Written Answers Nos. 558 - 580
558. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will be paid their 2012 disadvantaged area based payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46139/12]
View answerNo payment is due under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme in this case, as the holding of the person named did not meet the minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare declared in 2011. While the person named was written to and advised of the right to apply for derogation from this requirement, no application was received.
559. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine where horses are counted as part of the livestock for sticking density purposes under the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme, if it is a requirement that the equine premises is registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46230/12]
View answerI can confirm that, while, in general, horses are not eligible for the purposes of the stocking density calculation under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, those in equine breeding enterprises, which meet certain criteria, are eligible. These are:
- An applicant must, in the first instance, be an equine breeder and have bred a foal, in 2009, 2010 or 2011, from a mare registered as being on the applicant’s holding in 2011, which was registered in a Stud Book approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with pedigree recorded (sire and dam):
- The premises must be registered with my Department, in accordance with S.I. No. 8 of 2012, Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Registration of Horse Premises) Order 2012.
Where these criteria are met, the following equines are eligible:
- All equines aged one year to five years, (aged using 1 January), registered in the name of the applicant and maintained on his/her holding;
- Breeding mares, registered as having been on the applicant’s holding in 2011, which have bred an appropriately registered foal in 2009, 2010 or 2011.
560. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46258/12]
View answerThe person named submitted a Single Payment application on 7th March 2012. During processing, an issue arose in relation to one parcel declared and it was necessary to seek clarification from the applicant. The application is now fully processed and payment will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
561. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason why a person (details supplied) has not received their disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46267/12]
View answerPayment under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 12 October to the nominated bank account of the person named. The issues raised by the Deputy do not relate to any area changes submitted by the applicant and did not impact on the level of payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
562. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the issuing of a felling licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46317/12]
View answerThe Forest Service inspector inspected the site in early October 2012 and is recommending that the licence be issued. The Inspector has dispatched his formal report to the appropriate administration Section to issue the licence. Following the normal process and procedures, it is anticipated that the licence will issue to the applicant by the end of October 2012.
563. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 3 October 2012, when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their forestry road grant application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46321/12]
View answerAs indicated in the response to the previous question raised on behalf of the person named, the views of designated consultation bodies have been sought and their responses are still awaited. Processing of the application cannot proceed in the absence of these responses.
564. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for forestry payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46343/12]
View answerThe application by the person named is currently subject to a review by my Department of the area on which payments have been claimed. My Department will write to the applicant shortly to inform him of the outcome of this review and the position with regard to future payments.
565. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects that the live exports of cattle to Libya will commence; the steps that he has taken to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46345/12]
View answerAgreement has already been reached with the Libyan authorities to the opening of their market to male cattle under twenty four months from Ireland, while my Department continue to work closely with the Libyan veterinary authorities to have this age limit increased to thirty months. The development of overseas markets is primarily a commercial matter for exporters and while no boats are currently approved for such export, I am aware that there have been a number of enquiries in respect of the approval process. There is also a possibility that some overland transport may commence soon – via truck to South of France and boat from there to Libya.
566. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that queries in relation to the disadvantaged area payment and single payments schemes are only raised with farmers after the date of commencement of payments under these schemes; the reason for the delay in dealing with queries and issuing payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46346/12]
View answerThe closing date for receipt of applications under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was 15 May 2012, with late applications accepted, as provided for under the governing EU Regulations, for a further 25 calendar-day period, up to 9 June. Following initial processing of applications, query letters commenced issuing to applicants as early as 28 June and have continued to issue as necessary. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced issuing, on schedule, on 26 September and, to date, €176.4 million has issued to 81,193 applicants. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme commenced issuing on 16 October, the earliest possible date, it being the first day of the new EU Financial Year. To date, payments worth €557.2 million have issued to 111,624 applicants.
567. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of any plans that affect the operation of the Teagasc Office in Swinford, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46366/12]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority. Teagasc is currently implementing a major ‘Change Programme’ to rationalise resources and has decided to concentrate the delivery of its services at fewer centres. The existing network of advisory offices is being streamlined from 91 to 51 by end 2012. The decision to close offices is entirely a matter for the Teagasc Authority. I understand from Teagasc that the advisory office in Swinford is to close and that clients will be serviced through a newly opened clinic in Swinford and by advisors based in Ballina and other offices. Teagasc is committed to providing high quality advisory services to clients in the Mayo region and will retain offices in Ballina, Ballinrobe, Claremorris and Westport in addition to the advisory clinic in Swinford.
568. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when all outstanding farm payments will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46367/12]
View answerProcessing of the application concerned has recently been completed and payments under the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will shortly issue to the nominated bank account of the person named.
569. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when disadvantaged area scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46406/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2012. However, payment has not yet issued as, at this stage, the holding of the person named has not yet satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements. Immediately the holding concerned is confirmed as having met these requirements, the case will be further processed with a view to payment at the earliest possible date thereafter.
570. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will support a limit of €100,000 on the amount that any person or company could receive in one year under the single farm payment, thus freeing up almost €33 million for redistribution to small to medium farm households. [46493/12]
View answerI am open to considering a limit on the amount that any person or company could receive in one year under the Single Farm payment. Indeed, I have already indicated my support for the EU Commission proposal to apply progressive reductions to payments in excess of €150,000 and to apply a ceiling of €300,000, although I recognise that this will be problematic for some Member States and that it will have little practical impact on Irish farmers.
However, I would point out that, while I am open to considering a limit in principle, there is no provision in the Commission proposal to permit a payment cap of €100,000. Moreover such a limit would not release €33 million for redistribution, since capping the payment at €100,000 would still require the disbursement of payments of €100,000 to the farmers currently receiving in excess of that amount. In fact the amount available would be of the order of €8 million, based on current CAP funding levels.
It should also be borne in mind that decisions have yet to be taken on the multiannual financial framework for the EU budget for the period after 2013. Thus, at this point, we do not know the overall amount of funding that will be available for the Common Agricultural Policy or the allocation that will be made to Ireland. In those circumstances, it is not possible to provide definitive estimates of the impact of applying caps to the Single Farm Payment.
571. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views regarding an application for an aquacultural licence for Bantry Bay, County Cork; if he will agree with the concerns of locals who feel that it would be breaking EU legislation if it were to actually be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46514/12]
View answerIt is understood the Deputy is referring to an application submitted to my Department by Marine Harvest Ireland for an aquaculture licence in respect of a proposed salmon farm at Shot Head in Bantry Bay. The application is under consideration by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and all relevant EU legislation.
572. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in a tabular form a list of quasi-governmental organisations and agencies that have been created since 9 March 2011;the date on which the body was created; the name of the body; the 2012 budget for the body; the number of employees of the body and if the body engages manpower resources from outside the body. [47120/12]
View answerMy Department has neither established nor abolished any quasi-governmental organisation and agencies since 9 March 2011 apart from the Beef Policy 2020 Activation Group which was established in February 2011 and then dissolved in June 2011 following the presentation of its report to me.
573. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason a City and Guilds qualifications in Child Care is not recognised in Ireland as a suitable qualification to work with children when it is in other EU countries. [45717/12]
View answer578. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason a City and Guilds qualification Childcare Nursery Nurse is not recognised here as a suitable qualification to work with children when it is in other EU countries. [46350/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 578 together.
Nearly all pre-school services in the State are now participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. The ECCE programme requires that staff members acting as pre-school year leaders hold a childcare qualification equivalent to FETAC Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications of Ireland (NFQ). A higher capitation rate is available to sessional playschool services participating in this programme in which all childcare workers have qualification levels above the minimum requirements for the programme. Staff working with children under the ECCE programme as pre-school assistants, and staff in the childcare sector generally, are not required to hold a specific qualification.
To determine if a City and Guilds qualification is equivalent to a FETAC Level 5 qualification and is thereby an acceptable qualification for the role of pre-school leader under the ECCE programme, my Department must be able to identify the qualification on the published City and Guilds Qualification List. From the information provided by the Deputy it is not possible to identify this award and if the exact name of the qualification and the City and Guilds qualification reference number is submitted the matter will be examined by my Officials and the Deputy will be advised further on this matter.
574. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide in tabular form all appointments to State boards under her ambit since the Government took office; when the person was appointed; if the position entitles the holder to remuneration and if so the amount in each case; if the appointment was made in accordance with new procedures whereby Departments has to invite expressions of interest from the public in vacancies on the boards under their aegis. [45799/12]
View answerI would like to inform the Deputy there are four agencies which are funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI); the Family Support Agency (FSA); the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the Ombudsman for Children. With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the Children Detention Schools as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001.
Apart from the Ombudsman for Children's Office which does not have a board, I am responsible for all Board of Management appointments. Since my appointment on 9th March 2011 I have made 33 appointments to the Boards of Management under the aegis of my Department. I have set out in tabular format the number of Board appointments I have made since I was appointed as Minister in March 2011, together with details of the remuneration associated with each position on the Boards. The remuneration set out is the actual remuneration associated with the post for a full calendar year.
In line with the Government Decision of April 2011, on my Department's website I have invited expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the boards of State Bodies and Agencies operating under the Department's aegis. The notice indicates the vacancies in the boards of the respective bodies. My officials acknowledge all expressions of interest received and maintain a database of those expressions.
In making my decisions on appointments to Boards, subject to the governing legislation, I consider the most suitable persons for the positions available with due regard to the body or agency in question and its particular responsibilities and I seek to ensure that the appropriate mix of skills and experience is in place to achieve the best result. My Department’s website is monitored and updated on a regular basis to reflect the number of vacancies as they arise.
National Educational Welfare Board
|
Board Member |
Date of Appointment |
Annual remuneration |
|
Nuala Doherty (Chair) |
30/07/12 |
Does not receive fee |
|
Brendan Broderick |
15/09/11 |
Does not receive fee |
|
Catherine Connery |
28/05/12 |
Does not receive fee |
|
Marian Jennings |
28/05/12 |
Does not receive fee |
|
Eamonn Flynn |
15/09/11 |
Does not receive fee – Staff Rep |
|
Bob Dowling |
02/03/12 |
Does not receive fee |
|
Ruairí Gogan |
02/03/12 |
Not applicable – Civil Servant |
|
Mary Donnelly |
23/04/12 |
Does not receive fee |
Children Detention Schools
|
Board Member |
Date of Appointment |
Annual remuneration |
|
Joe Horan (Chair) |
26/03/12 |
Fee waived |
|
Gerard McKiernan |
26/03/12 |
Not applicable – Public Sector |
|
Ursula Kilkelly |
26/03/12 |
Not applicable – Public Sector |
|
Diego Gallagher |
26/03/12 |
Fee waived |
|
Sylda Langford |
26/03/12 |
Fee waived |
|
Pat Rooney |
26/03/12 |
Fee waived |
|
Elizabeth Howard |
26/03/12 |
Fee waived |
|
Colin Fetherston |
26/03/12 |
Not applicable – Public Sector |
|
Barry Rooney |
26/03/12 |
Not applicable – Public Sector |
|
Deirdre Keyes |
26/03/12 |
Not applicable – Public Sector |
|
Dan Kelleher |
26/03/12 |
Not applicable – Civil Servant |
Family Support Agency
|
Board Member |
Date of Appointment |
Annual remuneration |
|
Sharon Foley (Chair) |
26/03/12 |
€8,978 |
|
Caroline Murphy |
16/04/12 |
€5,985 |
|
Dick Hickey |
16/04/12 |
€5,985 |
|
Dr. John Griffin |
30/04/12 |
€5,985 |
|
Marie Fenlon |
16/04/12 |
€5,985 |
|
Liz Chaloner |
30/01/12 |
€5,985 |
|
Nuala Ryan |
30/11/12 |
€5,985 |
|
Catherine Hazlett (Resigned on 16/05/12 due to Departmental Restructure) |
26/07/11 - 31/03/12 16/04/12 - 16/05/12 |
Not Applicable – Departmental Rep |
|
Yvette O’Malley (Resigned on 10/11/11) |
01/09/11 |
Not Applicable - Staff Rep |
|
Marie Dullea |
11/07/12 |
Not applicable – Departmental Rep |
|
Catherine Downey Murphy |
11/07/12 |
€0 |
|
Imelda Martin |
16/04/12 |
Not applicable – Staff Rep |
|
Dr. Nollaig Byrne |
08/02/12 |
€0 |
Adoption Authority of Ireland
|
Board Member |
Date of Appointment |
Annual remuneration |
|
Dr. Imelda Ryan |
07/02/12 |
€0 |
575. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of chairs of State boards that have been appointed since the Government came into office; if there is a remuneration for the position and if so the amount of same; if the appointee was required to go before Oireachtas Committees to discuss what they have to offer to the particular Board or Committee to which they are being appointed. [45815/12]
View answerI would like to inform the Deputy there are four agencies which are funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI); the Family Support Agency (FSA); the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the Ombudsman for Children. With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the Children Detention Schools as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001. Apart from the Ombudsman for Children's Office which does not have a board, I am responsible for all Board of Management appointments.
As the Deputy may be aware, in line with the Government decision of April 2011, new arrangements were put in place for the making of appointments to State Boards and bodies. Those who are being proposed for appointment as Chairpersons of State Boards are now required to make themselves available to the appropriate Oireachtas Committee to discuss the approach they will take as Chairperson and their views about the future contribution of the body or board in question. Following that discussion, decisions would then be taken by the Minister or the Government, as appropriate, to confirm the nominee as Chairperson. Since my appointment as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on 9th March 2011, I have appointed 3 Chairpersons to the Boards of Management under the aegis of my Department.
Mr. Joe Horan, Chairperson designate for the Board of Management of the Children Detention Schools appeared before the Joint Committee on Health and Children on 8th March, 2012. I subsequently appointed Mr. Horan as Chairperson to the Board on 26th March, 2012. There is a fee of €5,985 per annum attached to the position of Chairperson. Mr. Horan agreed to waive this fee for his position as Chairperson to the Board.
Ms. Sharon Foley, Chairperson designate of the Board of Management of the Family Support Agency also appeared before the same Committee on 8th March, 2012. I subsequently appointed Ms Foley as Chairperson to the Board on 26th March, 2012. Ms. Foley is in receipt of remuneration of €8,978 per annum.
Ms. Nuala Doherty, Chairperson designate of the National Educational Welfare Board appeared before the Committee on 26th July, 2012. I subsequently appointed Ms. Doherty as Chairperson on 30th July, 2012. Ms. Doherty is not in receipt of any remuneration for her position as Chairperson to the Board.
576. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding inter country adoption (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46012/12]
View answerThe expiration of declarations is covered under Section 41 (1) of the Adoption Act, 2010. The section provides that a declaration of eligibility and suitability expires after 24 months from the date of issuance of the declaration or after a further period of not more than 12 months that the Adoption Authority may specify. The Adoption Act, 2010, does not make provision for any further extension of declarations.
In relation to applications to the Authority for extensions to declarations issued under the provisions of Section 63 of the Adoption Act, 2010, the Board has decided to extend the declarations for one further year, i.e. from 1 November 2012 to 31 October 2013. In the event of a declaration expiring an applicant would need to apply for a new declaration and undertake a fresh assessment under sections 37-40 of the Act. Given the length of time since declarations were originally granted, it would be necessary for the application to be examined to ensure that current circumstances are accurately reflected. However officials in my Department are currently, in conjunction with the AAI, examining legislative and practise options relating to this matter.
577. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 494 of 20 October 2012, if she will consider developing a mechanism which would allow youth groups from Northern Ireland to register directly with the President's Award Gaisce rather than having to register with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in view of the fact that many from a nationalist background may have difficulties with the symbols of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46330/12]
View answerThe President's Award - Gaisce is the National Challenge Award from the President of Ireland to the young people of Ireland (15 to 25 years of age). Gaisce is a member of the International Award Association which comprises 121 countries world wide. The purpose of the Award is to encourage young people to set and achieve a demanding challenge for themselves in a non-competitive environment.
As previously advised to the Deputy, an agreement is in place whereby young people in Northern Ireland, who wish to avail of Gaisce – the President’s Award may register with the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Northern Ireland for the Joint Award Programme but may choose, on completion of the programme, to have the Gaisce Award presented. I have requested the Council of Gaisce to explore what would be involved in developing a mechanism which would allow youth groups from Northern Ireland to register directly with the Gaisce President’s Award and whether or not it would be facilitated within the rules of the International Award Association. I will revert to the Deputy when the Council completes its deliberations.
579. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position as of this month on the number of high support and or special care secure accommodation unit residential places in total here; if she will confirm the location of the facilities; if she will further confirm the up-to-date position as of this month regarding the number of children currently awaiting such a placement on the direction and/or recommendation of a judge; if she will outline the current average waiting time for a child to be provided such a placement after the direction and or recommendation of a judge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46467/12]
View answerThere are three designated special care units in the country where children are detained on order of the high court for their own safety. There is a unit in Ballydowd in Dublin, which has a capacity of 10 beds, another in Gleann Álainn in Cork with a capacity of 4 beds and Coovagh House in Limerick with a capacity of 3 beds. There are two National High Support Units in Ireland, Rath Na nÓg, Castleblaney and Crannóg Nua, Portrane with a total of 10 places. As of the 23rd October 2012, there are 3 young people approved and awaiting a special care intervention and one young person approved and awaiting a placement in a High Support Unit. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the average waiting time for admission to the 3 Special Care Units during 2012.
580. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of State funded and or run residential children's' homes in the Dublin Region which closed, and or which ceased to operate, and or which ceased to take in new residents, during this year, to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46468/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
