Written Answers Nos. 539-560
539. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of 25 September 2012, if he will provide an update in the restoration works to the Bulls Nose Pier, Cape Clear Island, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49638/12]
View answerOn the 18th October 2012 a planning application for development works at Cape Clear was lodged with Cork County Council. An application for a Foreshore Licence was submitted to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government on the 26th October 2012. The project at the Bulls Nose Pier, Cape Clear is progressing as planned.
540. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the amount currently being spent on, or budgeted for by State agencies under his remit for spending, on the areas of communication, public relations, consultancy, advertising and human resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49645/12]
View answerThere are currently 12 State Bodies that fall under the aegis of my Department:
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board;
Bord Bia;
Bord na gCon;
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM);
Coillte;
Horse Racing Ireland;
Irish National Stud;
Marine Institute;
National Milk Agency;
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority;
Teagasc;
Veterinary Council of Ireland.
Spending on communication, public relations, consultancy, advertising and human resources are operational matters for the agencies themselves.
541. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will respond to the following query regarding herring fishing (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49677/12]
View answerThe Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee (CSHMAC) has been in place for a number of years to advise the Minister on the management arrangements for the stock. The Committee comprise representatives of industry and processors and is chaired by the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (IS&WFPO). The Department is not represented on the Committee nor is any other State agency. However, the Marine Institute advises the Committee from time to time on scientific issues relating to the stock and was very involved with the Committee in the preparation of a Rebuilding Plan for the Stock which was accepted by the Minister and submitted to the EU Commission.
As part of the recovery plan for Celtic Sea Herring stock the CSHMAC recommended the establishment in 2006 of a restricted fishery for vessels under 50ft in overall length in the Dunmore East spawning area to assist with the provision of scientific information on the stock. From 2007 to 2011, 8% of the overall Celtic Sea Herring quota was allotted to the fishery. In the years to 2007 to 2010 an average of 25 vessels booked into the fishery, a number of which subsequently chose not to participate. In 2011 this increased to 40 vessels and in 2012 the number booking in increased to 72 vessels , most of these vessels, including the one referred to by the Deputy had never participated in the Sentinel Fishery before.
As part of the revised Ministerial policy on Celtic Sea Herring announced in June 2012, the proportion of Herring quota allocated to the Sentinel was increased to 11% of the national quota, which is the maximum amount that the fishery can sustain as advised by the Marine Institute. At the same time a whitefish and shellfish preclusion was introduced for participants for the duration of the fishery.
As the maximum quota to this fishery is restricted by the scientific advice available, the possible quota allocations are greatly impacted of the number of vessels booking in.
The CSHMAC having regard to the number of vessels booking-in and the amount of quota available recommended a set of management arrangements agreed by all the industry representatives on the committee for 2012. I accepted these recommendations.
In view of the changes to herring fisheries in 2012, I provided vessels booked into the fishery with the opportunity to book out of the fishery, without penalty by Friday 9 November as the quota available was known at the time. The vessel referred to by the Deputy did not exercise this option.
The vessel in question measures less than 30ft in length overall, therefore under the current agreed management arrangements the vessel falls into the <30 ft category for quota allocation. These arrangements in place were recommended by the CSHMAC.
The Department brought the matter to the attention of the CSHMAC who have advised the size categories are set out are on a pilot basis for 2012 and the committee proposes to propose changes to area of categorisation for 2013 including the issue of imperial Vs decimal vessel sizing.
Until I have an opportunity to examine the proposals from the CSHMAC and decide on clarifications if any to the current situation, the imperial measurement system will continue to apply. It is important to point out that any changes introduced will be based on a full evaluation taking account of the situation of all vessels and the proper and rational management of this fishery. Accordingly, the possible impact of any changes on individual vessels can not be anticipated.
542. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an appeal of a decision to refuse disadvantaged area scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49685/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation applications having been unsuccessful, who have now appealed my Department’s decision to the recently constituted, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee. Immediately that Committee has adjudicated on the appeal, the person named will be advised of the Committee’s decision, in writing.
543. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49744/12]
View answerWhile the person named applied for derogation under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas scheme, the application was unsuccessful. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and advised of the right of appeal to the recently established independent DAS Appeals Committee.
544. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all of the categories in order of severity of fisheries offences listed under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006; and if he will outline the sanctions being imposed for such offences. [49767/12]
View answerSection 28 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 and Section 44 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007 set down the penalties and forfeiture for certain fishery offences.
An offence may be tried summarily in the District Court if the Judge is of the opinion that the charges are of a minor nature and the Director of Public Prosecution consents and the defendant does not object. A fine following a conviction in the District Court will not exceed €5,000 and forfeiture as specified in Section 28 (6). Maximum fines on conviction on indictment are set in Tables 1 and 2 of Section 28 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006 including forfeiture as set out in Section 28(5) and in Section 44(b) of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. In terms of severity, subject to the maximum fines set out in the Act, the level of fines are determined by the Courts. In relation to the fines set by the Courts, I have sent the request to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority which is the responsible authority for the operation of sea fisheries control, for direct reply.
545. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a rep scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49802/12]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in February 2008 and received payments for the first 4 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. This process is under way for 2012 REPS 4 applications and I expect that payments will commence shortly. In the event that any issues arise on the file of the person named, officials in my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
546. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the 2011 agricultural payments that are currently being processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when a decision is expected for each one. [49869/12]
View answerAn application under the 2011 Single Payment/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 20 April 2011.
Advance Payment under the 2011 Single Payment scheme issued to the person named on 19 October 2011 and the balancing payment issued on 01 December 2011. The person named has also received advance payment of SPS for 2012 on 1 November 2012, while the 2012 application for DAS is currently being processed for payment.
547. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown, on a county basis, of the number of farmers who currently receive less than €5,000 in single farm payment, those who receive between €5,000 and €9,999, between €10,000 and €19,999, between €20,000 and €29,999, between €30,000 and €39,999, between €40,000 and €49,999, between €50,000 and €59,999, between €60,000 and €69,999, between €70, 000 and €79,000, between €80,000 and €89,999, between €90,000 and €99,999 and over €100,000. [49945/12]
View answerThe data requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled by my Department and a detailed response will issue directly when this is completed.
548. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 26 September 2012, the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49959/12]
View answerThe person named submitted an application under the 2012 Single Payment cheme on 13 April 2012. During the processing of the application, an issue arose regarding an over-claim on a specific parcel and a letter issued to the applicant on 26 October 2012 advising him of this. The person named replied on 5 November 2012 confirming the reduced area and the application was processed on this basis. A further letter issued to the applicant on 8 November 2012 advising him that payment would be reduced accordingly. The person named has since submitted further correspondence seeking a review of the reduced payment and this is currently under consideration.
549. 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 and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49971/12]
View answerAn application under the Single Payment / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2012. With regard to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the Terms and Conditions governing the Scheme require, inter alia, that applicants maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared, for at least six consecutive months, during the calendar year of application, in addition to maintaining an annual average of 0.15 livestock units. As the applicant has not met the required minimum stocking for six consecutive months, he therefore does not qualify for payment under the Scheme. The application under the Single Payment Scheme is being processed with the aim of issuing any payment due as soon as possible.
550. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 498 of 9 October 2012, when payment of disadvantaged area aid payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49988/12]
View answerThe person named submitted an application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme on 10 May 2012. Issues arose in relation to two parcels on this application and the person named was sent correspondence relating to these. A response relating to only one of the parcels was received and this is currently under active investigation. My Department issued a further letter to the applicant on 9 November relating to the second parcel and we are awaiting a reply to this. I regret payment cannot be made until these issues are resolved.
551. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49991/12]
View answerWhile an application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2012, payment has not issued as the conditions of the Scheme have not been satisfied, at this stage. Although passports have been submitted, as the equines do not meet the Scheme criteria set out below, no payment is due.
To meet the eligibility conditions of the Scheme in this context, an applicant must, in the first instance be an equine breeder and have bred a foal, from a mare registered as on the applicant’s holding in 2011, in either 2009, 2010 or 2011, which was registered in a Stud Book approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with pedigree recorded (sire and dam).
Where this criterion is met, the following equines will then be eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation for the 2012 Scheme: 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, that have bred an appropriately registered foal in 2009, 2010 or 2011.
552. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the two poultry farms in an area (details supplied) in County Fermanagh which has contracted a disease known as samonella gallinarun leading to the destruction of 125,000 birds on one farm and 50,000 on another; if he has been in contact with his northern counterpart on this issue; if he will investigate if waste fertiliser from those farms has been used in this jurisdiction; the steps he proposes to prevent this disease affecting this jurisdiction. [50021/12]
View answerMy Department was informed of an outbreak of salmonella gallinarum (Fowl Typhoid) in a table egg laying flock in County Fermanagh. A second outbreak in an adjacent breeding flock was subsequently advised. We have been advised that both flocks have been depopulated. It has also been confirmed that there have been no imports of hatching eggs or day old chicks originating from the breeding flock. This disease has never been recorded in the State.
Fowl typhoid is specific to poultry and is not regarded as a zoonotic disease (it is not communicable to humans) or a food safety risk. Chickens are the most commonly affected species, but the disease can also infect turkeys, game birds, guinea fowls, sparrows, and pet birds.
My Department has ongoing monitoring and contact with the relevant stakeholders in Northern Ireland, including officials in Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland. Under the Poultry Health Programme, my Department tests all breeding flocks for fowl typhoid at movement and point of lay. In addition poultry for further production are tested prior to export. If fowl typhoid is suspected in a poultry farm that is approved for trade, approval will be suspended, and no further trade in poultry or hatching eggs originating from the farm can take place. Approval will be withdrawn if fowl typhoid is confirmed. It is obligatory to notify any suspicion of fowl typhoid to my Department. An information leaflet on fowl typhoid has been posted to my Department’s website and is available at www.agriculture.gov.ie. This is in addition to the brochure on Biosecurity Information for Registered Poultry Flock Owners also on the website. The industry and all stakeholders are advised to take all appropriate biosecurity measures. My Department is currently investigating whether manure from this farm has been used in this jurisdiction.
553. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a forestry payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50036/12]
View answerAs the applicant’s plantation was not up to the required standard, remedial works were required. Therefore, premium payments for this contract were withheld until the remedial works were completed and the second instalment of the grant could be paid. The remedial works have now been carried out and the Forest Service inspector has recommended the payment of the second grant for the site. On this basis, it expected that payment of the both outstanding grant and the applicant’s 2011 premium will now be processed on 15 November 2012, with the applicant receiving the money in the following days. An application form for the 2012 premium payment has been sent to the applicant, thus enabling her to claim the premium for this year.
554. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal to the disadvantaged area appeals committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50040/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation applications having been unsuccessful, who have now appealed my Department’s decision to the recently constituted, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee. Immediately that Committee has adjudicated on the appeal, the person named will be advised of the Committee’s decision, in writing.
555. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal to the disadvantaged area appeals committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50041/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation applications having been unsuccessful, who have now appealed my Department’s decision to the recently constituted, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee. Immediately that Committee has adjudicated on the appeal, the person named will be advised of the Committee’s decision, in writing.
556. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal to the disadvantaged area appeals committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50043/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation applications having been unsuccessful, who have now appealed my Department’s decision to the recently constituted, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee. Immediately that Committee has adjudicated on the appeal, the person named will be advised of the Committee’s decision, in writing.
557. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal to the disadvantaged area appeals committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50046/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation applications having been unsuccessful, who have now appealed my Department’s decision to the recently constituted, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee. Immediately that Committee has adjudicated on the appeal, the person named will be advised of the Committee’s decision, in writing.
558. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on an appeal for disadvantaged area aid payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50047/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation applications having been unsuccessful, who have now appealed my Department’s decision to the recently constituted, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee. Immediately that Committee has adjudicated on the appeal, the person named will be advised of the Committee’s decision, in writing.
559. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged payment for 2012 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50048/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 19 April 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.
560. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a decision has been made on an appeal to the disadvantaged area appeals committee in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50049/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation applications having been unsuccessful, who have now appealed my Department’s decision to the recently constituted, independently chaired, DAS Appeals Committee. Immediately that Committee has adjudicated on the appeal, the person named will be advised of the Committee’s decision, in writing.
