Thursday, 25 Oct 2012

Written Answers Nos. 188-202

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Questions (188)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be paid their 2012 disadvantaged area based payment. [46862/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person concerned is an applicant under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. Currently, this 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 derogation in this regard. Immediately a decision is reached on this application, the person concerned will be notified in writing. Should the decision be negative, a fully independent appeals procedure is available.

Scéim na Limistéar faoi Mhíbhuntáiste

Questions (189)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

189. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a dhéanfar íocaíocht faoi Scéim na hAoníocaíochta agus Deontas faoin Scéim um Limistéir faoi Mhíbhuntáiste a íoc le feirmeoir (sonraí leis seo); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [46933/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Fuarthas iarratas faoi Scéim na hAoníocaíochta/Scéim um Limistéir faoi Mhíbhuntáiste 2012 ón duine ainmnithe ar an 14 Bealtaine 2012, i ndiaidh próiseála inar aithníodh ró-éileamh i leith dáileachta talún ar thug an duine ainmnithe faisnéis faoi. Scríobhadh chuig an duine ainmnithe maidir leis an ábhar agus, tar éis freagra sásúil a fháil, déanfar tuilleadh próiseála ar an iarratas d'fhonn na híocaíochtaí cuí a eisiúint go luath ina dhiaidh sin.

Live Exports

Questions (190)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

190. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when exports of live sheep and cattle to Libya will commence; the steps been taken to ensure the commencement of this trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46935/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Agreement has been reached to the opening of the Libyan market to male cattle under twenty four months from Ireland and we continue to work closely with the Libyan veterinary authorities to have this age limit increased to thirty months. A veterinary certificate for the export of sheep to Libya is under negotiation with the Libyan authorities.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Questions (191)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

191. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the disadvantaged area payment was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [46938/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

While the person named applied for derogation under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the application was unsuccessful. The person named informed accordingly by letter dated 9 October and was also advised of his right of appeal to the recently established, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee.

Scéim um Chaomhnú an Chomhshaoil faoin Tuath

Questions (192)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

192. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a éiseofar íocaíocht chuig feirmeoir (sonraí leis seo) faoi Scéim um Chosaint na Timpeallachta Tuaithe 4; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [46942/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

Chuir an duine atá ainmnithe tús le Scéim 4 den Scéim um Chaomhnú an Chomhshaoil faoin Tuath (REPS 4) i mí an Mheithimh 2008 agus fuair sé íocaíochtaí do na chéad cheithre bliana dá chonradh.

Is beart é REPS 4 faoin gClár um Fhorbairt Tuaithe 2007-13 reatha agus é faoi réir Rialacháin AE ina n-iarrtar go ndéanfaí seiceálacha riaracháin déine ar gach iarratas atá le comhlánú sula féidir aon íocaíochtaí a eisiúint. Tá an próiseas sin ar bun i gcás iarratais 2012 ar REPS 4 agus táim ag súil go gcuirfear tús le híocaíochtaí go luath. Sa chás go dtagann aon cheisteanna chun cinn ar chomhad an té atá ainmnithe, beidh oifigigh i mo Roinn i dteagmháil go díreach leis an té atá ainmnithe

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Conditions

Questions (193)

Tom Fleming

Question:

193. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the exclusion of hedgerows in the new agri envoirnment option scheme in view of the fact that these hedge rows are part of the traditional landscape of rural Ireland and are compatible with the priority items for eligibility in the EU environmental schemes for example the Rep schemes. [46943/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I 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.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Questions (194)

Dara Calleary

Question:

194. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied). [46953/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

While the person named applied for derogation under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the application was unsuccessful. The person named informed accordingly by letter dated 23 October and was also advised of his right of appeal to the recently established, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Questions (195)

Dara Calleary

Question:

195. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri environment option scheme 2 application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [46954/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011. 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. During these checks issues were identified in relation to the claimed areas on the Species Rich Grassland and Traditional Hay Meadow actions. My Department is currently examining these issues and once satisfactorily resolved, payment will issue at the earliest opportunity.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Questions (196)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

196. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not received their disadvantaged area payment; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46955/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As processing of the application concerned has recently been completed, payment under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue to the nominated bank account of the person named in the coming days.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Questions (197)

Dara Calleary

Question:

197. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the closing date for applications to the agri environment options scheme 3 to the 31 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46958/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I 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. Details of the scheme which I announced with funding of €20 million are currently available on the Department’s website. The closing date for applications of 30 November was fixed with a view to allowing applicants adequate time to prepare and submit applications under the scheme and, following the processing of those applications, to allow for the entry of new participants as soon as possible.

Farm Assist Scheme Applications

Questions (198)

Jim Daly

Question:

198. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way a person (details supplied) in County Cork can receive a herd number in view of the fact that they only have a small amount of land and are currently on jobseeker's allowance but wish to change their payment to farm assistance and require a herd number in order to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46969/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A herdnumber is an administrative device issued by my Department to a distinct herd for the purposes of disease control. A herdnumber may be issued if the herd in question fulfils the following criteria:

- The herd occupies a defined holding.

- There are separate entrances to the holding.

- The entry points onto other adjoining holdings/lands are permanently blocked.

- The perimeter fencing should be stock-proof and also prevent direct contact between stock on contiguous or adjoining holdings.

- There are independent and separate facilities such as: separate cattle crush or sheep/goat handling facilities; separate feeding and watering facilities; separate farm machinery.

- There are adequate facilities for the purpose of inspection, isolation, loading, unloading, marshalling, watering, feeding, treatment of sick/injured animals and housing.

- There are adequate facilities for animal bedding and the collection of manure and wastewater.

A person may apply to the local District Veterinary Office for a herdnumber by completing an application form ( ER1), which is available from the local District Veterinary Office or can be downloaded from my Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Consultancy Contracts

Questions (199)

Barry Cowen

Question:

199. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011. [47069/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The information request by the Deputy is being compiled and will be made available in the coming days.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Questions (200)

Pat Breen

Question:

200. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on a disadvantaged area scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47138/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

While the person named applied for derogation under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the application was unsuccessful. The person named informed accordingly by letter dated 8 October and was also advised of his right of appeal to the recently established, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (201)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

201. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the full cost to the Exchequer in the previous 12 months for his Department staff attending conferences including registration fees and travel. [47142/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

It is not possible to provide this information in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Departmental Staff Promotions

Questions (202)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

202. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff members of his Department that have been awarded internal promotions and or additional acting up or temporary allowances to perform more senior roles since 27 March 2009; the details of the grades involved; the pre-promotion temporary acting and post promotion temporaryacting pay scales; the total increase in salary payments to each staff member involved; the duration of assignments; the area to which each person was assigned; the business reasons supporting any such decision; the details of sanction received from the Department of Finance and or Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47157/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In answer to the Deputy’s question, the attached document details all promotions in my Department since 27 March 2009. There were no acting up or temporary allowances paid to staff in that time.

Promotion Date	Pre-Promotion Grade	Post-Promotion Grade	Pre-Promotion Salary	Post-Promotion Salary	Total Salary Increase	Area of assignment	Business Reason	Sanction Details
06/07/2009	Principal Officer	Assistant Secretary General	€103,389.00	€131,748.00	€28,359.00	Animal Health & Welfare, HR, Corporate Affairs	Critical Vacancy	Dept/Finance 19/03/09
08/12/2009	Principal Officer	Assistant Secretary General	€103,389.00	€131,748.00	€28,359.00	Direct Payments (Single Payment) Disadvantaged Areas, Forestry & Market Supports	Critical Vacancy	Dept/Finance 10/07/09
16/12/2010	Principal Officer	Director of IMT	€98,424.00	€113,457.00	€15,033.00	Information Management & Technology	Critical Vacancy	Dept/Finance 22/09/10
26/10/2010	Assistant Principal	Principal Officer	€72,268.00	€80,051.00	€7,783.00	Agricultural Structures	Critical Vacancy	Dept/Finance 22/09/10
20/06/2011	Assistant Principal	Principal Officer	€74,514.00	€81,067.00	€6,553.00	Climate & Bio Energy Policy	Critical Vacancy	Dept/Finance 22/09/10
21/05/2012	Assistant Principal	Principal Officer	€81,821.00	€88,379.00	€6,558.00	Single Payment Scheme/Other Direct Aid Schemes	Critical Vacancy	Dept/PE&R 11/05/12
18/06/2012	Assistant Principal	Principal Officer	€76,768.00	€81,067.00	€4,299.00	Marine Agencies & Programmes	Critical Vacancy	Dept/PE&R 09/05/12
21/06/2010	Senior Research Officer	Head of Veterinary Laboratories	€100,447.00	€111,125.00	€10,678.00	Backweston Laboratory Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
21/06/2010	Senior Research Officer	Head of Regional Veterinary Laboratories	€100,447.00	€108,173.00	€7,726.00	Sligo Regional Veterinary Laboratory	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
21/11/2011	Head of Agricultural Laboratories	Director of Laboratories	€110,539.00	€127,796.00	€17,257.00	Backweston Laboratory Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
07/12/2011	Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer	Chief Veterinary Officer	€119,405.00	€127,796.00	€8,691.00	Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
13/01/2012	Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector	Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer	€110,665.00	€112,545.00	€1,880.00	Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
26/03/2012	Senior Laboratory Analyst	LIMS* Administrator (Laboratory Information Management System)	€61,136.00	€65,675.00	€4,539.00	Backweston Laboratory Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
26/03/2012	Superintending Veterinary Inspector	Regional Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector	€95,550.00	€102,890.00	€7,340.00	Leitrim Regional Office	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
26/03/2012	Superintending Veterinary Inspector	Regional Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector	€103,472.00	€108,173.00	€4,701.00	Limerick Regional Office	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
25/06/2012	Veterinary Inspector	Senior Research Officer	€88,896.00	€93,143.00	€4,247.00	Kilkenny Regional Veterinary Laboratory	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
25/06/2012	Research Officer	Senior Research Officer	€88,896.00	€93,381.00	€4,485.00	Sligo Regional Veterinary Laboratory	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
02/07/2012	Senior Research Officer	Superintending Senior Research Officer	€97,417.00	€104,227.00	€6,810.00	Backweston Laboratory Campus, Celbridge, Co. Kildare	Critical Vacancy	Sanctioned By D/PER
27/03/2009	AI	Senior Inspector	€85,354.00	€90,743.00	€5,389.00	Engineering Division
Promotion Date	Pre-Promotion Grade	Post-Promotion Grade	Pre-Promotion Salary	Post-Promotion Salary	Total Salary Increase	Area of assignment	Business Reason	Sanction Details
27/03/2009	AI	Senior Inspector	€84,051.00	€89,822.00	€5,771.00	AES Division
26/05/2010	Senior Forestry Inspector	Senior Inspector	€75,476.00	€79,224.00	€3,748.00	Forestry Division	Retirement
31/01/2010	Acting SI	Director Internal Audit Unit	€79,319.00	€97,417.00	€18,098.00	Audit Unit	Vacant Position
08/10/2010	Forestry Inspector Grade II	Forestry Inspector Grade I	€64,227.00	€68,553.00	€4,326.00	Forestry Division
27/10/2011	AI	Senior Inspector	€80,814.00	€84,368.00	€3,554.00	Livestock Breeding, Production and Trade Division	Critical Vacancies	07/12/2010
06/02/2012	AAI	AI	€56,830.00	€60,342.00	€3,512.00	Agricultural Appeals Office	Retirements	07/12/2010
08/02/2012	AAI	AI	€58,655.00	€62,309.00	€3,654.00	Research & Codex Division	Retirements	07/12/2010
10/02/2012	AAI	AI	€51,372.00	€60,200.00	€8,828.00	Crops Evaluation & Certification Division	Retirements	20/07/2011
08/05/2012	AAI	AI	€56,830.00	€60,482.00	€3,652.00	Pesticides Registration & Controls Division	Retirements	20/07/2011
13/08/2012	AAI	AI	€56,830.00	€60,942.00	€4,112.00	Nitrates Biodiversity and Engineering Division.	Retirements	20/07/2011
14/08/2012	AAI	AI	€58,655.00	€62,364.00	€3,709.00	Climate Change & Bio-Energy Division	Critical Vacancies	May-12
15/08/2012	AAI	AI	€58,655.00	€61,765.00	€3,110.00	Pesticide Registration & Control Division	Critical Vacancies	May-12
16/08/2012	AAI	AI	€58,655.00	€62,030.00	€3,375.00	Agriculture Appeals Office	Critical Vacancies	May-12
17/08/2012	AAI	AI	€56,830.00	€60,697.00	€3,867.00	AES Division	Critical Vacancies	May-12
20/08/2012	AAI	AI	€55,014.00	€60,200.00	€5,186.00	Feedingstuffs, Fertilisers, Poultry and Eggs Division	Critical Vacancies	May-12
21/08/2012	AAI	AI	€51,372.00	€60,200.00	€8,828.00	50% Livestock Breeding, Production and Trade Division  & 50% Feedingstuffs, Fertilisers, Poultry and Eggs Division	Critical Vacancies	May-12