Richard Bruton
Question:12 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will introduce a ewe scheme modelled on the suckler cow welfare linked to quality assurances and market requirements. [30036/07]
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 11, inclusive, answered orally.
Departmental Schemes.
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 Group comprised of representatives of all sectors in the industry, including the relevant state bodies. It was chaired by Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, who was also the chairman of the Strategy Group.
The recommendations address issues such as welfare and quality assurance which are dealt with in the report of the Implementation Group presented to me earlier this year. Accordingly I have no plans at present to introduce a ewe scheme similar to the suckler cow scheme.
Sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. A budget of €28m a year has been allocated to fund the proposed new supplementary measure at an overall cost of over €170m for the period to 2013.
Animal Welfare.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:13 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will introduce an incentive for new entrants to the animal welfare, recording and breeding scheme for suckler herds in view of the fact that the age profile of farmers in this sector is poor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30100/07]
The Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds was introduced by me in order to enhance welfare standards, improve husbandry standards, provide education and knowledge building, improve the genetic quality, and improve the competitiveness and quality of the product of the Irish beef industry.
This is an animal welfare scheme with payments calculated on actual costings. While the scheme is 100% Exchequer funded, Ireland was required to seek State Aid approval from the EU Commission before the scheme could be introduced. This State Aid approval was given on the basis that the rate of payment was calculated using the costs to farmers of carrying out the various measures under the scheme. There is therefore no possibility of providing incentives as any such payment would constitute a production aid and would contravene EU law.
I expect the scheme to prove very attractive to all suckler farmers. The scheme gives special recognition to young trained farmers under 35 years of age, in that they will not be required to undertake the training element of the scheme.
Food Labelling.
Willie Penrose
Question:14 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to a survey carried out by the Irish Farmer’s Association which showed that two-thirds of respondents felt misled when it was revealed that some traditional Irish labels did not contain 100% Irish meat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30096/07]
This survey was carried out by the IFA at the recent Ploughing Championships. It confirms my concerns about the labelling of the origin of meat which I have frequently referred to in this House and indeed have brought up at European Commission level.
I am a strong supporter of the Quality Assurance Schemes operated by Bord Bia. These schemes, which are voluntary, offer the consumer assurances on quality and information on origin and are backed up by independent audits. Members of the scheme can use the Quality Assurance logo on products sourced from quality assured farms. A range of meats products is now covered by these voluntary Bord Bia schemes.
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Marine and Natural Resources, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health and Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultrymeat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultrymeat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultrymeat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
In relation to other meats, I have signalled my intention to have legislation brought forward to require the country of origin to be shown on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat sold in the retail and catering sectors. A draft of such regulations was prepared by my Department and is currently being finalised by the Department of Health and Children. A public consultation process has taken place. Following consideration of any views received it will be necessary to submit the draft regulations to the European Commission for approval.
There is also the issue where a primary product can enter Ireland and processed in some way thereby allowing it to be branded as an Irish product is known as "substantial transformation". This terminology originates in WTO, Codex and EU legislation governing the EU Customs Code and therefore can only be amended at EU level. I have been concerned that this arrangement could, in certain circumstances, be used to mislead the consumers as to the origin of the raw materials used in certain products. I am not satisfied with the current legal position and have raised my concerns at EU Council level.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:15 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that the labelling of all meat and meat products sold here accurately reflect the country of origin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30277/07]
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health and Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultrymeat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultrymeat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultrymeat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
In relation to other meats I have signalled my intention to have legislation brought forward to require the country of origin to be shown on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat sold in the retail and catering sectors. A draft of such regulations was prepared by my Department and is currently being finalised by the Department of Health and Children. A public consultation on the proposed regulations has recently taken on the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The proposed legislation is being reviewed in the light of comments received and will be forwarded to the EU Commission. The commencement date for the legislation will depend on the Commission's response and possibly that of other Member States.
In the proposed legislation ‘origin' will be defined as the country where the animal was reared and, if different, the country of slaughter. This will have to be indicated on meat and meat products containing over 70% meat. Regardless of the nature, extent or location of processing or packaging that has gone into the manufacture of the product the requirement to show actual country of rearing and slaughter of the animal will remain in place and this will not be superseded by any misleading interpretation of the ‘substantial transformation' concept.
Food Safety.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:16 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action she has taken directly or in conjunction with her EU colleagues to ensure that all food and food products imported into the EU complies with national and European standards on production, traceability and health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30278/07]
Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that Member States must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal origin as well as to imports of these products from third countries.
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.
My Department has responsibility for operation of public and animal health control in the area of third country import of food of animal origin, including meat. These are carried out in co-operation with Customs Service. Import control forms 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 by the relevant competent agencies under Service Contracts by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland since 1999.
The EU Food and Veterinary Office (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.
I have consistently pointed out at EU level that produce imported from third countries must meet standards equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact EU Commissioner for Health Mr. Markos Kyprianou. The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants.
I should add that in WTO discussions in the Council, I have always emphasised the need to take account of the non-trade aspect of market access, which I regard as a crucial element in the overall negotiations.
I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be very helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report my Department has requested the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
A further mission to Brazil is being arranged for this month by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. It is vital that the FVO report on their findings at the earliest possible date and that the EU Commission will take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of EU consumers and producers.
Bio-Security Measures.
James Bannon
Question:17 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans in place to counteract the threat to Ireland’s bio-security following the confirmation of the incidence of bird flu in Norfolk which comes shortly after the outbreaks of foot and mouth and Bluetongue in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29888/07]
In respect of the threats posed by the recent confirmation of avian ‘flu in England and the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue, my Department has in place a series of robust contingency arrangements and I have available to me, through my Department's National Disease Control Centre (NDCC), a wide range of expert veterinary, scientific, administrative and legal advice.
My Department places a particular emphasis on the importance of strict biosecurity, particularly at farm-level and has consistently impressed upon farmers the need for such measures and continues to offer advice in this regard. Such advice has been published and sent to farmers and poultry flockowners in leaflet and booklet form as well as having been published in the national newspapers and posted to the Department's main website as well as our dedicated avian ‘flu, FMD and bluetongue websites.
There are very different risks associated with the various diseases and different control and mitigating measures are appropriate to deal with those risks. Because of the most likely means of introduction, there are limitations to the measures that can be taken to maintain the country's current disease-free status, for example in relation to the threat posed by migrating wild birds in regard to avian ‘flu or infected midges in regard to bluetongue.
What we have consistently endeavoured to do is to assess the risk of any disease introduction and to implement control measures that are reasonable and proportionate to the risk analysis. To that end, the Management Committee of my Department's NDCC is responsible for the day-to-day response to the various disease threats and has, at its disposal, access to a wide range of advice and expertise both from within and outside the Department.
In relation to avian ‘flu and these other diseases, my Department keeps all developments in relation to the spread of the respective diseases under review and, where appropriate, the NDCC Management Committee recommends the introduction of additional controls. In addition, my Department has developed comprehensive Contingency Plans in respect of each of the diseases.
Based on the advice available, from various sources, the immediate risk of an outbreak of either avian ‘flu, foot-and-mouth disease or bluetongue is regarded as relatively low at this time. In relation to avian ‘flu, we are close to the end of the current migration season and there is very little migration between Ireland and Germany, France and the Czech Republic, with which the strain of the virus found in England has been associated. The most recent case of FMD in England was confirmed on 30th September.
In relation to bluetongue, the risk is principally associated with the introduction of an infected animal or through infected midges. While animals may now be imported from bluetongue-affected area, the conditions under which they may do so are very restrictive and are intended to significantly reduce the risk of an infected animal being imported. Meanwhile the Department's vector surveillance programme shows that the level of vector activity has declined very significantly in the past few weeks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the respective disease situations will continue to be monitored closely and any revisions to our contingency arrangements made, where appropriate.
Central also to our contingency arrangements has been the excellent level of co-operation between my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland. Both Departments have a shared commitment to the maintenance of an all-island approach to the disease threats posed and have collaborated very closely in the adoption of identical control measures.
Based on our expert assessment of the current level of risk of a disease outbreak, I am satisfied that my Department currently has in place the necessary contingency arrangements, including sufficient legislative powers. Should any of the disease threat assessments change and it be considered that additional measures are appropriate, I won't hesitate to introduce such measures.
Harbours and Piers.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:18 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans for the development of the fishery harbours at Bantry, Baltimore, Schull, and Union Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30135/07]
The piers at Schull and Union Hall are the property of Cork County Council and responsibility for their repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance.
My Department does, however, co-fund maintenance and development works with various Local Authorities subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and overall national priorities. The 2007 harbours and coastal infrastructure programme was announced earlier this year but no applications for funding were received from Cork County Council in respect of the above locations. I have recently invited applications for funding under the 2008 fishery harbours programme and any application received from Cork County Council for the above locations will be given due consideration.
The piers at Bantry and Baltimore come under the Harbours Act, 1946 and, as such, are under the control of Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour Commissioners and Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners, respectively. The harbour authorities under the Harbours Act, 1946 are the responsibility of the Department of Transport.
Departmental Schemes.
Joe McHugh
Question:19 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will cater for farmers who have spent thousands of euros applying for planning permission only to discover that the farm improvement scheme has been closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29858/07]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 as the applications received had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. I clearly stated, at the time of the launch of the Scheme, that it would be suspended when the financial ceiling provided for the Scheme had been reached and this was also explicitly provided for in its terms and conditions. I have no plans to reopen the Scheme for new applications prior to the review in 2008 of the terms of Towards 2016 as provided for in that agreement.
Beef Imports.
Joe Carey
Question:20 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will support a campaign to ban Brazilian beef following the finding of the FVO report which was recently published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29891/07]
Conditions for trade in animal products with third countries follow the principles laid down in under agreements of the World Trade Organisation and the International Organisation for Animal Health. The European Commission is mandated to negotiate these on behalf of the European Union and, through its Food and Veterinary Office, to monitor the compliance of third countries it has approved for trade with the EU. Where there are risks to public or animal health in the Community, arising from disease outbreaks in approved third countries, safeguard measures are invoked banning or restricting imports from the affected country or regions.
I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be very helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report my Department has requested the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
I have consistently pointed out to the Commissioner and to my colleagues in the Council of Ministers that produce imported from third countries must meet standards that are equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact with the Commissioner and he has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take action if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for EU consumers, livestock or plants.
Animal Diseases.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:21 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she is taking to advise importers of livestock from Bluetongue affected areas to the new EU regulations governing the control, movement, monitoring and surveillance of Bluetongue susceptible animals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30088/07]
The bluetongue virus (serotype 8), which emerged in northern Europe in 2006, re-emerged this year and, in September, an outbreak of the disease was confirmed in Britain for the very first time. Cases of the serotype 8 strain have now been confirmed in nine European countries.
Since August 2006, my Department has been updating its legislation and developing contingency arrangements, in the first instance, to minimise the possible introduction of the disease to Ireland and, secondly, to deal with an outbreak in this country. In both regards my Department is working very closely with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland in the development of an all-island approach.
As part of its contingency arrangements, my Department has produced a comprehensive Bluetongue Contingency Plan for Ireland. The contingency arrangements are kept under constant review and revised as appropriate by reference to the developing disease situation or in the light of legal or other developments, particularly at EU level.
In terms of minimising the risk of the disease being introduced to Ireland, my Department has had in place a ban on the importation of live susceptible animals from bluetongue-restricted areas in Europe. Since 1 November, however, a new Commission Regulation allows for the possibility of movement of susceptible animals from bluetongue-restricted areas under defined conditions that are detailed in the Regulation. However, imports of such animals from Great Britain remain banned under FMD-related measures.
My Department has advised importers of live animals to assess carefully the risks involved in importing animals from bluetongue-restricted areas and to import animals from such areas only where absolutely necessary. My Department is also finalising a risk analysis on all possible routes of introduction of the disease. Arising from that risk analysis, I will consider whether any additional mitigating controls ought to be put in place.
I am also committed to working with the various stakeholders in relation to the threat posed and officials of my Department have met each of the farm bodies to brief them on the current situation and to hear and discuss their concerns. Those lines of communication will remain open.
There is no vaccine yet available for the particular strain of the disease that is present in Britain and across northern Europe. Three pharmaceutical companies are currently involved in the development of an inactivated vaccine. I understand that such a vaccine may become available by the summer of 2008 though, even then, there will production issues and a huge demand for the vaccine given the cattle and sheep populations of the countries affected to date.
My Department has been in contact with the three companies involved in relation to the timeframe for the availability of a vaccine and the provision of an adequate supply to ensure that we can put in place a comprehensive and effective vaccination programme. The logistical arrangements associated with securing and administering the vaccine are currently being actively considered within my Department. In the absence, to date, of a vaccine, the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible, at this stage, to predict what the cost of the vaccine or of a comprehensive vaccination programme will be.
Furthermore, my Department is actively involved with the European Commission and the other Member States in relation to the possibility of developing an overall Community-wide vaccination strategy. The Commission has scheduled a bluetongue symposium to be held in Brussels on 16th January 2008 and, in preparation for that, the first in a series of working group meetings took place earlier this month, at which my Department was represented.
I have also discussed the current disease situation in continental Europe and in Britain with my colleagues in the European Agriculture Council and earlier this month discussed the matter with Minister Gildernew during the North South Ministerial Council, in the context of the development and maintenance of an all-island approach. Furthermore, at a recent Agricultural Council meeting, a number of Ministers called on the Commission to develop a bluetongue control strategy and I strongly support this approach.
Planning Issues.
Andrew Doyle
Question:22 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will direct the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to require all local authorities to exempt all glass houses and polytunnels involved in protected horticulture from the development contribution scheme as agricultural relief as defined under section 1, part II of the Planning and Development Act 2000. [29893/07]
As is indicated in your question this is a matter for the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. I am aware that different Local Authorities charge different rates/levies in respect of a development contribution. I will be in contact with my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government about this matter. I should hope that such levies/charges would not be such as to restrict investments in the horticulture sector.
Farm Safety.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:23 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to launch an updated initiative to improve safety practices on farms and to reduce the number of farm deaths and injuries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30082/07]
I am, of course, very concerned about the level of safety on our farms. Last year 18 people died on Irish farms (8 of these people were aged over 70) and this year to-date 10 people have died. It is estimated that there are some 3,000 injuries on farms each year. I strongly support the work of The Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which is charged with overall responsibility for promotion of workplace health, and safety.
The Farm Safety Partnership, an advisory committee to the HSA that is made up of representatives from the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Teagasc and other farming groups, supports and co-ordinates the majority of research and promotional activities in relation to farm safety. On a practical level the HSA stand at the ploughing championships featured machinery safety demonstrations and provided advice on a range of farming related health and safety issues. A Code of Practice for the Prevention of Accidents and Occupational ill health in Agriculture was launched by the HSA at the ploughing championships in September 2006. The aim of the Code of Practice is to provide practical guidance to farmers and to help improve the level of safety and health in the agriculture sector.
My Department in conjunction with the Department for Labour Affairs circulated some 160,000 copies of the Code of Practice to all farmers in late November/early December 2006. Teagasc, the statutory body responsible for training in the agriculture sector, are providing half-day training courses for farmers on how to complete the Code of Practice. This course is run in every County and Teagasc aim to provide training for 9,000 farmers on the Code of Practice in 2007. I would strongly urge farmers to attend this course.
There is also serious concern at the number of elderly farmers suffering accidents on the farm and to highlight this issue, the Health and Safety Authority issued leaflets on "safety and elderly farmers" at the Ploughing Championships this year.
We are also concerned with child safety on farms and the HSA, together with Teagasc has developed a new child safety book. This was launched by the Minister for Labour Affairs at the Ploughing Championships this year. This free book illustrates the hazards, which may be encountered on a farm, and again I would strongly urge all farming parents to read the book with their children and thus ensure that the safety message gets across.
The provision of training is of utmost importance and especially in the area of Health and Safety. A twenty-hour training course is mandatory for all participants in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS). My Department has ensured that one module of this training is devoted to Health and Safety in farming.
Finally, I would stress to all farmers the need to follow the guidance of the Health and Safety Authority and take ownership of the Code of Practice for the Prevention of Accidents and Occupational ill health in Agriculture.
Forestry Sector.
P. J. Sheehan
Question:24 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to expand the land engaged in forestry as advised by COFORD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30134/07]
The advice from COFORD, in this context, concerned the potential for appropriate planting on lands designated as acid-sensitive. This follows on from their recently published report — ‘The Environmental Impacts of Planting Broadleaved Trees on Acid-sensitive Soils.'
Afforestation on such land is currently subject to strict controls because trees, especially evergreen trees, have the ability to scrub pollutants from the atmosphere which, when washed down onto acid soils may cause increased acidification of watercourses. This policy is kept under review in the light of ongoing national and international research findings.
There are, of course, many benefits associated with planting trees and it has been suggested that planting portions of acid-sensitive areas, up to a threshold, with native species will provide significant benefits for biodiversity and riparian zones. The COFORD report examined national and international data on this subject and called for further studies which are now underway or planned. I believe this is an area worth investigating in the Irish context.
Division of Commonage.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:25 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her policy in relation to the division of commonages. [29860/07]
The area of land held in common throughout the country is estimated to be in excess of 500,000 hectares. For the most part, this land is privately owned and, as with any other privately owned land, decisions affecting its structure are a matter for the individual owners or shareholders themselves.
Food Prices.
Kathleen Lynch
Question:26 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that consumers are facing an imminent 15% rise in the price of chicken due to the escalating cost of wheat and soya protein due to the drop in supply of wheat because of ethanol production droughts in Australia and poor wheat harvests in Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30089/07]
The increase in the price of animal feed being experienced by Irish farmers over the last twelve months has impacted significantly on poultry enterprises and in line with the increased costs of production, an increase in the price of poultry products is to be expected. The Deputy will be aware that I have no role in setting the level of retail poultry prices.
I have, in recent times, worked with my EU colleagues, both at Council and bilaterally, to put in place steps aimed at improving the situation and ameliorating some of the difficulties being caused by the increased cost of inputs. These steps include a suspension of the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside and the EU Commission is also examining ways of synchronising the authorisation process for Genetically Modified feedstuffs between the EU and the US, to try to improve the efficiency of these arrangements.
Food Labelling.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:27 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the Bord Bia survey indicating consumer preference for home-grown produce and her Department’s acknowledgement of this fact she will take steps to ensure the country of origin is clearly stated on all food products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30086/07]
The Bord Bia survey to which the Deputy refers in his question was undertaken by Bord Bia and included both qualitative and quantitative research into consumer attitudes to local food. The research was presented at the National Conference on Local Food, held in Mullingar on 13th November and organised by my Department and Bord Bia. The research will prove useful for local producers wishing to serve the local market, as it will provide an insight into consumer attitudes and behaviour regarding local produce.
To assist producers wishing to serve their local markets Bord Bia has also produced a guide entitled ‘Selling Through Farmers' Markets, Farm Shops and Box Schemes in Ireland'. This guide, the first of its kind, provides practical and in-depth advice for small food producers to maximize the potential from these routes to market.
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health and Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultrymeat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultrymeat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultrymeat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
In relation to other meats I have signalled my intention to have legislation brought forward to require the country of origin to be shown on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat sold in the retail and catering sectors. A draft of such regulations was prepared by my Department and is currently being finalised by the Department of Health and Children. A public consultation process has taken place. Following consideration of any views received it will be necessary to submit the draft regulations to the European Commission for approval.
The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and in that context my Department contributed to Ireland's submission which was co-ordinated by the Department of Health and Children. Within this submission Ireland explained why it felt that origin labelling should be compulsory for all meat. As well as direct contact with the Commission on this I have also raised this matter in the Agriculture Council and I will continue to press for progress, as I believe consumers are entitled to full information on the origin of food products.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Joe McHugh
Question:28 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if applications lodged between the 21 and 31 of October 2007 under the farm improvement scheme will be processed; the timeframe for the process of these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29859/07]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
As applications could be lodged with my Department with written evidence of a decision to grant planning permission, rather than full planning permission, it is not possible at this stage to indicate when all approvals will be issued by my Department in relation to those applications which come within the level of funding available. My Department will, however, endeavour to process the applications concerned within the deadlines set out generally for on-farm investment schemes in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007.
Fishing Fleet.
Terence Flanagan
Question:29 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the other EU States involved in decommissioning their fishing fleet; and the percentage of their fleet being decommissioned in each country involved. [30139/07]
The European Commission prepares an annual report for the European Parliament and the Council on "Member States efforts to achieve a sustainable balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities", these reports give summary details on each Member States achievements and plans in this area. These reports are available directly from the EU Commission.
Food Labelling.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:30 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the failure of an Irish food group to place the origin Ireland logo on their ham products leading to confusion among consumers who want to buy quality assured and traceable ham; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30095/07]
In an effort to ensure that consumers have full information on origin of food products, I have signalled my intention to have legislation brought forward to require the country of origin to be shown on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat sold in the retail and catering sectors. A draft of such regulations was prepared by my Department and is currently being finalised by the Department of Health and Children. A public consultation process has taken place. Following consideration of any views received it will be necessary to submit the draft regulations to the European Commission for approval.
The Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes are voluntary and plants that are members of the schemes can use the logo on product sourced from Quality Assured farms. Bord Bia promotes and encourages the use of the logo, which provides consumers with assurances on quality and information on origin. However, it remains a voluntary scheme.
There is food safety legislation in place to obligate all food business operators to trace the food they are handling, that is to know where the product came from and to whom it is being sent.
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation and food safety legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Marine and Natural Resources, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
Avian Flu.
Joe Costello
Question:31 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the latest information available to her Department on the outbreak of bird flu in Britain; the steps she is taking to ensure that the disease does not spread to this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30081/07]
On 12th November, the UK Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that it had confirmed avian ‘flu in turkeys on a farm on the Norfolk/Suffolk border and, on the following day, confirmed that it was the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. A second case was confirmed on the 19th of November on one of four premises on which all poultry had been culled, having been identified as ‘dangerous contacts.'
The total number of poultry culled on the originally infected premises and the four ‘dangerous contacts' was approximately 28,600. The epidemiological investigation as to the origin of the disease is ongoing and all avenues into the possible source are being investigated. Defra had confirmed that the strain of the virus found on the originally infected premises is similar to that found in Germany, France and the Czech Republic during the summer.
Immediately after the case on the 12th, and on a number of occasions since, the Management Committee of the National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) in my Department met to review the situation in the light of the information available. Meetings of the Committee are frequently chaired by me or, in my absence, by the Secretary General of my Department.
In response to the outbreak in England, and consistent with the introduction of a ban on bird shows and gatherings in Britain, my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in Northern Ireland, banned the participation of birds from Britain in any shows, exhibitions and other gatherings on the island of Ireland. This is further evidence of the all-island approach that has consistently been taken, and to which we remain committed, in the face of various animal health threats, including foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue. Contact between the two Departments is being maintained at both political and official levels.
My Department also republished biosecurity advice to poultry flockowners in the national newspapers and is in the process of writing to all registered flockowners reiterating that advice. In addition, my Department is currently processing grant applications from some 430 poultry flockowners who have installed water chlorination facilities to ensure that any virus contained in the water supplies to their poultry houses is deactivated. This measure will significantly reduce the risk of the virus being spread to commercial flocks in the event of the disease being introduced by wild birds.
My Department has also been in touch with those other agencies on whose assistance it would rely in the event of an outbreak in this country, including An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, the Civil Defence as well as with the Department of Health and Children. Expert ornithological advice is being provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as well as by BirdWatch Ireland.
I have at my disposal a range of veterinary, scientific, ornithological, administrative and legal expertise and, with my officials and on the basis of the expert advice available to me, continue to keep the situation under constant review and to keep the risk of the introduction of the disease to Ireland under constant assessment. The current expert ornithological advice suggests that we are close to the end of the current migration season and the wild bird population will remain stable unless there is a particularly severe weather snap. Furthermore, it is considered that the numbers of wild birds moving between the east coast of England and Ireland would be small.
Having reviewed their contingency arrangements, my Department and I remain satisfied that the existing range of contingency arrangements, including legislative powers, is adequate to deal with the current threat. If at any time it is considered that additional control measures ought to be introduced, either in the light of any new information from Britain or in the context of any reassessment of the risk to this country, I will not hesitate to introduce such measures
Food Industry.
Liz McManus
Question:32 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the threat to staple fruit and vegetable crops here due to climate change which is going to cause major changes in farming practices; the plans she is making to plan for future food shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30090/07]
My Department monitors ongoing research on climate change and its likely impact on Irish Agriculture. It is represented on the inter-Departmental team established to oversee implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy.
There is no evidence at this time to suggest that there is likely to be any major threat to our staple fruit and vegetable crops due to major changes in farming practices as a result of climate change. Indeed the impact on horticulture crops in Ireland is generally likely to be positive in the short to medium term. Accordingly there is not a need at this point in time to plan for food shortages in Ireland.
Organic Farming.
Richard Bruton
Question:33 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken to assist in the reduction of fertilizers and pesticides in the horticulture industries. [30035/07]
The application of both organic and chemical fertilizers has shown a decline in recent years as farmers have sought to use them more efficiently and economically. The high level of participation in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), which sets limits on fertilizer use, is also likely to have been a factor. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to give further effect to several EU Directives including Directives in relation to protection of waters against pollution from agricultural sources (the Nitrates Directive), dangerous substances in water, waste management, protection of groundwater, public participation in policy development and water policy (the Water Framework Directive). The Regulations specify maximum levels for nitrogen and phosphorus in relation to most horticultural crops.
Regarding pesticides, the procedure for authorisation of a plant protection product by the Pesticide Control Service of my Department, includes an assessment of the minimum rate of application necessary to ensure effective control of a pest or disease. This rate is stated on the approved label of the product authorised and users are required to apply the product in accordance with the label instructions.
A proposal for a Commission Directive on the sustainable use of pesticides is currently under consideration by both the EU Council and the EU Parliament. The proposal aims to reduce the risk from the use of pesticides and is designed to further enhance the high level of protection for man, animals and the environment achieved through the regulatory system for pesticides. While Parliament has adopted a position, Council has not yet completed a first reading of the legislative texts concerned. My Department is actively participating in the ongoing discussions at Council.
Beef Imports.
Brian O'Shea
Question:34 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the contents of the latest FVO report on the failure of Brazil to meet EU standards and safety controls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30093/07]
I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be very helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report my Department has requested the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
A further mission to Brazil is being arranged for this month by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. It is vital that the FVO report on their findings at the earliest possible date and that the EU Commission will take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of EU consumers and producers.
Alternative Farm Enterprises.
Michael D'Arcy
Question:35 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has considered an additional area-based payment for the biofuel industry, due to the competition from the cereal sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28375/07]
Simon Coveney
Question:50 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the discontinuation of the State aid grant of €80 per acre of rape seed for seed that is due to be exported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28986/07]
Michael D'Arcy
Question:57 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has considered an additional area-based payment for the biofuel industry due to the increased competition from the cereal sector as it has become more profitable and could negatively impact on biofuel production; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29142/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 50 and 57 together.
Earlier this year, I introduced a new National Energy Crops payment of €80 per hectare to help kick-start production of energy crops in Ireland. It is intended that the €80 payment will be available for 3 years. It is currently subject to a maximum ceiling of 37.5 hectares per producer over the 3-year period. EU State aid rules limit the amount of aid that may be paid to individual beneficiaries to €3,000 over any period of 3 years. My Department has been pursuing with the European Commission an increase in this ceiling.
The buoyant market for biofuels and the introduction of incentives at farm level, including the €80 premium contributed to an increase in the area devoted to energy crops in 2007. The area of oilseed rape, which is used to produce biofuels, increased from 5,000 hectares in 2006 to 7,500 hectares in 2007. As regards 2008, an increase in the area devoted to conventional cereal crops in Ireland and elsewhere is likely in response to the current high grain prices. However, it is expected that oilseed rape will continue to be a popular crop in 2008 as, in addition to the market demand and the incentives available, many farmers grow it as a "break" crop in tillage cropping situations to help fight crop diseases, improve soil structure and increase yields.
In a single market situation, biofuel feedstocks including oilseeds are traded freely within the European Union. The €80 payment is being paid as a top-up to the EU Premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. Eligible applicants under this Scheme automatically qualify for the €80 National premium. The rules governing the EU Energy Crops Scheme provide that aid can only be granted in respect of areas where production is covered by a contract between the farmer and the processing industry, except where the farmer undertakes the processing himself. Furthermore applicants must deliver all raw materials harvested to a collector or first processor who will take delivery of them and ensure that an equivalent quantity of these raw materials is used within the European Community for the manufacture of energy products.
In 2007, a total of 550 farmers are potentially eligible for the National Energy Crop Premium. My Department has made initial payments to 437 farmers, which are worth approximately €341,000. Payments to the remaining applicants will continue as further cases are cleared.
Sheep Sector.
Terence Flanagan
Question:36 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main proposals of the Development Strategy Group for the Sheep Industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30140/07]
The Sheep Strategy Development Group issued its report in June 2006. The report made a number of recommendations for action to secure the future of the sheep industry in Ireland. There are a total of thirty-seven recommendations covering the areas of production, breeding, research, advice, processing, marketing and policy formulation. Following the issuing of the report, I set up an Implementation Group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Strategy Report. The Implementation Group completed its work in April of this year. Most of the recommendations in the report fall to be implemented by the industry itself and it is too early at this stage to assess their impact.
The recommendations are supported by my Department through assistance for breeding and management, processing facilities, mechanical grading, quality assurance and health and welfare. In addition and in line with the Group's report, sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. A budget of €28m a year has been allocated to fund the proposed new supplementary measure at an overall cost of over €170m for the period to 2013.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:37 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food it the farm improvement scheme will be re-introduced; and if so, when. [29834/07]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 as the applications received under the Scheme had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
I have no plans to reopen the Scheme prior to the review in 2008 of the terms of Towards 2016 as provided for in that agreement.
Bovine Disease Controls.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:38 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has applied to the EU under revised EU legislation to have the age limit for compulsory BSE testing raised from its current level of 30 months. [30038/07]
Denis Naughten
Question:42 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to move the age threshold for BSE testing from 30 to 36 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29907/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 42 together.
I have constantly pressed and continue to press for an increase in the age-limit for the testing of healthy slaughtered animals for human consumption. The existing requirement that all bovines over 30 months of age, slaughtered for human consumption, must be tested along with all casualty animals over 24 months and all fallen stock over 24 months is provided for under Regulation (EC) 999/2001.
In recent months, the European Commission has proposed changes to the existing testing regime, the most recent of which were proposed at a meeting of Chief Veterinary Officers in early October and these were since discussed at a meeting of the TSE Working Group in Brussels earlier this month. I believe that the proposals now tabled by the Commission represent a vindication of my efforts over the past three years and I look forward with optimism to a successful conclusion to the current discussions.
The current options under discussion are, in respect of healthy slaughtered animals: to test all cattle aged over 42 months; to test all cattle born before 1 January 2002 and 50% of those born since and aged over 42 months; and to test all animals born before 1 January 2004 and none [or a minimum sample size] of those born since.
Ireland is among a number of countries that have expressed support for the third option. While any of the options will result in a very significant decline in the amount of testing of healthy slaughtered animals, the third option will result in far fewer tests over time and provides a definite end-date by which time testing will no longer be required.
Consideration of the various options is continuing at various levels in Brussels and it is too early to say when agreement may be reached on a particular option and when, therefore, a change may be made to the existing testing regime in Ireland.
I am confident that Ireland's performance in recent years in significantly reducing the incidence of BSE will ensure that we will be able to meet whatever criteria are determined to allow Member States to avail of the revised surveillance requirements. Both my officials and I will continue to press for an early resolution of these discussions with a view to having the Irish surveillance programme revised as quickly as possible and in a way that significantly reduces the burden of testing with a view to its ultimate elimination for animals slaughtered for human consumption.
Food Labelling.
Joan Burton
Question:39 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps being taken to amend legislation to ensure that foodstuffs of foreign origin cannot be labelled as produced in Ireland, processed in Ireland or sourced and produced in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30079/07]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
The particular issue referred to in this question is where a primary product can enter Ireland and processed in some way thereby allowing it to be branded as an Irish product is known as "substantial transformation". This terminology originates in WTO, Codex and EU legislation governing the EU Customs Code and therefore can only be amended at EU level. I have been concerned that this arrangement could, in certain circumstances, be used to mislead the consumers as to the origin of the raw materials used in certain products. I am not satisfied with the current legal position and have raised my concerns at EU Council level.
The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and in that context my Department contributed to Ireland's submission which was co-ordinated by the Department of Health and Children. Within this submission Ireland again raised the matter of the unsatisfactory nature of the concept of substantial transformation and the possibility of it being used to disguise the origin of products from the public. I believe that the concept of substantial transformation needs to be more clearly defined and I will continue to urge the Commission to address this problem.
In the meantime my Department has been involved in consultations with the Department of Health and Children on drafting new regulations to require operators in the retail and catering sectors to provide country of origin information on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat as is the case with beef.
A public consultation on the proposed regulations has recently taken place on the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The proposed legislation is being reviewed in the light of comments received. Thereafter the draft legislation will have to be forwarded to the European Commission. The commencement date for the legislation will depend on the Commission's response and possibly that of other Member States.
In the proposed legislation ‘origin' will be defined as the country where the animal was reared and, if different, the country of slaughter. This will have to be indicated on meat and meat products containing over 70% meat. Regardless of the nature, extent or location of processing or packaging that has gone into the manufacture of the product the requirement to show actual country of rearing and slaughter of the animal will remain in place and this will not be superseded by any misleading interpretation of the ‘substantial transformation' concept.
Forestry Sector.
Charles Flanagan
Question:40 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she will abolish the restrictions that were imposed on forestry planting in areas of the country that were designated as acid sensitive by the Environmental Protection Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30137/07]
The restrictions that were imposed on forestry planting in areas of the country that were designated as acid-sensitive were done so because the underlying geology in these areas is acidic. Afforestation on such land is currently subject to strict controls because trees, especially evergreen trees, have the ability to scrub pollutants from the atmosphere which, when washed down onto acid soils may cause increased acidification of watercourses. This policy is kept under review in the light of ongoing national and international research findings
There are, of course, many benefits associated with planting trees. Planting portions of acid-sensitive areas, up to a threshold, with native species can provide significant benefits for biodiversity and riparian zones. COFORD, the National Council for Forest Research and Development, published a report on this recently, ‘The Environment Impacts of Planting Broadleaved Trees on Acid-sensitive Soils.'
I welcome the debate around the issues highlighted in the COFORD report and I believe this is an area worth investigating further.
Food Labelling.
Andrew Doyle
Question:41 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will apply country of origin labelling to horticultural products including garden centre plants. [29892/07]
Country of origin labelling is one of the requirements under the EC marketing standards for a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. In accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1182/2007, which shall apply from 1 January 2008, all fresh produce covered by the reformed common organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables may only be sold to consumers if the country of origin is indicated. My Department carries out regular inspections of fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure that regulated produce offered to the consumer is accurately labelled.
Unlike the food items mentioned above, horticultural planting materials do not require a designation of origin. However certain species which pose particular plant health risks are traceable through the EU plant passport system. In addition all planting material from third countries must be covered by a phytosanitary certificate and be inspected on entering the Community.
Question No. 42 answered with QuestionNo. 38.
EU Directives.
Charles Flanagan
Question:43 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she is taking to ensure that all imported consignments of foreign timber are properly inspected for forestry pests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30138/07]
Council Directive 2000/29/EC (commonly referred to as the EU Plant Health Directive) deals with protective measures against the introduction into the European Union of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community. It sets out the range of timber and timber products that are subject to plant health control.
Whether or not a timber import or wood packaging is subject to control is dependent on the risk of a potentially harmful forest pest being associated with the import. This is in turn is determined by the species and origin of the import, and the nature of the commodity. The documentary and treatment requirements for import of controlled timbers are set out in the Directive.
Where a timber import is subject to control, officials from the Forest Service of my Department undertake documentary, identity and plant health inspections and where appropriate may take enforcement actions to maintain the favourable pest and disease status of the national forest estate.
Pigmeat Sector.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:44 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will set up a development strategy group for the pig industry as requested by the IFA, IAPP, and Teagasc; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30141/07]
My Department has a multifaceted strategy in place to assist the development and viability of the pig industry.
The main current concern for the sector is the erosion of profit margins due to the very high cost of feeding stuffs. I have, in recent times, worked with my EU colleagues, both at Council and bilaterally, to put in place steps aimed at improving the situation and ameliorating some of the difficulties being caused by the increased cost of inputs. These steps include a suspension of the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside. The European Commission is also examining ways of synchronising the authorisation process for Genetically Modified feedstuffs in the EU and the US to try to improve the efficiency of these arrangements.
I will continue to pursue appropriate measures aimed at addressing current income difficulties. A scheme of financial assistance for the private storage of pigmeat was put in place in recent weeks. This was adopted by the European Commission in response to a request from me and some other Member States. I have also impressed on the Commission the desirability of export refunds for fresh and frozen pigmeat and this will be kept under consideration.
An area of major importance for the future of the pig sector is the question of compliance with legislation on the protection of the environment. This will have significant cost implications as well as giving rise to operational complexities for producers. I have established the Intensive Livestock Group to assist the pig and poultry sectors to find solutions to manure disposal problems arising from the nitrates regulations. Pig producers and processors and Teagasc are represented on the ILG. The work of this group is continuing.
Pigmeat features prominently in Bord Bia's programme of promotion on the home and export markets. I have asked the Bord to intensify its national pork and bacon promotion campaign and additional funding is being made available for this. The Bord Bia quality assurance schemes are also a good tool in maintaining consumer confidence and, in this context, the pigmeat scheme is well established and managed.
On the export front, Bord Bia's marketing initiatives cover pigmeat. The sector is often involved in overseas promotion drives which occasionally involve the participation of pigmeat exporters. My Department maintains an extensive scheme of controls on the hygienic production of pigmeat and on the operational procedures that are required to underpin the certification of pigmeat for markets worldwide.
I am working with the Minister for Health and Children towards the introduction of legislation to provide better information to consumers on the origin of pigmeat and other meats. The public consultation on the proposed regulations has been completed and the comments received are being examined. Following that, the draft legislation will be notified to the European Commission.
Other relevant support actions include the extension of the farm waste management scheme to the pig sector and the programme of financial assistance for the transition to welfare-friendly sow housing as well as programmes for the monitoring and control of animal diseases.
Needless to say, all aspects of my Department's strategy for the pig sector require the involvement and co-operation of the people in that industry to succeed. My Department will continue to work closely with the representative associations for pig producers and processors, and any other bodies relevant to the subject in question, to develop and implement measures to ensure that the Irish pig sector goes on to retain its important contribution to the rural economy and export earnings.
Common Agricultural Policy.
Michael Creed
Question:45 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has prepared an Irish position paper on the CAP health check. [30034/07]
The Commission Communication on preparation for the Health Check was published on 20 November and will be presented to the November Council of Agriculture Ministers.
There are three main elements to the Commission Communication: Review of implementation and simplification of the Single Payment Scheme; Review of market management measures, including milk quotas, with a view to improving market orientation; and Responding to the new challenges of risk management, climate change, etc. and strengthening of Pillar 2 of the CAP (i.e. rural development).
Many of the ideas in the Communication are presented in very outline form at this stage and will be further elaborated in specific legislative proposals in the Spring of next year. Discussions on the proposals are likely to continue until the end of 2008.
In relation to the preparation of position papers, my officials have been engaged in preparatory analysis for the Health Check and in contacts with the Commission and other Member States on the key issues. It is clear that all proposals will need to be carefully scrutinised to ensure that they support a viable, stable and sustainable policy framework for the continued prosperity of Irish agriculture.
In addition to the internal analysis in the Department and contact with other Member States, I am also establishing a Consultative Committee drawn from the main industry stakeholders to advise me on the main issues arising. This Group will work in parallel with the recently established Consultative Committee on Milk Quota issues and the output from both groups will feed into Ireland's position in the negotiations.
EU Directives.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:46 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on changing the restrictions imposed on farmers for slurry spreading to facilitate a traffic light system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30083/07]
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following a comprehensive consultation period involving input from stakeholders and other interested parties and the proposals, including prohibited periods for fertiliser spreading, were specifically agreed with the European Commission as part of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme.
The prohibited periods for fertilizer application are set out in the Regulations, as are the other factors that farmers are obliged to take into account when considering fertilizer application outside of those periods. I believe that the terms of Ireland's Action Programme are as favourable as it was possible to achieve in discussions with the European Commission, having regard to the requirements of the Nitrates Directive and the need to protect water quality.
Beef Imports.
Seymour Crawford
Question:47 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she has taken to be satisfied that Brazilian beef is safe to import, is unlikely to cause disease problems here and that it is produced to the same exacting standards as farmers here have to meet which is essential to protect consumers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29920/07]
Conditions for trade in animal products with third countries follow the principles laid down in under agreements of the World Trade Organisation and the International Organisation for Animal Health. The European Commission is mandated to negotiate these on behalf of the European Union and, through its Food and Veterinary Office, to monitor the compliance of third countries it has approved for trade with the EU. Where there are risks to public or animal health in the Community, arising from disease outbreaks in approved third countries, safeguard measures are invoked banning or restricting imports from the affected country or regions.
I have consistently pointed out to the Commissioner and to my colleagues in the Council of Ministers that produce imported from third countries must meet standards that are equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact with the Commissioner and he has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take action if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for EU consumers, livestock or plants.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Joe Costello
Question:48 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will revise her decision to close the farm improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30080/07]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with a funding provision of €79 million as agreed under the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. On 31 October last, I announced its suspension as grant applications received by my Department under the Scheme had reached this level of funding.
I have no plans to reopen the Scheme prior to the review in 2008 of the terms of Towards 2016 as provided for in that agreement.
Meat Imports.
James Bannon
Question:49 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she plans to take to protect the integrity of Irish beef and other meats following the food and veterinary office report on its March 2007 visit to Brazil, which highlighted the continuing shortcomings and deficiencies, as demonstrated in one meat plant, where an animal was declared non-EU eligible but its meat formed part of a consignment of meat destined for the EU. [29889/07]
I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report, my Department has asked the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. A further mission to Brazil is being arranged for this month by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. It is vital that the FVO report on their findings at the earliest possible date and that the EU Commission will take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of EU consumers and producers.
Question No. 50 answered with QuestionNo. 35.
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:51 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will insist that the EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou delivers on his commitment to impose a ban on Brazilian beef in view of the latest FVO report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30094/07]
I have consistently pointed out to the Commissioner and to colleagues in the Council of Ministers that produce imported from third countries must meet standards that are equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact with the Commissioner. The assurance the Commissioner gave was that the Commission will not hesitate to take action if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for EU consumers, livestock or plants. I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be very helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report my Department has requested the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. A further mission to Brazil is being arranged for this month by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. It is vital that the FVO report on its findings at the earliest possible date and that the EU Commission will take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of EU consumers and producers.
Marketing and Processing Scheme.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:52 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount a co-operative (details supplied) and its subsidiaries has received in direct funding from the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30084/07]
I will give details of the funding the co-operative in question received from the Exchequer under the Marketing and Processing Scheme operated by my Department under the 2000-2006 National Development Plan. In 2002, it received a total of €931,403 in respect of grain handling, drying and storage facilities at three of their branches. In 2004, it received a total of €613,382 paid in respect of grain handling, drying and storage facilities at one branch. FEOGA grant aid paid in respect of the pork processing facility was recovered by Enterprise Ireland following the closure of the facility before the expiry of the contingent liability period.
Energy Resources.
Liz McManus
Question:53 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason no funding has been approved for the biomass programme in view of the ambitious EU and national targets for heat, electricity and transport fuels which are to be met in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30091/07]
The promotion and development of renewable energy in Ireland, including bioenergy, are matters in the first instance for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The role of the Department of Agriculture and Food is to support the supply side of the bioenergy market by encouraging the production of feedstocks. In relation to funding, €14 million was made available in Budget 2007 for measures to support energy crop production. A further €1.2 million was made available for a new Wood Biomass Harvesting Scheme. In March of this year, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources published a National Bioenergy Action Plan to develop Ireland's bioenergy resources to 2020. The Action Plan, which is a comprehensive strategy to increase deployment of Ireland's resources in the transport, heat and electricity markets, is being implemented by a number of Departments and State Agencies. My Department is implementing certain measures, which I will outline, to increase the share of bioenergy derived from the Agriculture and Forestry sector.
In February 2007, I launched a new Bioenergy Scheme to provide establishment grants to farmers interested in planting willow and miscanthus for bioenergy (heat and electricity) purposes. These crops can be pelleted and used in domestic and commercial biomass boilers to generate heat and electricity. Establishment grants are payments to cover part of the costs of establishing the crop. Aid is being provided at a rate of 50% of establishment costs, subject to a maximum of €1,450 per hectare. Some €8 million has been allocated to this Scheme over the period 2007-09.
The EU Energy Crops Scheme was introduced in 2003 as part of the mid-term review of the Common Agriculture Policy. The Scheme provides farmers with an EU premium of €45 per hectare to grow energy crops intended primarily for use in the production of bioenergy. The €45 Premium is payable on a maximum guaranteed area of 2 million hectares per annum across EU Member States. When this threshold is breached, the Premium is reduced proportionately.
Farmers who are eligible for the €45 EU Premium can also qualify for a new National Energy Crop Premium, which is worth €80 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 over the three-year period is 37.5 hectares. My Department is pursuing EU approval to increase this hectarage ceiling. In Budget 2007, €6 million was made available for this measure up to 2009.
My Department is supporting research into bioenergy projects through the Research Stimulus Fund Programme. The Programme facilitates research that supports sustainable and competitive agricultural production practices and polices and contributes to a scientific research capability in the agriculture sector. Under the 2005 and 2006 calls for proposals, five projects were selected that relate directly to biofuels and energy crops and received total grant assistance of €1.5 million. Under the 2007 call for proposal, some €4 million is being made available over the next four years for research on the farming aspects of bio-energy production.
My Department in co-operation with COFORD and Teagasc supports the development of the wood energy sector through a range of measures aimed at creating an effective supply chain from producer to end users. Support includes 100% grants and attractive premiums for up to 20 years to encourage the establishment of new forests on agricultural land. The value of the premium for farmers can be as much as €574 per hectare, per annum, depending on the species planted. An additional payment of up to €200 per hectare per annum, on top of the normal forestry premium, is available for five years for farmers who are in REPS and who establish high nature value forestry under the new Forest Environment Protection Scheme.
Funding is also available for individual projects and initiatives which focus specifically on wood energy. Examples include the Clare Wood Energy Farm Forestry project and the Forest Link project in Donegal. In addition, the Wood Biomass Harvesting Machinery Grant Scheme provides up to 40% grant aid towards the purchase of wood chippers. My Department has already made offers of funding to the value of €600,000 under Phase 1 of this Scheme and a further €600,000 is available in grant assistance under Phase II launched in the past fortnight. The estimated energy output from the woodchip produced by these machines would be enough to heat the equivalent of around 400 hotels.
EU Directives.
Billy Timmins
Question:54 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to provide farmers with a derogation who are unable to comply with the Nitrates Directive or REP scheme conditions on foot of having their farm improvement scheme application suspended. [30120/07]
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following a comprehensive consultation period involving input from stakeholders and other interested parties; and the provisions of the Regulations, including the deadlines for compliance with requirements relating to storage facilities, were specifically agreed with the European Commission as part of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme. Those deadlines are not linked to the availability of grant aid. A revised Farm Waste Management Scheme, introduced by my Department in 2006 with the approval of the European Commission, was designed to assist farmers in meeting their obligations under the Nitrates Regulations. A standard grant rate of 60% (70% in the four Zone C counties) was available to farmers under the Scheme. 48,580 applications were received from farmers under this Scheme and, to date, almost 35,000 approvals to commence work have issued to farmers. The remaining applications are either still under consideration, are awaiting the receipt of full planning permission or are explained by the receipt of multiple applications from a single farmer.
The Farm Waste Management Scheme, rather than the Farm Improvement Scheme, was the main measure designed to assist farmers to meet their obligations under the Nitrates Regulations. A standard grant rate of 40% was available under the Farm Improvement Scheme. I have recently announced that applications under that Scheme have reached the level of funding available and that, as a result, the Scheme is closed to new applications for now. REPS is a voluntary undertaking. It is a condition of the current Scheme, and has been a condition of previous Schemes, that all necessary animal housing and organic fertiliser storage facilities to meet REPS requirements be in place before the first winter after acceptance into the Scheme. I have no plans to waive this requirement.
Seed Supplies.
Ciaran Lynch
Question:55 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the impact scarce seed supplies are having on farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30087/07]
The high grain prices experienced across the world have resulted in an increased interest in sowing cereals. In addition the very good autumn weather has encouraged farmers to plant winter crops instead of waiting till the spring. 2007 was a difficult year for producing seed in Ireland, because of the very wet summer. In response to this a derogation was obtained from the EU Commission to allow for the marketing of wheat seed at a lower germination rate of 80% as compared to the normal 85%. However, the Seed Trade chose not to avail of this. Preliminary information indicates that winter plantings are expected to be up around 30% to 118,000 ha from 90,000 ha planted in 2006. This increase was enabled through higher imports (1,500 tonnes as compared to 324 tonnes in 2006). and the planting of 2,500 tonne of spring oats seed. The availability of seed for spring planting will be tight. The amount of barley and wheat seed harvested from seed certification crops was 10% less than last year. This may not necessarily result in a 10% decline in seed availability as in each year the Seed Companies have flexibility in deciding how much of the seed that is harvested enters the Certification Scheme. In addition it is known that companies are making enquiries as regards importing seed from the UK. Seed prices are on average €100 a tonne or 15% higher than last year.
Farm Improvement Scheme.
Paul Kehoe
Question:56 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Question No. 331 of 13 November 2007 the number of applications and the amount applied for in grants under the farm improvement grants scheme received by each of the offices and sub offices of her Department by 22 October 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30136/07]
As I indicated in response to the earlier question, 12,675 applications were received under the Farm Improvement Scheme up to its suspension on 31 October 2007. A county-by-county breakdown was also provided on that occasion. It is not possible at this stage to provide any further breakdown of this figure.
Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 35.
Sheep Sector.
Joe Carey
Question:58 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress she has made with regard to the implementation of the Malone Report for the Sheep Industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29890/07]
The Sheep Strategy Group, which was chaired by Mr. John Malone, produced its report in June 2006. The report contained a number of recommendations for action to secure the future of the sheep sector. I established an Implementation Group, also under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Malone report. The Group reported in April of this year. Most of the recommendations in the report fall to be implemented by the industry itself and it is too early at this stage to assess their impact. The recommendations are supported by my Department through assistance for breeding and management, processing facilities, mechanical grading, quality assurance and health and welfare. In addition and in line with the Group's report, sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. A budget of €28 million a year has been allocated to fund the proposed new supplementary measure at an overall cost of over €170 million for the period to 2013.
Farm Waste Management.
Michael Creed
Question:59 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if adequate moneys will be available in her Department for 2008 to meet all commitments under the farm waste management scheme; the estimated cost of projected completions in 2008 under the scheme; the funds provided for in the National Development Plan for the scheme in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30033/07]
A total of €350 million was provided for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and related measures, such as the Farm Improvement Scheme, by the 2007-2013 National Development Plan as part of an overall package of measures amounting to €8.6 billion of public funding for the agri-food sector as set out in that Plan. I am satisfied that sufficient funding will be made available for the Farm Waste Management Scheme in my Department's estimates for 2008 to meet all the financial commitments which arise under that Scheme during the course of that year.
Animal Diseases.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:60 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures in place to promote disease eradication; if there are plans for the introduction of an all-Ireland health policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30099/07]
My Department accords a high priority to maintaining Ireland's high status in relation to animal health and welfare in the context of protecting consumers and in view of the economic and social importance of agriculture to the country. It remains essential that we anticipate future possibilities wherever possible and maintain the capability of dealing effectively with any threats in this area, from wherever they emerge. A comprehensive approach to these threats involves the following measures — the continued operation of schemes to reduce and eventually eradicate diseases of significant importance such as TB and Brucellosis; an intensive programme of measures to eradicate BSE; and measures to deal with threats from or actual outbreaks of other diseases.
With regard to Bovine Tuberculosis, the Eradication Scheme, which complies fully with the relevant EU legislation, has been successful in reducing the level of this disease from 17% in the 1950s to 0.4%. While efforts are continuing to achieve a sustained reduction below that level, further progress is constrained by the presence of a wildlife reservoir of infection. In this regard, my Department operates an active wildlife and research programme. The incidence of Brucellosis has been falling progressively in recent years. For example, the number of laboratory positives has fallen from 6,417 in 1998 to 212 in 2006 while in the same timeframe, the number of herds depopulated dropped from 328 to three. This progress has been maintained into 2007.
This animal traceability system and the Animal Health Computer System are essential elements in supporting the Department's policies in relation to animal health and welfare activities and consumer confidence. These systems bring the benefits of modern technology also to the administration of the Department's various programmes, including the management of the TB and Brucellosis eradication schemes. The Animal Health Computer System has been extended also to facilitate the creation of a national database of all registered keepers of domestic poultry and captive birds as part of the Department's response to the threat of an outbreak of Avian Influenza.
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. The importance of agriculture on the island of Ireland and the potential threats posed by diseases require that both Governments are involved at the highest level in protecting and enhancing the animal health and welfare status of livestock. The establishment of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) provided a framework for the development of an all-island animal health policy. The main objectives of the NSMC are to foster co-operation and to devise a common, unified animal health strategy for the island as a whole. This involves the co-ordination of animal health policies and the development of joint strategies for dealing with animal diseases.
The programme of work, mandated by the NSMC, is being progressed through a series of 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. Since 2001 the structured arrangements have been valuable particularly in our dealings with the recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, Bluetongue and Avian Influenza in England. In addition progress has been made in relation to policies on animal identification and on a variety of animal diseases including T.B, Brucellosis, BSE and Scrapie.
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. The ultimate objective of an all-island animal health and welfare strategy continues to be the attainment of arrangements that facilitate the free movement of animals on the island. I am committed also to reviewing and where necessary prioritising the work of Working Groups and to progressing a range of issues by various deadlines. I have put in place an agreed policy document setting down a common chapter for dealing with foot and mouth disease and at present work is continuing on the finalisation of common chapters in contingency plans for Bluetongue and Avian Influenza as well as specified work on identification of sheep, electronic data sharing, trade aspects and common approaches to scrapie, genotyping and salmonella.
I am pleased to state that I hosted the first North/South Agricultural Sectoral meeting in Donegal on the 9th of this month since the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly. Together with my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, I met the Northern Ireland delegation which comprised of Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Arlene Foster, MLA, Minister of the Environment. The free movement of animals on the island continues to be the ultimate aim of the animal health and welfare strategy and that the way forward is through co-operation and the development of complementary policies. I believe we should continue to utilise the structured arrangements that are in place to progress matters.
Grant Payments.
Seymour Crawford
Question:61 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she expects the 40% grant aid for farm development to restored; her views on whether this grant aid is vital for farmers to meet dairy standards and Nitrate Directives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29919/07]
The Farm Improvement Scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 as the applications had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. I have no plans to reopen the Scheme prior to the review in 2008 of the terms of Towards 2016 as provided for in that agreement. This review will take stock of the outcomes achieved in relation to the overall goals and the opportunities to refocus and reprioritise. The Farm Waste Management Scheme, which provided a standard grant-rate of 60% (70% in the four Zone C counties), rather than the Farm Improvement Scheme was the principal measure designed to assist farmers to meet their obligations under the Nitrates Directive. A total of 48,580 applications were received from farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme prior to the closing date of the end of 2006 and, to date, almost 35,000 approvals have issued to farmers to commence work under that Scheme.
Tuberculosis Incidence.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:62 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the value for money review of the TB eradication scheme has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30037/07]
The value for money review of the Bovine TB Eradication Scheme is due to be completed by the end of the year.
Tax Code.
Jack Wall
Question:63 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has received all of their entitlements in relation to tax rebates; if their tax credits and standard rate of tax cut off point are correct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30335/07]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have no record of receiving a request from the taxpayer regarding entitlement to tax rebates or the correctness of their certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point. On receipt of the Deputy's query, reviews for the years 2004 to 2006 inclusive were processed by Revenue and PAYE balancing statements for each of these years, together with cheques in settlement, will issue to the taxpayer in the coming days. The taxpayer's tax credits for the year 2007 were also updated to include the home carer tax credit and an amended certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point issued to the taxpayer on 20 November 2007. The taxpayer's standard rate cut-off point was correctly shown on the certificate that issued on 12 February 2007 and therefore remains unchanged.
Public Transport.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:64 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps he will take to compensate private bus operators regarding the removal of the refund of excise duty on fuel which amounts to 0.34533 cent per litre; the reason the private bus operators were not made aware when this tax rebate expired in December 2006 despite the fact that the Government was aware of the situation and that private bus operators had signed school contracts and other contracts set at a level for 2008 without this knowledge that the rebate was to be removed; the further reason bus operators were discriminated against compared to Bus Éireann which apparently were made aware that the rebate was removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30352/07]
The Deputy may recall that I have answered Parliamentary Questions on this issue over the past year, including on 4 July 2007 and in recent weeks. The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However the European Commission, which is the deciding authority, has to date refused all such requests. The Commission maintains that, in keeping with the EU Energy Tax Directive, Member States must apply at least the EU minimum rates of excise on fuels in such circumstances and that any further favourable excise treatment is not allowable. In this regard the Commission's decision was published on its website in March 2007. At the Commission's behest my officials have indicated that Ireland will avail of the forthcoming Finance Bill to make the necessary legislative changes to conform with the Directive. In the circumstances, the relevant line Departments who have primary responsibility in this regard are, in conjunction with my Department, exploring alternative non-tax support mechanisms that could be put in place where appropriate to maintain the assistance currently being provided, subject of course to compatibility with EU state aid requirements. In the interim the reduced rates applicable to fuel used will be maintained.
Flood Relief.
Phil Hogan
Question:65 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the cleaning of the River Breagagh, County Kilkenny (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30384/07]
Part of the River Breagagh, where it joins with the Nore is included in the River Nore Flood Relief Scheme and is maintained by the Commissioners of Public Works as part of the scheme. The Commissioners of Public Works have no powers to maintain the river upstream of the scheme channel. However, the OPW will investigate whether there is a case to clean the area in question and if so whether it would be possible to devise suitable arrangements, possibly in conjunction with the Local Authority to do so.
Tax Yield.
Richard Bruton
Question:66 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his estimate of the taxes raised from housing in each year since 2002; his estimate for 2007; and his forecast for 2008. [30479/07]
In relation to taxes raised from housing, the relevant taxes are Stamp Duty, VAT and Capital Gains Tax. I am informed that information specifically attributed to housing is not readily available for all of these taxes. However, the Revenue Commissioners have supplied the following information: In 2002, the residential stamp duty net receipts were €349 million and the VAT estimates were €1,436 million. In 2003, the residential stamp duty net receipts were €528 million and the VAT estimates were €1,874 million. In 2004, the residential stamp duty net receipts were €752 million and the VAT estimates were €2,327 million. In 2005, the residential stamp duty net receipts were €945 million and the VAT estimates were €2,841 million. In 2006, the residential stamp duty net receipts were €1,311 million and the VAT estimates were €3,247 million. The residential stamp duty net receipts for 2007, to the end of October, were €902 million and the full-year VAT estimates are €3,501 million.
Stamp Duty from residential properties is shown on a Revenue net receipts basis. Revenue net receipts differ from Exchequer receipts due to accounting and timing issues. Precise figures for the VAT take from the residential housing sector is not possible, as the information furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified. However, based on data published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the estimated yield from this sector, which includes VAT on repairs and maintenance, is as I have outlined. Finally, the Department of Finance will, in the context of the forthcoming Budget, publish estimated out-turn figures for 2007 and the budget day tax forecast for 2008. In this regard it is important to note that November is an important month for tax receipts, with over 22% of total tax profiled for the year expected this month.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a breakdown of Capital Gains Tax by asset type is not available. However, it is possible to provide a proportional breakdown by reference to asset types of the aggregate consideration underlying chargeable gains, that is, the total amount on which CGT is payable for the years 2002-05 broken down into broad asset categories. These figures refer to the total selling price prior to allowing any offsets or deductions and they do not reflect whether sale of the asset gave rise to a gain or a loss. This is not a breakdown of the actual yield from residential property as, for example, disposal of a principal private residence (which is exempt from CGT), will be reflected in these figures but not in the yield. Just under 20% of disposals detailed on Form 11 as broken down by this aggregate consideration of asset value were from residential property in each of the years from 2002 to 2005. Data for the tax year 2006 is not yet available as the income tax returns for that year were not due for filing until October 2007. Similarly, 2007 data will not be available until late 2008.
Richard Bruton
Question:67 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his estimate of the taxes raised from motoring in each year since 2002; his estimate for 2007; and his forecast for 2008. [30480/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available is the amount of tax revenues collected as Mineral Oil Tax (excise), VRT and Motor Tax in respect of motor vehicles. The information furnished with VAT returns does not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified. However, the estimated receipts of VAT from cars and motor fuels for the years 2002 to 2007 are included in the following table:
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 Provisional |
|
|
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
€ m |
|
|
Petrol |
||||||
|
Excise |
854 |
854 |
971 |
1,002 |
1,026 |
1,058 |
|
Estimated VAT |
286 |
290 |
328 |
368 |
443 |
491 |
|
Total |
1,140 |
1,144 |
1,299 |
1,370 |
1,469 |
1,549 |
|
Auto Diesel |
||||||
|
Excise |
660 |
732 |
871 |
921 |
1,017 |
1,091 |
|
Estimated VAT |
30 |
32 |
38 |
46 |
54 |
61 |
|
Total |
690 |
764 |
909 |
967 |
1,071 |
1,152 |
|
Motor Vehicles |
||||||
|
Vehicle Registration Tax |
793 |
819 |
946 |
1,149 |
1,287 |
1,420 |
|
Estimated VAT |
430 |
431 |
480 |
559 |
600 |
700 |
|
Total |
1,223 |
1,250 |
1,426 |
1,708 |
1,887 |
2,120 |
|
Motor Tax |
581 |
680 |
747 |
802 |
880 |
944 |
My Department will publish tax forecasts for 2008 in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
Tax Code.
Richard Bruton
Question:68 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of taxpayers whose income is above the standard cut off point in 2007; and his estimate for the number in 2008 assuming an unchanged tax code. [30481/07]
Richard Bruton
Question:69 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of taxpayers who are single, married one earner and married two earners; the number in each case whose income is below the standard cut-off point; and the number below the standard cut-off point. [30482/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 69 together.
It is assumed that the figures requested by the Deputy are of the numbers of income earners, broken down by marital status groups as appropriate, whose gross income is above or below the relevant standard rate cut-off point. In addition, the following standard rate cut-off points have been assumed: Single, €34,000; One-Parent family, €38,000; married, one spouse earning, €43,000; Married, two spouses earning, €68,000. On this basis, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the projected distributions of income earners for 2007 and 2008 are as follows.
|
Based on Gross Income |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Income Earners |
Single/Widowed (including one parent families) |
Married one spouse earning |
Married, two spouses earning |
Total |
|
Above cut off point |
395,300 |
144,200 |
190,300 |
729,900 |
|
At or below cut off point |
1,083,100 |
235,300 |
237,100 |
1,555,500 |
|
Total |
1,478,400 |
379,600 |
427,400 |
2,285,400 |
|
Based on Gross Income |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(Pre-Budget 2008 basis) |
||||
|
Income Earners |
Single/Widowed (including one parent families) |
Married one spouse earning |
Married, two spouses earning |
Total |
|
Above cut off point |
447,200 |
160,900 |
214,400 |
822,500 |
|
At or below cut off point |
1,060,800 |
227,300 |
227,000 |
1,515,100 |
|
Total |
1,508,000 |
388,200 |
441,400 |
2,337,600 |
Figures in the tables are rounded to the nearest hundred and any apparent discrepancies in totals are due to this. The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for 2004 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for the years in question and are therefore provisional and subject to revision. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Tax Credits.
Richard Bruton
Question:70 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of persons who claim home-carers tax credit in 2007; and the number projected to claim it in 2008. [30483/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of income earners availing of the home carer tax credit in 2007 is estimated at 94,900 and is projected to be 100,100 in 2008 on a pre-Budget basis. These figures are provisional and subject to revision. The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the home carer tax credit and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the home carer credit. The numbers availing of the credit are rounded to the nearest hundred as appropriate. A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Tax Code.
Richard Bruton
Question:71 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of high earners earning over €250,000 for whom the effective rate of tax was 15% or less in the most recent year for which data is available. [30485/07]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent basic data on incomes available from which information of the type requested by the Deputy could be derived are in respect of the income tax year 2004. If the effective rate of income tax for each income earner with gross income in excess of €250,000 in 2004 is calculated as the percentage of total tax liability to gross income some 937 income earners in this income category, or 10 per cent of the total, had an effective tax rate of 15 per cent or lower. The corresponding percentage for income earners with gross income in excess of €250,000 in 2003 was 10 per cent. These figures take account of Deposit Interest Retention Tax paid. Gross income is income before adjustments are made in respect of capital allowances, interest paid, losses, allowable expenses, retirement annuities etc. but after deduction of superannuation contributions by employees. A married couple who have elected or have been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.
Departmental Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:72 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30495/07]
Since January 1997, 21 bodies were set up under the remit of my Department, one of which was abolished. The following table lists these bodies and the date they were established.
|
Name of Body |
Date Established |
|
Euro Changeover Board of Ireland |
May 19981 |
|
Special EU Programmes Body |
Dec 1999 |
|
Public Service Benchmarking Body |
Jul 2000 |
|
National Pensions Reserve Fund |
Apr 20012 |
|
National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission |
Apr 20012 |
|
Committee for Performance Awards |
Nov 2001 |
|
State Claims Agency |
Dec 20012 |
|
Interim Board of the Civil Service Childcare Initiative |
Feb 2002 |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) |
Mar 20023 |
|
State Claims Agency Policy Committee |
Apr 20022 |
|
National Development Finance Agency |
Jan 20032 |
|
Board of National Development Finance Agency |
Jan 20032 |
|
Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland |
May 2003 |
|
Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (Financial Regulator) |
May 2003 |
|
Decentralisation Implementation Group |
Dec 2003 |
|
Outside Appointments Board |
Sep 2004 |
|
Financial Services Ombudsman Council |
Oct 2004 |
|
Financial Services Consultative Consumer Panel |
Oct 2004 |
|
Irish Financial Services Appeals Tribunal |
Oct 2004 |
|
Financial Services Consultative Industry Panel |
Oct 2004 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
Oct 20044 |
|
Commission for Public Service Appointments |
Oct 20044 |
1The Euro Changeover Board was abolished in May 2002
2These bodies all come under the remit of the NTMA
3Replaced Ordnance Survey Office
4Replaced the Civil Service Commission
Question No. 73 withdrawn.
Health Services.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:74 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, from August 2007 University College Hospital Galway, is no longer financing orthotics equipment for special needs children; if her attention has been drawn to the long term damage that can be caused to children’s feet, limbs and development by the refusal of the HSE west to finance the provision of orthotics equipment for those special needs children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30356/07]
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 Education.
James Reilly
Question:75 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the numbers of nursing students leaving training for the past six years from areas of general nursing, mental health, and intellectual disability; the number by location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30357/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected in my Department. I have however referred your question to An Bord Altranais, the statutory registration body for nursing to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Patient Statistics.
Brian O'Shea
Question:76 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of cystic fibrosis diagnosed in each county in each of the past five years and to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30358/07]
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 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 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 Services.
Brian O'Shea
Question:77 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the system in place to screen babies prenatally or at birth for cystic fibrosis where one or both parents are carriers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30359/07]
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 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 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.
Hospital Staff.
James Reilly
Question:78 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that it is official Health Service Executive and her Department policy that the communicative value of Irish speaking NCHDs particularly in Gaeltacht areas is considered to be irrelevant (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30375/07]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for recruitment procedures with regard to specialist training schemes for non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) and is the appropriate body to consider the matters raised in the Deputy's further Parliamentary Question. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy. I am advised by the HSE that, in its response to Parliamentary Question 23013/07, it was indicated that the awarding of additional marks for proficiency in Irish as per Administrative Circular 10/71 is implemented for permanent officer positions only, and therefore does not apply in the recruitment of NCHDs.
Health Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:79 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [30377/07]
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.
Paul Connaughton
Question:80 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not entitled to orthopaedic shoes to overcome a problem relating to their walking; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that they have a medical card and are 91 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30380/07]
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 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.
Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.
Paul Connaughton
Question:81 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself with the way the Health Service Executive are treating applicants under the health repayment scheme particularly where the patient was in a private nursing home but who had a medical card; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that such patients did try to be accommodated in the State run homes locally but were not successful due to the lack of places and that a commitment seems to have been given that patients in this category would receive favourable attention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30381/07]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. All those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged and are alive will have their charges repaid in full. The estates of all those fully eligible persons who were wrongly charged for publicly funded long term residential care and died since 9 December 1998 will have the charges repaid in full. The scheme does not allow for repayments to the estates of those who died prior to that date.
Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965. It is not my intention to extend the parameters of the health repayment scheme.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Niall Collins
Question:82 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children when the mobile BreastCheck clinic will be available in County Limerick mid west area. [30390/07]
BreastCheck commenced the screening process in the Southern region in October. I have allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million to the National Cancer Screening Service for this year to meet the additional costs involved in national roll-out. The full complement of 111 staff for roll-out has been approved. I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and the provision of seven additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. Construction commenced on the static site at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital in Cork in November last year and final hand-over of the building is scheduled for the end of this month. The expansion of the BreastCheck programme to the Southern region covers counties Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Tipperary South Riding. The screening sequence for roll out to individual counties will be dictated by BreastCheck's management and operational considerations such as maximising uptake, most efficient use of mobile and static units and radiographic personnel.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Niall Collins
Question:83 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the new nursing home payment support scheme due to become operable in January 2008. [30391/07]
The proposed new nursing home support scheme aims to remedy the inequities that exist in the current system. At present, people face greatly different costs depending on whether they are in public or private nursing homes. In addition, individual contributions in public places are based on a flat rate regardless of an individual's wealth, whereas State support for individuals in private places is based on means-testing. This means that many people in private nursing homes get no support, and even with subvention, people can face costs they cannot afford. The result is that some people are forced to sell or mortgage their homes to pay for care costs.
In contrast, the new scheme will ensure that long-term residential care is affordable for all who need it. Contributions during a person's life will be affordable and they will not have to sell or mortgage their house to meet the contribution. Furthermore, a person's family will not have to contribute towards the cost of their care.
Under the new scheme, people who require long-term residential care will contribute up to 80% of their assessable income, whether for public or private nursing home care. Depending on the amount of a person's assessable income, there will also be a contribution of up to 5% of a person's assets.
The portion of the contribution relating to non-liquid assets, such as a person's house, may be deferred. This means that it does not have to be met during the person's lifetime and can be payable on settlement of the person's estate instead. The deferred contribution will be based on the actual number of weeks spent in residential care and on the cost of care and, consequently, may be less than 5% per annum. I would take this opportunity to emphasise that no one will pay more than the cost of their care. In addition, where the deferred contribution applies to the principal private residence, it will be capped at a maximum of 15%, or 7.5% in the case of one spouse remaining in the home while the other enters long-term residential care. This means that after three years in care, a person will not be liable for any further deferred contribution based on the principal residence. It also means that 85% of the value of the principal residence may be maintained for the beneficiaries of the person's estate. This is not something that can be guaranteed at the moment.
A person or his/her family can also choose to pay the deferred contribution at the time when care is being received instead of allowing it to be levied upon the estate if they so wish.
Where a spouse or certain dependants are living in the principal residence, the deferred contribution in respect of the residence can be further deferred until after the death of that spouse or dependant, or until such time as a person previously qualifying as a dependant ceases to qualify as such.
The final details of the Bill are being addressed at present. The Minister proposes to publish the Bill as soon as possible, following Government approval.
Care of the Elderly.
Niall Collins
Question:84 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages available in County Limerick; and the application or assessment criteria and procedure. [30392/07]
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.
Hospital Services.
Dan Neville
Question:85 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 27 June 2007, the position regarding her plans to deal with the situation at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital where patients in need of dialysis have to travel long distances due to the fact that the hospital can not accommodate them; and if the Tullamore mobile dialysis service which was recommended by the Irish Kidney Association to move to Limerick will do so. [30394/07]
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 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.
Michael McGrath
Question:86 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that at present there are no dialysis services available at Cork University Hospital for visitors from abroad; and the date when such services will be available. [30409/07]
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 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.
Services for People with Disabilities.
Michael McGrath
Question:87 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if resources will be made available by the Health Service Executive to the Brothers of Charity as the service provider to increase the number of occupational therapist posts from a half full time equivalent at present to meet the demand for services at a special needs school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30410/07]
Michael McGrath
Question:88 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if resources will be made available by the Health Service Executive to the Brothers of Charity as the service provider to increase the number of speech and language therapists posts from two and a half FTE’s at present to meet the demand for services at a special needs school (details supplied) in County Cork. [30411/07]
Michael McGrath
Question:90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will provide cover at a special needs school (details supplied) in County Cork for a social worker currently on maternity leave. [30413/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87, 88 and 90 together.
Additional funding of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This amount incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including therapy and related 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.
Hospital Services.
Michael McGrath
Question:89 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to dedicated paediatric services at Cork University Hospital; and the paediatric consultant cover at the hospital. [30412/07]
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 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.
Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 87.
Health Services.
Michael McGrath
Question:91 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the provision of an adjustable chair which has been requested for a child with a special needs (details supplied) in County Cork. [30414/07]
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.
Health Service Staff.
Michael McGrath
Question:92 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if maternity leave cover will be provided to ensure continuity of service by a qualified audiologist in 2008 at the Health Service Executive’s Hearing Service, North Main Street, Cork. [30415/07]
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.
Hospital Services.
Pat Breen
Question:93 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the care case management programme has been withdrawn from Raheen Hospital in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30430/07]
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.
Health Services.
Ned O'Keeffe
Question:94 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the care of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [30436/07]
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. The 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.
Pharmacy Regulations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or her Department or bodies under her aegis have entered into dialogue with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union with particular reference to the need to alleviate possible cessation in the supply of services; if she has received submissions from the pharmacists in this regard; if she will take particular initiatives to resolve the impasse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30462/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to take an initiative to allow open ended discussions between her Department and the IPU with a view to having the impact of the Health Service Executive proposals on pharmacy services fully evaluated as per the Indecon Report; if a fair and responsible independent process for the determination of fees and services can be arrived at; if she will refer the discussions to an independent arbitrator or chairman to oversee negotiations in line with her previous and HSE pronouncements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30463/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) has operational responsibility, under the Health Act 2004, for the management and delivery of health and personal social services, the issue of revised reimbursement prices for community pharmacy under the GMS and community drugs schemes, following the announcement by the HSE on 17 September 2007 of new wholesaler arrangements, is being managed by a HSE-led team which includes representation from my Department.
I have previously outlined in detail to the Oireachtas the legal provisions under competition law which prevent the Health Service Executive (HSE) from negotiating with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) on fees, prices or margins for their members. When it became clear that the HSE could not negotiate with pharmacists or wholesalers on fees or margins, a detailed, fair and transparent consultation process, including independent economic analysis and public consultation, was carried out to inform the final determination of the new reimbursement pricing arrangements for drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes. These new arrangements were announced by the HSE on 17th September 2007. The independent economic analysis was carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants and was published by the HSE on 13 November 2007. All aspects of the Indecon analysis were considered by the HSE in making its determination.
In regard to the new reimbursement prices, the main wholesaler companies have confirmed to the HSE that they will charge community pharmacists the same price for these drugs and medicines as pharmacists will be reimbursed by the HSE for these products. Furthermore, there are no changes planned by the HSE to the operation of the GMS medical card and community drugs schemes, and all patients continue to receive their entitlements in the normal way.
My Department understands that the HSE has not received formal notification from any community pharmacist regarding cessation of services under the GMS or the various community drugs schemes. They will be required to give three months notice in writing of any intention to cease providing this service.
My Department has received correspondence from the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and other interested parties concerning the new reimbursement pricing arrangements for drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes. Officials from my Department have met with the HSE on a number of occasions to discuss wholesaler/pharmacy issues.
To address concerns expressed by the IPU, on behalf of community pharmacists, about the implications of the legal advice on competition law on their right to negotiate fees through the Union, a process of dialogue was established, chaired by Bill Shipsey SC, to explore ways in which concerns raised by the IPU about the implications of this legal advice might be addressed. Despite suspension of this process during the recent withdrawal by individual pharmacists of methadone services, there has recently been renewed engagement between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the HSE under the auspices of Mr. Shipsey. I am also exploring, in consultation with the Attorney General, the other relevant Government Departments and the HSE, the best way of progressing the development of a new contract with pharmacists.
Tax Collection.
Richard Bruton
Question:97 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the revenue raised from health levies and from other contributions, tax or levies paid directly by the public for each of the years 2005 and 2006; her estimate for 2007; and her forecast for 2008. [30486/07]
The revenue raised from health contributions (also known as the Health Levy) and from other contributions or levies are classified as Appropriations-in-Aid of the Vote for the Health Service Executive (HSE). The following table sets out the detail of these Appropriations-in-Aid.
|
Appropriations-in Aid |
Realised 2005 |
Realised 2006 |
Estimated 2007 |
|
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
€ 000 |
|
|
Receipts from health contributions |
1,116,692 |
1,188,481 |
1,265,734 |
|
Receipts from patient charges in HSE operated Hospitals |
184,648 |
227,566 |
286,000 |
|
Sub-Total — direct payments |
1,301,340 |
1,416,047 |
1,551,734 |
|
Other receipts |
|||
|
Receipts from certain excise duties on tobacco products |
* 167,605 |
167,605 |
167,605 |
|
Recovery of costs of health services provided under regulations of the European Community |
448,575 |
396,769 |
450,000 |
|
Recovery from the UK Dept of Health and Social Security of its share of the costs of Leopardstown Park Hospital |
705 |
170 |
|
|
Recoupment of certain Opthalmic Services Scheme costs from Social Insurance Fund |
9,537 |
5,000 |
|
|
Recoupment of certain Dental Treatment Services Scheme costs from Social Insurance Fund |
16,969 |
8,500 |
|
|
Dormant Accounts -Economic and Social Disadvantage |
3,500 |
||
|
Dormant Accounts -Disability |
6,500 |
||
|
Superannuation receipts- HSE employees |
170,419 |
185,235 |
200,000 |
|
Miscellaneous receipts |
88,643 |
110,402 |
110,000 |
|
Sub-total |
875,947 |
886,517 |
951,275 |
|
Total Receipts |
2,177,287 |
2,302,564 |
2,503,009 |
*For 2005 this amount was received as an Appropriation-in-Aid of the Office of the Minister for Health and Children (Vote 39).
The Pre-Budget Outlook 2008 sets out the estimate of the Appropriations-in-Aid of the HSE Vote for 2008 at €2,641,990,000.
The table includes patients/clients' own contributions in HSE operated long stay accommodation. It should be noted that patients/clients in certain situations also make contributions directly towards HSE funded beds in the private sector. In addition to the HSE amounts provided above a further € 130 million, approximately, is received by Voluntary and Joint Board Hospitals and other voluntary agencies as income in respect of patient/client charges.
Departmental Agencies.
Richard Bruton
Question:98 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of her Department. [30497/07]
I am having enquiries made in my Department to obtain the information sought by the Deputy and this will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Search and Rescue Services.
Pat Breen
Question:99 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 5 July 2007, the progress that has been made in providing a new building for the Doolin Coastguard and Rescue Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30350/07]
The negotiations to acquire a site for a Station House for the Doolin Unit, mentioned in reply to Question No. 121 of 5 July 2007, are continuing and the Unit continues to avail of temporary accommodation provided in 2006.
Given the very lengthy difficulty in acquiring a suitable site for the Doolin Unit Station House, which I must emphasize is due to factors outside of my control, the Coast Guard is now also actively working to expand existing accommodation to better facilitate the Unit volunteers, particularly for boat rescue operations.
Departmental Agencies.
Richard Bruton
Question:100 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30500/07]
The number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices, which have been established in the past 10 years under the remit of my Department is 22. The number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices, which have been abolished in the past 10 years under the remit of my Department is 4.
Richard Bruton
Question:101 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30496/07]
There are four agencies, bodies or committees which have been established by, or transferred to, my Department in the past ten years. There were five agencies, bodies or committees abolished by, or transferred from, my Department in the same period. Details of these organisations and the circumstances which brought about their establishment, abolition or transfer are outlined below.
New or Transferred Bodies. The Advisory Board for Irish Aid, which replaced the Irish Aid Advisory Committee (see section below), was established in August 2002 to provide general oversight and advice to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State for Overseas Development on the strategic direction of the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries.
The Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC) was appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2003 following the recommendations of the Ireland Aid Review Committee. Its purpose is to advise the Minister, Minister of State and Irish Aid on policy regarding development education.
The Díon Advisory Committee was set up in response to concern about the situation of Irish emigrants in Britain in 1984. The Committee advises the Government and makes recommendations on Emigrant Services funding to voluntary organisations that work with vulnerable Irish people resident in Britain. In February 2003, these responsibilities were transferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The Hunger Task Force was established in September 2007, in line with the recommendation of the White Paper on Irish Aid, to identify the contributions that Ireland can make to international efforts to reduce hunger. The Task Force has been appointed for a period of six months, after which it will present a final report to the Minister of State with responsibility for Overseas Development.
Bodies abolished, replaced or transferred. The Irish Aid Advisory Committee (IAAC) was in existence between 1993 and 2002. Its purpose was to provide advice to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the strategic direction of the Government's programme of assistance to developing countries. In 2002, as stated above, it was replaced by the Advisory Board for Irish Aid.
The National Committee for Development Education (NCDE) was established in 1994 to promote development education throughout all sectors. It was abolished at the end of December 2002 following the recommendations of the 2002 Ireland Aid Review Committee and was succeeded by the Development Education Advisory Committee.
The Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO) was established by the Government in March 1974 to promote and sponsor temporary service in the developing countries of the world. The activities of APSO were formally integrated into the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 1 January 2004.
The Irish Refugee Agency was created in 1991, under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs, to assist with the integration of Vietnamese refugees in Ireland, and it subsequently assisted with Bosnian and Kosovar refugees. In 2001, following the recommendations in the report of the Interdepartmental Group on the Integration of Refugees in Ireland, the Government decided to replace the existing structures for dealing with refugees (including the Refugee Agency) with the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The Cultural Relations Committee (CRC) was established in 1949 under the aegis of the then Department of External Affairs, and was transferred from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in 2002. The role and function of the CRC was to advise the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the administration of the annual Grant-in-Aid voted by the Oireachtas for the development of cultural relations with other countries.
Departmental Properties.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:102 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the IDA will allow Galway City Council to take over the sewer system at Ballybrit, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30364/07]
The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio, including the purchase and disposal of property, is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and not a matter in which I have a function. However, I have brought your concerns to the attention of the Secretary of IDA Ireland and asked that he reply directly to you on the matter.
Departmental Agencies.
Richard Bruton
Question:103 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30493/07]
The information requested by the Deputy was contained in my reply to Questions Nos. 317 and 318 on 2nd October, 2007, to his party colleague, Deputy Varadkar, and the situation has not changed since. For ease of reference for the Deputy, I am setting out the information in the following table:
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
An Foras Áiseanna Saothair (FÁS) |
1/1/88 |
— |
17 |
1997: 2,013 1998: 2,087 1999: 2,075 2000: 2,235 2001: 2,297 2002: 2,358 2003: 2,387 2004: 2,305 2005: 2,294 2006: 2,241 2007: 2,241 |
1997 — 607.158 1998 — 630.690 1999 — 675.664 2000 — 746.746 2001 — 834.279 2002 — 863.841 2003 — 828.357 2004 — 830.142 2005 — 948.045 2006 — 1,016.413 |
|
Director of Consumer Affairs |
21/02/78 |
01/05/07 |
1(a) |
2007 — 62(b) |
1997 — 2.242 1998 — 2.336 1999 — 2.296 2000 — 2.753 2001 — 3.689 2002 — 4.362 2003 — 4.486 2004 — 3.407 2005 — 3.630 2006 — 3.603(c) |
|
Interim Board of the National Consumer Agency(d) |
06/06/05 |
01/05/07 |
13 |
5(e) |
2006 — 2.264 |
|
National Consumer Agency |
01/05/2007 |
— |
13 |
2007 — 62 & 5 temporary staff |
(c) |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) |
21/11/01 |
— |
— |
2001 — 15 2002 — 37.3 2003 — 37.2 2004 — 36 2005 — 36.6 2006 — 34.8 2007 — 36.7 |
2001 — 0.795 2002 — 2.838 2003 — 2.836 2004 — 3.067 2005 — 2.899 2006 — 3.356 |
|
Interim Board of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
April ’01 |
3/1/06 |
15 |
2001 — N/A 2002 — 0 2003 — 0 2004 — 1 2005 — 5 |
2001 — 0.061 2002 — 0.103 2003 — 0.199 2004 — 0.320 2005 — 1.620 (including set-up costs) |
|
IAASA |
03/01/06 |
— |
15 |
2006 — 7 2007 — 17 |
2006 — 0.570 |
|
The Competition Authority (f) |
October 1991 |
— |
5 |
1997 — 20 1998 — 17 1999 — 25 2000 — 25 2001 — 36 2002 — 34 2003 — 41 2004 — 48 2005 — 55 2006 — 52 |
1997 — 1.047 1998 — 1.129 1999 — 1.310 2000 — 1.856 2001 — 2.779 2002 — 3.291 2003 — 4.354 2004 — 4.738 2005 — 5.360 2006 — 6.104 |
|
Company Law Review Group (CLRG) |
2001 |
— |
22 |
Supported by Departmental Staff |
The costs associated with the CLRG are included as part of the Departments Administrative Budget(g) |
|
Business Regulation Forum (BRF) |
Nov 2005 |
Feb 2007 |
22 |
Supported by Departmental Staff |
The costs associated with the BRF are included as part of the Departments Administrative Budget(g) |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
High Level Group on Business Regulation |
March 2007 |
— |
15 |
Supported by Departmental Staff |
The costs associated with the high Level Group are included as part of the Departments Administrative Budget |
|
National Competitiveness Council |
2 May 1997 |
— |
1997 — 11 1998 — 13 1999 — 15 2000 — 14 2001 — 15 2002 — 16 2003 — 16 2004 — 15 2005 — 16 2006 — 16 2007 — 15 |
(h) |
(i) |
|
National Employment Rights Authority |
Established in February 2007 on an interim basis pending the enactment of the Employment Law Compliance Bill which will give NERA a statutory footing. |
— |
No Board, hence no members |
Currently 95 |
First Year of operation |
|
Labour Relations Commission |
21/01/1991 |
— |
7 |
1997 — 38 1998 — 46 1999 — 39 2000 — 41 2001 — 45 2002 — 44 2003 — 45 2004 — 53 2005 — 54 2006 — 53 |
1997 — 1.798 1998 — 2.093 1999 — 2.211 2000 — 2.085 2001 — 2.396 2002 — 2.781 2003 — 3.566 2004 — 4.308 2005 — 4.671 2006 — 4.626 |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) |
1 Jan 1968 |
— |
1997 — 62 1998 — 82 1999 — 82 2000 — 82 2001 — 83 2002 — 83 2003 — 83 2004 — 104 2005 — 104 2006 — 104 2007 — 116 |
1997 — (j) 1998 — (j) 1999 — (j) 2000 — (j) 2001 — (j) 2002 — 23 2003 — 23 2004 — 27 2005 — 27 2006 — 27 2007 — 32 |
1997 — (k) 1998 — (k) 1999 — (k) 2000 — (k) 2001 — (k) 2002 — (k) 2003 — (k) 2004 — 1.641 2005 — 1.195 2006 — 2.279 |
|
Labour Court |
1946 |
— |
9 plus 1 Registrar |
1997 — 25 1998 — 27 1999 — 25 2000 — 24 2001 — 24 2002 — 24 2003 — 25 2004 — 25 2005 — 25 2006 — 25 2007 – |
1997 — (l) 1998 — (l) 1999 — (l) 2000 — 1.180 2001 — 1.896 2002 — 2.220 2003 — 2.270 2004 — 2.309 2005 — 2.403 2006 — 2.761 |
|
National Authority for Occupation-al Safety & Health |
1989 |
— |
11 increased to 12 in 2004 |
1997 — 107 1998 — 119 1999 — 132 2000 — 157 2001 — 157 2002 — 164 2003 — 166 2004 — 165 2005 — 164 2006 — 185 2007 — 185 |
1997 — £4.946 1998 — £5.200 1999 — £5.829 2000 — £7.963 2001 — €11.995 2002 — 13.816 2003 — 14.019 2004 — 16.084 2005 — 20.804 2006 — 26.630 |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
Patent Agents Board |
Established under Rule 6 of the Register of Patent Agents Rules, 1992 (S.I. No. 180 of 1992 dated 2 July 1992). |
— |
5 (currently 4 as 1 member has recently resigned) |
None — An Executive Officer from the Patents Office acts as Secretary to the Board when meetings are held. |
None |
|
Trade Mark Agents Board |
Established under Rule 51(2) of the Trade Mark Rules, 1996 (S.I. No. 199 of 1996 dated 27 June 1996). |
— |
5 (currently 4 as 1 member has recently resigned) |
None — An Executive Officer from the Patents Office acts as Secretary to the Board when meetings are held. |
None |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
13/04/04 |
— |
11 |
2004 — 32 2005 — 48 2006 — 75 current — 80 |
2004 — 3.359 2005 — 7.378 2006 — 11.258 (m) |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
14/04/97 |
N/A |
13 |
1997 — 135 1998 — 165 1999 — 173 2000 — 173 2001 — 193 2002 — 180 2003 — 166 2004 — 155 2005 — 162 2006 — 180 2007 — 159 |
1997 — 9.294 1998 — 11.860 1999 — 13.678 2000 — 15.713 2001 — 16.802 2002 — 17.105 2003 — 17.695 2004 — 18.510 2005 — 20.475 2006 — 21.641 |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
IDA Ireland |
In 1969 as Industrial Development Authority of Ireland. In 1994 as IDA Ireland |
— |
12 |
1997 — N/A 1998 — N/A 1999 — 294 2000 — 295 2001 — 293 2002 — 295 2003 — 292 2004 — 287 2005 — 280 2006 — 275 2007 — 275 |
1997 — 170.257 1998 — 168.197 1999 — 160.510 2000 — 197.278 2001 — 158.155 2002 — 199.979 2003 — 155.429 2004 — 123.492 2005 — 149.816 2006 — 165.611 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
1998 |
— |
12 |
1998 — 826 1999 — 1,038 2000 — 1,079 2001 — 1,091 2002 — 973 2003 — 985.5 2004 — 938 2005 — 920 2006 — 921 2007 — 879 |
1998 — 143.444 1999 — 269.837 2000 — 276.415 2001 — 346.801 2002 — 303.309 2003 — 267.307 2004 — 268.008 2005 — 278.390 2006 — 295.289 |
|
Crafts Council of Ireland |
1971 |
— |
15 |
1997 — 10 1998 — 8 1999 — 8 2000 — 9 2001 — 10 2002 — 14 2003 — 14 2004 — 13 2005 — 13 2006 — 13 2007 — 14 |
1997 — 0.6351998 — 1,221 1999 — 0.902 2000 — 1,535 2001 — 2,371 2002 — 2,561 2003 — 2,333 2004 — 2,454 2005 — 3,005 2006 — 2,978 |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
Forfás |
01/01/94 |
— |
1997 to 2002 — 12 2003 to date — 13 |
1997 — 114 1998 — 113 1999 — 116 2000 — 117 2001 — 119 2002 — 119 2003 — 117 2004 — 115 2005 — 113 2006 — 116 2007 — 116 |
1997 — £9.483 1998 — £10.550 1999 — £11.980 2000 — £12.828 2001 — £16.640 2002 — €19.945 2003 — 20.265 2004 — 22.395 2005 — 27.576 2006 — 30.181 |
|
35 City and County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) (n) |
October 1993 |
— |
14 |
5 |
1997 — €27.894 1998 — €28.859 1999 — €28.129 2000 — €30.100 2001 — €29.816 2002 — €32.171 2003 — €30.406 2004 — €28.687 2005 — €30.567 2006 — €32.829 |
|
Shannon Development (o) |
28/01/59 |
— |
1997 — 12 1998 — 12 1999 — 12 2000 — 11 2001 — 12 2002 — 12 2003 — 10 2004 — 11 2005 — 12 2006 — 12 2007 — 12 |
1997 — 206 1998 — 207 1999 — 204 2000 — 200 2001 — 198 2002 — 200 2003 — 195 2004 — 187 2005 — 175 2006 — 159 2007 — 130 |
1997 — 38.127 1998 — 40.392 1999 — 39.393 2000 — 41.005 2001 — 37.024 2002 — 34.860 2003 — 39.828 2004 — 33.335 2005 — 30.445 2006 — 43.547 |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
InterTrade-Ireland (p) |
13/12/99 |
— |
12 Board Members (currently 11) |
1999 — N/A 2000 — 12 2001 — 30 2002 — 34 2003 — 40 2004 — 39 2005 — 39 2006 — 40 2007 — 42 |
1999 — 0.086 2000 — 1.993 2001 — 3.162 2002 — 4.646 2003 — 6.189 2004 — 7.127 2005 — 7.679 2006 — 9.664 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
Established as Sub Board of Forfas in 2000. In 2003, SFI was established as separate legal entity under Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act, 2003 |
— |
12 |
2003 — 14 2004 — 19 2005 — 33 2006 — 36 2007 — 36 |
2003 — 49.159 2004 — 113.730 2005 — 129.561 2006 — 147.570 |
|
Irish Council for Bioethics |
Sept 2002 |
— |
2002 — 21 2003 — 21 2004 — 21 2005 — 15 2006 — 13 2007 — 13 |
2002 — 1 2003 — 2 2004 — 2 2005 — 2 2006 — 4 2007 — 4 |
2002 — 0.150 2003 — 0.150 2004 — 0.215 2005 — 0.255 2006 — 0.321 |
|
Name of Board, Body, Authority, Agency or Quango |
Date Established |
Date of Abolition |
No of Members |
No of Staff |
Budget for Each year since 1 July 1997 to 1 September 2007 |
|
€million |
|||||
|
Advisory Science Council (ASC) |
2000 — The ASC, formerly constituted as ICSTI, held its first meeting in May 2005 |
— |
2005 — 12 2006 —12 |
The ASC has no dedicated staff but is supported by the Science and Technology division of Forfas which has 13 staff members. |
2005 — 0.071 2006 — 0.185 |
Footnotes
All "budgets" refer to the actual outturn in each calendar year.
(a)The Director of Consumer Affairs was a statutory post established under the Consumer Information Act 1978. The post was abolished on the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 which established the National Consumer Agency.
(b)In the time available, the Department cannot provide precise, year-on-year, details for the staffing complement of the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs since 1997. The staffing complement of the Office at the time of abolition of the post was 62. These staff transferred to the National Consumer Agency on its establishment on the 1st May 2007.
(c)The budgets of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the National Consumer Agency were merged when the Agency was established on a statutory basis.
(d)The Interim Board of the National Consumer Agency was given a statutory basis under the Consumer Protection Act 2007.
(e)Temporary staff to assist the Interim Board of the National Consumer Agency.
(f)Prior to 2002 the Competition Authority operated as an office of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and received an allocation from the Department's annual budget. No separate expenditure figures are available from the Authority prior to 2002. For the years 1998-2002 the figure quoted is the Department's allocation to the Authority. For the years 2003-2006 the figures quoted are from the Authority's Annual Accounts.
(g)The costs associated with the CLRG are included as part of the Department's Administrative Budget.
(h)Forfás provides secretariat and support functions to the Council.
(i)Funds to run the NCC are provided from the Forfás budget under the Department's Vote.
(j)In the time available, staff numbers for the EAT for the years 1997 to 2001 are not readily available.
(k)The Employment Appeals Tribunal does not have a separate budget/subhead and the administration costs are included in the Department's Administrative Budget. It is not feasible for the Department to extract the costs before 2003. As a result of changes to the computer system in the Department's Finance Unit the administrative costs from April 2004 to September 2007 are available. These costs do not include accommodation, rent etc as the EAT secretariat and Dublin hearing rooms are housed in the Department's Offices.
(l)The Labour Court did not have a separate budget/subhead up to and including 1999. Its costs were met from the Department's Vote.
(m)The PIAB is substantially funded by means of fee income and the level of Exchequer support has diminished over the years. In 2006, Exchequer funding of €363,000 was provided to cover the costs of an extraordinary legal challenge, funding for which is not provided for under the PIAB Acts.
(n)There are 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs). The CEBs were established in October 1993 and are Companies limited by guarantee. Under their Articles of Association the approved number of members which a CEB can have is fourteen but this may slightly increase or decrease from time to time. In relation to staff numbers the CEBs in general have a staff complement of between 4 and 5 staff.
(o)Figures for Shannon Development represent total expenditure by the agency which is largely funded from its own resources through activities such as property management, investments and commercial tourism business. It receives grant-in-aid from the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism (€0.8m in 2007) in respect of its tourism activities and funding from my Department (€3m in 2007) to fund grants to industry in the Shannon Free Zone.
(p)As regards InterTrade Ireland, the figures given refer to my Department's contribution of two thirds of ITI's annual budget. The body also receives a one third contribution from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and also has resource income of its own at its disposal.
Arts Funding.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:104 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide capital funding for the provision of youth, community or arts centres in such towns as Maynooth, Celbridge, Kilcock, Clane and Leixlip, County Kildare and towns with similar population requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30456/07]
My Department provides capital grants for the arts and culture infrastructure around the country. The main vehicle for such capital funding is the Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), under which over €75 million has been granted to 107 arts and cultural facilities to date, since the scheme commenced in 2001. This scheme has played an important part in increasing access to and participation in the arts, particularly in rural communities and the current round of the scheme will run until 2009.
In addition the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. A figure of €63.092 million is available in my Department's budget for 2007 to fund payments to sporting and community organisations under this programme. When applications for funding under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme are invited through advertisements in the national newspapers it will be open to any group in the areas referred to by the Deputy to make an application should they have a project which complies with the terms of the programme.
While I have no specific function in relation to the provision of youth facilities, the programmes and schemes funded by my Department provide facilities that offer ideal opportunities for that sector to capitalise.
Departmental Agencies.
Richard Bruton
Question:105 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30488/07]
The information sought by the Deputy in respect of the organisations under the remit of my Department since its establishment in mid 2002 is set out in the following tables.
|
Name |
Date of Establishment |
|
Culture Ireland |
2005 |
|
Culture Ireland replaced the Cultural Relations Committee which previously operated under the Department of Foreign Affairs. |
|
|
National Museum of Ireland |
Originally established in 1877. Established on a statutory basis in 2005 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
Originally established in 1877. Established on a statutory basis in 2005 |
|
Crawford Gallery Cork |
2006 |
|
Irish Institute of Sport |
2006 |
|
Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority) |
2003 |
|
National Sports Campus Development Authority |
2007 |
|
Name of Body / State Board Boards/Bodies |
Date of Abolition |
|
Bord Fáilte |
2003 |
|
CERT |
2003 |
|
CERT and Bord Fáilte were amalgamated to create the new National Tourism Development Authority known as Fáilte Ireland, which now includes the former Regional Tourism Authorities, which were companies established by Bord Fáilte. |
|
|
Campus Stadium Ireland Development Authority Ltd |
2007 |
|
Campus Stadium Ireland Development Authority was replaced by the National Sports Campus Development Authority |
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael McGrath
Question:106 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will allow persons in receipt of the State transition pension to earn more than €38 per week from employment and still receive the pension, similar to persons in receipt of the State contributory pension who can continue to work beyond the age of 66 and still receive their pension. [30408/07]
The State pension (transition) was introduced in 1970 when it was known as the retirement pension. It was designed to bridge the gap between the standard social welfare pension age, which at that time was 70 years of age, and retirement at age 65. Because of the purpose for which the scheme was introduced, a key qualifying condition was that a person had to be retired in order to qualify for a payment. Retirement was defined as not engaging in insurable employment, which today means earning less than €38 per week. The social welfare pension age was subsequently reduced in stages until it reached 66 years of age, which means that the retirement condition is now only effective for 1 year.
I consider it important that those who wish to continue in employment after normal retirement age should, as far as is possible, be facilitated and supported. Longer working can play an important role in ensuring that our pensions system is sustainable in the future and it can also be beneficial to the individual. There are additional costs involved in removing the retirement condition but I am keeping the position under review with a view to implementing the change when resources permit.
The retirement condition associated with the state pension (transition) is only one aspect of a much broader agenda which will need to be addressed if we are to create the conditions where people can continue in employment past what we now regard as normal retirement age.
As the House is aware, I published the Green Paper on Pensions on 17th October and this includes an examination of all the issues surrounding retirement age, the barriers faced by older workers who wish to remain in employment and the incentives in this regard which can be considered. A consultation process on the Green Paper is now under way and will remain open until mid 2008. The Government will respond to the process by publishing a framework for future pensions policy and I expect that this will happen towards the end of next year.
Michael Ring
Question:107 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal for retrospective jobseekers benefit will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [30347/07]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the papers of the person concerned have been forwarded to my Department for their comments on the grounds of appeal. On receipt of their response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Enda Kenny
Question:108 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if in circumstances where businesses collapse and that the proprietors of such businesses are left without an income, they are entitled to credit in respect of social welfare applications; the circumstances in which such assistance or benefit might be paid; the number of such claims that have been made over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30385/07]
There is no specific scheme for proprietors of businesses that have collapsed. Such persons may qualify for the jobseeker's allowance which is a means-tested scheme. To qualify for a jobseeker's allowance a person must be unemployed, be under 66 years of age, be capable of and available for work and be genuinely seeking employment.
There are no statistics available on the number of persons on jobseeker's payments who were formerly proprietors of businesses that had collapsed. Self-employed persons, whose overall income is below the rate of payment appropriate to his or her family size, may qualify for a jobseeker's allowance payment while continuing to engage in self-employment. In such circumstances the person's income from self-employment, less businesses expenses, plus any other income from savings, investments or from property will be taken into account in the means test. There are currently some 1,800 self employed persons in receipt of jobseeker's allowance.
Family Support Services.
Róisín Shortall
Question:109 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rationale for not including qualified adults who are on their partner’s social contribution payment in the measures proposed under proposals for supporting lone parents. [30386/07]
Róisín Shortall
Question:110 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the measures under proposals for supporting lone parents include a proposal to compel all qualified adults on social assistance payments to seek work irrespective of whether they are parents or not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30387/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.
The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for services for lone parents including the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children. The new social assistance payment would see the ending of the concept of qualified adult within the social assistance code and the introduction of individualised payments.
It would also see the qualified adults on assistance payments with children under 8 years of age would move to the new payment. Former QAs whose youngest child reaches 8 years of age or those with no children, but of working age, and not in employment, would be eligible to apply for jobseekers allowance or another appropriate payment. As with lone parents, facilitators will have been working with them to ensure that they have the education, training and employment supports necessary to return to work at this time.
The proposals for reform in regard to QAs relate to social assistance payments only. Social insurance payments are contributory based, with payment being made in respect of the claimant and his/her family when contributory conditions are met. When the new proposals are introduced, I am proposing a lead-in period of up to 5 years, whereby those currently on social welfare schemes, including QAs, will be able to remain on their current scheme.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Question:111 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to provide an income to people in the home who provide full time care and attention to someone who due to their spousal or partner’s income, do not qualify for carers allowance or a weekly social welfare payment; the recognition in the form of a weekly payment, he will give to these people who are providing such care and attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30395/07]
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
The primary objective of the carer's allowance is to provide income support to low income carers. Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means tested. This ensures scarce resources are directed at those in greatest need.
The carer's allowance means test is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household incomes. The means test has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Budget 2007 provided for an income disregard for a couple of €640 per week. This ensures a couple can earn in the region of €36,000 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance and the associated free travel and household benefits. This measure surpasses the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
In addition, the rates of carer's allowance have been increased to €200 per week for those aged under 66 and to €218 per week for those aged over 66. The introduction of a weekly payment for carers along the lines proposed would effectively represent the abolition of the means test for carers allowance and this would have substantial cost implications. The view of some support and health organisations is that it would be much more beneficial to carers if additional resources were invested in the type of community care services which would support them in their caring role, such as additional respite care facilities, more home helps, public health nurses and other such services.
People who are providing someone with full time care and attention who do not qualify for carer's allowance due to the level of their means may be eligible for the weekly carer's benefit payment, eligibility for which is based on social insurance contributions in addition to the full time care and attention condition.
In June 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all people providing full time care and attention regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. Since then, the grant has also been paid in respect of each care recipient. Budget 2007 increased the level of the grant by €300 from €1,200 to €1,500 per year in respect of each care recipient.
I will keep the supports for carers from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes and ensure commitments on income support are delivered.
Social Welfare Code.
Richard Bruton
Question:112 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that rents here increased by 12% in the past twelve months according to the Central Statistics Office; and if he has plans to change the rent ceilings for rent supplement for January 2008 to take account of this position. [30403/07]
Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant for rent supplement may incur. These rent limits, provided for in Regulations and effective from January 2007 to June 2008, are set at levels that enable the different categories of eligible tenant households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes.
Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the Health Service Executive may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent levels as an exceptional measure, for example: where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard and has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances, for example, disabled persons in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons, where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period.
This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness. The current rent limits we set following a broad consultation process and included consultation with the HSE, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area.
There are currently over 58,700 rent supplements in payment of which over 23,800 have been awarded since the current rent limits were set in January 2007. These statistics show that rented accommodation is available within the current rent limits. All limits will be reviewed again next year. Any revision found to be necessary will be implemented from 1st July 2008.
Richard Bruton
Question:113 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a bereavement grant is not payable towards the cost of the funeral of a person who has been in long-term residential care on a disability allowance; and his views on extending such cover as a credit for persons on such allowances. [30405/07]
The Bereavement Grant is a payment designed to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses. It is a scheme that relates specifically to those who have made PRSI contributions and is payable on the death of an insured person, his/her spouse and dependent children under age 18 or under age 22 if in full-time education.
Budget 2007 extended the bereavement grant to the next of kin of deceased recipients of disability allowance aged between 16 and 22 years. Where there are insufficient PRSI contributions to qualify for bereavement grant a person may receive assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Under this arrangement, the HSE may make a single payment to help meet exceptional expenditure, for example, for funeral expenses, which a family could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their income.
I have no plans at present to extend the scheme in the manner proposed. However, the bereavement grant will continue to be examined in the context of the objectives of the scheme and budgetary resources.
Consultancy Contracts.
David Stanton
Question:114 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of legal opinions commissioned by the Pensions Board in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30439/07]
The numbers and costs of legal opinions commissioned by the Pensions Board for the specified periods are: 2005 — 28 external legal opinions; total cost €118,160.10; 2006 — 26 external legal opinions; total cost €98,355.30; 2007 to date — 18 external legal opinions; total cost €60,292.69.
The Pensions Board is a statutory body established by the Pensions Act, 1990. It regulates occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts in Ireland as part of its statutory role to monitor and supervise the operation of the Pensions Act. The Board is responsible for regulating almost 101,000 occupational pension schemes with assets in the region of ninety billion euro and active membership of some 800,000 as at November 2007. These figures exclude additional voluntary contribution only schemes, death benefit only schemes, frozen schemes and schemes in wind-up.
The Board is also responsible for supervising the activities of 10 PRSA providers in relation to approximately one hundred and twenty thousand individual PRSA contracts, with current PRSA assets under management in excess of one billion euro.
Given that pensions issues are technically complex, and that legal certainty is a requirement of the work of a regulator, it is sometimes necessary to seek an external legal opinion. All external legal opinions commissioned by the Pensions Board are taken from a panel of six solicitor firms based on competitive tendering.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if particular provision will be put in place to cater for the needs of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the lack of resources and consequent vulnerability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30473/07]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) was contacted regarding this case and has advised that the person concerned was refused supplementary welfare allowance in May 2007 on the grounds that she does not satisfy the habitual residency condition.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA), which is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare staff of the Health Service Executive, is one of a number of social assistance schemes which, with effect from 1st May 2004, is subject to a habitual residence condition (HRC). Any decision made under these statutory provisions is a matter for statutorily appointed deciding officers in the case of social welfare schemes generally and in the case of determination of entitlement to SWA, employees of the HSE appointed for that purpose.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that rent costs of €800 per month are payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, that rent support of €360 is contributed by the Health Service Executive, that more than half of their disposable income is spent on rent and that arrears of €2,000 exist and that they will have to vacate the property unless an exceptional needs payment can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30477/07]
The Health Service Executive has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of a rent supplement at the maximum rate payable appropriate to her circumstances. The net disposable income of the person concerned has not changed in the last number of months. The reason the rent is in arrears is due to the non payment of rent by the person concerned.
The Executive have further advised that the person concerned, has been advised by the Community Welfare Officer (CWO), to contact the local Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need intensive help and advice in coping with their debt problems. The CWO has advised the person concerned to discuss the matter with MABS in order that an appropriate budgeting strategy can be implemented.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources.
There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment. Non payment of rent is not a case for making an exceptional needs payment.
State Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:117 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30499/07]
The number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established or abolished in the past ten years under the remit of my Department are as follows:
Comhairle (now known as the Citizens Information Board) was established on the 12th June 2000 under the provisions of the Comhairle Act, 2000. The functions of the National Social Services Board (NSSB), which operated under the aegis on my Department, and certain relevant functions of the National Rehabilitation Board (NRB), were combined in Comhairle and both the NSSB and NRB were dissolved. The name of the Board was changed from Comhairle to the Citizens Information Board, on the 21st February 2007, under the provisions of the Citizens Information Act, 2007.
The Family Support Agency was established on the 6th May 2003.
The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman was established on the 2nd September, 2003.
Drugs Awareness Campaigns.
Michael McGrath
Question:118 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is a funding initiative in his Department to support the production of a community based drugs awareness film. [30401/07]
Responsibility for the National Drugs Awareness Campaign lies with the Health Promotion Unit of the Health Services Executive. In consultation with various parties, that Unit is currently developing a new awareness campaign which will begin its roll out early next year. This campaign may combine local elements within the broader message.
No specific funding is available from my Department to support the production of a community based drugs awareness film and, broadly speaking I would favour a coherent approach involving an overall message through the Health Promotion Unit. Having said that, it is open to community groups to approach the relevant Local or Regional Drugs Task Force for their area in regard to any proposals they have.
State Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:119 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30490/07]
The following are the list of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established or abolished under the remit of my Department since its establishment in June 2002.
|
Name of Body/Board/Agency/Authority |
Date of Establishment |
Date of Abolishment/Dissolution |
|
The Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board* |
5th June 2002 |
4th January 2006 |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
4th January 2006 |
|
|
Pobal — formerly ADM |
Re-constituted July 2005 |
|
|
Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla |
2004 |
|
|
Arramara Teo** |
October 2006 |
*The Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board (Board established by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs on 5th June 2002 — responsibility subsequently transferred to the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs)
**By virtue of a Government Decision of 12th July 2006, Arramara Teo's status as a commercial state body changed in October 2006 when it became a subsidiary company of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Harbours and Piers.
Pat Breen
Question:120 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the development of Doolin Pier; if funding is available for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30351/07]
The pier at Doolin is the property of Clare County Council and responsibility for its repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance.
My Department does, however, co-fund maintenance and development works with various Local Authorities subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
My Department received an application from Clare County Council for funding under the Department's 2007 harbours and coastal infrastructure programme. However, the application arrived too late for inclusion in the 2007 harbours and coastal infrastructure programme.
I have recently invited applications for funding under the 2008 harbours and coastal infrastructure programme and any application received from Clare County Council for the above location will be given due consideration subject to availability of exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
EU Directives.
Sean Sherlock
Question:121 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on changing the restrictions imposed on farmers for slurry spreading to facilitate a traffic light system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30406/07]
The implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following a comprehensive consultation period involving input from stakeholders and other interested parties and the proposals, including prohibited periods for fertiliser spreading, were specifically agreed with the European Commission as part of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme.
The prohibited periods for fertilizer application are set out in the Regulations, as are the other factors that farmers are obliged to take into account when considering fertilizer application outside of those periods. I believe that the terms of Ireland's Action Programme are as favourable as it was possible to achieve in discussions with the European Commission, having regard to the requirements of the Nitrates Directive and the need to protect water quality.
Food Safety.
Martin Ferris
Question:122 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that animal imports from Brazil comply with the principles established by the WTO and the international organisation governing animal health. [30337/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:124 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that Brazilian regulations governing beef production offer the equivalent level of guarantees and protections of human and animal health as those in force within the EU. [30339/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 124 together.
Conditions for trade in animal products with third countries follow the principles established under agreements of World Trade Organisation and the International Organisation for Animal Health. The European Commission is mandated to negotiate these on behalf of the European Community and, through its Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), to monitor their compliance in third countries it has approved for trade with the EU. This approval is on the basis that the Commission adjudges the third country's controls offer an equivalent level of guarantee for the protection of animal and human health to those being operated in the Community. Where there are risks to the public or animal health in the Community from disease outbreaks occurring in approved third countries Safeguard Measures are invoked restricting or banning imports from the affected country or region until the risk has been eliminated.
I have consistently pointed out at EU level that produce imported from third countries must meet standards equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact EU Commissioner for Health Mr. Markos Kyprianou. The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants.
Martin Ferris
Question:123 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on the recent report of the EU Food and Veterinary Office on Brazilian beef production. [30338/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:125 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action she will take, if the Food and Veterinary Office reports in the future that imports from Brazil or any third country, represent a heath risk for EU consumers. [30340/07]
Martin Ferris
Question:126 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she expects the next Food and Veterinary Office report on Brazilian beef. [30341/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 125 and 126 together.
I have already publicly welcomed the publication of the latest FVO report by the EU Commission. The report should be very helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence. As I indicated at the time of the publication of the report my Department has requested the EU authorities to arrange for a discussion of this report at the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
A further mission to Brazil is being arranged for this month by the EU Food and Veterinary Office. It is vital that the FVO report on their findings at the earliest possible date and that the EU Commission will take whatever action is necessary to protect the interests of EU consumers and producers.
I have consistently pointed out to the Commissioner and to my colleagues in the Council of Ministers that produce imported from third countries must meet standards that are equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact with the Commissioner and he has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take action if a product, imported from a third country represents a risk for EU consumers, livestock or plants.
Question No. 124 answered with QuestionNo. 122.
Questions Nos. 125 and 126 answered with Question No. 123.
Animal Diseases.
Martin Ferris
Question:127 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Commission or the Cypriot Government have been able to identify the specific strain responsible for the foot and mouth outbreak in Cyprus. [30342/07]
An outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease was confirmed by the Cypriot authorities on the 5th November. According to the most recent information, presented to a meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health in Brussels on the 20th November, foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus has been confirmed on the basis of serological tests in six sheep flocks and clinical signs in one flock.
The test results carried out by the Community Reference Laboratory in Pirbright were positive for the O type of the virus with further refining tests continuing. The last outbreak of FMD in Cyprus was in 1964. Epidemiological investigations into the source of the disease are also continuing.
All of Cyprus has been declared a "high risk zone" and no live cattle, sheep, goats or pigs, or products from these animals can be exported from the whole of Cyprus, with the exception of certain heat-treated products such as Halloumi cheese which can still be exported. In line with EU legislation, the Cypriot authorities have culled the sheep in the affected flocks and established a 3 km protection and 10 km surveillance zone around the infected holdings. Within these zones, stringent movement restrictions apply, surveillance has been stepped up and biosecurity measures have been strengthened. An EU Commission Decision has been taken confirming the measures taken by the Cypriot authorities. The EU Commission has also sent 2 experts from its emergency veterinary team to Cyprus to provide technical on-the-spot support.
Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
Paul Connaughton
Question:128 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has had a 1% penalty imposed on their area aid due to an over declaration; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is ground that should have been allowed for grazing which was discounted; if a penalty applied in 2007 will remain in place for further years payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30378/07]
An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15 May 2007. As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing these Schemes, the application was selected for and was the subject of a ground-eligibility and a cross-compliance inspection involving animal identification and registration, which was conducted on 23 August 2007.
During the course of the cross-compliance inspection, it was found that the movement of two animals from the holding was not notified to the Cattle Movement Monitoring System (CMMS) database, which resulted in a 1% cross compliance penalty being recorded. During the course of the ground eligibility inspection, discrepancies were found with a number of parcels. Department staff returned and conducted a further eligibility inspection with Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying equipment on 25 October 2007 and as a result of this inspection the claimed area of 32.02 hectares was reduced to 30.95 hectares. The person named was informed of these findings on 7 November 2007.
Where the total area found is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held, the penalties are applied as per the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, as provided for in the governing EU regulations. In this case, as the number of entitlements held by the person named is 26.51, payment will issue in full in early December, less the 1% cross compliance penalty.
If the person named is not satisfied with the result of the inspection, he may seek a review by contacting his Department Local Office; however, to date no such request has been received. He also has the right to appeal the outcome of any such review to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
Grant Payments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:129 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been disqualified from the 40% grant aid scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the applicant who has substantially invested in their farmyard will find it almost impossible to complete all the necessary works which have been laid out to do by the advisory service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30379/07]
Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding available for the Scheme. A decision will therefore be taken on this application having regard to the level of funding available for the Scheme.
Phil Hogan
Question:130 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will review the costing associated with a grant awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30383/07]
A review of the Standard Costings used to calculate the grant paid to the person concerned under the Farm Waste Management Scheme has already been carried out within my Department and the amount of grant paid has been found to be correct.
Quarantine Stations.
Niall Collins
Question:131 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number and location of State approved dog quarantine kennels; and the procedure for obtaining State approval as a quarantine facility for dog importation. [30393/07]
At present, there is one national quarantine station for dogs and cats which is located in Swords, Co. Dublin. All animals bound for rabies quarantine must enter the country at Dublin Airport and be accompanied under strict conditions to the quarantine station. I am arranging for a review of the current arrangements.
Once the EU Pet Passport system was introduced in 2004 the need for rabies quarantine in Ireland was greatly reduced as dogs and cats originating in a range of qualifying countries, including all of Europe, USA and Australia, can now enter Ireland without quarantine once they have been properly prepared. The numbers entering quarantine thus declined substantially. The EU system is due to be reviewed in 2008 with the possibility that travel for pets will be made even easier. In these circumstances it is unlikely that additional quarantine facilities will be required or that the substantial investment required to upgrade kennels to quarantine standard would be justified.
Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:132 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a transfer of single payment entitlements will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [30424/07]
An application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme was submitted on 15 May 2007 requesting a transfer of 26.56 standard entitlements from the first person named to the second person named by way of gift.
As essential elements of the application form were omitted, the form was returned to the persons named for completion. In addition, as the herd number had been transferred from the first person named to the second person named after receipt of the Single Payment application, and within the 10 months land availability period, it was also necessary for both parties to complete a Declaration of Undertaking. All completed documents have now been received and the application is fully processed. Payment will issue shortly.
Departmental Offices.
Frank Feighan
Question:133 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when building of the new DVO in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, is expected to be completed; the number of staff that will be accommodated there; and the sections of her Department that will be represented at this office. [30428/07]
The contract for the Department's new Local Office in Drumshanbo was placed by the Office of Public Works recently. The offices are expected to be ready for occupation early in 2009.
The District Veterinary Office and the Agricultural Environment Structures Office comprising some 40 staff will be deployed there.
Common Agricultural Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has studied the impact of CAP reform on the agricultural sector here; if she has proposals to address such issues directly or in the context of the WTO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30442/07]
I believe that there are and will be major benefits for producers and consumers arising out of the on-going implementation of the reformed CAP.
As part of the 2003 reforms the introduction of the full decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme ensures that farmers now have the ‘freedom to farm' and that the CAP is geared towards the demands of the market and consumers. The Single Payment Scheme is linked to food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards. Irish farmers receive some €1.3 billion per annum in Single Payments while consumers are guaranteed a supply of safe food, produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards, at reasonable cost.
The AgriVision 2015 Action Plan which I published in March 2006 sets out my vision for a competitive, consumer-focused and knowledge driven agrifood 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 over one hundred and sixty specific actions to be implemented for the development of the sector. It was drawn up in the light of the 2003 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.
My main concern, in respect of the 2003 CAP reform, is to ensure that there is a period of stability to allow farmers to implement the changes necessitated by decoupling and to adapt to the market needs in a stable policy environment. In this connection, next week the Commission will present its communication on preparation for the Health Check of the CAP to EU Agriculture Ministers and I note the assurances given by Commissioner Fischer Boel that further major policy changes are not contemplated at this stage.
It is in this context also that the ongoing WTO negotiations represent a significant challenge. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the levels of protection and support that the EU may provide for the duration of the next agreement.
My overriding objective in the ongoing negotiations is to ensure that the terms of the agreement can be accommodated within the framework of the reformed CAP. This represents the limit of the EU Commission's negotiating mandate in these negotiations and I will continue to insist that this mandate is respected.
Pigmeat Sector.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by pig producers; if she has proposals to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30443/07]
I appreciate the concern at the current problems in the pig sector and I will continue to pursue appropriate solutions. At both EU and national level, measures are being taken to alleviate the difficulties.
The EU Council of Agriculture Ministers has, in response to the pressures on the international cereal and feed markets, agreed to suspend the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside. This will ensure that more arable land is available for cereal cultivation in 2008.
A scheme of financial assistance for the private storage of pigmeat has been in place since 29 October 2007. This was adopted by the European Commission in response to a request from me and some other Member States. I have also impressed on the Commission the desirability of export refunds for fresh and frozen pigmeat and this will be kept under consideration. Within the framework of the EU common agricultural policy, I will continue to ensure that pig producers' problems are highlighted with a view to suitable action.
At national level, pigmeat features prominently in Bord Bia's programme of promotion on the home and export markets. I have asked the Bord to intensify its autumn pork and bacon promotion campaign in order to ensure that the market remains firm over the coming months. Additional funding is being made available for this. The Bord Bia quality assurance schemes are also a good tool in maintaining consumer confidence and, in this context, the pigmeat scheme is well established and managed.
I am working with the Minister for Health and Children towards the introduction of legislation to provide better information to consumers on the origin of pigmeat and other meats. The public consultation on the proposed regulations has been completed and the comments received will now be examined. Following that, the European Commission's approval of the legislation will be sought.
Other relevant support actions include the extension of the farm waste management scheme to the pig sector and my Department's programme of financial assistance for the transition to welfare-friendly sow-housing.
Afforestation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which in the course of the forestry planting programme an effort is being made to ensure the planting of tree species that are most likely to be efficient in the context of carbon sequestration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30444/07]
All tree species grant-aided by my Department under the forestry grant schemes achieve high levels of carbon-sequestration. The potential of different tree species to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere depends mainly on their rate of growth. Some conifer species grow rapidly and will begin to sequester considerable amounts of carbon early in their life. Other species, including some broadleaves, grow more slowly and do not sequester the same level of carbon until later in their life. Generally, as trees reach maturity, there is little difference in the total amount of carbon dioxide sequestered, when all species are compared.
Sectoral Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her short, medium and long-term plans for the development of the agriculture and fishing sectors with particular reference to the need to develop and expand the industries and with the ability to compete on international markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30445/07]
There are a number of strategic plans operated by my Department which have the overall objective of developing and enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of the agriculture, food, forestry and fishing sectors. These include the Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan, the relevant commitments in Towards 2016, the National Development Plan and the Rural Development Programme for the 2007-2103 period, Steering a New Course- the seafood industry strategy, and the agriculture and marine research and development programmes in the National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation.
These interrelated strategic documents will inform the priorities in our forthcoming Strategy Statement. This three-year plan will guide our medium term activities to enhance the capability of the sector, and will be implemented and reviewed in the shorter term through our annual business planning processes.
Animal Feedstuffs.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent of the use of bonemeal imported or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30446/07]
The Irish rendering industry produced 152,000 tonnes of meat and bone-meal (MBM) in 2006.
The use or disposal of this material is strictly controlled under Regulation (EC) No. 1774 of 2002. No MBM is currently being imported.
The bulk of MBM produced continues to be disposed of by way of export for incineration. Approximately 127,000 tonnes was exported during 2006.
Of the remainder, approximately 5,000 tonnes was co-incinerated in the manufacture of cement in this country in 2006; 19,000 tonnes was put into storage for future use or disposal; and 1,400 tonnes was used in the manufacture of petfood.
My policy is to encourage alternative uses of MBM in Ireland and I am aware of proposals to use MBM in the production of fertilizer and also in the generation of electricity. There is a growing interest in using biomass including MBM as a carbon neutral co-fuel in peat-burning electricity plants. Promoting the increased use of MBM in peat stations would deliver financial benefits for the industries involved, reduce disposal costs and represent a significant bioenergy contribution from agriculture. In the recent ‘National Bioenergy Action Plan' the Government has targeted 30% co-firing in peat stations by 2015.
Bio-Fuel Crops.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the acreage under bio-fuel crops in each of the past five years; her projections in this regard in the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30447/07]
The areas grown under bio-fuels over the past five years are as follows:
2003: 116.63 hectares;
2004: 754.66 hectares;
2005: 2,500.49 hectares;
2006: 4,289.99 hectares;
2007: 7,489.49 hectares.
The future outlook depends on a number of factors, not least profitability at farm level. In the short-term, the soaring world demand for grain is likely to lead to an increase in the area devoted to conventional cereal crops in Ireland and elsewhere in response to the current high grain prices. More long-term projections are difficult to forecast at this stage. Much will depend on the rate of development of production and consumption patterns for biofuels over the next number of years.
Fish Stocks.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which she directly or through the EU has identified the cause or causes of over fishing resulting in catch reductions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30448/07]
There can be any number of causes for over fishing, but most are either directly or indirectly a result the over capacity of the Irish and European fleet as a whole. With fish stocks declining, leading to reduced quotas, a significant imbalance exists between the available fish resources and the catching capacity of the fleets. Essentially current quota allocations are below economic viability levels if the current capacity levels remain. Such over fishing means that the quantity of fish caught and removed from the stock biomass exceeds the levels that can be fished sustainably. The reduced stock size in future year's leads to reduced quotas. This has been recognised at both European and national level and decommissioning schemes have been introduced in many Member States to take capacity out of the fleets.
In Ireland, the national strategy for the seafood industry as set down in Steering a New Course — strategy for a restructured, sustainable and profitable Irish seafood industry 2007-13, recommends the removal of up to 35% of capacity of the polyvalent and beam trawl segments of fleet (18 metres and over). This is additional to the capacity removed in 2005/06 under the national scheme in place at that time. It also recommends that a comprehensive analysis be carried out to determine the eligibility, urgency, scope and cost of a scheme for the whitefish under 18 metres fleet. In relation to the large vessels in the Refrigerated Sea Water segment of the fleet, the strategy recommends that an industry led restructuring of this fleet be carried out. I am currently finalising details of the planned decommissioning scheme for the over 18 metres vessels in the polyvalent and beam trawl segments, which I hope to launch shortly.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent of the reduction of the Irish fishing fleet catch in each of the past 10 years; the extent to which the reduction here is reflected in the fish catch in other EU countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30449/07]
I have set out as follows data for all official landings of Irish vessels in the period 1997 to 2006. The 2006 landings of 267,817* tonnes are 11% below the 1997 landings. This reduction in total landings is primarily driven by decline in landings of the main small pelagic species: horse mackerel, mackerel and herring. The decline in landings for those species is due to reduced abundance, increasing conservation requirements and commensurate reductions in the European Commission Total Allowable Catches available to Ireland.
Over a similar period the total EU landings also show a declining trend. The total EU landings in 2005 (the latest year for which the data is available) were 4.1 million tonnes**, which is 23% below the 1996 landings.
|
Year |
Landings (Tonnes) |
|
1997 |
299,972 |
|
1998 |
335,353 |
|
1999 |
300,483 |
|
2000 |
309,211 |
|
2001 |
314,605 |
|
2002 |
277,911 |
|
2003 |
293,179 |
|
2004 |
315,379 |
|
2005 |
287,072 |
|
2006 |
267,817 |
|
% change |
-11 % |
*This represents all landings of Irish vessels world wide.
**This represents landings of EU vessels in the North-east Atlantic (FAO Area 27).
Common Agricultural Policy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action she will take unilaterally or at EU level with a view to ensuring security of food supplies within the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30450/07]
The 2003 Reforms of the CAP with the introduction of the full decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme ensures that farmers now have the ‘freedom to farm' and that the CAP is geared towards the demands of the market and consumers. The Single Payment Scheme is linked to food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards, and consumers are guaranteed a supply of safe food, produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards, at reasonable cost.
Irish exports of agri-food products have grown steadily in recent years to reach record levels of over €8bn in 2006. These exports are now increasingly concentrated in the high-value EU market. For the future, the question of food security may indeed be an issue. However, it is worth noting that the EU is by far the largest player on the world market and while imports of certain commodities into the Community may have increased, Ireland will remain a significant net exporter.
Food Labelling.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has satisfied herself that all food and food products sold here are accurately labelled to reflect the country of origin; if her attention has been drawn to the breaches in the labelling regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30451/07]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency. Breaches of food labelling legislation should be reported to the FSAI.
EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.
Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.
In relation to other meats I have signalled my intention to have legislation brought forward to require the country of origin to be shown on poultry meat, pigmeat and sheepmeat sold in the retail and catering sectors. A draft of such regulations was prepared by my Department and is currently being finalised by the Department of Health & Children. A public consultation process has taken place. Following consideration of any views received it will be necessary to submit the draft regulations to the European Commission for approval.
There is also the issue where a primary product can enter Ireland and processed in some way thereby allowing it to be branded as an Irish product is known as "substantial transformation". This terminology originates in WTO, Codex and EU legislation governing the EU Customs Code and therefore can only be amended at EU level. I have been concerned that this arrangement could, in certain circumstances, be used to mislead the consumers as to the origin of the raw materials used in certain products. I am not satisfied with the current legal position and have raised my concerns at EU Council level.
The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and in that context my Department contributed to Ireland's submission which was co-ordinated by the Department of Health & Children. Within this submission Ireland again raised the matter of the unsatisfactory nature of the concept of substantial transformation and the possibility of it being used to disguise the origin of products from the public. I believe that the concept of substantial transformation needs to be more clearly defined and I will continue to urge the Commission to address this problem. In that same submission we also explained why we felt that origin labelling should be compulsory for all meat. As well as direct contact with the Commission on this I have also raised this matter in the Agriculture Council and I will continue to press for progress as I believe consumers are entitled to full information on the origin of food products.
Sugar Beet Industry.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which sugar beet growing for food or fuel production continues in such countries as Great Britain and France which were omitted from her reply to a previous parliamentary question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30452/07]
In my reply to the Deputy's previous question, I outlined the position concerning those Member States where restructuring applications, involving sugar quota reduction, had been submitted in the first two years of the restructuring scheme. No such applications had been submitted in the other Member States, including the UK and France, and therefore their basic sugar quotas remained unchanged. Details of the basic sugar quotas for the Member States in question, as set out in Annex III to Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006, are given in the table below.
As sugar beet for fuel production does not come within the scope of the EU regime, I do not have information about the extent of beet growing for that purpose in other Member States.
|
Member State |
Sugar quota (tonnes) |
|
Belgium |
819,812 |
|
Denmark |
420,746 |
|
Germany |
3,416,896 |
|
France |
3,768,992 |
|
Lithuania |
103,010 |
|
Netherlands |
864,560 |
|
Austria |
387,326 |
|
Poland |
1,671,926 |
|
UK |
1,138,627 |
Food Safety.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all beef and beef products imported into Ireland and on sale through shops, supermarkets or through the catering trade are expected to be compliant with EU regulations in regard to traceability hygiene and husbandry requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30453/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all poultry, meat and meat products imported into Ireland and for sale through retail outlets are expected to have been subjected to EU regulations in regard to traceability, processing and hygiene standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30454/07]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all meat and meat products imported into Ireland are certified as being compliant with EU standards in relation to traceability, hygiene and husbandry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30455/07]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 to 147, inclusive, together.
Conditions for trade in animal products with third countries follow the principles established under agreements of World Trade Organization and the International Organization for Animal Health. The European Commission is mandated to negotiate these on behalf of the European Community and, through its Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), to monitor their compliance in third countries it has approved for trade with the EU. This approval is on the basis that the Commission adjudges the third country's controls offer an equivalent level of guarantee for the protection of animal and human health to those being operated in the Community. Where there are risks to the public or animal health in the Community from disease outbreaks occurring in approved third countries Safeguard Measures are invoked restricting or banning imports from the affected country or region until the risk has been eliminated.
On direct import into the EU all consignments of animal products must undergo documentary, identity and physical checks in accordance with EU rules at an EU approved Border Inspection Post. These checks confirm that the products have been sourced from a third country approved to export these products to the EU and come from an approved establishment in that country, that they are appropriately labelled , packaged and have been health certified in accordance with EU requirements by the competent authorities of the exporting country. On release from a BIP each consignment must travel under a Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED), including information on the identity and origin of the consignment, to a Food Business Operator who, under EU Hygiene of Food Regulations, is authorized to place the animal products on the market for human consumption. These regulations also provide that the identity of the Food Business Operator placing the products on the market appear on a label in order to guarantee food safety and for the purpose of traceability in the protection of animal and public health.
Departmental Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:148 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of her Department. [30487/07]
In the past 10 years, 5 bodies were established under the remit of my Department as follows: Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board — 17 June 1998*; Agriculture Appeals Office — 13 May 2002; Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats — 1 July 2003*; Veterinary Council of Ireland (previously the Veterinary Council) — 1 January 2006; Sea Fisheries Protection Authority — 1 July 2006*. An Bord Glas was merged with An Bord Bia with effect from 1 July 2004.
*At present under the remit of this Department, but established under the remit of Department of Marine, Communications and Natural Resources.
Post-Graduate Funding.
Michael Ring
Question:149 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding has been provided to an organisation (details supplied); the purpose of the funding; and the amount of funding provided by the Government to this organisation from when it was initially set up. [30397/07]
In 1998, the George Mitchell scholarship programme was established and the Government agreed to contribute an endowment of IR£2 million to the Programme. The purpose of the programme is to enable highly qualified American students to attend third level institutions in Ireland for post graduate studies
The George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act was enacted in December 1998 and it empowered the Minister for Education and Science to establish the fund in the United States and enter into agreement with persons to manage and control the fund.
The agreement for the management of the fund was signed with the US-Ireland Alliance in March 1999. The income from the Fund provides for the establishment and administration of the Programme as well as two scholarships per annum. The US-Ireland Alliance also secures additional funding from other sources which enables the programme to expand the number of scholarships offered annually.
Schools Building Projects.
Brian Hayes
Question:150 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools which had been granted permission to tender for new school buildings or extensions to existing buildings that have recently been informed that they may not proceed to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30344/07]
My Department is spending over €540m this year on the delivery of over 1,500 school building projects throughout the country. This is the first phase of investment under the Government's National Development Plan which will involve over €4.5 billion being invested in school buildings over the next 7 years. This year alone will see construction work that will ultimately deliver over 17,500 school places.
My Department closely monitors the flow of projects on a regular basis in order to match with the flow of funding under the National Development Plan. While my Department has a devolved approach to delivery at local school level, there is still regular contact with many of these schools about the timing of when projects can proceed. The priority is to ensure that funding is targeted, in the first instance, at those projects in the rapidly developing areas that deliver most in terms of additional school places.
Michael Ring
Question:151 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if the tender documentation for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo has been completed; when further funding will be allocated in order that the construction phase can commence; the breakdown of the timing and funding of each stage of the project to date; the estimated timing and funding for the stages to completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30345/07]
The tender documentation for the project referred to by the Deputy is nearing completion. Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
Schools Refurbishment.
Eamon Scanlon
Question:152 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application under the summer works scheme by a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30355/07]
The school referred to by the Deputy applied for roof replacement under the Summer Works Scheme 2008. The breakdown of the 2008 building budget between the devolved and other schemes has not yet been determined.
Education Welfare Service.
Seán Connick
Question:153 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be provided to increase the number of education welfare officers based in County Wexford. [30376/07]
The National Educational Welfare Board is developing a nationwide service on a continuing basis that is accessible to schools, parents/guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people. For this purpose, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) have been deployed throughout the country to provide a welfare-focused service to support regular school attendance and discharge the Board's functions locally operating through 5 regional teams, with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. A service is provided from 26 locations nationwide. Staff are deployed in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme. In addition, the Board follows up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
Educational Welfare Officers play a pivotal role in implementing the service provided by the NEWB through monitoring school attendance and working to improve it. The EWOs also help parents that are experiencing a difficulty with getting a school place for their child. The NEWB has advised that the matter for additional resources for all areas is kept under continuous review. Areas are prioritized for additional service based on a combined analysis of demographic data, absence data reported from schools and other indicators of disadvantage.
An additional 15 staff have been allocated to the NEWB in 2007. These additional staff are being recruited at present. This brings the current authorised staffing of the Board to 109 posts of which 90 are allocated to working directly in the service delivery area. The staffing complement is comprised of 19 HQ and support staff, 5 regional managers, 13 Senior EWO's and 72 EWO's.
This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department's Estimates for 2007 includes a provision of €9.808 million for the National Educational Welfare Board. This represents an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level. This substantial increase in funding is a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. Through increased investment and improved services we are determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.
In respect of the Deputy's specific question relating to Co. Wexford, I am informed by the Board that the county currently has the services of one Senior Educational Welfare Officer and one Welfare Officer. It is however the Board's intention to deploy another Welfare Officer in Co. Wexford when the additional 15 staff, referred to earlier,have been appointed.
I will be keeping the issue of the NEWB's staffing under review in light of the rollout of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.
Schools Building Projects.
Richard Bruton
Question:154 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the start date for a school building project (details supplied) in Dublin 5 has been postponed; and the reason for same. [30404/07]
My Department is spending over €540m this year on the delivery of over 1,500 school building projects throughout the country. This is the first phase of investment under the Government's National Development Plan which will involve over €4.5 billion being invested in school buildings over the next 7 years. This year alone will see construction work that will ultimately deliver over 17,500 school places.
My Department closely monitors the flow of projects on a regular basis in order to match with the flow of funding under the National Development Plan. While my Department has a devolved approach to delivery at local school level, there is still regular contact with many of these schools, including the school in question, about the timing of when projects can proceed.
School Staffing.
Tony Gregory
Question:155 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in VEC schools and colleges, including the number of full-time and part-time teachers. [30421/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is available from the individual Vocational Education Committees. The Vocational Education Committees are responsible for the payment of the teachers employed by them.
Tony Gregory
Question:156 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in community comprehensive schools, including the number of full-time and part-time teachers. [30422/07]
The number of teachers currently serving in Community and Comprehensive schools between full-time and part-time is as follows:—
Full-time — 3,093
Part-time — 1,338
The total wholetime equivalent number of teachers in Community & Comprehensive Schools is 4,213.
Youthreach Programme.
Tony Gregory
Question:157 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teaching staff in Youthreach centres. [30423/07]
Youthreach Centres are operated by VECs and the staff in the centres are employed by each VEC. The current staffing allocation by my Department to VECs for Youthreach Centres is 4,200 hours per group of 25 learners. From this allocation of hours, VECs employ one coordinator per centre, at least one resource person per group of 25 learners and a mix of teaching and non teaching staff to meet the needs of the learners in their centres.
There are 3,600 Youthreach places currently being funded by my Department. This includes an additional 400 places which were allocated to VECs this year. At present there are, allowing for new centres opening this year, approximately 100 Youthreach centres in operation.
In 2006 there were in the region of 321 full time and 579 part time staff working in Youthreach centres.
Adult Education.
Tony Gregory
Question:158 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of adult guidance counsellors and coordinators employed under the adult guidance initiative. [30431/07]
The Adult Educational Guidance Initiative, which began in 1999, is being expanded as resources become available. Since then, 38 pilot projects have been established, with an additional 2 projects due to come on stream before the end of 2007. The service caters for any adult who is considering or participating in VTOS, literacy, BTEI and community education programmes. From 2006, the service has been available to survivors of residential abuse and their families.
The projects are administered locally by Vocational Educational Committees in the main. Appointments to the position of Adult Education Guidance Counsellor and Adult Education Guidance Coordinator are made by the VECs or other local sponsors of the guidance projects.
Where an adult guidance service involves the management of staff, the promotion of outreach, the supervision of quality standards, the evaluation of the service, and guidance and counselling, this role is that of an Adult Education Guidance Coordinator. In cases where the guidance counselling function is operated without such supervision and management duties, the person in question is employed as an Adult Education Guidance Counsellor.
Currently there are 61 Adult Education Guidance Counsellors, of whom 40 are Coordinators, employed in the service. An additional 12 Guidance Counsellors will be employed in 2007 as part of an expansion of the service.
Tony Gregory
Question:159 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of adult literacy organisers and community education facilitators employed by the VEC. [30432/07]
The Adult Literacy and Community Education services are funded by my Department through annual grants to the Vocational Education Committees, which deliver the services locally. Adult literacy organisers and community education facilitators are employed by the VECs.
Statistics for 2007 will not be available until early 2008. In 2006, there were 53 full-time adult literacy organisers, 58 part-time adult literacy organisers and 37 community education facilitator posts in the VEC sector.
Traveller Education.
Tony Gregory
Question:160 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers employed in Traveller training centres. [30433/07]
The number of teaching hours allocated to Traveller Training Centres is 256,213.00 hours which equates to 348 whole time equivalent posts.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Tony Gregory
Question:161 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers employed in vocational training opportunity schemes. [30434/07]
The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a second chance education initiative, which is funded by my Department, for unemployed persons who are over 21 years of age and in receipt of certain social welfare payments for a minimum of six months. It is operated by the Vocational Education Committees throughout the country.
VTOS students are currently organised in either core groups, or as dispersed students in post-leaving certificate programmes (PLCs). The total number of VTOS student-places is 5,000.
Teachers of the VTOS programme are general vocational teachers. Each VEC is paid a block grant to cover the salaries of all teachers in its scheme. This distribution of this grant and the allocation of teachers to subjects and programmes, including VTOS, are determined by the VEC. Information obtained informally would indicate the number of VTOS teaching staff of core VTOS students to be of the order of 205 full-time and 360 part-time, as of October 2007.
The teacher allocation for VTOS students in dispersed mode is separate and is covered by the PLC staff allocation.
Adult Education.
Tony Gregory
Question:162 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of adult literacy tutors in VEC schools. [30435/07]
The Adult Literacy services are funded by my Department through annual grants to the Vocational Education Committees, which deliver the services locally. Adult literacy tutors are employed by the VECs. Tutors provide tuition in groups and on a one to one basis, normally for two hours per week.
Statistics for 2007 will not be available until early in 2008. In 2006, there were 43 paid full-time adult literacy tutors, 1,381 part-time tutors and 3,622 volunteer tutors working within the VEC sector.
Schools Building Projects.
David Stanton
Question:163 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the permanent accommodation scheme application forms will be made available to schools for the 2008 scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30440/07]
The breakdown of the 2008 building budget between the devolved and other schemes has not yet been determined.
School Transport.
Jack Wall
Question:164 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application for a bus pass for a student (details supplied) in County Kildare; if there are vacancies on the bus route in question; if so, the criteria that determines a student’s right to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30441/07]
My Department has requested the Transport Liaison Officer for County Kildare to examine the case of the pupil referred to in the details supplied and to communicate directly with the Deputy regarding the outcome.
Schools Refurbishment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a request for funding for the upgrading, replacement or provision of facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects to be in a position to respond positively to the school authorities in this regard in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30457/07]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. The project have been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the proposed works is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.
Schools Building Projects.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:166 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received submissions for the provision of a second level school (details supplied) in north Kildare; when she expects to be in a position to respond positively to such a proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30458/07]
My Department has given careful consideration to an application for a second level all-Irish school for the North Kildare area and has decided that the application is premature and should not be granted. In arriving at this conclusion, account was taken of the establishment of Coláiste Cois Life, Lucan, under the aegis of Co. Dublin VEC to serve the needs of the west Dublin /north Kildare area, including Maynooth and Kilcock.
A multi-million Euro building project has recently been completed to provide Coláiste Cois Life with permanent accommodation to cater for a long term projected enrolment of 600 pupils. Transport arrangements to this school will continue to be available, as necessary, subject to the usual conditions for pupils from the North Kildare area. The Department has agreed to keep the situation under review.
School Accommodation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been relocated on a temporary basis over the past three years; the position in regard to the proposals for the provision of a new school with permanent classroom accommodation; the number of developments or phases gone through or pending; when she expects the permanent classroom facilities to become available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30459/07]
The Project to which the Deputy refers to is currently at early architectural planning.
A stage 3 submission (detailed design) was received and further clarification was requested by the Department. This clarification has been received and is currently being examined by officials from my Department. The schools board of management will be kept informed of developments once the examination is complete.
This project will involve the construction of a 16-classroom facility, together with an appropriate level of administrative and ancillary accommodation, and associated site and external works (including hard-court play areas, car-parking, etc.). In all, the new-build area will total approximately 2,330m2.
The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, is considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to ensure that building projects are delivered within the earliest possible timeframes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school children accommodated in temporary classrooms at Celbridge, County Kildare; her proposals to meet this requirement by way of permanent site and classroom accommodation at primary and second level if required in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30460/07]
In response to the need for additional primary school places in Celbridge, the Department recognised a new primary school which commenced operation this September. The schools initial intake was 79 pupils.
The school is located in temporary accommodation, the refurbishment of which was funded by the Department to ensure that it was suitable for school use. Site identification and acquisition procedures are on-going for a permanent home for the school. It is intended that the site will also facilitate the development of a post primary school.
Departmental Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:169 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of her Department. [30492/07]
The information requested by the deputy is detailed in the following table.
|
Name |
Year of Establishment |
|
An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta |
2002 |
|
Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education |
2001 |
|
Education Finance Board |
2006 |
|
Further Education & Training Awards Council |
2001 |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
2006 |
|
Higher Education and Training Awards Council |
2001 |
|
Integrated Ireland Language and Training Ltd. |
2001 |
|
Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology |
2001 |
|
Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences |
2000 |
|
National Centre for Technology in Education |
1998 |
|
National Council for Special Education |
2003 |
|
National Education Welfare Board |
2002 |
|
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland |
2001 |
|
Residential Institution Redress Board |
2002 |
|
State Examinations Commission |
2003 |
|
The Teaching Council |
2006 |
|
The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse |
1999 |
|
New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) |
2002 |
|
National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) |
1999 |
|
The Special Education Appeals Board |
2007 |
|
School Transport Appeals Board |
2003 |
|
New Schools Advisory Committee |
2002 |
|
Primary Staffing Appeals Board |
2002 |
|
Incremental Credit Appeals Board (Primary Administration) |
2002 |
|
Incremental Credit Appeals Board (Post Primary Administration) |
2002 |
|
National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education |
2003 |
|
Regional Offices |
2003-2006 |
|
1. Dublin Fingal |
2006 |
|
2. Dublin South Co |
2004 |
|
3. Kildare/ Wicklow |
2004 |
|
4. Midlands |
2004 |
|
5. Mid Western |
2003 |
|
6. North Eastern |
2004 |
|
7. North Western |
2003 |
|
8. South Eastern |
2003 |
|
9. Southern — Cork |
2003 |
|
10. Western — Galway |
2004 |
|
Name |
Year of Abolition |
|
Interim Governing Authority of the Irish Academy for the Performing Arts |
2003 |
|
National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA) |
2001 |
Richard Bruton
Question:170 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30491/07]
The following Board and Office were established under the remit of my Department in the past ten years:
The Civil Defence Board was established on the 7th of May 2003.
The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established on the 1st of December 2005.
There have been no abolitions of boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices in my Department in the past ten years.
Residency Permits.
Phil Hogan
Question:171 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for long term residency will be decided for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30382/07]
The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: 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.
The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. 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 residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in January 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.
Mary O'Rourke
Question:172 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status with regard to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [30353/07]
The person concerned entered the State on foot of a ‘C' multi entry visa on 20 September, 2007 and was granted permission to remain until 15 December, 2007. ‘C' visit visas are issued for short term visits only. The maximum duration for which an Immigration Officer will permit the holder of a ‘C' visit visa to remain in the State is 90 days. A ‘C' multi entry visa also permits the holder to seek entry to the State up to a maximum of 90 days on each visit to the State.
A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted. It is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a ‘C' multi entry visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.
The legal representative of the person concerned has indicated that she is due to leave the State on 9 December, 2007 to return to Thailand to marry her Irish fiancé . The Immigration Division of my Department has recently advised the legal representative that it is open to the person concerned to attend her local Immigration Office when she returns to the State to seek residency based on her marriage to an Irish national, once the marriage has taken place.
Visa Applications.
Noel O'Flynn
Question:173 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person with a stamp three on their passport is entitled to work or attend college here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30354/07]
Non EEA nationals who have permission to remain in the State on stamp 3 conditions and who are not visa required need to obtain the appropriate documentation to enable them take up employment in Ireland. Further information is available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website (www.entemp.ie). Should they wish to study in the State they will need to provide the following documentary evidence to their local immigration office:
1.Evidence of registration on a full time course of at least 15 hours duration leading to a qualification recognised by the Department of Education and Science.
2.Evidence of fees paid.
3.Evidence that they are in a position to financially maintain themselves in the State.
Non EEA nationals who have permission to remain in the State on stamp 3 conditions and who are visa required must leave and reapply for the appropriate visa from outside the State should they wish to return. They should include in their new visa application information outlining the purpose and duration of their intended stay.
Residency Permits.
Michael Ring
Question:174 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when long-term residence will be granted to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [30365/07]
The Immigration Division of my Department has recently requested documentation from the persons referred to by the Deputy and on receipt of this documentation, a decision will be made on the case.
Citizenship Applications.
Finian McGrath
Question:175 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will advise and assist on a query (details supplied). [30370/07]
Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department have informed me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
Visa Applications.
James Reilly
Question:176 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on granting leave to remain or extending the visa of persons (details supplied) on humanitarian grounds as the two people in question assist their daughter who is a widow and they are financially independent and not a burden on the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30371/07]
The persons concerned were granted ‘C' visit visas to enter the State for a period of up to 90 days. It now appears that they are seeking an extension of their permission to remain in the State.
A wrap-around information sheet accompanies every visa application form. That sheet makes it clear to the applicant that, in general, persons granted visas for particular purposes are not permitted to remain in the State for any purpose other than that for which the visa was granted.
Every visa applicant is required to state on the application form the dates on which he or she proposes to enter and leave Ireland. He or she is also required to declare that the information supplied is correct and complete.
A ‘C' visa is granted for visits of less than 90 days. As a consequence it is not the general policy to extend permission to remain to persons who are admitted initially for a period of 90 days or less on a ‘C' visa, save in very exceptional and unforeseen circumstances.
Documents submitted by the persons concerned in support of their visa application indicated that they would observe the conditions of their visa, would not become a burden on the State and that they would leave the State on the expiration of their permission to remain.
The persons concerned must leave and reapply from outside the State should they wish to return. They should include in their new visa application the purpose and duration of their intended stay.
Brendan Howlin
Question:177 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the case of an American citizen who arrived here on a visitor visa and is applying for naturalisation on the basis of having Irish born grandparents, their visa can be amended to enable them to live and work in Ireland in the meantime; the procedures which should be followed by this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30420/07]
American nationals are not visa required and may seek to enter and reside in the State on visitors conditions for up to 90 days. Persons who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for further permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires.
Should it be the case that they wish to work, as a non EEA National it is necessary for them to obtain the appropriate documentation to enable them to take up employment in Ireland. Further information is available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment website (www.entemp.ie)
Garda Stations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the course of the review of Garda divisions and districts, he has determined where the proposed new district or divisional headquarters are expected to be located in north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30464/07]
In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 decisions to alter Garda regional or divisional geographical areas or to establish or relocate divisional or district headquarters are matters for the Garda Commissioner in the first instance, in the context of his Annual Policing Plans. The Commissioner has recently submitted proposals to my Department to align Garda Divisions with local authority boundaries, which will lead to greater efficiencies and effectiveness for the Force and facilitate more effective operation of the Joint Policing Committees.
The 2008 Annual Policing Plan, which will include the specific aspects of the proposals to be implemented next year, will shortly be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in compliance with Section 22(6) of the Act. In advance of this, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific matters raised.
Residency Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current, intended or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30465/07]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of Thursday, 25 October, 2007 and the written reply to that question. The position remains unchanged.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status, temporary or permanent in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30466/07]
The first named applicant arrived in the State with his two children on 16 April, 2003 and applied for asylum. He and his children were refused a declaration of Refugee Status following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, the person in question was informed by letter dated 16 August, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned. I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.
The second named applicant arrived in the State on 14 April, 2003 with her two children and applied for asylum. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. She was notified by letter dated 20 September, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her and her children in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. Representations were received on her behalf. The person in question applied for and was granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish citizen child, born before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced by my predecessor on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. This permission to remain has been renewed, the current renewal being valid until 2 November, 2010.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 27 September 2007, if he will give urgent consideration to the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick having particular and humanitarian regard to the family health and circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30467/07]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification under the provisions of Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 in May 2005. The application was refused on 29 August 2006. In the course of re-examining the application, questions arose in relation to the authenticity of certain documents submitted. These issues are currently being investigated.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on offering an extension or temporary residency status while awaiting the outcome of a judicial review in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30468/07]
It would be inappropriate of me to comment on this case pending the outcome of the High Court hearing, which is listed for Friday 23 November 2007.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if temporary extension of residency or stamp four status will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30469/07]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No: 77 of Thursday, 15 June, 2006 and 1023 of Wednesday, 26 September, 2007 and the written replies to those questions. With regards to the first named person the position remains unchanged. With regards to the second named Person I wish to clarify for the Deputy that he did not receive a declaration as a refugee but was granted, as an exceptional measure temporary leave to remain in the State for three years until 22 May 2010 under Section 3 of the Immigration act 1999, as amended.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current, intended or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30470/07]
The person in question arrived in the State as an unaccompanied minor on 14 November, 2005. He applied for asylum on 24 November, 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 9 June, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made; or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations were received on behalf of the person in question. I expect the case to be submitted to me for decision in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30471/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 10 April, 2001 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was informed on 19 September, 2002 that the Minister was proposing to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was in accordance with the Act given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made; or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned. I expect the case to be submitted to me for decision in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant extension of residency or permission to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30472/07]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 25 June, 2001 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, the person concerned was informed on 31 January, 2003 that the Minister was proposing to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was in accordance with the Act given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made; or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned. I expect the case to be submitted to me for decision in due course.
Departmental Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:187 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30498/07]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows.
Established in 1997
Castlerea Prison Visiting Committee
Independent International Commission on Decommissioning
Established in 1999
Courts Service (the Courts Service Transitional Board ceased to exist on its establishment)
Equality Authority
Equality Tribunal
Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains
Independent Monitoring Committee for the Refugee Legal Service
National Crime Council
Prisons Authority Interim Board
Established in 2000
Cloverhill Prison Visiting Committee
Internet Advisory Board
National Disability Authority (replaced the National Rehabilitation Board)
Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner
Reception and Integration Interim Advisory Board (ceased operation in 2002)
Refugee Appeals Tribunal
Established in 2001
Human Rights Commission
Midlands Prison Visiting Committee
Parole Board (Sentence Review Group ceased to exist on establishment of the Board)
Established in 2002
Barr Tribunal (concluded in 2006)
Morris Tribunal
Office of the Inspector of Prisons
Established in 2003
Committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme (established under s.44 of the Children Act 2001)
Remembrance Commission
Established in 2004
Independent Monitoring Commission
Internal Audit Committee
Private Security Authority
Established in 2005
Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime
Hartnett Inquiry
Irish Youth Justice Service
National Property Services Regulatory Authority — Implementation Body
Smithwick Tribunal
Established in 2006
An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission
An Garda Síochána Inspectorate
Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation
Mental Health Criminal Law Review Board
Property Registration Authority (Interim Board of Land Registry/ Registry of Deeds ceased to exist with establishment of the Authority)
Established in 2007
Commission of Investigation (Death of Gary Douch in Mountjoy Prison)
COSC — National Office for the Prevention of Domestic Sexual & Gender Based Violence
Office for Internet Safety (arrangements for activation of office underway)
Private Security Appeals Board
The Deputy may also wish to note that the last full year of operation of the Visiting Committees for the Curragh Place of Detention and the Fort Mitchell Place of Detention was 2003 while the last full year of operation in respect of the Shanganagh Castle Place of Detention was 2001.
EU Directives.
Charles Flanagan
Question:188 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in relation to EU Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1997 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, he is satisfied that this State complied with regulations which obliged Member States to bring into force laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the directive within two years of its notification; if appropriate deadlines were met in respect of the provision of national legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30369/07]
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94/1997), made by the then Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht on 26 February 1997. I am fully aware of the importance of timely transposition of EU environmental legislation, some 200 items of which, including more than 140 Directives, have by now been transposed in this country.
Local Authority Meetings.
Michael Ring
Question:189 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of meetings that have taken place since the abolishment of the dual mandate in 2004 between county managers in each local authority and elected representatives on a county basis. [30346/07]
The information sought is not available in my Department at present. However, I will have arrangements made to forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Local Authority Housing.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:190 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses that are currently under the control of Donegal County Council, specifically relating to Milford electoral area; the number of same that are unoccupied; the envisaged number of houses that will be built in the next five years and in 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30366/07]
The Department collects data on social housing and this is published in the Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin, which is available electronically on www.environ.ie. The published information, however, is aggregated either at a national or authority level (city, county or town/borough), not at the level of the electoral area within housing authorities' areas.
The broader housing strategy and long-term social housing plans of Donegal County Council as well as detailed information on an area specific basis within the county are matters for the Council as a housing authority, within the overall framework of national housing policy.
Housing Aid for the Elderly.
David Stanton
Question:191 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding made available to each Health Service Executive department dealing with special housing aid for the elderly in each of the years since 2000 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30367/07]
The information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Health Board |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Eastern |
1,702,719 |
1,625,265 |
1,769,061 |
1,820,000 |
2,120,000 |
1,700,000 |
— |
— |
|
Mid Western |
1,208,791 |
1,460,199 |
1,577,602 |
1,530,000 |
2,040,000 |
2,300,000 |
— |
— |
|
Midland |
1,184,666 |
1,168,159 |
1,233,521 |
835,000 |
1,420,000 |
1,700,000 |
— |
— |
|
North Eastern |
1,226,567 |
1,279,896 |
1,381,910 |
1,284,000 |
1,680,000 |
1,476,000 |
— |
— |
|
North Western |
958,652 |
888,817 |
979,331 |
1,138,000 |
1,850,000 |
1,950,000 |
— |
— |
|
South Eastern |
1,031,027 |
1,206,250 |
1,310,086 |
1,284,000 |
1,920,000 |
2,660,000 |
— |
— |
|
Southern |
971,350 |
1,269,738 |
1,349,579 |
1,055,000 |
1,620,000 |
2,200,000 |
— |
— |
|
Western |
1,874,133 |
2,095,068 |
2,301,910 |
2,590,000 |
2,950,000 |
2,550,000 |
— |
— |
|
TOTAL |
10,157,905 |
10,993,392 |
11,903,000 |
11,536,000 |
15,600,000 |
16,536,000 |
— |
— |
|
Health Service Executive |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Dublin North East |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3,600,000 |
4,925,000 |
|
Dublin Mid Leinster |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
4,812,000 |
2,999,000 |
|
Western |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
8,800,000 |
7,710,000 |
|
Southern |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
4,800,000 |
3,498,000 |
|
TOTAL |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
22,012,000 |
19,132,000 |
Motor Taxation.
Niall Collins
Question:192 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if car tax collected in a local authority administrative area is spent on road upkeep in that particular area of if it is pooled centrally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30389/07]
The full proceeds of motor tax across local authority areas accrue centrally to the Local Government Fund. This income is supplemented by an annual contribution from the Exchequer into the Fund. The Fund provides very significant funding to local authorities through general purpose grants and non-national road grants. Grants from the Fund take account of the needs of each local authority and the income available to each authority from other sources. The formal transfer, from my Department to the Department of Transport, of responsibility for the allocation of non-national road grants from the Fund to local authorities will be effected shortly.
Tree Felling.
Terence Flanagan
Question:193 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding on a once off basis following the outbreak of fireblight in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin in order that semi-mature trees would be planted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30402/07]
It is a matter for each local authority to prioritise its spending, within the resources available to it, across the range of services it provides. General purpose grants from the Local Government Fund are my Department's contribution to local authorities towards the cost of providing their day to day services. The general purpose grant allocation to Fingal County Council for 2007 amounted to some €32 million, which is an increase of 6.3% over its 2006 allocation and an increase of 75% over its 1997 allocation. I consider that the general purpose allocation notified to Fingal County Council for 2007, together with income available to it from other sources, will enable it to provide an acceptable level of services for customers across its range of services.
Local Government
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to award town council status in the case of Celbridge and Maynooth, County Kildare and towns of a similar size throughout the country in line with previous indications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30461/07]
The Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a Green Paper on Local Government in the coming months. This Paper will examine a number of issues in relation to the organisation of Irish local government including the establishment of new town councils in those towns that have shown significant population growth in recent years. A White Paper on Local Government will then follow next year.
Local Authority Funding.
Richard Bruton
Question:195 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the value of commercial rates and of local authority development levies; and the value of motor taxation raised in each of the years 2005, 2006 and the estimates for 2007 and 2008 which have been used by his Department in planning the financial demands of the local authority sector. [30484/07]
The information requested in the question is set out, insofar as it is available, in the following table.
The information requested in the question is set out, insofar as it is available, in the table under.
|
Year |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
€M |
€M |
€M |
€M |
|
|
Commercial Rates |
1,052 |
1,190 |
1,245* |
N/A** |
|
Development Levies *** |
519 |
671 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Motor Tax |
800 |
878 |
944**** |
N/A |
*Derived from Local Authority Budgets 2007
**Commercial rates income for 2008 will fall to be settled by local authorities in the context of their 2008 budgets
***Derived from Annual Planning Statistics
****Estimate. Motor tax income to 31 October 2007 was €828m.
Departmental Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:196 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30494/07]
Ten state bodies and boards under the aegis of my Department were established in the period since 1997 and none were abolished in the same period. One of these bodies evolved from the restructuring of an existing body.
Energy Resources.
Shane McEntee
Question:197 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there was contact between Eirgrid and his Department regarding the proposed Meath Cavan 440kv power line; if so, the nature of this contact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30400/07]
EirGrid is statutorily responsible for planning the high-voltage transmission network, which includes the proposed Meath Cavan transmission line. Neither I nor my Department has a function in the planning design or installation of transmission lines. My Department is in regular contact with EirGrid in relation to the ongoing delivery of its overall statutory responsibilities.
I recently met EirGrid senior management for a high-level discussion in which the company gave an overview, for my information, of the second North-South Interconnector and the proposed Meath Cavan power line projects.
Departmental Bodies.
Richard Bruton
Question:198 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of new boards, agencies, bodies, commissions and offices which have been established in the past ten years and the number which have been abolished under the remit of his Department. [30489/07]
A total of eleven bodies, as referred to by the Deputy, have been established under the remit of my Department in the last ten years. A total of three such bodies have been abolished in the period.