Written Answers Nos. 502-522
502. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42807/12]
View answer
The person named commenced REPS 4 in September 2009 and received full payments for the first two years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Administrative checks in respect of 2011 payments have been completed and the 75% payment amounting to €5636.03 was made to the person named on 8 October 2012. Payment for the 25% balancing payment will be made this week.
503. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of farmers here who have been inspected on more than one occasion by officials from his Department in respect of payments of less than €1000 in the years 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42822/12]
View answerMy Department, in the context of delivering the Direct Payments Schemes, is required to carry out annual inspections covering land eligibility and cross compliance to ensure compliance with EU regulatory requirements. Eligibility checks must be carried out on 5% of applicants, to verify that the actual area claimed in the application form corresponds to the area farmed and to ensure that any ineligible land/features are deducted. Up to two-thirds of these inspections are carried out in the first instance without a farm visit, as the information is verified using the technique of remote sensing via satellite.
The rate of inspection for cross compliance is 1% of applicants to whom the Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) applies. However 3% of farmers must be inspected under the bovine identification and registration requirements, while 3% of sheep/goat owners must be inspected covering 5% of the flock.
In 2010, in an effort to minimise duplication of farm inspections between the two Departments, my Department agreed to carry out some 1,600 nitrates inspections under the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) regulations on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. This arrangement was retained for both 2011 and 2012. My Department is committed to ensuring the maximum level of integration of inspections and will continue to review inspection programmes in all areas with the aim of increasing integration where this is a feasible option.
In relation to the 2011 Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (the two main direct payment schemes, with annual expenditure in excess of €1.5 billion), a total of 9 farmers, whose payment was less than €1,000, were subject to more than one inspection type. This equates to 0.09% of the total number of farmers in receipt of payments of less than €1,000 under these 2011 schemes. As payments and inspections processes in respect of the 2012 Schemes are ongoing, it is not possible to provide the information on the current year at this time.
504. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of staff employed in his Department and in Teagasc in each of the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42825/12]
View answerThe full-time equivalent (FTE) number of staff employed in both my Department and Teagasc in each of the years requested by the Deputy are as follows.
STAFF NUMBERS - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE AND TEAGASC
|
YEAR |
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE |
TEAGASC |
|
End- 2008 |
4,245 |
1,557 |
|
End-2009 |
3,881 |
1,385 |
|
End-2010 |
3,632 |
1,296 |
|
End-2011 |
3,525 |
1,189 |
|
End-Sep 2012 |
3,294 |
1,148 |
505. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for a disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42842/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 20 April 2012, processing of which has recently been completed. Payment has issued on 8 October 2012 to the nominated bank account of the person named.
506. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding a disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42848/12]
View answerPayment issued on 5 October 2012 to the nominated bank account of the person named.
507. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will outline in tabular form the commitments in the Programme for Government pertaining to his ministerial portfolio; the current status of these commitments in terms of implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42872/12]
View answerI have provided, in the following schedule, details on the implementation status of the commitments in the 2011-2016 Programme for Government for which my Department has primary responsibility. Fuller information is available in the 1st Programme for Government Annual Report which was published in March 2012 while the Government intends to publish its second progress report in March 2013.
Schedule
DAFM Primary Commitments under the 2011-2016 Programme for Government
|
Commitment |
Status |
|
CAP reform will be vital for the future development of the agri-food sector. Our primary aim is to secure a fair overall funding envelope for agriculture under the CAP and a fair share of this budget for Irish agriculture. |
In progress |
|
We will prioritise a Single Farm Payment system which best benefits active Irish farmers and the Irish grass based system of production. |
In progress |
|
Further expansion and innovation in our dairy and meat sectors will be a key priority under a reformed CAP and we will work with industry to achieve more intensive levels of production. |
In progress |
|
We will facilitate cooperation in the sector to move towards market-based pricing in order to reflect improved products and innovation in the meat and dairy sectors and the development of more integrated supply chains. |
In progress |
|
We will promote greater land mobility and involvement of young farmers by investigating new farm models and farm partnerships between farmers, while retaining our family farm structure. |
In progress |
|
We will work at an EU level to ensure that programmes targeting the involvement of young farmers in agriculture will be a key policy of the CAP. |
In progress |
|
New food businesses will be developed through a series of coordinated efforts across the food sector and state agencies, such as building pilot plant kitchens to allow food producers develop and manufacture products on small scale and development by Enterprise Ireland of scaleable manufacturing solutions for food businesses that have the capacity to expand |
In progress |
|
We will develop a single brand for the Irish agri-food sector globally. Bord Bia will also work in cooperation with producers and small businesses to develop value-added Irish food brands, such as an eco brand, and local brands |
In progress |
|
We will put in place an Irish seafood strategy to develop Ireland as a European hub for seafood processing, and to grow market profile and demand for Irish seafood products. Bord Iascaigh Mhara will be tasked with assisting Irish companies in adding value to products through innovation |
In progress |
|
We will take advantage of our links at an EU level to engage in bi-lateral exchanges with other countries to ensure that any changes in EU policy or in WTO negotiations do not place the Irish agri-food sector at a competitive disadvantage. |
Completed and ongoing |
|
We will move responsibility for agri-payments to a new one-stop-shop as well as developing a new innovation unit in the Department to drive new policy initiatives in the agri-food industry |
In progress |
|
Further expansion and innovation in our dairy and meat sectors will be a key priority under a reformed CAP and we will work with industry to achieve more intensive levels of production |
In progress |
|
We support the recommendations of Harvest Food 2020 Report |
In progress |
|
Building on the existing Food Safety Authority, we will create a single food safety monitoring agency responsible for food safety inspection from farm to fork. |
In progress |
|
We will create a single food safety monitoring agency, building on the existing Food Safety Authority, responsible for food safety inspection from farm to fork. This will enhance the food traceability system and reduce the burden of red tape on business. |
In progress |
|
We recognise the contribution that farm gate schemes make to farm incomes. We particularly value agri-environment schemes as an income support and in protecting the environment. As funds permit, we will investigate the possibility of expanding the Agri-Environment Options Scheme to farmers locked out of the scheme following the conclusion of their REPS 3 contracts |
Completed and ongoing |
|
We will invest in a 14,700 ha per annum afforestation programme |
In progress |
|
We will amend and strengthen legislation on animal cruelty and animal welfare. |
In progress |
|
We will negotiate the best possible deal for fishermen in the review of the Common Fisheries Policy |
In progress |
|
We will support the development of sustainable aquaculture and fish farms by streamlining the licensing process and reducing associated bureaucracy |
Completed and ongoing |
|
Marine responsibilities will be merged under one Department, for better co-ordination in policy delivery. We will develop an integrated marine and coastal planning process in order to maximise the potential of Ireland’s coastline in fishing, aquaculture, ocean energy and tourism |
In progress |
|
A Sea Fisheries Sustainability Impact Assessment, based on consultation with all major stakeholders, will be brought before the Dáil annually before EU fisheries negotiations commence |
Completed and ongoing |
|
We will replace criminal sanctions system for minor fisheries offences with administrative sanction system to bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions. |
Ongoing consultation with Attorney General’s office |
509. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if an application for 2010 single payment has been processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if all documents now submitted have been considered; if a payment will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43001/12]
View answerPayment in respect of the 2010 Single Farm Payment issued in two instalments to the person concerned, on 18 October 2010 and 1 December 2010. My Department is currently examining further documentation submitted by the person named in support of a Force Majeure application he has made regarding his Single Payment applications over a number of years. Once this process is complete, the person named will be contacted without delay.
510. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if trees and hedgegrow planting will be included in the new agri environment options scheme; if he sees merit in exceeding simply the requirement for planting; if he will acknowledge the damage that the omission would cause to small rural garden centres and growers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43008/12]
View answerI have decided that the re-opened Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) will operate largely on the same basis as in previous years and that the same measures and rates of payment will be available, including the measures providing for hedgerow and tree planting. Details of the scheme which I announced with funding of €20m will be available on the Department’s website in the next day or two. The closing date for applications is 30 November and my aim is to ensure that all applications are processed with a view to approving the new participants in the scheme with effect from 1 April 2013.
511. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will outline the number of live goats imported into the State in the year 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43018/12]
View answerThe movement of goats within the EU is governed by Council Directive 91/68 of 28 January 1991 which lays down specific rules (e.g. prohibition of contact with other animals during the travel, cleaning and disinfection of means of transport, etc.) to be respected during the movement of ovine and caprine animals from the holding of origin to the final destination to try to avoid any possible spread of serious disease in the EU. All movements between Member States must be accompanied by veterinary certification and must be notified to the recipient Member State via an on-line movement system (TRACES). The number of ‘imports’ of goats notified through the TRACES system in 2011 was 18.
512. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43128/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 16 April 2012, processing of which has recently been completed. Payment will, therefore, issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
513. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding an agro environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43129/12]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 12 May 2011. During the inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme were noted in relation to Tree Planting Standard Option which resulted in a penalty being imposed. A letter issued to the person named informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. An appeal has been lodged with the Agriculture Appeals Office on 5 March 2012 and has been assigned to an Appeals Officer who will be in contact with the person named regarding the oral hearing requested. A decision in writing will be issued directly to the person named following the hearing of the appeal.
Payments in respect of the 2011 scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. These checks will get under way once full payment issues in respect of the 2010 scheme year.
514. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for the dairy equipment scheme in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43130/12]
View answerThe persons named are applicants under the Dairy Equipment Scheme. As the Scheme remains over-subscribed, a selection process is required in order to determine those applications which are to go forward to the approval procedure. The applicants concerned have not been successful in the first or second tranches under the Scheme and their application will therefore be included in the selection process for the next tranche which will take place in the near future.
515. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their disadvantaged area payment; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43140/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 27 April 2012, processing of which has recently been completed. Payment will, therefore, issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
516. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their disadvantaged area payment; the reason for the delay same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43144/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 17 April 2012, processing of which has recently been completed. Payment will, therefore, issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
517. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid their disadvantaged area payment; the reason for the delay; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43162/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 24 April 2012.
Overclaims were identified in respect of two land parcels declared and my Department has already been in correspondence with the applicant about this. The application will be progressed on receipt of the necessary material.
518. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when a 2011 agri environment options scheme payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [43177/12]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2010 and full payment totalling €1,445.35 issued in respect of 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Similar checks which include verification of capital investment through checks on receipts are carried out in respect of payment for the 2011 scheme year. These checks have been successfully completed and full payment totalling €4,999.97 issued in respect of 2011 - 75% on 5 October and 25% on 8 October 2012. I expect 2012 payments to commence later this year.
519. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine if he will provide funds for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in order to make necessary repairs to Coliemore Harbour, to ensure the restoration of the traditional Coliemore Harbour to Dalkey Island ferry trips; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42037/12]
View answerColiemore Harbour is in the ownership of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with that Council in the first instance.
My Department has provided funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned harbours, piers and slipways in 2012 as part of the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. No application for funding was received form Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in 2012 for works at Coilemore Harbour.
Any application submitted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council under the Capital Programme in future years will be given consideration based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
520. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the number of persons in County Galway who have yet to receive their disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43196/12]
View answerPayments under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced issuing, on target, on 26 September and, to date, payments worth in excess of €166 million have issued to almost 76,000 applicants. Of the 12,485 Scheme applications from Galway, payments have, to date, issued to 8,700, with the balance currently being processed. Payments continue to issue twice weekly, with individual cases being paid as they are confirmed eligible.
521. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the funding that was approved for Lettercallow Pier, County Galway, in the last number of years; if the provision of public lighting on the pier was included; when these works are likely to be carried out due to the need for lighting at this pier for the purposes of public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43212/12]
View answerLettercallow Pier is owned by Galway County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance.
My Department provides funding for the development and repair of Local Authority owned harbours, piers and slipways as part of the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. No application for funding was received from Galway County Council for works at Lettercallow Pier in recent years.
Any application submitted by Galway County Council in respect of Lettercallow Pier under the Capital Programme in future years will be given consideration based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
522. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding a disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43219/12]
View answerThe person concerned is an applicant under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The applicant is one of a number, whose cases are impacted by a requirement of a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare and who have applied for a derogation in this regard. The application had not been determined in sufficient time to enable payment with the first tranche on 26 September. Immediately a decision is reached, the person concerned will be notified in writing. Should the decision be negative, an independent appeals procedure is available.
