would be more convenient for customers of the community welfare officer, most of whom are also the Department's customers. Co-location would also bring cost efficiencies. No net increase in Exchequer expenditure is envisaged arising from the transfer functions.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

197 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9295/07]

The statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department, in the first six months of 2002, under the then Minister Mary Coughlan T.D., were the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, Comhairle, the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland and the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board. During that time appointments were made as set out below to the Pensions Board, established in December 1990 under the Pensions Act, 1990 and to the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board, established on 5 June 2002 under the Dormant Accounts Act, 2001.

Pensions Board

Name

Date Appointed

Michael O’Halloran

01/06/02

Carmel Foley

01/06/02

The Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board

Name

Date Appointed

Conleth Bradley

05/06/02

Deirdre Carroll

05/06/02

Una Henry

05/06/02

Áine Hyland

05/06/02

Donal Ó Síocháin

05/06/02

Gerry Ryan

05/06/02

Seamus Thompson

05/06/02

Enda Twomey

05/06/02

Frank Ward

05/06/02

Dan Boyle

Question:

198 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9309/07]

The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, the Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle), the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of my Department.

Appointments were made to the Combat Poverty Agency in the past two months, as set out below:

Combat Poverty Agency

Name

Date Appointed

Peter McKevitt

26/02/07

Brian Duncan (Reappointed)

08/03/07

(Chairperson)

Departmental Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

199 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 213 of 28 February 2007, the number of staff in the Office of Social Inclusion; the grade levels of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9312/07]

The Office for Social Inclusion (OSI), located in my Department, has overall responsibility for the development, monitoring and reporting on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016. The Office, which comprises ten members of staff, co-ordinates the process across Departments, Agencies, Regional and Local Government, and implements key support functions. The grade levels of the staff include a Director, 1 Principal Officer, 2 Assistant Principals, 3 Higher Executive Officers, 2 Administration Officers and 1 Clerical Officer. The key challenge for the Office is to ensure that the social inclusion agenda is being implemented and further developed at national, regional and local levels of government in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. Further information about the Office and its work can be viewed on its website — www.socialinclusion.ie.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Willie Penrose

Question:

200 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason spouses, partners or companions are not eligible to accompany free travel pass holders in Northern Ireland under the all-Ireland free travel scheme which has been recently announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9331/07]

I have recently announced the implementation of the all-Ireland free travel scheme commencing from 2 April which will enable pensioners resident here and in Northern Ireland to travel free of charge on all eligible transport services on the island. This new scheme will extend the existing cross-border free travel arrangements by allowing pensioners resident here travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Likewise, pensioners in Northern Ireland will travel free of charge on transport services in this State. More than 600,000 customers are in receipt of free travel, of which 430,000 are aged over 66 years. The balance of 170,000 free travel recipients are under the age of 66 and so do not qualify for the new scheme. The All-Ireland Free Travel Scheme is based on the existence of criteria of entitlements to free travel North and South for pensioners over the age of 66 and applies only in this category. The extension of the scheme to an all-Ireland free service for over 66's represents a significant expansion in travel opportunities. I will continue to examine any opportunities to further improve and expand on what will, from 2 April, be a very comprehensive free travel scheme. Any additional developments would have to be worked out in conjunction with the authorities in Northern Ireland. The existing cross-border travel scheme, introduced in July 1995, continues to apply to all free travel pass holders, to enable them to make journeys to a point in the Republic of Ireland to a destination in Northern Ireland.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which current Irish recipients of a social welfare payment can qualify for adult dependent allowance in respect of a foreign national spouse living outside this State due to failure to meet immigration requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9375/07]

A qualified adult allowance is payable in addition to the personal rate of social insurance benefit or social assistance where a spouse or cohabiting partner is living with and is dependent on the beneficiary. There are limited circumstances where a person may receive a qualified adult allowance for a spouse where they are not living together — for example where the couple have separated and the spouse continues to be wholly or mainly maintained by the beneficiary, is not cohabiting with another person, does not have income in excess of the specified limit, and the support provided by the beneficiary is at least equal to the relevant rate of allowance. There is a general rule under the social welfare legislation that payment of a weekly social welfare payment is not made while the recipient or his/her qualified adult is absent from the State. However, payment may be allowed in certain specified circumstances and subject to certain conditions. For example, certain social insurance pensions such as State pension (contributory), State pension (transition); and invalidity pension which may include a qualified adult allowance can be payable abroad. Certain short-term social insurance benefits may also be payable abroad for brief periods, for example: illness benefit when the recipient has travelled abroad for the purpose of having treatment, or jobseeker's benefit or allowance for an annual holiday of up to two weeks. Thirdly, social insurance benefits which are awarded under EU Regulation 1408/71 may be payable to EEA nationals while resident in another Member State of the European Union. In each of these circumstances, payments abroad may include payment of the qualified adult allowance where the relevant conditions are shown to be satisfied.

Consultancy Contracts.

Bernard Allen

Question:

202 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the consultants that have been appointed over the past three years to report on the break up of Aer Rianta; the position regarding the development of Shannon Airport and Cork Airport, particularly the development of the new terminal at Cork Airport and the issue of the debt burden. [9250/07]

In 2003 my Department engaged the services of PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) in association with Matheson Ormsby Prentice and Steer Davies Gleave to advise on the restructuring of the State Airports and on the drafting of the State Airports Act 2004. After the enactment of the legislation PWC were also engaged to advise me and the Minister for Finance on the implementation of the State Airports Act, and particularly on the development of Business Plans by the three Airports. The current position with regard to the development of Shannon Airport is that if it is to develop as a successful and sustainable business, it is clear that one of the major issues that must be addressed in its business plan is the airport's uncompetitive cost base. When that obstacle is overcome the Airport will have a real opportunity to develop new markets and to attract the airline customers that it needs for its commercial future. In this context, I am glad to see that the Labour Relations Commission has once again engaged with all parties to seek to resolve the outstanding issues following the recent rejection of a comprehensive package designed to deal with the costs issues at Shannon put forward by the Dublin Airport Authority.

The Cork Airport Development Project, which was completed last year, is comprised not only of a new terminal, but also a fire station, car parks, a combined utility building and new roads and pathways and associated works at a total cost of €184 million. As I have said before, the funding of these developments will have to take account, not only of what is commercially and financially feasible for Cork Airport, but also what is commercially and financially feasible for Dublin Airport. If the Cork Airport Authority is to achieve autonomy in the foreseeable future, it will have to accept responsibility for a reasonable portion of the outstanding debt of €200 million, in return for the substantial assets to be transferred to it on separation. In deciding what level of debt is to be borne by Cork, it will have to be manifest to all concerned that it is a manageable debt burden that would not put at risk the airport's commercial future. The future plans for both Shannon and Cork as independent airports must have regard to the capacity of each airport to contribute to its own capital investment programme.

Parking Regulations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

203 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 1 March 2007, if parking regulations apply to parking on footpaths which are situated on a road which is in the charge of a local authority but where the footpaths themselves are not in the charge of the local authority. [9277/07]

The remit of the Minister for Transport and of the road traffic and parking regulations made under the Road Traffic Acts 1961-2006 to prohibit the parking of vehicles on footpaths only apply to footpaths on public roads. Areas adjacent to public roads or footpaths that are in private ownership such as, for example, a forecourt area in front of a shop, are not subject to road traffic law as regards parking and the owners or occupiers of such property can reserve parking in that private area for their own purposes. The road traffic and parking regulations (article 13(2) of S.I. No. 182 of 1997) permit a vehicle to be driven along or across a footway (i.e. a public road footpath) for the purpose of access to or egress from a place adjacent to the footway and this would include a private forecourt area in the example that I referred to.

State Airports.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

204 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the extent of the distributable reserves held by the Dublin Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9278/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

205 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the basis on which the decision to allocate a proportion of Cork Airport’s debt to the airport was reached; the financial information which he relied upon in making this decision; if he will publish this financial information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9279/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

I understand that the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has engaged the services of a consultancy firm to work with the management of the Cork Airport Authority in drawing up a business plan that would allow for the separation of Cork Airport from the DAA under the State Airports Act 2004. As part of that work the firm was also asked by the DAA to recommend an appropriate financing proposal for DAA, which would facilitate the statutory objective of airport separation in a timely manner, consistent with the requirements of the State Airports Act 2004 and the Companies Act. I understand that the outcome of this analysis was that Cork Airport could sustain a substantial portion of the overall debt while remaining a very viable enterprise. I am not in a position to publish the financial information as the report was commissioned by the DAA and not the Department of Transport. There is now a significant opportunity for Cork airport to achieve the autonomy that the region needs and desires. I believe that autonomy can proceed quickly provided the Cork airport board can agree a realistic business plan that includes an appropriate financial mechanism for the transfer of substantial assets to the Cork Airport Authority on vesting. The level of the distributable reserves of the Dublin Airport Authority is the responsibility, in the first instance, of the Board and Management of the company and details of the reserves are published annually in its audited accounts.

Open Skies Agreement.

Pat Breen

Question:

206 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 422 of 27 February 2007, the transitional arrangements he envisages for Shannon in the event of an Open Skies agreement being reached between the EU and US on 30 April 2007; the capital investment he envisages for the region under his Department’s tourism and economic development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9280/07]

In November 2005, EU and US negotiators concluded work on the text of a first phase EU-US Open Skies agreement that included a transitional arrangement for Ireland, relating to the phasing out of the ‘Shannon Stop'. During the transition period, the ratio of Dublin/Shannon flights would move from 1:1 to 3:1 so that for every one flight to or from Shannon, a carrier can provide three flights to or from Dublin. The draft agreement was unanimously endorsed at the December 2005 Transport Council subject to sufficient progress by the US side on opening up ownership and control of US airlines to EU investors.

Following difficulties on the US side, negotiations at EU-US level resumed in January 2007, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the goal of concluding an EU-US agreement that would open access to markets and maximise benefits on both sides of the Atlantic. A draft Open Skies agreement between the EU and US was recently finalised and the text will be presented to Transport Ministers for decision at the next Council Meeting on 22 March 2007.

The transitional arrangements for Ireland incorporated in the proposed EU US Aviation Agreement in November 2005, related to the period from October 2006 to April 2008. It has recently been agreed with the US and the European Commission that these transitional arrangements will stand as originally agreed and that full liberalisation will take effect from April 2008.

As I indicated in my previous reply, my Department is currently finalising an Economic and Tourism Development Plan for Shannon, with a view to assisting Shannon Airport, and the wider region, to adapt to the proposed new arrangements. In preparing the Plan, my Department has consulted with the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, the Department of Finance and the Department of Communications and Natural Resources. A liaison group, established by the Mid West Regional Authority, has separately prepared a report on the future development of the Shannon region as an input to the Plan.

It remains my intention to bring the Economic and Tourism Development Plan to fruition in the context of the formal agreement of the EU/US Open Skies proposals.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

207 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the criteria and selection processes used for the appointment of the new chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency; the job specification attached to the new appointment, with particular reference to the chairmanship of the new Dublin Transportation Authority; the statutory powers invested in the new position; the persons involved in the recruitment process; and the mechanism for independent oversight of the process that was put in place. [9285/07]

In accordance with section 20(6) of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001, each member of the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), including the Chairman, shall be a person who the Minister for Transport deems has wide experience and competence in relation to one or more of the areas listed in that section.

Mr. Tom Mulcahy, whom I appointed as Chairman of the RPA on 7 February last, has more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry and he brings unparalleled business and management expertise to his new role in the Agency.

Appointments to the Board of the RPA are made under the relevant provisions of the 2001 Act, in particular sections 20, 21 and 23.

I will be publishing the Dublin Transport Authority Bill during the current Dáil session. The Bill will provide for the establishment of the Authority on a statutory basis including the appointment of a chairman and board.

I decided that it was appropriate at this juncture to appoint Mr. Tom Mulcahy as Chairman designate to commence the preparatory work for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority in advance of the enactment of the legislation. Pending enactment of the Bill no statutory powers are vested in this position.

Dan Boyle

Question:

208 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9296/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

209 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Transport the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9310/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 209 together.

The following table sets out the position concerning public appointments made during the first 6 months of 2002 and the past 2 months.

State Body

Public Appointments During the First 6 Months of 2002 (9296/07)

Public Appointments During the First 2 Months of 2007 (9310/07)

National Roads Authority

6

3

Córas Iompair Éireann

1

0

Aer Rianta

3

Not Applicable

Dublin Airport Authority

Not Applicable

0

Cork Airport Authority

Not Applicable

5

Shannon Airport Authority

Not Applicable

5

Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation

Not Applicable

0

National Safety Council

9

Not Applicable

Road Safety Authority

Not Applicable

0

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

0

1

Railway Procurement Agency

6

4

Dublin Transportation Office

0

0

Irish Aviation Authority

3

0

Marine Casualty Investigation Board

2

0

Dundalk Port Company

10

1

Drogheda Port Company

4

0

Dublin Port Company

6

0

Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company

8

0

Galway Harbour Company

7

0

New Ross Port Company

8

0

Port of Cork Company

7

0

Port of Waterford Company

0

0

Wicklow Port Company

9

0

Shannon Foynes Port Company

9

0

Rail Services.

David Stanton

Question:

210 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 21 February 2007, if he has made a decision on the railway order application; if he has not signed the railway order; the reason for not having done so; when he expects to sign the order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9311/07]

The position remains as set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 21 February 2007. I will make a decision on the Railway Order in the near future.

Road Network.

Richard Bruton

Question:

211 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the spending under the roads programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006; and the percentage of projects completed as measured in kilometres or other appropriate measures of physical completion on motorway projects on national primary road projects and on national secondary road projects as reportable to the monitoring committees. [9342/07]

The Government's objectives for national roads under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006 were as follows:

Completion of the Major Interurban Routes (MIUs) to the Border (M1), Galway (N4/6), Limerick (N7), Cork (N8) and Waterford (N9).

The upgrade of the M50.

The completion of the Dublin Port Tunnel.

Improvement works on sections of other primary and secondary national routes.

By the end of 2006 all of the road schemes on the MIU's were through statutory approval procedures. 70% of the routes were completed or in construction and all are due for completion in 2010. The Dublin Port Tunnel was opened to traffic in December 2006.

The nature of the M50 upgrade as originally envisaged in the NDP has changed radically. The upgrade will now be carried out in three phases, two of which are already underway. Full completion is expected in 2010.

Transport 21 has set down new revised targets for the National Roads Programme. I understand from the NRA that they are on schedule to meet these new targets.

Should the Deputy require additional more detailed information, I would draw his attention to the bi-annual reports drawn up by my Department and presented to the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme Monitoring Group. All of these reports (since 2000) are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website (www.transport.ie). The latest report covers the period January to June 2006. The report covering the period from June to December 2006 will be available in April 2007 and its findings will be published shortly thereafter.

Port Sector.

Richard Bruton

Question:

212 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the date when it was decided to review port capacity and develop a strategy for the future; and when it is expected that this will be published. [9383/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

214 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the additional capacity which has been added to Ireland’s seven national ports in the past six years; and his estimate of available spare capacity in each of the ports at present. [9385/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 214 together.

The Ports Policy Statement, which I launched in January 2005, aims to better equip the port sector and its stakeholders to meet national and regional capacity and service needs.

One of the key challenges that lie ahead is the provision of adequate in-time port capacity, particularly for unitised trade (LoLo and RoRo). The Policy Statement sets out a framework to ensure that capacity needs are identified, planned and progressed in a coordinated manner.

As part of this process, in September 2005 my Department appointed a firm of consultants expert in this field, Fisher Associates, to help determine whether the anticipated capacity requirement to 2014 and beyond can be efficiently and adequately met through the successful advancement and implementation by the port sector of some combination of the various proposals currently under development in the sector.

Detailed submissions outlining proposals for new capacity for unitised trade were received from the following ports and evaluated by Fisher Associates: Cork, Greenore, Dublin, Drogheda, Rosslare, Shannon Foynes and Waterford.

The final report of Fisher Associates was completed in June 2006 and its conclusions were noted by the Government in July 2006. The broad conclusions of the report were published in an Information Paper, which is available on my Department's website at www.transport.ie.

With regard to spare capacity the report concludes that there is currently significant available capacity for LoLo traffic at Irish ports. Current available capacity for RoRo traffic also exists, although less so than in the case of LoLo. The ports operate in a competitive market, and therefore detailed information on the spare capacity at each port would be regarded as commercially sensitive information.

With regard to additional capacity that has been added to over the past six years, I can inform the Deputy that in total 10 port infrastructure projects have received funding to date under the Seaports Measure of the previous NDP 2000-2006. To date approximately €14.5 million of grant aid has been paid to these projects, following a competitive call for proposals. Further funding is still available in 2007 for eligible expenditure related to the approved projects.

In addition to these grant-aided projects, each of the ten port companies have also made significant investments from their own resources to develop their ports and increase capacity. These investments have facilitated a growth in tonnage throughput in the State's ports of 32% between 2000 and 2005 (CSO figures).

Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Question:

213 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses in the Dublin Bus fleet; the passenger capacity and passengers carried each year from 1999 to 2006; the number of DART carriages; the passenger capacity of the rolling stock and the passengers carried in each year from 1999 to 2006; the number of Dublin suburban rail carriages; the passenger capacity and the passengers carried in each year from 1999 to 2006; and the share of Dublin commuter traffic held by cars, public transport and other means in each year from 1999 to 2006. [9384/07]

The information requested is currently being compiled by my Department in conjunction with Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and the Dublin Transport Office and will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Question No. 214 answered with QuestionNo. 212.

Richard Bruton

Question:

215 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of Luas carriages on each of the Luas lines; the passenger capacity of same; and the passenger carryings in each year since they opened. [9388/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Red Line

Green Line

No. of trams

26 (30 Metre)

14 (40 Metre)

Capacity of tram

235 people

310 people

Passenger Nos.

2004

2.2 million

4.4 million

2005

11 million

11.2 million

2006

13.7 million

12.1 million

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

216 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9288/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

217 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9300/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was established on the 6th June 2002, and I can confirm that no public appointments were made by my Department in the period 6th June to 30th June 2002.

In the period 1st January 2007 to date, in accordance with the Dormant Accounts Acts, 2001 to 2005, two public appointments have been made to the Dormant Accounts Board, both effective from the 22nd February 2007.

Food Safety Standards.

Mary Upton

Question:

218 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she or her officials have held either informal or formal discussions directly with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or with her colleague the Minister for Health and Children regarding the phenomenon of food fraud; if her attention has been drawn to the work being carried out by the UK Food Standards Agency in the area of food fraud; the action her Department is taking to contribute to the eradication of this threat to the integrity of Ireland’s food industry implementation to date; the number of DNA tests to detect food fraud on food sold here been carried out either at her Department’s behest or by other Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9214/07]

My Department enforces food legislation on behalf of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) by way of a service contract agreed between the Department and the Authority. In accordance with the service contract officials from my Department meet on a regular basis with the FSAI to discuss food safety and the enforcement of related regulations. During these discussions all aspects of food safety are raised, including where necessary the question of food fraud, to ensure that consumer health interests are protected through official controls undertaken by DAF personnel.

The concept of food fraud encompasses a wide variety of possible activities the intent of which is to mislead the consumer as to the nature, origin or quality of a food product. The Food Safety Authority, my Department and the other official agencies engaged in food law enforcement will ensure that there will be appropriate enforcement action taken where any such activities are suspected. Such action will include prosecution of offenders where necessary.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has undertaken a range of activities in the area of food fraud in recent years. In addition to establishing a cross Agency working group which considered the issues relating to illegal imports of products of animal origin and providing training on import controls to HSE inspectors, two investigations which highlight this work are:

1. Investigation of the composition and labelling of chicken breast fillets from the Netherlands imported into Ireland — February 2003

2. Analytical and traceability survey to determine the authenticity of honey labelled as Irish on the Irish market — May 2006

In all cases of food fraud, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the relevant Official agencies consider prosecution wherever deliberate fraud is found.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is currently completing work on an audit to determine compliance with labelling and traceability legislation. As part of this project 12 official samples were taken by FSAI personnel. These samples have been sent for DNA testing. The results of these tests are not yet available.

In April 2006, the UK Food Standards Agency Food Fraud Task Force (FFTF) consisting of 14 members was convened and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland was also asked to participate.

Meetings of the FFTF are attended by FSAI staff, as was a recent seminar on Food Authenticity held at Food Standard Agency Headquarters in London. The seminar looked at recently developed methods that could be used to support food authenticity and enforcement with the aim of ensuring consumers receive accurate information about food products they purchase.

Farm Waste Management.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

219 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who have applied under the new farm waste management scheme; the number of applications sanctioned to date; if she has satisfied herself that there is sufficient personnel available in the farm development offices to process the urgent applications where facilities need to be sanctioned and built for pollution control this season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9233/07]

48,580 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Waste Management Scheme by the closing date of end-December 2006. This figure includes incomplete applications (e.g. missing the required drawings) and those for which planning permission has either not yet been applied for or is still awaited. Farmers and their advisers have until end-March 2007 to submit the required drawings and, where planning permission is required, to confirm that they have applied for planning permission. Of course, approval to proceed with the works concerned cannot issue until written evidence of the issue of such planning permission has been received by my Department.

To date, approximately 10,600 approvals have been issued to farmers to commence work under the Scheme and revised arrangements are being introduced later this week to speed up the approval process under the Scheme. The staffing levels in the local AES offices of my Department are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary staffing resources are in place to ensure delivery of the Scheme.

Horticulture Sector.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

220 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way she will respond to the Irish Farmers Association’s claim that the vegetable growing industry will be gone within three years if the present situation with regard to the dominance of supermarket multiples persists. [9282/07]

The vegetable sector is a very important sector of the horticultural industry which is capable of further substantial growth and development. The value of farm gate output of the fresh vegetables sector in 2006 is estimated at €80m of which outdoor field vegetables were valued at approximately €60m. While there has been a consolidation of grower numbers over the last number of years, production has remained relatively steady. As is common for all sectors of the food industry the vegetable sector has experienced strong competitive pressures from the highly concentrated retail chain which has resulted in static or falling prices. The Deputies will appreciate that in a free market situation the Minister does not have the power to set prices.

However, my Department provides substantial indirect support to the sector through the EU Producer Organisation Scheme and through the National Development Plan.

The Producer Organisation Scheme provides a mechanism for producers to work together to strengthen their position in the market place by becoming part of a larger supply base, and thereby putting them in a position to negotiate more effectively with the supermarket multiples. Since 2000 over €24m in EU aid has been paid out to Irish POs of which fruit and vegetable POs have received approximately €2m. The proposals for reform of the Common Organisation of the Market for Fruit and Vegetables, which were presented to the Agriculture Council on 29 January, identify a strengthening of the role for POs as the core part of the strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future. The number of vegetable growers involved in Producer Organisations is relatively small. All growers should be encouraged to consider the potential benefits which membership can bring to their enterprise.

Under the 2000-2006 NDP Scheme of Investment Aid for development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector over €20m has been paid out of which in excess of €3m was provided to vegetable producers. This scheme has enabled vegetable growers to reduce costs and improve the quality of products. Further grant aid of €10.5m has been provided for downstream developments in the edible horticulture industry of which the vegetable sector has been the main beneficiary. Under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013 some €49m is being provided for horticultural producers and I hope to be in a position to announce the commencement of this scheme shortly following its clearance by the European Commission. In accordance with the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan this support which will be strategically targeted will improve the overall development and competitiveness of the sector.

Afforestation Programme.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

221 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason there is no requirement to use any native species of tree in the national afforestation programme, Growing for the Future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7476/07]

The Planting policy on species selection seeks to increase the diversity of species planted in Irish forests.

For landowners planting under the national afforestation programme, the choice of species is a matter for the individual who is planting, subject to site suitability and its inclusion in the Forest Service's Approved Species List. This list includes several native species.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

222 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she will issue farmers with a copy of her Department’s inspection checklist on cross compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8798/07]

Insofar as the Department's inspection checklist on cross compliance is concerned this is an internal checklist used for the 2006 inspections which was made available to the farming organisations and the farmers being inspected. It is not a document for completion by the farmer. This checklist is being reviewed as part of the full review my Department is carrying out on the inspection arrangements for the Single Payment Scheme with a view to simplification of the arrangements (including paperwork) where possible while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements. The review of the inspection report forms together with the outcome of the Commission's review of the cross-compliance arrangements generally, will be fully discussed with the farming organisations before the inspections for 2007 get underway.

Denis Naughten

Question:

223 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that farmers can receive their REP scheme payment and compensatory allowance on lands used to grow renewable crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8799/07]

REPS farmers availing of the €45 per ha premium under the EU Energy Crops Scheme will have their REPS payment adjusted to avoid double payment on the area planted to comply with EU regulatory requirements. They will, however, qualify for the 50% establishment grant and the €80 per ha national top up payment.

As payment under the Area-Based Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowances Scheme is based on eligible forage areas i.e. lands used for grazing of cattle, sheep, horses, goats or deer, it will not be possible to pay this allowance on lands where bio energy crops are produced.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Denis Naughten

Question:

224 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans her Department has to evaluate the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8847/07]

I wish to inform the Deputy that Teagasc, at my request, carried out a study in 2006 involving the evaluation of the possible national economic implications for the Agri-Food industry from the use of GMOs in crop and livestock production. Teagasc based their study on the following scenarios:

(i) The economic implications of only allowing the importation into Ireland of certified GM-free soya bean and maize livestock feed ingredients; and

(ii) 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 feedingstuffs. 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 relation to Identity Preservation for conventional growers in a coexistence arrangement.

I have no plans at present to commission any further evaluations on the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

225 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will introduce a specific single farm payment reserve fund to allocate a top payment to those who fared poorly under the national reserve allocation due to the DED averaging system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8808/07]

The position is that the Single Payment Scheme is applicable to farmers who farmed during the three-year reference period 2000-2002, who drew down livestock or Arable Aid premia in at least one of those years and who continued to farm in 2005. The Single Payment Scheme entitlements established for individual farmers, therefore, are a true reflection of their farming activity and premia draw-down during the reference period. Special provisions were made for farmers (including young farmers) who entered farming for the first time in either 2001 or 2002. Their Single Payment was determined based on the average of the years 2001 and 2002 or on the basis of premia paid in 2002 as appropriate.

The EU regulations also provided for the setting up of a National Reserve. In Ireland's case, the Reserve was created by reducing each farmer's individual Single Payment by an amount of up to 1.82%. The purpose of the National Reserve is to try and minimise the impact on farmers who, for a variety of reasons, may find themselves disadvantaged in the transition to the new decoupled support regime as a result of changes in their businesses during or since the reference period. There were mandatory and non-mandatory categories of farmers catered for when working allocations under the 2005 National Reserve. The mandatory categories included those who inherited land that was leased out during the reference period, those who made investments in production capacity or purchased or leased land on a long-term basis or who converted from dairying to a sector for which a direct payment would have been payable during the reference period. The non-mandatory categories were those dealing with new entrants and certain hill sheep farmers who were prevented from increasing production during the reference period pending the publication of commonage framework plans. Separate application arrangements were in place for this latter group.

In allocating entitlements to successful applicants in the mandatory categories the Member State must apply objective criteria and ensure equal treatment between farmers. In allocating entitlements to successful applicants in the non- mandatory categories the Member State must ensure that the allocation does not have the effect of increasing the value of any existing entitlements above the regional average value of entitlements. Similarly, the value of any new entitlements allocated to non-mandatory categories must not exceed the regional average. The Member State was allowed to determine what constituted the regional average.

I established a Single Payment Advisory Committee comprising representatives of the farming organisations, Teagasc and officials from my Department to assist me in considering the objective criteria that should be used in making allocations from the reserve to the mandatory categories and also the most appropriate way to determine the regional average value of entitlements in the case of the non-mandatory categories. Having considered the Committee's views, I decided that the regional average value of entitlements would be the average value of entitlements in the District Electoral Division (DED) associated with the applicant's herd number. This was considered to be a reasonable interpretation reflecting, as it did, the average value of payment entitlements and therefore the average farming activity in the DED concerned during the reference period.

The total amount of money available for distribution under Ireland's 2005 National Reserve was some €22.7m of which some €18m has already been allocated. Any remaining balance will be carried forward to the 2006 and subsequent years' Reserve. In this connection the Member State is only obliged to have one mandatory category from 2006 onwards for farmers who inherited land that was leased out during the reference period. However, I have arranged that new entrants to farming would again be catered for under the 2006 National Reserve.

I'm sure the Deputy will appreciate that the National Reserve is a scarce resource created by reducing the entitlements of existing farmers and will only be replenished by a claw-back on sales of entitlements and the relinquishing of any entitlements that remain unused. My Department must, therefore, be prudent in determining how the funds in the reserve are administered. I have no plans therefore to create a new reserve as suggested by the Deputy.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Ivor Callely

Question:

226 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of funding available in 2007 under the area aid compensation allowance scheme; the level of payments made under the scheme in 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9191/07]

My Department has allocated €257 million for the 2007 Area-Based Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme. This amount includes provision for an across-the-board payment increase of 8% over and above the 2006 basic grant rates. At present, approval is awaited from the EU Commission for the 2007 Scheme, which forms part of the Rural Development Programme Plan 2007 to 2013.

Under the 2006 Scheme my Department has to date paid €252.16 million to 101,244 farmers. This includes €18.46 million of Modulation Funds, which was used to pay a top-up of approximately 7.9% on the basic grant rates. Modulation is the process whereby each farmer's Single Payment entitlement is reduced by a set percentage — 3% in 2005, with up to 80% of the resulting amount being retained in Ireland for spending on Rural Development measures.

Under the 2005 Scheme my Department has to date paid €235.85 million to 101,996 farmers.

Horticulture Sector.

Ivor Callely

Question:

227 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of supports for the development and promotion of horticultural production to growers; if she will provide a breakdown of such supports; the regions involved in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9192/07]

My Department has contributed to the development of the horticulture industry particularly through its grant aid schemes under the National Development Plan. These schemes have been a catalyst for investment and growth and have assisted producers to upgrade or develop new production facilities and have also enabled commercial enterprises to improve marketing and processing facilities.

The Scheme to assist capital investment on farms under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 aimed to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improvement in the quality of products and to facilitate environmentally friendly practices and improved working conditions on farms. My Department has paid grant aid amounting to some €20 million to producers under the NDP Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of Commercial Horticulture. In addition under the NDP Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of Agricultural Products a total of €18.7 million has been awarded to operators in the fruit, vegetable and potato sectors. Taken together, these two schemes have leveraged an investment of over €110 million in these sectors so far in the new millennium. Both schemes were available to applicants in the BMW (Border, Midlands and West) and SE (South and East) regions.

Under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013, further substantial funding, circa €50 million, has been earmarked for producers. I intend to announce the first phase of this scheme for 2007 as soon as the programme is cleared under the EU rules.

In addition fruit and vegetable producers benefit from EU aid under the Producer Organisation (PO) scheme. POs provide their members the opportunity to concentrate marketing, reduce production costs and stabilize prices. The proposals for reform of the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables, which were presented to the Agriculture Council on 29 January, identify a strengthening of the role for POs as the core part of the strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future. The proposals include measures for crisis management organized through POs and enhanced aid for measures both within and outside the PO framework to promote consumption of fruit and vegetables particularly by young people.

Since 2000, twenty Irish POs have benefited from EU funding amounting to €24 million. With proposals now on the table for greater flexibility in the EU rules, governing the formation and operation of POs, I hope to see them playing a much greater role in the future in supporting Irish producers of fruit and vegetables.

Food Safety Standards.

Ivor Callely

Question:

228 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if all imported food products, particularly poultry, meet with the best practice in health and hygiene standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9193/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has satisfied herself that all poultry and poultry products imported are compliant with labelling, traceability, husbandry, production and hygiene standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9346/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 244 together.

All poultry meat and poultry meat products imported into Ireland for human consumption are subject to checks to ensure compliance with both EU and National regulations.

Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that Member States must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal origin, including poultry meat and poultry meat products, as well as to imports of these products from third countries.

Under harmonized 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 FVO (Food & Veterinary Office) 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.

Import controls form a part of the EU's integrated policy of guaranteeing that the food produced and placed on to the market is safe and that animal and public health is not put at risk. They are a part of the EU's hygiene package the implementation and monitoring of which is carried out since 1999 by my Department under the Service Contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

Food Labelling.

Ivor Callely

Question:

229 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to concerns or gaps in the labelling framework of food products particularly imported produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9194/07]

The enforcement of all food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). This work is carried out through a number service contracts between the FSAI and other Government Departments and Agencies including my own Department. The Department of Health & Children is responsible for general food labelling regulations, the Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources has responsibility for the labelling of fish and my Department is responsible for the labelling of specific food products including beef and poultry meat at processing plants.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the issue of substantial transformation which is defined in Article 24 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the EU Customs Code as "Goods whose production involved more than one country shall be deemed to originate in the country where they underwent their last, substantial, economically justified processing or working in an undertaking equipped for that purpose and resulting in the manufacture of a new product or representing an important stage of manufacture".

A central element of food labelling is that the consumer should not be misled. It is my firm view that the concept of substantial transformation should not be used for the purposes of misleading the consumer as to the origin of raw materials.

I have made my concerns in this respect known to the EU Commission both in the context of the review being carried out by them on "Labelling, competitiveness, consumer information, better regulation for the EU" and in the Council of Ministers as well as in bilateral contact with Commissioners Fischer Boel and Kyprianou. I will continue to pursue this matter at EU level.

Grant Payments.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

230 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway was refused the single farm payment in 2005 and 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9217/07]

In order to receive payment under the Single Payment Scheme, a person must have Single Payment Entitlements. The person named does not have Single Payment Entitlements. He did not farm during the reference years 2000-2002. He inherited land from his mother in 2001 but did not commence farming in his own right until 2005. He did not inherit any entitlements because the land that he inherited had been rented out to another farmer during the reference years. He did not lease in or buy in any entitlements. As a new entrant to farming in 2005, he could have applied for entitlements to the National Reserve. There is no record of such an application.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

231 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a farmer (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be awarded their REP scheme payment which was due in September 2006 but held up on a technicality; if she has satisfied herself that this is an acceptable way to encourage young farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9224/07]

My Department's records have revealed that the farming enterprise of the person named produced considerably in excess of the REPS upper limit of 170 kgs organic nitrogen per hectare in 2005. This is a serious breach of the Scheme conditions. He was informed of this breach by letter on 4 September 2006 and was asked for an explanation. He provided an unsatisfactory explanation on 18 December 2006 and my Department will be writing to him again shortly.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

232 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a farmer (details supplied) in County Cavan will have their inheritance sorted out and money awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9225/07]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A B and D.

Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as the land was not acquired free of charge or for a nominal fee.

Category B caters for farmers who made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The person named applied in relation to investment in land and was deemed successful.

A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the National Reserve has issued to the person named and the relevant payment due has issued.

Category D caters for farmers who inherited or purchased land and who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as leased land was not eligible under this category in 2005.

The person named submitted an appeal against this decision. This appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who have completed their review and they have upheld my Department's decision. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee has issued to the person named.

The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B.

Category B in the 2006 National Reserve caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.

The position is that processing of the 2006 National Reserve applications will commence shortly and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity.

A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the 2006 National Reserve will issue to the person named as soon as his application has been processed.

Denis Naughten

Question:

233 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in issuing a single farm payment to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9229/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 27th April 2006.

During processing of the Transfer application it was necessary for an official of my Department to request specific documentation relating to the application. The requested information was received and the application is now fully processed.

Payment in respect of 12.51 transferred entitlements will issue shortly.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

234 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason there has been a delay in the REP scheme payment to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [9249/07]

There has been no delay in dealing with this application, which was received on 18 January and was processed in accordance with Charter of Rights for Farmers guidelines. Payment issued on 28 February.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

John Perry

Question:

235 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason hundreds of retired farmers are suffering severe financial hardship due to an unfairly implemented EU pension scheme; the measures in place to redress same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9270/07]

I do not accept that the EU co-funded Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming have been implemented unfairly. As regards the level of pension under the 1994–1999 and 2000–2006 Schemes, the possibility of a co-funded increase was raised with the European Commission on a number of occasions but they ruled it out. In 2006, however, I secured an indication from the Commission that they would not object to the payment of a top-up amount to existing Scheme participants provided it was funded entirely from the National Exchequer. As part of the Towards 2016 agreement negotiated with the farming organizations, the maximum rate of pension payable under the 1994 Scheme was increased from €12,075 to €14,075 and the maximum rate of pension payable under the 2000 Scheme went up from €13,515 to €15,000. These increases which were paid with effect from 1 November,2006 will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes and some 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

As regards the deduction of national retirement pensions from Early Retirement pensions, this is a requirement of the EU Council Regulations under which the 1994 and 2000 Early Retirement Schemes were introduced. In the earlier years of the 1994 Scheme, not all national retirement pensions were offset against the EU-funded pension. Following clarification from the European Commission, a broader definition of national retirement pensions was applied. However those participants who had already joined the Scheme continued to benefit from the previous arrangement.

Regarding the implication of decoupling for retired farmers who had leased out land and quota to transferees before or during the Single Payment Scheme reference period, I believe we secured the best deal that we could for people in this situation, in spite of the reluctance of the Commission at the outset. A specific mandatory category was included in the National Reserve arrangements under the Single Payment Scheme. This category caters for farmers who inherited or otherwise received a holding free of charge or for a nominal amount from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005 where the land in question was leased out to a third party during the reference period. Under these arrangements, where a farm reverts to the retired farmer at the end of a lease without any entitlements, the farmer taking it over will have access to the National Reserve. Retired farmers in the Early Retirement Scheme who farmed during part or all of the reference period and who held Single Payment entitlements could activate entitlements and lease them to their transferees. If the transferee did not wish to use the entitlements, a transferor has until 2007 to lease the entitlements with land to another farmer. Once at least 80% of the entitlements have been used by the lessee, the transferor has the option to sell the entitlements with or without land; otherwise he can continue to lease the entitlements with land.

Live Exports.

Tony Gregory

Question:

236 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cattle and calves exported from the Republic of Ireland to continental Europe in 2006 by direct roll-on, roll-off ferry from Ireland to the Continent, by ferry and road via Britain using the UK land-bridge route and by other means. [9271/07]

Tony Gregory

Question:

237 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the minimum age at which calves can be exported from the Republic of Ireland to continental Europe; the number of calves under six weeks old that were exported from the Republic of Ireland to continental Europe in 2006; and the number of calves under six weeks old that travelled from the Republic of Ireland to the continent in 2006 by ferry and road via Britain using the UK land-bridge route. [9272/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.

Two Roll on-Roll off vessels are approved for the carriage of livestock including cattle, sheep and pigs. Horses may be transported on these vessels also under certain specified conditions. One of the vessels is authorised to carry 21 approved livestock vehicles and the second vessel is authorised to carry 4 approved livestock vehicles. Both vessels operate on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route. There are no vessels approved at present to transport cattle from here to Great Britain but the UK land-bridge route via Larne is used for some exports to the continent.

The transport of calves on journeys over 8 hours is permitted only in respect of calves that are older than fourteen days.

A total of 251,203 cattle of all ages including calves were exported to all destinations in 2006 of which 222,350 were exported to continental Europe. In 2006 a total of 91,569 calves less than 6 weeks old were exported from Ireland to continental Europe. Details of the routes used for these exports are not readily available.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

238 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of public appointments made under the aegis of her Department in the first six months of 2002. [9286/07]

Some 13 appointments to public bodies under the aegis of my Department were made in the first six months of 2002.

Dan Boyle

Question:

239 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of public appointments she made in the past two months. [9297/07]

In the last two months, I have made four appointments to public bodies under the aegis of my Department to fill vacancies routinely arising.

Installation Aid Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to an application for installation aid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9316/07]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Installation Aid Scheme. His application for payment (IAS 2) form is currently being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified shortly.

Farm Waste Management.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she will take to encourage the proliferation of anaerobic digesters to cater for farm waste, improve efficiency, become more eco-friendly and contribute to the energy grid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9343/07]

Under the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme, it is proposed to grant-aid the construction of on-farm waste processing systems, including anaerobic digestion. The details of the proposed Scheme will be established as soon as EU approval is received for the overall Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

242 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the methodology for the disposal of bonemeal or similar products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9344/07]

The meat sector in Ireland generates approximately 560,000 tonnes of animal by-products annually, which in turn is rendered into 150,000 tonnes of meat and bone meal (MBM) and 90,000 tonnes of tallow.

The EU ban in November 2000 on the feeding of MBM to cattle had the effect of transforming a product with a high commercial value to a product with significant disposal costs. In the aftermath of the ban all MBM produced in Ireland was either stored in Ireland or the UK or exported to other Member States for incineration or co-incineration in cement or electricity plants. During the period following the MBM feed ban, the Exchequer supported the livestock and meat sectors by subsidising the rendering and destruction of the product (costing €146m between 2001 and 2003), as did most other EU countries.

The costs of dealing with MBM have since been passed back to the industry. The cost has been particularly high for the Irish livestock and meat sectors because of the absence of domestic disposal facilities. Other Member States generally had domestic disposal facilities.

The legislative basis for the control and use of animal by-products including MBM is Regulation (EC) No 1774 of 2002. The Regulation classifies animal by-products into three risk categories, ranging from Category 1 (high risk material, totally excluded from the foodchain) to Category 3 (material fit for human consumption, but not intended for that purpose, which poses little or no risk). The Regulation approves a number of disposal methods for animal by-products, depending on their category. These include incineration or co-incineration for all risk categories. Composting/biogas treatment or incorporation in organic fertilisers is permissible for Categories 2 and 3. In addition, Category 3 can be incorporated in technical products or petfood.

The Regulation also provides for the approval of safe alternative disposal methods, including alkaline hydrolysis, biodiesel production and combustion of animal fat in thermal boilers. The Regulation was transposed in Ireland by S.I. 248 of 2003, as amended by S.I. 707 of 2005 and S.I. 612 of 2006.

Recently, a power plant and a cement company have been examining the possibility of using MBM as a fuel in a co-incineration process with fossil fuels. The cement company has concluded a six-month test programme, during which approximately 6,000 tonnes of MBM was burnt. The test results are currently being reviewed with the EPA and the company is planning to burn up to 50,000 tonnes annually thereafter i.e. about one-third of total Irish annual production levels. The use of MBM in power plants and cement factories would have significant benefits for the industries involved, for the meat industry and for the environment.

Agricultural Exports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the producing countries now presenting the strongest competition for Irish agricultural exports on European or world markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9345/07]

Bord Bia estimates that agri-food exports were worth in excess of €8 billion in 2006. This was against a backdrop of increasing competitive pressures and a strengthening euro.

Over 80% of Irish dairy production is exported, with the majority being traded on the EU market. Exports in 2006 exceeded €2 billion with an increase in the volume of primary products send abroad, as well as strong export growth in infant formula and value added products. The outlook for 2007 foresees renewed pressure on international dairy markets as increased output levels from New Zealand, the US and Argentina impact on the market. While output levels from Australia are significantly limited due to the recurrent drought situation, over a longer time frame they are also projected to expand their market share as production increases.

Irish beef exports were boosted by growth in demand on EU markets and were estimated to have grown by 14% to €1,525 million in 2006. The main competition to Irish beef exports on both EU and Third Country markets comes from the low cost South American producers of Brazil, Argentina and more recently Uruguay. While in 2006 access to European markets was somewhat restricted by the import restrictions imposed on Brazil as a consequence of Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks and the self imposed temporary suspension of Argentinean exports, the European Commissions projects that beef imports into the EU will resume a continuing pattern of growth and reach 750,000 tonnes by 2013.

Irish sheepmeat exports were estimated to be worth €180 million in 2006, down slightly on 2005, reflecting reduced production. Our lamb competes on EU markets, chiefly in France, with product from the UK and New Zealand and to a lesser extent Spain. Imports into the EU have increased in response to reduced EU production in recent years and are expected to stabilise at around 275,000 tonnes in the coming years.

The continued success of the Irish agri-food sector on domestic and international markets will depend on a number of factors including the need to maintain competitiveness, the ability to deliver added-value products and the stability of US dollar/Euro exchange rates. Actions to support the competitiveness of the agri-food sector are set out in the Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan and in the National Development Programme.

Question No. 244 answered with QuestionNo. 228.

World Trade Negotiations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

245 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the future for agriculture and the food producing sector in general in the context of the World Trade Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9347/07]

The Government is committed to achieving a balanced outcome between the various elements of the WTO negotiations. Insofar as agriculture and the food-producing sector are concerned, the outcome of the negotiations will determine the levels of protection and support which the EU may provide for the duration of the next agreement. The negotiations represent, therefore, a serious challenge to the future of the Common Agriculture Policy.

My over-riding objective is to ensure that the terms of the final agreement can be accommodated without the need for further reform of the CAP and I am determined that any such agreement must be balanced and must not be concluded at the expense of EU and Irish agriculture.

The Agrivision 2015 Action Plan which I published in March 2006 sets out my vision for a competitive, consumer-focused and knowledge driven agri-food sector which will contribute to a vibrant rural economy, society and environment and which exploits opportunities in non-food areas. In addition to a broad vision statement, the Plan sets out one hundred and sixty six specific actions to be implemented for the development of the sector. It was drawn up in the light of recent CAP reforms and the likelihood of a more liberalised trade policy under a new WTO agreement but also against the background of other changes which will impact on the sector such as lifestyle changes, the emergence of technology and Research and Development as market drivers and structural changes in the farming and the retail sector.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

246 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which CO2 emissions are expected to become part of the negotiations in respect of the food industry in the context of the global economy and the World Trade Organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9348/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent importation or food or food products from Asia, Australia or the Americas is deemed to be eco-friendly having particular regard to CO2 emissions in transportation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9349/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.

Currently there is no mandate within WTO for the negotiation of agreements relating to trade and environment. Indeed, there is major resistance within the membership of the WTO, mainly from developing countries, to consideration of issues relating to trade and environment. Thus, it is unlikely that CO2 emissions will become part of any negotiations in respect of the food industry in a global or WTO context.

The impact of greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation and maritime transport is not an issue that can be resolved by any individual or bloc of countries, such as the European Union. It must be addressed at international level such as through the Kyoto Protocol. The European Union has already taken the lead in tackling emissions from international aviation and Ireland supports the proposal from the European Commission to address such emissions through the Union's Emissions Trading Scheme.

Dairy Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which Irish dairy exports are expected to continue or expand in the future in view of the reduction in the national herd; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9350/07]

Ireland has been successful in building EU and world market trade over a sustained period. This has been supported by consistent efforts to promote and market Ireland's dairy produce in these markets by Irish operators. Over 80% of Irish dairy production is exported to EU and world markets.

Ireland's milk production is limited by the milk quota regime which was introduced in the early 1980s. During this period the structure of dairy farming across the EU and in Ireland has changed. While the number of herds and producers has fallen milk yields per cow and farm sizes have increased. Despite these changes overall national milk production has remained stable at the national reference level of 5.3m tonnes and Ireland's dairy sector has continued to develop significant export growth, with dairy exports which were valued at €730m in 1997 increasing by almost three-fold to €2.08bn last year.

The key challenges in the medium term will be to ensure that family farming and the Irish agri-food sector is at the heart of an evolving high-value food market which is focussed on quality and innovation. This is at the core of Government strategy, evidenced by the new National Development Plan 2007-2013, AgriVision 2015 and the new Partnership Agreement Towards 2016.

Food Labelling.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if all meat and meat products imported are labelled and compliant with the disease, hygiene and traceability standards applicable here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9351/07]

Meat and meat products imported from an EU source must come from an approved establishment and be accompanied to its destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. In the case of importation from third countries meat and meat products must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment and be accompanied by a health certificate in accordance the provisions of Community legislation and must be presented for inspection at an EU Approved Border Inspection Post.

Checks are carried out by the EU Food and Veterinary Office to ensure that EU requirements are being complied with and I am satisfied that my Department and other State Agencies have a system in place to ensure that all food imported into this country complies with National and EU Regulations.

I have been in regular contact with Commissioner Kyprianou on the issue of meat imports and he 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 for the health of EC consumers or livestock. A representative of the Commission gave the same assurance to the Joint Oireachtas Committee in September 2006.

Purchase for Destruction Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the methodology used to dispose of bonemeal or other products which arose as a result of the beef destruct scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9352/07]

The carcasses of all animals slaughtered under the Purchase for Destruction Scheme have been rendered and incinerated. All material generated under the scheme was rendered and destroyed. Meat and bone meal was disposed of at approved incineration facilities in Germany and the UK in 2001 and 2002. Tallow was also incinerated. All hides from the PFD Scheme were processed at tanneries in Ireland.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the acreage and variety of biofuel crops growing or proposed in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9353/07]

My Department administers the Energy Crop Scheme and the Non-Food Set-aside Scheme, under the auspices of the Single Payment Scheme. The aid is granted in respect of areas where production is covered by a contract between the farmer and a processor, except in the case of processing undertaken by a farmer on his/her holding.

The closing date for the 2007 scheme is 4 May 2007, by which time applicants must have declared the areas being applied for under the above Schemes, on their Single Payment Scheme application form, and have submitted the appropriate contract to my Department.

The areas and varieties of crops sown under the relevant schemes in 2006 are:

Winter Wheat: 199.86 hectares; Spring Wheat: 34.92 hectares; Spring Oilseed Rape: 1,812.68 hectares; Winter Oilseed rape: 2,130.51 hectares; Willow: 54.03 hectares; Miscanthus: 120.23 hectares; Oilseed rape (general): 323.27 hectares.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her vision for the growth of the food production sector in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9354/07]

The landscape in which the industry operates is changing rapidly. All elements of the landscape including policy, the regulatory environment, retail and foodservice buying-power/configuration, consumption trends, supply structures, and production/processing technology are changing — with the pace of change increasing.

The Agri-Vision 2015 Report sets out a vision identifying the delivery of safe, high-quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner, to well-informed consumers in high value markets as the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry. The 160 actions in the Agri-Vision Action Plan, which I launched last year, form a coherent strategy for implementation, which is reinforced by the 2016 Partnership Agreement and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013.

The agriculture and food elements alone of the NDP will account for total public expenditure of €8.7 billion and together they constitute an integrated package that addresses the overall developmental needs of the sector and specific requirements in the areas of competitiveness, consumer-focus and innovation.

The sector will also benefit from the huge investment in transport and other infrastructure in the NDP, which is key to sustained competitiveness and to growing sales and exports. Agribusiness enterprise will also have full access to the generic industry supports in the NDP for research, technology, knowledge building, skills and people and will benefit from the increase in NDP funding for food research. My Department will double funding of public good food research and expand funding of research back through the food and production chain.

In addition, some €289 million is provided in the specifically in the Plan for the food industry for capital investment and marketing. A capital investment envelope of up to €200 million will underpin huge investment in key areas of the food industry. This includes a core €100 million fund to support investment of €300 million in the dairy sector for which evaluation of proposals is underway; an investment fund of up to €50 million, which will shortly be launched for the beef sector, and funding of projects in other Annex I sectors which have been approved. Some €90 million will be provided for marketing including funding for An Bord Bia for generic promotion, market supports in line with EU rules, promotion of quality and quality assurance.

The fact that food and drink exports exceeded €8 billion for the first time in 2006 despite competitive challenges augurs well for its resilience and continued importance to the economy. I am committed to the detailed strategies and mechanisms established under Agri-Vision 2015 plan and the National Development Plan to enable agribusiness enterprise continue to develop to its full potential.

Farm Waste Management.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which she proposes to improve, increase or enhance incentives to cater for farm yard waste thereby reducing the threat of pollution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9355/07]

Under the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme, it is proposed to continue grant-aid for—

(a) the provision of on-farm slurry storage and related facilities, including slurry spreading equipment;

(b) the construction of on-farm waste processing systems, including anaerobic digestion systems.

The Schemes concerned will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applicants who have opted for the farm retirement scheme in each of the past 10 years to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9356/07]

Payments are currently being made under two Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming. Details of the number of participants who began to receive payments under the 1994 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming, which closed to new applications on 31 December 1999 and the Early Retirement Scheme which was introduced in November 2000 and closed to new applications on 31 December 2006, are set out in a table for each of the years 1996 to 2007.

Year ended

First Scheme (1994-99)

Second Scheme (2000-06)

31 December 1996

1,795

N/A

31 December 1997

1,796

N/A

31 December 1998

1,305

N/A

31 December 1999

1,608

N/A

31 December 2000

N/A

41

31 December 2001

N/A

805

31 December 2002

N/A

809

31 December 2003

N/A

528

31 December 2004

N/A

307

31 December 2005

N/A

296

31 December 2006

N/A

263

02 March 2007

N/A

62*

*Relates to applications received prior to 31 December 2006.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which beef, lamb, dairy or cereal production has increased or otherwise in each of the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9357/07]

Statistics available from the Central Statistics Office show the trend in output value at farm gate prices for cattle, sheep, milk and crops for the period 1996 to 2006. They reflect changes in both output volumes and market prices and do not take into account direct payments.

€m

Cattle

Sheep

Milk

Cereals

1996

1,482.7

241.8

1,536.0

201

1997

1,382.6

230.0

1,414.5

160

1998

1,385.0

214.0

1,431.2

143.1

1999

1,330.7

198.0

1,408.7

164.1

2000

1,382.1

203.4

1,447.1

185.1

2001

1,260.3

284.4

1,566.2

169.8

2002

1,179.0

202.1

1,413.0

141.9

2003

1,244.0

193.2

1,431.8

171.7

2004

1,346.1

200.4

1,417.5

181.4

2005

1,413.2

191.9

1,369.0

125.7

2006

1,479.4

190.4

1,323.0

163.0

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

256 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent to which deer farming has expanded or contracted in the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9358/07]

Official data on deer farming is available from the Census of Agriculture which is carried out by the Central Statistics Office roughly every ten years. The first and so far only Census of Agriculture that included deer was in June 2000. This stated that there were farmed deer on 266 farms. Teagasc has estimated that the number of farms involved in deer production peaked in the mid 1990s at about 450 and they would estimate that the number currently stands at between 200 and 250.

The structure of deer farming has altered over the last ten years and the number of units has decreased. While there are fewer enterprises now, they are larger, more specialised and moving towards quality assured high value product outlets.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

257 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the markets that she has identified for expansion in respect of Irish food exports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9359/07]

The Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan, has identified emerging market opportunities in Continental EU and Asian markets in particular for our food and drink exports. There is also potential in existing markets that are already well established such as the United Kingdom. Markets are becoming increasingly competitive and fast moving. The Agri Vision 2015 Plan of Action which I launched last year, sets out measures to promote competitiveness, innovation and responsiveness to consumer demand, to exploit these markets.

Considerable progress has been achieved with Irish beef in recent years (particularly in Italy and Holland) and Bord Bia is planning to use its Marketplace event later this year to showcase exporters to buyers from the Continent. While the primary objective is to consolidate market penetration within the EU for high quality and value-added products, it is also important to expand industry access to commercially attractive third country markets. In relation to beef, and in line with that policy, there has been a very considerable shift in our trade towards the EU market which now takes 92% of our overall exports, compared with 51% 5 years ago.

Changing market access, combined with rapid economic development is creating significant opportunities in many countries in the Asian region for some of our leading exporters. Bord Bia is planning to establish a full-time presence in Shanghai from which it can assist these exporters on the ground. It has identified particular opportunities in pigmeat, ingredients and alcoholic beverages in the short-term and is working together with my Department on market access for beef.

Dairy and drinks exports are also significant with dairy products being exported to over 100 countries worldwide. The main products are butter, cheese, skimmed milk powder (SMP), whole milk powder (WMP) and casein and products containing dairy ingredients such as baby food, liqueurs, dairy spreads are also exported. I have worked hard to assist in the development of new and existing markets for Irish dairy products through ensuring that all the market aid mechanisms available are deployed in an effective manner so as to enable the dairy sector consolidate and grow its share of international markets.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

258 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will review the cross compliance farm inspection checklist in order that it is more reasonable and takes account of practical farming conditions and eliminates inspection duplication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9393/07]

The position is that under the Charter of Rights for Farmers, my Department is committed to ensuring the maximum level of integration of inspections across all areas including inspections under the Single Farm Payment Scheme, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Rural Environment Protection Scheme. This integration means that control checks are carried out in relation to eligibility of land declared, identification and registration of animals on the holding, and compliance with the other 18 Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) under cross-compliance in one farm visit. On this basis, the overall number of annual inspections associated with the Single Farm Payment Scheme is unlikely to exceed 8,000. This is a very significant reduction from the 18,000 inspections annually under the old coupled regime.

My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission with a view to simplification of Single Payment Scheme requirements with particular reference to the arrangements for cross-compliance inspections. In this connection the European Commission is currently undertaking a full review of the cross-compliance regime and the results of that review will be considered by the Council of Ministers during April. I have personally met with my German and French counterparts with a view to emphasising the importance of achieving progress on the simplification issue during the German presidency. In tandem with this my Department is carrying out a full review of the inspection arrangements and checklists for the Single Payment Scheme with a view to simplification of the arrangements (including paperwork) where possible while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements. The review of the inspection report forms together with the outcome of the Commission's review of the cross-compliance arrangements generally, will be fully discussed with the farming organisations before the inspections under the 2007 regime get underway.

Insofar as the Department's inspection checklist on cross compliance is concerned this is an internal checklist used by my Department officials for the 2006 inspections which was made available to the farming organisations and the farmers being inspected. It is also available on my Department's website www.agriculture.ie. It was not, or ever intended as a document to be completed by farmers but as an internal record of the check carried out.

Forestry Sector.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

259 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will amend the remit of Coillte in relation to the provision and management of recreational woodland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9215/07]

The remit of Coillte in relation to the provision and management of recreational woodland areas is currently set out in its Memorandum of Association. Coillte recognises its role in the provision of recreational facilities and has produced a revised and updated policy on recreation, ‘Recreation Policy-Healthy Forests, Healthy Nation', which I launched in October 2005. I am keeping this situation under review but I have no plans at present to amend Coilltes remit in this regard.

Question No. 260 answered with QuestionNo. 33.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

261 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to address the burden of cross compliance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8834/07]

My Department is in regular contact with the European Commission with a view to simplification of Single Payment Scheme requirements with particular reference to the arrangements for cross-compliance inspections. In this connection the European Commission is currently undertaking a full review of the cross-compliance regime and the results of that review will be considered by the Council of Ministers during April.

In tandem with this my Department is carrying out a full review of the inspection arrangements for the Single Payment Scheme with a view to simplification of the arrangements (including paperwork) where possible while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements. The review of the inspection report forms together with the outcome of the Commission's review of the cross-compliance arrangements generally, will be fully discussed with the farming organisations before the inspections for 2007 get underway.

Higher Education Grants.

Paddy McHugh

Question:

262 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if adequate support will be provided to trainee teachers to cover the cost of classroom materials during their time on teaching practice. [9190/07]

Teaching practice is an integral part of the curriculum for the training of both primary and post-primary teachers and, as such, my Department does not provide special financial assistance for students towards costs associated with teaching practice.

The Deputy will be aware that teacher education programmes provided in approved third level institutions are also approved courses for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant holders who are required to participate in off-campus placement as part of their course of study may have their grant entitlement paid in the normal manner. Accordingly, student teachers who are eligible for grant assistance continue to receive their entitlements while undertaking teaching practice.

My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. The Higher Education Grant Scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for maintenance grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality. An approved third level course for the purpose of the HEG and the VEC Scholarship Schemes means a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration and a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year's duration pursued in an approved institution. The Schemes outline the respective courses which are approved for grant purposes. Any student who is eligible to receive a maintenance grant under these Schemes continues to have the grant paid to them during their teaching practice.

In addition, my Department allocates funding each year to third level institutions under the Student Assistance Fund. This fund is available in order to assist students who may be experiencing difficulties in continuing their studies because of financial hardship. The disbursement of this funding is a matter for individual institutions in line with guidelines issued by my Department.

My Department has no plans to introduce an additional scheme of financial assistance, over and above the current provision, in relation to the training of teachers.

Third Level Fees.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

263 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the regulations regarding residency here and eligibility for the free fee scheme for third level students. [9199/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

264 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the date in relation to the residency regulations for the free fee schemes from when the residency is calculated. [9200/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.

Under the terms of my Department's Free Fees Initiative the exchequer meets the tuition fees of full-time eligible students. The main conditions are that students must (a) be first-time undergraduates; (b) hold E.U. nationality: and (c) have been ordinarily resident in an E.U. Member State for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to an approved third level course. Students with official refugee status in Ireland and who have three years residency in Ireland (from official date of lodgement of application for refugee status) may also be considered under the Free Fees Initiative.

Eligibility is determined at date of entry to the course of study. The third level institutions are autonomous bodies and, as such, may determine the level of fees to be charged in any cases where the Free Fees Initiative does not apply.

Disadvantaged Status.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

265 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the issues raised in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Louth. [9222/07]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme. DEIS will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

As a result of the identification and review process, a total of 873 schools (670 primary and 203 post primary schools) identified to participate in DEIS will have access to a range of supports including participation in the School Completion Programme (SCP). Under DEIS, 43 new SCP projects are being established and 38 existing projects have had additional schools included to their projects.

In relation to the four primary schools referred to in the correspondence supplied by the Deputy that did not qualify for the new DEIS programme, it is important to note that an independent review process was available to them. Additional schools were added to the programme as a result of making successful review applications. I am satisfied that all schools have been assessed on the basis of the best information available, have been ranked in terms of the right criteria and have been given a fair opportunity to appeal.

Unsuccessful schools were advised at an early stage that they would be allowed to keep the supports that they have under pre-existing schemes for the current school year. Evidence generated from the pilot phases of the School Completion Programme showed that the most effective way of addressing early school leaving and educational disadvantage is through an integrated services approach based on the development of local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. In 2002, the programme was significantly expanded based on the project model rather than continuing to fund individual schools.

Therefore, having considered the SCP clustering arrangements in conjunction with the SCP National Co-ordination Team, it was decided in this case that it is more beneficial to link the two post primary schools referred to in the correspondence supplied by the Deputy to an already established project.

The SCP services currently in place will not be diluted. The project is required to submit a revised Retention Plan for the current year to include the two new schools. Additional funding will then be allocated to the project on receipt of this plan. The SCP Co-ordination Team is currently assisting the project in establishing links with the new schools and providing advice in relation to all aspects of the changes required with the inclusion of the two new post primary schools.

Departmental Agencies.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

266 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when the National Council for Curriculum Assessment was set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9235/07]

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) was established as a non-statutory body in 1987, and as a statutory body in July 2001 under section 38 of the Education Act 1998. The role of the NCCA is to advise the Minister for Education and Science on matters relating to the curriculum for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools, and to the assessment procedures employed in schools and examinations on subjects that are part of the curriculum.

Corporal Punishment.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

267 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when corporal punishment was abolished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9236/07]

Until 1982 Rule 130 of the Rules for National Schools permitted and governed the application of corporal punishment at primary level. Department Circulars 9/82 and 5/82 terminated the practice of corporal punishment in schools.

Section 201 of the Children Act 2001 prohibits corporal punishment in the Children Detention Schools. There is also an offence of cruelty under section 246 of the Children Act 2001 "for any person who has the custody, charge or care of a child to wilfully assault, ill-treat, neglect, abandon or expose the child or to cause or procure or allow the child to be assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed, in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to the child's health or seriously to affect his or her wellbeing".

The foregoing relates to recognised schools within the education system. However, it may be noted that the Department of Health and Children also prohibit the use of corporal punishment in the "special care units" and other residential centres to which the provisions of the Child Care (Special Care) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 550 of 2004) apply. Similarly, the Child Care (Pre-School Services) Regulations 1996 (S.I. No. 398 of 2006) also prohibit the use of corporal punishment against pre-school children.

On a more general level, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 is generally taken to have prohibited corporal punishment, and section 12(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1997 prohibited the infliction of corporal punishment in prisons but the Deputy may wish to address these matters to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

State Examinations.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

268 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the year French and German orals were brought in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9237/07]

Oral examinations in French and in German were first introduced for the Leaving Certificate Examination in 1986. The oral examination carries 25% of the overall marks for Higher Level candidates and 20% for Ordinary Level candidates.

Schools Inspectorate.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

269 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the name of the primary schools’ inspector based in Enniscorthy, County Wexford in 1954; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9238/07]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, my officials have instituted a search of the records and will revert directly to the Deputy in due course.

School Closures.

Damien English

Question:

270 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will close a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9241/07]

The Department is in receipt of proposals from the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputy refers in relation to the future development of the school. In considering these proposals, further information and clarifications have been sought from the school authority. A response is awaited in this regard. Any decision regarding the future development of the school is a matter ultimately for the Patron body and the Board of Management.

Irish Language.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

271 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding entry entitlement to third level Institutions for students granted an exemption from Irish in the leaving certificate. [9252/07]

Entry requirements for admission to third level courses are generally set down by the relevant higher education institutions. However, my Department specifies the requirements for entry to colleges of education. The entry requirements specify that all candidates, including school leavers, mature students and university graduates must have a minimum of a Grade C3 in Higher Level in Irish in the Leaving Certificate or an approved equivalent. The relevant courses are the Bachelor of Education degree course and the Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching).

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

John Perry

Question:

272 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason, with regard to the class size in primary schools here, there are 34% of primary school children in County Sligo in classes of 29 plus, where the national class size is 24, the second highest in Europe and 68% of all primary school children in County Sligo are in classes of 24 plus; the further reason only 200 posts of the 4,000 additional teachers have gone to reduce class size; if she will provide a firm commitment that the average maximum be reduced to 26 of 219 teachers and then a phased annual reduction to at lease 24 which the INTO demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9265/07]

Major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now 4,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc. Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school. Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Furthermore, the Government is committed to providing even more primary teachers next year to reduce class sizes. As you know all primary schools are staffed on a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Of course, schools with only one or two teachers have much lower staffing ratios than that — with two teachers for just 12 pupils in some cases and so on — but the general rule is that there is at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children in the school. Next September this will reduce to 27 children per classroom teacher. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

A further initiative that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 280 such posts were sanctioned in the 2006/07 school year compared to 170 in 2005/06. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled, but we are determined to go even further, and so the 2007 Estimates include provision for another 800 primary teachers. About 500 of these will be classroom teachers, which includes our commitment to reduce class sizes. I assure the Deputy that we will continue to prioritise further improvements in school staffing going forward. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Schools Refurbishment.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

273 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the long promised refurbishment works to schools (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if her attention has been drawn to the serious concern among local residents regarding the anti-social activity which the dilapidated assembly hall is attracting; if in view of ongoing concerns in relation to vandalism to the schools and local residences, she will give approval to the provision of security fencing for the perimeter of the school site and the securing of the assembly hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9268/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Department has appointed an architect directly to carry out the refurbishment works to which she refers. This will include refurbishment of the hall and the implementation of appropriate security measures. The architect will be in direct contact with the schools concerned to discuss the delivery of the project.

State Examinations.

Willie Penrose

Question:

274 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason students who have to repeat the leaving certificate, are being charged €251 which is approximately 2.6 times the amount which is charged to a student who is sitting the exam for the first time; the reason there is any charge levied upon students, at this critical time for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9273/07]

Special fees for repeat candidates were introduced in 1987 on the basis that it is not unreasonable to expect those who have already benefitted from the normal course of second level education, and who wish to take an extra year, to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources. A course fee is also payable in respect of such candidates. Examination fees generally cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations. The costs associated with the certificate examinations have been spiralling in recent years due to the introduction of new methods of assessment in various subjects and to continuing increases in special arrangements for students with special needs. There is an alleviation scheme in place whereby current medical card holders and their dependents are exempt from the payment of fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of all examination candidates each year. This alleviation scheme also applies in the case of repeat candidates in respect of both the course fee and the repeat examination fee.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Ryan

Question:

275 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation in respect of the proposed new second level school for Donabate, County Dublin; when it is expected that a tendering process will be completed; when it is expected that work will commence; and her plans to meet the requirements for the children seeking post primary education in the interim. [9283/07]

I have given the go ahead for a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Donabate, Co. Dublin. This new school will be delivered along with new schools in Phibblestown, Co Dublin and Laytown, Co. Meath under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The inclusion of these three projects in one bundle will further facilitate the achievement of value for money. My Department has appointed Project Managers to oversee the delivery of the projects and they are arranging for the sites to be surveyed. The procurement process is well advanced for a Design Team to do the initial design of these 3 new schools. Thereafter, a Design and Build contractor will be appointed to complete the designs and build the new schools. My Department is working closely with County Dublin Vocational Education Committee on the delivery of the Donabate project. Assuming there are no delays during the design and planning permission phases it is envisaged that the school will be completed as close as possible to the 2009-10 school year. In the meantime my Department has requested the VEC to submit its interim accommodation requirements so that the new school can become operational in advance of the completion of the new permanent school building. My Department will ensure that this interim accommodation request will be dealt with speedily and positively in order to ensure that appropriate school provision is in place in this rapidly developing area.

Seán Ryan

Question:

276 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the need for a post-primary school in Lusk, County Dublin; and when she expects to sanction the provision of same. [9284/07]

The Department recently published an Area Development Plan in draft format which sets out the educational infrastructural requirements of the North Dublin, East Meath and South Louth area into the future. In this draft Plan, which is available on the Department's website, www.education.ie, the Department recommends the provision of a 1,000 pupil post primary school for the Lusk area. The Commission on School Accommodation has commenced a public consultation process on the draft document. Interested parties can participate in the process by forwarding written submissions or by making oral presentations to the Commission. Arrangements will be made to hear oral presentations locally. The first series is expected to start on Monday 26th March 2007. The consultation process will culminate in a final infrastructural Plan which will become the framework against which capital investment for the area will be made for the foreseeable future.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

277 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of public appointments made under the aegis of her Department in the first six months of 2002. [9289/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.

Dan Boyle

Question:

278 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of public appointments she made in the past two months. [9302/07]

The Department of Education and Science made a total of 42 appointments in January and February of this year. It appointed ten people to the Strategy Group for ICT in Schools, three people to an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta, 18 people to the Higher Education Authority, four people to UCC, one person to Dundalk Institute of Technology, one person to Letterkenny Institute of Technology and one person to Middletown Centre for Autism.

Adult Education.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if provision can or will be made for funding for AONTAS (details supplied) for improved funding, structures and supports for adult learning service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9317/07]

AONTAS is a voluntary national adult education body established in 1969. It represents the interests of individuals, and voluntary and statutory bodies, involved in promoting and developing adult education in Ireland. AONTAS receives most of its funding from my Department. It was first grant aided in 1976 and has received funding annually since. In 2006, funding for AONTAS totalled €860,000. In 2007, my Department has provided funding of €1,152,000 towards the adult education activities of AONTAS. The grant includes €472,000 for the general running costs of the organisation, including staff salaries, and €450,000 for the adult education activities of AONTAS. In addition to normal annual grants, a special grant of €230,000, has been provided this year, for expenditure on a quality framework for community education for women (€110,000) and research (€120,000). The Department has also provided funding for the Adult Learners' Festival, organised by AONTAS, held in January this year and has included funding for the next Adult Learner's Festival in this years funding provision notified recently to AONTAS. The Department is not directly involved in the employment of AONTAS staff. Staff numbers, remuneration and conditions of employment are determined by AONTAS. I will continue to provide funding to support the continuing development of the adult education sector as resources permit.

Water Meters.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

280 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that both primary schools and post-primary schools are due to have water meters installed by their local authorities; if she has plans to help the schools deal with the extra cost of water metering; her views on allowing the schools to put in rain harvesters to help cut down their cost of using water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9337/07]

Water usage in schools is minimised through automatic shut off taps and dual flush toilets, while local water blending valves are provided to prevent scalding. These design features are included in the Department's Generic Repeat Design schools. Local Authority service and other charges payable to the various Local Authorities do not come within the remit of my Department. It is a matter for the Local Authorities to decide how schools pay such charges. If it is decided that schools are liable for such charges, the cost forms part of the normal running costs of schools and falls to be met from the capitation funding which schools receive from my Department. It would not be feasible for my Department to introduce specific schemes whereby grant assistance is provided to schools in respect of individual charges such as water charges. Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants, which are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of national schools. The capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €163.58 with effect from 1st January, 2007. This represents an increase of 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

Significant improvements in the levels of direct funding to second level schools have been made in recent years. Since January 2007, the standard per capita grant has been increased by a cumulative €30 per pupil and now stands at €316 per pupil. Secondary schools have also benefited under the school services support fund initiative. Introduced with effect from the 2000/01 school year, the school services support grant has been increased since January 2006 by a cumulative €44 per pupil bringing the annual grant from €145 per pupil to €189 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. A secondary school with 500 pupils, for example, now receives annual grants of up to €270,000 towards general expenses and support services. This represents an increase of 83% since 2000. Budget allocations for schools in the VEC and C&C sectors are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants. These significant increases in the funding of primary and post primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.

Home Tuition.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

281 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students being taught by home tuition here currently; the corresponding figure for the past five years; the amount home tuition is costing annually; the training those who provide home tuition must have; and the checks her Department carry out in order to ensure that the required number of hours tuition is being provided. [9338/07]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has sanctioned a home tuition grant to approximately 900 students in the current school year. The corresponding figures for the past five years are not readily available in my Department. However, my officials have recently revised its record keeping arrangements and this information will be maintained going forward. The cost of providing home tuition for all children is currently in excess of €8 million annually. A recent review of a number of applications for home tuition highlighted some cause for concern regarding the qualifications of proposed tuition providers. Following the review of qualifications, which took place in consultation with my Department's Inspectorate, an extended list of qualifications acceptable under the scheme has been published. This list is available on my Department's website. Aside from recognised teaching qualifications such as the Bachelor in Education and approved Montessori training, the list includes certain qualifications in autism and in applied approaches to teaching children with autism, such as ABA, PECS and TEACH. Third level qualifications in relevant areas such as psychology may also be appropriate depending on circumstances. Responsibility for ensuring that a child is receiving an appropriate level of education under the terms of the home tuition scheme rests with the parents/guardian of the particular child. In order for my Department to process a claim for home tuition grant payment, the parent/guardian and the tuition provider must certify the extent of tuition that has been delivered to the child in question.

School Accommodation.

Seán Ryan

Question:

282 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide the information requested by e-mail dated 22 February 2007 in respect of the number of classrooms being provided under the rental of temporary accommodation scheme with regard to the schools listed in the e-mail; and the financial arrangements for the provision of classrooms as requested. [9339/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

283 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9301/07]

I have made no public appointments in the past two months.

Local Authority Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

284 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of an application by a women’s refuge support group (details supplied) in County Kildare for funding under the capital assistance scheme for the provision of a centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9189/07]

Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to approved voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet special housing needs, such as the elderly, homeless or persons with disabilities. My Department's involvement with the scheme relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The administration of the scheme, and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme, are the responsibility of the appropriate local authority, in this case Kildare County Council.

Funding of up to 95% of the approved cost of the works, subject to unit cost limits, plus the full cost of the site up to a maximum of €50,000 per unit of accommodation, is available under the Capital Assistance Scheme.

Details of the Tearmainn Housing Association's proposal for four residential units were submitted to my Department by Kildare County Council on 18 September 2006. Following an examination of the proposal, further clarification was sought from the Council and a reply is awaited. I understand the Council will shortly be in a position to provide the information requested and to submit an application for funding for the project.

Departmental Staff.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

285 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grade and job description and role of the environmental economist employed by his Department and who works as part of the team to provide advice on climate change. [9240/07]

The approved environmental economist post in my Department is at middle management level with a salary equivalent to an Assistant Principal Officer. The principal duty of the economist is to provide economic and environmental analysis to support development and implementation of the national climate change agenda.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

286 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 545, 546, 547 and 548 of 27 February 2007, when the Commission’s impact assessment and cost implications for Ireland will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9245/07]

It is not anticipated that the European Commission will prepare a separate impact assessment or an assessment of the cost implications of the proposed Framework Directive for Ireland for the protection of soil or any other EU member State. Such an assessment will be done in Ireland in due course according as the consideration of the proposal is advanced and in accordance with the requirements of the Government's Better Regulation initiative on regulatory impact analysis.

Appointments to State Boards.

Dan Boyle

Question:

287 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of public appointments made under the aegis of his Department in the first six months of 2002. [9291/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

288 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of public appointments he made in the past two months. [9304/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.

I assume that the Questions relate to appointments made to State boards currently under the aegis of my Department.

A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In other cases only particular public office holders may be appointed to certain boards. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister.

In the context of the above, numbers of appointments to State boards under the aegis of my Department in the first six months of 2002 and in the past two months are set out in the following table:

Name of State board

Appointments to board in the period 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2002

Appointments to board in the period 8 January 2007 to 8 March 2007

Affordable Homes Partnership

0 — The Affordable Homes Partnership was established in August 2005

0

An Bord Pleanála

2

0

An Chomhairle Leabharlanna

0

0

Building Regulations Advisory Body

19

0

Comhar-Sustainable Development Council

25

0

Dublin Docklands Development Authority — Executive Board

8

0

Environmental Protection Agency

1

0

Fire Services Council

20

0

Heritage Council

The Heritage Council was not under the aegis of my Department during this period

0

Housing Finance Agency

7

4

Irish Water Safety (Irish Water Safety Association prior to July 2006)

0

0

Local Government Computer Services Board

0

0

Local Government Management Services Board

0

0

National Building Agency

0

2

Private Residential Tenancies Board

0

0

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland was not under the aegis of my Department during this period

0

Rent Tribunal

0

0

Housing Statistics.

Richard Bruton

Question:

289 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses built each year since 1997, distinguishing the number of one-off houses, detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, apartments and so on. [9340/07]

Data on the number of houses built by type of dwelling for each year from 1997 to 2005 are published in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas library or on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Since 2005, the type of dwelling classification has changed, and my Department is now provided with the number of individual houses, scheme houses (two or more houses), and apartments.

Details in respect of years 2005 and 2006, which have also been published on the website, are provided in the following table.

Year

Individual House

Scheme House

Apartment

Total

2005

20,362

42,160

18,035

80,557

2006

22,806

50,267

19,946

93,019

Planning Issues.

Richard Bruton

Question:

290 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of projects commenced and completed under the special development zone powers of planning Acts to date. [9341/07]

Under Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Government may by Order, on foot of a proposal from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, designate a site or sites as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) to facilitate development which is considered, in the Government's opinion, to be of economic or social importance to the State. Before proposing the designation of a site or sites to the Government, the Minister must consult with any relevant development agency or planning authority on the proposed designation.

To date, four SDZs have been designated by Government: Adamstown in South Dublin (2001); Clonmagedden in Meath (2001); Hansfield in Fingal (2001); and Balgaddy-Clonburris in South Dublin (2006).

The Adamstown SDZ in South Dublin, with a total area of 210 hectares, was designated in 2001 and the planning scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2003. There are a total of 10,150 housing units planned for the site over 13/14 phases, to be complete by 2013. Phase 1 of the dwellings went on the market in February 2006 and the next phase is being launched in early 2007.

Designated in 2001, the planning scheme for the 88-hectare Hansfield SDZ in Fingal (close to Blanchardstown) was approved by An Bord Pleanála in January 2006. There are a total of 3,000 housing units planned for the site and it is envisaged that these will be delivered in 3 phases. A Steering Group and Implementation Team was established by Fingal County Council in April 2006. Permissions were granted late last year for 459 dwellings on 13 hectares of the site.

The 38-hectare Clonmagedden SDZ in Navan, Co. Meath was designated in 2001 and the planning scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2003. No phasing or delivery timescales are yet finalised for the 1,400 housing units planned for the site. A Steering Group established by Meath County Council is currently in discussions with the landowners and developers.

The 170-hectare Balgaddy-Clonburris SDZ in South Dublin was designated in July 2006 with capacity for 7,000/8,000 housing units. The planning scheme is currently being drafted.

Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the contracts in respect of maintenance of central heating at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare is not satisfactory, in view of the fact that general provision is made for this and other houses in the vicinity funded by his Department through Kildare County Council; if he has in mind proposals to ensure that items such as central heating in local authority houses are reliable and meet specific standards and requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9360/07]

The management and maintenance of rented dwellings is the responsibility of the local authority concerned. I understand that a voluntary body manages this property on behalf of the housing authority and has received notice of the complaint.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

292 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in respect of his recent announcement in regard to the purchase of 500 houses in the greater Dublin area and in reply to Parliamentary Question Nos. 169, 574 and 575 of 27 February 2007, the 500 houses in question are extra to or part of the provisions of Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 or are as a result of a specific intervention on his part which means an extra 500 not previously calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9361/07]

As indicated in reply to Questions Nos. 169, 574 and 575 of 27 February 2007, the 500 homes in question are additional to affordable housing being delivered under the range of other affordable housing mechanisms, including the arrangements under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006.

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