Written Answers Nos. 128-145
128. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that have not yet been paid their 2011-2012 agri-environment options scheme I and II payments and the percentage in each case broken down on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/13]
View answerUnder 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.
Successive EU audits have made it absolutely clear that compliance with the Regulations must be strictly adhered to and that all administrative checks must be passed and eligibility conditions met before payment issues. As a result, my Department is obliged to ensure that individual payments will not issue until all aspects of a farmer’s application are in order, all outstanding documentation provided and all queries resolved.
Outstanding AEOS payments are largely due to unresolved queries associated with applications and where necessary officials in my Department will have contacted the applicants concerned with the intention of issuing payment as soon as possible. The payment information requested by the Deputy is provided below in tabular form.
AEOS I – 2011 Scheme Year
|
County |
Active Applicants |
Remaining |
% paid |
|
Carlow |
98 |
3 |
96.9% |
|
Cavan |
229 |
8 |
96.5% |
|
Clare |
383 |
6 |
98.4% |
|
Cork |
483 |
24 |
95.0% |
|
Donegal |
657 |
5 |
99.2% |
|
Dublin |
17 |
1 |
94.1% |
|
Galway |
853 |
19 |
97.8% |
|
Kerry |
353 |
9 |
97.5% |
|
Kildare |
74 |
2 |
97.3% |
|
Kilkenny |
269 |
3 |
98.9% |
|
Laois |
165 |
2 |
98.8% |
|
Leitrim |
391 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Limerick |
255 |
9 |
96.5% |
|
Longford |
115 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Louth |
58 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Mayo |
956 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Meath |
176 |
5 |
97.2% |
|
Monaghan |
213 |
0 |
100.0% |
|
Offaly |
141 |
7 |
95.0% |
|
Roscommon |
399 |
3 |
99.2% |
|
Sligo |
298 |
2 |
99.3% |
|
Tipperary |
387 |
6 |
98.4% |
|
Waterford |
143 |
3 |
97.9% |
|
Westmeath |
229 |
5 |
97.8% |
|
Wexford |
191 |
4 |
97.9% |
|
Wicklow |
102 |
4 |
96.1% |
|
Grand Total |
7635 |
130 |
98.3% |
|
% Total Overall Paid |
98.30% |
AEOS I – 2012 Scheme Year
|
County |
Active Applicants |
Remaining |
% Paid |
|
Carlow |
98 |
12 |
87.8% |
|
Cavan |
229 |
40 |
82.5% |
|
Clare |
382 |
40 |
89.5% |
|
Cork |
483 |
97 |
79.9% |
|
Donegal |
656 |
59 |
91.0% |
|
Dublin |
17 |
3 |
82.4% |
|
Galway |
849 |
151 |
82.2% |
|
Kerry |
352 |
43 |
87.8% |
|
Kildare |
74 |
11 |
85.1% |
|
Kilkenny |
268 |
48 |
82.1% |
|
Laois |
165 |
26 |
84.2% |
|
Leitrim |
391 |
60 |
84.7% |
|
Limerick |
253 |
39 |
84.6% |
|
Longford |
115 |
16 |
86.1% |
|
Louth |
58 |
3 |
94.8% |
|
Mayo |
951 |
110 |
88.4% |
|
Meath |
176 |
15 |
91.5% |
|
Monaghan |
212 |
25 |
88.2% |
|
Offaly |
140 |
20 |
85.7% |
|
Roscommon |
398 |
41 |
89.7% |
|
Sligo |
297 |
24 |
91.9% |
|
Tipperary |
384 |
53 |
86.2% |
|
Waterford |
142 |
21 |
85.2% |
|
Westmeath |
228 |
36 |
84.2% |
|
Wexford |
190 |
41 |
78.4% |
|
Wicklow |
101 |
25 |
75.2% |
|
Grand Total |
7609 |
1059 |
86.1% |
|
% Total Overall Paid |
86.1% |
AEOS II – 2011 Scheme Year
|
County |
Active Applicants |
Remaining |
% of County Paid |
|
Carlow |
34 |
5 |
85.3% |
|
Cavan |
184 |
45 |
75.5% |
|
Clare |
374 |
73 |
80.5% |
|
Cork |
384 |
103 |
73.2% |
|
Donegal |
904 |
169 |
81.3% |
|
Dublin |
8 |
5 |
37.5% |
|
Galway |
826 |
174 |
78.9% |
|
Kerry |
386 |
85 |
78.0% |
|
Kildare |
35 |
9 |
74.3% |
|
Kilkenny |
123 |
27 |
78.0% |
|
Laois |
74 |
14 |
81.1% |
|
Leitrim |
233 |
39 |
83.3% |
|
Limerick |
208 |
65 |
68.8% |
|
Longford |
86 |
17 |
80.2% |
|
Louth |
34 |
6 |
82.4% |
|
Mayo |
902 |
186 |
79.4% |
|
Meath |
81 |
17 |
79.0% |
|
Monaghan |
117 |
18 |
84.6% |
|
Offaly |
92 |
20 |
78.3% |
|
Roscommon |
351 |
81 |
76.9% |
|
Sligo |
204 |
45 |
77.9% |
|
Tipperary |
260 |
61 |
76.5% |
|
Waterford |
54 |
13 |
75.9% |
|
Westmeath |
112 |
14 |
87.5% |
|
Wexford |
90 |
24 |
73.3% |
|
Wicklow |
63 |
17 |
73.0% |
|
Grand Total |
6219 |
1332 |
78.6% |
|
% Total Overall Paid |
78.6% |
AEOS II – 2012 Scheme Year
|
County |
Active Applicants |
Remaining |
% of County Paid |
|
Carlow |
34 |
16 |
52.9% |
|
Cavan |
182 |
106 |
41.8% |
|
Clare |
373 |
165 |
55.8% |
|
Cork |
382 |
225 |
41.1% |
|
Donegal |
901 |
408 |
54.7% |
|
Dublin |
8 |
5 |
37.5% |
|
Galway |
824 |
475 |
42.4% |
|
Kerry |
385 |
194 |
49.6% |
|
Kildare |
35 |
23 |
34.3% |
|
Kilkenny |
121 |
84 |
30.6% |
|
Laois |
74 |
43 |
41.9% |
|
Leitrim |
232 |
136 |
41.4% |
|
Limerick |
208 |
144 |
30.8% |
|
Longford |
86 |
64 |
25.6% |
|
Louth |
34 |
14 |
58.8% |
|
Mayo |
901 |
421 |
53.3% |
|
Meath |
79 |
60 |
24.1% |
|
Monaghan |
115 |
73 |
36.5% |
|
Offaly |
92 |
55 |
40.2% |
|
Roscommon |
351 |
214 |
39.0% |
|
Sligo |
204 |
115 |
43.6% |
|
Tipperary |
259 |
178 |
31.3% |
|
Waterford |
52 |
36 |
30.8% |
|
Westmeath |
111 |
58 |
47.7% |
|
Wexford |
88 |
64 |
27.3% |
|
Wicklow |
63 |
33 |
47.6% |
|
Grand Total |
6194 |
3409 |
45.0% |
|
% Total Overall Paid |
45.0% |
129. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with shippers operating out of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire to ports in Wales and England on the possibility of their allowing lorries carrying livestock to be carried on these ships, so that Irish farmers would have direct access to factories in Britain for their livestock, in view of the higher prices paid there at times and to increase competition for the slaughter of Irish livestock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14735/13]
View answerWhile meetings have taken place between my Department, An Bord Bia and Irish Ferry Companies to explore the possibilities for the direct transport of livestock (cattle) from Ireland to Britain, the matter is primarily one for decision by the ferry companies based on commercial considerations. Currently livestock ferries operate from Larne and Belfast.
130. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, in view of the milking cycle of farming, he has asked the EU to agree to abolish dairy quotas from 1 January 2013 rather than 1 April 2015, thus avoiding super levy charges for the year to April 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14652/13]
View answerUnder the EU milk quota regime the quota year has always been from April to March, and there were no formal proposals, either at national or EU level, to bring the milk quota year in line with the calendar year. Indeed, it was generally considered that the current quota year has advantages over a system based on the calendar year.
In 2008 the CAP ‘Health Check’ review agreed to the abolition of milk quotas at the end of the 2014/2015 quota year, and provided for a smooth transition by increasing quota for all Member States in the remaining years. I have been extremely active in seeking to secure a softer landing for all Member States in the lead-up to milk quota abolition in 2015, but the Commission has resisted attempts to reconsider this issue, as it has resisted attempts to revisit the outcome of the 2008 CAP Health Check in an overall sense. The Commission’s view is supported by a number of Member States, some of whom are firmly against any further adjustment to the Health Check agreement. The second and final interim report on the soft landing was prepared by the Commission last December, and it proposed no further changes to the quota regime.
As only a minority of Member States is likely to be adversely affected by the current quota restrictions, it would not be possible to secure a qualified majority to agree to an adjustment of the current regime.
131. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the policy directions given to Foras na Mara by him or his Department on research on the development of aquaculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14732/13]
View answer142. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the policy directions given to Bord Iascaigh Mhara by him on the development of aquaculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/13]
View answer147. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals in Harvest 2020 on the development of the aquaculture industry here; if these proposals are his policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14733/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 142 and 147 together.
Public Policy for the development of aquaculture is set out in a number of public documents. These are Food Harvest 2020, Our Ocean Wealth, Steering a New Course – Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013, the Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013, the Irish Seafood National Programme 2007-2013, The Rising Tide – A Review of the Bottom Grown Mussel Sector on the Island of Ireland, and Sea Change – A Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013. These documents set high ambitions for the development of aquaculture, identify various opportunities for achieving those ambitions and propose measures to avail of those opportunities. Both BIM and Foras na Mara would be guided by these public policy documents in developing their own statements of strategy and in their work programmes.
In relation Food Harvest 2020 specifically, that report makes two recommendations in relation to aquaculture. It recommends that my Department should work with other relevant Departments and State agencies to resolve difficulties related to aquaculture licensing. Secondly, it recommends that the Marine Institute and BIM should work with industry to research and develop inshore and offshore aquaculture and alternative species on a commercial and profitable scale. The previous Government committed in July 2010 to implementing the recommendations of Food Harvest 2020 and I am equally committed to that aim. That commitment involves a very significant expansion of aquaculture output in this country.
Earlier this year my Department requested that BIM prepare a National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture, in partnership with relevant Divisions of my Department and the Marine Institute and involving a formal consultation with stakeholders. Such a Plan is required to be produced by every Member State of the European Union, in association with its Operational Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 under the proposed European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation, which is still being negotiated by the EU institutions.
132. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to address the current legal situation in regulations 9 and 10 of 227/2208 which allows milk quota to be sold without land to another farmer whose farm is incorporated, allowing milk quota to move between regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14656/13]
View answerThe issue raised by the Deputy has been addressed in a Statutory Instrument (SI 90 of 2013) which I signed on 14 March 2013.
133. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current position regarding the Common Agricultural Policy negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14644/13]
View answerThe negotiations on the reform of the CAP have made considerable progress across a number of fronts in recent weeks. Following the agreement by the European Council on the Multiannual Financial Framework in early February, the European Parliament two weeks ago agreed its position on the CAP reform package. This was followed last week by the successful adoption by the Council of Agriculture Ministers - by a strong qualified majority - of its General Approach on CAP Reform. The latter, in particular, marked a considerable achievement, taking place as it did against a background of lengthy, intensive negotiations with my Member State colleagues across a range of complex and sensitive issues.
The achievement of the Council General Approach is a vitally important development. It means that all three institutions are now ready to move on to the final, so-called ‘trilogue’, stage of the negotiation process, where the Irish Presidency will represent the Council in discussions with the European Parliament and with the Commission. It also means that the overall target of an inter-institutional political agreement by the end of June remains very much on schedule. I am very hopeful that all participants across all three institutions will maintain their focus and redouble their efforts so that, together, we can bring the reform negotiations to a conclusion by the end of June.
Last week’s developments were not only a successful outcome for the Irish Presidency. They also represented a very good outcome for Irish farmers. All through the negotiating process, the key issue from an Irish perspective has been the distribution of direct payments within Member States, otherwise known as internal convergence. In order to avoid the very significant transfers of payments that would result from the Commission’s flat-rate proposals, I had proposed an alternative, partial, convergence model based on the principle that Member States should have the flexibility to move away from historically-based systems in a more measured way that respected their individual farming conditions. I am very pleased that the Council endorsed this principle and agreed to include the Irish model in the options available for the distribution of direct payments. This enhances the prospect of significantly lower transfers of payments between farmers than would be the case under the Commission’s flat-rate proposal. Of course, this issue still has to be negotiated further, and the reality is that the final outcome will be somewhere between the Commission proposal and the Irish proposal. However, the important point is that the Irish model is at the centre of the negotiations, and I will be working to ensure that the final outcome is as close as possible to this model.
I was also pleased with the Council’s agreement to my proposals on the greening of direct payments. These proposals bring the necessary flexibility to the Commission’s original proposals, so that farmers can practise sustainable agriculture without overly bureaucratic impediments. The agreement also addresses Ireland’s requirements for a greening payment to be applied as a percentage of each farmer’s single payment rather than as a flat rate.
Another good outcome is the agreement amongst my Council colleagues to end sugar quotas in 2017. This is a good compromise, as it pulls back substantially from the 2020 end date that had been demanded by many Member States. I might also mention that, in the case of voluntary coupled support, Ireland will have the option of using up to 7% of our national envelope for such payments. In addition, the Council agreed to the implementation of new Areas of Natural Constraint and to a change in the proposed reference year for the establishment of payment entitlements.
134. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the forest service has produced any reports on its remit in overseeing Coillte; if so, if he will provide these reports; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15006/13]
View answerCoillte Teoranta was established in accordance with the Forestry Act 1988, under which a number of powers in relation to the oversight of the company are assigned to me as the Minister with responsibility for forestry. Coillte is also subject to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. This Code, which was revised and updated in 2009, sets out the governance framework agreed by the Government for the internal management, and the internal and external reporting relations of State bodies. The Forestry Division of my Department monitors the company’s compliance with those requirements. The oversight of commercial state bodies has been enhanced by the establishment of NewERA as corporate governance activities currently carried out by Departments are carried out by NewERA, reporting to the relevant Minister. The necessary communication channels and agreement of the respective roles of NewERA and the relevant line Division in my Department have been put in place.
No reports have been produced in relation to the oversight of Coillte. The company, as a commercial company, issues an annual report and accounts each year which is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. I respond to parliamentary questions on policy matters relating to Coillte while the company also attends the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine regularly to discuss the company’s performance and activities with members of the Oireachtas.
135. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made in the negotiations on the Common Fisheries Policy to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14663/13]
View answerThe Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the overarching policy framework which governs the fisheries and wider seafood sectors in the European Union. First put in place in 1983, it has been subject to reviews every 10 years, and is currently undergoing a reform process the important elements of which are expected to conclude during the Irish Presidency.
The CFP is essentially three separate pieces of legislation, a basic policy regulation, a regulation on the Common Organisation of the Market (CMO) both of which are supported and underpinned by a separate financial instrument the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
At the EU Council of Fisheries Ministers in June last year the Danish Presidency were successful in obtaining agreement for a general approach on the CMO and a partial general approach on the basic regulation. At that time it was not possible to achieve political agreement on a way forward for some of the more contentious issues in the basic regulation including dealing with the discard issue.
At the October 2012 Fisheries Council the Cypriot Presidency secured agreement on a “partial” general approach on the financial instrument the EMFF. However, the PECHE Committee vote on the EMFF has now been delayed until the end of May 2013, and it is considered unlikely given the timeframe that trilogues can commence during the Irish Presidency.
At February’s EU Fisheries Council, I was successful in brokering a political agreement on the outstanding issues from June 2012 on the Basic Regulation including for the introduction of an EU wide discards ban.
February’s decision in reaching a Common General Approach on all aspects of a reformed basic policy regulation, is important in that it now allows the Irish Presidency, on behalf of the Council, to engage directly with the European Parliament and Commission with a view to reaching overall political agreement on the reformed Common Fisheries Policy during the Irish Presidency.
However, it is worth noting that what was agreed in February is the Councils approach, the European Parliament has also published its’ position which differs in many respects. Some of the differences are minor and it can be expected that political compromise can be achieved relatively easily on these.
However there are significant differences of emphasis expressed by the Parliament on some key issues such as the discards ban, arrangements for regionalisation and achieving Maximum Sustainable Yield. Achieving a political agreement between the Council and Parliament on these issues will be a major challenge.
A first round of trilogues with Parliament (and European Commission) has taken place on the Common organisation of the market and a negotiation mandate is being prepared for a second round.
The trilogues on the Basic Regulation has commenced and there is an intensive programme of meetings arranged for the coming weeks.
The timetable for the Reform is changing on a regular basis. Latest indications are as follows:
- Basic Regulation: A Council General Approach was finalised at February Fisheries Council. The first trilogues with the EU Parliament took place on the 19th March and a second meeting is being held today with further meetings scheduled. The aim is to have final agreement in June.
- CMO: The European Parliament has a first reading position, Council have agreed a general approach. A first round of trilogues took place on 27th of February and a mandate for a second round has been prepared. The aim is to have a final agreement in April .
- EMFF: Following an agreed partial general approach at October Council, the EU PECHE Committee vote is scheduled for late May, 2013.
136. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints made to his Department since March 2011 regarding possible irregularities in the horse slaughtering business; if he will provide details of the investigations carried out by his Department on foot of these complaints; the actions taken arising from these investigations to deal with any irregularities found up to 31 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14739/13]
View answerMy Department has received a number of complaints in this area, some of which have been non-specific in nature. Information received in relation to alleged illegal activities in this State is taken seriously and investigated as appropriate by my Department and in certain cases by the Gardai. It must also be noted however that some claims have been made in the public domain in relation to this issue which, when examined by my Department, did not stand up to close scrutiny or warrant further investigation.
While my Department does not comment on ongoing investigations, appropriate corrective action is taken if non-compliances are detected. I can advise that during 2011-2012 the Department issued Compliance Notices to two horse slaughter plants under its supervision. This led to temporary suspension of activities while corrective measures were put in place. In addition the approvals of one organisation to maintain a stud book and issue horse passports were revoked during 2012.
As the equine mislabelling investigation progressed a separate but parallel investigation was conducted on horse slaughter plants and associated horse traceability. In addition, certain allegations continued to be made that improper practices relating to the availability and presentation of passports at point of slaughter and export were taking place. In this context I decided, with the agreement of the County Managers concerned, that my Department would take direct control over two equine slaughter plants which had hitherto operated under local authority supervision. Following the discovery on 8th March 2013 of irregularities related to identification of horses presented for slaughter at one of these plants, the animals concerned were humanely slaughtered and destroyed and the company has since been suspended from operations. This matter is under ongoing investigation.
Under EU law, responsibility for compliance with food safety and traceability requirements rests in the first instance with food business operators (FBOs). This is augmented by official controls, applied at different stages in the food supply chain. My Department implements official controls in relation to horse identification at marts and other sales venues, in abattoirs under its supervision and at points of entry to the country.
All equines (which include horses, ponies and donkeys) are required to be identified in accordance with EU and national legislation. Equines issued with a passport after 1 July 2009 must have a corresponding microchip implanted by a veterinarian, which is recorded in the passport and creates a link between the passport and the animal. The passport includes information on any veterinary medicines administered to equines. An equine for slaughter for human consumption must be accompanied to the slaughterhouse by its passport and the information on the passport determines whether the animal can be slaughtered for human consumption. Horses treated with certain veterinary medicines such as phenylbutazone, known in the industry as ‘bute’, are permanently excluded from the human food chain in order to protect public health and the passport of the horse in question is endorsed by the prescribing veterinary practitioner to this effect.
My Department has detailed procedures for the slaughter of horses in abattoirs under its supervision and has communicated these and the checks required both to its staff and the business operators. It has liaised with passport issuing agencies in Ireland and has developed protocols to allow abattoir operators to check the details of passports with these agencies to seek to ensure that they are valid and that only those horses eligible for slaughter are slaughtered. Where forged or tampered passports accompanying horses to slaughter are detected, it is the policy that such animals are destroyed and removed from the food chain.
Ongoing vigilance is maintained in relation to official controls in this area. In that connection, the European Communities (Equine) (Amendment) Regulations, S.I. No. 371/2012, introduced recently, provide for the updating of S.I. No. 357/2011 (European Communities (Equine) Regulations 2011) to strengthen the powers of the Minister in relation to approval of an issuing body for equine passports, authorised officers and prosecutions in relation to equine identification.
My Department is establishing a centralized equine database. The intention is that this database will be used at abattoirs to assist in verifying the authenticity of horse passports for the equine presented and to record its date of slaughter.
137. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the discussions to date as part of Common Agricultural Policy reform to ensure price stability and a fair return to primary producers are a central part of this reform; the proposed mechanisms being discussed to ensure this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14649/13]
View answerThe negotiations on the reform of the CAP are informed by the need to support strong economic performance through greater market orientation while at the same time ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. In this regard, direct payments support agricultural incomes as the sector adjusts to the reality of greater exposure to global markets, while market support measures continue to operate as a safety net at times of market disturbance.
Price stability is something that cannot be guaranteed, as recent experience - for example in the dairy sector - has demonstrated. However, a fundamental underlying principle of the CAP is that a safety net should be provided in order to protect producers from excessive falls in prices. This safety net was activated during the crisis in the dairy sector in 2007/2008, when measures such as intervention and export refunds were deployed in order to place a floor under milk product prices.
Market support measures will continue to be a feature of the CAP under the proposals currently being negotiated for the period 2014-2020. Indeed, in addition to measures such as Aid for Private Storage, Intervention and Export Refunds, further exceptional measures are provided for that would give the Commission the flexibility to respond effectively to significant market disturbance and other exceptional situations. These measures were included in the General Approach agreed by the Council of Agriculture Ministers last week, and will be the subject of further negotiations with the European Parliament in the coming weeks as the reform process builds to what I hope will be a conclusion by the end of June 2013.
138. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers not yet paid their single payment for 2012; the number paid; the percentage paid broken down on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14651/13]
View answerIn the case of the Single Farm Payment, the earliest payment date under the governing EU rules is 1 December. However, in July 2012, in recognition of the difficult weather conditions and ongoing financial situation faced by many farmers, I successfully sought the approval of the Commission to have advance payments made as and from 16 October. Payment of the 50% to farmers under the Single Farm Payment Scheme started issuing on cases cleared for payment, as scheduled, on that date. Since then, 123,119 applicants, have been paid some €1,213billion.
The position broken down by county is as follows:
|
COUNTY |
No. of Eligible Applicants |
Number Paid |
Number not Paid |
% Paid |
|
CARLOW |
1,631 |
1,625 |
6 |
99.63% |
|
CAVAN |
4,722 |
4,711 |
11 |
99.77% |
|
CLARE |
6,033 |
6,013 |
20 |
99.67% |
|
CORK |
12,840 |
12,793 |
47 |
99.63% |
|
DONEGAL |
8,013 |
7,994 |
19 |
99.76% |
|
DUBLIN |
625 |
623 |
2 |
99.68% |
|
GALWAY |
11,844 |
11,760 |
84 |
99.29% |
|
KERRY |
7,581 |
7,557 |
24 |
99.68% |
|
KILDARE |
2,023 |
2,014 |
9 |
99.56% |
|
KILKENNY |
3,418 |
3,412 |
6 |
99.82% |
|
LAOIS |
2,915 |
2,907 |
8 |
99.73% |
|
LEITRIM |
3,359 |
3,333 |
26 |
99.23% |
|
LIMERICK |
5,068 |
5,048 |
20 |
99.61% |
|
LONGFORD |
2,338 |
2,330 |
8 |
99.66% |
|
LOUTH |
1,485 |
1,483 |
2 |
99.87% |
|
MAYO |
11,331 |
11,245 |
86 |
99.24% |
|
MEATH |
3,712 |
3,693 |
19 |
99.49% |
|
MONAGHAN |
3,956 |
3,936 |
20 |
99.49% |
|
OFFALY |
3,001 |
2,993 |
8 |
99.73% |
|
ROSCOMMON |
5,630 |
5,600 |
30 |
99.47% |
|
SLIGO |
3,898 |
3,878 |
20 |
99.49% |
|
TIPPERARY |
6,884 |
6,858 |
26 |
99.62% |
|
WATERFORD |
2,402 |
2,381 |
21 |
99.13% |
|
WESTMEATH |
2,917 |
2,899 |
18 |
99.38% |
|
WEXFORD |
3,986 |
3,981 |
5 |
99.87% |
|
WICKLOW |
2,068 |
2,052 |
16 |
99.23% |
|
TOTAL |
123,680 |
123,119 |
561 |
99.55% |
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the steps taken to date in the context of Common Agricultural Policy reform are adequate to ensure the future development and growth of agriculture here and throughout Europe with particular reference to the retention of family farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14672/13]
View answerI am very satisfied with the progress made to date on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. To start with, the European Council agreement on 7/8 February on the next EU multiannual financial framework secures the necessary funding for the continuation of a strong CAP. Moreover, the agreement last week of the 27 Member States in the EU Council of Ministers represents an important stepping stone to securing final agreement on this reform. We are now on target to achieving our June goal of full political agreement between the three institutions of the EU – the EU Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament.
The four main proposals agreed last week cover the full breadth of the CAP and reflect the Irish priorities of sustainable intensification of production, environmental stewardship and the maintenance of a vibrant rural economy. I am especially pleased to note the progress made in relation to the internal convergence of direct payments, the greening of direct payments and the future of the sugar quota regime. On internal convergence, we have secured the required flexibility from Member States that allows the Irish model of partial convergence to be included in the options available for the distribution of direct payments. On greening, we have ensured that the payment may be a percentage of each farmer’s individual payment rather than a flat rate, as well as negotiating a difficult and complex compromise on the implementation of the three greening criteria proposed by the Commission. And on sugar quotas, we have secured an earlier abolition of the regime than originally sought by most Member States.
While last week’s agreement marks only a step on the road to the ultimate goal of full political agreement between the three institutions by the end of June, I am looking forward to building on the momentum created by last week’s decisions to secure that objective. And this will be good for European farmers and for Irish farmers.
140. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the upcoming meetings he is scheduled to attend on the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15004/13]
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 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. Substantial work has been undertaken to date on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights.
A Steering Group comprising of representatives from NewERA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department was formed to monitor the analysis process. This Group has met regularly and has also formally met with Coillte, and representatives of the Coillte Trade Unions and the Irish Timber Council. I am meeting regularly with the officials in my Department involved in the consideration process. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion and no decision has been taken as yet.
141. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline his areas of responsibility regarding Coillte and the possible sale of its harvesting rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15005/13]
View answerCoillte is a commercial state owned enterprise established in 1989 in accordance with the Forestry Act 1988. The shares are held by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and myself. As the Minister with responsibility for forestry, there are a number of powers assigned to me under the Forestry Act 1988. I also respond to Parliamentary Questions on policy matters relating to Coillte. As a State owned body, Coillte is also subject to the Department of Finance ‘Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies ’ under which it is obliged to provide information and confirmation to both Ministers in relation to the governance and activities of the company. As the company is engaged in forestry activities such as harvesting, it is also subject to the provisions of the Forestry Act 1946, the operation of which falls within the remit of my Department.
In relation to the possible sale of its harvesting rights, as a member of the Government, I have been involved in the decision making in relation to the State Asset Disposal programme, of which the proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights is one element. Further to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, my Department has been involved in the consideration process in conjunction with NewERA and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the purpose of which is to identify the forestry assets involved, determine their value and consider the range of issues associated with a possible sale of the harvesting rights. Coillte has been integral to this process through the provision of data and relevant background information.
I am briefed by my officials on an ongoing basis as to the progress of the analysis. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion and no decision has been taken as yet.
143. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the co-financed Exchequer funding that will be required to fully drawdown EU funding under the rural development plan, pillar 2, in the forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy, as decided by the heads of government in the MFF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14658/13]
View answerThe European Council agreement on the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) provides some €313m for Ireland per year under Pillar 2 of the CAP for the period 2014 - 2020. This includes a special allocation of €100 million, over the full period, negotiated in the final stages of the talks.
The MFF provides for flexibility regarding the co-financing rates for Pillar 2 support measures and a number of different rates have been incorporated into the proposal. A general co-financing rate of 53% is proposed but this rate may rise to a maximum of 80% for measures such as farm and business development, co-operation activities, Leader projects, and other measures. Environmental type measures may be co-funded up to 75%.
The amount of exchequer funding that will be required to draw down the available EU funding will depend firstly on the types of measures that will be included in the Programme and secondly on the co-financing rate that is agreed with the EU Commission for these measures. As the Programme is in the course of being developed at present, no decisions have yet been taken on these issues. It is too early therefore to confirm the level of exchequer funding that will be required for the next round and this must await finalisation of the new programme.
144. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he has withdrawn, without notification or consultation with stakeholders, the 2007 hen harrier management protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/13]
View answerThe hen harrier is a species of high conservation concern. It is listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, which provides a legislative framework for the conservation of the species. Six Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been designated under the Birds Directive for the protection of the species in Ireland.
The Hen Harrier Working Group was established in 2006 and comprised representatives from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Forest Service of my Department, landowners and forestry interest groups. A Management Protocol for Hen Harrier SPAs was agreed by the group in March 2007.
In 2008, however, the European Commission initiated infringement proceedings against Ireland on foot of complaints received in relation to the protocol. Following further discussions with the Commission on the issue, the Hen Harrier Protocol was suspended in February 2010, and a review initiated with NPWS. However, the scientific basis of the protocol continued to be applied on a case-by-case basis to individual applications.
In mid-2011, the Forest Service commenced operation of a procedure agreed with NPWS for the 2011/2012 planting season. This procedure permitted afforestation on certain types of habitats, up to a set maximum level for each SPA, calculated based on the cumulative effects of existing and approved afforestation and windfarms. Full details of this procedure were announced and a working document circulated to all stakeholders in July of 2011.
This procedure ceased to operate at the end of the 2011/12 planting season. Due to concerns raised by the European Commission regarding SPA management and within the context of the decline of the population in the SPAs NPWS have initiated the development of a Threat Response Plan (TRP) under Section 39 of S.I. 477 of 2011. This plan will set out measures necessary to preserve, maintain or re-establish a sufficient diversity and area of habitats for the species. NPWS will consult in relation to this Plan.
Forestry, both afforestation and the management of the existing estate, will form a significant element of the TRP. Pending the completion of the TRP, the Forest Service cannot make a determination on the potential impact of afforestation projects on Hen Harriers within the SPA. Nor is it feasible for an individual landowner to provide the level of detail required to enable the Forest Service to make this determination. As such, the Forest Service is not in a position to approve any afforestation projects within the SPA at this time. This position was notified to Stakeholders in January of this year.
145. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of the meat slaughtering and processing plants that have had their licences to operate suspended; if this is temporary or permanent; if there are further plants that will be refused permission to operate arising from the horse meat scandal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14738/13]
View answerThe report on the ‘Equine DNA and Mislabelling of Processed Beef Investigation’, which I published on 14th March, includes details of the companies that came to my Department’s attention during this investigation and the resulting actions taken by the Department.
The normal procedure in my Department is that a suspension notice on a food business operator is not lifted until the Department is satisfied that the issues giving rise to the suspension have been fully addressed. After a suspension is lifted the food business operator is normally subject to additional official controls for an appropriate period to ensure there is no recurrence of the issues that gave rise to the suspension. It is not appropriate at this point to further discuss individual food business operators or to anticipate future decisions regarding approvals to operate.
