Written Answers

Alternative Farm Enterprises

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

37 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he acknowledges that the use of bio-energy provides an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions originating from both the energy and the agricultural sectors; his views on whether Ireland is in a unique position possessing a large agricultural area relative to its population size of just over 4.2 million people; if he acknowledges that miscanthus has much to offer in this Irish context, being a renewable source of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21972/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The bio-energy market is an important segment of the renewable energy sector. Important and challenging EU and National targets now exist to develop renewable energy in response to concerns about climate change and energy security. Two key policy documents have been published in Ireland to increase renewable energy output. The White Paper on Energy "Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland” sets out the framework for energy policy to 2020 to ensure security of supply, environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness in the energy sector. A ‘National Bioenergy Action Plan’ is also in place to increase deployment of Ireland’s Bioenergy resources in the transport, heat and electricity markets.

Bio-energy crops can make a contribution to emissions reduction in the agriculture sector through the provision of low or carbon neutral indigenous fuels. Both willow and miscanthus are carbon neutral fuels as the carbon dioxide released on combustion is equal to that taken from the atmosphere by the plant during its lifetime. My Department has been providing support to farmers through a Bio Energy Scheme since 2007. A pilot Bio Energy Scheme was launched in 2007 to support the planting of miscanthus and willow by giving farmers a grant to cover 50% of establishment costs. Grants were paid in two instalments: 75% following establishment of the crop and 25% in the year after establishment. The pilot Scheme supported 364 farmers in the planting of some 2,500 hectares (2,100 miscanthus and 360 willow) to the end of 2009 at a cost of some €2.9 million.

A new Bioenergy Scheme, co-funded by the EU under the Rural Development Programme, was launched in February 2010 to build on the progress made during the pilot phase. Under this Scheme farmers receive a grant up to a maximum of €1,300 per hectare to cover 50% establishment costs. It is expected that up to a further 700 hectares will be planted (320 miscanthus and 370 willow) in 2010 under the Scheme.

Ireland's climatic and soil conditions are very suitable for both miscanthus and willow production and offer a new rural economic activity and entry for agriculture to a large expanding energy market. These crops can also deliver positive outcomes in terms of reduced carbon dioxide emissions and potentially deliver extra sources of income for rural communities. A vibrant non-food crops industry here would certainly provide farmers with added income streams. Given a favourable environment for development, Irish farmers can make a substantial contribution towards meeting Government targets and policies in the bioenergy and non-food crop sector.

EU Directives

Tom Sheahan

Question:

38 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will detail the discussions he has had relating to the recent communications from the European Union regarding Ireland’s compliance with an EU directive on fish farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22014/10]

My Department publishes statistics each year on the national cattle population in the annual AIM Bovine Statistics report. The report for 2009 has recently been published and contains detailed information on many aspects of the beef and dairy herd. The total number of calf births in the country has been relatively stable over the last number of years, at just over 2 million calves each year, indicating a relative stability in the number of calves born annually. In 2009 there was a drop in the number of beef calves born when compared to 2008. However, this was largely compensated for by an increase in the proportion of dairy calves born, and is as a result of dairy farmers using more dairy bulls in their herds, to breed more replacement heifers for use in the dairy herd in anticipation of milk quotas being abolished.

The global economic downturn has meant that the beef sector, like other sectors, is at present operating in a challenging trading environment. Exchange rate developments have also been significant, particularly in the UK, our largest single market. I am committed to working with the beef sector to respond to the evolving challenges and to providing a sound framework for the development of the industry. To this end, a number of policy initiatives have, over recent years, been developed or enhanced. These include, the Suckler Cow Scheme, Bord Bia's promotional work and its Quality Assurance Scheme, Breed Improvement Programmes and the Beef and Sheepmeat Capital Investment Scheme.

At farm level, my Department has made direct payments of some €33 million to beef farmers in 2009 through the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme. On breed improvement my Department, together with Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, are collaborating on a number of initiatives. Ongoing research and development in areas as diverse as grassland management and utilisation, animal breeding, animal health and feeding and cost control remain essential if we are to develop new and better animal production practices. Only in this way can we expect to increase returns for producers and assist the sector in continuing to supply high quality meat into ever more competitive markets. Furthermore, my Department will be completing its investment of more than €1 billion in farm waste infrastructure on Irish farms in 2011, and of course many of the 34,000 applicants receiving assistance under this scheme are beef farmers.

At processing level, the Capital Investment Scheme for the beef and sheepmeat processing sectors will provide some €69 million in grant aid, to assist the structural changes necessary in primary processing and in supporting the expansion of added value processing. The projects it is expected to underpin will make an important contribution to supporting incomes, sales, exports and employment.

I should also mention the ongoing marketing and promotion of Irish produce abroad. Our marketing efforts in this area are based on the overriding principles of differentiating and repositioning Irish beef in a variety of international settings. The good work being done by Bord Bia continues to focus on the key characteristics of Irish beef, particularly with regard to traceability and quality assurance. Currently over 99% of our exports go to the high value EU markets. This compares to some 50% a decade ago. On the issue of beef quality generally, I believe that the new Quality Payment System introduced last December will contribute significantly to an overall improvement in the quality of carcases produced here, as well as providing more animals for the high-priced EU markets, and underpinning Bord Bia's marketing and promotional strategies.

Finally, I would mention the 2020 Committee, which I recently established. This includes senior and respected figures from a range of stakeholders in the agri food sector. The group's remit is to prepare a strategy for the agri-food and fisheries sector for the coming decade. This process is well advanced and I believe that the output from this exercise will be important in setting a clear path forward for the beef sector. These initiatives complement the actions being undertaken by Teagasc, and other State Agencies, and together are important in underpinning the production, quality and marketing of Irish beef and the overall viability of the sector.

Food Imports

Simon Coveney

Question:

42 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will comment on the level of food and drink imports from the UK in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22035/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Based on CSO provisional statistics, Bord Bia estimate that the value of food imports (excluding live animals) from the UK declined by six per cent in 2009 from €2.4billion euro to €2.3billion euro, by contrast with an increase in 2008 of almost 20%. In volume terms, imports did increase in 2009, primarily due to the weakness of sterling. Almost half of these imports would be classified as "prepared foods" by Bord Bia, which together with beverages principally contain processed foods ready for retail sale, in contrast to some of the other categories where the imports are for further processing here. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) accounted for €369 million of imports in 2009, showing a decline of eight per cent in euro terms. This followed considerable growth in 2008, and the level of imports remains at a higher level than in 2007.

These figures do not include imports by smaller traders who are not obliged to report their imports or by households who might have purchased groceries for personal consumption in Northern Ireland. On the export side, while the UK remains Ireland's largest trading partner and recent currency development are more conducive to this trade, diversification of food and drink exports, including expansion of exports to eurozone countries, has improved. For example, markets for Irish beef are being established in the major premium supermarket chains in the EU and new marketing initiatives, including the Bord Bia Marketing Fellowships and Marketplace Ireland 2010, are identifying opportunities for companies to do more business within the eurozone.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Bernard Allen

Question:

43 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received for the agri-environment options scheme; the consequences for any EU funds allocated but not drawn down under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22016/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

There has been significant interest in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme since it opened for applications on 30 March 2010. The closing date for receipt of applications was Monday 17 May 2010 and at close of business on that day some 4,400 applications had been submitted to my Department's office at Johnstown Castle Estate in Wexford. However, given the short time frame for submitting applications, and in order to facilitate farmers, applications were also accepted in my Department's local offices. These applications are currently being forwarded to be processed centrally in Wexford. Current indications are that the total number of applications will be close to 8,000, but the actual figure cannot be ascertained until all applications have been received and recorded in Wexford.

EU funding for the Scheme comes from the modulation funding which I secured during the CAP Health Check and from the European Economic Recovery Programme. Given the response to the scheme in the numbers of applications submitted, I am satisfied that all EU funding provided for the scheme will be drawn down.

Sheep Production

Bobby Aylward

Question:

44 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding that is being allocated to the new grassland sheep scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21864/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The sheep sector is a valuable part of the economy with two-thirds of its product destined for export and its future dependant on its ability to meet the needs of the market. I have always acknowledged this fact and have developed a strategy to provide specific supports to the sector.

Last year, on a once-off basis, I introduced the Uplands Sheep Payment, worth €7 million, availing of funds the National Reserve of the 2009 Single Payment Scheme. Subsequently, earlier this year, I launched a three-year, €54 million Grassland Sheep Scheme, the funding for which comes from unused Single Payment funds. Its main objective is to provide a much-needed boost to sheep farmers' incomes, building on the additional support provided by the Uplands Sheep Payment. As the Scheme focuses on flocks with breeding ewes, it should also provide an incentive to farmers to maintain their production levels, which is vital for the future of a viable sheep industry in Ireland.

I decided that an income support measure should be introduced to assist sheep farmers, in view of the continuing decline of the sector. The opportunity arose when, as a result of the Health Check negotiations, a provision was introduced in the SPS Regulations, which enabled Member States to utilise unused SPS funds in measures to assist vulnerable sectors and agri-environmental Schemes. It was necessary to decide whether the income support in the sheep sector should be in the form of a headage payment or a grassland area payment. Both options were examined but the general consensus was that it was not practical to introduce a headage scheme for sheep. All farming organisations and the sheep farmers concur with this view.

The Scheme has been kept administratively simple, which will facilitate the Department in making payments very shortly after the commencement date of 1 December 2010, the earliest date for making payments under this Scheme in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations. Farmers will find participating in the Scheme relatively easy, the three requirements being to:

maintain ewes;

complete the Sheep Census return; and

submit the SPS application form by the closing date of 17th May 2010.

Applicants must maintain sheep on an ongoing basis to retain eligibility for the 2011 and 2012 Schemes, i.e. he or she has to have sheep to declare in their 2011 and 2012 Sheep Census Sheep Returns. Applicants must also submit an SPS application each year to be eligible for the Scheme.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

45 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the agri-environment options scheme plans will commence; the amount of money that will be awarded in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21989/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

There has been significant interest in the Scheme since it opened for applications on 30 March 2010. The closing date for receipt of applications was Monday 17 May 2010 and at close of business on that day some 4,400 applications had been submitted to my Department's office at Johnstown Castle Estate in Wexford. However, given the short time frame for submitting applications, and in order to facilitate farmers, applications were also accepted in my Department's local offices. These applications are currently being forwarded to be processed centrally in Wexford. Current indications are that the total number of applications will be close to 8,000, but the actual figure and the potential level of payments cannot be ascertained until all applications have been received and recorded in Wexford. Expenditure under the scheme will depend on the actual number of applicants and the nature of the measures undertaken by them. The maximum annual payment to applicants under the scheme is €5,000.

Under EU Regulations, payments can not be made until all applications received have been subjected to a rigorous administrative check, including an area cross-check with the declarations made under the Single Payment Scheme. It is not possible, at this early stage, to anticipate how long this process will take but my objective is to ensure that it is completed and that payments issue as quickly as possible.

Common Agricultural Policy

Noel Treacy

Question:

46 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the context of the forthcoming negotiations on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, he believes in the continuation of the two-pillar structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21857/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I support the continuation of a two-pillar structure. My view is that the core purpose of pillar 1 funding is to provide income support to farmers to allow them to maintain family farming and to produce food competitively in an environmentally sustainable manner. In this context, there is a direct link between the income stabilisation role of direct payments and the market stabilisation role of our current market management measures. Rural development policy, on the other hand, supports farmers in developing their productive capacity while securing the environment and ensuring the well being of the wider rural society. I believe that funding from both pillars is critical to the future of Irish and European farming and should be maintained and enhanced.

Trade Negotiations

Róisín Shortall

Question:

47 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the Mercosur and EU trade deal talks trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21994/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I conveyed our Government's serious reservations about the decision to re-engage in negotiations with Mercosur directly to Commissioner Ciolos when I spoke to him on Monday, 17 May. In my discussion with him, I expressed our deep concerns over the decision to re launch the negotiations and the threat which these negotiations could pose for Irish and European agriculture, at a time of great sensitivity in the context of discussions on the CAP post 2013, and in the context of the significant challenges already facing the sector.

Ireland has been to the forefront in urging caution in relation to the resumption of these talks. Having sought the inclusion of Mercosor as an AOB point for the Agriculture Council, Ireland helped to draft a joint paper which was co-signed by France, Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary and Poland, raising concerns on the resumption of the talks, the possible concessions on agriculture that will be required to achieve an agreement and seeking clarification and assurances in relation to any future talks. The concerns expressed in that joint paper were also echoed by many other member states in the Council.

At the Agriculture Council, we highlighted the serious losses for European agriculture and the greater market access concessions that could result from an EU/Mercusor Free Trade Agreement. The importance of agriculture as the largest indigenous manufacturing industry in the context of Ireland's economic recovery was stressed. The impact such an agreement would have on the beef sector and in particular on the high quality beef cuts market in the EU was detailed in our intervention. I have specifically requested a detailed analysis from the Commission of the social, economic and environmental impacts of the anticipated outcome of these negotiations, a request supported by many Member States in the Council.

While the talks have been re-launched, it is in effect a reopening of talks that were originally opened a number of years ago but which were effectively suspended in 2004 after 16 rounds of negotiations, arising from major differences between the two sides in terms of expectations across a range of headings including industrial goods, agriculture, services and intellectual property. Doubts still remain among many Member States that there is a sound basis for a positive engagement or outcome in these talks.

Food Industry

Máire Hoctor

Question:

48 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the contribution that he believes the recent Bord Bia food and drink summit can make to the forthcoming 2020 strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21849/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Bord Bia hosted the recent Food and Drink Summit — "Building Ireland’s largest indigenous industry” — at Farmleigh House on Thursday, 6th May. The summit marked the culmination of a process whereby Bord Bia, in co-operation with Harvard Business School, had engaged with the leaders of the Irish food and drink industry to develop proposals to inform the 2020 agri-food sector strategy process. Harvard conducted a series of one-to-one interviews with 16 of the leading figures in the food and drink sector and collected responses from a further 29 chief executives throughout the industry via questionnaire. Access was also provided to relevant reports and studies relating to the sector and to the wider economy. The findings were presented at the Food and Drink Summit.

As the deputy will know, Harvard Business School identified three broad themes for further consideration. Firstly, they highlighted a need for greater co-operation within the Irish food and drink industry given our small size relative to the global food market. This involves collaboration between companies in the supply chain, and between supply chains themselves in areas such as tourism, pharmaceuticals and health. Secondly, a culture of innovation based on new science and new ways to solve customer needs will be a fundamental part of differentiating Irish product and delivering value to the customer. Thirdly, Harvard emphasised the importance of branding, and establishing a reputation that builds customer loyalty and commands a price premium.

Building further on these three themes, the creation of an umbrella brand for Irish food and drink was central to the Harvard proposal, bringing together as it does the key aspects of collaboration, innovation and branding. While the exact configuration of such a brand would need to be based on further market analysis, it would undoubtedly be linked to Ireland's reputation for green and sustainable production, and would need to be underpinned by a strong science base.

I know that Bord Bia is already pursuing the various proposals presented at the summit. Amongst other things, Bord Bia has undertaken to develop an inventory of relevant collaborative activity at home and abroad to guide companies on best practice in this area. The work of Bord Bia in the area of sustainability and its linkage with existing quality assurance schemes will also be advanced. Furthermore, Bord Bia will support innovation and dynamism in the industry by enhancing the human capital available to it through the Marketing Fellowship Programme.

However, the extent to which the Harvard proposals are brought to fruition will depend on the appetite of industry for their implementation and I expect this will be reflected by the recommendations in the 2020 Agri-food Strategy. The Committee charged with developing this strategy, most of whom attended the summit, have indicated their support for many aspects of the Harvard proposals. Indeed, I am told that the need for greater co-ordination along the supply chain, an emphasis on innovation, and the importance of Ireland's reputation for environmentally sustainable production have been central to much of the Committee's deliberations over the last number of months. As such, I believe the Harvard proposals will form an important strand of the 2020 Strategy.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

49 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding changes to the agri-environment options scheme specifications on species rich grassland and the increase in the natura payment from €75 to €150 per hectare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21990/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department has submitted proposals to the European Commission for a number of amendments to the provisions for the Agri-Environment Options/Natura Scheme under the revised Rural Development Programme, 2007–13. The proposals are being pursued as a matter of urgency but, in accordance with regulatory procedures, the Commission is permitted a period of four months in which to deliberate and reply. The proposed amendments are:

Revision to Natura 2000:

To increase the rate of payment from €75 to €150 per hectare, subject to the payment limits of the scheme.

Revision to the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS):

To provide for the inclusion of tree whips under the "Tree Planting and Management" option.

To remove the prohibition on the application of any fertiliser and to allow for the application of 30kgs of fertiliser per hectare under the "Species Rich Grassland" option.

My officials will remain in contact with the Commission to secure an early response to these issues.

On-farm Investment Schemes

Enda Kenny

Question:

50 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the measures announced in July 2009 using unspent Common Agricultural Policy funds will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22057/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Under the final agreement on the Health Check of the CAP Ireland secured access to additional funds of €25 million annually from unspent CAP funds for three year from 2010. Following wide consultation with interested stakeholders and having regard to the provisions of the Regulations, I decided to allocate the funds to three schemes, details of which I announced over the last number of months. The schemes are:

A Dairy Efficiency Programme which involves the payment of €6million per annum over the next three years to eligible dairy farmers who actively participate in the programme with a view to achieving significant efficiency gains on their farms.

A Grassland Sheep Scheme involving the payment of €18million per annum to sheep farmers for each of the three years 2010, 2011 and 2012,and

The Burren Life — Farming for Conservation Programme providing €1million each year for the next three years to support high environmental value farming in the Burren which is one of Ireland's outstanding landscapes and is world renowned.

The dairy sector faces many challenges as it prepares for quota abolition and the realities of competing in a global market place. The Dairy Efficiency Programme, with its main focus on cost reduction and greater efficiencies, further reinforces the initiatives which I have undertaken to help the dairy industry to look to the future with optimism. The Grassland Sheep Scheme provides much needed support to the sheep sector and will act a real incentive to farmers to maintain their production levels, which are essential for the future of the sheep industry in this country. The Burren Life Programme is a continuation and mainstreaming of the pilot scheme known as the Burren Life project. It is a voluntary scheme open to farmers who farm in the Burren region in north Clare and south Galway and will provide an important boost to the traditional farming methods employed in this unique karst landscape.

My Department has now implemented all three schemes. Under EU regulations payments under the three schemes can only commence on 1 December 2010. I am confident that the bulk of the payments under the Grassland Sheep Scheme will be made in early December. It is expected that payments under the other two schemes will commence early in 2011 when the participants have completed their obligations under each scheme.

Afforestation Programme

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

51 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the strategic implications of the cuts to forest premia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22008/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Supplementary Budget introduced by the Minister for Finance in April 2009 reduced the funding available for the Forestry programme in 2009 and difficult decisions were taken by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to make the maximum use of these funds. Maintaining an active afforestation programme was an important consideration in this decision-making process given its employment potential. However, this necessitated a reduction in other parts of the forestry programme. It was decided, therefore, to reduce by 8% the annual forestry premium that is paid to landowners following the successful establishment of their plantations.

With the continued availability of grants to cover establishment costs the overall planting package still provides an attractive land-use option for farmers. Provision has been included in the 2010 Budget for 7,000 hectares of new planting, an increase of over 5% on the level achieved in 2009. Evidence of the continued interest in forestry, despite the reduction in premium, is the increase to date in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 by 26% in the number of applications for approval to plant (from 649 to 817).

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Seymour Crawford

Question:

52 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that is being made on the REP scheme payments especially in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the number of payments that are still outstanding; when these outstanding files will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21870/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

A total of 29,376 applications were received for participation in REPS 4 for payment in 2009. The acceptance of REPS 4 applications is governed by EU Regulations which require exhaustive administrative checks and on-the-spot inspections. In a significant number of the applications received, the administrative checks raised issues and queries which required further detailed examination. My Department's staff have been working to resolve these as quickly as possible. Many of these cases required the applicants' planners to amend the farm plans that were submitted originally. The applicants concerned were made aware of the position and the applications are being further processed without delay on receipt of amended plans. So far, 24,023 applicants have received full payment for 2009 and work is continuing to process the remainder as quickly as possible.

A total of 1,101 applications were received from Co Cavan of which 852 have been paid in full. A further 903 applications were received from Co Monaghan of which 765 have been paid in full. My Department is continuing to process the balances of 249 and 138 applications respectively with a view to payment as quickly as possible.

Common Fisheries Policy

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

53 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his priorities for the new Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21848/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The European Commission issued a Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in April 2009 and sought responses to their proposals. Minister Killeen, who had responsibility for the Fisheries portfolio at that time, appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to chair a nationwide public consultation process. The result of these consultations contributed in no small way to Ireland's response to the Green Paper which issued on the 23rd of February. Our submission on the CFP reform sets down a number of informed recommendations which we believe must be incorporated into the new Common Fisheries Policy. They take a pragmatic approach, which promote measures that collectively take account of economic, social, environmental and sustainability factors. The report in its entirety and all formal submissions received during the public consultation process are available on www.fishingnet.ie.

Ireland's priorities for the new CFP are set out clearly in the submission. Central to those priorities are:

New focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea with a complete ban being introduced for stocks in a depleted state;

The retention of a management system based on national quotas supported by increased flexibility and a rejection of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the introduction of international trading of fish quotas;

Access to coastal waters to be re-examined with a view to an extension of the coastal limit to 20 miles with new management arrangements in place to strengthen coastal communities dependant on inshore coastal fisheries;

New measures to strengthen the market for EU producers and increase quay side prices;

Reinvigoration of European aquaculture with continued structural support and a roadmap that establishes a route for growth in harmony with Community environmental law.

New regional structure to decision making at EU level with increasing industry responsibility and the development of a culture of compliance.

Minister of State Sean Connick, T.D. attended a bilateral meeting with the Maria Damanaki, the new EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, on the 29th of March 2010. This meeting was arranged at his request to discuss the Report on "Ireland's Response" to the Commissions Green Paper on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and to set out clearly Ireland's National position on the CFP reform. At this meeting many areas where we have common ground with the EU Commission were discussed, however, he made it quite clear that Ireland does not support the Commission's ideas expressed in the Green Paper which would allow our national fish quotas to be privatised and traded away to large European fishing companies. He stressed that Ireland's main objective in the Reform Process will be to protect the national fish quotas as a public resource to be used for the benefit of our family owned fleet and to support our coastal communities.

The Informal Meeting of Fisheries Ministers in Vigo, Spain at the start of this month was attended by Minister of State, Sean Connick TD. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), including a summary of the consultation process which was published by the Commission. During the informal meeting, Minister Connick set out Ireland's position for his Ministerial colleagues and heard their thoughts and the reasons for the approaches they are proposing. Minister Connick also availed of the opportunity to meet with Ministers that hold similar views on aspects of the reform in order to form alliances that will strengthen our case in the upcoming intensive negotiations on the CFP reform.

It is now clear that there are some divergent views on aspects of the reform process, but we are confident that we can work with our Ministerial colleagues and the EU Commission to produce a practical and effective policy for fisheries into the future. It is anticipated that a working document concerning reform options will be prepared by the Commission and presented at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council scheduled for the 28th/29th June 2010. Nationally, I intend to continue my close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Fishermen and the other stakeholders to put Ireland's case forward during the review, to vigorously defend Ireland's maritime interests, and to convince our Member State colleagues and the Commission to strengthen the current policy in line with Ireland's submission on the reform of the CFP.

Cereal Sector

Tom Hayes

Question:

54 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to encourage forward selling in the grain market and thereby reduce dependency on prices in the market at harvest time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22052/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

It is important that producers and merchants continue to explore ways in which harvest prices can be determined in advance to allow for cost-effective forward planning by all sectors of the industry. Grain prices are strongly influenced by both the world and EU markets and indeed Ireland accounts for around only 1% or so of the EU market.

The maintenance of an efficient and viable crops sector in Ireland is very important to the well being of the agri-food industry. Indigenous production of cereals is of course, an important part of primary agriculture production. In addition to generating an income for our tillage farmers, the cereals sector is a key source of grain for the milling and malting industry and feedingstuffs for the livestock sector. Annual cereals production in Ireland has fluctuated around 2 million tonnes in recent years. It is desirable to try to sustain this level of production in order to avoid over-dependence on imported cereals.

My Department operates a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing, variety testing and publication of recommended lists of varieties. In addition, Teagasc provides research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world. In February of this year I launched a major initiative to draw up a long-term strategy for the agri-food, forestry and fisheries sector. The important role of the cereals sector as part of this long-term strategy will be fully examined.

Food Industry

Catherine Byrne

Question:

55 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of the discussions he has had regarding the timeframe for the introduction of the code of conduct for the retail sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22028/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Renewed Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to "implement a Code of Practice for doing business in the Grocery Goods sector to develop a fair trading relationship between retailers and their suppliers" and "to review progress of the Code and if necessary to put in place a mandatory code". The Government will give effect to this commitment by including a specific provision in the legislation, currently being prepared by my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, which will allow for the introduction of statutory Codes of Practice in areas such as the grocery goods sector. Minister O' Keeffe expects to publish this legislation later this year. In the interim period until the legislation is enacted, the possibilities of agreeing a Voluntary Code, which would respect the interests of all parties is being explored with all the relevant stakeholders.

The Government is strongly committed to ensuring that Ireland continues to have vibrant agri food and retail sectors, particularly given the importance of these sectors to the national economy. The Government considers it important, therefore, that there is balance and transparency in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector. The introduction of a Code of Practice, as provided for in the Programme for Government, is intended to achieve such a balance taking into account the interests of all stakeholders in the grocery goods sector including the interests of the consumer.

Fishing Industry Development

Alan Shatter

Question:

56 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the capital funding that he has put in place for the development of small fish processing businesses for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22087/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Under the National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013 capital funding of €1.5m has been allocated for fish processing. However a delay has been experienced in the adoption of the Programme due to concerns raised by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding environmental issues relating to compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and sea lice control on salmon farms. I am working to address the concerns of these Departments and consider a way forward with a view to the adoption of the Operational Programme without further delay.

Common Agricultural Policy

Damien English

Question:

57 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of administering the Common Agricultural Policy here as a percentage of the CAP funds allocated to Ireland; the way this compares with EU norms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22042/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Commission has developed a template for calculating the costs of implementing EU funded schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy for the purposes of showing comparisons between Member States. The comparison shows that the administrative costs in Ireland are significantly lower than the EU average. The latest data submitted for the purposes of the EU comparison shows that the cost to the Department in 2008 of administering EAGF funded schemes (market supports and direct payments) amounted to 2.79% of expenditure under the schemes and for the EAFRD (rural development measures) the cost of administration was to 2.61%. The details are set out in the tabular statement below. The overall EU average cost in the EU 25 Member States was 4.15% in 2007 which is the most recent data available.

2008: expenditure and administrative costs
	Expenditure	Administrative costs	Admin cost as % of expenditure
	€m	€m
EAGF	1,452	40.5	2.79%
EAFRD*	614	16.0	2.61%

*EU and national funding.

Harbours and Piers

James Reilly

Question:

58 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to visit Cromane pier, County Kerry; if he will indicate a date for his proposed visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22082/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Kerry County Council proposes to construct a new pier at Cromane. The proposed pier will be the property of that Local Authority who will be responsible for its development, maintenance and repair. No arrangements have been put in place for a visit to Cromane in the near future.

Access to Credit

Seymour Crawford

Question:

59 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that has been made between the banks and those representing pig farmers in particular; his views on whether many of these farmers are continuing under severe pressure for working capital and every day living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21869/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I recently met with representatives of the Irish Banking Federation and impressed upon them the credit requirements of the agri-food sector, including the pig sector. While it is reported that there has been some easing of the restrictions on the flow of credit, there are still individual cases of difficulty. Therefore I will continue my dialogue with the banks on the issue. Following the establishment, under the NAMA legislation, of the Credit Review Office, SMEs, sole traders and farmers may now get a review of a refusal or withdrawal of business credit.

As with those in many sectors, pig producers have been operating in a more difficult trading environment as a result of the global economic downturn and an unhelpful Sterling/Euro exchange rate. Nonetheless, pork is the most consumed meat product globally and I believe that there is significant potential for growth in the sector.

My Department is at present working with the Agri 2020 Committee to develop a medium term strategy for the Agri Food Sector, including the pig sector and I expect this exercise to be concluded shortly. In the meantime my department and its agencies will continue to work with the industry to ensure the optimal framework for its development, inter alia by ensuring the Irish pigmeat sector has access to the maximum number of third country markets, through the provision in the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, of capital funding for investment in sow housing, by investing in consumer promotions at retail level and education programmes at food service level to promote Quality Assurance and by funding marketing initiatives at home and overseas.

Following constructive engagement with the Chinese authorities and a meeting last week in Beijing between myself and the Chinese Minister for Agriculture, Mr Han Changfu, and the Minister for Quality, Supervision and Inspection, Mr Wang Yong the Chinese market has been fully reopened to Irish pigmeat. I believe there will be the immediate potential for €20 million in trade, and this can be built on significantly in the years ahead.

Trade Negotiations

Niall Collins

Question:

60 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has been in contact with the EU Agriculture Commissioner regarding the decision by the Commission to re-open negotiations with the Mercosur group of South American countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21853/10]

Niall Collins

Question:

100 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he has conveyed his concerns about the possible impact of the forthcoming negotiations between the EU Commission and the Mercosur group of countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21854/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 100 together.

I conveyed our Government's serious reservations about the decision to re-engage in negotiations with Mercosur directly to Commissioner Ciolos when I spoke to him on Monday, 17 May. In my discussion with him, I expressed our deep concerns over the decision to re launch the negotiations and the threat which these negotiations could pose for Irish and European agriculture, at a time of great sensitivity in the context of discussions on the CAP post 2013, and in the context of the significant challenges already facing the sector.

Ireland has been to the forefront in urging caution in relation to the resumption of these talks. Having sought the inclusion of Mercosor as an AOB point for the Agriculture Council, Ireland helped to draft a joint paper which was co-signed by France, Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary and Poland, raising concerns on the resumption of the talks, the possible concessions on agriculture that will be required to achieve an agreement and seeking clarification and assurances in relation to any future talks. The concerns expressed in that joint paper were also echoed by many other member states in the Council.

At the Agriculture Council, we highlighted the serious losses for European agriculture and the greater market access concessions that could result from an EU/Mercusor Free Trade Agreement. The importance of agriculture as the largest indigenous manufacturing industry in the context of Ireland's economic recovery was stressed. The impact such an agreement would have on the beef sector and in particular on the high quality beef cuts market in the EU was detailed in our intervention. I have specifically requested a detailed analysis from the Commission of the social, economic and environmental impacts of the anticipated outcome of these negotiations, a request supported by many Member States in the Council.

While the talks have been re-launched, it is in effect a reopening of talks that were originally opened a number of years ago but which were effectively suspended in 2004 after 16 rounds of negotiations, arising from major differences between the two sides in terms of expectations across a range of headings including industrial goods, agriculture, services and intellectual property. Doubts still remain among many Member States that there is a sound basis for a positive engagement or outcome in these talks.

Single Payment Scheme

Niall Blaney

Question:

61 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether there is a compelling case to change the current historical model of determining single payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21855/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My starting point is that I see no compelling reason to change from the current historical model for determining single payments. I believe that the historical model has a distinct advantage in linking the payment with level of farming activity, albeit activity in 2000-2002. I have made my views on the benefits of the historic model clear at meetings of the Council of Ministers and in bilateral discussions with other member states and the Commission.

That having been said, it would appear that Ireland is in a very small minority of Member States that hold this view. Many of our partners in Europe are now questioning the credibility of this system for determining direct payments. We need, therefore, to be open to looking at alternative models that might command the support of a larger number of Member States, but would be beneficial to Ireland. While I am prepared to look at the alternatives, particularly if other countries move from the "historic camp", there is a need to find a basis that is acceptable and fair to all Member States and that meets Irish objectives of improved competitiveness and sustainability.

There are no concrete proposals as yet on this matter but it is clear that most Member States, including ourselves, are carrying out analysis to determine which system might suit us best. From our analysis so far, we know that Ireland would lose out under a simple EU-wide flat rate by nearly 20%, based on current EU SPS funding levels. We also know that movement to a regional or national flat rate in Ireland, based on our current national envelope, would broadly have the effect of shifting funding from farmers in the east to the west and from cattle fattening and tillage farms to cattle rearing and sheep farms with little change on dairy farms. It is clear that there is a long way to go in this debate. I will be seeking to have the option to maintain our current system and, failing that, to ensure that there is a fair and equitable division of funds that supports family farm incomes in Ireland and allows our farmers to get on with the business of farming.

EU Directives

Dan Neville

Question:

62 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of the discussions he has had relating to the recent communication from the European Union regarding Ireland’s compliance with an EU directive on fish farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

This concerns a Letter of Formal Notice received from the Commission on 5th May 2010 indicating that Ireland has not adequately implemented measures necessary to comply with the judgement of the European Court of Justice in case C-66/06, Commission v Ireland. Specifically, the Commission wants Ireland to apply the criteria in Annex 3 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (85/337/EEC) to the consideration by my Department of aquaculture licence applications. The requirement is for my Department to apply the criteria in Annex 3 of the 1985 Directive when deciding whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland is committed to the full implementation of all measures necessary to comply with the European Court of Justice judgement as it affects aquaculture licensing. A draft Statutory Instrument amending the aquaculture regulations to meet the requirements of the Letter of Formal Notice is being finalised This will meet the requirements of the Commission in its letter of Formal Notice.

Food Industry

Joe Costello

Question:

63 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures that he is taking to ensure the viability of the artisan farmhouse cheese sector; if he acknowledges that there are about 60 farmhouse cheese manufacturers here, producing about 1,250 tonnes of cheese with a value of about €9 million; if there is further growth potential in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21971/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The farmhouse cheese sector makes a valuable contribution to the local food economy, to exports and enhances the local food culture. The sector receives support from my Department and from Agencies under the aegis of my Department. Additional milk quota is provided to support the development of high value and specialist milk products including farmhouse cheese. Specialist advice and support are provided by Teagasc and Bord Bia has consistently championed the sector via national and international trade fairs and competitions. In addition, funding is available under the Bord Bia Marketing Finance Programme and individual farmhouse cheese producers have participated in the Bord Bia Vantage suite of services for small business ( www.bordbiavantage.ie ) and the Marketing Fellowship Programme. The information sought by the Deputy is being collated and will be communicated separately.

Dairy Industry

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

64 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views regarding the continued need for the use of market management measures in the dairy sector, in view of the ongoing fragile nature of the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21867/10]

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

105 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether market management measures have a continued role to play in relation to the dairy sector, notwithstanding recent improvements in milk prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21868/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 105 together.

The EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) provides a range of measures that can be used to manage the dairy market, and these were modified in the CAP reforms of 1999 and 2003. In the Health Check negotiations in 2008 there was pressure to remove or weaken the support measures significantly. At that time I fought hard to keep the key market instruments in place and the importance of retaining these support measures was proven last year when the dairy market experienced a dramatic decline. During 2009 I frequently pressed the Commission to take all appropriate measures to deal with the dairy market situation, and there is no doubt that the implementation of a range of support measures helped to stabilise the market in 2009. The dairy market situation has improved considerably since last autumn and more recently has shown signs of a robust recovery with increased commodity prices on world and EU markets, and a consequent rise in milk prices. I will continue to maintain close contact with the EU Commission and the Council to ensure that support measures are activated at levels that will make a real impact on the market.

I am committed to a strong and adequately resourced CAP after 2013 and I believe there is a continued role for existing market measures. The experience of the dairy sector in the past year reinforces this view. Furthermore, there is also a need for new measures which could assist in managing market volatility, and the Commission High Level Group on Milk is considering this issue. The Group was tasked with examining medium and long term ways of stabilising dairy farmers incomes and improving market transparency. It is expected that the Group will present a report by the end of June 2010.

National Laboratory

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

65 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the national laboratory at Backweston, Celbridge, County Kildare is now adequately equipped and staffed to meet all possible animal health or food chain checks or tests; if there are any situations in which samples have to be sent out of the country for whatever reason; the nature of such situations; the extent to which a rapid response is now achievable in respect of samples submitted to Backweston; the number of samples tested on a weekly basis at Backweston or elsewhere throughout the country in each of the past five years to date in 2010; the number of such samples sent outside this jurisdiction in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The vast majority of the buildings of DAFF Laboratories, at Backweston are completely operational and functioning as intended. Amelioration works on some areas of the laboratories are required prior to they coming on stream. These are expected to be completed during 2011. The move to and the concentration of laboratory facilities at Backweston has provided state of the art facilities to DAFF in terms of meeting its requirement for laboratory facilities.

While some tests in the animal health area are referred to laboratories abroad eg for testing for exotic viruses etc. (see below) it is envisaged that the need for such referrals will diminish in the future, as DAFF Laboratories continue to introduce new analytical methods and technologies with the objective of meeting a higher proportion of our needs and thus minimising our dependency on external laboratories. Also, the DAFF Laboratory facilities at Backweston are capable of dealing with DAFF's analytical requirements to a considerable degree but do not meet all of DAFFs requirements. DAFF still needs to outsource certain elements of its analytical requirements to other national and international laboratory service providers. In particular in times of emergency, such as in the case of the dioxin crisis, samples were sent abroad for analysis to ensure the problem was fully quantified and brought to a conclusion as rapidly as possible (DAFF laboratories at Backweston should not be confused with the State Laboratories of the Department of Finance which are also on the Backweston site).

The staff in DAFF laboratories are highly committed and make themselves available for a rapid response even out of hours when necessary. Samples turnaround times vary depending on the complexity of the tests involved and predicted turn around times are complied with in most instances in DAFF laboratories. Computerised data are not yet available for all the divisions receiving samples for testing in DAFF Laboratories. For this reason the exact weekly figures are not readily available and vary per week within and between each year. However, the total mean weekly figures for DAFF's Regional Laboratories and the divisions at DAFF laboratories Backweston are given below, bearing in mind that many of the samples submitted are subjected to a number of tests within laboratories and divisions.

The mean weekly number of samples tested in the Central and Regional DAFF Laboratories in 2006 was 98,170 samples per week; in 2007 it was 96,797 samples per week, in 2008 it was 93,871 samples per week, in 2009 it was 89,989 samples per week, so far in 2010 the figures are running at approximately 69,000 samples per week.

A number of samples are sent abroad annually for tests which are not carried out at DAFF laboratories eg typing of bacteria, tests for exotic viruses, confirmatory testing, toxin or residue analysis etc. or where the in-house resources are inadequate to carry out testing. This may vary annually depending on circumstances. In 2006 the mean weekly number of samples sent abroad for testing from DAFF laboratories was 17 in 2006 and 2007, it was a mean of 19 samples per week in 2008 and a mean of 18 samples per week in 2009. To date in 2010 the figure is running at approximately 20 samples per week.

There are ongoing discussions between DAFF and the Department of Finance in relation to the recruitment of staff, of which a number will be assigned to laboratory duties. When sanction is received, these staff will be recruited and will contribute to reducing our dependency on external laboratories. Demands on laboratory resources are however, expected to increase further due to the introduction of new EU legislation and its associated testing requirements and also the implications of incentivised leave and retirement schemes.

Oireachtas Committees’ Reports

Martin Ferris

Question:

66 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has read the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on farming and fishing in the west; and if he plans to implement the proposals recommended by the Oireachtas committee when it considered the report. [21842/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department is considering the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on farming and fishing in the West. It will take account of the report as part of the formulation of agriculture policies for the future.

Marine Institute

Leo Varadkar

Question:

67 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the research that is being carried out by the Marine Institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22086/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Marine Institute (MI) is the national agency with responsibility for Marine Research, Technology Development and Innovation (RTDI). The Institute was established under the 1991 Marine Institute Act. The role of the MI is to promote the sustainable development of the marine industry through strategic funding programmes and essential scientific services that safeguard the marine environment through research and environmental monitoring. The Institute identifies and updates marine research and development priorities and gap areas on an on-going basis. The Marine Institute’s current priority research activities are set out below.

Advice on Fish Stocks

Through the compilation of the annual Stock Book the MI provides fisheries scientific assessments and advice essential to the support of negotiations under the annual fisheries, TAC and quota negotiations and the upcoming Review of the Common Fisheries Policy. MI researchers are at the leading edge in international scientific activity to incorporate the ecosystem approach to fisheries management as required under new EU environmental legislation.

Seafood Safety & Scientific Monitoring

The MI provides the coast-wide seafood safety and scientific monitoring programmes to certify the safety status of our exports. The MI is also involved in research to improve screening technology and to gain knowledge about the origin and precise nature of key natural toxins in the Irish marine environment.

Sea Change

ThroughSea Change — A Marine Knowledge, Research & Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013, the Institute, as implementing body, brings together industry, higher education institutions and government bodies to drive development of the marine sector as a dynamic element of the smart economy. The research initiatives include three major national programmes in the areas of biotechnology, advanced technology research and ocean energy.

SmartBay

The SmartBay project prioritises and facilitates the identification, testing and development of next generation marine and environmental technologies.

INFOMAR

INFOMAR is the national marine mapping programme developed to facilitate planning the sustainable development of Ireland's 220 million acres underwater.

Natura 2000 Data Collection

On behalf of the DAFF the Marine Institute, in partnership with National Parks and Wildlife (NPDS), has commenced a programme of baseline data collection of Natura 2000 sites. This data will enable the setting of conservation objectives under the Habitats and Birds Directives by NPWS, and will also be used by the Marine Institute to carry out appropriate assessments of aquaculture and inshore fisheries sites.

EU Marine Research Programmes

The Marine Institute operates a European Desk which is aimed at supporting Irish marine researchers (academic and industry) to target significant EU research Grant-aid under the Framework 7 and Interreg Programmes in the marine area.

Alternative Farm Enterprises

Paul Kehoe

Question:

68 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications that were received and the number accepted under the bioenergy scheme 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22055/10]

David Stanton

Question:

98 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 18 of 11 March 2010, if he will report on the progress of the bioenergy scheme which was launched by his Department in February 2010 and replaced the pilot scheme which ran from 2007 to 2009; the number of applications and the amount of grant aid allocated to date to farmers growing miscanthus and willow; the targets and goals of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22006/10]

Andrew Doyle

Question:

99 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications that were received and the number accepted under the bioenergy scheme 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22010/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 98 and 99 together.

The 2010 Bioenergy Scheme was announced in February 2010 to build on progress made during the pilot phase which ran from 2007-2009. The new Scheme will support miscanthus and willow cultivation to the end of 2010. Under the terms of the new 2010 Bioenergy Scheme, farmers can avail of establishment grants worth €1,300 per hectare to cover 50% of the cost of establishment.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2010 Scheme was 31st March 2010. At the closing date, 91 applications had been received, with 53 applicants seeking approval for a total of 477 hectares of miscanthus and 38 applicants seeking approval for a total of 390 hectares of willow. To date, approval has been granted to 63 farmers — 32 to plant approximately 260 hectares of miscanthus and 31 to plant approximately 340 hectares of willow. There are a further 11 cases — 6 applicants for a total of 74 hectares of miscanthus and 5 applicants for a total of 33 hectares of willow, with issues to be resolved prior to approval being granted.

Of the original 91 applicants, 16 have withdrawn their applications, while one applicant was refused as they did not satisfy the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. Successful applicants under the 2010 scheme will be entitled to their first instalment payment of 75% of the establishment grant from autumn 2010 following the successful establishment of the crop. The pilot Scheme which ran from 2007-2009 supported 364 farmers in the planting of some 2,500 hectares (2,100 miscanthus and 360 willow) to the end of 2009 at a cost of some €2.9 million.

The focus of the Bioenergy Scheme continues to be on supporting the increased production of miscanthus and willow in Ireland. The benefits of this action include increasing the supply of bioenergy crops to meet Government targets and policies in the bioenergy and non-food crop sector, contributing to the reduction in GHG emissions, and providing farmers with additional income streams.

Health and Safety Regulations

Róisín Shortall

Question:

69 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if any publicity campaign is planned to highlight the importance of health and safety practices on farms over the summer months in view of the fact that already 11 deaths have occurred on farms here in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21995/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I am deeply concerned with the level of safety on our farms. This year 11 people have already died as a result of accidents on Irish farms. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the national body in Ireland that is responsible for the promotion and enforcement of workplace health and safety.

I fully support the efforts made by the HSA to promote the importance of health and safety practices on farms. The Farm Safety Action Plan 2009-2012, developed by the HSA and Farm Safety Partnership (FSP), identifies 7 goals to prevent farm accidents and fatalities. Goal 1 is to ‘raise national awareness of occupational safety and health in agriculture’. This goal lists 23 Actions to promote and raise awareness of farm health and safety and is it is a sustained campaign by all members of the FSP. As part of this goal, my Department has committed to issuing relevant and timely farm safety press releases. I recently attended a meeting with my colleague Dara Calleary, the Minister for Labour Affairs, and the farm organisations. As a result of this meeting I have given a further commitment to facilitate the HSA to distribute their promotional health and safety mail-shots to farmers.

Farm Waste Management

Willie Penrose

Question:

70 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the final instalment of the farm waste management grants will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21986/10]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

87 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of interest that is due to farmers who were paid farm waste management grants under the 40/40/20 arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21985/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

New rules restricting fishing vessels' days at sea in the Irish Sea and the waters to the northwest of Ireland and Scotland have been introduced as part of the EU's revised Cod Recovery Plan set out in Council Regulation (EC) No. 1342/2008 and the TAC and Quota Council Regulation for 2010, 53/2010.

The plan has introduced a new system of effort management that sets effort ceilings (expressed in kilowatt-days) for groups of vessels or fleet segments. The management of these ceilings has been devolved to the national level. Member States have received annual allocations of fishing effort for the areas covered by the Plan, which include the Irish Sea (ICES area VIIa) and the waters to the northwest of Ireland and Scotland (ICES area VIa). The effort allocation levels were established by the EU Fisheries Council on the basis of an EU Commission proposal. They were calculated by averaging the fishing activity levels of each Member State in the areas during a reference period of 2004-2006 or 2005-2007 and then reducing that effort by 25% in respect of 2009 and a further 25% in respect of 2010. This methodology means there is now limited fishing effort available for all Community vessels, including Irish vessels, fishing in the designated areas.

Under the plan, each Member State is required to introduce a licensing regime to manage its effort allocations. Any vessel longer than 10 metres overall must have an authorisation from its Member State in order to operate in one of the designated areas using the fishing gears covered by the plan. Member States can decide on the method of allocating their national pools of fishing effort, which are broken down by fishing gear type.

A Steering Group has been established involving the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), The Irish Fishermen's Organisation (IFO) the Department and agencies to provide support to the industry in relation to the practical implementation of these new measures. This steering group meets regularly to assess and monitor the ongoing implementation of fishing effort in the specified areas. The Steering Group has recommended for each period a system of authorisations and allocations of fishing effort for the following periods:

1 February 2009 to 30 April 2009;

1 May 2009 to 30 October 2009;

1 November 2009 to 31 January 2010;

1 February 2010 to 30 April 2010.

A number of measures have been implemented which are intended to reduce Cod mortality in the areas. Firstly a seasonal closure (1 February 2010 to 31 March 2010 and 1 October 2010 to 31 January 2011) of an area locally known as the Cape in an area off the North West coast is being implemented in 2010; this is an important nursery area for juvenile Cod. Secondly a scheme has been implemented which piloted the use of Cod avoidance fishing gear, the Swedish Grid in the Nephrops (prawn) fishery in the Irish Sea. This gear has been tested by Bord Iascaigh Mhara in conjunction with vessel owners and has proven effective in reducing cod as a by-catch when targeting other species. These measures allow Ireland to "buy back" fishing effort for its fleet for 2010 under Article 13 of the Council Regulation.

In addition, an application has been made under Article 11 of the Council Regulation to exclude vessels with a track record of using the Swedish grid in the Nephrops fishery from the effort restrictions going forward. Ireland's application in this regard is being evaluated by the EU Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). Vessel owners are encouraged to use the separator panel and the Swedish Grid as it is particularly effective in the avoidance of cod catches in the Nephrops fishery.

I will continue to work closely with industry representatives to ensure that the management arrangements for fishing effort put in place are best suited to the situation of the Irish fleet. I remain positive that these measures, which are significantly reducing fishing activity on cod stocks both in a directed fishery and where cod is found as a by-catch in other fisheries, will be effective in rebuilding cod stocks in both the Irish Sea and the north west.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

74 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the reopening of the bass fishery to commercial fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22073/10]

Tom Sheahan

Question:

82 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the reopening of the bass fishery to commercial fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22015/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 82 together.

The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has made a proposal to my Department concerning a limited Sea Bass fishery in the Celtic Sea. In the proposal, the FIF have stated that they will take a "precautionary approach to avoid any fishing whatsoever of the Irish inshore stock". The FIF has specifically proposed that vessels would be permitted to land only Sea Bass caught south of (51.30'N) in area VII, which is an area approximately 50 KM off the SE coast and adjacent to the SW coast of Ireland, this area extends 375Km south. The FIF proposal, having regard to the scientific advice that is available on the inshore stock, also provides that all fishing for sea bass should be prohibited inside the Irish 12 mile coastal limit until there is further assessment carried out to determine the state of the stock.

Irish vessels are currently precluded from landing Sea Bass under the Bass (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 230 of 2006) and the Bass (Restriction on Sale) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 367 of 2007). The complete ban for the commercial fishing of sea bass applies to Irish fishing vessels in all areas while the vessels of other EU Member States are permitted to fish for sea bass, other than within Ireland's 6 mile coastal zone where a complete ban applies. These regulations were introduced as a co-ordinated set of measures with the Sea Bass Fishing Conservation bylaws. The regime imposes a bag limit on anglers of two bass in any one period of 24 hours and a ban on angling for bass during the spawning season, from 15th May to 15th June in any given year. The key reasons for the introduction of these measures in 1990 was the dramatic decline of Sea Bass stocks in the 1970s, which together with the relatively late spawning age of Irish Bass meant that future bass stocks were in a poor state.

I recognise that this is a very complex issue which can have significant local and national impacts aside from commercial fishing, such as angling tourism and marine bio-diversity. Indeed, I am also conscious that a large number of continental and UK anglers visit Ireland every year for the sole purpose of Bass fishing. In order to understand the full impacts of this proposal, I have sought and received scientific advice from the Marine Institute in relation to the proposal by the FIF. Additionally I have sought and received the advice of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in relation to control implications proposal, from the perspective of the regulation of such a fishery.

In relation to the proposal, Minister Killeen wrote to Minister Lenihan in the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, including Bass angling, seeking his views on this proposal and Minister Lenihan has provided those observations. I am currently considering the proposal together with the advice, observations and submissions made to date, in order to determine whether sufficient information is available in order to reach a determination on the matter.

Dairy Industry

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

75 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding his Department’s checking of milk testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21979/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

In response to a commitment made by the Government in the Social Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, my Department extended its monitoring and cross checking of the milk testing regime from 1st April 2008. This followed extensive consultations with the farming organisations and representatives of the milk processing industry. To ensure there is transparency in the milk testing procedures, as guaranteed under the Partnership Agreement, the findings of these inspections are published on the Department's website. The range of these findings has been very satisfactory to date.

Organic Farming

Question:
76 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of demand there is for organic food; his views on whether there is potential for this to grow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21852/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Irish organic retail market was estimated to be worth €124 million in 2009 compared to €66 million in 2006 and €38 million in 2003. There are indications that while the value of the market has fallen within the past 12 months to some €100 million, the actual volume of organic sales has fallen to a much smaller extent and is estimated to have reduced by less than 4%.

The trends in relation to the production and consumption of food over the past few years indicate that Ireland has an increasingly health-conscious consumer who also demands quality, convenience and value. The majority of organic produce sold in Ireland is imported and it is clear that there are opportunities for producers to fill that gap and increase the level of home production as opposed to imported organic produce. I believe, therefore, that there has been a growing demand for organic food which is likely to reappear once the current economic difficulties have been overcome.

Aquaculture Licences

John O'Mahony

Question:

77 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of aquaculture licences that are awaiting processing; the number of licence applications that are for first time licences; the number of applications that are for renewal licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22077/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

There are 487 aquaculture licence applications awaiting determination — this consists of 259 applications for first time licences and 228 renewal applications. The backlog in the processing of new and renewal licence applications largely arises because the majority of areas for which the licences are sought are designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and/or Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 sites).

In the case of aquaculture sites located within Natura 2000 areas my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is engaged in a comprehensive programme to gather the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas. This process is ongoing. The comprehensive data collection programme together with the setting of appropriate conservation objectives will enable all new and renewal applications to be appropriately assessed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. My Department continues to make every effort to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all national and EU legislation.

Irish National Stud

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 74.

On-farm Investment Schemes

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

83 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be in a position to announce details of on-farm investment schemes for the pig and poultry sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21866/10]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

92 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be in a position to announce details of the various on-farm investment measures, which will be funded by unspent funds from the single payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21865/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 92 together.

My Department recently received EU Commission approval for the various targeted on-farm investment schemes announced by my Department in 2009. Due to the relatively short time-frames for completion of the investment works concerned, my priority is to introduce the Sow Welfare and Poultry Welfare Schemes first. Arrangements will then be made to introduce the three remaining Schemes. Discussions are ongoing with the relevant farming organizations in regard to the terms and conditions of the Schemes concerned. These should be completed in the near future and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement regarding the new Schemes at that stage.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Sean Fleming

Question:

84 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the part bioenergy will play in reducing Ireland’s national emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21861/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Bio-energy crops contribute to emissions reduction through the provision of low or carbon neutral fuels. My Department has been providing support to farmers through a Bioenergy Scheme since 2007. A pilot Bioenergy Scheme was launched in 2007 to support the planting of miscanthus and willow by giving farmers a grant up to a maximum of €1,450 per hectare to cover 50% of establishment costs. Grants were paid in two instalments — 75% following establishment of the crop and 25% in the year after establishment. The pilot Scheme supported 364 farmers in the planting of some 2,500 hectares (2,100 miscanthus and 360 willow) to the end of 2009 at a cost of some €2.9 million. Ireland's climatic and soil conditions are very suitable for the production of both willow and miscanthus, both of which are deemed to be carbon neutral as the CO2 released on combustion is equal to that taken from the atmosphere during its lifetime.

A new Bioenergy Scheme, co-funded by the EU under the Rural Development Programme, was launched in February 2010 to build on the progress made during the pilot phase. Under this Scheme farmers receive a grant up to a maximum of €1,300 per hectare to cover 50% establishment costs (reflecting the reduction in crop establishment costs since the launch of the Pilot Scheme). It is expected that in the region of a further 850 hectares will be planted in 2010 under the Scheme.

Forestry has a key role to play in the bioenergy area, particularly as a source of biomass for heat and energy generation. There has been significant expansion in the use of wood biomass in recent years. In 2008, for example, the use of wood chip for heating grew by almost 40%. Continued afforestation will provide the potential to supply of 2 million tonnes of wood biomass annually for renewable energy by 2020.There is also, significant potential for product substitution by utilising wood to replace more energy intensive products such as steel and plastics.

Forestry also contributes to reducing Ireland's national emissions target through carbon sequestration. In 2008, the net contribution of Ireland's Kyoto eligible forests — that is, new forests planted from 1990 onwards — amounted to 2.75 million tonnes CO2. Assuming that carbon cost €17 per tonne, this represents a potential saving in the region of €46 million to the Exchequer. Ireland’s forests have the potential to sequester a total additional 110 million tonnes of CO2 by 2035.

Alternative Energy Projects

Joe McHugh

Question:

85 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the advice that is available to farmers interested in engaging in micro-generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The issue of micro generation of electricity is a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The Deputy may be aware that in February 2009 the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources announced measures to encourage the on-site generation of electricity in homes and farms across Ireland. The Micro Generation Programme is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. Among the measures is a guaranteed price of 19 cent per kilowatt hour of electricity produced as a feed-in tariff applying to the first 4,000 micro-generation installations country-wide over three years. The programme has the potential to provide 4,000 domestic customers, including farms, investing in micro-scale projects with a financial payment for electricity exported back to the grid.

Alongside this programme, under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is administrating a micro-generation programme supporting a number of micro scale projects to resolve outstanding technical issues including: defining the requirements for qualification and certification of technologies; and defining necessary arrangements for qualification, certification and training of installers. Information on the programme is available on the SEAI web site.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Sean Sherlock

Question:

86 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of retired farmers who availed of the early retirement scheme since the scheme was reopened for hardship cases in September 2009; the number of same that have been awarded pensions to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21993/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department received 175 applications following the temporary reopening of the Early Retirement Scheme from 23 September to 30 October 2009. To date, 26 of the applications have been approved for payment and another 129 applications are currently being processed. Twelve of the applications could not be accepted as they did not satisfy the Scheme conditions. A further two applications have been rejected following processing as they did not meet certain terms and conditions.

The other 39 applications were returned to the applicants as they were submitted under the provision of the Scheme that envisaged the transferee being approved for aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. As that scheme is closed to new applicants, the transferees in these cases could not satisfy that requirement. The applicants were offered the option of resubmitting their applications under an alternative provision of the Early retirement Scheme which involved the holding being enlarged by the transferee. Thirty-three of these applications have so far been resubmitted to meet this requirement and these applications will also now be examined in the Department.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 70.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Willie Penrose

Question:

88 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REPS 4 plans that were rejected prior to the 17 May 2010 deadline on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21987/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

A breakdown on a county-by-county basis of the REPS 4 applications that were rejected is given in the table below. The Department has been in contact with the applicants to inform them of their right to appeal the decision. Alternatively, unless the application had been found to be fundamentally ineligible, applicants were given the opportunity to submit a new REPS 4 plan and application form on or before 17 May 2010. The latter cases will be dealt with as a priority.

County	Rejected Plans
Carlow	0
Cavan	3
Clare	0
Cork	16
Donegal	5
Dublin	1
Galway	0
Kerry	2
Kildare	2
Kilkenny	1
Laois	6
Leitrim	32
Limerick	0
Longford	0
Louth	1
Mayo	17
Meath	2
Monaghan	13
Offaly	4
Roscommon	1
Sligo	0
Tipperary Nth	1
Tipperary Sth	0
Waterford	1
Westmeath	3
Wexford	0
Wicklow	0
Totals	111

Economic Competitiveness

David Stanton

Question:

89 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if research has been carried out into the extra costs associated with agricultural production and the impact this is having on farm incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22007/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The CSO tracks input costs in Ireland on an ongoing basis and these are reported through CSO via various publications and on their website (www.cso.ie) as well as Departmental Publications such as the Annual Review and Outlook (see "Publications" section of website: www.agriculture.gov.ie ). Farm output, input costs and margins also receive detailed examination each year at the Teagasc outlook conference which has various contributors. On the whole the expenditure on inputs declined in 2009, with the CSO reporting a 9.5% decrease in intermediate consumption. Some of the main factors contributing to this were a decrease in the price of inputs, especially for fertilisers and feeding stuffs.

Grant Payments

Seán Barrett

Question:

90 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are intentions to link farm safety to cross compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22020/10]

Michael Creed

Question:

104 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to link farm safety to cross compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22012/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 104 together.

Farmers in receipt of direct payments (Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas' Scheme and Rural Environmental Protection Scheme) must comply with a total of 18 Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) in the areas of Environment, Public, Animal and Plant Health, and Animal Welfare. This is known as cross-compliance. Any change to the existing cross-compliance arrangements would require an amendment to the relevant Council Regulation following a proposal from the European Commission. No such proposal has been made by the Commission.

Common Agricultural Policy

Noel Treacy

Question:

91 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the single biggest challenge in the negotiations on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21858/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Negotiations on the CAP after 2013 are taking place against the background of an EU budget review and a new EU Financial Perspective for 2014 to 2020. The budget will determine the amount of funds available for the CAP and could also have an important impact on the distribution between Member States. There will be competing pressures for funds, including strong pressure from some sources for a smaller share of funds for CAP, both as a share of the budget and in absolute terms. Even though formal discussions have yet to commence on the future EU budget, the pressure is already building in this regard. An early draft Commission paper from November last advocated major policy changes and lower funds for the CAP. It is an early draft but it clearly indicates at least one strand of thinking on the future.

The major issue at present is the amount of funding that will be available for CAP after 2013, in view of pressures to reduce the EU budget, to reduce the share going to agriculture and to reduce the share going to Irish agriculture. The key context for Ireland is food supply and sustainable management of natural resources, including climate change. We need a coherent approach to this, based on the family farm structure. There is good support for the Irish position that we need a strong and properly funded CAP after 2013 and I will continue to press this point in the negotiations.

Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 83.

Bovine Disease Controls

Johnny Brady

Question:

93 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the benefits for farmers arising from his recently announced arrangements on TB testing for cattle going direct to slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/10]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

116 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the change to TB testing rules to allow the slaughter of cattle that are more than 12 months since their last TB test will carry an additional cost for farmers; if additional testing as part of the scheme is required; the implications that the changes may have on contiguous herds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21996/10]

Johnny Brady

Question:

124 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to enhance the controls in place for TB testing under the continuous testing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 116 and 124 together.

Following a review of the current TB testing arrangements and consultation both with the European Commission and the farming organisations, I recently introduced changes to the TB testing rules for cattle going direct to slaughter. These changes came into effect on 4 May. Previously, where animals that had not been tested within the previous 12 months were presented for slaughter, they were returned to the holding which was then usually restricted because the TB rules require that all animals on a holding, with the exception of calves under six weeks old born on the holding, are tested at yearly intervals. As a result of the revised arrangement, such cattle will now be accepted by slaughter plants. However, as there is no change to the yearly test rule for animals, action must be taken by the District Veterinary Offices in respect of the herds concerned to ensure that herd owners comply with this requirement. This follow-up action by the DVOs will include trade restriction, where appropriate, depending on the proportion of the herd that is out of test, whether the herd itself has been tested within the previous 12 months and the length of time an animal is out of test.

The main benefit of the change is that the cost of testing cattle going direct to slaughter will be reduced. There will be no additional cost to the farmer as a result of the new arrangement. With regard to additional testing, no change is being made to the general rule that all animals in a herd must be tested every 12 months.

My Department also intends to enhance the contiguous testing programme. While the arrangements have not been finalised, it is intended to impose a temporary trade restriction on certain holdings contiguous to a herd in which disease has been disclosed in the case of high risk breakdowns. In such cases, trading status would be immediately restored once the herd passes the contiguous test. The rationale for the proposal is to prevent the spread of disease to other herds. With regard to the testing fees for contiguous tests, the general rule is that in most cases the Department pays for such tests, unless it happens to coincide with the normal annual test.

Domestic Abattoirs

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

94 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding some meat plants prior to 15 February 2010; if his Department is unable to verify whether payments under the new grid were accurate prior to this date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21975/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Officials of my Department carry out unannounced inspections of meat plants to ensure that beef price reporting to my Department is carried out in accordance with EU Regulations. These inspections aim to ensure that the prices reported to my Department are the same as that paid to the farmer. I wish to assure the Deputy that these inspections are on-going for many years now and the introduction of the beef pricing grid did not impact on this inspection process.

Animal Breeding Regulations

Joan Burton

Question:

95 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the proposal by the Irish Draft Horse Society to request control of the studbook for that breed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department has received an application to maintain a studbook for the Irish Draught horse breed from the Irish Draught Horse Society Ltd. This application is currently being assessed by my Department in accordance with the relevant EU and National legislation.

On-farm Investment Schemes

Brian O'Shea

Question:

96 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the new dairy investment scheme for farmers will be available in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21982/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Ireland's revised Rural Development Programme was approved by the European Commission in March, and the roll-out of the various investment schemes will be phased over the lifetime of the Programme. The timing of the introduction of the dairy investment scheme is dependent on the availability of sufficient exchequer funding, and the position in this regard is being kept under ongoing review.

Agri-Food Industry

Máire Hoctor

Question:

97 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the contribution that he believes the Irish agri-food sector can make to economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21850/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Government has approved the heads of the Forestry Bill, and discussions are continuing between my Department and the Office of the Attorney General with a view to finalizing the text. It would be my intention to introduce the Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible. The main features of the Bill will be to ensure that forestry developments are undertaken to the highest environmental standards; to amend the existing felling licence system; to provide a statutory basis for Forest Management Plans and Guidelines and to allow in exceptional circumstances change of land-use from forestry.

Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 90.

Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 64.

Departmental Agencies

Joan Burton

Question:

106 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes specifically targeting cuts at Teagasc which are to be implemented; if he still holds the view that it is the responsibility of the Teagasc authority to exercise full and effective control over the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

It is the responsibility of the Teagasc Authority to exercise full and effective control over the organisation. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and is not concerned with the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

The Teagasc Authority approved a major ‘Change Programme' in March 2009 to reorganise and refocus the organisation to meet the significant challenges that lie ahead. This required Teagasc to build greater flexibility and responsiveness in all areas of its activities and to implement a credible rationalization plan to enable the organisation adapt to medium-term budgetary constraints. The planned Programme has a medium term implementation timeframe and provides for rationalisation measures across the organisation including the advisory office and educational networks, disposal of land resources and prioritisation of programme activities. The agreed actions are being implemented and tie in with the recommendations in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme Report as they concern Teagasc. In addition, an Employment Control Framework for Teagasc is being developed to manage overall staff numbers employed by Teagasc to 31 December 2012.

Organic Farming

Question:
107 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the potential he believes there is for the organic farming scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21851/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Most organic produce sold in Ireland, particularly fruit and vegetables, is imported. On the other hand, it has been established that there is very considerable potential for exports of organic beef and lamb. I believe, therefore, that organic production offers real market opportunities for Irish farmers and I am pleased that a growing numbers of farmers are actively thinking about the possibilities.

The increased level of interest is evident from the fact that 450 people have now completed the FETAC level 5 Organic Farming Course which is a mandatory requirement for Organic Farming Scheme applicants who have not already participated in the Organic Farming Supplementary Measure under REPS. Further courses will be held to meet demand. Support for the sector is also available through the Organic Farming Scheme and in the form of investment support through my Department's Schemes of Grant Aid for the Organic Sector which are open to both producers and processors. I urge farmers to make themselves aware of the supports available and to consider organic production as an option.

Beef Industry

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

108 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when beef carcase grading figures will be published under the new MII grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21974/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Officials of my Department are currently examining the new computer generated reports required to report beef carcase classification data in a format compatible with the new beef pricing grid. The new reports will be available once the necessary software programming is completed.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Denis Naughten

Question:

109 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme participants who have completed their five year plan in the past 12 months; the corresponding number of completed applications received under the replacement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21840/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Some 10,000 former participants in REPS 3, having completed their five year contract under REPS and having left the scheme, would have been eligible to apply for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme by the closing date for receipt of applications of 17 May 2010. The new scheme is open to all farmers, but I expect that many of those who have completed their REPS 3 contracts will have applied to join it.

There has been significant interest in the new Scheme since it opened for applications on 30 March 2010. At close of business on 17 May 2010, some 4,400 applications had been submitted to my Department's office at Johnstown Castle Estate in Wexford. However, given the short time frame for submitting applications, and in order to facilitate as many farmers as possible, applications were also accepted in my Department's local offices. These applications are currently being forwarded to be processed centrally in Wexford. Current indications are that the total number of applications will be close to 8,000, but the actual number cannot be ascertained until all applications have been received and recorded in Wexford. For the same reason, it is not yet possible to say how many of the applicants were formerly participants in REPS 3.

Departmental Agencies

The National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013 was advertised for public consultation in October 2008. Following this consultation process, issues were raised by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of CFB (Central Fisheries Board) regarding the grant-aiding of projects where environmental issues arise relating to compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and sea lice control on salmon farms.

I have asked my officials to examine the OP and to draft options that would allow for the adoption of the OP taking into consideration the issues that were raised in the public consultation stage. I would hope to be in a position to come to a decision on this matter in the near future.

EU Funding

Joe Costello

Question:

114 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the €50 billion research programme known as Framework Programme 7 and Ireland’s receipt of €152 million since it started in 2007 and in particular in the area of food, agriculture, fisheries and biotechnology attracting more than €8.5 million of EU funding; if this funding will be guaranteed in the future to assist the bio-economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The EU 7th Framework Programme (FP7) is the largest public good research programme in the world. It is playing a very significant role in strengthening the scientific and technological base of European industry and in encouraging international competitiveness while also promoting research that supports EU policies. FP7 provides a major opportunity for Irish research institutions and companies, including SMEs, across all sectors to not only attract external funding in these challenging budgetary times but also to benefit from collaborating with other high ranking scientists from across Europe and beyond.

Ireland's success rate in winning FP7 funding is steadily improving thanks partly to the encouragement, guidance and assistance provided to Irish researchers by the National Delegates and Contact Points that form part of the Irish FP Network co-ordinated by Enterprise Ireland. I am particularly pleased at the €8.5m secured under the Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology (FAFB) Thematic area for which officers in my Department act as Delegate and Contact Point. I was delighted to be in a position recently to launch a booklet outlining Irish successes under the FAFB Theme at a well attended conference in our Backweston Campus aimed at further raising awareness of FP7 opportunities among the agri-food research and industry community.

This FP7 funding, which of course is allocated on a competitive basis, is secure up to 2013. In fact, the €50bn funding stream is backloaded resulting in increased opportunities over the remaining years of the programme. I am confident that with the continued help of the National Delegate and Contact Point, Irish agri-food & marine researchers from both academia and industry will continue to secure an ever-increasing share of this funding and that this in turn will play a major role in the Government's strategy for the Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy.

Beef Industry

During the informal meeting, Minister Connick set out Ireland's position for his Ministerial colleagues and heard their thoughts and the reasons for the approaches they are proposing. Minister Connick also availed of the opportunity to meet with Ministers that hold similar views on aspects of the reform in order to form alliances that will strengthen our case in the upcoming intensive negotiations on the CFP reform. It is now clear that there are some divergent views on aspects of the reform process, but we are confident that we can work with our Ministerial colleagues and the EU Commission to produce a practical and effective policy for fisheries into the future.

Ireland's priorities for the new CFP are set out clearly in the submission which can be accessed in its entirety on www.fishingnet.ie. Central to those priorities are:

A new focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea.

The retention of a management system based on national quotas supported by increased flexibility.

A complete rejection of the mandatory privatisation of fish quotas or the international trading of fish quotas.

New measures to strengthen the market for EU producers and the prices being achieved by our fishermen.

New measures to develop an environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture sector, which could reduce our dependence on imported products.

Greater regionalisation of the decision making process with an enhanced role for industry.

Under the planned EU timetable for the review, a summary of the consultation process has been published. It will be followed by a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012. A working document concerning reform options is being prepared by the Commission and is expected to be presented at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council scheduled for the 28th and 29th June 2010.

Nationally, we intend to continue close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Fishermen and the other stakeholders to put Ireland's case forward during the review, to vigorously defend Ireland's maritime interests, and to convince our colleagues in other Member States and in the Commission to strengthen the current policy in line with Ireland's submission on the reform of the CFP.

Food Industry

Michael Creed

Question:

119 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will comment on the level of food and drink imports from the UK in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22013/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Based on CSO provisional statistics, Bord Bia estimate that the value of food imports (excluding live animals) declined by six per cent in 2009 from €2.4billion euro to €2.3billion euro, however there was an increase in the underlying volumes primarily due to the weakness of sterling.

Farm Retirement Scheme

Emmet Stagg

Question:

120 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts that are being made to secure the future position of payments or pensions to spouses of farmers who died while in receipt of early retirement scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21997/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Since the first Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming was introduced in 1994, it has been the Department's practice to continue to pay the pension to dependants of participants who died before the period of their pension had elapsed. However, following recent audits of the Scheme by both the European Court of Auditors and the European Commission, the Commission has informed my Department that this practice is not compatible with the current EU governing Regulations and must be discontinued. I am considering the implications of the European Commission's decision and my officials will be engaging in discussions with the Commission services to confirm the position of those already in payment. In the meantime, my Department has suspended the processing of new cases.

Dairy Industry

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

121 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the viable size for a full-time dairy farmer; the scale that is required to earn the average industrial wage; the measures that he is taking to support dairying in the poorer land areas where farmers cannot practically meet the production cost levels set down by Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21984/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Viability is affected by considerations such as geography, land quality, technical and management skills and market conditions, in addition to size and scale. The focus must therefore be on the achievement of the maximum possible efficiency in the production of milk by all producers. By producing milk at the lowest possible cost under whatever constraints or limitations may prevail, every producer is giving him or herself the best chance of running a viable dairy enterprise.

I have demonstrated my commitment to the attainment of increased cost efficiency through the introduction of the Dairy Efficiency Programme. Over the next three years €18 million will be spent on encouraging increased participation in dairy discussion groups all over the country, leading to the more widespread adoption of best practice in relation to grassland management, breeding and financial management. My intention is to bring about a more businesslike approach to the management of all dairy farms, which will in turn help to maximise viability regardless of location or other limitation.

Grant Payments

Sean Sherlock

Question:

122 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he plans to deal with the installation scheme hardship case of an individual who lost out when the scheme was suspended in October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21992/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008 against the background of the deterioration in the national finances. 941 applications for grant-aid were received by my Department under the Scheme prior to its suspension and these applications are being processed to payment stage as the claims are approved. An allocation of €4.5 million has been provided in this year's Estimates to meet the financial commitment involved in processing applications under the Scheme and the preceding installation aid schemes. I have no plans at present to reopen the Scheme to new applicants.

Dairy Industry

Liz McManus

Question:

123 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the release of further intervention stocks of butter and skimmed milk powder; if they will damage the market in view of the fact that the market recovery is principally the result of a reduction in global milk supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21980/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I have continually pressed the Commission to take all appropriate measures to deal with the dairy market situation, and in 2009 Public Intervention, Aids to Private Storage and Export Refunds helped to stabilise the market for dairy products. With regard to intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder, last October Commissioner Fischer Boel gave a commitment to manage the release of stocks from intervention in a prudent manner, and I have also discussed this with the new Commissioner Ciolos.

The dairy market situation has improved considerably since last autumn and more recently has shown signs of a robust recovery with increased commodity prices on world and EU markets, and a consequent rise in milk prices. Last week the Commission took the initial step of activating the procedure for selling intervention stocks by means of a fortnightly tender, which will commence in June. The actual release of stocks from Intervention must be handled carefully and in a way that does not undermine the market. Therefore, I believe that the volume and price of sales from Intervention should reflect the market situation at the time of the tenders. I will continue to maintain close contact with the EU Commission and the Council to ensure that the release of Intervention stocks is managed in a manner that is sensitive to the market pressures at the time.

Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 93.

Health and Safety Regulations

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

125 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on proposals by the Health and Safety Authority that farm safety be made a requirement of cross-compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21998/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Farmers in receipt of direct payments (Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas' Scheme and Rural Environmental Protection Scheme) must comply with a total of 18 Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) in the areas of Environment, Public, Animal and Plant Health, and Animal Welfare. This is known as cross-compliance. Any change to the existing cross-compliance arrangements would require an amendment to the relevant Council Regulation following a proposal from the European Commission. No such proposal has been made by the Commission.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

126 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the breakdown of REPS 4 payments on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21973/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

A total of 29,376 applications were received for participation in REPS 4 for payment in 2009. The acceptance of REPS 4 applications is governed by EU Regulations which require exhaustive administrative checks and on-the-spot inspections. In a significant number of the applications received, the administrative checks raised issues and queries which required further detailed examination. My Department's staff have been working to resolve these as quickly as possible. Many of these cases required the applicants' planners to amend the farm plans that were submitted originally. The applicants concerned were made aware of the position and the applications are being further processed without delay on receipt of amended plans. So far, 24,023 applicants have received full payment for 2009 and work is continuing to process the remainder as quickly as possible.

The position county-by-county is set out in the table below. My officials have also been in contact with the 111 applicants whose plans had been rejected, to inform them of their right to appeal the decision. Alternatively, unless the application had been found to be fundamentally ineligible, applicants were given the opportunity to submit a new REPS 4 plan and application form on or before 17 May 2010. The latter cases will be dealt with as a priority.

County	Number of applicants	Paid in full	Awaiting payment
Carlow	300	274	26
Cavan	1,101	852	249
Clare	1,333	1,268	65
Cork	3,221	2,191	1,030
Donegal	1,898	1,736	162
Dublin	51	35	16
Galway	2,757	2,225	532
Kerry	1,999	1,173	826
Kildare	373	329	44
Kilkenny	833	752	81
Laois	761	705	56
Leitrim	880	697	183
Limerick	1,344	1,169	175
Longford	681	588	93
Louth	218	188	30
Mayo	2,703	2,081	622
Meath	561	424	137
Monaghan	903	765	138
Offaly	706	636	70
Roscommon	1,405	1,264	141
Sligo	917	727	190
Tipperary Nth	854	789	65
Tipperary Sth	1,004	852	152
Waterford	675	579	96
Westmeath	709	651	58
Wexford	783	705	78
Wicklow	406	368	38
Totals	29,376	24,023	5,353

Grant Payments

Bobby Aylward

Question:

127 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will be making payments under the recently announced grassland sheep scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21863/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The new Grassland Sheep Scheme, which has a total budget of €54 million, will operate for three years: 2010, 2011 and 2012. This funding, which comes from the unused Single Payment funds, will provide a very important and timely boost to support incomes in the sheep sector over the next three years . The Scheme has been kept administratively simple, which will facilitate the Department in making payments very shortly after the commencement date of 1 December 2010, the earliest date for making payments under this Scheme in accordance with the provisions of the relevant EU Regulations. Farmers will find participating in the Scheme relatively easy, the three requirements being to:

maintain ewes;

complete the Sheep Census return; and

submit the SPS application form by the closing date of 17 May 2010.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

John Cregan

Question:

128 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the agriculture sector has played its part in reducing national emissions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21859/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Irish farmers have clearly demonstrated their willingness to embrace new technologies and farming methods that are friendly to our environment. Consequently, Ireland's agriculture sector has played and will continue to play, a very significant role in reducing national emissions of greenhouse gas.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland agreed to limit our emissions to 13% above 1990 emission levels, for the Kyoto commitment period, 2008 to 2012. In that period, based on the latest projections by the EPA, emissions from the agriculture sector are expected to be, on average, 8.5% or 1.7 million tonnes CO2 equivalent, per annum, below 1990 levels. While the future pace of emission reductions will be limited by the technology available, the most recent indications are that emissions from the agriculture sector will continue to fall. It is my belief that farmers will continue to adapt and that further emissions reductions are possible, when new, cost effective technologies, to reduce emission levels, come on stream.

Under the Protocol, the emissions reductions achieved by the sector will be significantly augmented by the carbon sequestered by forests planted since 1990. Ireland's Kyoto target will reduce, by over 2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, per annum, thanks to this land use change to forestry. Agriculture also contributes to national emissions reductions by providing a wide range of renewable fuels. Land use changes, such as increased afforestation, shifting production from food to energy crops and also the recycling of animal by products, such as meat and bone meal and tallow, all provide increasing amounts of renewable, carbon neutral fuel, that displaces fossil fuel and consequently, reduces emissions to the atmosphere.

I believe that continual, in-depth, scientific research is vital to increase our understanding of and to develop the appropriate responses to, the challenges that climate change presents. Research is also at the heart of the development of the technologies needed to further reduce emissions from the sector and I am confident that ongoing research at national level and collaborative research at international level, in areas such as the improvement of production efficiencies and increasing the carbon sink potential of soils, will yield substantial dividends for us and will deliver, for the future, effective, measurable and verifiable means to reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions from the sector.

Irish National Stud

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

129 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures in place to ensure that there is good governance at the Irish National Stud; the reason no effort appears to have been made to restrain certain unacceptable expenditures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21956/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Irish National Stud Company Limited (INS) is a commercial State Body and a company registered under the Companies Act. As such, the Board is responsible for the operations of the company. My Department monitors compliance of the Irish National Stud with the terms of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. This includes the submission by the company of their annual report, audited accounts, and the provision of a statement containing assurances by the Chairman to the Minister in the format set out in the Code. The INS has complied with these requirements and in particular the Chairman has provided annual assurances of compliance with the Code. Operational matters are the responsibility of the Board.

I was most concerned when I learned of press reports in September 2009 of certain financial matters affecting the Company, which had the potential to damage the reputation of the Company. I immediately sought and received a full report from the INS Chairman on the matters raised. The Chairman confirmed to me that:

she was satisfied that the expenses to which the Deputy refers were approved and adjudged to be necessary for the conduct of the business of the company;

international travel is an integral part of the CEO's functions;

no first-class travel was incurred by the former CEO; and

the Board has since revised its travel policy with a view to achieving greater efficiencies.

Excessive and unnecessary expenditure is not acceptable in any Government Department or State Agency and I have consistently stressed, both within my own Department and to the agencies under my Department's aegis, the need to reduce administrative costs, not least in the areas of travel, and to achieve the best possible efficiencies.

The INS Chairman has assured me the Company has in the past and will continue in the future to comply with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. I also had discussions with the Chairman and representatives of the Company and emphasised the continuing need for the Company to ensure it fully complies with all corporate governance requirements. The Chairman and the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer have assured me this will continue to be done.

Household Medical Expenditure

James Reilly

Question:

130 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 130 to 138, inclusive, of 18 May 2010, if he will give details of the expenditure on doctors which is referred to; if it refers to general practitioners and doctors in hospital; if it refers to consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22295/10]

The Taoiseach

The average annual household expenditure on doctors in the Household Budget Survey includes any expenditure on general practitioners, doctors in hospital and consultants. The sub-index of the Consumer Price Index used to update this expenditure is calculated using price quotations from both general practitioners and consultants in private practice.

Employment Rights

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

131 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, further to reports that prosecutions taken against employers were up by over 50% in 2009, the number of employers who were prosecuted in this manner; the numbers of such employers; if he will give a geographical breakdown of these; if specifically he will give the figures as they apply to both Galway city and county. [22212/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Dara Calleary)

NERA aims to achieve voluntary compliance and has a priority of having breaches identified, rectified, and any sums of money due paid to employees. Where an employer either refuses, or fails to rectify those breaches and/or pay money due to the employees, the case is referred for prosecution. The total for this prosecution type for 2009 was 87. NERA also initiates criminal prosecutions in the District Court in the name of the Minister on behalf of a number of bodies, including the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency (CIMA), the Construction Workers Pension Scheme (CWPS). These prosecutions arise where an employer has failed to comply with a Labour Court Order directing that employer to register employees in a relevant pension scheme and /or remit contributions to the scheme. The total for these prosecution types for 2009 was 21.

While the total prosecution figure for 2008 was 70 a further 26 from 2008 were not referred for prosecution until 2009 because the system for the allocation and provision of legal services to NERA was changed in the final quarter of 2008 and there was a consequent carryover of 26 cases from 2008 into 2009. While NERA for reasons of efficiency and cost organises its main functions on a regional basis and accordingly collates statistics on that basis, prosecutions on the other hand are taken in the area where the offence occurred. For this reason a geographic breakdown on a county basis is more readily available. See table below.

NERA Prosecutions in 2009
County	Employment Rights Prosecutions	Prosecutions on behalf of other Bodies	Total
Carlow	5		5
Clare	6	1	7
Cork	8	2	10
Donegal	1	2	3
Dublin	7	3	10
Galway	2	2	4
Kerry	3	1	4
Kildare	8		8
Kilkenny	1		1
Laois	6		6
Limerick	8	1	9
Longford	1	1	2
Mayo		1	1
Offaly	3	1	4
Roscommon		1	1
Tipperary	1	2	3
Waterford	6		6
Westmeath	6	1	7
Wexford	3	1	4
Wicklow	12	1	13
Total	87	21	108

Grocery Industry

Michael Creed

Question:

132 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on whether it will be necessary to introduce a statutory code of conduct to regulate the relationship between retailers and suppliers in the grocery sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22306/10]

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

The Renewed Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to implement a Code of Practice for doing business in the Grocery Goods sector to develop a fair trading relationship between retailers and their suppliers" and "to review progress of the Code and if necessary to put in place a mandatory code". The Government will give effect to this commitment by including a specific provision in the legislation, currently being prepared to merge the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority, which will allow for the introduction of a statutory Code of Conduct in the grocery goods sector. I expect to publish this legislation later this year. In the interim period, until the legislation is enacted, the opportunity will be taken to explore with all relevant stakeholders the possibilities of agreeing a Voluntary Code. I have appointed a facilitator to engage with stakeholders in relation to the drawing up of a Voluntary Code.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that there is a fair balance in the relationships between the various players in the grocery goods sector, particularly given the importance of this sector to the national economy. The introduction of a Code, as provided for in the Programme for Government, is intended to achieve such a balance taking into account the interests of all stakeholders including the interests of the consumer and the need to ensure that there is no impediment to the passing-on of lower prices to consumers.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

133 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he has costed the pension payments due to the marriage bar should it be decided that they should receive a pension for the years they were unable to work; and if so, the figure to provide a pension for those women. [22131/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

As regards the Civil Service for which I am directly responsible, prior to 1974 female officers were required to resign on marriage and, depending on their service, received a marriage gratuity in lieu of any pension benefits. Following the abolition of the marriage bar, any officer appointed before 1974 has the option of resigning within two years of marriage and receiving a marriage gratuity, preserving benefits when she resigns, or of remaining in employment. Officers who received a marriage gratuity and who are subsequently reappointed in an established capacity in the civil service may refund the gratuity with compound interest and have all prior service aggregated with subsequent service for superannuation purposes. I have no plans to pay pensions other than on reckonable service which is the cornerstone of Public Service Pensions. Given the accrued liabilities to date we are working towards containing costs, not increasing them.

Banking Sector Regulation

Damien English

Question:

134 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the time frame for the two banking inquiries; if he is confident that both inquiries will report on schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22133/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Government announced the establishment of an investigation into the banking crisis on 19 January 2010. This investigation will have two stages. For the first stage, the Government has commissioned two separate preliminary reports:

One report is being prepared by Professor Patrick Honohan, Governor of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland, on the performance of the functions of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator over the period from the establishment of the Financial Regulator to the end of September 2008.

A second report is being prepared by Mr Klaus Regling and Mr Max Watson, who have been asked to conduct a preliminary investigation into the recent crisis in the banking system to assess what lessons can be learned to inform the future management and regulation of the sector.

I expect that both preliminary reports will be completed and submitted to me on schedule by the end of May 2010. I will then seek Government approval to lay both reports before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The second stage of the investigation envisages the establishment, following approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas, of a Statutory Commission of Investigation, pursuant to the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. The terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation will be informed by the two preliminary reports.

Brian Hayes

Question:

135 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the reason Anglo Irish Bank recently appointed a company (details supplied) to carry out a full forensic examination into the accounts of Anglo Irish Bank, when this company was the group’s auditors before the bank effectively collapsed and was nationalised by the State; if he will confirm that this is the actual position; if his Department knew of this when Anglo Irish Bank made this recent appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22138/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

As the Deputy is aware under the Relationship Framework the Board of the bank is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Bank, including in this context the appointment of consultants. I am informed by the Bank that it did not appoint the company, referred to in the Deputy's question, to carry out a forensic examination into their accounts. However, in October 2009, the bank did appoint them to perform data validation procedures relating to the transfer of the first tranche of loan data to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA). In essence, the Bank used the resources of the company to ensure that the loan data being submitted by the Bank was accurate and met the NAMA requirements. Furthermore, in February 2010, the Bank engaged the company to perform data validation procedures relating to the transfer of the second tranche of loan data to NAMA.

Official Engagements

Billy Timmins

Question:

136 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the formation of an independent ratings agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22143/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

There have not been any formal discussions at EU level on the formation of an independent EU ratings agency. A proposal to establish such an agency would present a number of important issues which would need to be examined very carefully. I would like to bring the Deputy's attention to the fact that the EU has already agreed on a regulatory regime for Credit Rating Agencies and that this new regime will take effect on 7 December this year. Member States have to appoint the relevant competent authority by 7 June. The Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland with be the competent authority in this country and my Department is currently making the necessary arrangements to complete this task by the 7 June deadline. Under the package of supervisory reforms in the EU, which emanate from the de Larosière Report, the soon to be established European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) will be the competent authority throughout the EU for the supervision of CRAs' activities. It is expected that the new Authority will assume this role in early 2011.

Joe McHugh

Question:

137 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the number of times that he or his Ministers of State have met with the Financial Regulator since May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22144/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I meet senior personnel in the Offices and Agencies within the ambit of my Department as appropriate from time to time. The records in my office indicate that I have met formally with the Financial Regulator on four occasions in the period since May 2008. The Minister of State at my Department has also met the Financial Regulator on occasion over the same period.

Tax Collection

Damien English

Question:

138 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the number of attachment orders issued by the Revenue Commissioners regarding repayments of tax by businesses in 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22145/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Revenue's power to attach, in certain circumstances, third party debts owing to a defaulting taxpayer is set out in section 1002 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. The number of Notices of Attachment issued by Revenue for 2008, 2009 and Jan-Apr 2010 is set out in the table below.

Year	Number
2008	2,362
2009	3,199
Jan-Apr 2010	1,331

The Deputy's question refers to attachment orders in relation to repayments of tax. While attachment relates only to third party debts, Revenue also has an offsetting power in section 1006A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 whereby a repayment due by Revenue to the taxpayer may be offset against tax due to Revenue by the same taxpayer. I am advised by Revenue that statistics on the number of such offsets are not readily available. Revenue is and will remain focused on securing the taxes and duties due to the Exchequer on a timely basis. I am fully supportive of Revenue's action in deploying the necessary collection and enforcement measures, including attachment and offsetting, to address non-compliance.

EU Directives

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

139 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the details of the new insurance directive on solvency requirements which will come into force across the European Union as and from 1 January 2013; if he will provide a comparison across the key areas with the current solvency requirements applying in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22152/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Solvency II Framework Directive was published in the EU Official Journal on 17 December 2009. The most essential features of the Directive are:

(i) the introduction of an economic/risk based approach to the measurement of assets and liabilities. Capital requirements will be determined by an evaluation of a company's level of risk using a consistent set of measurement principles, resulting in an appropriate level of capital for solvency purposes. This contrasts with the use of a simple set of factors for determining capital under Solvency I, and

(ii) a much greater focus on qualitative issues such as governance and the role of the supervisor.

As Solvency II is a Lamfalussy Directive, the Framework Directive only represents the first stage (Level 1). Level 2 measures which will flesh out in detail the Level 1 principles are the next step and negotiations are ongoing in this area at the moment. Calibration of the various risk modules which will make up the solvency capital requirement will be determined at Level 2 amongst other things.

As part of the process of developing Solvency II a series of quantitative impact studies (QIS) have been carried out in order to assess a range of approaches and calibrations. The next QIS study (QIS5) which is expected to be the last one will run from August to December this year and will provide industry with the opportunity to test the various technical specifications being proposed under Solvency II using their own data. The purpose of the exercise is to enable the EU Commission to evaluate the specifications and also to allow companies to develop an understanding as to how Solvency II will impact them.

Once QIS5 is completed, there should be a clearer picture of how Solvency II will compare with existing arrangements from a capital perspective. The effect will however vary from company to company depending on the nature of the business they conduct and the type of assets they hold to meet their liabilities. On an overall basis it is expected that Solvency II will increase capital requirements for most types of business.

Tobacco Smuggling

Richard Bruton

Question:

140 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate his estimate of tobacco consumption here on which duty has not been paid; the estimated loss to the Exchequer over a 12 month period; the scale of the revenue loss; if the 27% smuggled product estimated by the trade is accurate; and his views on whether further scanning machines would be a cost effective investment based on his estimate of the cost of installing one more scanner. [22154/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco taxes and for tackling the illicit trade in tobacco products, that it is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of tobacco consumption on which duty has not been paid. This is because there is no proven internationally recognised method for determining this figure. Accordingly there is no reliable way of estimating the loss to the Exchequer.

Revenue is aware of a variety of methodologies that are used internationally by the tobacco industry and some Customs and Revenue Administrations for the purposes of estimating the quantity and value of cigarettes smuggled into their jurisdictions. The variety of factors taken into account include: national estimates of the overall number of cigarettes consumed each year; estimates of the quantity of cigarettes brought into the State legally by cross- border shoppers; surveys of empty (discarded) cigarette packs conducted at periodic intervals throughout the country; the volume of cigarettes on which excise duty is charged annually; and the number of cigarettes seized by customs.

It is evident that the only precise information that Revenue can confirm are the last two items listed above i.e. the volume of cigarettes on which duty has been collected and the actual quantity of cigarettes seized. The remaining factors require a significant level of speculation and extrapolation. The Revenue Commissioners have given a tentative estimate that up to 20% of cigarettes consumed may be untaxed but this includes both smuggled cigarettes and cigarettes legally purchased by cross-border shoppers for personal consumption. Based on tobacco duty receipts for 2009 this would equate to approximately €304 million.

A second mobile X-ray container scanner was commissioned by Revenue in January 2010 and is fully operational. Container scanning is one of a number of detection technology applications used to detect contraband. Its deployment has to take account of free movement within the Community, and the objective of not unnecessarily disrupting legitimate trade/container traffic. Revenue also use smaller baggage/ parcel scanners which are deployed at all major ports, airports and postal depots, as well as a tobacco detector dog. The effectiveness and efficiency of resources, including equipment, is kept under review, but at this point it is too early to say whether a further container scanner would justify the capital and operational costs involved.

Departmental Properties

Paul Connaughton

Question:

141 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the person from whom the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has rented its Dock Gate Street premises in Galway city; if there are contractual obstacles to the Department moving its premises to the proposed Mellows agricultural site in Athenry; the current rent and the length of time the current agreement is binding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22206/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

As part of their rationalisation programme, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food have informed the Commissioners of Public Works that they wish to move their Dockgate operation to Athenry and the Commissioners are assisting them in this regard. The Commissioners of Public Works hold the lease on the Dockgate premises in Galway occupied by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. The Landlord is J. Hughes and T. Browne T/A the Ballybrit Partnership and the rent is €922,250 pa. The lease expires on 1st January 2023 and there is a break option on 1st January 2013. The Department of Social Protection have already been allocated some space in the Dockgate premises and have a requirement for additional space. When the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food move to Athenry is complete this requirement will be met within the Dockgate premises.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

142 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the Exchequer of extending the terms and conditions of the pension insolvency payment scheme to insolvent pension schemes where the company is solvent; his reason for not doing so thus far; if this proposal is under active consideration in his Department. [22221/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The basis for the Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme (PIPS) is set out in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2009. The principal qualifying conditions are that the sponsoring employer must be insolvent (in accordance with the definition used in the Protection of Employers (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984) and that the defined benefit pension scheme must be winding up in deficit — the "double lock" criterion of pension scheme and employer insolvency. The Act also requires that the PIPS scheme be operated on a cost-neutral basis for the Exchequer.

Under PIPS, trustees of a participating pension scheme must pay to the Minister a lump sum which equals the net present value of the future stream of PIPS payments for the lives of the pensioners concerned and the associated administration costs. The sum will be calculated by the National Treasury Management Agency on an actuarially cost-neutral basis. The PIPS is therefore a special measure intended to apply in carefully defined circumstances as an option of last resort where no further source of support is open to a pension scheme because of the double insolvency. PIPS was restricted to pension schemes of insolvent employers as to do otherwise would run the legal risk of breaching State aid and competition rules. The scheme is running on a pilot basis for 3 years and will be reviewed in 2013.

Local Authority Charges

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

143 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 18 May 2010, if he will complete his answer to the parts not addressed, namely, his views on whether a person in receipt of rental income should be entitled to have the local authority charge for non-principal private residences deducted from the net amount of rent received; if he has had any formal or informal discussions or correspondence with officials, property owners or others on the subject as a result of this new charge not being currently included on the list of allowable deductions; if he will consider including it at the next available opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22256/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Under the provisions of the Tax Acts, a person in receipt of rental income is assessed to income tax on the net amount of the rents received (i.e. the gross rents less allowable expenses incurred in earning those rents). In computing the net amount of the rents received, only those deductions that are specified in section 97(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 are allowable. The main deductible expenses are: Any rent payable by the landlord in the case of a sub-lease; The cost to the landlord of any goods provided or services rendered to a tenant; The cost of maintenance, repairs, insurance and management of the property; Interest on borrowed money used to purchase, improve or repair the property; and Payment of local authority rates in the case of rateable properties used for commercial purposes.

As payment of the new local authority charge for residential properties is not included on the list of allowable deductions, it is not an allowable expense in computing taxable rental income. It is normal practice to have discussions with my officials on all matters relating to the tax code. This issue like all proposals for new tax or expenditure measures will fall to be considered in the context of ongoing development of budgetary and economic policy.

Proposed Legislation

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

144 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of credit unions (details supplied) in respect of sections 35A and B of the Central Bank Reform Bill; if he will confirm contacts he has had on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22257/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I assume that the concerns of the credit unions, to which the details supplied by the Deputy refer, relate to amendments to Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 contained in the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010.

Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 imposes limits on credit unions in relation to longer-term lending. The restrictions contained in Section 35 are an important asset and liability instrument which has protected the financial stability of the credit union movement over many years. The matter was considered by my Department following extensive consultation with the two credit union representative bodies — the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) and the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) — and with the Registrar of Credit Unions. I have decided that, in addition to extending from 20% to 30% the proportion of a credit union loan book that may apply to loans over five years, it is necessary now to give the Registrar of Credit Unions powers to require credit unions to have appropriate liquidity, provisioning and accounting requirements in place.

The Registrar of Credit Unions will take a balanced and proportionate approach to the implementation of the new Section 35 requirements and has set out for the credit union representative groups transitional arrangements and clarifications on the implementation approach. The Registrar has already indicated that these include transitional arrangements for a 15% provisioning requirement up to 30 September 2011, trial periods, exceptions with regard to top-up loans and relaxation of the 100% provisioning requirement in respect of rescheduled loans which have missed two or more payments. The transitional arrangements as proposed by the Registrar will help to ease the position for credit unions in the current financial year and the next financial year ending in September 2011. They will also allow time for credit unions to adjust to the new regime.

The effect of the new provisions on credit unions will be closely monitored. I would also like to take this opportunity to comment on the requirements imposed by the Registrar of Credit Unions in relation to the holding of Regulatory Reserves by credit unions. Reserves enable credit unions to deal with future uncertainties and to act flexibly in adverse economic conditions. This is a separate requirement to the obligation on boards of credit unions to ensure that adequate provisions are made for bad and doubtful loans. I am advised that the Total Regulatory Reserve is comprised of the Statutory Reserve and, where relevant, an amount held in a non-distributable additional regulatory reserve account.

A minimum of 8 per cent of total assets must be held in the Statutory Reserve and the remaining 2 per cent may be held in the Statutory Reserve or additional regulatory reserve account. Financial institutions, including credit unions, are required to hold minimum levels of regulatory reserves as well as making adequate provisions for bad and doubtful debts. The economic environment in which we now operate places increased emphasis on the maintenance of adequate reserves and credit unions are expected to operate with a level of reserves above the minimum regulatory requirement and to comply with the requirements issued by the Registrar of Credit Unions.

As I have indicated previously, there is a balance to be struck between meeting members' needs to reschedule loans and ensuring the stability of the credit union sector overall. I am meeting the credit union representative bodies today. My message to them is that while the principle of the approach we are taking in the Bill must be adhered to, the Registrar and I are prepared to look at the scope for any further flexibility in relation to the transitional arrangements. It is in the interests of every credit union in the country that the stability of the sector is safeguarded. The proposals being brought forward in connection with the Bill will achieve this fundamental aim. Finally, if the Deputy wishes to provide further clarification of what he has in mind, I will seek to answer that part of his question which refers to contacts that I have had on the Section 35 issue.

Pension Provisions

Róisín Shortall

Question:

145 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost or saving to the Exchequer from the proposal in the national pensions framework to change tax relief provisions on pension contributions; if he will provide a breakdown on the savings to the Exchequer of reducing tax relief on pension contributions to 33% for those paying tax at the upper rate and increasing tax relief to 33% for those paying tax at the standard rate. [22280/10]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Tax relief on individual pension contributions is currently allowed at the taxpayer's marginal income tax rate, that is, at the standard or higher rate of income tax as appropriate in each case. Tax relief at 33% would result in a reduction in the tax relief on pension contributions available to higher rate taxpayers and an additional incentive to pension savings for standard rate taxpayers.

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question is a self-assessed individual. To determine their tax liability and avail of the appropriate credits in relation to themselves and their spouse, they should complete and return the Form 11 for the year 2008, which was issued to the taxpayer on 30 November 2008. A copy of the form may be obtained by telephoning the Revenue Commissioners, Cork @ 021 6027058 or from the Revenue website www.revenue.ie

Youth Services

Róisín Shortall

Question:

149 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on proposals for funding youth cafes; the funding available; and the basis on which it was allocated. [22140/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)

As the Deputy will be aware, on 12 April last, I announced details of a dedicated youth café funding scheme of €1.5m from dormant accounts funds. This is the first dedicated youth café funding scheme in Ireland and was launched along with the publication of two relevant associated publications, Youth Cafe9s in Ireland: A best practice guide and Youth Cafe9 Toolkit: how to set up and run a youth cafe9 in Ireland. Both documents were prepared for my office by the Child and Family Research centre at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). These developments respond to the repeated emphasis young people have placed on the need for such recreational spaces. They recognise the achievements already made by many groups in establishing youth cafés around the country and ensure a solid policy foundation for youth café development and the expansion of safe quality recreational spaces for young people.

A total funding package of up to €1.5 million is available for small scale fit-out, refurbishment works or building enhancement projects to existing Youth Cafes and for the start up of new youth cafes. This scheme is being administered by Pobal on behalf of my Office through a closed call system via the nationwide network of city and county development boards (CDBs). This funding is once off in nature and the drawdown of funds from this scheme will take place over the present and next year (2011). The Youth Café model is based on a multi-agency approach and the County Development Board structure provides the natural fit for the assessment of local need, priorities and sustainability from multi-agency perspectives. The use of the CDB network in the application process will also enable direct local involvement in the initial prioritisation of applications. This will ensure that detailed local knowledge is taken into account in the short listing of applications for further consideration by POBAL.

As applications are still being accepted, no funds have been distributed as yet. The closing date for the submission of applications is Friday 11th June 2010. As I have already mentioned, applications must be processed through local City and County development boards. Full details of the operation of the scheme are available on www.pobal.ie I have asked my officials to forward further details of the Scheme to you in the next days.

General Medical Services Scheme

Chris Andrews

Question:

150 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children the list of the medicines allowed under the general medical card scheme general practitioner only card scheme in respect of long-term illnesses. [22123/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Medical Cards

Michael Ring

Question:

151 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved a medical card. [22166/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Hospital Staff

Finian McGrath

Question:

152 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a group (details supplied) to have a clinical nurse based at the new children’s hospital. [22183/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Departmental Investigations

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

153 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 19 May 2010, that the Health Information and Quality Authority and not Beaumont Hospital itself should commission the inquiry into whether Beaumont Hospital complies with the minimum safety standards prescribed by the Joint Committee on Higher Surgical Training; if she acknowledges that it would be unsatisfactory to have the hospital inquiring into its own standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22187/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I understand from contacts made with the Deputy's office that his question refers to an individual case. While the Health Information and Quality Authority has no plans to commence an investigation in this instance, it has recommended to Beaumont Hospital that it secure an external expert to review the particular case.

The Authority is engaging with Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital (which also provides neurosurgical services) on an ongoing basis and is supporting their development of national guidelines on the treatment of neurosurgical patients. The Authority is also currently drafting National Standards for Safer, Better Health Care which will be available for public consultation later in the year. The aim of these standards is to provide top-level guidance for both service users and providers on the provision of good quality health care. The Joint Committee on Higher Surgical Training is a training body and is not responsible for national standards for service delivery.

Health Services

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)

I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

158 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Health Service Executive revision of rehabilitation services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22207/10]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

159 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views regarding the review of rehabilitation services as it affects the provision of prosthetics and orthotics; if her attention has been drawn to the concern that proposed changes could adversely affect the provision of these services here, including the loss of skilled prosthetist or orthotist jobs, loss of choice for patients and a monopoly for a British-based prosthetic orthotic firm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22208/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.

I regret that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course. However, both my Department and the Health Service Executive are concerned to ensure that rehabilitation services and the structure of same are the most efficient and appropriate. This led to the setting up of a working group to develop a National Strategy for the Provision of Rehabilitation Services. The group is expected to report shortly.

Hospital Services

Bernard Allen

Question:

160 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that a group exists, appointed by her, which consults on the reconfiguration of acute hospital services in the Cork area; if she will name the appointees to that consultative group and the number of times they have met; if they have submitted any report to either herself or the Health Service Executive; furthermore, if she will outline its reporting mechanisms to her and to the Health Service Executive. [22215/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

To support the reconfiguration of acute hospitals in Cork and Kerry, a non-executive advisory board was established by the HSE in September 2009. The board has 17 members, drawn from business, education and health care fields. Its purpose is to support and advise the HSE as appropriate in relation to the reconfiguration of acute hospital services in the region. The board has met on five occasions, twice in 2009 and three times in 2010. The board members receive no remuneration for their participation in this board and give their time and advice freely. The HSE indicates that the membership of the advisory board is as follows:

Membership of Board

Mr Micheal O’Flynn — Chairman

Board Member of the Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin

Chairman of the Cork Friends of Crumlin

Mr Brendan Tuohy — former Secretary General of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 2007. He is currently:

Chairman of the UN body, the Global eSchools and Communities Initiative,

Chairman of the National Maritime College of Ireland Advisory Board,

Chairman of the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing and

Chairman of the Board of the Dublin Region Higher Education Alliance,

Mr Padraig O’Riordan — Managing Partner, Arthur Cox Solicitors

Mr Des Murphy — Chair of Mercy University Hospital Board and managing partner Carroll Murphy Quantity surveyors

Mr Pat Lyons — Chief Executive of Bon Secours Health System

Mr Pat Healy — Regional Director of Operations

Mr Paul Breen — Chairman Board of Governors Athlone Institute of Technology

Prof Geraldine McCarthy — Professor and Head of the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC

Member of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)

Member of Fulbright Commission.

Prof Cillian Twomey — retired consultant physician in geriatric medicine,

Currently Chairman of the National Steering Committee of the Hospital friendly Hospitals (HfH) Programme.

Former president of IMO and President of the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (European Union of Medical Specialists)

Mr Sean O’Driscoll — CEO Glen Dimplex

Member of the UCC President’s Consultative Board

Irish Government member of the Enterprise Advisory Group established to advice on the implementation of enterprise strategy for Ireland, and the high-level Group overseeing implementation of Ireland’s Asia Strategy.

Mr Kevin Kenny — Tax Partner, Ernst & Young

Mr Michael Hall — Chair of South Infirmary Victoria Hospital Board

Dr Paddy Crowley — General Practitioner

Mr Donal Horgan — Managing Director of Musgrave, Super Value Centra, Musgrave Group plc,

Dr. Michael Murphy — President UCC

Mr Aidan O’Brien — Horse Racing Trainer

Prof Gerry O Sullivan — Professor of Surgery and Director of Cork Cancer centre,

Former President of Royal College of Surgeons and

President of the European Surgical Association.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Denis Naughten

Question:

161 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 16 June 2009, she will provide the corresponding figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22217/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental treatment to medical cardholders over the age of 16. On 26th April the HSE wrote to dentists working in the DTSS to advise them of changes to the scheme. These changes were effective immediately and were introduced to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million. This reflects the decision taken in last December's Budget to achieve overall reductions in public expenditure while providing essential health services to patients. The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective. The HSE will also be providing ongoing clinical guidance and advice to individual dentists in relation to the changes to the scheme.

Health Services

As indicated to the Deputy in my previous response, it was not possible to answer the original question due to industrial action. This industrial action currently remains in place and continues to affect the provision of substantive replies to certain Parliamentary Questions. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the Deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.

Nursing Education

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

174 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 20 April 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [22319/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

As indicated to the Deputy in my previous response, it was not possible to answer the original question due to industrial action. This industrial action currently remains in place and continues to affect the provision of substantive replies to certain Parliamentary Questions. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the Deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.

Organ Transplants

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

175 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 20 April 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [22320/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Questions Nos. 181 and 182 answered with Question No. 169.

Departmental Properties

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

183 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 20 April 2010, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [22328/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

As indicated to the Deputy in my previous response, it was not possible to answer the original question due to industrial action. This industrial action currently remains in place and continues to affect the provision of substantive replies to certain Parliamentary Questions. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the Deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.

Road Network

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

184 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the purpose of his recent correspondence with Cork County Council in regard to the provision of an inner relief road in Carrigaline, County Cork; the response that has been received; the impediments that exist in relation to getting this needed project under way; the financial consideration or undertaking that has been given by him; the timescale with regard to the commencement of works in relation to this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22172/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants paid by my Department. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

On 22nd February, I announced the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations. A total of €411.409 million is being provided to local authorities this year for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads. In deciding on allocations for 2010 the first priority was to ensure the protection of the existing road network and, particularly the massive Exchequer investment of €6 billion which we have made through the provision of regional and local road grants since 1997. It is important that resources are therefore targeted to address, on a priority basis, the most urgently required repairs resulting from the extensive damage caused by the prolonged severe weather.

Local authorities have been asked to carefully re-assess their planned road programmes for 2010 having regard to these priorities. In August 2009, Cork County Council submitted a proposal for funding the land acquisition and construction of this project in 2010 and beyond. The estimated cost of this project is approximately €18.5 million. Since then I have met with local authority representatives and Deputy Michael McGrath regarding this issue. I wrote to Cork County Council (through local Deputy Michael McGrath) on 30th April 2010, raising a number of issues and including the need to ensure that land costs are not excessive and that adequate development contributions are levied.

Public Transport

190 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers who availed of the rural transport programme in 2009; the percentage of these passengers who held a free travel pass; the percentage who used the door-to-door service; the cost of the door-to-door service in 2009; the number of passenger journeys in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 190 together.

Expenditure since 2004 by my Department on the Rural Transport Programme (RTP), together with the Free Travel Scheme (FTS) contribution from the Department of Social Protection and funding for the Evening Services Pilot Scheme (ESPS) operated by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs in the period 2007-2009, are set out in Table 1:

Table 1
Year	Expenditure RTP (million)	Expenditure FTS (million)	Expenditure ESPS
	€	€	€
2004	3.00	0.50
2005	4.50	0.75
2006	5.10	0.85
2007	9.00	1.50	152,077
2008	10.00	1.50	479,328
2009	11.00	1.50	326,674
2010	11.00 (Estimate)	1.50 (Estimate)

The number of transport services operated under the RTP continues to grow as do the number of passenger journeys recorded on those services, details of which are set out in Table 2:

Table 2
	RTP Services	RTP Passenger Journeys
2004	64,954	514,137
2005	79,914	651,391
2006	93,419	791,264
2007	120,753	998,350
2008	146,771	1,200,194
2009	157,106	1,289,025

Of the 2009 passengers, 65 percent were Free Travel Pass holders while 79 percent were provided with a door-to-door service. The provision of specific services under the Programme is a matter for Pobal (which administers the RTP on behalf of my Department) and the individual RTP groups who know where the transport needs are in their areas and how best to address them.

The actual amount spent on individual service types is not currently collated. Groups are given overall budgets to provide different models of transport including scheduled services, semi-flexible and demand responsive services depending on the needs identified locally. The annual RTP, Free Travel and ESPS funding in each of the years from 2006-2009 for each of the community transport groups are set out in Tables 3 — 6. I understand from Pobal that the 2010 funding allocations for individual groups have not yet been finalised.

Table 3: 2006
Group	Rural Transport Programme	Free Travel Scheme	Evening Service Pilot Scheme
	€	€	€
Aughrim-Kilmore Development	60,456	13,283
Avondhu Development Group	155,308	35,666
BAND	74,173
Bantry Rural Transport	128,697	40,203
Bealach	92,408	21,999
Carlow, Kilkenny & Sth Tipp RTI	229,154	36,862
Comharchumann Chleire Teo	93,109	2,788
Community of Lough Arrow	94,466	22,894
Co Limerick/Nth Cork Transport Group	177,230	31,569
Deiske Link	185,986	30,154
East Clare Accessible Transport	197,104	32,568
IRD Dunhallow	118,285	32,179
Kerry Community Transport	412,153	96,719
Kilnaleck & District Comm Co-op	64,755	13,813
Laois Rural Regeneration Partnership	213,737	17,924
Latton Social Services & Development	57,729	14,882
Longford Community Resources	99,901	15,700
Meath Accessible Transport	160,896	41,206
Meitheal Mhaigeo	172,448	51,319
North Fingal Rural Transport	69,764	3,486
Offaly & Kildare RTI	177,818	39,471
Rural Lift	128,184	26,903
Seirbhis Iompair Tuaithe Teo	88,317	23,619
Siob Teo	145,525	25,546
Sligo Leader Partnership	113,310	22,787
South East Galway IRD	86,249	8,217
South Kildare RTI	251,492	19,499
South West Wexford RTI	104,808	10,903
South Westmeath Mount Temple	134,239	40,862
Tippearary LEADER Group	68,741	10,672
Tumna-Shannon Development	81,020	6,905
West Offaly Partnership	127,196	17,608
Wexford Area Partnership	103,523	10,982
Wicklow Rural Transport	177,530	21,730

Table 4: 2007
Group	Rural Transport Programme	Free Travel Scheme	Evening Service Pilot Scheme
	€	€	€
Aughrim-Kilmore Development	96,810	21,253
Avondhu Development Group	263,013	62,139	19,255
Bantry Rural Transport	234,801	79,176	41,826
Bealach	186,922	34,458
Carlow, Kilkenny & Sth Tipp RTI	457,900	62,535
Comharchumann Chleire Teo	148,699	3,807
Community of Lough Arrow	163,148	42,612
Co Limerick/Nth Cork Transport Group	300,399	63,130
Deiske Link	301,781	65,267
East Clare Accessible Transport	358,799	58,387
East Cork Area Development	12,500
Inishowen Partnership	12,500
IRD Dunhallow	193,771	47,797
Kerry Community Transport	575,798	171,346
Kilnaleck Comm & Co-op Society	132,984	23,194
Laois Rural Regeneration Partnership	317,858	35,458	20,039
Latton Social Services & Development	92,895	37,396
Longford Community Resources	229,872	26,852
Louth Leader	12,500
Meath Accessible Transport	299,164	60,173	21,824
Meitheal Mhaigeo	257,626	90,430
North Fingal Rural Transport	110,177	7,618
North Tipperary Leader	132,024	18,695
Offaly & Kildare RTI	271,337	63,212
Rural Lift	207,065	46,870
Seirbhis Iompair Tuaithe Teo	136,819	14,041
Siob Teo	210,153	39,862
Sligo Leader Partnership	202,707	35,049	36,826
South East Galway IRD	133,849	19,640
South Kildare RTI	386,128	27,922
South West Wexford RTI	160,498	25,316
South Westmeath Mount Temple	284,511	65,221
Tippearary LEADER Group	143,208	20,399
Tumna-Shannon Development	126,340	18,284	12,307
West Offaly Partnership	207,645	25,420
Wexford Area Partnership	149,357	26,319
Wicklow Rural Transport	320,789	35,415

Table 5: 2008
Group	Rural Transport Programme	Free Travel Scheme	Evening Service Pilot Scheme
	€	€	€
Aughrim-Kilmore Development	114,023	23,922
Avondhu Development Group	288,006	53,881	57,763
Bantry Rural Transport	287,660	82,406	119,826
Bealach	228,704	36,472
Carlow, Kilkenny & Sth Tipp RTI	377,940	59,900
Comharchumann Chleire Teo	97,680	3,942
Community of Lough Arrow	147,240	42,908
Co Limerick/Nth Cork Transport Group	313,217	62,590
Deiske Link	307,898	75,864
East Clare Accessible Transport	340,499	53,550
East Cork Area Development	152,500
Galway Rural Development	47,150
Inishowen Partnership	88,113
IRD Dunhallow	192,531	67,757
Kerry Community Transport	565,924	164,883
Kilnaleck Comm & Co-op Society	166,178	24,732
Laois Rural Regeneration Partnership	342,807	30,847	35,115
Latton Social Services & Development	133,589	42,480
Longford Community Resources	112,837	23,510
Louth Leader	75,125
Meath Accessible Transport	344,392	70,894	97,472
Meitheal Mhaigeo	217,745	91,825
North Fingal Rural Transport	149,206	7,396
North Tipperary Leader
Offaly & Kildare RTI	328,570	59,900
Pairtiocht Ghaeltacht Thir Chonaill	201,063	30,000	30,000
Rural Lift	232,065	78,240
Seirbhis Iompair Tuaithe Teo	190,408	11,840
Siob Teo	61,408		15,405
Sligo Leader Partnership	187,918	33,754	86,826
South East Galway IRD	163,336	20,489
South Kildare RTI	323,072	23,142
South West Wexford RTI	204,626	26,534
South Westmeath Mount Temple	286,037	76,109
Tippearary LEADER Group	278,513	41,572
Tumna-Shannon Development	108,902	22,984	36,921
West Offaly Partnership	223,519	22,404
Wexford Area Partnership	202,085	29,092
Wicklow Rural Transport	303,694	38,933

Table 6: 2009
Group	Rural Transport Programme	Free Travel Scheme	Evening Service Pilot Scheme
	€	€	€
Ardcarne Kilmore Roscommon	163,019	13,468	7,993
Aughrim-Kilmore Development	47,357	13,469
Avondhu Blackwater Development Group	263,863	43,412	12,873
Bantry Rural Transport	333,568	65,721	119,436
Bealach	257,779	32,896
Carlow, Kilkenny & Sth Tipp RTI	475,351	57,699
Comharchumann Chleire Teo	157,516	3,312
Community of Lough Arrow	183,659	38,885
Co Limerick/Nth Cork Transport Group	329,877	48,910
Deiske Link	310,953	65,502
East Clare Accessible Transport	355,825	49,134
East Cork Area Development	191,570	23,000
Galway Rural Development	114,071	11,500
Inishowen Partnership	252,157	23,000
IRD Dunhallow	219,944	64,273
Kerry Community Transport	610,034	131,292
Kilnaleck Comm & Co-op Society	212,929	26,535
Laois Rural Regeneration Partnership	342,664	31,002	44,256
Latton Social Services & Development	230,130	38,191
Longford Community Resources	178,916	25,318
Louth Leader	181,117	23,000
Mayo North East Leader	142,556
Meath Accessible Transport	422,927	52,272	53,406
Meitheal Mhaigeo	129,010	93,141
North Fingal Rural Transport	164,855	8,069
Offaly & Kildare RTI	344,500	48,246
Pairtiocht Ghaeltacht Thir Chonaill	242,596	33,062	15,822
Rural Lift	231,269	59,481
Seirbhis Iompair Tuaithe Teo	274,509	19,564
Sligo Leader Partnership	183,849	29,086	57,888
South East Galway IRD	166,623	19,324
South Kildare RTI	383,215	19,587
South West Wexford RTI	177,187	33,067
South Westmeath Mount Temple	309,521	65,522
Tippearary LEADER Group	255,879	41,444
Tumna-Shannon Development	57,930	28,213	15,000
West Offaly Partnership	223,341	19,500
Wexford Area Partnership	193,292	35,529
Wicklow Rural Partnership	334,152	40,155

Rail Network

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

188 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated opening date for phase 2 of the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22283/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The first phase of the Western Rail Corridor was opened on 29th March. The next step will be for Iarnród Eireann to undertake a detailed evaluation of Phases 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake the works. I am seeking to progress planning of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3, to ensure that Iarnród Eireann would be in a position to move speedily to construction at the earliest possible date. In relation to the final section of the line, it is currently being preserved under the Clár Programme and Iarnród Eireann will look again at its reopening when Phases 2 and 3 are completed.

Public Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

189 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if a strategic impact assessment has been carried out by his Department on the Dublin Bus Network Review; if he will publish these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22329/10]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Since 1st December 2009, these are matters that come under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The Oireachtas Liaison Officer for the NTA is Mr. Matt Benville, The National Transport Authority, 59 Dawson St., Dublin 2.

Question No. 190 answered with Question No. 187.

Residency Permits

Bernard Allen

Question:

191 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will issue on the application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22129/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on 17 September 2001, for an initial twelve month period, on the basis of his parentage of an Irish citizen child. This permission was renewed on a number of occasions, most recently to 17 September 2009.

Arising from the conviction of the person concerned for an immigration related offence in the United Kingdom, which resulted in a custodial sentence in that jurisdiction, allied to the fact that he was no longer living as part of a family unit with his Irish citizen child, the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 28 October 2009, that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Jack Wall

Question:

192 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22130/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on 17 September 2001, for an initial twelve month period, on the basis of his parentage of an Irish citizen child. This permission was renewed on a number of occasions, most recently to 17 September 2009.

Arising from the conviction of the person concerned for an immigration related offence in the United Kingdom, which resulted in a custodial sentence in that jurisdiction, allied to the fact that he was no longer living as part of a family unit with his Irish citizen child, the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 28 October 2009, that, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round. I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.

Crime Levels

Joe Costello

Question:

200 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reconsider his decision to issue a deportation order in respect of a person (details supplied) in view of his outstanding record and achievements during the past eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22291/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in the Clontarf Garda Sub-District. While local Garda management is aware of anti-social behaviour in the area, it is not aware of any incidents of the type referred to by the Deputy. Any such incidents reported to An Garda Síochána are investigated.

The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, Including the Community Policing Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the local Detective and Drugs Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated specifically to the area.

Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour, thereby promoting an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life for residents. Community policing is a central feature and core value of policing policy.

Residency Permits

Mary Upton

Question:

204 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he can ensure that an application for permission to remain in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy applied for permission to remain in the State and this application is currently under consideration.

Gaming Industry

Richard Bruton

Question:

205 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the need for regulation of the on-line gaming sector; the state of preparedness for his proposals for the regulator and the taxation of this sector; when it is expected that legislation will be published on the matter. [22411/10]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

As the Deputy is no doubt aware from my reply to Question Number 362 of 18 May 2010, the consultation phase of the major review of gambling which I initiated has now been completed. The review will provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State, including for the first time, the on-line gaming sector. Three important considerations inform the review. These are:

that young people and the vulnerable are protected;

that gambling should in all respects be fairly and openly conducted and

that gambling is kept free of crime.

Following the settling of policy in relation to a new gambling architecture for the State, the House can expect the publication of legislative proposals in the normal course. I anticipate, however, that any new legislation will be both complex and comprehensive. The Deputy should be aware that the taxation of this sector is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance who will, I am sure, pursue that issue as part of any new regulatory framework adopted for on-line gaming.

Departmental Staff

Billy Timmins

Question:

206 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil servants in his Department who received coaching in a foreign language in the past 12 months; the expenditure that his Department incurred in providing such coaching; the languages in which such coaching was provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22175/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

In the past 12 months 233 officers of the Department have received coaching in a foreign language. Total expenditure on language training for officers of the Department in 2009 and to-date in 2010 was €272,111. Language training was provided in the following languages: Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Tetum and Turkish.

Billy Timmins

Question:

207 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the training his Department’s staff received in the past 12 months in providing support and assistance to the families of Irish victims of disasters and personal tragedies abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22179/10]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)

My Department arranges training for staff who are involved in providing consular support and assistance to Irish citizens abroad and their families in Ireland. Consular staff at HQ are provided with detailed instructions on how to deal with the range of consular cases that arise. As the Deputy will be aware, when a crisis occurs involving a substantial number of Irish citizens abroad, we activate the Consular Crisis Centre which is staffed for the duration of the crisis by officers drawn from other Sections of the Department. These volunteer staff are provided with regular refresher training on how to respond to such crises.

Staff in our Missions abroad are on the frontline when consular issues occur. Annually, as part of the Department's training programme for officers being posted abroad, we provide specific training focusing on the full range of consular issues that they may face. Consular assistance and crisis management issues were also covered in the pre-posting Management Development training course in 2009. In addition, specialised training is provided for the Diplomatic Duty Officers taking over the "out of hours duty officer service" dealing with emergency consular cases involving Irish citizens abroad.

Ferry Services

Michael Ring

Question:

208 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a company (details supplied) moved out to an area in mid-2009 fulfilling part of its contract agreement, yet shortly afterwards it moved back into Galway docks; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22200/10]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Pat Carey)

The contract that my Department has with the company referred to by the Deputy stipulated that the shipping service should originate from Galway Docks for the first year of the service and from another location thereafter. Apart from a brief period during May and June 2009 when the berth at Galway Docks was required for the Volvo Ocean Race, the company has not been in a position to comply with this particular condition in the contract as it was notified in June 2009 by the authorities at the proposed location that a berth will not be available until further notice. In the meantime, the company continues to provide a satisfactory service from Galway Docks.

Social Welfare Benefits

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

209 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if financial assistance will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Social Welfare Code

Joe McHugh

Question:

210 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social Protection the incentives offered by the State for self-employed persons who contribute Class A stamps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22286/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

The range of benefits and pensions to which different groups of workers may establish entitlement reflects the risks associated with the nature of their work. This in turn reflects the rate of contribution payable. Self-employed workers are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 3%. They are consequently eligible for a narrower range of benefits than general employees who, together with their employers, pay a total social insurance contribution of 14.75% under the full-rate PRSI Class A.

Class S contributions provide cover for long-term benefits such as state pension (contributory) and widow's/widower's pension (contributory). However they do not provide cover for short-term benefits such as jobseeker's and illness benefits — these are only available to people covered by PRSI Classes A, E, H and P. This reflects the need for coverage for various contingencies, the rate of contributions that self-employed people pay, the practicalities of administering and controlling access to short-term payments and the annualised system of contributions that these same persons enjoy. A system of separate arrangements for employed and self-employed workers within a social insurance context is common in other European social protection systems.

In certain cases, a self-employed person, who had insurable employment in the relevant year, currently 2008, and had paid sufficient Class A contributions, may qualify for a jobseeker's benefit payment, provided all the conditions of the scheme are satisfied. A self-employed person who has paid insufficient Class A contributions may instead qualify for jobseeker's allowance. Jobseeker's allowance is a means-tested payment and in assessing a person's means for the purposes of this allowance account is taken of all income which the person may reasonably expect to receive during the succeeding year. In general their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year. In the current climate account is taken of the downward trend in the economy and it is accepted that future earnings may be lower than those of previous years. The process also recognises the potential for significant upward or downward variations in income from one year to the next.

There are no immediate plans to extend cover for short-term benefits to this group of insured workers. Any such measure would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered within a budgetary context. Consideration would also have to be given to an appropriate increase in the rate of the PRSI Class S contribution.

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael Ring

Question:

211 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if arrears of fuel allowance have been awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if so, the amount awarded; the number of weeks that same was awarded; and if not, when all arrears will be awarded. [22165/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

A Deciding Officer awarded a fuel allowance payment to the person concerned covering a period of 16 weeks from 7 January 2010. Arrears of €326.70 issued to her on 18 May 2010. A further payment of €13.30 representing the remainder of fuel allowance arrears due and omitted in error from earlier payment will issue to her shortly.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

212 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social Protection the date from which the Department started assessing applicants for jobseeker’s allowance living at home for means from benefit of board and lodgings in their parents’ home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22194/10]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

213 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Wexford who have been refused jobseeker’s allowance because the means from benefit of board and lodgings in their parents’ home have put them over the income limit since the introduction of this assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22195/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.

The legislation relating to benefit and privilege dates back to the Unemployment Assistance Act of 1933. The statistics requested by the Deputy are not available as the source of means is not codified on the jobseeker's payment system.

Frank Feighan

Question:

214 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason supplementary welfare allowance has been discontinued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [22288/10]

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)

Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Sean Sherlock

Question:

215 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are grants available to residential property owners to upgrade existing sewerage facilities and septic tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22127/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The Programme for Government, agreed in June 2007, included a commitment to introduce a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrade of septic tanks older than 15 years with newer systems. The feasibility for introducing such a scheme will remain under ongoing review by my Department, in light of budgetary constraints.

Under my Department's Rural Water Programme, grants are available to provide groups of households with the opportunity of connecting to public sewerage networks through communal sewage collection systems that are, in turn, connected to local authority sewers. Alternatively, the communal sewage collection system may be connected to sewage treatment facilities provided by the groups themselves. A grant of 75% of the approved cost, subject to a limit of €2,031.58 per domestic connection, whichever is the lesser, is available for eligible works. Details of these grants may be obtained from the local authorities, to whom the administration of the Rural Water Programme has been devolved since 1997.

Housing Aid for the Elderly

Sean Sherlock

Question:

216 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in respect of the improvement works scheme, there is any recourse for home owners who benefit from the scheme where works are carried out that are subsequently found to be below building regulation standards and are found to be substandard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22128/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

In the case of housing adaptations carried out with assistance provided under my Department's suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, relevant building works must be carried out in accordance with the Building Regulations and, in the case of new dwellings, in accordance with Part M of the Regulations in order to ensure visitability by people with disabilities. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of the local authorities, acting as Building Control Authorities. In the case of improvement works falling outside of the remit of the Building Regulations, including the carrying out of repairs and the provision of fixtures and fittings, any issue relating to the standard of workmanship or materials is a matter between the householder and the contractor.

Grant Payments

Michael Ring

Question:

217 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their de-stocking payment from the national parks and wildlife service; when they last received such payments; and when their next payment is due. [22134/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

My Department is awaiting receipt of confirmation from the applicant's farm planner of compliance by the applicant with the provisions of the farm plan. Payment can be made when this confirmation is received. The previous payment due to the applicant issued on 11 December 2009.

Motor Taxation

Denis Naughten

Question:

218 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reform the motor tax system to allow any motor tax office to issue a disc on behalf of an adjoining local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22170/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

At present a local authority may only issue a licence for a vehicle which is in its own county area. The possibility of permitting a licensing authority to issue a licence without such restriction is being considered in the context of a revision and consolidation of motor tax law currently underway in my Department. In this regard, I intend to bring Heads of a Bill to Government as soon as possible.

Housing Aid for the Elderly

Olwyn Enright

Question:

219 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 224 and 225 of 29 April 2010, the amount of funding that his Department provided to the Dublin and mid-Leinster region, in particular to the Laois and Offaly Health Service Executive area, in 2009 for the operation of the remaining claims under the special housing aid for the elderly scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22176/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

The discontinued Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme was administered by a Task Force under the aegis of my Department and operated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at local level. In 2009, following detailed consultation with the HSE and with the approval of the Task Force, my Department allocated €3.5m to the HSE, in respect of the remaining claims on hands in all HSE regions. The Dublin Mid Leinster Region received an allocation of €0.5m, the full amount sought by the HSE. It is a matter for the HSE to apportion the funding within regions.

Water and Sewerage Schemes

Finian McGrath

Question:

220 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide an update on the programme of works to deal with leaking water in the Dublin area particularly in the northside; when the work will commence. [22184/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Watermains rehabilitation work in the Greater Dublin Region is being progressed by Dublin City Council as part of the Dublin Region Watermain Rehabilitation Project, which is being funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 — 2012. While five contracts have been completed to date, further substantial contracts are due to go to construction during the lifetime of this Programme. Contract Documents for three contracts, including areas in the north of the city, are under examination in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Homeless Persons

Terence Flanagan

Question:

221 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22209/10]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)

I refer to the replies to Question No. 14 of 25 February 2010 and Question No. 168 of 1 April 2010, which set out the position generally regarding the implementation of the Government's Homeless Strategy and the Implementation Plan for the Strategy. As indicated in these replies a comprehensive range of measures has been put in place in the context of my Department's responsibility for policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities and approved housing bodies in addressing homelessness at local level. This includes an enhanced programme for procurement of accommodation, which was announced just before Easter, to advance the core strategic objective of eliminating long term homelessness and help housing authorities to meet their targets for accommodating homeless households. Delivery on this programme will be determined primarily by action on the part of the approved housing bodies and housing authorities and the response of market interests, including property owners and financial institutions.

The process of implementing the provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 is also now well advanced, with the establishment of Regional Homelessness Consultative Fora and the development of statutory Homelessness Action Plans. These provisions further reinforce the role of the housing authorities, working with relevant statutory and non-statutory agencies, in the planning, implementation and oversight of homeless services and action to achieve the objectives of the homeless strategy.

Architectural Heritage

Joe Carey

Question:

222 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a conservation grants scheme for dwellings which are located in an architectural conservation area but are not regarded as protected or listed structures; if so, when he expects to introduce such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22279/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

My Department is currently reviewing the provisions of the local authority conservation grants scheme. This scheme is aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on structures which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures contained in local authority development plans. The provision of funding towards conservation works on structures in architectural conservation areas, which are not protected structures, is amongst the issues being considered in the review.

Departmental Procedures

John O'Mahony

Question:

223 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 6 May 2010, the reason his Department has not contacted this person as stated in the previous replies; when his Department will contact this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22294/10]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

As indicated in the reply of 6 May, the case concerned is complex. The Department has been considering legal and other expert advice received and will contact the person concerned next week.

Electricity Generation

Billy Timmins

Question:

224 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the estimate he has made of the change in demand for electricity by 2025; the provisions he has put in place to deal with those changes; the costs that are likely to be incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22198/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

EirGrid is the national transmission system operator, and as such, is responsible for developing and upgrading the transmission system in order to meet ongoing and future electricity needs. EirGrid publishes figures on growth of demand each month. These are available on the EirGrid website at www.eirgrid.com. Each year EirGrid's Generation Adequacy Report estimates the need for new power generation capacity and transmission capacity looking ahead seven years. These figures provide the basis for investments in the competitive generation sector and by the network operators. The Generation Adequacy Report is also available on EirGrid's website.

EirGrid has estimated that demand for electricity will grow by up to 60 per cent by 2025. Grid25 is EirGrid's strategy for developing Ireland's electricity transmission network over the next fifteen years. The plan envisages the doubling of Ireland's grid capacity over the period to 2025 and will involve investment of €4 billion in this critical national infrastructure. Costs related to new generation plant are borne by investors. Network infrastructure is a regulated investment.

EirGrid's plans are capable of adaptation in light of changes within the period to 2025, and electricity infrastructure will be driven to a large extent by major strategic issues such as the integration of renewable electricity in line with Ireland's binding EU targets, the need to ensure that industries all over Ireland have power to locate and expand, and the critical imperative of encouraging competition in the electricity sector.

Billy Timmins

Question:

225 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the most recent estimate of the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources; his estimate of the proportion of electricity that will be generated from renewable sources by 2025; the way he intends to achieve those estimates and the costs likely to be incurred in so doing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22199/10]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

It is estimated that in Quarter 1 2010 there was 1651 MW of installed renewable generation on the Irish electricity system. Ireland is on schedule to meet the 15% target for electricity from renewable sources (RES-E) for this year (surpassing an EU target of 13.1% by 2010 addressed to Ireland under Directive 2001/77/EC.) Indeed, based on reasonable load growth figures and reasonable capacity factors Ireland has already met, or is close to meeting, our national target. This will be confirmed later in the year. In the meantime, there is sufficient additional capacity scheduled to be installed throughout this year to ensure the target is achieved.

Ireland's target for electricity from renewable sources is a 2020 rather than a 2025 target. Under the new Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC, Ireland must achieve 16% of all energy from renewable sources across the heat, transport and electricity sectors by 2020. Broadly speaking, it is intended that this will be achieved through 12% heat from renewable sources, 10% transport energy from renewable sources and 40% RES-E. In Budget 2009, the Government set a 40% RES-E target and it is estimated that between 4630MW and 5800MW of renewable generation will be required, depending on economic growth assumptions and demand projections, to ensure 40% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020.

Under the grid connection offer process ‘Gate 3', 3900MW of offers are currently in the process of being issued to renewable generators. This amount of renewable generation is sufficient for the achievement of Ireland's RES-E target and with falling demand may even mean that the RES-E target is exceeded. The Gate process is commensurate with the achievement of our 2020 RES-E target. On the infrastructure side, EirGrid's ‘Grid 25' strategy provides the framework to build a more cost effective and efficient system to cater for the shift towards the integration of increasing amounts of renewable generation over time and will necessitate €4 billion investment in the grid.

Grant Payments

Noel Coonan

Question:

226 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application for the traditional farm buildings grant scheme 2010 will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22160/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

There has been considerable interest in this scheme, which was a Supplementary Measure under REPS 4. The Heritage Council, which has responsibility for assessing applications on behalf of my Department, acknowledged the application from the person named on 26 April 2010. This letter explained that he would be informed of the outcome of his application at the end of July 2010.

Noel Coonan

Question:

227 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the grants that are available for persons to carry out works to old traditional farm buildings on their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22161/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Under REPS 4, grants were available to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings and associated structures, as a supplementary measure to the Scheme. The grant covers up to 75% of the cost of the works and grant awards vary between €5,000 and €25,000. The smallest project that could be funded would cost €6,700. The traditional farm building must have architectural or vernacular heritage character, make a contribution to its setting and not be overwhelmed by large-scale modern buildings. It is an objective of the Heritage Buildings measure that a reasonable geographical spread of grantees across Ireland is achieved.

Question:

232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to the farming community by the failure of his Department to make farm payments promptly; the action he proposes to address the issue in the short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22260/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 232 together.

As has been mentioned in answer to recent parliamentary questions there are no appreciable delays in issuing of payments to farmers under the various schemes operated by the Department with the exception of the REPS scheme and the Young Farmers Installation Scheme.

REPS

By the closing date of 15 May, 2009 my Department received 29,376 REPS 4 applications and these are the potential applicants for participation in the Scheme and payment in 2009. The acceptance of REPS 4 applications is governed by EU Regulations which require exhaustive administrative checks and on-the-spot inspections. In a significant number of the applications received, the administrative checks raised issues and queries which required further detailed examination. My Department's staff have been working to resolve these as quickly as possible. Many of these cases required the applicants' planners to amend the farm plans that were submitted originally. The applicants concerned were made aware of the position and the applications are being further processed without delay on receipt of amended plans. So far, 24,023 applicants have received full payment for 2009 and work is continuing to process the remainder as quickly as possible.

My officials have also been in contact with the 111 applicants whose plans had been rejected, to inform them of their right to appeal the decision. Alternatively, unless the application had been found to be fundamentally ineligible, applicants were given the opportunity to submit a new REPS 4 plan and application form on or before 17 May 2010. The latter cases will be dealt with as a priority.

Young Farmers' Installation Scheme

Due to the redeployment of relevant staff onto the checking of REPS applications, delays have occurred in the processing of grant applications under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the preceding installation aid schemes. However, arrangements are now in place to expedite the processing of these applications and the delays concerned should be eliminated in the very near future. It is hoped to have completed the county by county listing of payments to those in receipt of Installation Scheme payments and forwarded to the Deputy, as requested, shortly.

Food Industry

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the development and expansion of the fruit and vegetable industry in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22259/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department continues to support the development of the horticulture sector. Support has been provided through the grant aid scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

Under this scheme, my colleague Mr. Ciarán Cuffe TD, Minister of State at the Department with special responsibility for Horticulture, announced earlier this month a grant aid package of €3.8 million for the industry. Grants to 107 horticultural producers for capital investments in new facilities are provided for, and this will facilitate on-farm investment of about €9.6 million. Funding provided under the scheme underpins capital investment on farms that will encourage environmentally friendly practices, improve working conditions, improve the quality of produce and promote diversification of activities. This investment contributes significantly to the growth and development of the horticulture sector across all areas including the protected crops, field vegetables, nursery crops, mushrooms, soft fruit, apples and beekeeping sectors.

In addition, financial support continues to be available to those producers who participate in the Producer Organisation (PO) Scheme. This EU Scheme provides an important mechanism for growers to become part of a larger supply base, to concentrate on marketing and improve quality. My Department also provides funding to Bord Bia and Teagasc towards their work for the horticultural industry.

Bord Bia continues to provide support to operators in the horticulture sector to develop new markets by way of assistance in the areas of product innovation and marketing skills. Bord Bia is also involved in a number of campaigns to promote demand for horticultural produce including the Incredible Edibles initiative. This is an educational initiative for primary school children that is funded by industry and Bord Bia and facilitated by my Department. This initiative aims to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet.

Teagasc is actively involved in providing education, research and technical advice for the horticultural industry. The educational component relates to full and part-time courses provided at many centres throughout the country. Research of relevance to the fruit and vegetable industry is carried out at a number of centres and Teagasc also has a number of specialist horticultural advisers.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 230.

Afforestation Programme

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which in the course of the forestry planting programme an effort is being made to ensure the planting of tree species most likely to be efficient in the context of carbon sequestration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

All tree species grant-aided by my Department under the forestry grant schemes achieve high levels of carbon-sequestration. The potential of different tree species to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere depends mainly on their rate of growth. Some conifer species grow rapidly and will begin to sequester considerable amounts of carbon early in their life. Other species, including some broadleaves, grow more slowly and do not sequester the same level of carbon until later in their life.

The relationship between forests and carbon sequestration is a highly complex one and the efficiency of forests to absorb carbon is not dependent upon the tree species alone. Other factors such as soil type, previous land use, local climate, disease, fire, forest management activities, fertilisation and the rate of decomposition of forest organic matter all contribute, to greater or lesser degrees, to the overall forest carbon cycle.

Cereal Sector

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the future of cereal growing here; his plans to develop and expand this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22262/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector in Ireland is clearly very important. Not only does it generate an income to our tillage farmers but it is also a key source of feedingstuffs for our livestock sector. Annual cereals production in Ireland has fluctuated around 2 million tonnes in recent years and it is desirable to try and sustain this level of production in order to avoid over dependence on imported cereals.

Since Ireland is a deficit market for cereals, prices here are greatly affected by world prices and supplies. In 2007, increased demands for grain from the biofuels sector and the growing needs of new emerging markets like China and India drove up world grain market prices. In line with this rise in world prices, grain prices in Ireland increased to record levels during 2007 and growers here reacted by increasing the acreage sown. This resulted in a bumper harvest in 2008 with total grain production of almost 2.4m tonnes, the second highest on record.

However, the bad weather in the autumn of 2008 affected sowing of winter crops and this, coupled with poor returns for growers, led to the area planted being reduced again and consequently a decreased 2009 harvest output of about 1.86m tonnes, somewhat short of the long-term average of 2m tonnes. Despite the significant drop in production, grain prices were also down — on average 30% lower than the 2008 level. This illustrates the fact that the grain price in Ireland is a function of developments on EU and world markets rather than a function of domestic supply and demand developments.

Preliminary indications from Teagasc for 2010 are that the total winter crops sown is similar to 2009 while early indications show spring barley sowings are lower than 2009. I am confident that this year will see some recovery in returns for growers due to reductions in the main input costs and some increase in harvest prices, although clearly this still leaves the tillage sector some way to go to achieving acceptable margins.

Despite the current economic down turn across the world, the ever-increasing demand for grain within the biofuel industry and growing consumption patterns in developing countries is likely to continue over the coming years. While the various price spikes experienced in recent times are unlikely to be repeated in the short term, it is certainly possible that average world grain prices will grow over the next decade at a faster rate than over the previous one.

My Department operates a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing and recommended lists of varieties. In addition, Teagasc provides research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world. In February I launched a major initiative to draw up a long-term strategy for the agri-food, forestry and fisheries sector and the position of the cereals sector will be examined in this context.

Alternative Farm Enterprises

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the area of land currently dedicated to the growing of various forms of biofuels; the degree to which production is in line with projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22263/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Less than 0.2% of the agricultural land in Ireland is under non-food crops made up of oilseeds, miscanthus, willow and small quantities of wheat and oats used for energy purposes. The table below details the areas sown between 2007 and 2009 in hectares.

Year	Willow	Miscanthus	Oilseed rape	Hemp & switch grass	Total Hectares
2007	65	630	7,959	90	8,744
2008	127	780	3,087	137	4,131
2009	170	740	2,300	100	3,310

As the table shows, production has concentrated on the cultivation of oilseeds, willow and miscanthus. Oilseed rape is traditionally grown in Ireland as a break crop in a one-in-four year rotation for use in the biofuel, food and animal feed markets. Willow and miscanthus crops produce pellet and wood chip materials to generate heat and power in the domestic and commercial sectors. It is expected that up to 700 ha of willow and miscanthus (320 ha miscanthus and 370 ha willow) will be planted in 2010 under the new round of the Bioenergy Scheme.

The sector is still in the early stages of development. In general, the production of energy crops will be sustainable in the longer term if the economic returns are comparable with those offered by traditional farm enterprises. Much will depend on profitability at farm level and on the rate of development of production and consumption patterns for bioenergy feedstocks. The recent announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources of guaranteed price supports via Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariffs (REFIT) for Biomass Combined Heat and Power and Biomass Combustion, including co-firing of biomass in the three peat powered stations, is a significant boost to the Bioenergy Sector.

Research and Development

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which funding is provided for research and development in the agriculture, fish and food sectors currently and over the next five years; the way this compares with such expenditure in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22264/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Expenditure on research and development in recent years was follows:

Year	€ million
2005	10.982
2006	20.628
2007	27.416
2008	25.426
2009	25.051
	24.062 Vote allocation

Funding for research and development was also provided by Teagasc and the Marine Institute out of their annual Grants-in-Aid. The amounts expended each year is a matter for the Boards of the respective bodies. The funding provided in the Department's vote for research and development in future years will be determined in the context of the annual Estimates process.

Poultry Industry

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his development programme for the poultry sector over the next five years; the degree to which this relates to progress over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22265/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The farm gate value of Irish-produced poultry meat is thought to be approximately €150 million. Despite considerable competition from imports the domestic industry has proven to be quite resilient in recent years. The majority of Irish product is consumed in this country with exports focussing largely on by-products. The target over the medium term is to increase the share of the Irish poultry meat market being supplied by Irish producers. The development of high standards of food quality has been a particular focus for my Department and its agencies and to this end Bord Bia is developing and enhancing policies with regard to Poultry Quality Assurance.

Additional funding will be made available through the revised Rural Development Programme 2007 — 2013 to assist growers in the transition to enriched cage systems of production. In relation to future policy the Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, I established the 2020 Committee, comprising senior and respected figures from a range of stakeholders in the agri-food sectors. The group's remit is to make recommendations for a strategy for the agri-food sector, including the poultry sector, for the coming decade. This process is well advanced and I expect its output to help to set a clear way forward for the poultrymeat and other sectors.

Dairy Industry

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

238 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his development programme for the dairy sector over the next five years; the degree to which this relates to progress over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22266/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

It is clear that the key to future prosperity in the dairy sector lies in increased efficiency and competitiveness. We in Ireland have the potential to significantly grow our milk production and take advantage of the very positive outlook for the dairy sector over the medium to long term. We also enjoy a significant advantage in the form of a grass-based production system, which, as well as keeping costs down, will help to achieve greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The exploitation of this advantage will help the sector to operate more efficiently and economically.

In this context there have been a number of initiatives to improve efficiency at farm level. Following the CAP Health Check, I made available €18 million from unspent CAP funds over three years, to encourage participation in Dairy Discussion Groups and promote best practice at farm level in terms of breeding, grassland and financial management. Additionally, the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, which has now completed its fourth year of operation, has been responsible for the efficient transfer of milk quota to active and progressive dairy farmers. Since last year, I have allocated additional quota, agreed under the Health Check, to all active milk producers on a permanent, saleable basis. I have also made provision for the allocation of additional quota to new and recent entrants to dairying on a scale designed to achieve viability from the outset.

On the domestic front, a complete overhaul of the milk quota regime was conducted in 2008, resulting in new regulations coming into effect from 1 April 2008. The new regulations greatly simplify the quota regime and bring the legislative framework into line with modern farming realities. They include the elimination of unnecessary bureaucracy, the provision of greater flexibility in the transfer of quotas, and the introduction of new rules for the operation of Milk Production Partnerships that remove obstacles to partnership formation and encourage new entrants to dairying.

Competitiveness will also be the key for the processing sector, with the focus increasingly on the need for greater collaboration and rationalisation, as well as investment in R&D and new product and process development. As part of the strategy for improving competitiveness at processor level, my Department has 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 Dairy Processing Fund, which will generate an estimated capital spend of €286 million at full production. All of these initiatives are complemented by the valuable work of Teagasc and the funding provided for Research and Development through the Food Institutional Research Measure.

In relation to future policy, the Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, I established the 2020 Committee, comprising senior and respected figures from a range of stakeholders in the agri-food sectors. The group's remit is to make recommendations for a strategy for the agri-food sector, including the dairy sector, for the coming decade. This process is well advanced and I expect its output to help to set a clear way forward for the dairy and other sectors.

Pigmeat Sector

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his development programme for the pigmeat sector over the next five years; the degree to which this relates to progress over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22267/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The pig sector remains an important component of the Irish agricultural sector. With a farm gate value of some €300 million, and employment in the industry of approximately 7,000, the sector provides an important source of income to rural communities all over the country. Almost half of Irish production is exported with the UK accounting for 50% of exports with the remainder split between Continental Europe and third countries. In common with other meats, returns to producers have fallen as a result of the economic recession. Prices fell in 2009 and have continued to decline during the early part of this year. Irish price movements over recent years have mirrored those of the EU as a whole.

Pork remains the most-consumed meat worldwide and consumption is expected to increase steadily over the next decade. In order to best position the Irish industry to share in that growth, I am progressing a number of initiatives. A development strategy for the Irish pig industry has been prepared, which identifies the issues facing the sector and makes certain recommendations. Measures have been proposed to position the sector for a successful future and a ‘Pig Industry Strategy Steering Group', which includes representation from my Department and all sectors of the industry, has been established for the purpose of implementing the recommendations of this development strategy. I will continue to work with industry stakeholders to advance these recommendations.

On marketing and promotions, the domestic market remains the most important for Irish pigmeat, accounting for 50% of our production. Therefore, protecting and maintaining the market share of Quality Assured pigmeat in Irish retail is critical for the Irish industry. Bord Bia will continue to work with the industry and invest heavily in consumer promotions at retail and education programmes at food service level to promote Quality Assurance.

Following the dioxin incident in late 2008 a number of foreign markets were temporarily closed to Irish product. Thanks to the efforts of Bord Bia, our embassies and officials in my Department most markets were quickly reopened. I was pleased to announce last week, following meetings with my counterpart in China, that the Chinese market is now fully reopened to Irish pigmeat. This follows on from the resumption of trade with our other significant international market, Russia, earlier this year. There is considerable potential for trade with these markets, particularly China, and Bord Bia and Irish traders are already hard at work reconnecting with former customers and identifying new opportunities in this marketplace.

The ongoing marketing initiatives conducted by Bord Bia both at home and overseas are instrumental in supporting the pigmeat sector. Resources have been increased by Bord Bia, through the Marketing Fellowship Programme, in the market development of more customers for Irish pig meat within the EU. By targeting the end users and further manufacturers directly, we can shorten the supply chain and return greater value to exports. We currently export to over 20 non-EU markets and it is my policy and that of the Government to ensure that Irish producers have access to markets worldwide. My Department will continue to work with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to gaining access to potential markets identified by the industry.

In relation to future policy the Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, I established the 2020 Committee, comprising senior and respected figures from a range of stakeholders in the agri-food sectors. The group's remit is to make recommendations for a strategy for the agri-food sector, including the pigmeat sector, for the coming decade. This process is well advanced and I expect its output to help to set a clear way forward for the pigmeat and other sectors.

Sheep Production

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his development programme for the lamb sector over the next five years; the degree to which this relates to progress over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22268/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The sheep sector is a valuable part of the overall agri-food sector and its future depends on its ability to meet the needs of the market. In order to do this successfully, the sector must focus on competitiveness, innovation and the demands of the consumer.

Last month I launched a three-year, €54 million grassland sheep scheme, the funding for which comes from unused Single Payment funds. I am confident that this scheme will provide a much-needed boost to sheep farmers' incomes, which should encourage them to stay in the sector. As the scheme focuses on flocks with breeding ewes, it should also provide a significant incentive to farmers to maintain their production levels, which is vital for the future of a viable sheep industry in Ireland. The sector should also benefit under the Rural Development Programme, where an indicative figure of €8 million has been allocated for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities, to help sheep farmers in reducing labour input.

Question:

244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which the Common Fisheries Policy is likely to address the cause or causes of diminishing fish stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22272/10]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which his Department has monitored or has sought to have monitored the levels of the various species of fish stocks off our coasts; the data arising from areas experiencing intensive fishing activity through the use of large sea-going fish processing vessels; the action taken or proposed to review the Common Fisheries Policy to address any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22273/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 to 245, inclusive, together.

The Marine Institute is the national agency responsible for Marine Research. The agency publishes, on an annual basis, a Stock Book that sets out scientific data and advice on the state of fish stocks in Irish waters which are the subject of EU Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas. The Institute also provides me with scientific advice on request throughout the year as required. Each December, the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers agrees on the TACs and quotas for the following year taking account of the scientific advice available. However, there is a constant risk that these limits are not being respected. There has been a problem within the EU of persistent overfishing well in excess of quota by many types of vessels across Member States. The EU Commission estimates that 88% of EU stocks are over-exploited and Scientists have recommended closure of 19% of fisheries. These are worrying statistics and should make us all pause and take stock of the serious situation facing the fishing industry across Europe.

The EU Court of Auditors report in December 2007 highlighted this problem and identified substantial control failures across Member States. On foot of these findings, the European Commission introduced a number of regulations. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers adopted a regulation in 2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has applied from the 1st January 2010.

The Commission has also brought forward a proposal, establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), to strengthen fisheries control across the EU, and this was adopted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers in November 2009. The main themes of their new approach are to ensure:

A new common approach to control and inspection. This involves a strong focus on inspections on shore based links in the supply chain whereby the owner of the fish must be able to produce documents proving that the product was caught in conformity with the rules and that it observes a principle of product traceability. It involves using best practices such as risk analysis, concentrating control on problematical fisheries and periods. It also involves the use of new technologies to ensure the maximum effective delivery.

The promotion of a culture of compliance with the rules. This involves a proposal for dissuasive and harmonised sanctions whereby a list of infringements is established together with a minimum fine applicable in all Member States. It also involves a points based system which may lead to the suspension of a fishing licence or its permanent withdrawal.

The proposal also strengthens the Commission's powers to guarantee common implementation of the Regulations and to intervene in case of poor application of control measures on the ground.

In the context of the current review of the CFP, which was initiated by the European Commission's Green Paper in April 2009, I will continue to play an active role in the ongoing negotiations over the coming months and reiterate our support for the greater use of long term and multi-annual management plans as tools to aid the recovery of stocks. A key focus for Ireland will be to ensure that appropriate measures are introduced to address the wasteful practice of discarding fish at sea.

Following a nationwide public consultation process, Ireland's Response to the Green Paper was issued on the 23rd of February. The report in its entirety, and all formal submissions received during the public consultation process, are available on www.fishingnet.ie. Ireland's response on the CFP reform sets down a number of informed recommendations which we believe must be incorporated into the new Common Fisheries Policy. They take a pragmatic approach, promoting measures that collectively take account of economic, social, environmental and sustainability factors important to the Irish seafood sector. The changes we consider necessary include:

Increasing industry responsibility by providing incentives for responsible fishing practices.

Put in place measures to develop a culture of compliance. Address hindrances to effective controls such as separate storage of species, routine exchange of detailed information on the entitlements of individual fisheries operating in Ireland's waters.

New regional structure to decision-making at EU level, with increasing industry responsibility and the development of a culture of compliance.

New focus on addressing discarding of fish at sea, with a complete ban being introduced for stocks in a depleted state;

Establishment of area-based, multi-annual fish stock management plans that embrace the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), managing fisheries to limit their impact on the ecosystem.

Transition to a maximum sustainable yield (MSY) fisheries management framework on a multiannual phased basis to reach the 2015 target deadline. The implementation of any the MSY framework must be managed on a rational basis so that cuts to TACs are progressively introduced to limit any resulting socio-economic impacts.

Retain the system of Relative Stability and its attendant TACs & Quotas as the primary community mechanism to manage fish stocks while strongly opposing any attempt to introduce any arrangement that leads — either directly or indirectly — to privatisation of national ‘public resource' fish quotas.

Use effort restrictions as a management tool on a limited basis, but only as part of a management regime that derives primarily from TAC and quota limits. These would involve setting a ceiling on activity levels in an area as a secondary support to the more detailed TAC and quota regime.

Support the continuation and strengthening of measures to protect the Biologically Sensitive Area (BSA), which is situated off the west and south coasts of Ireland and contains spawning and nursery grounds for important north-east Atlantic fish species.

Extension of the 6-12 mile limit to 10-20 miles whereby the access rules currently applicable to the 6 mile zone will be extended to 10 miles and the rules for the 6-12 mile zone will be applicable in the 10-20 mile zone. Furthermore, any such extension would facilitate the introduction of management measures including restrictions on the type and intensity of fishing activity within the zone in order to protect local coastal communities' dependant on inshore coastal fisheries.

Consultation at European level on the CFP review is ongoing, with a variety of meetings being held, including a stakeholders' conference and an informal meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers to discuss the reform, both of which were held in Spain at the start of May. In addition, Minister Connick met Maria Damanaki, the new EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, in March 2010 to discuss Ireland's Response to the Commission's Green Paper. Under the planned EU timetable for the review, a summary of the consultation process has been published. It will be followed by a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012. A working document concerning reform options is being prepared by the Commission and is expected to be presented at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council scheduled for the 28th and 29th June 2010.

Nationally, Minister Connick will continue close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Fishermen and the other stakeholders to put Ireland's case forward during the review, to vigorously defend Ireland's maritime interests, and to convince our colleagues in other Member States and in the Commission to strengthen the current policy in line with Ireland's submission on the reform of the CFP. As a coastal state with responsibility for protecting some of the richest fishing ground in the EU and with a fishing industry almost completely dependent on sustainable fish stocks in our own waters, it is of the highest priority that there are effective management and control regimes in place across all Member States. I firmly believe that we must put a stop to illegal fishing which will, if left unchecked, destroy fish stocks and the livelihoods of coastal communities around our coast dependent on fishing.

Grant Payments

Beverley Flynn

Question:

246 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way the single farm payment entitlements were calculated in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22274/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Single Payment Scheme is applicable to farmers who actively farmed during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002, who were paid Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid in one or more of those years and who continued to farm in 2005. The gross Single Payment is based on the average number of animals and/or the average number of hectares (in the case of Arable Aid) on which payments were made in the three reference years. The number of entitlements is based on the average number of hectares farmed during the reference period. The person named established 11.81 Single Payment entitlements with a unit value of €17.42 giving an overall Single Payment of €205.73. This figure therefore reflected the farming activity and the average draw-down of premia payments for the person named during the reference period.

In scheme year 2005, the person named also received, through inheritance, 3.22 additional entitlements with a unit value of €106.11 or total of €341.66. The person named then had 15.03 Single Payment entitlements with a unit value of €36.42 giving an overall Single Payment worth €547.39. The person named submitted an application to the 2005 National Reserve under the Hill Farmers Scheme. This scheme 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.

The applicants concerned had to have a stocking density of less than 3 livestock units per hectare in 2001 and their existing Single Payment must have been less than €6,000. Successful applicants had their individual Single Payment entitlements increased to either the DED average value of entitlements or €1,000 whichever was the lesser. The person named was deemed successful under this category and received a total allocation of €454.35. His individual entitlements were increased in value to the average value of entitlements in the DED less a 3% contribution as required under EU regulations to cover the cost of the National Reserve and the cost of catering for new entrants/force majeure during the reference period.

In 2007 the person named also applied to the National Reserve under Category C. This category catered for farmers for whom at least 40% of their Single Payment was derived from direct payments associated with sheep production (Ewe Premium/Rural Word Premium) during the reference period. Their existing Single Payment must have been less than €10,000 and the value of individual payment entitlements must have been less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average value. The maximum allocation under this category was €1,000.00. The person was successful under this category and the value of his individual entitlements were increased from €66.64 to €67.77, which is the DED average value. The person concerned now holds 15.03 entitlements worth €67.77 each. The overall value of the Single Payment entitlements for person named is therefore €1,018.58.

The person named submitted an application under Category A of the 2009 National Reserve. This category catered for farmers who inherited, leased or otherwise received a holding free of charge or for a nominal consideration (not greater than €100 per hectare), where that holding was leased to a third party during the reference period (2000–2002). The farmer from whom the holding was obtained must have retired or died before 16th May 2005. The person named was deemed ineligible under this category, as the lands inherited were not leased out to a third party during the reference years.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme

Michael Creed

Question:

247 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the possibility of having lands currently excluded from the disadvantaged areas considered for inclusion at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22303/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The EU Court of Auditors raised concerns about the procedures for the designation of intermediate Disadvantaged Areas (also known as Less Favoured Areas) in the European Union. The concerns related to the number and variety of criteria used to designate such areas — Member States have used more than one hundred criteria — and the lack of transparency. The EU Commission has made a number of attempts to address these criticisms: During 2004/2005, the Commission proposed these areas be designated using criteria based on area classification, reflecting poor soil qualities and climate conditions (e.g. average cereal yields, stocking density, percentage of permanent grassland, etc.) but this approach was rejected by the Council of Ministers.

In 2007, the Commission commenced working with its Joint Research Centre (JRC) to establish a common soil and climate criteria that would support the delineation of Disadvantaged Areas. The intention was that a Commission proposal would be submitted to the Council in early 2009 for adoption by the Council of Ministers by the end of 2009. However, this was also abandoned by the Commission, in favour of the current approach, using biophysical criteria such as soil and climatic criteria to designate areas of natural handicap.

Currently there are three categories of Disadvantaged Areas in the EU viz: Mountain Areas — none in Ireland but covers 16% of land area across the EU; Intermediate Less Favoured Areas — over 99% of Ireland's Least Favoured Areas (LFAs); Areas of Specific Handicap — 0.4% of Ireland's LFAs (Coastal Regions). The areas, which are subject to the current review, consist of almost all of the Disadvantaged Area in Ireland. The Disadvantaged Areas, which, according to the Commission's suggestion, are to be re-titled as Areas of Natural Handicap, would be delineated by Member States using soil and climatic criteria, based on the following: Climate, including Low Temperature and Heat Stress; Soil, including Drainage, Texture and Stoniness, Rooting Depth and Chemical Properties; Soil and Climate, including Soil Moisture Balance and Soil Moisture Deficit; Terrain, including Slope.

The Commission has asked each Member State to use the suggested biophysical criteria that is relevant to farming in its territory to delineate, on a preliminary basis, the areas identified as Areas Of Natural Handicap. The Commission's intention is to submit a proposal to the Council some time in the second half of 2011 with a view to adopting it in advance of 2014, when it will come into force. Council Conclusions were unanimously agreed at Council, which essentially summarise the work carried out to date on the revision of intermediate LFAs and the objectives, basis and methodology for future work.

This is a very important issue for Ireland, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland's total land area. From an economic perspective, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical environment, in particular, the impact of the prevailing wet cold climatic conditions in Ireland.

Grant Payments

Michael Creed

Question:

248 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be awarded their REPS 4 grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22304/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The payment belonging to the person named is at an advanced stage of processing and he will be advised of the outcome shortly.

Michael Creed

Question:

249 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the payment of REPS 4 applications that were received in the Department in late 2007; the number of such applications; the commencement date attached to the contracts in respect of these applications received prior to the end of 2007; the number of these applications received and the number which are now experiencing difficulty in the processing of payments; the solution he proposes in respect of these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22305/10]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The following table sets out commencement dates, and payment details for the 2009 Scheme year, for the 548 REPS 4 applications received in 2007:

Commencement date	01/09/2007	01/10/2007	01/11/2007	01/12/2007	Total
Number of Applicants	4	42	142	360	548
100% paid for 2009	3	30	102	286	421
First phase (75%) paid for 2009	0	0	4	6	10
Awaiting a payment	1	121	36	68	117

My Department's REPS computer system requires some modification before the outstanding payments can be released. This work has been given high priority and is at an advanced stage. I expect to be in a position to release these payments within a matter of weeks.

Bullying in Schools

Billy Timmins

Question:

250 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of incidents of bullying between pupils and verbal and physical abuse of school staff by pupils that were recorded in schools in each of the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22210/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

There is no requirement for local school authorities to report incidents or allegations of bullying or of verbal or physical abuse of school staff to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case. Under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed, on behalf of the school Patron or Trustees, by school Boards of Management which employ the teachers at the school. Whereas I, as Minister for Education and Science provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I, as Minister, or my Department have the power to instruct schools to follow a particular course or direction with regards to individual complaint cases, other than in relation to appeals taken against refusal to enrol, suspension, or expulsion, under Section 29 of the Education Act.

In relation to incidents of verbal and physical abuse of school staff, Section 23 of the Education Welfare Act 2000 requires all schools to have in place a Code of Behaviour. To assist schools in formulating such a code, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has developed guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour. Each Board of Management is responsible for formulating a fair and efficient Code of Behaviour, which should include provisions for dealing with serious breaches of discipline and outlining the school's policy and procedures on suspension and expulsion. It is the responsibility of each school Board of Management to ensure that students are in accordance with its code of behaviour and to take action against students who are in breach of this code. Such incidents are not reported to my Department, other than where a student may have been suspended or expelled and wishes to appeal this decision under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998.

Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address allegations of bullying. My Department does, however, receive a number of complaints and queries directly from parents regarding matters such as bullying, involving schools. It important to highlight that in many instances, parents may be seeking guidance from the Department on how to resolve an issue or an alleged incident within a school.

In dealing with complaints the Department's role is to provide advice to parents and students on the operation of schools' complaints procedures and to clarify for parents and pupils how grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed. In 2009 a total of 438 telephone or written complaints/queries were received from parents regarding bullying in schools. To the end of April 2010 a total of 160 telephone or written complaints/queries have been received from parents regarding bullying in schools. It should be noted that as the term bullying can be difficult to define prescriptively, complaints/queries logged under the category of bullying are done so based on the terminology used by the parent, as opposed to any judgement applied by staff as to the nature of the complaint.

I am anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that a number supports have been put in place in recent years to assist schools in dealing with this important issue. The Board of Management of each school is required to prepare a code of behaviour in accordance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. To assist schools in formulating such a code, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has developed guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour. My Department further requires each school to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school code of behaviour and discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. My Department has also issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.

My Department has additionally published policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying on its website of as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies. The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.

Higher Education Grants

Pat Breen

Question:

251 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with grant assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22119/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant assessing authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the assessing authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

School Staffing

Enda Kenny

Question:

252 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will indicate the level of appointment to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the appointments are in place; represent a full complement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22121/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The school referred to by the Deputy had an enrolment of 9 pupils at 30 September, 2009. This entitles the school to 1 teaching post under the primary staffing schedule for the coming school year. It is open to any Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0021/2010. I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal in the normal way. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Special Educational Needs

Richard Bruton

Question:

253 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants employed in each primary and second level school in Dublin 3, Dublin 5, Dublin 9 and Dublin 17 in the 2006-07 to 2009-10, inclusive, academic years. [22132/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The information requested by the Deputy on the number of special needs assistants employed in schools in the Dublin area is not readily available in the requested format. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care/medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. Furthermore, schools can make applications at any time with the result that the individual situation of any school can change and allocations are not static. The Deputy may wish to liaise directly with the NCSE in the context of his enquiry.

I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.

Departmental Offices

Róisín Shortall

Question:

254 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the regional education offices; her plans in this regard; and the rationale for same. [22139/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Due to staffing constraints the Department has decided to cease its regional office service and re-allocate staff to priority work in the Department. This decision has been taken based on a combination of factors the outcome of a review of the Regional Offices in 2009 following a Government budget decision to scale back their activity; the impact on the Department of various measures to reduce civil service numbers; the outcome of work prioritisation across the Department which has identified significant capacity shortfalls in several priority areas.

Staff will continue to be allocated to work in their current offices. They will continue to deal with certain priority issues such as the National Drugs Strategy, Limerick Regeneration and Dormant Accounts as well as other priority areas. The Department will be represented on key strategy national committees. However generic representational activity at regional and local levels will cease. This decision arises from the need to make the best possible use of resources in these challenging times.

National Drugs Strategy

Róisín Shortall

Question:

255 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she has completed her review of those local drugs task force projects which had been mainstreamed in her Department; if so, the outcome of that review and the specific implications for each of the projects. [22141/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The review of mainstreamed projects in local drugs task force areas, funded by my Department, is not as yet finalised. A key aspect of the review is to determine whether my Department is the appropriate location for these projects or whether funding should more appropriately be channelled through another Department or agency. In this regard, officials of the Department have held discussions with officials in the office of the Minister with responsibility for children and youth affairs to determine whether projects which involve a significant element of youth work might be more appropriate to that office. A number of the projects are being considered within the Department in the context of their work being similar to that of other departmental initiatives aimed at preventing early school leaving. My Department will shortly submit for my consideration the outcome of the project reviews.

Literacy Levels

Róisín Shortall

Question:

256 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the success of the junior certificate school programme demonstration library project in addressing literacy at second level, she will give a commitment to fully support the project in the existing schools by ensuring the current staffing levels are maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22146/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Under the terms of the DEIS Action Plan, a commitment was made to extend the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) Demonstration Library Project to the 50 School Support Programme (SSP) schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage over the five years to 2010, with extension to further SSP schools to be considered subsequently. To date, the Project has been extended to 20 of the targeted 50 additional SSP schools, bringing the current number of schools with a Demonstration Library to 30.

The project establishes high quality, fully stocked and equipped modern school libraries and provides each with a professional librarian. A number of studies have noted that the project is effective in addressing the literacy needs of students in schools with the highest concentration of disadvantage. In particular it has been noted that reading standards, student concentration and behaviour had improved. Library staff, like other public servants in the Education sector, other than teachers and SNAs, are subject to the public sector moratorium and consequently the matter raised by the deputy falls to be considered in the context of the current public financial and numbers policy environment.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

257 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her targets in respect of literacy at primary and second level; and her plans for reaching these. [22147/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)

The achievement of high literacy and numeracy skills standards is one of the primary goals of education. High levels of literacy are essential to ensuring that everyone can participate educationally, economically and socially in our society. In general, schools have relatively low proportions of children with significant literacy difficulties as evidenced by Ireland's comparatively high overall achievement levels in successive international surveys of reading of 15-year-olds under PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). The PISA 2006 study assessed performance of 15 year olds across 57 countries in maths, reading and science. Ireland performed very well in English reading, ranking 5th out of 29 OECD countries. Only one EU country, Finland, achieved a higher mean score than Ireland in reading.

The most significant levels of literacy difficulties tend to be concentrated in those schools which serve disadvantaged communities. The Educational Research Centre in their 2004 report on Reading Literacy in Disadvantaged Primary Schools found that the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in schools serving disadvantaged communities was about three times the national average. That report recommended a new ten year target to reduce to between 14%-15% the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in schools serving disadvantaged communities.

The Programmes for Government, the social partnership agreements Sustaining Progress and Towards 2016 and the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS) all provide a common language of objectives, priorities, targets to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged children. In particular the National Action Plan on Social Exclusion sets a target to reduce the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in primary schools serving disadvantaged communities to less than 15% by 2016. To achieve this goal significant resources to address literacy and numeracy difficulties in schools have been provided through DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion. The action plan provides for a tailored planning process for schools which supports schools in developing their own plans and targets for literacy and numeracy.

Other measures under DEIS designed to improve literacy levels include a maximum class size of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes in the 200 urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities and increased access to literacy and numeracy support services and programmes for all urban/town primary schools. Additional literacy and numeracy tutors are available to provide in-school support and guidance to teachers in these schools.

Training in "Reading Recovery", "First Steps" and "Maths Recovery" has been made available to all urban/town primary schools. The Junior Certificate School Programme's Demonstration Library Project has been extended in phases to second-level schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. DEIS also includes measures promoting the development of Family Literacy projects. For the year 2009/10, funding of €196,000 was approved in November 2009 for 13 projects following an applications process. Funding of €200,000 has been provided for the next round of the DEIS Family Literacy Project 2010/2011. The Department recently issued an invitation for applications for the new round of funding to VECs. The closing date for the submission of applications is the 11th June 2010.

Departmental Staff

Róisín Shortall

Question:

258 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details of all posts vacant in her Department; and the way she intends to address this issue. [22148/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

My Department is committed to reducing staff numbers in order to facilitate the Government's core objective of restoring the public finances to a sustainable position while at the same time ensuring to the greatest extend possible that the Department can deliver on its key services. In relation to the Government's moratorium on Civil Service recruitment/promotions the Personnel Section at my Department monitors the situation and takes account of the business demands and priority needs of line sections. Where a section loses staff for any reason including resignations/retirements, officials in other sections are re-assigned as necessary in order that the staffing cohort at my Department can deliver an effective service with diminished resources.

In the event a particular section is subjected to an unsustainable loss of key personnel, it is open to my Department to highlight the matter with the Minister for Finance with a view to resolving such issues. The terms of the Revised Programme for Government has made provision for the recruitment of additional psychologists to National Educational Psychologists Service (NEPS). Attached please find a list with details of vacancies within my Department at April 2010.

Vacancies in professional, technical and services grades within the Department of Education & Science at April 2010.
Grade Title Non Administrative	No. of Vacancies
Chief Inspector	0.0
Deputy Chief Inspector	2.0
Assistant Chief Inspector	4.0
Divisional Inspector	11
District Inspector	10.20
Senior Inspector	11.40
Post Primary Inspector	0
A/Director NEPS	1.0
Regional Director NEPS	3.0
Senior Psychologists NEPS	6
Psychologists NEPS	0
Manager Building Unit	0
Project Planner QS Building Unit	0
Senior Architect Building Unit	1.3
Architect Building Unit	1.4
Arch Asst Grade 1 Building Unit	0
Engineer Building Unit	0
Head Services Officer	0
A/Services Officer in charge	0
Services Officer	2.3
Services Attendant	0
Telephonist	2
General Operative	0
Supervisor of Cleaners	0
Cleaner	2
Civilian Driver	0
Senior Statistician	0
Statistician	0
Solicitor	0
Advisory Counsel	0
Accountant	0

Vacancies at Administrative Grades within the Department of Education & Science at April 2010.
Grade Title Administrative	No. of Vacancies
Assistant Secretary General	1
Principal Officer	0
Assistant Principal	8
Higher Executive Officer	5.1
Administrative Officer	2
Executive Officer	20.3
Staff Officer	5.3
Clerical Officer	16.6

School Transport

Brian Hayes

Question:

259 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm that the transport service for Traveller children is due to be withdrawn from September 2010; the estimated number of children involved; if an impact study has been completed as to the negative impact this could have on Traveller school attendance, punctuality and the progress of these children in our schools and communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22149/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the exceptional school transport arrangements, which heretofore have been made available to Traveller children only, have been reviewed in line with the Report and Recommendations contained in the Traveller Education Strategy published in 2006. This Strategy was finalised following a comprehensive consultative process and was overseen by a group which included representation from three national Traveller organisations. The strategy recommended that both primary and post primary Traveller children should use the mainstream school transport scheme in operation at present. Only in exceptional circumstances, based on special needs, should special transport be provided as a positive action measure.

I would emphasise that, in order to provide as much lead in and communication time as possible, my officials set out the Department's intentions on this recommendation and the proposed phasing in of this recommendation at the Traveller Education Strategy Advisory and Consultative Forum in November 2009 and January 2010. Letters were subsequently issued to all schools with exceptional transport arrangements in February 2010 and the Society of St Vincent De Paul which was involved in the organisation of some services. In addition, the Visiting Teachers for Travellers were provided with detailed briefing on the proposed changes to support their communication work with schools and parents.

These changes will mean:

From the commencement of the 2010/2011 school year, the general terms of the school transport scheme are being implemented for Traveller pupils newly entering primary and post primary level, including siblings of the current group;

The current exceptional arrangements for a number of children already attending primary and post primary schools who do not meet the distance criteria will cease at the beginning of the 2010/2011 school year;

All children who meet the distance criteria will continue to be transported to their school of attendance (and this may not be their nearest school) until they complete their schooling at that school;

Transport Services will be retained where there are four eligible children, which is three less than is generally applied;

In cases where the minimum number of four is not met and these children cannot be facilitated on other services, these children will be eligible for a school transport grant, given that they meet the distance criteria.

Visiting Teachers for Travellers (VTTs) may also identify on an exceptional basis the minimal number of cases where unique school transport arrangements may be required and an application form has been devised for this purpose.

Bus Éireann, which operates the general school transport scheme on behalf of the Department, will in future manage all school transport arrangements for Traveller children. Bus Éireann is currently assessing the eligibility of the Traveller children identified in terms of the distance criteria and this process will determine the number of children involved. The Visiting Teachers for Travellers have been requested to compile evidence on any adverse effects on school attendance in the normal course of their work and will report to the Department's Traveller Implementation Group.

Departmental Correspondence

John O'Mahony

Question:

260 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason correspondence (details supplied) sent to her Department on 11 May 2010 has not been answered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22150/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I can confirm that my Department has received an appeal from the school to which the Deputy refers in respect of its Summer Works Scheme application. The appeal is currently under consideration and a decision will issue to the school authority in due course.

School Accommodation

Andrew Doyle

Question:

261 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the way she proposes to provide accommodation for the children in view of the excess enrolment demand for primary school places in Greystones, County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22151/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

As the Deputy may be aware two new primary schools opened in Greystones in the 2008/09 school year to cater for increased demographics in the area. The Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs with reference to recent schools' enrolment data. The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in the coming years is likely to be greatest in more than 40 identified locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas.

Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these locations in order to identify the school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015. When the required reports have been completed for the initial areas Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. Overall school accommodation requirements in the Greystones area will be analysed as part of this process.

Bullying in Schools

Charles Flanagan

Question:

262 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to ensure appropriate anti-bullying policies in secondary schools, together with a uniform approach towards practice and procedure on the matter of complaints of bullying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22180/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

There is no requirement for local school authorities to report incidents or allegations of bullying to my Department, nor do I believe that this should be the case. Under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed, on behalf of the school Patron or Trustees, by school Boards of Management which employ the teachers at the school. Whereas as I, as Minister for Education and Skills provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I, as Minister, or my Department have the power to instruct schools to follow a particular course or direction with regards to individual complaint cases, other than in relation to appeals taken against refusal to enrol, suspension, or expulsion, under Section 29 of the Education Act.

Agreement has been reached between teacher unions and school management bodies about the procedures which should apply when investigating and replying to complaints in schools. Where parents raise a concern with schools, I support an approach whereby schools keep parents informed throughout the decision making process; and inform parents of both its decision as well as the reason for its decision. Accordingly, responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address allegations of bullying.

I am, however, anxious to support schools in tackling bullying and it is for that reason that a number of supports have been put in place in recent years to assist schools in dealing with this important issue. The Board of Management of each school is required to prepare a code of behaviour in accordance with Section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. To assist schools in formulating such a code, the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) has developed guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour. My Department further requires each school to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour, within the framework of an overall school code of behaviour and discipline. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.

The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is part of the SPHE curriculum. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools. My Department has also issued guidelines as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness among school management authorities of their responsibilities in this regard. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.

My Department has additionally published policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying on its website of as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies. The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.

My Department does receive a number of complaints and queries from parents regarding matters such as bullying, involving schools. In dealing with complaints the Department's role is to provide advice to parents and students on the operation of schools' complaints procedures and to clarify for parents and pupils how grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed. In providing such advice, the Department brings to the attention of parents that should they wish to make an allegation of child abuse, or report a matter relating to child safety or the protection of children that they may report this matter to the Department of Education and Skills which will then deal with the allegation in accordance with its role and child protection procedures.

The Department of Education and Skills takes issues of a child protection nature extremely seriously. The role of the Department of Education and Skills in relation to allegations of child abuse is firstly to offer guidance and support to schools in implementing child protection policy, and secondly, to ensure that it brings any child abuse allegations that it receives to the attention of both the school concerned and the health Service Executive (HSE), or Garda Síochána, in accordance with Office Notice SG0 01/07: Child Protection Guidelines for Persons Employed by the Department of Education. Parents may also report allegations of child abuse directly to the HSE or Garda.

School Transport

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

263 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 417 of 27 April 2010, the reason the school bus transport service costs so much annually; the reason the cost has almost doubled in five years; where this cost is borne; the average contribution made by passengers annually on these buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22190/10]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Seán Haughey)

As the Deputy is aware, the school transport service is a complex national operation supporting in the region of 125,000 pupils daily. The cost of the school transport service has in fact increased by about 45% in the past five years from €122.2m (which included over €3m towards purchase of buses) in 2005 to €177.4m in 2009. This increase is due to a number of factors namely:

The introduction of new safety requirements, resulting in the phasing out of the 3 for 2 seating arrangements on both primary and post-primary services, providing all children with an adult seat each. This necessitated the requirement for the addition of a considerable number of vehicles to address capacity shortfalls.

The increased demands to meet the transport needs of children with special needs;

The growing diversity of school types with the subsequent take-up of choice particularly at primary level;

Ongoing costs associated with the relaxation of some of the criteria such as a reduction in the numbers of eligible pupils required to establish a service and a reduction in travel and waiting times in 2001.

The current post primary school transport charge is €300 per child per annum with a maximum family charge of €650. Children availing of concessionary transport also pay an annual charge. Eligible post primary children in families who hold means tested medical cards are exempted from the charges and in addition, transport for all eligible primary children and children with special educational needs remains free of charge. The total contribution of parents from these charges represents about only 7% of the overall expenditure on school transport with the remainder being borne by the State. The Deputy may also be aware, that School Transport was approved by Government as a topic for inclusion as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews. This Report is currently being finalised.

Teaching Council

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

264 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount of finance provided to establish the Teaching Council; if this money will be repaid to the Department of Education and Skills; the amounts claimed in expenses by members of the Teaching Council. [22201/10]

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Teaching Council Act provides for expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of the Act to be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas. The Act also provided for the Teaching Council to be funded by my Department for 2 years after the establishment day, which was 28th March 2006. Prior to the establishment day, my Department was involved in the setting up of the Teaching Council and making payments on behalf of the Council. This included various expenses and costs incurred in relation to both the establishment of the Council and its work during this period. There is no requirement under the Act for the Council to repay such moneys.

The Teaching Council became a self funding body from 28 March 2008. The Council raises its funding from, in the main part, teachers' initial registration and renewal of registration fees. The annual registration fee is currently €90. In addition the Council has the capacity to charge fees for other services associated with registration including providing copies of or additional registration certificates, letters of professional standing, reviewing programmes of teacher education and qualification recognition. The following charges were made to the relevant subhead of my Department's vote in relation to the period prior to 28 March 2008:

2005 — €0.462m

2006 — €2.991m

2007 — €3.082m

2008 — €0.849m

There are 37 members on the Council. No fees are payable in relation to membership of the Council. The travel and subsistence expenses paid to the members since 2005 are as follows:—

Year ended 31 December 2005 — €69,640;

Year ended 31 December 2006 — €104,512 (includes 9 months ended 31 December 2006 — €68,073*);

Year ended 31 December 2007 — €180,120*

Year ended 31 December 2008 — €138,859*

Year ended 31 December 2009 — €143,982*

*figures received from the Teaching Council

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Alternative Farm Enterprises

Eamon Gilmore

EU Directives

Tom Sheahan

Animal Diseases

Trevor Sargent

Farm Incomes

John Deasy

Beef Industry

Brian Hayes

Food Imports

Simon Coveney

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Bernard Allen

Sheep Production

Bobby Aylward

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Ruairí Quinn

Common Agricultural Policy

Noel Treacy

Trade Negotiations

Róisín Shortall

Food Industry

Máire Hoctor

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Pat Rabbitte

On-farm Investment Schemes

Enda Kenny

Afforestation Programme

P. J. Sheehan

Rural Environment Protection Scheme

Seymour Crawford

Common Fisheries Policy

Christy O'Sullivan

Cereal Sector

Tom Hayes

Food Industry

Catherine Byrne

Fishing Industry Development

Alan Shatter

Common Agricultural Policy

Damien English

Harbours and Piers

James Reilly

Access to Credit

Seymour Crawford

Trade Negotiations

Niall Collins

Niall Collins

Single Payment Scheme

Niall Blaney

EU Directives

Dan Neville

Food Industry

Joe Costello

Dairy Industry

Ned O'Keeffe

Ned O'Keeffe

National Laboratory

Bernard J. Durkan

Oireachtas Committees’ Reports

Martin Ferris

Marine Institute

Leo Varadkar

Alternative Farm Enterprises

Paul Kehoe

David Stanton

Andrew Doyle

Health and Safety Regulations

Róisín Shortall

Farm Waste Management

Willie Penrose

Jan O'Sullivan

Afforestation Programme

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 May 2010