Written Answers Nos. 839 - 857
839. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the suckler welfare scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57870/12]
View answerThe person named registered 17 animals for the 2012 Suckler Scheme in 2012 which included a set of twins. As payment is made on the number of eligible suckler cows in a herd for a given year, only 16 animals can be considered.
Payment was made in respect of 11 of these animals on 24 December 2012. Issues have been identified in relation to the remaining 5 animals and a letter has issued to the person named on 10 January 2013 regarding this aspect. The matter cannot be further progressed until these issues have been resolved.
840. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide in tabular form the number of agencies, bodies, boards, quangos or other entities, which are financed from, answerable to or established by his Department that have been abolished, merged or re-organised since this Government took office; the savings that have been realised since the changes were made; the level of staff reduction that has been achieved; if he will provide details of further agency reductions that he intends to pursue in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57871/12]
View answerThere are currently 12 State Bodies that fall under the aegis of my Department:
1. Aqua Licensing Appeals Board
2. Bord Bia
3. Bord na gCon
4. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)
5. Coillte
6. Horse Racing Ireland
7. Irish National Stud
8. Marine Institute
9. National Milk Agency
10. Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
11. Teagasc
12. Veterinary Council of Ireland
My Department has neither established nor abolished any quasi-Governmental organisation or agency, since 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. Of the forty six bodies listed as candidates for critical review by end June 2012 in the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan, published in November 2011 by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) three from this Department were reviewed for possible abolition or merger;
1. National Milk Agency – to consider abolishing or merging with Bord Bia
2. Irish Marine Development Office – functions to be subsumed into the Marine Institute
3. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – to consider subsuming certain functions into this Department. (The marketing functions of BIM had been transferred to Bord Bia prior to the period in question).
Following the outcomes of these reviews it has been decided that the National Milk Agency will not be abolished nor merged with Bord Bia. BIM’s functions will not be subsumed into this Department and as the Irish Marine Development Office is already integrated with the Marine Institute from an administrative perspective no further action is required.
841. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the outstanding agri-environment option scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57886/12]
View answerThe person named is not a participant in the agri-environments options scheme. However the person named did commence REPS 4 in June 2009 and has received payments for the first three 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. These checks have been completed in this case and the 75% Year 4 payment issued on 10th January 2013 for the amount of €6196.49. The balancing 25% payment issued on 15th January 2013 for the amount of €2065.49.
842. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will supply a timeline, with documentary evidence of steps taken and decisions made by the management cell to deal with continued high sea lice levels recorded at a salmon farming operation (details supplied) in County Donegal throughout 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57891/12]
View answerThe specific measures for the control of sea lice are set out in the “Strategy for improved pest control on Irish salmon farms” published by my Department in 2008. In accordance with this Strategy, when lice levels above the treatment trigger level are recorded at an offshore salmon farm a notice to treat is issued to the operator by the Marine Institute. If the initial treatment is not successful in reducing lice infestations to the required level a second notice to treat is issued, if the subsequent treatment does not result in reduction of lice infestation to the desired level the management cell process is invoked.
In relation to the site identified by the Deputy, the first management cell was held on the 30th of May 2012. While significant reductions in lice levels had been observed following treatments in late April levels in May were above the treatment trigger levels. The management cell, in consultation with the veterinary surgeon responsible for fish health at the site, recommended the use of new equipment to enhance the efficiency & efficacy of treatments and a follow up inspection to assess the outcome. While levels in June were below treatment trigger levels, by July lice levels at the site were again above treatment trigger levels. A second management cell was convened on 29 August.
The management cell on 29 August concluded that all reasonable efforts to control lice levels at the site were being taken. It further concluded that having regard to the prevailing high water temperatures, the health status of the fish, the age and size of the stock and the time of year relative to the migration season of wild stocks that the most appropriate option was to carry out an accelerated harvest of all stock to ensure that the site would be fallow by the end of December 2012.
The stocks were harvested and the site was fallow by 19 December 2012.
My Department’s policy on sea lice controls in relation to farmed salmon is strictly evidence based. The control protocols as illustrated above are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced that those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:
- the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry
- data obtained as a result of inspections is published
- treatment trigger levels are set at a low level
These controls are regarded as representing best practice internationally.
843. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his position on biomass as a renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57949/12]
View answerBiomass sourced from forests and specially grown energy crops such as willow, coppice and miscanthus has an important role to play as a source of renewable energy. Over one third of the annual forest harvest in the form of wood chips, wood pellets and firewood, or close on one million tonnes, is now used for energy generation. Forest road grants, provided by my Department to enable first thinning of plantations, and the broadleaf thinning grant, are important measures in supporting the delivery of forest-based biomass for energy use. Grant-aid under the Bioenergy Scheme also supports the establishment of the energy crops willow and miscanthus. My Department also supports the development of wood fuel quality standards and assurance systems, and provides technical advice through the web site woodenergy.ie, aimed at increasing the use of wood fuels and supporting business development.
The Deputy may be aware that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, T.D., has announced his intention to publish a National Bioenergy Strategy shortly. This strategy will examine all aspects of the bioenergy sector so as to inform the actions required to maximise its contribution to achieving the 2020 targets under the Renewable Energy Directive. My Department is working closely with Minister Rabbitte’s Department in assessing the potential of bioenergy from the agriculture and forestry sectors, including biomass resources, to contribute to the 2020 targets.
844. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry in receipt of the single farm payment scheme in 2012. [57950/12]
View answerA total of 7,508 farmers in Kerry have to date received payment under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme, representing over 99% of all applicants who are eligible under the Scheme.
845. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons in receipt of a single farm payment totalling €2,000 or less; €2,000-€5,000; €50,000-€70,000; €100,000 or more. [57951/12]
View answerThe details sought by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
|
Range |
Number Paid |
|
Less than €2,000 |
22,155 |
|
Greater than €2,000 and less than €5,000 |
29,621 |
|
Greater than €50,000 and less than €70,000 |
1,182 |
|
Greater than €100,000 |
227 |
846. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the matters discussed at the meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers in Brussels during the week of December 17-21, 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57952/12]
View answerThe December EU Fisheries Council Meeting consisted of two very challenging days of intensive negotiations setting the TAC and quota for fish stocks for 2013. My primary aim from the outset was to achieve an outcome that protected the overall interests of the Irish fishing industry while respecting the most up-to-date scientific advice for stocks of critical importance to our fleets. I am pleased that we have secured a good deal for Irish fishermen at the EU Fisheries Council that will support our fishing industry over the coming year and which is sustainable in terms of the fish stocks on which we are dependant.
During the negotiations an additional 6,400 tonnes of whitefish quotas were secured for Ireland over those proposed in the Commission proposal. At the end of the negotiations which set fish quotas for 2013, I was satisfied to have secured some 36,538 tonnes of whitefish and 180,000 of pelagic (mackerel, herring etc) quotas. The direct value of the total package for the Irish fishing fleet will be €213 million for 2013. The value to the overall Irish economy will be significantly higher when the added value in onshore processing is included.
The quotas finally agreed by Council were very significantly increased from those originally proposed by the European Commission for the 2013 fishing year and despite the difficult initial starting position, where I was facing large cuts in over 30 stocks of interest to Ireland, the result achieved is a good deal for the Irish fishing industry. We have secured increases from last year for key stocks including increased prawn quota in all areas totalling 8,733 tonnes and an increased whiting quota in the Celtic Sea amounting to 6,812 tonnes.
The package of quotas secured will support the economies of those coastal communities which are dependent on the resulting employment created both at sea and in onshore related industries.
847. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of the agri-environment options scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57966/12]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011 and has received full payment totalling €909.15 in respect of 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check of all applications, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. This process is currently underway in respect of the 2012 scheme year and once successfully completed payment will issue at the earliest opportunity.
848. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding mineral rights and the sale of Coillte assets via the new era project; if the mineral rights in the grounds beneath the forests form part of the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57972/12]
View answerFurther to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, Coillte Board and management have been actively engaged with NewERA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion.
I understand that if there are minerals on the Coillte estate, the rights to them are reserved to the State. I want to reiterate that it is a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests that is currently being considered for sale.
849. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 361 of 11 December 2012, if he will confirm that dog pounds, rescues and shelters will be subject to the provisions of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill; if he intends to undertake co-operative action with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government which is only responsible for the control of these animals to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained in all establishments that keep dogs and horses. [57987/12]
View answerThe Animal Health and Welfare Bill consolidates a wide range of existing legislation. As such, it will apply in many situations affecting the welfare of animals and, therefore, will be enforceable by a range of state bodies such as An Gardai, customs officers and local authorities.
Section 37(2) of the Bill provides that local authorities may appoint their own personnel as Authorised Officers. My Department will be happy to offer advice to the Local Authority Veterinary Service about the application of these functions where necessary. Establishments such as dog pounds, shelters etc will be subject to the general provisions of the Bill which enshrines the so-called Five Freedoms of animal and, in doing so, sets out general horizontal rules on feed, shelter, healthcare and welfare that will apply to all animals under the care of humans. These rules will complement the specific provisions of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010.
850. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environmental options scheme 2 payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58007/12]
View answerThe 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.
851. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the REP scheme 4 payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the payment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58014/12]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and received payment for the first four 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. These checks have been completed and 2012 payments have commenced. The 75% Year 5 payment issued to the person named on 10th January 2013 for the amount of €4,070.55. The balancing 25% payment will issue shortly.
852. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person who purchases land that has no single payment entitlements will be entitled to claim the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58048/12]
View answerI can confirm that eligibility under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is separate from eligibility under the Single Payment Scheme and, specifically, that the absence of Single Payment entitlements does not, of itself, disbar a person from consideration under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
In order to be eligible for payment under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme an applicant was required, in his/her own right, to:
- Be a person aged 18 years or over;
- Hold a valid Herd Number issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine;
- Occupy and farm in ones own right and at ones own risk a minimum of 3 hectares of forage land, situated in an area within the State designated as a Disadvantaged Area and classified as Less Severely Handicapped Lowland or as a Coastal Area with Specific Handicaps or as More Severely Handicapped Lowland or as Mountain Type Grazing;
- Submit a valid 2012 Single Payment Scheme application form; Undertake to farm and manage the land applied on in 2012, for the full calendar year;
- Undertake to remain in farming in a Disadvantaged Area for 5 years from the date of the first payment of a Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment;
- Comply with Cross Compliance requirements as set down in EU legislation (Directives and Regulation) on the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare, and plant health and must maintain the farm in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC);
- Have a holding that meets the minimum stocking levels for 2012 as specified; In relation to any mountain commonage that is farmed, be a participant under REPS/AEOS or any National Scheme that may be in place or be compliant with the relevant Commonage Framework Plan;
- Co-operate fully with Department staff, or its’ Agents, in relation to any inspection or any request for documentation;
- No payment shall be made in favour of beneficiaries for whom it is established that they artificially created the conditions required for obtaining such payments with a view to obtaining an advantage contrary to the objectives of that support scheme.
853. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the purpose to which the funds resulting from the sale of 1109 acres, 449 ha. of forest near Ballybofey, County Donegal will be put; if the funds will be diverted into the pensions of Coillte workers; if this sale has anything to do with the sale of State assets via the NewERA project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58052/12]
View answerCoillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the sale and acquisition of land which take place regularly, are the responsibility of the company. The use of the proceeds from these sales is also an operational matter for the company.
The proposed sale of this land is separate from the Government decision concerning a possible concession for the sale of harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests – this matter is currently being examined. As originally announced by the Government in February 2012, the consideration about the sale of certain forestry assets of Coillte excludes the sale of land.
854. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when disadvantaged area payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58062/12]
View answerThe person named is one of a number, their derogation application having been unsuccessful, who were offered the option to appeal to the independently chaired DAS Appeals Committee. To date, this option has not been availed of. Should the applicant choose to appeal, it will be referred to the DAS Appeals Committee.
855. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of retired naval personnel currently employed by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58071/12]
View answer856. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons employed by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority that are currently in receipt of a pension from the Department of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58072/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 855 and 856 together.
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent statutory body and the question relates to operational aspects in which I have no direct role.
My Department will forward these requests to the SFPA for consideration and direct reply to the Deputy.
857. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be paid their disadvantaged and suckler cow payments for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58101/12]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 March 2012, processing of which has recently been finalised. Payment will issue in the coming days, directly to the nominated bank account.
No application has been received from this herd-owner under the Suckler Welfare Scheme.
