Vol. 665 No. 3
11 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the recent report published by the Food and Safety Authority of Ireland recommending the banning of septic tank residual sludge on grassland and untreated sludge in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/08]
The use of septic tank residual sludge on grassland and untreated sludge in agriculture is controlled by the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 to 2001. At present, residual sludge from septic tanks may be used on grassland provided that the grassland is not grazed within six months following such use. Untreated sludge may only be used in agriculture if it is previously injected or otherwise worked into land.
The FSAI report recommends that the use of untreated sludge in agriculture and the application of residual sludge from septic tanks on grassland should cease. The quantities of these materials used in agriculture are small and there are strict controls in place, particularly under the 1998 Regulations. However, any revisions of the Sewage Sludge Regulations considered necessary as a result of the recommendations in the FSAI report are a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
12 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made within his Department in relation to the reduction of agricultural carbon emissions; if he will bring forward specific new measures on foot of the recent publication of the carbon budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37518/08]
The agricultural sector is already contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. The Kyoto Protocol allowed for an increase in Ireland's emissions of 13% over 1990 levels by 2012. The Environmental Protection Agency's analysis of September 2008 projects that emissions from the agriculture sector in the period up to 2012 will fall to 18.95 million tonnes or 4.3% below 1990 levels. The EPA's most recent figures on actual emission levels indicate that emissions from agriculture decreased by 3.8% in 2007 on the previous year's figures continuing the downward trend since 1998.
The continued implementation of the Nitrates Regulations is having and will continue to have an impact, as it results in better use of nutrients with consequently less nitrogen applications and therefore less nitrous oxide emissions. Measures under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme are also expected to contribute to greenhouse gas abatement. These measures encourage the use of minimum tillage, the use of clover swards and the adoption of low emission trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading. In terms of reduced fertiliser use and consequent emissions, organic farming will also have a role to play and is supported through my Department's Organic Farming Scheme. The forestry sector is very important in addressing climate change, as it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and is also a valuable source of renewable energy, thereby displacing emissions from fossil fuels. My Department continues to promote planting under the Afforestation Grant Scheme. I believe that the contribution of forestry has to be recognised in the EU's Climate Change package.
Energy crops can play a role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. To encourage cultivation, my Department introduced a National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare in 2007 to supplement the EU Premium of €45 per hectare. A new Bioenergy Scheme was also launched offering establishment grants worth €1,450 per hectare to plant willow and miscanthus. Land planted with energy crops can also benefit under the Single Payment Scheme as well as REPS and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
My Department continues to examine various abatement options in close liaison with Teagasc. There has been a significant commitment of €15.5 million to climate change research projects since 2005 under the Research Stimulus Fund operated by my Department. This includes research into areas such as more efficient slurry application, increased use of clover, which would reduce nitrogen usage, non-inversion tillage and increasing length of grazing season.
However the European Commission's target of a 20% reduction on 2005 levels by 2020 poses very significant difficulties for the Irish agriculture sector. If the target were to be applied pro rata to agriculture it could not be achieved without considerable downward pressure on animal numbers, particularly in the suckler herd. At a time when world-wide demand for beef is growing, and alternative supplies come from regions where farming practices are much less sustainable in terms of climate change emissions and the environment generally, I do not believe that such an approach would be consistent with the fundamental objectives of the global climate change strategy. I have made my views known at a recent meeting of the EU Agriculture Council.
13 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if specific funding will be ring-fenced for seafood marketing following the transfer of the promotional functions of Bord Iascaigh Mhara to Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37521/08]
The seafood marketing and promotion element of Bord Iascaigh Mhara is to be merged with An Bord Bia. The Government's initiative in transferring the seafood marketing and promotion functions to Bord Bia will ensure the strengthening of seafood marketing as part of a more cohesive overall food marketing effort, while allowing BIM to focus all its energies in developing the seafood industry in line with the Cawley Strategy — Steering A New Course.
The integration of seafood marketing with the State's domestic and international food marketing body will deliver synergies and opportunities for seafood producers where Bord Bia can draw on its expertise in the food sector to identify key future trends and opportunities for growth while pre-empting and reacting to market, competitors and global changes. The amalgamation of the promotion and market development functions of BIM with Bord Bia, will enable one single agency to manage Ireland's food and drink marketing effort on domestic and international markets. This will facilitate a more effective and efficient marketing effort. It will include the merging of the agencies presence internationally, which overlap in the four markets where BIM currently has a presence.
My ambition is that the transfer will be effective from early in 2009 subject to the appropriate legal instruments being in place. In this regard, I am planning that the budget for seafood marketing and promotion currently within BIM's Estimates allocation will be transferred to An Bord Bia in respect of 2009. Bord Bia determines funding priorities and allocations within its Estimate and I am confident that the Board recognises the importance and opportunities available within the seafood sector and will provide the necessary funding in order to maximise the potential of the sector for 2009 and future years.
14 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the recent study produced by Teagasc on the impact of World Trade Organisation negotiations on Irish agriculture and the particularly negative impact proposals would have on the beef industry and consequently agricultural income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37500/08]
FAPRI-Ireland, in association with its research partner Teagasc, launched two reports on 29 September, 2008, one of which is an analysis of the impact of a possible WTO deal, and, a second report, which provides an outlook for Irish and EU agriculture markets using 2008 as the baseline and assuming a status quo policy view over the next ten years. FAPRI's report presents an analysis of the possible impact of a World Trade Organisation (WTO) deal along the lines of the proposals made last February by the Chairman of the WTO agriculture Committee and assesses the likely impact of such a deal by comparing what would happen if there was a deal with what would happen without it in the period up to 2017.
They looked at two possible WTO deals — one where beef was declared a sensitive product, and therefore had a tariff cut of 23%, and another where beef suffered the full 70% tariff cut. The key findings are that Irish farmers would have suffered an income loss of 5% (€128m) per annum if beef was declared sensitive or 13% (€319m) if it took the full tariff cut. Unsurprisingly, they found that the sectors experiencing the biggest losses from the tariff reductions were beef and sheepmeat. They estimate that beef production would be 507,000 tonnes in 2017 without a WTO deal but this would fall to 502,000 tonnes if there was a deal with sensitive product status, or 491,000 tonnes with the full tariff cut.
The FAPRI reports provide very thorough, independent analysis on the impact of a WTO deal on Irish agriculture and on the outcome for agriculture in the absence of a deal. It is clear that the analysis and econometric model used has some limitations but the reports are very credible and professional pieces of work. As the member will be aware, no WTO agreement was reached in the July Ministerial and it is a widely held view that it will be difficult to conclude a deal in 2008 or 2009. As to the current position in relation to the beef sector, while Irish beef prices have risen considerably in 2008, due to the effective ban on Brazilian beef imports in the EU, it would appear that the absence of Brazilian beef from the EU market is set to continue into 2009, and in the short term it is expected that this will support EU and Irish cattle prices at levels close to those in 2008.
15 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the recently published report by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on the impact of land-spreading of organic materials on land used for food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37508/08]
The FSAI Report concluded that the current practice of landspreading of organic agricultural materials on agricultural land for food production is beneficial and should continue, with one exception. The exception relates to the spreading of untreated organic agricultural materials on land to be used for ready-to-eat food crops. The quantity of organic agricultural materials used in the production of ready-to-eat crops in conventional agriculture in Ireland is very small. Fertilisation of these crops is generally with chemical fertilisers. There are strict controls in place on the use of organic and chemical fertilisers in agriculture under the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006.
The use of other materials such as treated or untreated sludge in agriculture is controlled by the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998 to 2001. Any revisions of the Sewage Sludge Regulations considered necessary as a result of the recommendations in the FSAI report are a matter in the first instance for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
16 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide additional funding to the forest grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37464/08]
Substantial funding has been provided by the Government to support forestry grant and premium schemes for 2009. Almost €128 million has been allocated to forestry and bioenergy under Budget 2009. This significant investment in forestry will allow for the operation of a range of forestry schemes next year and demonstrates the commitment of the Government to the future of forestry in Ireland.
17 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement with immediate effect the regulations that were meant to allow for on-farm slaughter of casualty animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37479/08]
Under the European Food Hygiene Regulation (EC) 853/2004, specific requirements are provided for in relation to Emergency Slaughter of animals outside the slaughterhouse. Meat from such animals may not be placed on the market unless it bears a special health mark which cannot be confused with the oval health and identification marks that normally apply to meat that may be exported. My Department has finalised Regulations to introduce new diamond-shaped health and identification marks to be applied in such circumstances, and these Regulations will be signed into law when the notification procedure required by Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and European Council has been satisfied.
18 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the supports his Department has in place for agroforestry initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37463/08]
State Aid approval for the afforestation schemes, including an agroforestry scheme, was received from the European Commission in September 2007. However, there are no immediate plans to introduce a specific agroforestry scheme. Within the Afforestation and Native Woodland Schemes that have already been introduced, it is open to landowners to combine farming and forestry in that establishment grants and 20-year premiums are available to landowners to plant trees on a minimum of 0.1ha. of their land.
19 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the Animal Welfare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37477/08]
A good deal of work has already been undertaken and significant progress has been made on drafting the proposed Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which is intended to give effect to a number of commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government. Following the public consultation process initiated earlier in the year on the draft Bill, almost 400 submissions were received containing wide-ranging observations and these are now being examined. A number of those who contacted the Department asked that they be given an opportunity to elaborate further on their submissions before finalisation of the draft legislation and these requests are under consideration. Drafting of the legislation is continuing and this will have regard to all submissions received.
20 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the proposals contained in the Aylward report for a sheep maintenance payment on a per ewe basis, to arrest decline in numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37457/08]
The report for the European Parliament by Mr. Liam Aylward MEP on the sheep sector in Europe has called for the introduction of an environmental maintenance scheme for ewes to arrest the decline in sheep production. This recommendation and others in the Aylward Report were considered in detail at a special conference on the sheep sector that was held in Limoges by the French Presidency at the beginning of September. In the context of the current Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy, I have continually emphasised the need to support the sheep sector. I will continue to do so in the ongoing discussions that are expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
21 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received legal opinion on the decision to suspend the early retirement scheme and the installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37379/08]
Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. Because I had chosen to protect expenditure in certain areas, expenditure in other areas had to be curtailed. In relation to the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, I have made provision of €56.7 million to meet current commitments but this level of funding means that for the present, new applications for these schemes are suspended. As my decision to suspend entry to the schemes was taken on the basis of the current budgetary situation, I have not taken legal advice in relation to any hypothetical case.
22 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the latest CAP health check as proposed by the European Commission; if agreement will be reached by the November 2008 Council meeting; the implications of this for agriculture here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33992/08]
43 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the money he has secured in the health check of the CAP; and if he will clarify if the money is new or recycled funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37481/08]
79 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his intention to support European Commission proposals in the CAP health check to increase modulation to fund either rural development or the sheep sector. [37384/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 43 and 79 together.
The CAP Health Check dossier was presented to Ministers at the Informal May Council. A full first round examination of the texts has now been completed by the Working Groups and most of the technical and linguistic issues have been addressed. Tri-lateral meetings took place at the Agriculture Council on 29/30 September to identify the three main priorities for each Member State with a view to commencing debate on political issues at the Special Committee on Agriculture and at a series of high-level working groups to take place in October. Further tri-lateral meetings took place at the Agriculture Council in Luxembourg earlier this week to further refine the political issues outstanding. The Presidency remains confident that the proposals will be adopted as a package at the November Council of Agriculture Ministers.
The Health Check proposals are described as a fine-tuning of the 2003 reform of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP); there are three areas (i) a review of the implementation of the single payment scheme (SPS), (ii) a review of market management measures including the milk quota regime and (iii) a response to the so-called new challenges of climate change, bio-energy, water management and bio-diversity. The impact of the whole package of measures on Irish agriculture, including the financial impact, will clearly depend on what is agreed at the end of the negotiations. My aim in the negotiations will be to achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland and for agriculture. I have already outlined the issues of concern to Ireland to Commissioner Fischer Boel and the French Presidency, to Commission officials and to colleagues in other Member States. I will continue to take an active role in the discussions at every opportunity and to reiterate our priorities. Our priorities for the health check negotiations include:
Seeking sufficient milk quota increases and appropriate market management arrangements to ensure a "soft landing" in preparation for the expiry of quotas in 2015.
Ensuring clear, predictable decisions are taken on milk quotas to give policy certainty to producers and to industry.
Opposing the substantial increases in compulsory modulation proposed by the Commission.
Seeking further simplification of the single payment scheme and cross compliance.
Ensuring national discretion in the adjustment of the single payment scheme and the operation of specific supports funded from the single payment ceiling.
A consultative process with key stakeholders was established to advise on the main issues arising in the Health Check and the output from this will feed into Ireland's position in the negotiations.
As regards modulation in particular, as I have already indicated I am opposed to the Commission proposals. I believe that they run counter to the legitimate expectations of Irish farmers who have accepted full decoupling just three years ago and who are still adapting to this fundamental change. While Ireland strongly supports Pillar 2 of the CAP and has provided a high level of national funding for rural development I believe that any additional funding to address the so-called new challenges must be on a voluntary basis.
23 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of uptake of grant aid for the development of abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37485/08]
83 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the numbers of applications received under the grant aid scheme for the development of local abattoirs, since the beginning of the scheme in view of the importance of local abattoirs to local food production; the amount of money allocated to date under the scheme; and the way information on the scheme has been published. [37591/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 83 together.
Under my Department's capital investment scheme for the marketing and processing of agricultural products, a total of 51 eligible applications were received in respect of small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments. The applications are going through a competitive assessment and evaluation process in which the strengths of the various proposals are being assessed and ranked in line with the objectives of the Scheme together with applications in the horticulture and marts areas. The assessment has involved, in a number of cases, seeking additional information from the applicants in terms of business plans, financial information and technical drawings. The evaluation process is nearing completion.
24 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to assist those availing of the disadvantaged areas payments which have been cut by 14% as part of budget 2009 and will hit low income farmers with limited resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37450/08]
My approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. The 2009 Estimates provide over €1.8 billion for my Department, and, when combined with EU funding of €1.4 billion, means that total expenditure in 2009 by my Department will amount to over €3.2 billion. While difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the situation of the public finances, account also had to be taken of the very high level of investment by the Government in recent years, when significant additional financial resources were committed to areas such as the rural environment scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17 per cent, the new suckler cow welfare scheme and the farm waste management scheme and, indeed, the 8% increase in rates under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme itself, introduced in 2007.
With regard to the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I decided to reduce expenditure for 2009, by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement. While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. Furthermore, these farmers, as well as all claimants under the Scheme, will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8% in the rate of aid introduced by the Government in 2007.
In addition, of the 102,500 farmers who benefit under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in excess of 50,000 of these also benefit under REPS, while in excess of 47,000 also benefit under the Suckler Welfare Scheme, which introduces a new stream of payments to farmers in 2008. It should also be taken into account, that in addition to the payments under these Schemes a further € 920 million was paid to farmers with Disadvantaged Area lands under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme. The total amount payable of €220 million to farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the overall substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best well funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances and the decisions I have taken against that background, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.
25 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of sheep and lambs from Great Britain slaughtered in the six lamb factories here (details supplied) for 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 with a monthly or weekly breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37443/08]
The majority of imported sheep presented for slaughter in Irish plants come from or through Northern Ireland and a small number of these would have originated in Great Britain or beyond. All imported sheep are accompanied by veterinary certification. While the identification and certification of imported sheep is checked at the plants prior to slaughter, records of these are not maintained at central level in the Department. The table shows the total number of sheep imported from and through Northern Ireland that were slaughtered in the six named factories for the period requested. I cannot supply a breakdown for each of the named plants individually as this information is a commercial matter.
|
Week No. |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
1 |
6,392 |
2,697 |
5,123 |
|
2 |
4,869 |
4,393 |
5,512 |
|
3 |
4,469 |
4,389 |
6,347 |
|
4 |
3,226 |
4,027 |
4,662 |
|
5 |
4,492 |
3,282 |
4,584 |
|
6 |
4,433 |
4,006 |
4,242 |
|
7 |
4,628 |
3,103 |
5,626 |
|
8 |
3,900 |
3,449 |
4,003 |
|
9 |
3,849 |
4,395 |
3,402 |
|
10 |
2,561 |
3,283 |
3,527 |
|
11 |
2,229 |
4,092 |
4,439 |
|
12 |
2,735 |
2,854 |
4,626 |
|
13 |
2,134 |
3,123 |
3,653 |
|
14 |
1,847 |
3,032 |
3,036 |
|
15 |
1,976 |
3,242 |
3,409 |
|
16 |
690 |
3,923 |
3,733 |
|
17 |
3,098 |
2,152 |
3,602 |
|
18 |
1,317 |
2,272 |
3,282 |
|
19 |
2,478 |
2,409 |
2,354 |
|
20 |
1,810 |
2,211 |
3,853 |
|
21 |
2,417 |
3,114 |
2,203 |
|
22 |
2,802 |
3,811 |
3,479 |
|
23 |
1,766 |
4,500 |
2,237 |
|
24 |
4,544 |
3,918 |
3,893 |
|
25 |
4,245 |
4,528 |
3,216 |
|
26 |
3,629 |
2,270 |
2,838 |
|
27 |
5,877 |
4,875 |
4,067 |
|
28 |
2,627 |
3,509 |
2,420 |
|
29 |
4,946 |
2,236 |
2,635 |
|
30 |
5,068 |
2,810 |
4,980 |
|
31 |
5,149 |
3,022 |
5,869 |
|
32 |
4,827 |
2,704 |
4,119 |
|
33 |
4,241 |
3,005 |
5,496 |
|
34 |
4,845 |
3,282 |
6,165 |
|
35 |
4,210 |
3,353 |
6,911 |
|
36 |
4,251 |
5,506 |
8,361 |
|
37 |
4,279 |
6,111 |
7,001 |
|
38 |
4,524 |
6,896 |
7,406 |
|
39 |
7,080 |
5,306 |
6,762 |
|
40 |
6,353 |
7,127 |
5,079 |
|
41 |
5,502 |
5,350 |
6,037 |
|
42 |
5,906 |
6,195 |
5,978 |
|
43 |
5,393 |
7,092 |
|
|
44 |
5,535 |
5,448 |
|
|
45 |
4,817 |
5,853 |
|
|
46 |
3,752 |
7,454 |
|
|
47 |
4,316 |
5,424 |
|
|
48 |
4,543 |
5,650 |
|
|
49 |
4,156 |
5,992 |
|
|
50 |
5,111 |
3,865 |
|
|
51 |
3,049 |
5,471 |
|
|
52 |
2,604 |
1,977 |
|
|
Totals |
205,497 |
213,988 |
190,167 |
26 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to ensure properly authenticated food labelling with a view to ensuring that food imports into this country reflect precisely their origin, production history and nutritional value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37588/08]
EU legislation stipulates that food products of animal origin imported from an EU source must come from an approved food business establishment and be accompanied to its destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. In the case of importation from third countries they must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment, be appropriately labelled and transported and must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate in accordance with the models laid down by Community legislation. Checks to ensure that imported products comply with EU legislation are carried out by my Department.
All consignments from third countries must first be landed at a Border Inspection Post (BIP) operated by my Department that has been approved by the Food and Veterinary Office of the EU (FVO) and there undergo documentary, identity and physical checks. These latter are carried out at frequencies laid down in EU law. In Ireland BIPs approved for the processing of imports of animal products are located at Dublin Port and Shannon Airport. The FVO carries out monitoring and inspection of each Member State's BIPs to ensure the conditions for import of animal products into Europe, provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied.
Once it has been established that imported animal product has met all the required conditions it is released for free circulation within the community. Copies of the BIP clearance document and the health certificate must accompany the consignment to its destination. Imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. If non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed.
27 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Roscommon and County Leitrim who will see their suckler cow scheme payments cut as a result of the budget 2009 announcement; the number of applications submitted in each county in 2008 and the potential payments involved; the value of payments that will be lost in each county as a result of the budget 2009 changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37429/08]
In the "Towards 2016" Partnership Agreement, a provision was made to provide €250 million in support of a suckler scheme over five years 2008-2012. This is being honoured. In order that the scheme is continued within the €250 million funding budget, it will, on current levels of participation be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years.
Almost 54,000 farmers have joined the scheme nationally. The number of farmers in County Roscommon who joined the scheme is 3,187. The number for County Leitrim is 2,127. The payment rate for 2008 will be €80 per cow and the total amount for the year will be determined by the number of eligible cows that calve in the calendar year 2008 and go on to fulfil the various measures under the scheme. The rate of payment in the remaining years of the scheme will be determined by reference to the continuing rate of participation in the scheme. The rate applicable to 2009 will be advised to participating farmers before the end of this year.
28 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of funding allocated to the national reserve in 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of farmers who have benefited under each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37440/08]
59 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of entitlements in the national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37439/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 59 together.
The EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provided for the setting up of a National Reserve. In Ireland's case reducing each farmer's individual Single Payment by 1.82% created the Reserve. The total amount of money available for distribution under the 2005 National Reserve was some €22.5m. A further €6.5m was added representing the value of payment entitlements not activated (claimed) in 2005 bringing the total fund to some €29m. Over €23m was allocated under the 2005 National Reserve with the balance of €6m carried forward to the 2006 National Reserve. Some €4m was then added to the 2006 National Reserve (representing mainly reserve deductions applied to Dairy Premium, surplus Dairy Premium, deductions applied to the Sugar Beet and unused National Reserve entitlements in 2006) bringing the total funds available for 2006 to €10m.
The total cost of the 2006 National Reserve was €2.6m leaving a carryover of some €7.4m to the 2007 National Reserve. This allowed my Department to introduce two new categories to the National Reserve in 2007 one of which was a significant measure that catered for the sheep-farming sector. To date some €6m has been allocated from the 2007 National Reserve leaving a balance of €1.4m. The 2007 National Reserve fund has been further replenished with the addition of €4.6m from deductions applied to Sugar beet; unused National Reserve entitlements in 2007 and unused standard and setaside entitlements which were not used in the three-year period (2005, 2006, 2007). The funds going forward for the 2008 National Reserve amounted to €6m and the expected allocations in 2008 is €1m. When account is taken of entitlements that remained unused in the three-year period 2006, 2007 and 2008 it is estimated that some €7m will be available for distribution under the 2009 National Reserve.
The National Reserve is therefore a scarce resource created by reducing the entitlements of existing farmers and will only be replenished by the addition of any entitlements that remain unused.
The purpose of the National Reserve was to try and minimise the impact on farmers who, for a variety of reasons, found themselves disadvantaged in the transition to the new decoupled support regime as a result of changes in their businesses during or since the reference period. Categories of farmers to be catered for under the National Reserve were set out in EU regulations and, in 2005, included those who inherited land that was leased out during the reference period (Category A) those who made investments in production capacity or purchased or leased land on a long-term basis (Category B) or who converted from dairying to a sector for which a direct payment would have been payable during the 2000-2002 reference period (Category C). New entrants to farming after 2002 were also catered for under the National Reserve (Category D).
Certain sheep farmers with commonage land and a relatively low stocking density were prevented from increasing ewe numbers during the reference period pending the publication of commonage framework plans. A special category was created for these farmers under the 2005 National Reserve. In addition, a category was included under the 2007 National Reserve for sheep farmers whose existing Single Payment is less than €10,000 and where individual entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average. A separate category was also introduced under the 2007 National Reserve to cater for off-shore island farmers with low value entitlements.
The tables below outline the number of farmers who have benefited under the National Reserve in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
|
Category |
A |
B |
C |
D |
Hill Farmer |
Total |
|
Farmers |
378 |
7392 |
868 |
648 |
492 |
9778 |
|
Category |
A (land leased out during the reference period) |
B (New Entrants) |
C (Top-up in line Dairy Premium increase) |
Total |
|
Farmers |
82 |
154 |
868 |
1104 |
|
Category |
A (land leased out during the reference period) |
B (New Entrants) |
C (Sheep Farmers with low value entitlements) |
D (off-shore island farmers) |
Total |
|
Farmers |
54 |
103 |
6,216 |
115 |
6,488 |
29 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the state of the foreshore legislation; the person who currently has responsibility for updating this legislation; his views, in the context of his plans to expand offshore wind capacity here, on whether such an updating is needed; his plans to work with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28230/08]
My Department has responsibility for foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005. When considering applications under the Foreshore Acts, including offshore energy projects, the role of my Department is to ensure the protection and sustainable development of the foreshore.
A consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts has been under consideration for some time. This is intended to provide a modern, effective and integrated legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. Preparation of these proposals will take account, among other things, of the EU Public Participation Directive, the principles in the EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green Paper and the EU Marine Strategy Directive.
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for certain foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 including in respect of all energy related developments would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This requires primary legislation which is currently being prepared. My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements, including the assignment of additional staff from within its overall resources, to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.
In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness it is considered appropriate that the review of the Foreshore Acts should await the completion of the transfer of the relevant elements of the Foreshore functions to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This is particularly important in view of the fact that both departments will have responsibility for different aspects of Foreshore management.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to develop the appropriate coastal zone legislative and management framework.
30 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the future reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37533/08]
An informal discussion to mark the start of the debate on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy was held with Fisheries Ministers on the margins of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the 29th September 2008. The Common Fisheries Policy was formally established in 1983, and has since then been subject to revision every ten years. The latest Reform was agreed in 2002, and is up for review in 2012 at the latest. Our aim is for a Common Fisheries Policy which results in a strong, sustainable and profitable seafood industry and, most importantly, which provides economic activity for our coastal communities, as set down for Ireland in the Cawley Strategy — Steering A New Course.
I am concerned that there is some pressure at this early stage in the debate for a change in the policy that would promote an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) regime at European level. l will not support such a policy which promotes the concentration of activity and benefits in the hands of a small number of large companies. Our aim is for a policy which maximises the development of all our coastal communities and for this reason it is vital that quotas and their management are retained under national competence and not moved to a market based mechanism.
This debate on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy is at a very early stage. The Commission will bring forward a Green Paper for discussion next year. I will continue to work closely with the FIF (Federation of Irish Fishermen) to progress all matters of importance to the Irish fishing industry and have our national priorities taken on board as far as possible in the discussion on the Reform of the CFP following the publication of the Green Paper.
31 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the supports available to farmers who wish to introduce renewable energy initiatives on their farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37455/08]
58 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives in place to encourage farmers to grow crops for fuel which will not only assist in the reduction of greenhouse emissions but also assist in rural development by providing and sustaining new enterprise and employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37456/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 58 together.
The development of renewable energy in Ireland, including solar, thermal, wind and bioenergy are matters in the first instance for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. My Department's role is to support the supply side of the bioenergy market by encouraging farmers and foresters to produce biomass feedstocks.
In this regard, my Department is implementing the agri-related initiatives in the National Bioenergy Action Plan to increase the share of renewable energy derived from the agriculture and forestry sectors. A number of these measures assist farmers in growing energy crops. For example, my Department introduced a National Energy Crop Premium worth €80 per hectare to supplement the EU premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. A Bioenergy Scheme was also launched to provide establishment grants of €1,450 per hectare to farmers interested in planting willow and miscanthus. So far some 1,700 hectares have been planted under the Scheme. Areas planted with energy crops can also qualify for the Single Payment.
Aid is also provided for research projects that relate to bioenergy and energy crops through the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme. Over the past three years, some €6.4 million in research assistance has been made available for 13 projects encompassing a broad range of agri-energy topics including energy crop production.
As regards on-farm projects, my Department is supporting the development of anaerobic digestion facilities by providing grant aid to farmers for pilot projects under the Scheme of Investment Aid for Demonstration On Farm Waste Processing Facilities. In 2007, ten projects were awarded grants under the Scheme. On the forestry side, the Wood Biomass Harvesting Scheme provides up to 40% grant aid for the purchase of specialised wood machinery. Other supports for forestry include 100% grants and annual premiums to encourage increased afforestation.
The exploitation of bioenergy resources can provide an extra source of income for farmers and rural communities along with reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy security. My Department will play its role in realising the multifaceted opportunities that the sector has to offer.
32 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the awarding of aquaculture licences in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37484/08]
There is a substantial backlog in licence applications at present. This is due in large measure to the fact that many of the existing licences were granted for a period of 10 years on foot of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and are therefore falling due for renewal at present. In addition, many of the outstanding aquaculture licence applications are located in Natura 2000 sites.
My Department is working actively with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the European Commission to develop a methodology acceptable to the EU Commission to enable these aquaculture licences to be renewed in compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives. A sum of €1.4m has been set aside in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Vote for 2009, to assist environmental compliance activities in relation to aquaculture and sea fishing activities in Natura 2000 sites.
Reaching early agreement with the EU Commission on how to enable licence renewals in Natura 2000 sites in compliance with the Birds and Habitats Directives will greatly assist reducing the backlog of aquaculture licence renewals. The application process has become increasingly complex since the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 was enacted due to increased activity and demands in the coastal zone and involves a range of intermediate measures before a recommendation and decision can be made in any one case. I can assure the Deputy that everything possible is being done to reduce the backlog of applications while at the same time ensuring that the process is in compliance with relevant EU legislation.
33 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the regulations and controls in place and the checks carried out by his officials in the meat factories on lamb imports and specifically the labels attached or placed on importers’ labels when leaving factories here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37441/08]
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 Agency, the Health Service Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.
General food labelling legislation, as set out in Directive 2000/13/EC on the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs does not require a declaration of origin of food. However declaration requirements exist in legislation for some food products including beef, and some imported poultry in specific circumstances such as when raw and imported from a non-EU country. There is a clear requirement that consumers should not be misled by food labelling. Manufacturers may voluntarily declare a country of origin, and consumers should not be misled by that declaration.
The competent authority with responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation in retail establishments is the Health Service Executive through its Environmental Health Officers under contract to the FSAI. Labelling checks are also carried out by officials of my Department as part of the routine official checks in meat establishments under the Department supervision. Checks are conducted on a random, risk based frequency and cover labelling, traceability, origin, identification of animals, and the labelling of carcases, meat, mince meat and meat products.
Lamb imported from within the European Union is checked to ensure that it complies with the labelling and hygiene requirements. Lamb imported from a third country is checked at a Border Inspection Post on its arrival into the EU to confirm that its veterinary certification is correct, that it is correctly labelled and identified and the meat is checked to ensure that it is fit for human consumption. All lamb imported into Ireland must comply with the same labelling requirements as Irish lamb when sold in supermarkets in Ireland. There is no legal requirement to indicate the country of origin for lamb.
34 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the forestry Bill; when he will be in a position to publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37487/08]
A comprehensive review of the Forestry Act 1946 has been completed and the draft Scheme of a new Forestry Bill has been prepared which will update and consolidate the 1946 Act. The draft Heads of the new Bill will be submitted to the Government shortly for approval to be sent to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting. It is not possible at this stage to indicate a date for publication.
35 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the loss in income to farmers in County Galway following his withdrawal of the area aid in disadvantaged areas, the calf to suckler scheme and the installation aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37377/08]
My approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. The 2009 Estimates provide over €1.8 billion for my Department, and, when combined with EU funding of €1.4 billion, means that total expenditure in 2009 by my Department will amount to over €3.2 billion.
While difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the situation of the public finances, account also had to be taken of the very high level of investment by the Government in recent years, when significant additional financial resources were committed to areas such as the rural environment scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17 per cent, the new suckler cow welfare scheme and the farm waste management scheme and, indeed, the 8% increase in rates under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme itself, introduced in 2007.
With regard to the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I decided to reduce expenditure for 2009, by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement. While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. Furthermore, these farmers, as well as all claimants under the Scheme, will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8% in the rate of aid introduced by the Government in 2007.
In addition, of the 102,500 farmers who benefit under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in excess of 50,000 of these also benefit under REPS, while in excess of 47,000 also benefit under the Suckler Welfare Scheme, which introduces a new stream of payments to farmers in 2008. It should also be taken into account, that in addition to the payments under these Schemes a further €920 million was paid to farmers with Disadvantaged Area lands under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme. Under the 2008 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, there are 3,485 farmers in County Galway who declared, and were paid, for in excess of 34 eligible hectares.
The total amount payable of €220 million to farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the overall substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances and the decisions I have taken against that background, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.
The Suckler Welfare Scheme has not been withdrawn. The commitment in the "Towards 2016" Partnership Agreement was that €250 million would be provided over five years 2008 — 2012 and this commitment is being honoured. There are almost 54,000 farmers currently participating in the scheme and in order to remain within the €250 million budget, it will be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years by reference to the actual level of participation. In the case of the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, all fully completed applications from County Galway received by my Department up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed and, if in order, payment will be made.
36 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Roscommon and County Leitrim who will see their disadvantaged area scheme payments cut as a result of the budget 2009 announcement; the value of payments that will be lost in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37428/08]
My approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. The 2009 Estimates provide over €1.8 billion for my Department, and, when combined with EU funding of €1.4 billion, means that total expenditure in 2009 by my Department will amount to over €3.2 billion.
While difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the situation of the public finances, account also had to be taken of the very high level of investment by the Government in recent years, when significant additional financial resources were committed to areas such as the rural environment scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17 per cent, the new suckler cow welfare scheme and the farm waste management scheme and, indeed, the 8% increase in rates under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme itself, introduced in 2007.
With regard to the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I decided to reduce expenditure for 2009, by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement. While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. Furthermore, these farmers, as well as all claimants under the Scheme, will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8% in the rate of aid introduced by the Government in 2007.
In addition, of the 102,500 farmers who benefit under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in excess of 50,000 of these also benefit under REPS, while in excess of 47,000 also benefit under the Suckler Welfare Scheme, which introduces a new stream of payments to farmers in 2008. It should also be taken into account, that in addition to the payments under these Schemes a further €920 million was paid to farmers with Disadvantaged Area lands under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme. Under the 2008 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, there are 1,585 farmers in County Roscommon and 1,058 farmers in County Leitrim who declared, and were paid, for in excess of 34 eligible hectares.
The total amount payable of €220 million to farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the overall substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances and the decisions I have taken against that background, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.
37 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the inevitable increase in charges for fallen animals will place an unnecessary additional burden on farmers already financially stretched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37542/08]
The allocation for the Fallen Animals Scheme in 2009 is reduced to €14m. An adjustment of the burden sharing of this Scheme is now appropriate with the sectors involved taking a greater share of the costs. The reduced funding will be implemented through reduced rates under the Scheme, which will be discussed with the various interests over the next few weeks.
38 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether sufficient staff have been allocated to deal with applications from those who seek to establish themselves as organic farmers; and if he will arrange to allocate additional members of staff to the organic unit in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. [37370/08]
While there has been a significant increase in the number of applications received this year under the Schemes of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Sector, I remain satisfied that the current staffing levels in the Organic Unit of my Department are sufficient to provide applicants with an appropriate level of service.
39 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on giving farmers more flexibility in the spreading of slurry and farmyard manure for the remainder of 2008 owing to the wet weather recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37442/08]
The spreading of slurry and farmyard manure is governed by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In view of the poor weather conditions in recent months, with the exceptional rainfall making land unsuitable at times for the spreading of livestock manures, I obtained the agreement of the Minister, Deputy Gormley, to an extension of the spreading period for slurry to 31 October, though I am conscious of the continuing difficulties being experienced by farmers to spread slurry.
40 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the appointment of a complaints officer to deal with fishermen’s complaints by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority; when this person will be appointed; the terms of their appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37545/08]
This is a matter for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), an independent authority, which was established under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 on January 1st 2007. The Act clearly provides that the appointment of a complaints officer is solely a matter for the Authority. I understand that a person has been appointed to this role and I have asked the SFPA to revert directly to the deputy with details of the appointment.
41 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the green box payments in the context of the World Trade Organisation talks. [37385/08]
Green Box payments, in the context of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, are defined as payments, which have no, or at most minimal trade distorting effects or effects on agriculture production. These payments are exempt from reduction commitments and can even be increased without any financial limitation under the WTO. Almost €2 billion in payments are made annually to Ireland under the Common Agriculture Policy, which are currently classified as Green Box.
During the most recent WTO Ministerial meeting in July, a number of trading partners pressed for changes to the legal definition of the Green Box which had the potential to call into question the compatibility with WTO rules of the EU system of direct payments to farmers. We were supported by ten other Member States with similar concerns about the future of the Green Box. In the absence of an agreement in the World Trade talks, the current wording of the Green Box remains.
42 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the position of Irish dairy products on global markets in view of falling milk prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37530/08]
Ireland has been successful in building EU and world market trade over a sustained period. This has been supported by consistent efforts to promote and market Ireland's dairy produce in these markets by Irish operators. Over 80% of Irish dairy production is exported to EU and world markets. 2007 was another successful year for the Irish Dairy Sector with exports up 13% to €2.36bn. This was achieved despite challenges brought about by reduced export refunds, subsidies and aids, increased energy costs and a weakening of the US dollar against the Euro. The increase in dairy exports amounted to €270 million, 65% of the total rise in food and drink exports, and half of this growth came from Asian Markets.
Market forces have a large and increasing influence on the price paid for milk. As a consequence of tightness of supply on EU and World Markets, prices for dairy products increased considerably in 2007 and prices reached record levels in the autumn. Due to this market buoyancy, internal aids and export refunds in the milk sector were suspended. Prices have fallen back from those high levels and this has been reflected in the milk price currently being paid to farmers. My Department closely monitors developments in the dairy market on an ongoing basis. I will continue to recommend that the Commission utilise the various support measures when market conditions warrant it.
44 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give assurances on the safety of organic food in view of the recent report of the Food Safety Authority on the use of organic fertiliser. [37380/08]
The FSAI Report concluded that the landspreading of organic agricultural materials on agricultural land for food production is beneficial and should continue, with one exception. The one exception relates to the spreading of untreated organic agricultural materials on land to be used for ready-to-eat food crops.
The safety of organic food is not compromised by these findings. Organic farming already has very strict controls in place for manure management and application. Non-composted manures are not spread on land which is being used for ready-to-eat food crops. Sewage sludge and effluent based composts are not permitted in organic farming.
45 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he will put in place to encourage young farmers to remain in agriculture in view of his recent announcement to suspend both the farm installation aid and farm retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37405/08]
A number of measures have been put in place in Budget 2009 to encourage young farmers to both enter agriculture and to increase their investment in farming. Most importantly, stamp duty relief for young trained farmers has been renewed in Budget 2009 for a further four years, until 31 December 2012. This means that, in combination with Capital Acquisitions Tax (Agricultural relief) and Capital Gains Tax (Retirement Relief), the vast majority of early farm transfers are exempt from tax.
In addition, there is the renewal of stamp duty relief for farm consolidation for two years from 1 July 2009 to 31 June 2011; the renewal of the young trained farmers' rates of stock relief for a further two years; and the extension of the accelerated capital allowance for necessary farm pollution control facilities from 31 December 2008 to the 31 December 2010. When combined these farm tax measures from Budget 2009 are estimated to be worth over €65 million in a full year. The top rate of stamp duty on agricultural land transactions is being reduced from 9% to 6% on amounts over €80,000 with effect from 15 October. This should reduce the cost of agricultural land to purchasers and encourage a higher number of transactions. All these measures help young farmers to improve land mobility, increase the level of land swaps and achieve higher environmental standards.
46 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the report by the Food and Veterinary Office recording ongoing failures by Brazil to meet EU standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37462/08]
I am aware of the report the Deputy is referring to. The Commission's Food and Veterinary Office recently published its final report of a follow-up mission carried out between 25 February and 13 March 2008 to evaluate measures that the Brazilian Authorities introduced to address serious shortcomings on cattle traceability with regard to exports to the EU. As the Deputy will be aware the Commission proposed severe restrictions on Brazilian imports with effect from February of this year. However Minister Coughlan directed DAFF officials attending the Standing Committee to vote against the Commission's proposal and to call for an outright ban on beef imports from Brazil.
While a complete ban was not agreed the effect of the Commission's proposals limited exports of beef from Brazil to a relatively small number of herds. Based on this latest report I have arranged for my Department to write to the Commission to have this matter urgently discussed at the European Commission's Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
47 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to meet with the EU Agriculture Commissioner before the end of December 2008 to seek an extension to the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/08]
I have no plans to meet with the EU Agriculture Commissioner before the end of this year to seek an alteration to the terms of the EU state aid approval for the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006.
48 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a broadleaf thinning scheme which is vital to ensure the production of high quality crop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37472/08]
I understand that there is demand within the forestry sector for a broadleaf thinning scheme. The overall forestry situation is being reviewed in the light of the allocation under the 2009 Budget to ensure that the available funds are put to best use. The allocation of funding to specific schemes will be on a basis of strict prioritisation of programmes.
49 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the agricultural sector to reduce, as required, its emissions of CO2. [37381/08]
The agricultural sector is already contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions. The Kyoto Protocol allowed for an increase in Ireland's emissions of 13% over 1990 levels by 2012. The Environmental Protection Agency's analysis of September 2008 projects that emissions from the agriculture sector in the period up to 2012 will fall to 18.95 million tonnes or 4.3% below 1990 levels. The EPA's most recent figures on actual emission levels indicate that emissions from agriculture decreased by 3.8% in 2007 on the previous year's figures continuing the downward trend since 1998.
The continued implementation of the Nitrates Regulations is having and will continue to have an impact, as it results in better use of nutrients with consequently less nitrogen applications and therefore less nitrous oxide emissions. Measures under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme are also expected to contribute to greenhouse gas abatement. These measures encourage the use of minimum tillage, the use of clover swards and the adoption of low emission trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading. In terms of reduced fertiliser use and consequent emissions, organic farming will also have a role to play and is supported through my Department's Organic Farming Scheme.
The forestry sector is very important in addressing climate change, as it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and is also a valuable source of renewable energy, thereby displacing emissions from fossil fuels. My Department continues to promote planting under the Afforestation Grant Scheme. I believe that the contribution of forestry has to be recognised in the EU's Climate Change package.
Energy crops can play a role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. To encourage cultivation, my Department introduced a National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare in 2007 to supplement the EU Premium of €45 per hectare. A new Bioenergy Scheme was also launched offering establishment grants worth €1,450 per hectare to plant willow and miscanthus. Land planted with energy crops can also benefit under the Single Payment Scheme as well as REPS and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
My Department continues to examine various abatement options in close liaison with Teagasc. There has been a significant commitment of €15.5 million to climate change research projects since 2005 under the Research Stimulus Fund operated by my Department. This includes research into areas such as more efficient slurry application, increased use of clover, which would reduce nitrogen usage, non-inversion tillage and increasing length of grazing season.
However the European Commission's target of a 20% reduction on 2005 levels by 2020 poses very significant difficulties for the Irish agriculture sector. If the target were to be applied pro rata to agriculture it could not be achieved without considerable downward pressure on animal numbers, particularly in the suckler herd. At a time when world-wide demand for beef is growing, and alternative supplies come from regions where farming practices are much less sustainable in terms of climate change emissions and the environment generally, I do not believe that such an approach would be consistent with the fundamental objectives of global climate change strategy. I have made my views known at a recent meeting of the EU Agriculture Council.
50 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the latest profit monitor report showing that only the top one third of suckler farmers generated a profit in 2007 while the bottom two thirds were forced to subsidise their farms with premium payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37460/08]
The profit monitor analysis system is a service provided by Teagasc to farmers. It enables farmers to measure the physical and financial performance of their farms, to compare it with farmers nationally and to plan for improvements to be made in specific areas in order to improve profitability. The profit monitor results for 2007, which were launched in September 2008, show a range in profitability on suckler farms throughout the country. A wide range in margins has been demonstrated between the top third and the bottom third in terms of overall profitability.
Taking the situation net of farm support payments, the top third of suckler farmers generated a net profit with the average and bottom third of farms not generating a profit. There are however significant levels of payments being obtained by farmers on top of any profit from their stock including the Single Farm Payment, the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, and the Disadvantaged Area Scheme. The suckler herd is the source of much of our high-quality beef and the results highlight that there is huge scope for many suckler farms to increase profits by improving farm efficiency. The report indicates a number of key areas where efficiency can be increased. These include:
Better grassland management
higher on farm stocking rate
better breeding using the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation cattle breeding services
better nutrient management
I would encourage more farmers to make use of the results of the profit monitor service to make improvements to the technical efficiency of their farms and therefore, increase their profitability levels.
51 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for brucellosis free status here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37482/08]
I can confirm that, because of the dramatic reduction in the incidence of Brucellosis over the past ten years and because there has been no confirmed outbreak of this disease here since April 2006, I intend to apply to the EU for officially Brucellosis-free status for Ireland next April.
This is a very significant development and is another important measure of the high disease status of our national herd. The successful eradication of this disease is due to a number of factors, not least the full cooperation of all stakeholders with the eradication regime, which included comprehensive testing and depopulation arrangements, the tightening up on illegal cattle movements, the regulation of dealers and appropriate follow up of breaches and failures to comply with animal disease and identification regulations.
In addition to the obvious benefits to the farming sector, the eradication of Brucellosis brings considerable public health benefits, as the risk of a disease that was once a significant threat to the health of farmers, vets and others in agriculture has now greatly diminished.
Securing officially brucellosis-free status for Ireland will enable me to reduce some of the control elements of the eradication programme over the coming years. A gradual reduction in the level of testing will, over time, lead to lower testing costs for farmers. However, we need to take a cautious approach with a controlled reduction in the programme over a period of years, based on risk assessment, following the achievement of disease free status for the country. My Department has begun the process of consultation with the farm organisations and other stakeholders with a view to settling a roadmap for the gradual scaling down of the programme in the years following the attainment of the status. I will take a definitive decision on the roadmap in light of these consultations.
Notwithstanding the current position, it is essential that farmers continue to adopt appropriate replacement policies and effective bio-security measures. Where farmers have to buy in replacement stock, including young female stock, they should do so only from known sources. Some calves and young female stock can carry Brucellosis without showing any signs and without it showing up in blood tests until they calve or abort later in the herd. Furthermore, farmers should continue to apply sensible bio-security arrangements on their premises and report any abortions to their vet or to the Department. I must caution that any new outbreaks of the disease between now and April next could jeopardise the attainment of officially-free status.
52 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications, from County Galway, received by him in respect of the early retirement scheme; the stage in the process these applications are at; if the applications received by him prior to the budget 2009 decision will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37376/08]
24 applications under the Early Retirement Scheme (ERS3) 2007 were received in my Department from County Galway. Of these, 14 have been approved for payment, 9 are being processed and 1 application has been withdrawn. Applications received in my Department up to and including the date of the budget, 14 October 2008, will be processed.
53 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the communications he or his Department has had with the Minister for Finance or with officials in the Department of Finance in the past seven days regarding changes to the 1% income levy that will be charged on gross income earned by farmers up to €100,000 gross; his views on approaching the Minister for Finance with the view to introducing an exemption for this levy on up to the first €17,542 earned by farmers to bring them in line with recent measures taken for the PAYE sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37427/08]
I have discussed the 1 per cent levy with the Minister for Finance and I understand that the farm organisations have conveyed their concerns to the Minister. The arrangements for the application of the levy will be confirmed in the forthcoming Finance Bill. My officials and I will be in further contact with the Minister for Finance and his Department in relation to a number of tax issues, including the income levy, in the context of the preparation of the Finance Bill.
54 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to promote the sale of milk and milk products; if he is satisfied that the price being passed on to farmers will retain an industry for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/08]
The Irish Dairy Board and the National Dairy Council are the main bodies responsible for promoting the sale of dairy products. The Irish Dairy Board is a commercial co-operative that markets Irish Dairy products internationally and is jointly owned by the milk processors who sell their products through it. Of course, the dairy processing firms also take a lead role in the marketing of their products on international markets. The National Dairy Council plays a key role in supporting growth in consumption of milk and dairy products in Ireland. Over the years it has been the main voice promoting the benefits of dairy products to Irish consumers. Last year, dairy exports increased by 13% to €2.36 billion, an increase of €270 million on the previous record achieved in 2006.
Dairy farmers' incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. Market forces have a significant and increasing influence on the price paid for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales.
The key challenges in the medium term will be to ensure that Irish farming and the agri-food sector is at the heart of an evolving high-value food market, which is focussed on quality and innovation. This is at the core of Government strategy, evidenced by the National Development Plan 2007-2013, AgriVision 2015 and the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016. A key element of this strategy was the Dairy Investment Fund launched in 2007. My Department provided funding of €114 million towards investment in dairy processing and a total of 19 capital investment projects were approved and awarded Government grant assistance under the Fund, which will generate an estimated capital spend of €286 million at full production. The purpose of the Fund is to increase the efficiency of the main dairy outputs by supporting the upgrading of plant and buildings. This will assist operators in capturing new business in global markets and in developing new valued added products.
At EU level, one of the CAP Health Check proposals is to increase milk quotas in order to provide a ‘soft landing' towards the abolition of quotas in 2015. This will provide Irish and EU dairy farmers with a new opportunity to respond to global demand. I have consistently pressed for increased quotas to ensure a soft landing and to allow Irish dairy farmers to avail of those opportunities to increase production and capture new market share.
55 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the damage to the future development of agriculture by the decision to axe the early retirement scheme and installation for young farmers; and if he will reverse the decision and ensure the continuation of these schemes. [37404/08]
Given the public finances situation, my approach in preparing the 2009 estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. Having chosen to protect expenditure in certain areas, savings had to be found in other areas to meet current budgetary requirements. In relation to the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, I have made provision of €56.7 million to meet current commitments but this level of funding means that for the present, new applications for these schemes are suspended.
I am pleased to see that a number of farm tax measures worth over €65 million have been renewed in Budget 2009 to bring about improvements in land mobility. In addition, the top rate of stamp duty on agricultural land transactions is being reduced from 9% to 6% on amounts over €80,000 with effect from 15 October 2008.
56 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the problems caused for those who had taken steps to enter the farm retirement scheme and who now find that the scheme has been suspended without notice; and if he will review his decision. [37369/08]
Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. Because I had chosen to protect expenditure in certain areas, expenditure in other areas had to be curtailed. In relation to the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming I have made provision to meet current commitments but, for the present, it has been necessary to suspend new applications to the Scheme.
57 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the seafood promotion element of Bord Iascaigh Mhara is to be merged with Bord Bia; if so, the timescale in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37435/08]
As announced in the Budget I confirm that the seafood marketing and promotion element of Bord Iascaigh Mhara is to be merged with An Bord Bia. My ambition is that the transfer will be effective from early in 2009 subject to the appropriate legal instruments being in place.
60 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on sensitive produce status for Irish beef by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37454/08]
The final decision as to what products will be declared as sensitive in the context of a trade deal in the World Trade Organisation has not been made. However, at this stage there is a recognition by EU Member States and other trading partners that beef and, indeed, poultry will almost certainly be declared as sensitive, with a number of other products under consideration. The actual selection process of sensitive products at EU level will be carried out in association with Member States, following agreement within the WTO negotiation on the level and treatment of such products. Ireland's position in relation to which products should be declared as sensitive has been arrived at following consultation with our stakeholders, including the producers and processors.
The mechanisms and detailed rules for the treatment of sensitive products are still under discussion in the WTO negotiations. Under the current proposals the selection of beef as a sensitive product would reduce the tariff cut by two thirds to 23%. In compensation for this reduction, the EU would be required to establish a tariff rate quota for beef imports of the order of 290,000 tonnes at much reduced rates of duty.
61 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason disadvantaged farmers are being specifically targeted by him for income reduction; and if he will reconsider this measure in view of the dependence of many farmers on this payment and the likelihood that this will force many out of farming. [37378/08]
My approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. The 2009 Estimates provide over €1.8 billion for my Department, and, when combined with EU funding of €1.4 billion, means that total expenditure in 2009 by my Department will amount to over €3.2 billion.
While difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the situation of the public finances, account also had to be taken of the very high level of investment by the Government in recent years, when significant additional financial resources were committed to areas such as the rural environment scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17 per cent, the new suckler cow welfare scheme and the farm waste management scheme and, indeed, the 8% increase in rates under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme itself, introduced in 2007.
With regard to the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I decided to reduce expenditure for 2009, by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement. While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. Furthermore, these farmers, as well as all claimants under the Scheme, will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8% in the rate of aid introduced by the Government in 2007. In addition, of the 102,500 farmers who benefit under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in excess of 50,000 of these also benefit under REPS, while in excess of 47,000 also benefit under the Suckler Welfare Scheme, which introduces a new stream of payments to farmers in 2008. It should also be taken into account, that in addition to the payments under these Schemes a further €920 million was paid to farmers with Disadvantaged Area lands under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme.
The total amount payable of €220 million to farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the overall substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances and the decisions I have taken against that background, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.
62 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the assistance offered to Cappoquin chickens following news of its liquidation in early September 2008. [30837/08]
Michael D O'Connor, Sons & Co Ltd has been liquidated and a new company, Cappoquin Poultry Ltd, has been registered and will continue to process poultry in the former O'Connor's premises. Approximately 120 people will be employed. Following the announcement of the appointment of a liquidator to O'Connor's, a meeting was held on 19 September 2008 in Dungarvan involving Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, LEADER, the County Enterprise Board, Waterford County Council, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Industrial Development Authority for the purpose of arranging for the provision of assistance to the company's employees in locating alternative employment or training.
An official of Enterprise Ireland has met a representative of the new company for the purpose of outlining the types of financial assistance available to poultry processors. Under the Common Agricultural Policy there is no financial intervention in the EU single poultry market other than import duties and export refunds on certain trade with non-EU countries. Veterinary supervision of processing activities at Cappoquin by my Department is continuing.
63 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to review issues surrounding sell-by dates and labelling procedures on imports and Irish produce as raised by a number of Irish producers following the closure of Cappoquin chickens. [30838/08]
The labelling of imported and Irish-produced poultry is checked on an ongoing basis by inspectors of my Department in accordance with European Communities legislation on the marketing standards for poultrymeat. For example, around 1,300 such inspections were conducted in 2007. The legislation requires, inter alia, that the use-by date be displayed on fresh poultry and that the country of origin be displayed if the poultry has been imported from a non-EU country. Any non-compliances are followed up by means of direction to the operator to correct the deficiency or, if warranted, seizure of the product.
An issue raised of late has been the procedure for correctly setting the use-by date when gas-flushed packs of poultry are opened in retail premises. This subject falls under the competence of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. The Authority has written to retailers advising them of the necessity to have the use-by date correctly established in accordance with its guidelines. It has also asked its inspectors to verify compliance with this point when conducting checks in retail premises. My Department intends to meet poultry importers shortly to discuss various labelling issues including the setting of use-by dates for opened gas-flushed poultry.
64 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he made a formal request to the European Commission to extend the 31 December 2008 deadline for completion of works under the farm waste management scheme. [37383/08]
68 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he or his Department has made approaches to the European Commission seeking an extension of time for those who have been approved for a farm waste management grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37547/08]
89 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take the necessary steps to extend the deadline for completion of works under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37452/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 68 and 89 together.
The deadline of 31 December 2008 for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 is a condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme. The European Commission has since reaffirmed that it expects Ireland to respect this deadline strictly.
65 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce a table of sheep prices similar to that produced for beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37475/08]
The Sheep Strategy Implementation group recommended an agreed price reporting system for sheep to give full information to producers on prices achieved in different plants on a quality graded basis. This is however contingent on the implementation of an agreed pricing grid which is an important element in building producer confidence in the production of better quality animals. This is currently under discussion by producer and processor representatives.
I would hope that a transparent grid for pricing can be agreed between the processors and suppliers in the near future. At that stage, I would consider publishing detailed price information with the agreement of producers and meat plants. Such a development would ultimately help suppliers to tailor their supply to the requirements of the marketplace and increase the returns available for better quality product.
66 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the regulation in the REP scheme whereby miscanthus can only be grown on ten hectares or 25% of land holding in view of the fact that this condition is discouraging growers from entering into the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37552/08]
REPS is an agri-environmental measure, and for that reason payments to farmers must be costed and justified on the basis of quantifiable environmental benefits that go beyond keeping land in good agricultural and environmental condition and observing the statutory management requirements of the Single Payment Scheme. No element of the REPS payment can be justified on the basis of a production support, nor can a farmer be compensated for the same action twice. REPS is not a support scheme; it is a voluntary scheme open to all farmers and payments under the scheme are not entitlements as of right. Participants who agree to be bound by the scheme conditions qualify for payment.
The maximum area of miscanthus permitted on REPS farms is 10 hectares or 25% of the REPS contract area, whichever is the greater. This area limitation is in order to maintain landscape diversity. It would not be desirable or acceptable in an agri-environmental scheme to have whole farms, or a major portion of the lands, devoted to the growing of an introduced species monoculture. Existing levels of flora and fauna need to be sustained, and if possible improved, on all REPS farms and the large-scale growing of miscanthus is not consistent with this objective.
67 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason EU financing was not sought for the sustainable forestry programme; if he will review this decision in view of changed economic realities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31340/08]
The provision of 100% grants for the establishment costs of afforestation has been a key element of national forestry policy and is considered essential to overcome the traditional reluctance to plant and in recognition of the long-term commitment of land to forestry. However, the maximum grant aid available to applicants in Ireland for any afforestation scheme co-funded from EU and Exchequer funds under the Rural Development Regulation 1698/2005 is 80% and it was decided, therefore, not to include the forestry measures under the RDP. However the EU has no objection to Member States paying a higher rate of aid on a national basis. In fact, the EU makes specific provision in its state aid rules for a 100% rate of aid, by countries like Ireland, where forest cover is particularly low. The possibility of Member States providing top-ups to the 80% co-funded rate, through national exchequer funding, was not allowable.
The overall amount of EU support for rural development in Ireland for the period 2007 to 2013 was fixed at €2.339 billion in 2006. The full amount of EU funding is already committed to various schemes in Ireland's Rural Development Programme. The maximum level of drawdown will be achieved as a matter of course over the period 2007 to 2013 through the roll-out of these schemes. Therefore the decision not to include the forestry programme in the Irish Rural Development Programme has no bearing on the total amount of EU support for rural development in Ireland. All available EU funds will be fully drawn down by the end of the period in 2013.
69 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff who have been employed in 2008 specifically to administer the early retirement scheme and the installation aid for young farmers; the number of these who will not be required to work in his Department as a result of the removal of the two schemes; his plans to redistribute these staff within his Department; his plans to redistribute these to other Government Departments; his plans to offer early retirement to these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37426/08]
There are some 52 staff in my Department engaged in administering the Early Retirement and Young Farmers' Installation Schemes. My Department has reduced staff numbers by over 500 staff in the last four years and has redeployed another 500 from declining and discontinued schemes to new areas of work. Furthermore, my Department is committed to reducing overall numbers by another 250 to reach a staffing complement of 3,974 by the end of 2010. Staffing requirements in all areas, including the Early Retirement and Young Farmers' Installation Schemes, will continue to be actively reviewed on an ongoing basis in my Department to achieve the required reduction. The Department is satisfied it can, as in the past, achieve this target through natural wastage and by redeployment to other Government Departments.
70 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of single farm payment paid out in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37434/08]
The following is the value of payments issued in respect of the Single Payment Scheme for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007:
2005: €1,193 billion;
2006: €1,249 billion;
2007: €1,240 billion.
Payments under the Single Payment Scheme are governed by a number of factors: while payment entitlements were initially calculated by reference to scheme participation of individuals during one or more of the three reference years, farmers were subsequently free to trade entitlements, some farmers obtained additional entitlements from the National Reserve, others forfeited entitlements to the National Reserve because of non-usage, while others were awarded entitlements following the incorporation of the Dairy Premium and compensation granted to sugar beet growers following the EU Reform of the Sugar Sector.
71 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement with immediate effect the changes to the age at which cattle must be tested for BSE at slaughter to ease the financial burden on farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37458/08]
The requirements in relation to BSE testing of cattle are provided for in Regulation (EC) No.999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council which lays down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The current prescribed age for testing cattle that are being slaughtered for human consumption is 30 months and I do not have the discretion to raise that age.
However, the Regulation contains a provision that allows for the possibility that the Commission may provide for a higher age and I have been pressing the Commissioner to have the necessary actions taken and finalised to provide for this in our case. The Deputy will be aware that I have warmly welcomed the recent agreement of the Commissioner to a proposed increase in the minimum age for BSE testing of both animals slaughtered for human consumption as well as emergency slaughtered and fallen animals to 48 months. This decision is warranted in view of the improved BSE situation and the control measures that remain in place will deliver significant savings to farmers who currently pay for testing in the case of slaughter animals over 30 months. This has been a particular priority of mine since my appointment and I am confident that the new testing regime will be in place from January 2009.
72 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on his progress regarding the proposed rescue package for fisherman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37544/08]
Ireland submitted a detailed, costed set of proposals to the EU Commission on 12th September. In keeping with my previous stance on the matter, and supported by the Commission's policy document of 8 July, these proposals sought additional EU funding of €32m to support the restructuring of the fishing fleet in line with the provisions of EU Regulation 744/2008 instituting a temporary specific action aiming to promote the restructuring of the European Community fishing fleets affected by the high fuel prices. We are actively pursuing the case at both Council and Commission level.
The Irish Plan was the subject of a lengthy bilateral meeting at official level with the European Commission in Brussels on the 30th September. At that meeting the current situation of the Irish Fishing industry was outlined to the Commission and it was be made clear that the Plan cannot be implemented unless the Commission secures and allocates the necessary funding to Ireland. Minister Killeen raised the matter at the September Fisheries Council and pressed for Commission proposals to enable the implementation of the plan in Ireland at an early date. We will continue to push Ireland's case over the coming period with a view to the Commission bringing forward proposals without delay.
73 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the budgetary impositions in respect of agriculture with particular reference to the need to incentivise, encourage and modernise the agri-sector in the face of international marketing and competition conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37589/08]
Despite the deterioration in the public finances, funding of €1.8 billion gross is provided for my Department in the 2009 Budget. When combined with EU funding and co-funding of about €1.4 billion next year, this represents very substantial funding for the support and development of the agri-food sector. Nevertheless, difficult choices had to be made in allocating the resources available to me in 2009. I made these decisions in the best interests of the sector following detailed analysis of my Department's programme of expenditure and careful consideration of the options available.
My priority in framing the 2009 Budget for the Department was to focus available resources on protecting the most productive elements of the agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sectors and to ensure that they will continue to develop. I decided that the major developmental schemes which are intended to facilitate the strategic development of the sector will continue. I also provided for liabilities expected to mature for payment in 2009 under various schemes. My objective is to continue to develop the sector within the budgetary constraints to ensure that it is well positioned to achieving its full potential and to benefitting from future economic growth. I will monitor all aspects of my Department's expenditure in 2009 and, in the normal course, I will review spending priorities in the context of the preparation of the 2010 Estimates.
74 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure all payments due under the farm waste management scheme are paid in line with commitments outlined in the charter of rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37451/08]
My Department endeavours to ensure that, as far as possible, payments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are made to farmers in line with the commitments set out in the Charter of Rights to Farmers 2005-2007.
75 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken to assist farmers, particularly tillage farmers, who were affected by the recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37468/08]
I am keenly aware of the problems being encountered by farmers as a consequence of the bad weather, particularly the harvesting of this year's cereal crops. In recognition of these problems, I wrote to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Fischer Boel, seeking approval for the early payment of the 2008 Single Payment. My request was for advance payment at a rate of 50%, payable from 16 October 2007.
The reason for my request was based on the very adverse weather conditions being experienced in Ireland. These weather conditions are causing significant hardship to farmers. Many arable farmers, in particular, are in danger of suffering severe losses while the conditions have also negatively impacted on beef and dairy farmers with instances of animals having to be housed. I am pleased to say that the European Commission has responded favourably and on 24 September approved the advance payment of 50% of the Single Payment effective from 16 October. I believe that these advance payments will go some way in alleviating the difficulties faced by farmers due to the exceptional weather conditions this summer and early autumn.
76 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown of the number of sheep from Northern Ireland slaughtered in the six named lamb factories here (details supplied) for 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 with a monthly or weekly breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37438/08]
The table shows the number of sheep from or through Northern Ireland slaughtered in the six named factories for the period requested. A small number of these would have originated in Great Britain or beyond. I am not in a position to supply a breakdown for each of the named plants individually as this is a commercial matter.
The trade in sheep between both parts of the island of Ireland is a long-standing feature of the sheep industry in Ireland and enables producers on both sides of the border to benefit from the advantages of competition in the marketplace. Trade takes place in both directions and is influenced by geographical factors, currency fluctuations and market conditions generally.
|
Week No. |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
1 |
6,392 |
2,697 |
5,123 |
|
2 |
4,869 |
4,393 |
5,512 |
|
3 |
4,469 |
4,389 |
6,347 |
|
4 |
3,226 |
4,027 |
4,662 |
|
5 |
4,492 |
3,282 |
4,584 |
|
6 |
4,433 |
4,006 |
4,242 |
|
7 |
4,628 |
3,103 |
5,626 |
|
8 |
3,900 |
3,449 |
4,003 |
|
9 |
3,849 |
4,395 |
3,402 |
|
10 |
2,561 |
3,283 |
3,527 |
|
11 |
2,229 |
4,092 |
4,439 |
|
12 |
2,735 |
2,854 |
4,626 |
|
13 |
2,134 |
3,123 |
3,653 |
|
14 |
1,847 |
3,032 |
3,036 |
|
15 |
1,976 |
3,242 |
3,409 |
|
16 |
690 |
3,923 |
3,733 |
|
17 |
3,098 |
2,152 |
3,602 |
|
18 |
1,317 |
2,272 |
3,282 |
|
19 |
2,478 |
2,409 |
2,354 |
|
20 |
1,810 |
2,211 |
3,853 |
|
21 |
2,417 |
3,114 |
2,203 |
|
22 |
2,802 |
3,811 |
3,479 |
|
23 |
1,766 |
4,500 |
2,237 |
|
24 |
4,544 |
3,918 |
3,893 |
|
25 |
4,245 |
4,528 |
3,216 |
|
26 |
3,629 |
2,270 |
2,838 |
|
27 |
5,877 |
4,875 |
4,067 |
|
28 |
2,627 |
3,509 |
2,420 |
|
29 |
4,946 |
2,236 |
2,635 |
|
30 |
5,068 |
2,810 |
4,980 |
|
31 |
5,149 |
3,022 |
5,869 |
|
32 |
4,827 |
2,704 |
4,119 |
|
33 |
4,241 |
3,005 |
5,496 |
|
34 |
4,845 |
3,282 |
6,165 |
|
35 |
4,210 |
3,353 |
6,911 |
|
36 |
4,251 |
5,506 |
8,361 |
|
37 |
4,279 |
6,111 |
7,001 |
|
38 |
4,524 |
6,896 |
7,406 |
|
39 |
7,080 |
5,306 |
6,762 |
|
40 |
6,353 |
7,127 |
5,079 |
|
41 |
5,502 |
5,350 |
6,037 |
|
42 |
5,906 |
6,195 |
5,978 |
|
43 |
5,393 |
7,092 |
|
|
44 |
5,535 |
5,448 |
|
|
45 |
4,817 |
5,853 |
|
|
46 |
3,752 |
7,454 |
|
|
47 |
4,316 |
5,424 |
|
|
48 |
4,543 |
5,650 |
|
|
49 |
4,156 |
5,992 |
|
|
50 |
5,111 |
3,865 |
|
|
51 |
3,049 |
5,471 |
|
|
52 |
2,604 |
1,977 |
|
|
Totals |
205,497 |
213,988 |
190,167 |
77 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of his commitment and expressed concern for the impact of carbon emission impacts on the future of grass-based agricultural production here, he has asked the Council of Agriculture Ministers to request a report from the Commission on this issue; if he has requested a report from his Department or its agencies on this issue; and the timeframe for reports requested. [34617/08]
In January 2008, the European Commission published an impact assessment of the three key policy proposals for the implementation of a new, post Kyoto, climate change and renewable energy package. The assessment considered, inter alia, the impacts of a proposal relating to the sharing of efforts to meet the Community's independent greenhouse gas reduction commitment, in sectors not covered by the EU emissions trading system, including the agriculture sector. As part of the review of the EU Emissions Trading Directive, the Commission is currently conducting an analysis of sectors likely to be at significant risk of carbon leakage.
At a recent Agriculture Council the issue of climate change was included in the agenda at my request. While I emphasised that Ireland fully supports the goals agreed at the 2007 Spring European Council for a reduction in the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, I voiced my concerns about the challenge which the Commission's effort-sharing proposals posed for the agriculture and agri-food sectors in Ireland. I pointed out that if the 20% target set for Ireland's non-trading sector were to be applied pro rata to agriculture, it could not be achieved without considerable downward pressure on animal numbers, particularly in the suckler herd. At a time when world-wide demand for beef is growing, and alternative supplies come from regions where farming practices are much less sustainable in terms of climate change emissions and the environment generally, I do not believe that such an approach would be consistent with the fundamental objectives of global climate change strategy.
I am firmly of the view that reducing Ireland's agricultural production in order to meet greenhouse gas targets will not reduce global emissions. Ireland's pasture based agricultural production systems are very efficient in terms of the ratio of greenhouse gas per unit of food produced. Any fall in Irish beef and dairy output will probably be replaced, on the European and global markets, by food from countries where productions systems are far less sustainable and where the carbon footprint of that food is significantly higher than food produced in Ireland.
These issues have been examined extensively within my Department with the assistance of Teagasc. My officials have had direct discussions with the Commission at very senior level and I have raised the issue at meetings of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security.
78 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the main effects of budget 2009 in relation to forestry; the revised targets for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37546/08]
Almost €128 million has been allocated to the forestry and bioenergy budget for 2009 which will allow for the operation of a range of forestry schemes next year. This substantial investment in forestry reflects the recognition by the Government of the importance of the forestry sector in terms of its contribution to the economic, environmental and social fabric of this country. The allocation demonstrates the commitment of the Government to a strong future for forestry in Ireland. The overall forestry situation is being reviewed in the light of the allocation under the 2009 Budget to ensure that the available funds are put to best use. The allocation of funding to specific schemes will be on a basis of strict prioritisation of programmes.
80 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his position on proposals for increases in modulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37480/08]
The present provisions provide for the deduction of 5% modulation on all payments made under the Single Payment Scheme. The funds raised by this measure are transferred to Pillar II of the EU Budget and used to finance Rural Development measures. The Regulations require that Member States subsequently refund that element of modulation related to the first €5,000 of each payment. I welcome the abolition of the €5,000 franchise proposed in the EU Health Check as this means that the requirement to deduct the modulation from all payments and refund it at a later stage will no longer apply. This means that farmers no longer have to wait for the payment of the refund and the proposed change will also simplify the administration of the Single Payment Scheme. I am opposed to the increases in the modulation deductions from 2009 proposed by the EU Commission as part of its Health Check proposals and I have made this position clear during the on-going negotiations on the proposals.
81 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused by the instant suspension of the installation aid scheme; the action he will take to alleviate same particularly for persons who had a legitimate expectation that they would be able to make an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37269/08]
90 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused by the instant suspension of the installation aid scheme; if he will introduce a degree of flexibility particularly for persons who had been in the process of making applications and had a legitimate expectation that they would be able to make an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37268/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 90 together.
All fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received by my Department up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed and, if in order, payment will be made.
82 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the decentralisation plan for his Department; the number of civil servants and sections planned to be moved to another location; the target date of same; the number of civil servants and sections who have relocated; the number of his original departmental employees who were involved in these relocations; when the programme of decentralisation will be completed in his Department; the number of civil servants who will remain in Dublin; the percentage of the staff of his Department that will represent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37488/08]
The original Government decision on the decentralisation of my Department was that 600 headquarters posts would move to Portlaoise; some 100 posts in the local offices in Cork city would move to Fermoy; and up to 100 posts in the laboratories in Cork and Limerick would move to Macroom. Fisheries joined the Department in 2007 and the move of that function of my Department to Clonakilty is now substantially complete with 84 posts having moved there since the programme began. The decision regarding state agencies was that Bord Bia would move to Enniscorthy and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) would move to Clonakilty.
Following the decentralisation announcement in the Budget 2009, the moves to Portlaoise and Clonakilty (including BIM) were approved by Government to proceed. The moves to Fermoy, Macroom and Enniscorthy have been deferred pending a review in 2011.
My Department's original Decentralisation Implementation Plan allowed for a phased move to Portlaoise and the 2005, 2006 and 2007 advance phases of decentralisation to Portlaoise were completed on schedule. To date, the Department has met its targets as set out in its original plan and in total, since the programme was announced, there has been an increase of 297 full-time posts in Portlaoise bringing the total number there to almost 500. The Office of Public Works (OPW) announced last December that a consortium, the Macquarie Partnership, has won the tender for the project to build the permanent offices in Portlaoise (as part of a public private partnership including offices in Mullingar and Carlow) and planning permission for the new building has now been granted. A revision to the Department's Decentralisation Implementation Plan is now being considered, to reflect the changes to the timetable and the progress so far, as well as the evolving operating environment. An additional advance phase has been agreed and planning and preparations for this phase are currently underway.
In total there has been an increase of 297 full-time posts in Portlaoise and 84 in Clonakilty since the programme was announced. Of the 297 staff that transferred to Portlaoise, 128 who originally worked in my Department were relocated under the programme. The completion of the programme depends on the availability of the permanent accommodation and we are in discussion with OPW regarding the timescale for delivery of the building. The Government decision on my Department is that the headquarters, which is currently in Dublin, will move to Portlaoise.
84 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the rationale behind ending the installation aid programme and the farm retirement scheme in budget 2009. [37561/08]
Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. Because I had chosen to protect expenditure in certain areas, expenditure in other areas had to be curtailed. In relation to the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, I have made provision of €56.7 million to meet current commitments but, for the present, it has been necessary to close these Schemes to new applications.
85 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made to date on the introduction of country of origin labelling. [37382/08]
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. As part of this process, Ireland has sought mandatory origin labelling for all meats. Prior to this overall review the Deputy will be aware of the measures taken in relation to the labelling of beef both at retail level and within the catering sector. Ireland introduced regulations extending the origin labelling requirement for beef to the catering sector, thereby ensuring that origin labelling for beef covers all sales to consumers.
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.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations.
In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. The EU Commission has considered this additional information in the context of the EU Labelling Directive but considers that it does not justify the introduction of national legislation. At the relevant standing committee meeting on food law on 13th October, the EU Commission outlined its decision not to agree to Ireland's proposed regulations.
The EU has 36 specific marketing standards covering fresh fruit and vegetables. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. The EU Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables. As part of this process a number of the existing specific standards will be replaced by a general standard which will cover a wider range of fruit and vegetables.
86 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the most recent Agriculture Council meeting in Luxembourg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37543/08]
The most recent Agriculture Council meeting took place in Luxembourg on Monday and Tuesday of this week and dealt with both agriculture and fisheries issues. As regards fisheries, the Council reached political agreement on proposals for Council Regulations fixing fishing opportunities and associated conditions for certain fish stocks in the Baltic and Black Seas for 2009 and for fishing opportunities for Community fishing vessels for certain deep-sea fish stocks for 2009 and 2010. The Council also had an exchange of views on the bilateral fisheries agreement with Norway and on preparation of the Community position for the forthcoming meeting of the International Commission for the conservation of Atlantic tuna.
As to agriculture, the Commission made a first presentation of its proposals establishing obligations for traders concerning the marketing of timber and timber products. This is part of the ongoing effort to combat illegal logging. The Council also held a policy debate on a Commission proposal making provision for school fruit schemes on an EU-wide basis. In this regard, Ireland's "food dude" scheme has been praised by the Commission and other Member States as an ideal template.
On the Health Check of the CAP I met privately with the Commissioner and with the President of the Agriculture Council, Michel Barnier, to discuss the main Irish priorities. It was a very productive and constructive meeting at which I made known my key concerns regarding milk quotas and additional modulation. As regards the milk sector I stressed the need for a genuine ‘soft landing', when milk quotas come to an end, accompanied by a predictable set of steps that would allow farmers and industry to plan for the future. I emphasised the need for progressive quota increases and made a specific request that additional quota allocations for Ireland be front-loaded given our capacity to progressively increase production. In this regard I asked the Commissioner to make adjustments to the butterfat calculations in order to facilitate the release of higher levels of quota in 2009.
As regards the proposed increase in modulation, I outlined to the Commissioner my opposition to the substantial increase proposed. On other priorities I sought an increase in available EU funding for special sectoral measures to assist farmers. Many Member States, including Ireland, cannot currently fully utilise the funding allocated for the single farm payment scheme because of the complex and restrictive rules governing the scheme. I am therefore seeking greater national discretion in the use of these funds. If agreed, this would effectively release these unspent funds and provide additional money for necessary measures to assist farmers. I am confident that this dossier will be brought to a successful conclusion at next month's Agriculture Council.
Under other business, the Commission provided information on its Green Paper on the quality of agricultural products and Slovenia informed the Council of the outcome of the 23rd conference of EU paying agencies held in Ljubljana in May of this year during the Slovenian presidency. Hungary and Poland raised concerns about the crisis on the market for apples for processing in certain central European Member States. Poland also presented its views on how unspent CAP funds might be used and raised issues in relation to some current difficulties on agricultural markets. The French Presidency also asked the Commission to provide an update on the situation in relation to bluetongue.
87 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his policy on aquaculture licensing and capital funding which has to date been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37469/08]
Aquaculture licensing is governed by the terms and conditions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 and regulations made thereunder, including, in particular, the Aquaculture (Licence Application) Regulations 1998, S.I. No. 236 of 1998. The 1997 Act obliges the Minister to determine any application for a licence by either deciding to grant the licence or a variation of the licence, or deciding to refuse to grant the licence. Licences may be granted for a period not exceeding 20 years. In practice licences are generally granted for a period of 10 years. The 1997 Act makes provision for renewal, review, revocation or amendment of licences.
In considering an application for an aquaculture licence the Minister is required, inter alia, to take account of:
the potential impacts on safety and navigation,
the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna,
the suitability of the waters,
the other beneficial uses of the place or waters,
the likely effects on the economy of the area, and
the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application.
Applications for aquaculture licences also undergo public consultation. The 1997 Act also makes provision for an appeal of the decision of the Minister on an application to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board. Aquaculture development will be supported by exchequer funding for the 2007-2013 period. The estimates for 2009 has set aside €5 million to support aquaculture development. In addition support is provided to the sector by Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
88 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reverse the decision to cut payments under the suckler cow animal welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37459/08]
The cost of the Suckler Welfare Scheme is €250 million over the five years 2008-2012. This is the figure that was provided for the Scheme in the "Towards 2016" Partnership Agreement and there is no reduction in this figure. A figure of €80 per cow will be paid in 2008. There are almost 54,000 suckler farmers currently participating in the scheme, and to remain within the €250 million budget, it will be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years by reference to the actual level of participation.
91 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the actions he has taken to ensure that clear and specific country of origin labelling is required for all Irish, EU and imported produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37486/08]
The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation. 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 my Department collaborated with the Department of 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 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.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them.
In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. The EU Commission has considered this additional information in the context of the EU Labelling Directive but considers that it does not justify the introduction of national legislation. At the relevant standing committee meeting on food law on 13th October, the EU Commission outlined its decision not to agree to Ireland's proposed regulations.
The EU has 36 specific marketing standards covering fresh fruit and vegetables. Apart from quality criteria these standards also set down strict provisions regarding labelling, including country of origin. The EU Commission is currently reforming the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables. As part of this process a number of the existing specific standards will be replaced by a general standard which will cover a wider range of fruit and vegetables.
92 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the price increases imposed by her Department and its agencies for public service, product or tax since 1 January to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37691/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Name of Service, Product/Tax |
Previous Price |
Current Price |
Amount of Increase since 1 January 2008 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) respondent fee (Order signed by Minister) |
900.00 |
1,050.00 |
150.00 |
|
Price of a paper copy of the Patents Office Journal |
8.89 |
10.00 |
1.11 |
|
Annual subscription for paper copies of the Patents Office Journal |
203.16 |
234.00 |
30.84 |
Any decision by Agencies under the remit of my Department to increase prices for their services or products is a day-to-day operational matter in which I have no function, save where I am required by legislation to approve the increase by way of a Ministerial Order as is the case in respect of the PIAB as listed in the foregoing table.
93 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will arrange a review of the work permit arrangements for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [37724/08]
The Employment Permits Section informs me that the last valid permit in respect of the above named expired on the 21/8/2006 and they have no record of a permit being applied for or issued since that date. However, if the above named wishes to submit an application it will be considered on its merits.
94 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the circumstances in which the Government can consult with or negotiate with representatives of professional organisations on the price of services to be funded by the State and the constraints which EU competition law places on such negotiations. [37755/08]
Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 prohibits and makes void all agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices which have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in any goods or services in the State or in any part of the State. This reflects the provisions of EC Treaty Article 81 which contains a similar prohibition in relation to agreements, decisions and concerted practices which may affect trade between Member States.
In general there is nothing to prevent the State, as a purchaser of services, from consulting with representatives of professional organisations in relation to the fees for those services. The key requirement in all cases is that the State must have the final say in setting the price it will pay for the services concerned. Ultimately, it is a matter for the courts, both domestic and EU, to interpret legislation and to decide, on the compatibility of any particular set of circumstances with competition law.
95 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public service, product or tax since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37693/08]
The Deputy will appreciate that, given its functions, my Department does not generally provide products or services directly to the public and accordingly the issue of price increases does not occur. The exception to this is fees for Freedom of Information requests and these fees are unchanged in the current year. With regard to products or services provided by offices under the aegis of my department the table sets out the price increases that were applied during the year.
|
Office |
Product/Service |
Price Increase |
|
Office of Public Works |
The only price increases approved by OPW in 2008 were in respect of admission charges for tours of Castletown House. |
Adult: From €4.00 to €4.50 Seniors/Students: From €2.00 to €3.50 Groups (20 or more): From €3.00 to €3.50 Family: From €10.00 to €12.50 |
|
State Laboratory |
The State Laboratory provide an analytical service to a number of hospitals and private companies for the determination of levels of lead, copper and zinc in blood. |
The charge for this service increased from €30 to €35 per analysis in June 2008. |
|
Office of the Revenue Commissioners |
Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) |
Statutory Instrument No. 396 of 2008 (Vehicle Registration and Taxation (Amendment) Regulations 2008 increased the fee for the reservation of an unallocated identification mark (registration number) from €315 to €1,000 from 7 October 2008. The Deputy may wish to note that this fee had not been increased since the introduction of VRT in the State on 1 January 1993. |
All changes in tax rates are published on the website of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
96 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance if he will accede to a request for a refund of VAT in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37727/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a reply to this taxpayer's query was issued on the 28/10/2008.
97 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Finance when is it envisaged a notice of tax assessment for 2007 will issue to a person (details supplied). [37729/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person (details supplied) filed the 2007 Income Tax Return i.e. Form 11 with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Collector General's Division on the 9th October 2008. The return was processed on the 21st October 2008 and a Notice of Assessment in accordance with the details on the Return issued on 22nd October 2008.
98 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the number of customs officials engaged solely in drug detection and drug patrols covering the Donegal coastline; the number of land drug patrols carried out in Donegal in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of coastal patrols carried out in Donegal in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of drug detections made on land and at sea as a result of these patrols; the quantity of drugs seized in these operations; the number of night clubs and concert venues visited with sniffer dogs on drug detection operations in Donegal in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37730/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue Customs Service has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. This Service has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at all points of entry to Ireland, including ports, airports and the land frontier with Northern Ireland.
In line with best practice in customs administration worldwide, Revenue regards the development of information and intelligence as critical to the detection of drug smuggling. This is very important in the case of Ireland and other EU Member States where the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the EU. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU and the elimination of Customs controls on the baggage of intra-Community passengers other than anti smuggling checks. The approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling, especially drug smuggling.
In relation to Donegal, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that eight officers, based in Letterkenny, have responsibility for Revenue enforcement in County Donegal. Two of these officers are engaged full-time on drugs enforcement duties and the other officers are deployed to that task as the need arises. Revenue continually assesses the risks along the Donegal coast and the coastline is patrolled by these enforcement officers as part of their normal day-to-day enforcement duties. These patrols are in the main selective and targeted and are based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators. The patrols are constantly reviewed, taking into account available intelligence and emerging smuggling trends.
As well as land-based staff, Revenue also has a sea-going vessel, the Customs Cutter, which patrols the coastline. During the years 2004 to 2007 the Revenue Cutter carried out four patrols along the Donegal coastline. A contract has been signed for the provision of a second cutter that is expected to be delivered late next year. Customs officers also receive assistance from the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Coast Guard. During the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Revenue's Customs Service in Co. Donegal, were involved in three seizures of 92 kgs of cannabis resin with a street value of €644,000.
As Revenue has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation, enforcement officers and sniffer dog units have not been involved in the visiting of nightclubs and concert venues, where detection of drugs is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are actively promoting the Customs Drugs Watch programme in all coastal areas. This Programme seeks to enlist the help of the public in combating drug smuggling by noting any unusual or suspicious activity and reporting it immediately to a local Customs Drugs Watch Officer. The two Drugs Officers in Letterkenny are specifically tasked with developing the Drugs Watch programme.
99 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if pensioners who are forced to purchase annuities on reaching retirement enjoy any protection against default by insurance companies providing those products; if legislative changes to protect annuities or to remove the obligation to purchase annuities is now appropriate. [37756/08]
There is no compensation scheme in place in Ireland in the event of a default of a life assurance undertaking. The Deputy should be aware that the Financial Regulator's insurance supervision unit works closely with Irish insurance companies to ensure that they maintain capital requirements and manage their risks effectively. Prudential supervision has proven to be a most effective safeguard of the interest of policyholders and regulatory oversight of the insurance sector has been stepped up in recent times by the Financial Regulator.
At EU level only a few Member States have insurance guarantee schemes and an EU Commission working group has indicated that while a majority of Member States are in favour of some European co-ordination of insurance guarantee schemes, there is no consensus on the extent or content of such co-ordination. The EU Commission has subsequently contracted the consultants OXERA to conduct a study on insurance guarantee schemes in the EU both for life and non-life insurance (excluding motor insurance). The resultant report entitled ‘Comparative analysis of existing schemes, analysis of problems and evaluation of options' was published in early 2008. The Commission has consulted with the various stakeholders in May — July 2008, so as to provide them with the opportunity to comment on the main findings of OXERA's report and to make known their views on the desirability and feasibility of Community action in this area. In addition to collecting written comments, the Commission has held a public hearing on insurance guarantee schemes in June 2008. The Commission has committed itself to take account of the results of this consultation when making its policy decision on the way forward.
I am aware of the difficulties for certain individuals, particularly members of defined contribution schemes, who are retiring in current market conditions and who are required to purchase an annuity on retirement at this time. I am examining this matter and will be consulting with industry interests to establish its extent and what, if anything, can be done to alleviate it.
100 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the increased provision in 2009 over 2008 in respect of interest sinking fund and debt management expenses, distinguishing the increase due to higher interest rates, higher debt levels and earlier repayment schedules; and if he will make a statement on the forecast of Government debt servicing during 2009. [37757/08]
The increase in debt service costs in 2009 is primarily due to the increase in the Exchequer borrowing requirement for 2008 and 2009, which is a direct consequence of the changed economic and fiscal realities that we now face. The level of the sinking fund is related to expected borrowing in respect of expenditure on voted capital services. My Department is informed by the NTMA that the debt service estimate for 2009 is €3,956 million. A breakdown of the increase in debt service cost as supplied to me by the Agency for 2009 over 2008 is given in the following table.
|
Debt Service |
€ million |
|
2009 (Budget 2009) |
3,956 |
|
Forecast Outturn 2008 (Budget 2009)* |
2,192 |
|
Increase |
1,764 |
|
Explained by: |
|
|
Cost of funding 2008 & 2009 EBRs |
1,360 |
|
Higher interest rate on replacement of €5bn bond maturing in 2009 |
77 |
|
Accrued interest on commercial paper issued in 2008 and maturing in 2009 |
220 |
|
Increased Sinking Fund payments |
84 |
|
Debt management expenses |
23 |
|
Total |
1,764 |
*2008 estimate was €2,490 million in Budget 2008.
101 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of single people aged between 65 and 70 years being granted pensions through his Department, as a result of their employment in the public service; the number of such payments to single people aged between 65 and 70 years that are between €20,000 and €24,999 per annum; the number of such payments to single people aged between 65 and 70 years that are between €25,000 and €29,999 per annum; the number of such payments to single people aged between 65 and 70 years that are between €30,000 and €36,399 per annum; and the number of such payments to single people aged between 65 and 70 years that are over €36,400 per annum. [37792/08]
102 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of single people aged over 70 years being granted pensions through his Department, as a result of their employment in the public service; the number of such payments to single people aged over 70 years that are between €20,000 and €24,999 per annum; the number of such payments to single people aged over 70 years that are between €25,000 and €29,999 per annum; the number of such payments to single people aged over 70 years that are between €30,000 and €36,399 per annum; and the number of such payments to single people aged over 70 years that are over €36,400 per annum. [37793/08]
103 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of married people aged between 65 and 70 years being granted pensions through his Department, as a result of their employment in the public service; the number of such payments to married people aged between 65 and 70 years that are between €60,000 and €64,999 per annum; the number of such payments to married people aged between 65 and 70 years that are between €65,000 and €72,799 per annum; and the number of such payments to married people aged between 65 and 70 years that are over €72,800 per annum. [37794/08]
104 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of married people aged over 70 years being granted pensions through his Department, as a result of their employment in the public service; the number of such payments to married people aged over 70 years that are between €60,000 and €64,999 per annum; the number of such payments to married people aged over 70 years that are between €65,000 and €72,799 per annum; and the number of such payments to married people aged over 70 years that are over €72,800 per annum. [37795/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 104, inclusive, together. My Department is responsible for the payment of pensions to retired Civil Servants, the Judiciary and Ministerial and other office holders. Pensions are also paid to their surviving spouses and children. The statistics requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tables and exclude surviving spouses and children as their pensions are not granted as a result of employment. In addition, the figures refer to all relevant pensioners, both married and single, as the payroll database does not distinguish between them.
|
Number of payees |
Gross pension rate per annum |
|
202 |
€20,000 – €24,999 |
|
258 |
€25,000 – €29,999 |
|
198 |
€30,000 – €36,399 |
|
404 |
€36,400 – €59,999 |
|
7 |
€60,000 – €64,999 |
|
14 |
€65,000 – €72,799 |
|
53 |
€72,800 + |
|
Number of payees |
Gross pension rate per annum |
|
556 |
€20,000 – €24,999 |
|
568 |
€25,000 – €29,999 |
|
258 |
€30,000 – €36,399 |
|
1,035 |
€36,400 – €59,999 |
|
19 |
€60,000 – €64,999 |
|
25 |
€65,000 – €72,799 |
|
174 |
€72,800 + |
105 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on a modification in the gift tax rules in order that partners who are cohabiting and rearing children together are allowed to transfer the property into their joint names without incurring capital acquisition tax. [37796/08]
I have no immediate plans to change the treatment of cohabiting couples under the tax code. Such individual policy changes would better follow, rather than precede, any change in the general area of public policy concerning the legal recognition of non-marital relationships.
106 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of single people aged between 65 and 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €20,000 and €24,999; the number of single people aged between 65 and 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €25,000 and €29,999; the number of single people aged between 65 and 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €30,000 and €36,399; and the number of single people aged between 65 and 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes over €36,400. [37821/08]
107 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of single people aged over 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €20,000 and €24,999; the number of single people aged over 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €25,000 and €29,999; the number of single people aged over 70 who paid income tax in 2007, who had gross incomes between €30,000 and €36,399; and the number of single people aged over 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes over €36,400. [37822/08]
108 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of married people aged between 65 and 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €60,000 and €64,999; the number of married people aged between 65 and 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €65,000 and €72,799; and the number of married people aged between 65 and 70 who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes over €72,800. [37823/08]
109 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Finance the number of married people aged over 70 years who paid income tax in 2007, who had gross incomes between €60,000 and €64,999; the number of married people aged over 70 years who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes between €65,000 and €72,799; the number of married people aged over 70 years who paid income tax in 2007 who had gross incomes over €72,800. [37824/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 to 109, inclusive, together.
I am informed by Revenue Commissioners that the information is not available in the format requested by the Deputy, as the data in the tax system are not age related in the format specified.
110 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding international agreements between Ireland, Russia and Ethiopia, particularly in relation to international adoptions. [37745/08]
My Office has been working to finalise a new Bill which will ratify the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The purpose of ratifying the Hague Convention is to protect children in the process of adoption. The Hague Convention emphasises the importance of regulatory systems in protecting the fundamental rights of children, and in preventing the abduction, sale of, or traffic in children. Ratification of the Hague Convention puts in place the equivalent of a contract between states to regulate the standards that will apply in each jurisdiction. It is the intention that the proposed adoption legislation will ensure all inter-country adoptions meet standards of the Convention either through ratification of the Convention or through bilateral agreements which meet the standards of the Hague Convention.
As part of the preparations for the likely passage and entry into force of the new legislative arrangements for adoption in Ireland, my Office has been advising the Department of Foreign Affairs on the potential implications of the legislation on existing arrangements and agreements for those countries which have not yet ratified the Hague Convention. We are working actively to assess the possibilities of entering into bilateral agreements with a small number of countries, including Ethiopia and the Russian Federation. Priority is being given to those countries which Irish applicants have traditionally adopted from. Every effort will be made to advance bilaterals where this is possible and acceptable to the countries of origin.
111 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when BreastCheck will be available in Waterford city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37600/08]
The Deputy's specific question in relation to the roll-out of BreastCheck to Waterford City is the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.
112 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the rates that will apply in 2009 in respect of foster payments. [37614/08]
Decisions in relation to the foster care rates for 2009 have yet to be taken.
113 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the allowances, in addition to the income threshold cut-off points, that will apply to medical card applicants over 70 in 2009; and if regular medical expenses will be permitted to form a standard part of the means test, as with other medical card applicants. [37615/08]
The Government recently announced, as part of its budget proposals, the withdrawal of automatic entitlement to the medical card from people aged 70 years and over and the introduction of new income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over of €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week for a couple.
Any savings up to €36,000 (single)/€72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes. Income will not be imputed from property (whether a family home, a holiday home or any other property) for means testing purposes, unless it is rented, and only the net rental income will be included as income. The income to be assessed will be the gross income, less any cost necessarily incurred associated with the property and such cost may include insurance premia, loan/mortgage repayments, maintenance, etc. Only dividend payments will be considered as income for means testing purposes in the context of shares and investments.
Medical expenses will not be considered as part of the initial means test. However, when a person's means are in excess of the relevant income guidelines, the Health Service Executive may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, having considered if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
114 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if the contract signed with the Irish Medical Organisation to allow persons over 70 years automatic entitlement to medical cards provides that general practitioners’ payments may not be changed without the explicit agreement of the IMO; if she will outline what those payment terms were then and what they are today; if she will lay a copy of the contract in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37618/08]
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme general practitioners hold one of two contract types, i.e. the Fee per Item contract (first introduced in 1972) or the Capitation contract (effective from 1989). These contracts reflect the agreed outcomes of negotiations between my Department and the GP representative body, the Irish Medical Organisation.
Over time, provisions additional to the 1972 and the 1989 GMS contracts have been supplemented on foot of agreements between the Department of Health and Children, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Health Boards/Health Service Executive (HSE) by way of circulars issued by my Department. Automatic medical card eligibility for persons aged 70 and over came into effect on 1 July 2001. The terms of the agreement were contained in a circular issued by my Department on 3 August 2001. I will make arrangements for a copy of the GMS GP capitation contract and circulars to be placed in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas as requested by the Deputy.
The annual GP capitation rates as of 1 July 2001 and 1 January 2008 in respect of persons aged 70 and over living in the community issued with a medical card for the first time regardless of income and persons aged 70 and over in private nursing homes (approved by the HSE) for continuous periods in excess of five weeks are set out in tabular form below.
|
Annual GP Capitation Rate (01-07-2001) |
Annual GP Capitation Rate (01-10-2008) |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Persons aged 70 & over living in the community issued with a medical card for the first time regardless of income |
438 |
640 |
|
Persons aged 70 & over in a private nursing home (approved by the HSE) for continuous periods in excess of five weeks |
635 |
927 |
In addition to the capitation fees outlined above, participating GMS GPs may receive additional payments under a range of headings.
Section 41(2) of the 1989 GMS contract states "The terms of this contract shall be subject to alteration every three years in accordance with the outcome of a review of the agreement between the Minister and the Irish Medical Organisation on arrangements for the provision of services under Section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, which review may be conducted by a third party". It is not stated in the 2001 Circular, which introduced automatic medical card eligibility for persons aged 70 and over, that GPs' payments cannot be explicitly changed without the agreement of the IMO.
Legal advice received by my Department and the HSE in 2006 and 2007 confirms that there are significant competition law issues which must be taken into account in reaching any agreements and in particular in fixing fees regarding the provision of health services by self-employed professionals.
The Government is satisfied that the scope of the engagement by General Practitioners in the delivery of primary health care and the significance of primary health care for the overall efficacy of the public health system makes a more direct form of engagement with the representatives of General Practitioners both necessary and desirable. Accordingly, it is the intention of Government to pursue appropriate amendments to Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002 to enable the representative body of GPs, the IMO, to represent its members in negotiations with the HSE and the Department of Health and Children in respect of the services provided to the public health service in a manner consistent with the public interest. The legal provision to be made will be subject to consistency with EU competition rules.
115 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused a medical card. [37624/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
116 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been waiting so long to have cataract surgery, in view of the fact that the surgery was to have been carried out some time ago but has been deferred on a number of occasions; and the reason they have not been referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund for surgery in view of the fact that they have been waiting so long. [37631/08]
The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
117 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the payment of a refund of moneys due under the national repayment scheme for long-term care patients to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37644/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
118 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in granting a medical card to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [37676/08]
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
119 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a senior executive officer of the western hospital group did not reply to a letter of representation sent by e-mail almost two months ago, in view of the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is in severe pain; and when a full reply will issue. [37677/08]
I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that a reply issued by e-mail to the Deputy on 24 October 2008.
120 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 can expect to be called for an operation in view of the seriousness and urgency of this condition; and the reason for the delay. [37678/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
121 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact that various cutbacks will have on voluntary organisations providing services, such as centres for independent living and so on across the State; when the organisations will be notified of their budgets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37679/08]
Following the recent Budget, I have notified the Health Service Executive (HSE) of its allocation for 2009. In my letter of the 15th October 2008 to the Chairman of the HSE, I indicated the budget was framed in the context of the fiscal challenges facing the country. I also indicated a number of cost saving measures which the HSE would need to achieve to ensure it remained within its overall expenditure limit. I further emphasised the need to meet these targets so as to protect front line services and I have requested the HSE to submit, for my approval, a National Service Plan, which will indicate how the Executive proposes to allocate its funding and the levels of service it will provide for that funding in 2008.
The Health Service Executive funds a wide range of agencies and the Executive will notify these agencies of their funding regarding their allocations after the Service Plan is approved. My Department also directly funds a wide range of agencies which provide a diverse range of services such as cancer screening, health research, enforcing standards in health care, medicines and food and I hope to be in a position to notify them of their allocation soon.
122 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the price increases imposed by her Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes from 1 January to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37695/08]
The charge for attending accident and emergency, outpatients or casualty departments increased by 10% to €66 euro on 1st January 2008. Private patients in public hospitals who are treated as private patients are currently charged at the rates set out in the table below. These charges are in addition to a charge equivalent to the public hospital statutory in-patient charge which is €66 each day during which a person is maintained. The maximum payment in any twelve consecutive months is €660.
|
Hospital Category |
Private Accommodation |
Semi-Private Accommodation |
Day-care |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
1. |
HSE Regional Hospitals, Voluntary & Joint Board Teaching Hospitals |
758 |
594 |
546 |
|
2. |
HSE County Hospitals Voluntary Non-Teaching Hospitals |
506 |
407 |
362 |
|
3. |
HSE District Hospitals |
217 |
185 |
161 |
The Deputy will also be aware that these charges will increase from 1st January 2009. Private and Semi-Private fees will increase by 20%, Accident and Emergency charges will be €100 for non-medical card holders attending A&E departments without a letter from their GP and the public hospital statutory in-patient bed charge will increase by €9 to €75 per night (to a maximum of 10 nights a year).
123 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 1 July 2008, the specific changes which will be implemented to the child care subvention scheme from 1 January 2009 as a result of the review to the new funding structure; when she will inform services of their individual grant levels for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37706/08]
The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced by my Office in January 2008, under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP). The introduction of the CCSS was announced in July 2007 when the initial framework for the scheme was outlined. Community childcare services which at that time were in receipt from my Office of staffing support grants, were invited to apply for funding under the CCSS. Based on the information received from services, the final details of the scheme were put in place in December 2007. The CCSS has not been reviewed since that time and changes to the arrangements governing the scheme are not currently proposed.
With regard to CCSS funding for community childcare services in 2009, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that applications from participating services were invited in September and are currently being processed. Where applications have been correctly made by the due date, I understand that officials in my Office expect to be in a position to advise services of the outcome and their proposed level of funding in 2009, during November. Applications which are received late or are incorrectly completed would be expected to be responded to as soon as possible after that time.
124 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a meeting (details supplied) will take place; the progress to date following the previous meeting with the group on 18 June 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37708/08]
I would like to advise the Deputy, that I intend to meet with this group again before the end of the year. My Department is in ongoing contact with the Health Service Executive (HSE) on disability issues including service developments in the context of monitoring the HSE National Service Plan 2008.
In the 2008 Budget, €50m was provided to the HSE to fund a range of additional services under the Multi Annual Investment Programme for Disability. Although the commencement of the planned developments in disability services this year had been delayed due to a financial review, I am pleased to inform you that the Executive has informed the Department of Health and Children that it is now in the process of rolling out the planned developments. The HSE has indicated that due to the delayed start to some of these developments it expects to spend €33m of the €50m by the end of 2008. The resulting €17m time related savings were included in this Department's budgetary consolidation measures announced to the House in July 2008.
125 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a full nursing home refund was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37710/08]
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.
126 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the National Treatment Purchase Fund has refused to accept a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for an operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37728/08]
As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
127 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out an inquiry into all aspects of the case of the recent death of a person (details supplied) in County Louth and the help and assistance offered by the Health Service Executive to the family concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37733/08]
I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to the family of the person concerned at this very difficult time. I am not aware of the circumstances of this case. However, if a family has concerns about the care or treatment their family member received in a hospital, they should in the first instance contact the hospital directly where their concerns will be addressed. My Department has also requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
128 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the €50 million for disabilities that went to people with a physical disability. [37748/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.
129 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [37749/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, requests for assessment for intercountry adoption assessments are continuously increasing. The Study on intercountry adoption, undertaken by the Children's Research Centre in Trinity College, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for intercountry adoption in Europe. It is against this background that my Office is continuing to work to create the appropriate legislative, policy and administrative frameworks which will ensure a well regulated regime of adoption. Our aim is to support and protect prospective parents, and even more importantly, the children for whom adoption services are devised and provided.
The first priority is the ratification of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Intercountry Adoption, 1993. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Adoption Bill, 2008, which will ratify the Convention, will be published at the earliest opportunity. A core principle of the Hague Convention is that intercountry adoption should be child centred, that is, in all stages of the process the child's interests must be paramount. The Hague Convention has put in place the equivalent of a contract between states to regulate the standards that will apply in each jurisdiction. It is an additional safeguard for a receiving country like Ireland regarding the standards that are being applied in the sending country, over which we have no jurisdiction.
As a receiving country it is especially important to have some confidence in the process of consent to the adoption, the status of the child as adoptable and a guarantee of no improper financial gain from the process. Legislation and specifically the regime of the Hague Convention is at least some assurance for individual children, their families, and the State, that appropriate procedures have been followed and that the adoption was effected in the best interests of the child.
As regards the assessment process, a family that wishes to adopt should be recognised beforehand as able to promote, safeguard and support the development and well being of a child in need of adoption in a lasting manner. It should also be noted that increasing numbers of adopted children from abroad create additional pressures on intercountry adoption teams within the HSE. This is because these same teams provide post-adoption reports to the sending countries, at the request of those countries, with the agreement of the adoptive parents. This is an important component in the willingness of countries to consider Irish applicants for adoption.
Officials with my office have also been discussing the issue of preparedness for the new legislative framework with both the Adoption Board and the HSE. While our aim is to ensure that there is a seamless transition to the new regime, I am conscious that persons applying for intercountry adoption are experiencing delays in the assessment process. I acknowledge that there are delays in the waiting times for assessment, and that there are also concerns regarding the standardisation of the service across the country. I appreciate the frustration that these issues must cause.
The HSE has conducted a review of the intercountry adoption service. This review examined staffing, business processes, resources, strengths and options within the service. On foot of this report, HSE principal social workers have been having regular meetings, chaired by a senior manager, to discuss the streamlining of the service. The outcome of these discussions will be put into policy format by the end of this year. I understand that the Adoption Board has also taken on a programme of work to support the change process required to devise a more effective system of service delivery. The Board will be delivering a series of training sessions to HSE staff, and I am confident that this will greatly contribute to the standardisation of the service.
I want to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue and reiterate the importance of a rigorous and effective assessment system, which is provided on a timely, fair and transparent basis.
130 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a case (details supplied). [37750/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
131 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 410 of 24 September 2008. [37762/08]
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to expedite the issuing of a reply to the Deputy on the matter.
132 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 576 of 24 September 2008. [37763/08]
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to expedite the issuing of a reply to the Deputy in the matter.
133 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the projected cost to the Exchequer to administer the means test for the over 70 years medical card. [37772/08]
The Government recently announced, as part of its budget proposals, the withdrawal of automatic entitlement to the medical card from people aged 70 years and over and the introduction of new income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over of €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week for a couple.
Legislation, which will give effect to these changes, will be enacted before the end of 2008 and will come into effect on 1st January 2009. The arrangements set out in the legislation will provide that persons aged 70 and over who automatically acquired their medical card on age grounds before 31st December 2008 will self-assess for medical card eligibility. In the case of persons reaching age 70 on or after 1 January 2009, the intention is that they would be required to apply formally for a medical card, to confirm in their application that their income is below the specified limits and to provide appropriate supporting evidence.
The legislation will include appropriate provisions in relation to validating the initial self-assessments and the eligibility of those granted medical cards in future under the new arrangements. It is not possible at this time to estimate the cost of administering these arrangements but full regard will be had to the need to balance cost-effectiveness and probity in the use of public funds.
134 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [37781/08]
The Government recently announced, as part of its budget proposals, the withdrawal of automatic entitlement to the medical card from people aged 70 years and over and the introduction of new income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over of €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week for a couple. When a person's means are in excess of the relevant income guidelines, the Health Service Executive may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, having considered if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.
As part of the means test, any savings up to €36,000 (single) / €72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes. Income will not be imputed from property (whether a family home, a holiday home or any other property) for means testing purposes, unless it is rented and only the net rental income will be included as income. The income to be assessed will be the gross income, less any cost necessarily incurred associated with the property and such cost may include insurance premia, loan/mortgage repayments, maintenance etc. Only dividend payments will be considered as income for means testing purposes in the context of shares and investments.
The HSE will shortly write to all persons aged 70 and over. This letter will clarify the various issues that have arisen and will ask persons whose income is above €700 per week (gross) for a single person and €1,400 per week (gross) for a married couple to notify their circumstances to the HSE. Persons whose income is less than the aforementioned thresholds will not have to contact the HSE and will retain their medical card.
135 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 22 October 2008, the date on which the Health Service Executive re-oriented its addiction services. [37813/08]
As the Deputy will be aware any re-orientation of services takes place over a period of time. Existing HSE services are being re-oriented under the HSE's Transformation Programme 2007-2010 and a key aspect of the re-orientation of addiction services is the training and up-skilling of staff to address the needs arising from changing patterns of drug use in the population e.g. poly drug use (including cocaine use), alcohol use and the abuse of prescribed drugs.
In this regard, in mid 2007 the HSE National Working Group on Drugs and Alcohol was instrumental in establishing a National Addiction Training Programme (NATP) as a two year pilot programme. Its purpose is to meet the training needs of staff (voluntary and statutory) within the addiction services — including training in the treatment of cocaine use. Over 800 participants have benefited from this programme.
Phase II of the NATP has a major focus on psychotherapeutic training: it aims to enhance the skills of appropriate staff and clinical supervisors. A total of 38 staff from the statutory and voluntary sectors and from the community availed of this training. A third training module is scheduled for January/February 2009.
136 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussion, meetings or contact she has had with a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37815/08]
Following the Supreme Court finding that the 2003 Risk Equalisation Scheme was ultra vires, I initiated a consultative process on the implications of the decision and on the measures that might be taken to protect the principle of community rating. In the course of this process, I and officials of my Department have held meetings with the Health Insurance Authority, VHI, Quinn Insurance and Hibernian Health. Given the commercial sensitivity of those discussions, I do not propose to make any further comment.
137 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the completion date for the new Dingle Community Hospital, County Kerry; the date for the transfer of patients to the new facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37818/08]
Responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services including estate management was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore the Executive is the appropriate body to respond to the particular query raised by the Deputy. Accordingly, 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.
138 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the number of Irish Coast Guard stations in this State; the locations of these stations; the expenditure for each station in each of the past three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37632/08]
There are fifty-five Irish Coast Guard Stations, housing local Coastal Units, at strategic locations around the coast. The rescue services are delivered by volunteers both male and female and each station has a capability and range of equipment depending on location. Equipment includes radio communications, cliff rescue equipment, rescue boats and vehicles. The direct local expenditure by this Department for each station is approximately as follows.
|
Coast Guard Stations |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 (to date) |
|
Achill |
188 |
32 |
22 |
|
Ardmore |
7 |
15 |
19 |
|
Arklow |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
Ballybunion |
10 |
20 |
12 |
|
Ballycotton |
8 |
10 |
10 |
|
Ballyglass |
9 |
10 |
5 |
|
Baltimore |
< 1 |
< 1 |
< 1 |
|
Bonmahon |
15 |
40 |
12 |
|
Bunbeg |
331 |
47 |
26 |
|
Carnsore Point |
4 |
13 |
17 |
|
Castlefreke |
10 |
6 |
21 |
|
Castletownbere |
9 |
21 |
15 |
|
Cleggan |
17 |
20 |
18 |
|
Clogherhead |
6 |
4 |
19 |
|
Costello Bay |
8 |
35 |
218 |
|
Courtown |
6 |
4 |
8 |
|
Crosshaven |
22 |
17 |
27 |
|
Curracloe |
5 |
8 |
11 |
|
Dingle |
24 |
28 |
38 |
|
Doolin |
33 |
57 |
55 |
|
Drogheda |
28 |
43 |
47 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
6 |
8 |
6 |
|
Dunmore East |
21 |
38 |
32 |
|
Fethard |
12 |
18 |
14 |
|
Glandore |
5 |
7 |
5 |
|
Glenderry |
2 |
2 |
3 |
|
Goleen |
5 |
2 |
3 |
|
Greencastle |
27 |
21 |
41 |
|
Greenore |
5 |
28 |
9 |
|
Greystones |
18 |
23 |
16 |
|
Guileen |
7 |
4 |
4 |
|
Helvick Head |
2 |
8 |
1 |
|
Howth |
26 |
54 |
64 |
|
Kilkee |
3 |
15 |
9 |
|
Killala |
35 |
18 |
36 |
|
Killybegs |
19 |
20 |
31 |
|
Kilmore Quay |
5 |
13 |
15 |
|
Knightstown |
11 |
15 |
9 |
|
Mulroy |
22 |
15 |
35 |
|
North Aran |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Old Head of Kinsale |
3 |
5 |
12 |
|
Oysterhaven |
8 |
6 |
7 |
|
Rosslare |
9 |
18 |
20 |
|
Seven Heads |
3 |
9 |
18 |
|
Skerries |
18 |
17 |
19 |
|
South Aran |
< 1 |
< 1 |
< 1 |
|
Summer Cove |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
Toe Head |
22 |
1,334 |
33 |
|
Tory Island |
2 |
< 1 |
7 |
|
Tramore |
18 |
23 |
20 |
|
Waterville |
2 |
4 |
3 |
|
Westport |
56 |
18 |
13 |
|
Wicklow |
8 |
12 |
3 |
|
Youghal |
10 |
10 |
11 |
|
Lough Derg |
8 |
28 |
45 |
|
Total |
1,143 |
2,237 |
1,152 |
These figures do not include central overheads or pay and are distorted on a year-by-year basis by building costs.
I understand the Deputy also required data on the direct costs associated with the Rescue Co-Ordination Centres. The Irish Coast Guard has three Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centres that receive and co-ordinate responses to marine emergency calls. These are Dublin Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Dublin) and Malin and Valentia Marine Rescue Sub Centres (MRSCs). The figures are approximately as follows:
|
MRCC / MRSCs |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 (to date) |
|
Expenditure in €000 |
153 |
238 |
165 |
Again these do not include central overheads or salary costs.
139 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the reason the parishes of Mountbellew, Moylough and the Brierfield area of County Galway are not serviced under the rural transport initiative; if his attention has been drawn to the several elderly people who have no way of being transported to their local towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37658/08]
Under the Rural Transport Programme, the main drivers of community rural transport are the local communities themselves. They are responsible for deciding on the specific transport services to be provided and on the methods of provision. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the matter. Pobal, which administers the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) on behalf of my Department, has commenced a process to extend the Programme on a phased basis and as part of that process, a new rural community transport group — Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd. — is being established in East Galway. This group can be contacted through Pobal.
140 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies in respect of public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37698/08]
The following increases were approved by the Minister for Transport during 2008. An average 5% increase in CIÉ fares with effect from the 1st January 2008. The Railway Procurement Agency introduced an average fares increase on the Luas services of 4.15% from 7 January 2008. Harbour rates at Tralee/Fenit Harbour were increased by S.I 360 of 2008 — Harbour Rates (Tralee and Fenit Pier and Harbour) Order 2008 — signed by the Minister of State on 10 September, 2008.
141 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Transport if he will offer support to a company (details supplied) to ensure that this coach service can remain in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37759/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply of 29th October 2008 to Parliamentary Question Numbers 36949, 37301 and 37563 regarding this matter.
142 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a case (details supplied). [37747/08]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In the case of a non national applicant who is the spouse of an Irish citizen, those conditions are that the applicant must:
be of full age
be of good character
be married to the Irish Citizen for at least three years
be in a marriage recognised under the laws of the state as subsisting
be living together as husband and wife with the Irish Spouse
have had a period of one year's continuous residency on the island of Ireland immediately before the date of the application and during the four years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to two years
intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation
have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open Court or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State
The Deputy will appreciate that the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour. In order to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process, I do not believe that the periods of residence and marriage for spouses of Irish Citizens, as specified in that Act, warrant any change.
143 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the civil partnership Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37616/08]
The Government Legislation Programme published on 23 September 2008 indicates that publication of the Civil Partnership Bill is expected in early 2009. The General Scheme of the Bill was published on 24 June 2008 and is available on my Department's website.
144 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a visa application on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and the entitlement such a visa would afford to the person. [37623/08]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was approved by the Embassy of Ireland, Kuala Lumpar on 2 September 2008. The visa granted was a ‘C' type ‘Visit' visa. There are two main categories of visa — a ‘C' visa is for a stay of a maximum of 90 days, a ‘D' visa is for a longer stay. It should be borne in mind that a visa is merely a pre-entry clearance to seek permission to enter the State — no automatic right of entry is conferred. Whether the person is permitted to enter and the exact period for which s/he is allowed to remain is a matter for the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.
145 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of judicial reviews taken against the Refugee Appeals Tribunal annually since its establishment; the number of successful judicial reviews; and the cost to the State for this annually since the establishment of the tribunal. [37633/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of applications for leave to judicially review the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) since its establishment (4 October 2000) is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Number of Cases |
|
2001 |
100 |
|
2002 |
093 |
|
2003 |
161 |
|
2004 |
297 |
|
2005 |
383 |
|
2006 |
365 |
|
2007 |
350 |
|
2008 (to date) |
247 |
|
Total |
1,996 |
In considering the number of applications for leave to judicially review the RAT since it was established in 2000, account should be taken of the high number of appeals received and decisions made by the RAT in the same period, i.e. 32,385 appeals received and 28,928 decisions issued. The number of judicial reviews taken against RAT equates to 6.9% of all RAT decisions.
In 986 of these judicial review cases the matter was settled out of court during the course of proceedings. In the majority of cases this was before leave to judicially review the tribunal was granted. All judicial reviews settled by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal are settled following consultation and counsel's advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office. In so far as the balance of judicial review cases is concerned, the number of applicants successful before a court in this eight year period was 43. The legal costs paid out on behalf of the Tribunal arising from judicial reviews are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Amount Paid |
|
€ |
|
|
2001 |
— |
|
2002 |
— |
|
2003 |
33,682 |
|
2004 |
787,692 |
|
2005 |
2,663,533 |
|
2006 |
3,440,460 |
|
2007 |
4,286,758 |
|
2008 (Jan-Sept) |
3,017,949 |
|
Total |
14,230,074 |
Note: the above costs represent actual payments made by RAT in respect of legal costs. The total cost to the State includes other costs such as those incurred by the Chief State Solicitor's Office, the Courts Service etc. It is not possible to accurately calculate these additional costs.
146 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application made by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37643/08]
Recruitment to An Garda Síochána is a matter in the first instance for the Public Appointments Service and then for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. I have no role or function in the process. The Public Appointments Service can be contacted by the applicant at Chapter House, 26-30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, by telephone at Lo-Call 1890 44 99 99 or by e-mail at:
info@publicjobs.ie.
147 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances, on foot of reports that members of An Garda Síochána are to be equipped with pepper spray, under which his Department and the Garda Commissioner propose such spray may be used; and the research he and his Department have undertaken as to the use of such sprays in other jurisdictions with particular reference to long-term health problems experienced by those who have had such sprays used on them. [37649/08]
Following consultation with my cabinet colleagues, I recently approved the Garda Commissioner's proposal to issue incapacitant spray to all operational members of An Garda Síochána. Prior to making his proposal to me, the Garda Commissioner established a Working Group to examine all aspects of the matter. The Working Group examined the impact that the introduction of such sprays has had in other jurisdictions and concluded that their introduction has been a factor in reducing assaults on and injuries to police officers. It was also found that there was a reduction in the number of injuries to suspects and complaints made against officers.
With regards to health and safety issues, the Working Group consulted with the Garda Chief Medical Officer, who, in conjunction with other medical specialists, studied extensive material available from other jurisdictions where incapacitant sprays have been used for a number of years. Prior to deployment, appropriate policy, training and medical guidance will be put in place and be re-visited on a periodic basis in light of experience and international developments in this area.
148 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times a person (details supplied) has been transported from Portlaoise Prison for court appearances including the Court of Criminal Appeal, the High Court and the Supreme Court since their conviction in 1996 to date in 2008; the cost of transport and personnel associated with each visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37650/08]
For security and operational reasons it is not possible to supply the Deputy with the information sought.
149 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community police stationed at Blanchardstown Garda station, Dublin 15, at present and at the end of each year since 2002; his views on whether there is a sufficient number of community police stationed at Blanchardstown Garda station; his plans to expand the number of community police stationed at Blanchardstown Garda station during the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37654/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Community Policing Unit attached to Blanchardstown Garda Station for each of the past five years and as at 31 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available was as set out in the following table.
|
31/12/02 |
31/12/03 |
31/12/04 |
31/12/05 |
31/12/06 |
31/12/07 |
31/09/08 |
|
18 |
19 |
17 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
26 |
It is, of course, the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within the Garda Síochána, and I agree with the view expressed by the Garda Inspectorate in their third report entitled "Policing in Ireland — Looking Forward" that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation for it in Ireland. I am also looking forward to receiving from the Commissioner, in the near future, a copy of the final report of a working group developing proposals for a comprehensive model of rural and urban community policing.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the allocation of Community Gardaí will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of policing requirements throughout the country.
150 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37696/08]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The Deputy should note that in some cases the fees payable have not been revised for a number of years and in other cases the periods in respect of which the fees apply have been extended.
|
Service |
Previous Fee |
New Fee |
Date Effective |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Firearms Dealer Registration Category A (Arms and Ammunition) |
75.00 |
340* (3 Year Licence) |
1 January, 2008 |
|
Firearms Dealer Registration Category B (Ammunition only) |
12.00 |
55* (3 Year Licence) |
1 January, 2008 |
|
Firearms Dealer Registration Category C (Restricted Arms and Ammunition) |
N/A |
405 |
1 January, 2008 |
|
Certificate of Naturalisation — Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 1993, as amended — for a Minor |
126.97 |
200 |
1 August, 2008 |
|
Certificate of Naturalisation — Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 1993, as amended — for a Widow or Widower |
126.97 |
200 |
1 August, 2008 |
|
Certificate of Naturalisation — Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 1993, as amended — for all other applicants |
634.87 |
950 |
1 August, 2008 |
|
Permission to Reside in the State — Section 19(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 2004 |
100.00 |
150 |
23 August, 2008 |
*From 1 January 2008 the period of the licence was extended from one year to three years.
I also wish to inform the Deputy that fees charged in the courts are set by means of Statutory Instrument. The fees were last amended by the:
Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2008, S.I. 200 of 2008,
Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2008, S.I. 201 of 2008, and the
District Court (Fees) Order 2008, S.I. 202 of 2008.
The Schedules to these orders set out the current court fees in detail.
These Orders revised the fees set out in the:
Supreme Court and High Court (Fees) Order 2005, S.I. 70 of 2005,
Circuit Court (Fees) Order 2004, S.I. 445 of 2004, and the
District Court (Fees) Order 2004, S.I. 446 of 2004.
I further wish to inform the Deputy that Registry of Deeds fees were increased from 1 May, 2008. Fee details are outlined in the Registry of Deeds (Fees) Order 2008, S.I. No. 51 of 2008.
151 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure for issuing entry and residency permits (details supplied); the grounds under which they may be revoked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37707/08]
The policy regarding non-EEA religious or volunteer workers who wish to enter the State and work in that capacity is as follows.
If the person concerned is a visa required national he/she would have to set out full details in a visa application of their reason for seeking to come to Ireland. The visa, if granted, is pre-clearance to the person concerned to arrive at an approved port of entry and seek permission to enter. All foreign nationals must obtain permission to enter the State from an immigration officer at the approved port of entry. The person concerned must then register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and seek the appropriate permission to remain if he/she intends to remain in excess of 3 months.
Registration for religious and volunteer workers has in the past been renewed on a 12 months basis up to a maximum of 3 years. The time limit of 3 years, however, has not been strictly enforced in recent years. The particular immigration status (stamp 3) given to persons in these circumstances indicates that they are not entitled to participate in the labour market and that they are dependent on their employing church or organisation for their upkeep, finances and medical needs. In recent months a number of religious and volunteer workers were refused registration for immigration purposes as those persons were in excess of 3 years in the State. Their cases were referred to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for a decision as to whether to renew their permission to remain. These applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
While I have no proposals to amend the policy in this particular area at this time, it is intended more generally in the context of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, to review various categories of immigration to the State and to produce revised regulations, schemes and guidelines, as appropriate. This may include the issue of religious workers and volunteers.
152 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 with a problem relating to their son; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37734/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision was made in relation to the immigration status of the person referred to by the Deputy and he was informed of that decision in writing on the 28th October 2008.
153 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [37751/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following an investigation of the criminal matter referred to by the Deputy, a person was arrested and charged with assault and a conviction recorded. The court also ordered compensation to be paid, and I understand this was done. As the Deputy is aware, the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions, and it is not open to me to comment or intervene in any way on the conduct or decision of any individual court case which is entirely a matter for the presiding judge. I am further informed that policy and procedures, which reflect best international practices, have been introduced for the management and use of intelligence sources by members of the Garda Síochána.
All members of the public, including those who provide information to the Garda Síochána, are subject to investigation by the law enforcement agencies of the State. Where an offence is disclosed, the matter is investigated and an investigation file prepared for the law officers. The law officers, in the exercise of their independent role, determine the matter of criminal charges against any person in this jurisdiction. I am also informed that Garda management is not aware of any information relating to this case along the lines referred to by the Deputy.
154 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on shortening the period before which a person who is married to an Irish citizen can apply for naturalisation. [37758/08]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides for a shortened period before a person who is married to an Irish citizen can apply for naturalisation. The residency condition for standard applications specifies that the applicant has, immediately before the date of the application, a period of one year's continuous residence and has, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, a total residence amounting to five years. Where that applicant has an Irish spouse and has been married for three years, the residency condition is reduced to one year's continuous residence and, during the four years immediately preceding that period, total residence amounting to two years. The Deputy will appreciate that the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour. In order to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process, I do not believe that the periods of residence and marriage for spouses of Irish Citizens, as specified in that Act, warrant any change.
155 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 837 of 17 June 2008, if the issues in this case have been resolved; and when a decision will be made on the application. [37771/08]
I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the relevant application for family reunification is in the final stages of processing and that a decision will issue shortly.
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37799/08]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in July 2005. Having considered the application of the person in question, I decided to defer making a final decision in this case until September 2009. The person concerned was notified of this in a letter dated 28 October 2008. The file will be resubmitted to me for decision towards the end of September 2009.
157 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 22 October 2008, when he expects to receive the report from the Garda Inspectorate. [37805/08]
I understand from the Garda Inspectorate that the fieldwork phase of this study is almost completed. So far, it has involved a review of relevant Garda policy, practice and procedures as well as contacts with the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, Interpol, and French, Belgian and UK police forces. Further meetings are planned with the PSNI and An Garda Síochána. The intention is that the report of the inspection will be submitted to me in December.
158 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 22 October 2008, the duration of the training process; and what the process involves specifically. [37806/08]
The comprehensive training programme for Garda Reserve trainees consists of more than 120 hours of initial training, which is in accordance with the best international standards. The programme consists of five phases. Phase 1 is a two-day induction course to give Reserve members an appreciation of the Garda organisation and its culture. Phase 2 consists of 56 hours of training at evenings and weekends during which the trainee Reserve members learn basic law and Garda procedures. Phase 3 involves two days during which the trainee Reserve members engage in role play exercises including radio procedures and are instructed in self-defence, handcuff techniques and use of equipment. Phase 4 involves a minimum of 40 hours at a nominated Garda station during which the Trainee Reserve members engage in accompanied beat patrol with a full-time Garda and station duty under a station sergeant. Phase 5 is a one-day graduation.
159 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 22 October 2008, if he will provide the same figures in tabular format on Garda to population ratios by district for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. [37807/08]
The ratio of population to Garda strength in each Garda District in 2002 is stated in the table that follows this reply, which is based on the population figures from the 2002 census. As there are no available population figures, it is not possible to give the ratio of population to Garda strength comparisons for 2003, 2004 or 2005. I have listed the Garda strength for each of the districts for the years ending 31 December 2003, 2004 and 2005.
|
District |
Population 2002 Census |
Garda Strength on 31/12/02 |
Ratio on 31/12/02 |
Garda Strength on 31/12/03 |
Garda Strength on 31/12/04 |
Garda Strength on 31/12/05 |
|
Blackrock |
83,499 |
171 |
488:1 |
163 |
167 |
179 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
72,169 |
210 |
343:1 |
195 |
206 |
197 |
|
Bridewell |
23,033 |
157 |
147:1 |
163 |
166 |
169 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
37,626 |
198 |
190:1 |
204 |
210 |
209 |
|
Store Street |
12,485 |
225 |
55:1 |
261 |
269 |
271 |
|
Balbriggan |
38,448 |
56 |
687:1 |
54 |
57 |
55 |
|
Coolock |
110,594 |
184 |
601:1 |
183 |
192 |
193 |
|
Raheny |
86,504 |
169 |
512:1 |
164 |
179 |
171 |
|
Santry |
55,595 |
214 |
260:1 |
231 |
231 |
236 |
|
Donnybrook |
42,262 |
163 |
259:1 |
178 |
182 |
177 |
|
Kevin Street |
42,505 |
193 |
220:1 |
190 |
200 |
203 |
|
Pearse Street |
17,972 |
293 |
61:1 |
313 |
329 |
327 |
|
Crumlin |
59,513 |
145 |
410:1 |
143 |
152 |
152 |
|
Rathmines |
55,273 |
151 |
366:1 |
158 |
163 |
167 |
|
Tallaght |
128,412 |
233 |
551:1 |
237 |
249 |
237 |
|
Blanchardstown |
106,099 |
286 |
371:1 |
275 |
289 |
312 |
|
Clondalkin |
68,190 |
176 |
387:1 |
179 |
185 |
186 |
|
Lucan |
69,292 |
169 |
410:1 |
172 |
184 |
181 |
|
Carlow |
47,590 |
78 |
610:1 |
78 |
81 |
83 |
|
Kildare |
54,278 |
70 |
775:1 |
69 |
70 |
72 |
|
Naas |
69,110 |
120 |
576:1 |
123 |
119 |
122 |
|
Abbeyleix |
18,791 |
41 |
458:1 |
39 |
39 |
39 |
|
Birr |
21,975 |
46 |
478:1 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
Portlaoise |
40,289 |
121 |
333:1 |
119 |
122 |
123 |
|
Tullamore |
38,717 |
68 |
569:1 |
69 |
70 |
72 |
|
Athlone |
36,375 |
60 |
606:1 |
61 |
61 |
62 |
|
Granard |
17,725 |
40 |
443:1 |
39 |
38 |
44 |
|
Longford |
20,669 |
52 |
397:1 |
56 |
56 |
55 |
|
Mullingar |
36,436 |
88 |
414:1 |
87 |
88 |
87 |
|
Ashbourne |
37,838 |
69 |
548:1 |
66 |
67 |
65 |
|
Kells |
22,637 |
45 |
503:1 |
47 |
44 |
44 |
|
Navan |
52,886 |
65 |
814:1 |
69 |
66 |
64 |
|
Trim |
23,507 |
45 |
522:1 |
46 |
46 |
41 |
|
Baltinglass |
31,484 |
55 |
572:1 |
53 |
53 |
54 |
|
Bray |
68,658 |
165 |
416:1 |
164 |
179 |
182 |
|
Wicklow |
32,647 |
58 |
563:1 |
60 |
55 |
54 |
|
Bailieborough |
27,152 |
50 |
543:1 |
51 |
56 |
55 |
|
Ballyconnell |
12,780 |
44 |
290:1 |
45 |
41 |
44 |
|
Carrickmacross |
24,855 |
71 |
350:1 |
77 |
79 |
74 |
|
Cavan |
24,386 |
67 |
364:1 |
70 |
70 |
70 |
|
Monaghan |
27,036 |
142 |
190:1 |
134 |
128 |
124 |
|
Ballyshannon |
22,204 |
93 |
239:1 |
92 |
92 |
93 |
|
Buncrana |
28,664 |
77 |
372:1 |
74 |
75 |
78 |
|
Glenties |
19,925 |
45 |
443:1 |
46 |
46 |
46 |
|
Letterkenny |
44,736 |
158 |
283:1 |
166 |
154 |
153 |
|
Milford |
22,046 |
43 |
513:1 |
46 |
45 |
47 |
|
Drogheda |
52,078 |
107 |
487:1 |
107 |
107 |
110 |
|
Dundalk |
47,793 |
145 |
330:1 |
146 |
148 |
142 |
|
Ballymote |
12,134 |
32 |
379:1 |
31 |
32 |
32 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
14,692 |
45 |
326:1 |
48 |
48 |
47 |
|
Manorhamilton |
10,711 |
54 |
198:1 |
55 |
52 |
55 |
|
Sligo |
39,013 |
128 |
305:1 |
133 |
131 |
137 |
|
Cahir |
18,512 |
41 |
452:1 |
41 |
44 |
45 |
|
Clonmel |
38,614 |
64 |
603:1 |
64 |
64 |
65 |
|
Nenagh |
21,514 |
45 |
478:1 |
44 |
44 |
41 |
|
Templemore |
19,356 |
53 |
365:1 |
53 |
50 |
50 |
|
Thurles |
24,789 |
72 |
344:1 |
70 |
72 |
75 |
|
Tipperary Town |
22,289 |
39 |
572:1 |
41 |
33 |
38 |
|
Dungarvan |
23,675 |
49 |
483:1 |
47 |
48 |
47 |
|
Kilkenny |
42,545 |
77 |
553:1 |
79 |
78 |
73 |
|
Thomastown |
23,378 |
34 |
688:1 |
33 |
34 |
34 |
|
Tramore |
22,769 |
38 |
599:1 |
37 |
41 |
42 |
|
Waterford |
60,436 |
145 |
417:1 |
150 |
149 |
147 |
|
Enniscorthy |
30,758 |
44 |
699:1 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
|
Gorey |
38,068 |
79 |
482:1 |
78 |
77 |
80 |
|
New Ross |
25,063 |
42 |
597:1 |
41 |
41 |
43 |
|
Wexford |
40,674 |
87 |
468:1 |
89 |
86 |
90 |
|
Anglesea Street |
36,657 |
290 |
126:1 |
293 |
295 |
299 |
|
Gurranabraher |
49,798 |
91 |
547:1 |
91 |
93 |
89 |
|
Mayfield |
36,507 |
110 |
332:1 |
109 |
109 |
102 |
|
Togher |
86,084 |
125 |
689:1 |
124 |
131 |
129 |
|
Cobh |
35,247 |
53 |
665:1 |
52 |
53 |
54 |
|
Fermoy |
27,640 |
71 |
389:1 |
73 |
69 |
71 |
|
Mallow |
28,774 |
54 |
533:1 |
52 |
55 |
58 |
|
Midleton |
33,222 |
69 |
481:1 |
68 |
66 |
65 |
|
Bandon |
32,344 |
88 |
368:1 |
84 |
88 |
87 |
|
Bantry |
19,519 |
41 |
476:1 |
40 |
40 |
42 |
|
Clonakilty |
25,578 |
42 |
609:1 |
42 |
44 |
43 |
|
Kanturk |
21,851 |
40 |
546:1 |
38 |
40 |
41 |
|
Macroom |
22,967 |
35 |
656:1 |
37 |
39 |
38 |
|
Caherciveen |
18,757 |
42 |
447:1 |
43 |
42 |
41 |
|
Killarney |
40,130 |
69 |
582:1 |
72 |
70 |
71 |
|
Listowel |
26,670 |
50 |
533:1 |
49 |
48 |
48 |
|
Tralee |
43,587 |
105 |
415:1 |
102 |
102 |
106 |
|
Askeaton |
22,423 |
43 |
521:1 |
40 |
42 |
42 |
|
Bruff |
22,017 |
39 |
565:1 |
40 |
39 |
41 |
|
Henry Street |
68,110 |
236 |
289:1 |
246 |
258 |
251 |
|
Newcastle West |
23,165 |
43 |
539:1 |
44 |
45 |
46 |
|
Roxboro Road |
43,781 |
99 |
442:1 |
102 |
98 |
105 |
|
Ennis |
50,237 |
131 |
383:1 |
146 |
157 |
155 |
|
Ennistymon |
17,017 |
32 |
532:1 |
30 |
31 |
33 |
|
Killaloe |
18,018 |
36 |
501:1 |
35 |
36 |
36 |
|
Kilrush |
14,420 |
35 |
412:1 |
34 |
35 |
37 |
|
Clifden |
10,162 |
25 |
406:1 |
24 |
28 |
30 |
|
Galway |
73,277 |
186 |
394:1 |
185 |
196 |
201 |
|
Gort |
13,669 |
32 |
427:1 |
31 |
31 |
32 |
|
Loughrea |
18,547 |
41 |
452:1 |
44 |
45 |
46 |
|
Salthill |
45,775 |
63 |
727:1 |
61 |
63 |
66 |
|
Ballina |
27,574 |
51 |
541:1 |
52 |
50 |
52 |
|
Belmullet |
9,136 |
27 |
338:1 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
|
Castlebar |
26,040 |
69 |
377:1 |
70 |
66 |
65 |
|
Claremorris |
18,932 |
44 |
430:1 |
45 |
45 |
41 |
|
Swinford |
21,903 |
42 |
522:1 |
46 |
45 |
39 |
|
Westport |
19,691 |
37 |
532:1 |
38 |
37 |
35 |
|
Ballinasloe |
23,942 |
55 |
435:1 |
52 |
52 |
52 |
|
Boyle |
12,512 |
38 |
329:1 |
38 |
37 |
37 |
|
Castlerea |
14,007 |
41 |
342:1 |
42 |
39 |
42 |
|
Roscommon |
18,711 |
62 |
302:1 |
60 |
61 |
65 |
|
Tuam |
25,077 |
55 |
456:1 |
56 |
56 |
53 |
160 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the approximate number of gardaí who leave the force, due to retirement etc., on an annual basis; and if he will provide details of same in respect of each year for the past five years and to date in 2008. [37808/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of gardaí who have left the force since the end of 2003, up to 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is as follows.
|
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
Compulsory retirement |
87 |
89 |
99 |
66 |
7 |
12 |
|
Voluntary Retirement |
252 |
323 |
284 |
238 |
177 |
166 |
|
Resignations |
27 |
21 |
32 |
48 |
62 |
29 |
|
Medical Discharges |
38 |
34 |
37 |
30 |
29 |
15 |
|
Deaths |
11 |
5 |
6 |
13 |
8 |
10 |
|
Dismissals |
1 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
|
Resignations in lieu of dismissal |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
TOTAL |
417 |
478 |
462 |
403 |
289 |
239 |
161 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 22 October 2008, if he will provide further details on the inter-agency strengthening families programme; the Department which has overall responsibility and co-ordination for the programme; the funding of the programme on an annual basis since its establishment; the number of persons who have taken the 14 week course annually; the number of occasions the programme is offered annually; the specific locations at which the programme is offered currently and in the roll-out. [37809/08]
Parenting support programmes are just one aspect of tackling youth crime. In the youth justice area, these programmes are generally delivered under the remit of Young Persons Probation. However, I should point out that parenting support programmes also operate under the aegis of my colleagues, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Minister of State with responsibility for Children and Youth Affairs.
With regard to the specific evidenced-based programme "Strengthening Families", it has not been possible in the time available to get the full details of the programmes which have already been delivered. When I have received the information, I will write to the Deputy directly. However, I can say that approval has been given to Young Persons Probation to deliver the Strengthening Families programme nationally in 2009. The cost will be approximately €250,000. Twelve programmes are planned for 2009. The targeted locations are Dublin (Ballymun, Tallaght, Blanchardstown and Finglas), Cork, Limerick, Portlaoise and Waterford.
162 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 22 October 2008, the average period of probation time carried out. [37810/08]
The Probation Service of my Department has responsibility for the supervision and management of Community Service Orders in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act 1983. As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply of 22 October last, the Community Service Scheme is the subject of a Value for Money and Policy Review by an Independent Evaluator. I can inform the Deputy that the preliminary indications from that work shows that during 2006, the average length of a CSO was 136 hours. This is equivalent to approximately 20 days of full-time attendance on Community Service for an offender. By comparison, other research dating back to 1999 found that the average length of a CSO was 141 hours. The table sets out the number of Community Service Orders supervised by the Probation Service between 1998 and 2007.
|
Year |
Number of Community Service Orders supervised by the Probation Service |
|
1998 |
1,269 |
|
1999 |
1,342 |
|
2000 |
998 |
|
2001 |
756 |
|
2002 |
916 |
|
2003 |
893 |
|
2004 |
843 |
|
2005 |
1,167 |
|
2006 |
1,158 |
|
2007 |
1,519 |
163 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of training places and courses available to gardaí in Templemore; the number who have attended courses; the capacity for each year over the past five years and to date in 2008; and the Garda budget allocated to fund ongoing training courses to the gardaí annually over the past five years and for 2009. [37811/08]
The information required by the Deputy is not immediately available. I have requested it from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when it is to hand.
164 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 22 October 2008, the reason he has not reviewed section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 after its first year; and the reason he does not propose to establish a formal mechanism for an annual review. [37812/08]
As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate and as I advised in my reply to Question No. 161 of 22 October, the provisions in question, which are contained in section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007, have only been in effect since 18 May 2007. Therefore, the issue of establishing a formal review mechanism will be addressed at an appropriate stage when conclusions on the impact of the provisions contained in the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007 which deal with this matter can be appropriately reached.
165 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view of illegal debts in developing countries; the role Ireland plays as a member of the World Bank, IMF and the Asian Development Bank in relation to bad debts; his plans to update Ireland’s debt policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37684/08]
The Government supports initiatives to ease or cancel the debt burden on developing countries. It is important that Ireland's bilateral assistance to the developing world is exclusively in the form of grants rather than loans. Ireland supports the two main international instruments which address the problem of the debt burden in the developing world — the multilateral debt relief initiative and the heavily indebted poor countries initiative.
The multilateral debt relief initiative was agreed by the G8 countries at Gleneagles in July 2005 with a focus on debt cancellation. It came into effect on 1 July 2006, and provides for 100% relief on eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund for many of the poorest countries in the world, most of them in Africa. The aim is to relieve these countries from the burden of servicing debt and assist them in making progress on the UN millennium development goals, with the overall objective of halving global poverty by 2015.
In 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank agreed to provide similar debt relief to the five poorest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. To date, 25 countries have benefited from debt relief under the multilateral debt relief initiative, at a cost of some $43.5 billion. Ireland demonstrated its support for the full implementation of debt relief and, where appropriate, cancellation, in 2006 by being the first country to pay its full share of the costs of the multilateral debt relief initiative of €58.64 million.
The heavily indebted poor countries initiative is implemented by the World Bank and the IMF. It was launched in 1996 to reduce the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels but does not involve cancellation of debt. Progress on the implementation of the initiative has been relatively slow. However, to date US$68 billion in debt-service relief has been approved under the initiative for 33 countries, 27 of which are in Africa. Ireland has contributed €20 million towards the cost of implementing this initiative — €6 million of this being paid this year. Ireland will remain actively engaged in ensuring that international commitments to dealing with the debt burden on developing countries are met.
166 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37694/08]
The only charges for services levied by my Department are in respect of consular and passport fees and these have not increased since 2005.
167 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) has been subjected to anti-Irish racist abuse from the terraces at Scottish Premier League games this month; if he will write to the Scottish First Minister, the Scottish Football Association, and the Scottish Premier League requesting that they take action to stamp out this anti-Irish racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37731/08]
I am aware of the ongoing issue of sectarian behaviour at Scottish Premier League games. I am conscious of the distress and offence it can cause. Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government on various issues. In recent weeks, the Consul General has been in close contact with senior officials in the Scottish Government in relation to incidents of sectarianism of the kind referred to in the question. Following these discussions, I am assured that tangible new steps to tackle sectarianism and racism in sport are being reviewed by the Scottish Government. I am hopeful that the proposed measures will help to improve the situation. The Consulate General will continue to monitor closely developments in this regard.
168 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 35% of Deputies and Senators in Colombia have been linked to right-wing death squads; and if he will raise this at both the EU and the UN levels. [37746/08]
Together with our European Union partners, Ireland is closely monitoring investigations by the Colombian Supreme Court into the alleged association of members of Congress and Government officials with paramilitary groups in Colombia. Any association between elected representatives or officials and paramilitary groups is a matter of serious concern in itself, and also has the capacity further to destabilise the Colombian peace process.
I am gravely concerned by the revelations emerging as a result of these investigations. However, it is important that the Supreme Court investigations continue so that further information and evidence can be uncovered. We respect the fact that the due process of law is being applied. We are also monitoring the proposed constitutional amendments relating to the Supreme Court's investigation and their potential impact on the investigation. In conjunction with our European Union partners, we will continue to examine how we may, as appropriate, contribute to the peace process in Colombia.
169 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if legislation is required to put into effect the merging of the National Archives and the Irish Manuscripts Commission with the National Library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37599/08]
I am advised that amendments will be required, inter alia, to the principal statutes concerned, which are the National Archives Act, 1986 and the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997.
170 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if talks or discussions have taken place on the possibility of disbanding his Department, amalgamating its functions with other Departments or other such structural changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/08]
The Deputy will be aware of the recent Government decision to merge the National Archives, which is currently part of the Department, and the Irish Manuscripts Commission into the National Library of Ireland. Other than this, no talks or discussions have taken place, on the issue raised by the Deputy.
171 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37686/08]
The Department, including the National Archives, has not imposed any price increases for public services, products or taxes since 1 January 2008. In respect of the agencies under the aegis of the Department, pricing is, in general, a matter for the agencies themselves. I have not approved any price increases in respect of any agency during the period in question.
172 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37688/08]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has not imposed any price increases for public service, product or tax since 1 January to date in 2008. In addition, I am informed that none of the agencies under the remit of my Department have imposed any price increase for public service, product or tax to date in 2008.
173 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of an application by a centre (details supplied) in County Dublin submitted to his Department in April 2008, in view of the fact this centre has an integral role to play in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown in fulfilling active citizenship objectives, developing relationships and fostering community spirit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37716/08]
A review of the pilot programme of funding to volunteers centres is currently ongoing in my Department. At the end of that process, consideration will be given to requests for funding from a number of centres, including Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, in the context of monies available in 2009.
174 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to extend navigation from the River Shannon to Glasson village; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37720/08]
I understand that Waterways Ireland is currently amending the Environmental Impact Statement for Glasson to include additional information from recent ecological site evaluations of this environmentally sensitive area, so as to fully ensure that the proposal is in compliance with the EU Habitats Directive. I am advised that Waterways Ireland proposes to submit a planning application for this project in 2009 and, pending a successful outcome to that application, to commence work on the ground as soon as possible thereafter.
175 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way a school can apply to be included in a scheme (details supplied); the appeal mechanism that exists in the event of an application being turned down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37718/08]
The school meals programme gives funding towards the provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department of Social & Family Affairs. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly by the Department to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who are running their own school meals projects.
The school meals programme is non-statutory. Priority for funding under the school meals local projects scheme is given to schools which are part of the Department of Education & Science's initiative for disadvantaged schools ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS). The focus of the school meals programme will remain on disadvantaged children and the inclusion of additional DEIS schools in the scheme will continue to be the Department's main priority.
Applications for funding under the school meals local projects scheme may be made to the Department using the appropriate application form which is available from the School Meals Section of the Department or from the Department's website. Any school not satisfied with a decision on entitlement to funding can request a review of the decision. Applications under urban school meals scheme should be made to the appropriate local authority.
176 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the payments due to the parents of a child under the early child care supplement scheme at the time of birth under the rules pertaining to the scheme at the time of birth and the corresponding payments due to the child as a result of changes announced in budget 2009 for the parents of a child born on 21 September 2008. [37610/08]
178 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the cutbacks to the early child care supplement announced in the budget 2009 speech will apply to children for whom parents are already receiving payment or only to children joining from January 2009. [37612/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 178 together.
The rates of payment for the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) are a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. The Department of Social and Family Affairs issues the payments on an Agency basis for that Office. I understand that the ECS is currently paid on a quarterly basis at €275 per quarter from the quarter the child is born until s/he reaches 6 years. From January 2009, ECS payments will be made monthly at €92 per month from the month after the child is born until s/he reaches 5 years and 6 months. The January 2009 changes to the ECS scheme will apply to both new and existing claims. Payments in 2009 will be at the monthly rate of €92 and will continue until the child reaches 5 years and 6 months.
177 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the new arrangements for disability allowance in respect of persons aged under 18 years announced in budget 2009 will apply to all under 18 years including those whose parents have not previously received domiciliary care allowance. [37611/08]
184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will support a matter (details supplied). [37752/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 184 together.
A number of families and representative groups expressed concerns about the impact of the changes to the DA scheme announced in Budget 2009. Having reflected on these concerns the Government, on my recommendation, agreed that the existing arrangements, whereby DA is paid to 16 and 17 year olds, will continue pending completion of a full review of the DA scheme. The changes announced as part of the Social Welfare Budget were designed to address concerns raised by a number of bodies about the appropriateness of paying young people a social welfare payment in their own right at the age of 16.
The National Federation of Voluntary Bodies in particular had argued in a submission to the Department's review of the Disability Allowance Scheme that "at present the age for receipt of DA is 16 years. We deem this to be too young. This does not give an incentive for a child to pursue work/education options. Subsequently a child may fall into the dependency trap too early. Instead parents should receive the Domiciliary Care Allowance for the child until they are 18 years old."
The Government's motivation in making changes to the Disability Allowance was to address these concerns. This week I met with six different groups representing people with disabilities and disability service providers (namely the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, Inclusion Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland, People with Disabilities in Ireland, the National Disability Authority and Rehab). At these meetings, the underlying principle of the Budget measure, i.e. that it is inappropriate to pay a social welfare payment to a 16 year old in his or her own right, was not seriously contested. The key concern expressed by the groups related to the loss of expected income at short notice to families of young people with disabilities.
Following these meetings, I recommended to the Government that the Disability Allowance continue to be paid to 16 and 17 year olds pending a full review of the scheme. The review is considering a wide range of issues as identified by groups representing people with disabilities and their families, by service providers and will take account of a forthcoming report on disability and illness benefits by the OECD. It will also draw on new data published by the Central Statistics Office last week from the National Disability Survey 2006. In the circumstances, the question of a possible entitlement to the Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of persons aged between 16 and 18 does not now arise.
179 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is intended to pay the Christmas bonus to welfare recipients in the normal way, at the normal rate and at the normal time. [37613/08]
The Christmas Bonus is paid to all recipients of long-term social welfare payments. The payment will be made this year, at an estimated cost of €201 million and will benefit some 1.3 million persons comprising 940,000 recipients and 400,000 dependents. The focus of the bonus has always been on persons who rely on the social welfare system for financial support over the long term. These include recipients of:
Blind Pension,
Carer's Allowance,
Carer's Benefit
Death Benefit by way of pension,
Disability Allowance,
Disablement Pension,
Farm Assist,
Guardian's Payment (Contributory and Non-Contributory),
Invalidity Pension,
Jobseeker's Allowance in respect of a continuous period of unemployment of at least 15 months,
One-parent Family Payment,
Pre-Retirement Allowance,
Deserted Wife's Benefit and Allowance,
Prisoner's Wife's Allowance,
State Pension (Contributory and Non-Contributory),
State Pension (Transition),
Widow's and Widower's (Contributory) Pension, and
Widow's and Widower's (Non-Contributory) Pension.
The bonus is also payable to recipients of certain income support payments administered by the Ministers for Health and Children, Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
180 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the monthly payments of child benefit for a parent of triplets aged 17 years who will be still at school until 2010; if she will compare these payments to the appropriate payments applicable as a result of budget 2009 giving details of the amount they would have got and the amount they will receive based on budget 2009 changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37620/08]
181 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of families that are in receipt of child benefit (details supplied). [37621/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
The current rate of Child Benefit is €166 for the 1st and 2nd child and €203 for the 3rd and subsequent children. Twins are paid at one and a half times the normal rate and other multiple births at twice the normal rate.
In the example referred to, assuming the children are the only eligible children in the family, the current rate of payment is €1,070 per month. From January 2009, children over 18 years will be paid at half the normal rate, in the case of triplets this would mean a payment of €535 from the month after their 18th birthday.
Child Benefit will not be payable in respect of children over 18 years from January 2010. A compensatory payment to parents in receipt of a Social Welfare payment, whose child benefit is reduced for children over 18 years, will be introduced from January 2009. The number of multiple births in payment for Child Benefit at end September 2008 was 14,783 twins, 345 triplets, 16 quadruplets and 1 quintuplets.
182 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the price increases imposed by her Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37697/08]
The Department and the agencies operating under the aegis of the Department, with the exception of the Pensions Board, do not impose any charges for their services, nor do they raise taxes. The only products they produce are publications. The Citizens Information Board increased the price of the Directory of National Voluntary Organisations and other State Agencies, from €10 to €12, effective from the date of publication 18 September, 2008.
183 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way an entitlement to deserted wife’s benefit which was an insurance based benefit could be transformed into a means tested payment; if in view of the fact that there is a small number in receipt of this payment she will explain the motivation for such a significant change whereby people who qualified for same anticipated they would continue on this payment as it was insurance based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37715/08]
The Deserted Wife's Benefit scheme was an insurance based scheme for women whose marriage had broken down. In 1992 an earnings limit was brought in for the scheme so that resources would be effectively targeted to those deserted wives who required an additional supplement to their income until they were able to support themselves. The deserted wife's benefit (DWB) scheme was closed to new applications with effect from 2 January 1997, when the one-parent family payment (OFP) was introduced. Thereafter, both lone parents and deserted wives with qualified children are supported under the OFP scheme.
The current income disregard of €20,000 was introduced in Budget 2007 and represented a substantial increase on the previous income disregard whereby recipients earning more than €12,697 per annum received a reduced payment and whereby claimants earning more than €17,776 lost entitlement to the payment. This new arrangement, in effect allows DWB recipients to earn up to €384 per week and still retain full entitlement to benefit of €203.30 per week (€209.80 per week from January 2009). DWB recipients whose income goes over €20,000 per annum are also entitled to a half-rate transitional payment for 6 months. I am satisfied that the conditions for payment are equitable and I have no plans at present to change the earnings disregard.
185 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in the payment of child benefit to persons (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the assurances previously given by her Department that this matter was being dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37764/08]
A child benefit claim was received from the person concerned in November 2007; however during subsequent processing the claim file was inadvertently misplaced. The person concerned has been contacted and the position has been explained to her and she will submit a new application form. When this is returned to the Child Benefit office the case will be prioritised and payment will be made as soon as possible.
186 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the high rate of staff absenteeism in her Department; and the action she is taking to address the problem. [37777/08]
The main causes of absenteeism in the Department in 2007 relate to illnesses caused by respiratory related conditions, stress, back injury and pain, depression and surgery. In 2007, the average number of working days lost to sick leave per employee was 14.74. This figure includes those employees who were absent for periods of six months or more due to long term illnesses. 23% of total working days lost in the year were as a result of these long term illnesses. When the long-term illness days are excluded, the average number of working days lost to sick leave per employee was 11.35.
In 2005, the Department introduced a comprehensive Attendance Management Policy which provides for the active management of absenteeism by clearly setting out the relevant roles and responsibilities of all staff and managers in this area. As part of this policy, the Department works closely with the Chief Medical Officer in managing cases of sick leave. The Chief Medical Officer plays a crucial role in advising the Department on employees' fitness for work from a medical perspective. In addition, my Department operates a Health Promotion policy and an Employee Assistance Service which provides support to staff in the Department as required. The measures set out in the Attendance Management Policy are kept under review for the purposes of evaluating and, where necessary, increasing their effectiveness.
187 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37689/08]
No price increases have been imposed by my Department since 1 January 2008. During the same period, the only price increase by an agency under the aegis of my Department was an increase in the fees charged by Coiste an Asgard in respect of cruises on board Asgard II. The fees for the 2008 cruise programme were increased by amounts ranging from 15% to 20%. The most recent increase in the fees prior to that was an increase of 5% in 2006. There was no increase in either 2004 or 2005.
188 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the military service allowance for members of the Permanent Defence Force who retired prior to August 1990; if his Department has done a costing in respect of the numbers who have been deprived of this allowance; if, in this context and due to the reducing numbers involved, he will take steps to have same granted to these personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37723/08]
Arising from a recommendation made in 1990 by the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces (the Gleeson Commission), Military Service Allowance (MSA) was made pensionable in the case of personnel retiring on or after 1 August 1990. This approach was fully consistent with settled public service pensions policy which provides that the benefit of an allowance being made pensionable for serving personnel does not extend to existing pensioners.
More recently, the Final Report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions, which was published in November 2000, was considered and broadly accepted by Government. In that Report, the Commission specifically addressed the issue of the pensionability of allowances (including the MSA) and the consequences for public service occupational pensioners generally. However, having considered the arguments advanced by the groups affected, together with long standing public service pensions policy in that context and the substantial cost implications involved, the Commission did not recommend any increase for the pensioners concerned. Aside from pre-August 1990 Defence Forces pensioners, the other groups affected include certain retired members of An Garda Síochána and the Prison Service and retired teachers. In the context of the Government's subsequent consideration of the Commission's Report, no change in existing policy on this matter has been authorised or is contemplated.
At present, there are approximately 10,000 persons in receipt of military occupational pensions under the Defence Forces Pensions Schemes (including some 1,600 spouses and children of deceased personnel). About 3,330 of these are pre-August 1990 pensioners who do not qualify for the MSA in their pension. The direct cost to my Department of extending the benefit of MSA to them is currently estimated at almost €7.0 million a year. While the number of pensioners affected is slowly falling each year — the corresponding figure this time last year was about 3,500 — the cost involved remains significant.
The Deputy will appreciate that the position of these Defence Forces pensioners cannot be looked at in isolation and thus the cost implications for the wider public service must be considered. Any departure from established pensions policy for one group would give rise to significant cost repercussions in other areas of the public service. Accordingly, there is no scope for departing from settled public service pensions policy in the case of MSA.
189 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if revenue generated from the proposed new property levy will be ring-fenced to remain with the respective local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37646/08]
The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of a charge on all non-principal private residences, and this will be used to support the provision of local services. I intend to bring forward legislation to implement the proposed charge as soon as possible, and this will set out the detailed measures necessary to give effect to it.
190 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will allow an extension of the appeals procedure for land owners in Magherdrummen Bog, Inishowen, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37666/08]
The European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997, specify that objections to the inclusion of lands within a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) must be made in writing within three months of public notification. The proposed boundaries for Magheradrumman Bog cSAC were advertised on 1 March 1997. This three months time limit has been appropriately applied since November 2006 so that Ireland could finalise the SAC designations process and meet our objectives under the EU Habitats Directive. Accordingly, the period for lodging objections has expired and I do not propose any extension.
A number of landowners and turbary right owners had lodged objections to the proposed designation, and funding was provided by my Department for the preparation of a report on the site by an independent ecologist. I am considering this report at present, and will make a decision on the boundaries of the cSAC shortly.
191 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the type of turf-cutting that is allowed on blanket bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37672/08]
A small proportion of Ireland's peatlands is designated for conservation purposes under the Habitats Directive or the Wildlife Acts. Landowners and holders of turbary rights on blanket bogs within Special Areas of Conservation or Natural Heritage Areas can cut turf for their own domestic use. Since 1999, the use of sausage machines is not permitted in these areas. However, hoppers, or other hand-held machines, are permitted. There are fewer restrictions on undesignated blanket bogs. Large-scale peat extraction works may require planning permission, with an associated environmental impact assessment, under the planning code.
192 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the implications for landowners who own lands designated as special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37673/08]
The EU Habitats Directive requires Member States to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of specified habitats and species. This is done through designating appropriate sites as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and protecting them. Designation of a site as an SAC may have implications for landowners, as management and use of these lands must have regard to protection of the habitats and species for which the site is designated.
Land use practices that may be affected include, but are not limited to, type of farming, grazing, recreational use, turf cutting, afforestation and construction. Within SACs, certain specified activities can only be carried out with my consent, as Minister. These notifiable actions vary depending on the type of habitat or species being protected. For activities within, or likely to impact upon, a SAC that require permission or licence from a Government Department, local authority or State body, the consent authority is required to ensure that the activity is appropriately assessed for any impact on the conservation status of that site. These appropriate assessments are a requirement under the Habitats Directive and must be undertaken before consent for the activity or development is given. Planning authorities are also required to include SAC sites in all relevant Development Plans and should take their designation into account when assessing any future development proposals in or near a SAC site.
My Department pays a fair and reasonable level of compensation to landowners and users where actual losses are suffered or costs are incurred directly as a result of their lands being designated as a SAC.
193 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the implications for land owners who own lands designated as special protection areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37674/08]
The EU Birds Directive requires Member States to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of specified species of wild birds. This is done through designating appropriate sites as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and protecting them. Designation of a site as an SPA may have implications for landowners, as management and use of these lands must have regard to protection of the habitats and species for which the site is designated.
Land use practices that may be affected include, but are not limited to, type of farming, grazing, recreational use, turf cutting, aquaculture, afforestation and construction. Within SPAs, certain specified activities can only be carried out with my consent, as Minister. These notifiable actions vary depending on the type of habitat or species being protected. For activities within, or likely to impact upon, an SPA that require permission or licence from a Government Department, local authority or State body, the consent authority is required to ensure that the activity is appropriately assessed for any impact on the conservation status of that site. These appropriate assessments are a requirement under both the Birds and Habitats Directives and must be undertaken before consent for the activity or development is given. Planning authorities are also required to include SPA sites in all relevant Development Plans and should take their designation into account when assessing any future development proposals in or near a SPA site.
My Department pays a fair and reasonable level of compensation to landowners and users where actual losses are suffered or costs are incurred directly as a result of their lands being designated as a Special Protection Area.
194 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposed areas which will be designated as special protection areas; if he will provide this information on a county basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37675/08]
A breakdown of proposed Special Protection Areas on a county by county basis accompanies this reply. Many sites cross county boundaries and may, therefore, feature on more than one county list. I expect that the completed suite of SPA sites will consist of one hundred and fifty two sites countrywide and that these should be advertised, notified to landowners and designated by Statutory Instrument by the end of 2009.
|
Cavan |
|
|---|---|
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004049 |
Lough Oughter SPA |
|
004061 |
Lough Kinale/Derragh Lough SPA — Longford & Westmeath |
|
004065 |
Lough Sheelin SPA — Meath & Westmeath |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004005 |
Cliffs of Moher SPA |
|
004031 |
Galway Bay Inner SPA — Galway |
|
004041 |
Ballyallia Lake SPA |
|
004058 |
Lough Derg (River Shannon) SPA — Galway & Tipperary |
|
004077 |
Shannon/Fergus Estuary SPA — Kerry & Limerick |
|
004119 |
Loop Head SPA |
|
004168 |
Slieve Aughty SPA |
|
004182 |
Mid-Clare Coast SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004021 |
Old Head Of Kinsale SPA |
|
004022 |
Ballycotton Bay SPA |
|
004023 |
Ballymacoda Bay SPA |
|
004028 |
Blackwater Estuary SPA — Waterford |
|
004030 |
Cork Harbour SPA |
|
004066 |
The Bull & The Cow Rocks SPA |
|
004081 |
Clonakilty Bay SPA |
|
004094 |
Blackwater Callows SPA — Waterford |
|
004095 |
Kilcolman Bog SPA |
|
004109 |
The Gearagh SPA |
|
004124 |
Sovereign Islands SPA |
|
004155 |
Beara Peninsula SPA |
|
004156 |
Sheep’s Head to Toe Head SPA |
|
004161 |
Stacks to Mullaghreirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA — Limerick & Kerry |
|
004162 |
Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains SPA |
|
004190 |
Galley Head to Duneen Point SPA |
|
004191 |
Seven Heads SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004034 |
Trawbreaga Bay SPA |
|
004039 |
Glenveagh National Park SPA |
|
004057 |
Lough Derg (Donegal) SPA |
|
004060 |
Lough Fern SPA |
|
004073 |
Tory Island SPA |
|
004075 |
Lough Swilly SPA |
|
004082 |
Greer’s Island SPA |
|
004083 |
Inishbofin, Inishdooey, Inishbeg SPA |
|
004087 |
Lough Foyle SPA |
|
004090 |
Sheskinmore Lough SPA |
|
004099 |
Pettigoe Plateau Nature Reserve SPA |
|
004100 |
Inistrahull SPA |
|
004106 |
Lough Barra Bog SPA |
|
004110 |
Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve) SPA |
|
004115 |
Inishduff SPA |
|
004116 |
Inishkeel SPA |
|
004120 |
Rathlin O’Birne Island SPA |
|
004121 |
Roaninish SPA |
|
004130 |
Inch Lough and Levels SPA |
|
004131 |
Innishirrer and Inishmeane SPA |
|
004132 |
Illanacrone And Inishkeeragh SPA |
|
004150 |
West Donegal Coast SPA |
|
004151 |
Donegal Bay SPA |
|
004194 |
Horn Head to Fanad Head SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004006 |
North Bull Island SPA |
|
004014 |
Rockabill SPA |
|
004015 |
Rogerstown SPA |
|
004016 |
Baldoyle Bay SPA |
|
004024 |
South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary SPA |
|
004025 |
Broadmeadow/Swords Estuary SPA |
|
004069 |
Lambay Island SPA |
|
004113 |
Howth Head Coast SPA |
|
004117 |
Ireland’s Eye SPA |
|
004122 |
Skerries Islands SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004031 |
Galway Bay Inner SPA — Clare |
|
004042 |
Lough Corrib SPA — Mayo |
|
004152 |
Inishmore SPA |
|
004056 |
Lough Cutra SPA |
|
004058 |
Lough Derg (River Shannon) SPA — Clare & Tipperary |
|
004062 |
Lough Mask SPA — Mayo |
|
004067 |
High Island SPA |
|
004088 |
Lough Scannive SPA |
|
004089 |
Rahasane Turlough SPA |
|
004096 |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA — Offaly, Tipperary & Westmeath |
|
004097 |
Middle Suck Callows SPA — Roscommon |
|
004107 |
Coole/Garryland SPA |
|
004123 |
Slyne Head Islands SPA |
|
004134 |
Lough Rea SPA |
|
004142 |
Slieve Aughty Mountains SPA |
|
004168 |
Creganna Marsh SPA |
|
004170 |
Cruagh Island SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004063 |
Poulaphouca Reservoir SPA — Wicklow |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004003 |
Puffin SPA |
|
004007 |
Skelligs SPA |
|
004008 |
Blasket Islands SPA |
|
004011 |
Lough Gill SPA |
|
004018 |
Tralee Bay SPA |
|
004029 |
Castlemaine Harbour SPA |
|
004038 |
Killarney National Park SPA |
|
004077 |
Shannon/Fergus Estuary SPA — Clare & Limerick |
|
004079 |
Akeragh , Banna and Barrow Harbour SPA |
|
004108 |
Eirk Bog SPA |
|
004125 |
Magharee Islands SPA |
|
004153 |
Dingle Peninsula SPA |
|
004154 |
Iveragh Peninsula SPA |
|
004161 |
Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA — Limerick & Cork |
|
004175 |
Deenish and Scariff Island SPA |
|
004189 |
Kerry Head SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004160 |
Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA — Offaly |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004187 |
Sligo/Leitrim Uplands SPA — Sligo |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004045 |
Glen Lough SPA |
|
004061 |
Lough Kinale/Derragh Lough SPA — Cavan & Westmeath |
|
004064 |
Lough Ree SPA — Roscommon & Westmeath |
|
004101 |
Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004026 |
Dundalk Bay SPA |
|
004078 |
Carlingford Lough SPA |
|
004080 |
Boyne EstuarySPA — Meath |
|
004091 |
Stabannan-Braganstown SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004077 |
River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA |
|
004161 |
Stacks to Mullaghreirks, West Limerick Hills & Mount Eagle SPA — Cork, Kerry |
|
004165 |
Slievefeilim to Silvermines Mountains SPA — Tipperary |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004004 |
Iniskea Islands SPA |
|
004036 |
Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SPA — Sligo |
|
004037 |
Blacksod/ Broadhaven SPA |
|
004042 |
Lough Corrib SPA — Galway |
|
004051 |
Lough Carra SPA |
|
004052 |
Carrowmore Lake SPA |
|
004053 |
Lough Conn SPA |
|
004054 |
Lough Cullin (Mayo) SPA |
|
004055 |
Cross Lough (Mullet) SPA |
|
004062 |
Lough Mask SPA — Galway |
|
004072 |
Stags Of Broadhaven SPA |
|
004074 |
llanmaster SPA |
|
004084 |
Inishglora And Inishkeeragh SPA |
|
004093 |
Termoncarragh Lake and Annagh Machair SPA |
|
004098 |
Owenduff/Nephin Complex SPA |
|
004111 |
Duvillaun Islands SPA |
|
004136 |
Clare Island SPA |
|
004177 |
Bills Rock SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004065 |
Lough Sheelin SPA — Cavan & Westmeath |
|
004080 |
Boyne Estuary SPA — Louth |
|
004158 |
Nanny Estuary and Shore SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004167 |
Slieve Beagh SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004017 |
Mongan Bog SPA |
|
004086 |
Little Brosna Callows SPA |
|
004096 |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA — Galway, Tipperary & Westmeath |
|
004103 |
All Saints Bog SPA |
|
004137 |
Dovegrove Callows SPA |
|
004160 |
Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA — Laois |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004048 |
Lough Gara SPA Sligo |
|
004050 |
Lough Arrow SPA — Sligo |
|
004064 |
Lough Ree SPA — Longford & Westmeath |
|
004096 |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA |
|
004097 |
River Suck Callows SPA — Galway |
|
004101 |
Ballykenny Fisherstown Bog SPA |
|
004105 |
Bellangare Bog SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004013 |
Drumcliff Bay SPA |
|
004035 |
Cumeen Strand SPA |
|
004036 |
Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SPA — Mayo |
|
004048 |
Lough Gara SPA — Roscommon |
|
004050 |
Lough Arrow SPA — Roscommon |
|
004068 |
Inishmurray SPA |
|
004129 |
Ballysadare Bay SPA |
|
004133 |
Aughris Head SPA |
|
004135 |
Ardboline And Horse Island SPA |
|
004187 |
Sligo/Leitrim Uplands SPA — Leitrim |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004058 |
Lough Derg (River Shannon) SPA — Clare & Galway |
|
004086 |
River Little Brosna Callows SPA |
|
004096 |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA — Galway, Offaly & Westmeath |
|
004165 |
Slievefeilim to Silvermines Mountains SPA — Limerick |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004027 |
Tramore Backstrand SPA |
|
004028 |
Blackwater Estuary SPA — Cork |
|
004032 |
Dungarvan Harbour SPA |
|
004094 |
Blackwater Callows SPA — Cork |
|
004192 |
Helvick Head to Ballyquin SPA |
|
004193 |
Mid-Waterford Coast SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004043 |
Lough Derravaragh SPA |
|
004044 |
Lough Ennell SPA |
|
004045 |
Glen Lough SPA |
|
004046 |
Lough Iron SPA |
|
004047 |
Lough Owel SPA |
|
004061 |
Lough Kinale/Derragh Lough SPA — Cavan & Longford |
|
004064 |
Lough Ree SPA — Longford & Roscommon |
|
004065 |
Lough Sheelin SPA — Cavan & Meath |
|
004096 |
Middle Shannon Callows SPA — Galway, Offaly & Tipperary |
|
004102 |
Garriskill Bog SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004002 |
Saltees SPA |
|
004009 |
Ladys Island Lake SPA |
|
004019 |
The Raven SPA |
|
004020 |
Ballyteigue Burrow SPA |
|
004033 |
Bannow Bay SPA |
|
004076 |
Wexford Harbour and Slobs SPA |
|
004092 |
Tacumshin Lake SPA |
|
004118 |
Keeragh Islands SPA |
|
Site Code |
Name — SPA — Other Counties |
|
004040 |
Wicklow Mountains SPA |
|
004063 |
Poulaphouca Reservoir SPA — Kildare |
|
004127 |
Wicklow Head SPA |
|
004085 |
The Murrough SPA |
195 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37692/08]
Motor tax rates were increased, with effect from 1 February 2008, by 9.5% for cars below 2.5 litres and 11% for cars above that threshold. Goods and all other vehicles also increased by 9.5% with no increase for electric vehicles. In addition, trade plate licences were increased by 9.5%. Further motor tax increases, announced as part of Budget 2009, will come into effect from 1 January 2009.
Charges imposed by local authorities and agencies of my Department are a matter for the bodies concerned except in cases where increased charges require Ministerial approval. No such increases have been approved since 1 January 2008.
196 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a decision has been made following an application for post-tender approval in respect of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37765/08]
I am, at present, considering the scope to approve further projects under my Department's Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme in light of the funding available, and will make an appropriate announcement in that regard very shortly.
197 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date a request was received from Cork City Council for funding in respect of remedial works at Spriggs Road, Cork; the amount sought; and when a decision will be made on the application. [37778/08]
An application for a Remedial Works Scheme at Spriggs Road was received by my Department on 15 October 2008 for consideration under the 2009 Remedial Works Programme. Under this programme local authorities are invited to apply for co-funding of remedial works schemes to commence in 2009. The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 October 2008, after which all applications will be evaluated with a view to selecting projects to be approved for funding under allocations to be announced early next year.
198 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation in regard to Milltown sewerage scheme, Milltown, County Kerry; the anticipated completion date of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37817/08]
Milltown is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as part of a grouped sewerage scheme to service a number of towns and villages in Co Kerry. I understand that work on the waste water collection system for Milltown is in progress and that Kerry County Council expects to award the contract for the treatment plant contract shortly.
199 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public service, product or tax since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37687/08]
Charges determined by the bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are a matter for those bodies, and the issue of tax is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The following price increases apply for 2008:
Inland Fishery Licences for 2008 were increased 4.8%, over the 2007 rates.
Fees chargeable for Petroleum Authorisations were increased by 4.9% for 2008 over 2007 levels.
Television licence fees were increased by just under 1.5% for 2008 over 2007 levels.
200 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the stage the Broadcasting Bill is at; the criteria being used for the appointment of appointees to the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37704/08]
The Broadcasting Bill 2008 is currently at Second Stage in Dáil Éireann having been passed by Seanad Éireann on 25 June 2008. The criteria for the appointment of members to the various boards established under the Bill are set out in Parts 2 and 7 of the Bill. Specifically, sections 8, 9 and 12 deal with appointments to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, while sections 81, 82, 83 and 86 deal with appointments to the boards of TG4 and RTÉ.
201 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is possible to allow bodies such as a company (details supplied) to place broadcast advertisements within a code of reasonable practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37754/08]
Section 20(4) of the Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 (as qualified by section 65 of the Broadcasting Act 2001) and section 10(3) of the Radio and Television Act 1988 provide that broadcasters cannot accept advertisements that are directed towards any religious or political end or have any relation to an industrial dispute.
The prohibition on religious advertising does not prevent advertisements, which provide information about a religious magazine or periodical being available for sale, or about a religious event or ceremony taking place. The prohibition does not extend to religious broadcasting; sections 28 and 45 of the Broadcasting Act 2001 explicitly require RTÉ and TG4 to carry religious programming.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2004, the prohibition on religious advertising on radio and television was retained following a lengthy consultation during which over 150 submissions from the public were received by my Department. There was a strong argument that religious interests should not be able to buy air-time to deliver an unchallenged message, that a message which, other interests, through lack of resources, might not be able to match or counter.
Section 41 of the Broadcasting Bill continues the prohibition on religious advertising but does so in a less restrictive manner. The provision focuses on advertisements that address the issue of the merits or otherwise of adhering to any religious faith or belief or of becoming a member of any religion or religious organisation, as opposed to the existing restriction which relates to advertisements directed towards a religious end. The section also continues the clarification that permits advertisements which provide information about a religious magazine or periodical being available for sale, or about a religious event or ceremony taking place. A number of Deputies have raised the issue of religious advertising during the course of the second stage debate on the Bill. I propose to consider the issues raised by the deputies in advance of committee stage.
202 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the dramatic and negative impact upon farm families that a number of measures announced in budget 2009 will have, and in particular the decisions to suspend the early retirement scheme and the installation aid scheme, the significant changes to the disadvantaged area scheme and the suckler cow welfare scheme which will mean substantial losses of income for affected farmers; if he will review same and have them reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37721/08]
I am well aware of the impact of the measures contained in the 2009 Budget for my Department. Against the background of the deterioration in the national finances, difficult choices had to be made in allocating the resources available to me in 2009. I made these decisions in the best interests of the sector following detailed analysis of my Department's programme of expenditure and careful consideration of the options available. Despite the economic and budgetary situation, funding of €1.8 billion gross is provided for my Department in the 2009 Budget. When combined with EU funding and co-funding of about €1.4 billion next year, this represents very substantial funding for the support and development of the agri-food sector.
My priority in framing the 2009 Budget for the Department was to focus available resources on protecting the most productive elements of the agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sectors and to ensure that they will continue to develop. My objective is to continue to develop the sector within the budgetary constraints to ensure that it is well positioned to achieving its full potential and benefit from future economic growth. I will monitor all aspects of my Department's expenditure throughout 2009 and, in the normal course, I will review spending priorities in the context of the preparation of the 2010 Estimates.
203 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of their single farm payment headage grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37617/08]
An application under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2008. As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing these Schemes, this application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. The application is currently being processed and it is expected that payment will issue shortly, following clarification of a number of issues relating to the land parcels declared by the person named.
204 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the financial value of the deductions (details supplied) taken from the single farm payment since 2005 to date on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37625/08]
In the time available it has not been possible to assemble the information requested on a county basis. However at National level the position is as follows.
Ireland's National Ceiling for 2005 was €1,260 million of which 3% (€37.8m) had been provisionally set aside to fund the National Reserve. The cost of funding successful applicants under Force Majeure and New Entrants during the reference period has meant that the sum of individual entitlements has exceeded our National ceiling requiring a 1.18% linear reduction of all entitlements. It was agreed that any linear reduction would be accommodated with the 3% already deducted for the National Reserve. In effect therefore the cost of funding Force Majeure and new entrants during the reference period amounted to some €15.3m while the sum of money available for the National Reserve was €22.5m.
Some €6.5m also accrued to the National Reserve in 2005 representing the value of entitlements that were allocated to farmers but not activated (claimed) in 2005. In addition some €3.5m accrued to the National Reserve in 2007 representing the value of entitlements not used in the three-year period 2005, 2006 and 2007. Entitlements allocated from the National Reserve must be used in full each year otherwise they are immediately reverted to the National Reserve. Some €1.7m accrued to the National Reserve in 2005, 2006 and 2007 under this usage rule giving a total value of €5.2m unused entitlements.
The EU regulations allow Member States on a discretionary basis to apply a claw-back on the sale of entitlements with and without land. Ireland applied such a clawback in respect of entitlements sold in 2006 and 2007. Some €599,461 accrued to the National Reserve from this arrangement. Payment Entitlements may be sold with or without land but can only be sold without land once 80% have been used in one calendar year or, if 80% have not been used in one calendar year the transferor has the option of ceding those entitlements that were not used in 2005 to the National Reserve. Some €134,286 accrued to the National Reserve in 2006, 2007 and 2008 under this arrangement.
While it is obligatory to deduct Modulation from all Single Payments, the deductions in respect of the first €5,000 of each payment are refundable. The EU Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provided for an increase in the rate of Modulation deduction, from 3% in 2005, to 4% in 2006 and 5% in 2007. The total gross value of deductions in respect of Modulation during these years was as follows: 2005: €36.9 million; 2006: €52.1 million; 2007: €65.3 million. The amounts refunded during the same period are as follows: 2005: €14.5 million; €19.4 million; 2007 €24.2 million.
205 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the decline in sheep, lamb and ewe numbers on an annual basis since 1998, the reduction in lamb slaughtering and value of exports and the financial returns crisis in the sheep sector; the action he will take in regard to same; the proposals he has to reverse the income decline in sheep farming; the measures he will negotiate as part of the CAP health check at EU level prior to the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37626/08]
The table sets out information on the sheep sector since 1998. The difficulties facing the sheep sector have been apparent for some time and prompted the setting up of the Sheep Strategy Development Group. The Strategy Group's report contained a number of recommendations for action to secure the future of the sector.
Considerable progress has been by my Department in implementing the recommendations in the report within its remit. These include drawing up a revised pedigree breed improvement scheme and an interim board has been established to oversee the project. Trials have been conducted on the feasibility of introducing mechanical grading for lamb carcasses. An additional supplementary measure to promote mixed grading and assist sheep farmers has been introduced under REPS 4; a lamb quality assurance scheme has been introduced and Bord Bia have strengthened their efforts to promote lamb on the home and export markets. Teagasc has developed a new sheep programme to improve the management and husbandry of flocks.
All these actions are geared to improving quality and some, of their nature, will take time for the benefits to accrue. An important element is agreement by the processors and farmers representatives to agree on a pricing grid with a base price for a certain quality and bonuses or penalties for variations from this. The introduction of such an agreed grid would bring clarity to the market and would enable producers to see that quality is being rewarded across the board. It is hoped that agreement can be reached on the issue in the near future.
The decline in the Irish sheep sector is not an isolated phenomenon. Indeed, similar declines are evident in most of the sheep-producing countries of Europe. European production is predicted to fall a further 2% this year. There is a deficit of 300,000 tonnes which is mainly filled by imports from New Zealand which has an annual quota of 228,000 tonnes.
The problems facing the sheep sector are well known at EU level. My predecessor had them discussed at the EU Agriculture Council of Ministers in March. This was followed by the Aylward Report to the European Parliament and a conference hosted by the French Presidency of the EU in September. These initiatives have kept the sheep sector's concerns to the forefront and, in the context of the current "CAP Health Check" discussions, I continue to pursue possible solutions.
|
Description |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Total Sheep (000) Source CSO |
8,312.0 |
7,925.5 |
7,555.0 |
7,330.3 |
7,209.6 |
6,848.9 |
6,777.2 |
6,392.2 |
5,973.2 |
5,521.6 |
|
Breeding Sheep |
4,577.4 |
4,398.9 |
4,216.3 |
4,019.5 |
3,909.5 |
3,717.9 |
3,670.0 |
3,454.5 |
3,200.0 |
2,943.8 |
|
Of which ewes 2 years and over |
3,536.4 |
3,475.8 |
3,398.3 |
3,261.3 |
3,150.0 |
3,026.8 |
2,985.6 |
2,774.7 |
2,619.7 |
2,402.1 |
|
Ewes under 2 years |
926.9 |
811.4 |
708.6 |
653.3 |
654.1 |
588.6 |
584.8 |
583.5 |
484.6 |
452.2 |
|
Rams |
114.1 |
111.7 |
109.5 |
104.9 |
105.3 |
102.5 |
99.6 |
96.3 |
95.7 |
89.6 |
|
Other sheep |
3,734.6 |
3,526.6 |
3,338.7 |
3,310.9 |
3,300.1 |
3,159.0 |
3,565.4 |
3,613.1 |
3,487.9 |
3,267.4 |
|
Sheep Slaughterings (000 head) Source CSO |
4,066.6 |
4,523.4 |
4,116.6 |
3,902.9 |
3,307.5 |
3,159.0 |
3,565.4 |
3,613.1 |
3,487.9 |
3,267.4 |
|
Sheepmeat Exported (tonnes c.w.e) Source CSO |
52,000 |
56,000 |
54,765 |
62,118 |
49,253 |
47,457 |
54,424 |
60,572 |
57,145 |
53,266 |
|
Value of exports (€m) |
147.0 |
170.0 |
164.3 |
246.8 |
164.0 |
158.3 |
174.9 |
190.4 |
185.8 |
176.3 |
|
Average Family Farm Income for “Mainly Sheep Farmers” in € Source: Teagasc National Farm Survey |
9,158 |
7,612 |
9,435 |
12,126 |
12,354 |
12,900 |
10,966 |
15,935 |
11,902 |
10,700 |
206 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farms and the amount of money paid out under the various aspects of the sheep package announced by him in May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37627/08]
The series of measures announced in May 2007 were in response to the recommendations of the Sheep Strategy Development Group. They form a comprehensive package to address the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The following sets out progress on the measures.
REPs
Sheep farmers continue to be major beneficiaries under the scheme and account for some 22,500 participants. Payments made to them in 2007 totalled some €332m. In relation to the new mixed grazing supplementary measure, €9,000 has been paid in respect of REPs 4 contracts commencing in 2007. Some 11,600 applications for REPS 4 with 2008 commencement dates were received in my Department by the closing date of 15 May, 2008. These are currently being processed and it is not possible to say what the cost of the mixed grazing supplementary measure in respect of 2008 will be at this stage.
Single Farm Payment / National Reserve
The sheep sector also continues to benefit from the single farm payment. While that payment is decoupled, it incorporates the previous ewe premium, which ceased in 2004. Ewe premia totalled €107.5m in that year. Under the 2005 National Reserve some 500 hill sheep farmers will benefit by €400,000 annually or €2.8m over the period until 2012. In addition, a special category was included under the 2007 National Reserve for sheep farmers whose existing Single Payment is less than €10,000 and where individual entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average. Allocations are capped at the DED average value of entitlements or a total Single Payment of €10,000 whichever is the lesser and allocations to successful applicants will not exceed €1,000. It is estimated that this measure is worth some €6m annually or €42m until 2012.
Compensatory Allowances
This is an area-based scheme but it incorporates the previous sheep headage scheme, which ceased in 2000.
Payments under this scheme to 27,000 farmers amounted €27.5m in that year.
Sheep Breeding
The Pedigree Sheep Breeding Programme as operated by my Department, in co-operation with the sheep breed societies, is currently being transferred to ‘Sheep Ireland', a sister company of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). An Interim Sheep Board has been established to manage and oversee the transfer. To facilitate this transfer and to allow for redevelopment of the breeding programme, funding of €163,000 has been provided so far in 2008. DAFF will provide further financial support to ICBF in 2009 for sheep breeding.
Carcass Classification
A trial to examine the feasibility of mechanical classification for lamb was conducted earlier this year at a cost of €135,000. Additional funding at a similar level may be made available to carry out additional feasibility work, if required, in 2009.
Quality Assurance
The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme operated by an Bord Bia has 6,500 participants and involves spending of some €820,00 to date. It is hoped to expand this by a further 6,000 in 2009. This could involve spending of up to €1m depending on uptake.
State Agencies' Support
An Bord Bia spends in the region of €1m on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad per annum. Teagasc allocated in the region of €1.5m in 2007 and 2008 on sheep research activities. This also covers specialist staff for the sheep programme established following the Sheep Strategy Group's report. It does not include additional funding related to the advisory service, some of which would be directed towards sheep.
207 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application lodged under the installation aid scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37635/08]
The person concerned is an applicant for aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and his application is currently being examined within my Department.
208 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of the farm retirement scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37636/08]
An application under the Early Retirement (ERS3) Scheme for the person named was received in my Department on 17 October 2008. It could not be accepted for processing as new applications to the Scheme had been suspended with effect from 15 October 2008.
209 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of a farm grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [37639/08]
The person named is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
210 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reschedule payment by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the applicant is married, has a young child and suffers from asthma, and that the applicant is going back into the REP scheme and would agree to lodge their REP scheme cheque over the next few years as they become payable. [37663/08]
The person named had entered a repayment agreement with my Department under which the amount owed in respect of his debt under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme would be deducted from future REPS payments. As monies owed were withheld from his Single Farm Payment in error, arrangements are now being made by my Department to refund them as a matter of urgency.
211 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will compensate County Donegal hill farmers subjected to €900 losses by the reduction in the maximum claimable area for the disadvantaged area aid compensation scheme; his views on whether these hill farms are not suitable for types of farming other than sheep farming; the way he envisages developing the hill farming industry here in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37665/08]
My approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. The 2009 Estimates provide over €1.8 billion for my Department, and, when combined with EU funding of €1.4 billion, means that total expenditure in 2009 by my Department will amount to over €3.2 billion.
While difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the situation of the public finances, account also had to be taken of the very high level of investment by the Government in recent years, when significant additional financial resources were committed to areas such as the rural environment scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17 per cent, the new suckler cow welfare scheme and the farm waste management scheme and, indeed, the 8% increase in rates under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme itself, introduced in 2007.
With regard to the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I decided to reduce expenditure for 2009, by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement. While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. Furthermore, these farmers, as well as all claimants under the Scheme, will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8% in the rate of aid introduced by the Government in 2007. In addition, of the 102,500 farmers who benefit under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, in excess of 50,000 of these also benefit under REPS, while in excess of 47,000 also benefit under the Suckler Welfare Scheme, which introduces a new stream of payments to farmers in 2008.
It should also be taken into account, that in addition to the payments under these Schemes, a further €920 million was paid to farmers with Disadvantaged Area lands under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme. The total amount payable of €220 million to farmers under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is part of the overall substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best well funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.
Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances and the decisions I have taken against that background, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.
The Hill Farmers scheme was a special category under the 2005 National Reserve. This catered for farmers with commonage land who were prevented from expanding their sheep production during the 2000-2002 reference period pending publication of the Commonage Framework Plans in 2003. One of the qualifying criteria was that the existing Single Payment must have been less than €6,000. Some 500 hill-sheep farmers benefit from this measure to the tune of €400,000 annually or €3.2m over the period until 2012.
In addition, a special category was included under the 2007 National Reserve for sheep farmers whose existing Single Payment is less than €10,000 and where individual entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average. Allocations are capped at the DED average value of entitlements or a total Single Payment of €10,000 whichever is the lesser and allocations to successful applicants did not exceed €1,000. It is estimated that some 7,500 sheep farmers will receive some €6m annually under this measure, or €36m over the period until 2012.
Under both of these measures the Member State was obliged to apply objective criteria in determining the value of entitlements to be allocated to successful applicants. In Ireland's case it was agreed that the Regional Average value of entitlements would be used for the granting of entitlements to successful applicants. The Regional Average is the average value determined at the District Electoral Division (DED) associated with the applicant's herd number. In addition it was decided that allocations would not exceed €1,000. The National Reserve is a scarce resource created by reducing the entitlements of existing farmers and will only be replenished by the relinquishing of any entitlements that remain unused. My Department must therefore be prudent is determining how the funds in the reserve are administered.
212 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37685/08]
Since 1st January 2008, with the implementation of EU Regulation 882/2004, meat inspection fees have increased for the slaughter of cattle at an EU approved export premises to €5, an increase of €0.50 on the previous rate. In July of this year, approval was granted to Teagasc for a 4.4% increase for general advisory and education/training charges. In addition, a 15% increase in REPS charges was approved to take account of increased costs associated with the completion of REPS plans.
My Department also charges chemical companies for the registration of plant protection products. Last revised in 2003, these registration fees were reviewed and agreed with the Chemical Industry in 2007 with an effective date of 1st January 2008. On average these fees were increased by approximately 50% and I will arrange to forward the deputy a full list of these fees in the coming days.
213 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that the €10.5 million reduction in Teagasc funding will not result in a delay in the inspection of 400 REP scheme four applications in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37699/08]
Officials of my Department carry out inspections of a proportion of REPS applicants and Teagasc have no function in this respect. I am satisfied that my Department has sufficient resources to carry out the necessary number of inspections.
214 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if provisions will be made for applicants who were on the verge of submitting applications under the installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37709/08]
All fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received by my Department up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed and, if in order, payment will be made.
215 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in issuing an oyster one shellfish licence to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37712/08]
The person in question currently holds an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of oysters. He has submitted an application for another aquaculture licence for a site adjacent to his existing licensed site. This application is being considered by my Department and I expect to be in a position to make a determination in this case shortly.
216 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to reinstate the installation aid for young farmers and the early retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37713/08]
I have no plans at present to reopen the Early Retirement or Young Farmers' Installation Schemes to new applications.
217 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the negative impact upon farm families and young farmers of the measures announced in budget 2009 and in particular the decisions to suspend the early retirement scheme and the installation aid scheme, together with changes to the disadvantaged area scheme and the suckler cow welfare scheme which will mean substantial income losses for many farmers; if he will take steps to review same with a view to reversing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37722/08]
Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. There has been a high level of investment in developing this sector in recent years, with the commitment of significant financial resources to areas such as the rural environment scheme, where the rates of grant had been increased by 17%, the new suckler cow scheme and the farm waste management scheme. Expenditure for that scheme in 2008 will exceed €375 million following the recent provision of an additional €195 million.
Because I have chosen to protect expenditure in certain areas, expenditure in other areas has to be curtailed. In relation to the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme, I have made provision of €56.7 million to meet current commitments but this level of funding means that for the present, new applications for these schemes are suspended. Despite the reduction in expenditure under the scheme of Area-based Compensatory payments, we will be making payments of over €220 million under this scheme next year and the reduction will be implemented in a targeted way, with the majority of farmers not suffering any loss in their payments.
As regards the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme, I have ensured that the commitment entered into in Partnership to spend €250 million on that scheme is fully honoured. The payment rate for 2008 will be €80 per cow. The rate of payment in the remaining years of the scheme will be determined by reference to the continuing rate of participation in the scheme. The rate applicable to 2009 will be advised to participating farmers before the end of this year.
218 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications and payments on a county basis under the single farm payment 2007 and the projected figures for 2008; the corresponding figures for all REP schemes; the status of the modulation proposals tabled for the mid-term CAP review; the other proposals tabled for the mid-term review which will have an impact on payments to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37732/08]
The number of applications and payments made to date, on a county basis, under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme are as at Table 1. The number of applications and advance payments made to date, on a county basis, under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are as at Table 2. The number of REPS payments to date in 2008 is set out in Table 3, while the figures for 2007 are set out in Table 4. It is not possible to project the figures forward to the end of the year.
With regard to Modulation, the present provisions provide for the deduction of 5% modulation on all payments made under the Single Payment Scheme. The funds raised by this measure are transferred to Pillar II of the EU Budget and used to finance Rural Development measures. The Regulations require that Member States subsequently refund that element of modulation related to the first €5,000 of each payment. I welcome the abolition of the €5,000 franchise proposed in the EU Health Check, as this means that the requirement to deduct the modulation from all payments and refund it at a later stage will no longer apply. This means that farmers no longer have to wait for the payment of the refund and the proposed change will also simplify the administration of the Single Payment Scheme. I am opposed to the increases in the modulation deductions from 2009 proposed by the EU Commission as part of its Health Check proposals and I have made this position clear during the on-going negotiations on the proposals.
There are other proposals in the CAP Health Check, which, if adopted, will simplify the Single Payment Scheme for farmers. These include the following: the abolition of the set-aside obligation; the extension of the use it or lose it rule for National Reserve entitlements from one to two years; the abolition of the requirement that a farmer must have utilised 80% or more of his or her entitlements before the entitlements can be sold without land.
|
County |
Applications |
Paid |
Value |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow |
1,762 |
1,663 |
25,179,116.80 |
|
Cavan |
5,247 |
4,834 |
36,118,383.20 |
|
Clare |
6,498 |
6,097 |
48,456,110.10 |
|
Cork |
13,870 |
12,997 |
171,528,263.00 |
|
Donegal |
8,847 |
7,884 |
47,526,722.50 |
|
Dublin |
693 |
650 |
9,291,209.20 |
|
Galway |
13,044 |
12,063 |
81,316,896.10 |
|
Kerry |
8,265 |
7,618 |
59,035,609.40 |
|
Kildare |
2,251 |
2,093 |
32,995,310.80 |
|
Kilkenny |
3,656 |
3,474 |
57,483,141.70 |
|
Laois |
3,118 |
2,975 |
42,133,046.10 |
|
Leitrim |
3,703 |
3,382 |
17,437,563.80 |
|
Limerick |
5,538 |
5,204 |
53,593,630.50 |
|
Longford |
2,552 |
2,389 |
20,154,492.20 |
|
Louth |
1,617 |
1,526 |
20,353,213.40 |
|
Mayo |
12,404 |
11,417 |
59,950,466.00 |
|
Meath |
4,020 |
3,758 |
56,704,724.50 |
|
Monaghan |
4,349 |
4,022 |
31,478,030.70 |
|
Offaly |
3,260 |
3,063 |
37,537,167.10 |
|
Roscommon |
6,149 |
5,743 |
40,967,647.90 |
|
Sligo |
4,316 |
3,967 |
22,855,445.40 |
|
Tipperary |
7,461 |
6,956 |
103,849,315.00 |
|
Waterford |
2,641 |
2,441 |
40,328,760.50 |
|
Westmeath |
3,147 |
2,935 |
34,127,453.50 |
|
Wexford |
4,270 |
4,059 |
61,865,423.10 |
|
Wicklow |
2,246 |
2,085 |
28,593,413.30 |
|
County |
Applications |
Paid |
Value |
|
€ |
|||
|
Carlow |
1,722 |
1,529 |
11,487,523.90 |
|
Cavan |
5,141 |
4,499 |
16,853,037.80 |
|
Clare |
6,398 |
5,805 |
23,011,226.10 |
|
Cork |
13,664 |
11,802 |
76,951,122.30 |
|
Donegal |
8,764 |
7,333 |
22,128,830.80 |
|
Dublin |
687 |
583 |
4,146,061.23 |
|
Galway |
12,842 |
11,227 |
37,962,785.90 |
|
Kerry |
8,173 |
7,066 |
27,233,352.70 |
|
Kildare |
2,169 |
1,764 |
13,938,962.50 |
|
Kilkenny |
3,614 |
3,269 |
26,928,256.00 |
|
Laois |
3,061 |
2,696 |
18,550,949.70 |
|
Leitrim |
3,669 |
3,077 |
7,711,623.06 |
|
Limerick |
5,464 |
4,749 |
23,962,922.00 |
|
Longford |
2,517 |
2,237 |
9,427,247.09 |
|
Louth |
1,567 |
1,376 |
9,186,127.41 |
|
Mayo |
12,197 |
10,696 |
28,389,285.50 |
|
Meath |
3,922 |
3,428 |
25,611,927.00 |
|
Monaghan |
4,304 |
3,781 |
14,814,641.60 |
|
Offaly |
3,199 |
2,853 |
17,440,992.20 |
|
Roscommon |
6,067 |
5,333 |
19,245,515.10 |
|
Sligo |
4,252 |
3,706 |
10,578,852.30 |
|
Tipperary |
7,337 |
6,292 |
45,909,783.10 |
|
Waterford |
2,610 |
2,105 |
16,881,405.50 |
|
Westmeath |
3,087 |
2,716 |
15,701,910.20 |
|
Wexford |
4,155 |
3,637 |
27,755,185.90 |
|
Wicklow |
2,204 |
1,842 |
12,459,334.10 |
|
County |
Numbers Paid in 2007 and to Date in 2008 |
Total Paid in 2007 and to Date in 2008 |
|
€ |
||
|
Carlow |
394 |
2,747,847.00 |
|
Cavan |
1,263 |
6,927,104.63 |
|
Clare |
1,568 |
10,035,281.52 |
|
Cork |
2,518 |
16,960,036.67 |
|
Donegal |
2,498 |
15,616,201.05 |
|
Dublin |
80 |
498,404.60 |
|
Galway |
3,949 |
23,198,892.46 |
|
Kerry |
2,145 |
15,123,130.97 |
|
Kildare |
372 |
2,416,443.62 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,049 |
7,329,618.38 |
|
Laois |
816 |
5,372,796.23 |
|
Leitrim |
980 |
5,671,886.39 |
|
Limerick |
1,170 |
7,484,072.79 |
|
Longford |
643 |
3,680,127.57 |
|
Louth |
206 |
1,192,377.37 |
|
Mayo |
3,763 |
21,668,669.38 |
|
Meath |
683 |
4,098,421.62 |
|
Monaghan |
1,055 |
5,166,654.22 |
|
Offaly |
1,020 |
6,755,322.20 |
|
Roscommon |
1,634 |
9,354,973.06 |
|
Sligo |
1,031 |
6,032,385.86 |
|
Tipperary (Nr) |
1,019 |
7,174,653.44 |
|
Tipperary (Sr) |
1,008 |
6,983,680.93 |
|
Waterford |
700 |
4,934,749.64 |
|
Westmeath |
888 |
5,536,269.92 |
|
Wexford |
857 |
6,033,149.96 |
|
Wicklow |
572 |
3,969,734.86 |
|
County |
Numbers Paid in 2007 |
Total Paid in 2007 |
|
€ |
||
|
Carlow |
523 |
3,605,707.01 |
|
Cavan |
1,780 |
10,126,295.19 |
|
Clare |
2,434 |
16,001,294.07 |
|
Cork |
3,659 |
26,368,705.41 |
|
Donegal |
3,650 |
23,488,851.12 |
|
Dublin |
89 |
671,406.16 |
|
Galway |
5,193 |
32,478,825.96 |
|
Kerry |
2,804 |
20,201,675.23 |
|
Kildare |
576 |
4,300,509.07 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,479 |
11,115,565.94 |
|
Laois |
1,062 |
7,653,148.23 |
|
Leitrim |
1,523 |
8,877,833.68 |
|
Limerick |
1,476 |
9,902,327.64 |
|
Longford |
977 |
5,590,928.32 |
|
Louth |
302 |
1,854,212.02 |
|
Mayo |
5,597 |
33,646,738.26 |
|
Meath |
982 |
6,192,661.42 |
|
Monaghan |
1,639 |
8,401,365.15 |
|
Offaly |
1,194 |
8,614,031.05 |
|
Roscommon |
2,430 |
14,555,075.66 |
|
Sligo |
1,703 |
10,222,521.76 |
|
Tipperary (Nr) |
1,227 |
8,990,442.60 |
|
Tipperary (Sr) |
1,153 |
8,429,629.05 |
|
Waterford |
1,053 |
7,926,487.71 |
|
Westmeath |
1,147 |
7,411,466.94 |
|
Wexford |
1,214 |
9,436,105.36 |
|
Wicklow |
640 |
4,649,304.14 |
219 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when final approval will issue in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim who made an application in January 2008 and was approved in May 2008 under the early farm retirement scheme. [37779/08]
An application from the person named was received in my Department on 9 May 2008. In August 2008 my Department requested additional information and this has been received. The person named will be informed of the outcome once the examination of his application is complete.
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries to which Irish beef has been exported in the past five years; the locations at which markets have been lost or new markets established; the prospects for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37784/08]
Based on the records of the Central Statistics Office and my own Department, Irish beef has been exported to the following countries in the period from 2003 to 2007. EU Countries: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Non-EU Countries: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Comoros, Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mayotte, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, Vatican City, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia. It should be noted that not all the countries listed above featured as export destinations in a particular year.
Over 90% of Irish beef production is exported. The distribution of Irish beef exports has undergone significant change since 2000. Only 50% of beef exports went to other European countries in 2000 compared to 97% in 2007. The principal factors behind this change in market distribution have been the emergence of a significant supply deficit in the European beef market combined with an improved market position for Irish beef in key markets.
This development represents significant progress for the Irish beef sector as the EU market continues to offer the best returns to Irish exporters on a consistent basis. At the same time, efforts continue to improve access to third country markets and Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have been re-opened to Irish beef within the last year.
Regarding the future prospects for Irish beef exports, current indications are positive. Overall availability of beef in the EU has fallen because of declining production and reduced imports from South America. While consumer research indicates that meat purchases are being affected by the economic slowdown, sales of value beef cuts have risen significantly. Although traditional steak cuts and roasting joints are not performing as well, this is being compensated by increased demand for other parts of the carcass.
221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries to which Irish dairy products have been exported in each of the past five years; the number of new markets established; the existing markets lost; his projections for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37785/08]
Irish dairy products are exported to other EU member states and to over 100 countries worldwide. The amount of exports to any particular destination varies in accordance with changes in the supply/demand dynamics in particular regions of the world and in respect of the various dairy products involved. In overall terms, Ireland's dairy exports increased in 2007 by 13%, to €2.36 billion, an increase of €270 million on the previous record achieved in 2006. The UK represented the largest single share of export sales with 23%. The rest of the EU accounted for 52%, while North America and Africa accounted for 9% and 8% respectively. As international demand changes there will be an increasing emphasis on consumer food markets, particularly in the EU, US and high growth emerging economies, together with strategically expanding marketing and distribution capability worldwide.
Dairy product output from Ireland and the EU is of course constrained by the limits placed on milk output by the EU milk quota regime. As part of the current negotiations on the CAP Health Check the Commission has put forward proposals to increase milk quotas in order to provide a ‘soft landing' towards the abolition of quotas in 2015. These proposals will provide Irish dairy farmers and processors with further opportunities to respond to global demand and to increase production and capture new market share.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries to which Irish lamb has been exported in each of the past five years; the number of new markets established; the existing markets lost; his projections for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37786/08]
Irish sheepmeat has been exported to the following countries in the period from 2003 to 2007. EU Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden & United Kingdom. Non-EU Countries: Ghana, Gibraltar, Switzerland, Tunisia, Vatican City.
Approximately 70% of Irish sheepmeat production is exported. In 2007, Ireland exported 53,266 tonnes of sheepmeat, of which 99.9% was destined for the high-value EU marketplace. The absence of export refunds together with a production deficit within the EU means that the market focus is on Europe and there is little penetration outside the EU.
Traditionally, the major export market for Irish lamb within the EU has been France which in 2007 accounted for 26,945 tonnes, or just over 50% of exports. While the French market has been in decline due to a fall in consumption and demand there coupled with strong competition from the UK and new Zealand this has been made up by increases in other markets. Exports to Sweden and Denmark have increased significantly in recent years. Seven countries accounted for 99% of sheepmeat exports in 2003 and the same seven countries also accounted for 99% of sheepmeat exports in 2007, namely: France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Sweden and the UK.
The number of new potential markets for Irish lamb is limited due to the relatively high cost of the meat and also due to cultural factors, as lamb is not widely eaten in many countries of Eastern Europe. As a result, promotional efforts are targeted at maintaining and developing existing markets, including the home market.
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason he has abolished the farm retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37787/08]
Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 estimates for my Department was to focus available resources on the measures that allow us to maintain and grow the productive capacity of the agri-food sector. Because I had chosen to protect expenditure in certain areas, expenditure in other areas had to be curtailed. In relation to the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments but, for the present, it has been necessary to suspend new applications for the Scheme.
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he has taken to ensure that food labelling accurately reflects the origins of all food products imported into this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37788/08]
The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation which will lead to new regulations in this sector. As part of this process, Ireland has sought mandatory origin labelling for all meats.
Food products of animal origin imported from an EU source must come from an approved food business establishment and be accompanied to its destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. In the case of importation from third countries they must originate in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment, be appropriately labelled and transported and must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate in accordance the models laid down by Community legislation.
All consignments from third countries must first be landed at a Border Inspection Post (BIP) operated by my Department that has been approved by the Food and Veterinary Office of the EU (FVO) and there undergo documentary, identity and physical checks. These latter are carried out at frequencies laid down in EU law. In Ireland BIPs approved for the processing imports of animal products are located at Dublin Port and Shannon Airport. The FVO carries out monitoring and inspection of each Member State's BIPs to ensure the conditions for import of animal products into Europe, provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied.
Once it has been established that imported animal product has met all the required conditions it is released for free circulation within the community. Copies of the BIP clearance document and the health certificate must accompany the consignment to its destination. Imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. If non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he has taken in the course of the EU CAP reform health checks to secure the future of Irish agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37789/08]
The CAP Health Check proposals are described as a fine-tuning of the 2003 reform of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP); there are three areas (i) a review of the implementation of the single payment scheme (SPS), (ii) a review of market management measures including the milk quota regime and (iii) a response to the so-called new challenges of climate change, bio-energy, water management and bio-diversity.
The dossier was presented to Ministers at the Informal May Council. A full first round examination of the texts has now been completed by the Working Groups and most of the technical and linguistic issues have been addressed. Trilateral meetings took place at the last two Agriculture Councils to identify the main priorities for each Member State and to refine the political issues outstanding. The Presidency remains confident that the proposals will be adopted as a package at the November Council of Agriculture Ministers.
The impact of the whole package of measures on Irish agriculture will clearly depend on what is agreed at the end of the negotiations. My aim in the negotiations has been and will continue to be to achieve the best possible outcome for Ireland and for agriculture. I have already outlined the issues of concern to Ireland to Commissioner Fischer Boel and the French Presidency, to Commission officials and to colleagues in other Member States. I will continue to take an active role in the discussions at every opportunity and to reiterate our priorities.
Our priorities for the health check negotiations include: seeking sufficient milk quota increases and appropriate market management arrangements to ensure a soft landing in preparation for the expiry of quotas in 2015; ensuring clear, predictable decisions are taken on milk quotas to give policy certainty to producers and to industry; opposing the substantial increases in compulsory modulation proposed by the Commission; seeking further simplification of the single payment scheme and cross compliance; ensuring national discretion in the adjustment of the single payment scheme and the operation of specific supports funded from the single payment ceiling. I have established a consultative process with key stakeholders to advise on the main issues arising in the Health Check and the output from this is feeding into Ireland's position in the negotiations.
226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which he has had consultation with his EU colleagues to ensure the future of European food production and food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37790/08]
The issue of food security has informed the current discussion on the CAP Health Check and the situation relating to agriculture post 2013. I raised the matter of food security with my EU colleagues at the Ministerial Council in Annecy in September. I emphasised the need to maintain a strong sustainable agricultural production base in Europe and to have an appropriately resourced common policy.
There is an increasing awareness among EU Member States that food security cannot be taken for granted in a world where demand is rising rapidly and expected to double by 2050. The Council concluded that we must maintain a strong agriculture production base in the European Union, and that we must undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions, economically, socially and environmentally. I should add that at the July WTO Ministerial meeting in Geneva, Ireland and a number of other countries raised the issue of the security of food supply on a number of occasions in the context of the EC position.
227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which he is satisfied that the dairy sector here is sufficiently competitive on home and overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37791/08]
One of the key challenges facing us in the medium term will be to ensure that Irish farming and the agri-food sector is at the heart of an evolving high-value food market, which is focussed on quality, competitiveness and innovation. This is at the core of Government strategy, as evidenced by the National Development Plan 2007-2013, AgriVision 2015 and the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016.
An important element of this strategy was the Dairy Investment Fund launched in 2007. My Department provided funding of €114 million towards investment in dairy processing and a total of 19 capital investment projects were approved and awarded Government grant assistance under the Fund, which will generate an estimated capital spend of €286 million at full production. The purpose of the Fund is to increase the efficiency of the main dairy outputs by supporting the upgrading of plant and buildings. This will assist operators in capturing new business in global markets and in developing new valued added products.
At EU level, one of the CAP Health Check proposals is to increase milk quotas in order to provide a ‘soft landing' towards the abolition of quotas in 2015. This will provide Irish and EU dairy farmers with a new opportunity to respond to global demand. I have consistently pressed for increased quotas to allow Irish dairy farmers to avail of those opportunities to increase production and competitiveness and capture new market share.
228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he or his Department fully appreciates the expected negative impact of his recently announced cutbacks in the agricultural budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/08]
I am well aware of the impact of the measures introduced in the 2009 Budget for my Department. The Budget was framed against the background of a serious deterioration in the public finances and required difficult decisions to be made on the allocation of the resources available. I made these decisions in the best interests of the sector following detailed analysis of my Department's programme of expenditure and careful consideration of the options available.
Despite the economic and budgetary situation, funding of €1.8 billion gross is provided for my Department in the 2009 Budget. When combined with EU funding and co-funding of about €1.4 billion next year, this represents very substantial funding for the support and development of the agri-food sector. In framing the details of the Budget for my Department, my priority was to ensure that the available resources were targeted on a range of measures that would maintain the productive capacity of the agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sector. My objective is to continue to develop the sector within the budgetary constraints to ensure that it is well positioned to achieving its full potential and benefit from future economic growth.
229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he proposes to take to replace farm installation aid with particular reference to the need to encourage and assist the food production sector in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37801/08]
I have no plans at present to reopen the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme to new applicants.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development of agriculture and the food production sector generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37802/08]
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the food production sector here is sufficiently competitive at home and on overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37803/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
The agri-food and fish, or ‘bio-sector' remains Ireland's largest indigenous employer with a unique regional spread and accounts for over 32% of our net foreign earnings from primary and manufacturing industries. The sector is characterized by resilience and a capacity to adapt to meet new challenges and opportunities in changing times following the reform of the CAP. In 2007, food and drinks exports reached a record level of €8.62 billion a 5% increase on the previous year. Growth was driven primarily by the dairy and drinks sectors resulting in the export target in the Asian strategy target being reached ahead of time.
The challenges this year are even greater, particularly in relation to currency. The Agri-Vision 2015 Report and the Cawley Report have both set out strategies for developing consumer focused, competitive and sustainable sectors capable of meeting the challenges of more liberalised markets and broader societal demands. They identify the delivery of safe, high-quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner in high value markets as the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry in the light of the changes which have already taken place or are anticipated over the next decade.
The Action Plan to implement the Agri-Vision 2015 Report sets out over 160 actions in a coherent implementation strategy. Over three-quarters of the actions are completed or being implemented on an ongoing basis and these range from on farm measures including huge investment in REPS and particular support for suckler cow producers to support for investment and research and marketing.
At EU level we are engaged in negotiation on the Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy. Earlier this week, I met with the EU Farm Commissioner and the EU President to reiterate my priorities in this regard, in particular appropriate market management arrangements to ensure a "soft landing" in preparation for the expiry of milk quotas in 2015; further simplification of the single payment scheme and cross compliance; national discretion in the operation of the single payment scheme, and supports funded from the single payment ceiling.
We will continue to pursue policies with stakeholders to develop agriculture and the food production sector in ways, which build sustainably on the progress achieved so far.
232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the acreage under bio-fuel production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/08]
To encourage the cultivation of energy crops, my Department introduced a number of new incentives in 2007 including a new National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare to supplement the EU Premium of €45 per hectare available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. The Department also launched a new Bioenergy Scheme in February 2007 to provide establishment grants worth €1,450 per hectare to farmers to grow willow and miscanthus as a renewable source of energy. So far 1,700 hectares of willow and miscanthus have been planted under the Scheme. Some 5,000 hectares of energy crops were planted in 2008 under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. The varieties of energy crops sown include Oilseed Rape, Miscanthus, Willow, Oats and Wheat.
233 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding the young farmers who have commenced activity, such as leasing land, for applying for the installation grant; if these applications will be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37816/08]
All fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received by my Department up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed and, if in order, payment will be made.
234 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science when Meath County Council informed his Department that the members of Meath County Council voted in favour of a site on the Navan Road in Kells for the new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37601/08]
235 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department officials investigated the site on the Navan Road, Kells, County Meath as a suitable alternative to the site on the Cavan Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37602/08]
236 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make available the report of the inspectors of their findings regarding the site on the Navan Road, Kells, County Meath; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37603/08]
237 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science the land requirements by his Department for a new secondary school site for an expanding town such as Kells, County Meath to cater for a school population of 700 to 800 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37604/08]
241 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the landowners of the Navan Road, Kells, County Meath site are prepared to exchange approximately 12 acres of land with his Department in return for approximately 9.4 acres in his Department’s ownership at no cost to the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37608/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 to 237, inclusive, and 241 together.
My Department has had ongoing communications with Meath County Council to discuss a range of issues including the issue in question. As the Deputy is aware my Department acquired a site for a post-primary school under the Redress Scheme. My Department carried out technical inspections on both the redress site and the proposed alternative site which the Deputy referred to. The technical report in relation to the redress site deemed the size and location of the site generally suitable for a Post Primary School of 700 pupils. My Department is of the view that the optimal solution is to use the site under the Department's current ownership for the proposed new post-primary school and asked Meath County Council to consider rezoning accordingly. A response from Meath County Council is awaited.
238 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is his policy where possible to keep all schools in the one school campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37605/08]
The development of multi-school campus arrangements is a stated policy of my Department where conditions are such that this can be achieved. A number of factors have to be taken into account before such arrangements could proceed such as overall accommodation requirements in a centre or area, availability and size of site, value for money, planning permission etc. It is expected that these arrangements will be a feature of the educational landscape into the future with a more significant range of school types on one site. However, sites can only be developed to the limit of their potential.
It is intended, however, that while individual schools will be arranged so that certain facilities can be shared to avoid duplication, schools will otherwise be structured to enable them to operate independently of one another to protect the individual ethos of each school.
239 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department has funded the development of five schools on the Navan Road, Kells, County Meath and the latest funding is ongoing for the new Protestant school and the girls primary school extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37606/08]
240 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Meath County Council runs the Kells swimming pool, which is 300 meters from the new available site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37607/08]
242 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether it makes sense to provide all the schools on the one campus on the Navan Road, Kells, County Meath in order to avoid new traffic congestion in the town by having schools located both sides of the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37609/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 240 and 242 together.
My Department has had ongoing communications with Meath County Council to discuss a range of issues relating to the proposed school development. As the Deputy is aware, my Department acquired a site for a post-primary school under the Redress Scheme. The technical report in relation to this site deemed the size and location of the site generally suitable for a Post Primary School of 700 pupils. My Department is of the view that the optimal solution is to use the site under the Department's current ownership for the proposed new post-primary school and asked Meath County Council to consider rezoning accordingly. A response from Meath County Council is awaited.
243 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork qualifies for resource hours. [37622/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
244 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to correspondence from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, he will detail chronologically the background to its building project; if the school initially sought a new school or an extension; if changes in the initial approach were decided and by whom; if, following the receipt of tenders, the school sought further additional accommodation; if his Department has determined the definite accommodation requirements of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37647/08]
The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department in 1999 for additional accommodation. At a meeting with the Department at that time, the school proposed a greenfield site solution to its accommodation needs because the existing site could not facilitate the extent of extra accommodation needed. A technical examination of the site confirmed this position. As a result, the Department agreed to the school's proposal and the intention is to provide the school with an 8 classroom building with appropriate ancillary accommodation on a site which has been acquired by the school authority. In August 2000, a Design Team was appointed and the project is now in the advanced stages of architectural planning.
Progress on the new school will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In the meantime, my Department approved a prefab for the school to meet its September 2008 needs. I have agreed to meet a deputation from the school on 13th November next at 2.30 pm in Leinster House.
245 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Galway will lose a teacher as a result of the changes in the pupil-teacher ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37659/08]
246 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Galway will lose a teacher as a result of the changes in the pupil-teacher ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37660/08]
247 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Galway will lose a teacher as a result of the changes in pupil-teacher ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37661/08]
248 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Galway will lose a teacher as a result of the changes in the pupil-teacher ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37662/08]
255 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect of the cutbacks in the education sector on a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37682/08]
256 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the effects of budget 2009 on a school (details supplied) in County Mayo with particular reference to its teacher numbers; the way it will be possible for the school to cater to the needs of the pupils based on reduced teacher numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37683/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 245, 246, 247, 248, 255 and 256 together.
The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the detailed staffing allocation of the schools in question for the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation process has fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. At primary level the final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.
249 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, with reference to his Dáil speech of 15 October 2008, he will explain in detail the sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 that are being deferred until after 2010; when he expects each of these sections to be implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37664/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the following sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have been commenced — 1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37 and 40 to 53. These sections are mainly concerned with the establishment of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and with promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special needs.
The sections of the EPSEN Act that have been deferred are those mainly concerned with the assessment of need process, preparation and review of individual education plans (IEPs) and appeals in relation to these areas. A small number of sections refer to interaction between the NCSE and health boards (HSE). The full list of deferred sections is — 3 to 13, 14(1)(b), 14(1)(d), 14(1)(e), 14(1)(f), 15 to 18, 38 and 39.
It is not possible to commence the EPSEN Act incrementally by age cohort, therefore the provisions of the Act especially regarding assessments and IEPs will have to be commenced for all children at the same time. This imposes a requirement to have the necessary systems and trained personnel in place to deliver, for all children, on the entitlements arising from the Act. To do this, the NCSE report identified a requirement for incremental additional investment over a period of 4 years of up to €235m per annum across the education and health sectors. My Department's opinion is that the level of investment required would be greater than that.
In the light of the current financial circumstances, it is therefore not possible to proceed with implementation. In the current economic circumstances it is also not possible to state when implementation will occur. However, services for children with special educational needs will still be available on a non-statutory basis and will continue to be enhanced and strengthened in preparation for the full implementation of the Act at a later date.
250 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of Parliamentary Question No. 289 of 2 October 2008, this application will be automatically re-submitted to his Department when moneys become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37667/08]
As I previously informed the Deputy the school in question applied for funding for replacement of windows under the emergency works scheme. However, in light of the large number of projects seeking funding under this scheme from the budget allocated, it was not possible to provide funding to the school at the time. It is open to the school authorities to re-apply for funding for these works in 2009. If such an application is received it will be considered in light of available funding at the time.
251 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when an emergency funding application by a school (details supplied) in County Laois will be granted; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school in question has had slates fall from the roof and that the roof has been assessed as being in urgent need of repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37668/08]
My Department received an application for emergency funding from the school in question. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will be reached very shortly. The school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
252 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application for DEIS status was made by a school (details supplied) in County Laois; the outcome of such application; if not made, if the school can still apply for inclusion in DEIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37669/08]
DEIS, (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.
A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. As a result of the identification and review processes, 673 primary and 203 second-level schools were invited to participate in the programme. The school referred to by the Deputy was not identified for inclusion in the programme nor did it make an application for a review.
253 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of a review of a number of school routes and services, operated by Bus Éireann, undertaken by same during the summer vacation; the reasons for same; if his attention has been drawn to any pupils affected by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37670/08]
The planning and organising of school bus routes is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. School bus routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner.
A change to an existing route may be necessary for operational reasons or to reflect changing travel patterns in terms of numbers and location of pupils seeking transport. Such changes could affect the location of pick-up points, the timetable of the service, and travelling and waiting times for some children. However, where changes are necessary, services are generally planned in such a way that these children will have a service within the guidelines of the school transport schemes. If the Deputy has any specific case in mind, my Department will be pleased to have it investigated.
254 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange for a school bus ticket to issue to a pupil (details supplied) in County Cork. [37680/08]
The Transport Liaison Officer for County Cork has advised that a school bus ticket has been issued to the pupil referred to by the Deputy.
257 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the price increases imposed by his Department and its agencies for public services, products or taxes since 1 January to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37690/08]
The information requested is not readily available in my Department and is currently being compiled. I will arrange to forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
258 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by his Department on transporting children in taxis or other private vehicles each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37701/08]
259 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who were provided with transportation in taxis or other forms of private vehicle by his Department each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37702/08]
260 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent on staff hired specifically for accompanying children on private transport each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37703/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 to 260, inclusive, together.
Figures available indicate that about 30% of the allocation for school transport is being expended on transport, including taxis and grants for children with special needs. The allocation for school transport in 2008 is €175.2 million. A breakdown of expenditure on taxis and private vehicles is not readily available for the past five years. This type of transport provision will be considered for some children with special needs for whom the general school transport arrangements are unsuitable.
The number of taxis engaged in the past years has increased from about 250 in 2004 to over 700 in 2008. Some of these taxis would be catering for more than one pupil. In addition grants were paid to over 440 families who use their private vehicles to transport children with special needs to an educational centre. The cost of employing escorts to cater for children with special needs, whose care requirements are such as to necessitate continuous support, has increased significantly in line with the growth in that service. At present, there are about 1,200 escorts employed at an annual cost of about €13 million.
261 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will be affected by the decision to cut funding to support English language teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37735/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reducing the level of language support teachers from a maximum of six extra teachers per school to a maximum of two teachers per school, as was the case before 2007. However, the budget measures also provide for some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall enrolment. This will be done on a case by case basis.
The allocation process for language support teachers is an annual one and existing provision is not rolled over automatically. Schools will be applying afresh in the spring and early summer of 2009 for the 2009/2010 school year, based on their assessment of the prospective needs of existing pupils and any new pupils they are enrolling. The position of schools making application to the Department, including those referred to by the Deputy, will fall to be considered at that stage.
262 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will be affected by the decision to cut funding to children in disadvantaged areas in respect of school books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37736/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reductions on the aid for school books scheme which in the case of schools outside of the DEIS scheme will involve savings of approximately €7.5 million on current levels. Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools for the school book grant scheme and this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009.
263 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will be affected by the decision to cut funding for substitute teachers in the absence of a doctor’s note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37737/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included the withdrawal of substitution cover for absences on uncertified sick leave in primary and second level schools including Vocational Education Committees and the withdrawal of cover for official school business in all second level schools. Substitution cover will continue to be provided for the other categories of absences for which it is currently available including maternity leave and certified sick leave. The existing arrangements will continue to apply for the supervision/substitution scheme with teachers continuing to be paid for participation in the scheme.
264 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will be affected by the decision to cut grants for purchasing equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37738/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, I published the ICT Strategy Group Report, Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools 2008-2013, together with the evaluation report undertaken by my Department's Inspectorate, ICT in Schools, in July. While acknowledging the progress made since the ICT in Schools Programme was first launched some ten years ago with some €200m having been invested since its introduction, these Reports set out a substantial agenda to be pursued to fully integrate ICT into teaching and learning in our classrooms.
When I launched these reports, I acknowledged that we faced significant challenges in implementing some of the recommendations made in these Reports given the current economic situation. While I have not been in a position to provide specific grants to schools under the ICT in Schools Programme for the purchase of ICT equipment this year, I am committed to investing in this area as resources permit.
265 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will be affected by the decision to cut funding for library books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37739/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included the decision to discontinue the funding that the Department made available to local authorities to support school library services.
The amount of the grant payable to each local authority was based on the number of pupils in the relevant area and amounted to €4.52 per pupil. There will be no direct impact on the funding of individual schools as a result of the decision to discontinue this grant to local authorities. The indirect impacts of this measure in individual library areas will be a matter to be determined by each local authority in the context of its overall resources and the services it provides.
266 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will be affected by the decision to cut funding for supporting Traveller children in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37740/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reducing the enhanced capitation funding paid to schools in respect of traveller pupils enrolled. This measure will involve savings of approximately €1.2 million on current levels. Approximately €2.4 million was made available in 2008 in respect of enhanced capitation for traveller pupils. Budget measures relating to enhanced capitation for traveller children amounts to a reduction of about €1.2m. Currently €60m spent on resources for Travellers in our schools.
There will still be 520 resource teachers for travellers in our primary schools, extra teaching hours equivalent to 136 posts at second level and 42 visiting teachers. These are in addition to the normal classroom teachers and represent a considerable resource and are not affected by the Budget measures.
267 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will lose a teacher as a result of the decision to increase class sizes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37741/08]
The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the detailed staffing allocation of the schools in question for the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation process has fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. At primary level the final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.
268 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether it is value for money to cut funding to the programme for the Centre for Talented Youth in Ireland; if the savings to be made justify the removal of this programme which targets the best and brightest students; if this cut ties in with stated policy to support and promote mathematics and science amongst students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37742/08]
Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included the decision to discontinue the annual funding of €97,000 that the Department made available to the Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI) at Dublin City University.
While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of this funding will impact on the Centre, given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. Tax revenues are down significantly and Government expenditure has to reflect this reality. The priority of this budget was to focus on measures to channel as much as was possible of the available resources to the direct funding of our schools.
269 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is appropriate to abolish grants for second level schools in respect of physics and chemistry in view of the fact that the promotion of science and technology is identified as a priority in ensuring the uptake of these subjects at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37743/08]
The budget for 2009 must be considered against the background of a difficult international economic situation. While education remains a priority for the Government, it has been necessary to curtail expenditure in some areas, in order that resources may be targeted more efficiently at areas of disadvantage. While the grant for physics and chemistry is to be abolished, I am confident that schools will continue to encourage students to study science and technology subjects at second level and consider courses in those fields at third level.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 to 2013 sets out a range of measures to further strengthen science teaching and learning and improve the uptake of senior cycle Physics and Chemistry. These include ensuring that the project based hands-on investigative approach now in place at junior cycle is extended to senior cycle, that the appropriate type of assessment is used and that there is an emphasis on the inter-disciplinary nature of science in society.
Other aspects of the Plan include:
reviewing the implementation of the primary science curriculum to ensure its effectiveness in stimulating interest and awareness in science at a very young age, strengthening teacher training in this area
reforming maths and Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry curricula
promotion of science initiatives in Transition Year; and
the provision of information and brochures on science opportunities and careers, linking effectively with school guidance services
Taken together, the comprehensive set of measures provided for in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation will build on the improvements made in recent years and ensure even greater support for science education.
270 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cutbacks in education announced in budget 2009 will result in the loss of a class teacher at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick and that this will reduce the full-time staff from eight to seven teachers so that there will no longer be a teacher per class and all classes will be in excess of 30 pupils; if he will make special provision for this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37761/08]
The specific information requested by the Deputy in relation to the detailed staffing allocation of the school in question for the academic year 2009/10 cannot be determined until the allocation process has fully concluded. There is nothing exceptional in this. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. At primary level the final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.
Schools are currently returning data to my Department in relation to their enrolment as of 30 September. My Department has commenced processing this data although all schools have not yet made their returns. The allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year.
271 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will announce the next public private partnership schools bundle; if he has finalised the schools to be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37782/08]
The make up and timing of further school bundles in my Department's PPP school building programme will be determined by my Department in consultation with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). The issues to be considered in the timing and bundling of these schools include site availability for each school, geographical spread and the estimated total cost of the proposed school bundle. My Department is examining the feasibility of including a number of schools in the 3rd Bundle of school projects to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This examination is nearing completion and I will be making an announcement about the matter as quickly as possible.
272 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff, job description, date of appointment, and the annual salary of those employed by each of the offices of the Ministers of State assigned to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37820/08]
There are currently 7 officers in the Private Office of the Minister of State at my Department, 2 of whom are non Civil Servants. The grades and dates of appointment to their current post of these officers are:
1 Higher Executive Officer/Private Secretary (appointed 8th May 2006)
1 Executive Officer (appointed 8th May 2006)
3 Clerical Officers (appointed 8th May 2006, 11th September 2006 and 22nd January 2007)
2 Civilian Drivers (non Civil Servants appointed 20th June 2007)
The annual cost of this office to date in terms of salary, overtime and expenses are €294,952.32.
There are currently 4.8 officers in the Constituency Office of the Minister of State at my Department, 2 of whom are non Civil Servants. The grades and dates of appointment to their current post of these officers are:
1 Personal Assistant (non Civil Servant appointed 13th May 2008)
1 Personal Secretary (non Civil Servant appointed 22nd Sept 2008)
0.80 Staff Officer (appointed 22nd May 2006)
2 Clerical Officers (appointed 8th May 2006 and 14th April 2008)
The annual cost of this office to date in terms of salary, overtime and expenses are €194,585.44
The duties of the staff who are civil servants are appropriate to their grade. The duties of the staff who are non-civil servants are appropriate to the terms of their contract.
The staffing levels for the office of the Minister of State are within the Department of Finance Guidelines for the staffing of the Private and Constituency offices of a Minister and Minister of State. The salaries paid to the Civil Servants are in accordance with the Department of Finance salary scales for the relevant grades. The salaries paid to the non-civil servant staff are in accordance with the Department of Finance Instructions relating to the Appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff.
