Written Answers Nos. 1011-33
1011. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a herd number in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16569/13]
View answerApproval was granted for the issue of a herd number on 21 March 2013. A herd number was created on 3 April and a letter issued on 10 April notifying the herdowner of the details and conditions attached to the herd number.
1012. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost incurred by his Department, in respect of this year’s overseas travel programme for St Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16602/13]
View answerNo costs were incurred to my Department for this year’s St Patrick’s Day overseas travel programme.
1013. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payments or funding are available to landowners whose land and fields have been damaged by the River Slaney bursting its banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16620/13]
View answerThe management of flooding in river catchments is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works. Farmers affected by flooding in the Slaney catchment should contact the Office of Public Works locally for advice on the best course of action available.
Regrettably, I do not have funds available to my Department to support the farmers concerned.
1014. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when suckler calf premium 2012 payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16640/13]
View answerThe person named registered 10 animals under the 2012 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment of €400 due in respect of these 10 animals issued to the person named on 18 February 2013.
1015. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16641/13]
View answerThe person named registered 12 animals for the 2011 Suckler Welfare Scheme. When initially applying to participate in the Scheme in 2008, applicants undertook to carry out and notify my Department of relevant measures carried out in respect of all of their animals for the full 5 year duration of this Scheme. In August 2011, applicants were informed of the requirement to notify details of these measures within one year of birth.
In this particular instance, all 12 animals were born between February and June 2011 and data in relation to the measures carried out on these animals was not received until 18 December 2012. As a result the applicant was notified that he was no longer eligible for the Scheme.
My Department has made contact directly with the person named requesting substantiating evidence relating to any claimed extenuating circumstances in the matter. On receipt of this, the position can be reviewed.
1016. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an application for single farm payment will be processed in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16642/13]
View answerThe person named submitted an application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme on 11 May 2012. Full payment in respect of 35.90 entitlements, amounting to €11,853.33, issued to the person named on 26 February 2013.
1017. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 13 February 2013, the position regarding an agri environment options scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16644/13]
View answerAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 28 November 2012 and an acknowledgement letter has issued to the person named. The processing of all applications is nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to inform all applicants of the outcome in the next few weeks. In the event that any queries arise on the application of the person named during this process officials in my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
1018. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 19 Feb 2013, when a disadvantaged area scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16646/13]
View answerThe holding of the person named has been recently confirmed as registered in accordance with S.I. No 8 of 2012, Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Registration of Horse Premises) Order 2012. Thus, processing of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application was finalised, with payment issuing on 25 February 2013.
1019. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 13 February 2013, when payment of an agri environment options scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16647/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,040.38 issued in respect of 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. Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process. These checks have been successfully completed and full payment totalling €2,947.74 in respect of the 2012 scheme year issued on 7 March 2013.
1020. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 541 of 22 January 2013, the position regarding an agri environment options scheme phase two application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 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 an overclaim was identified in relation to the claimed areas on the Species Rich Grassland action which resulted in a penalty being incurred. A letter regarding this penalty issued to the person named dated 25 January 2013. 75% payment totalling €408.99 (net of penalty) has issued in respect of 2011 and the 25% balancing payment for 2011 will issue shortly.
Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investments through checks on receipts. During these checks it was discovered that the person named failed to deliver the minimum requirements under the Terms and Conditions of the scheme for Tree Planting Standard action. A letter issued to the person named dated 7 February 2013 regarding this matter. As a result of this discrepancy a 10% penalty will apply to the payment for the 2012 scheme year. Following the payment for 2011, payment in respect of 2012 will be finalised on this basis.
1021. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for an agri environment options scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when a decision will be made on these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16653/13]
View answerAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 7 December 2012 and an acknowledgement letter has issued to the person named. The processing of all applications is nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to inform all applicants of the outcome in a few weeks. In the event that any queries arise on the application of the person named during this process officials in my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
1022. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will introduce legislation to regulate the sale and keeping of exotic pets here; the supports that are given to State veterinary services, An Garda Síochána and local authorities to deal with incidents of stray or abandoned exotic animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16664/13]
View answerThe keeping of exotic animals as ‘pets’ is not prohibited in either EU or Irish law but their release into the wild is subject to restrictions under environmental legislation. Additionally, the importation of live wild animals or birds is subject to licence under the Wildlife Act, 1976 which comes under the remit of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (a body under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht).
Reports of stray or abandoned animals should be notified to An Garda Síochána in the first instance and can be dealt with in context of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1965 which are currently the main statutes governing cruelty to all animals. The Animal Health and Welfare Bill which I have brought forward consolidates a wide range of existing legislation affecting welfare of animals and when enacted will be enforced by a range of state bodies including An Garda Síochána, Customs Officers and Local Authorities. The Bill deals with the welfare of animals during sale and the sale of animals to minors. It also enshrines the five freedoms that underpin animal welfare and, in doing so, sets out general horizontal rules on feed, shelter, healthcare and welfare that will apply to all animals.
My Department provides financial support to animal welfare organisations some of whom have exotic animals in their care. In December 2012, funding of €1.365 million was awarded to 140 organisations. Members of the public should seek advice about pet care, particularly with regard to the keeping of exotic animals from a private veterinary practitioner and their local animal welfare organisation. Details of the welfare bodies funded in 2012 are available on my Department's website at: -
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/Listoforganisations150113.doc.
1023. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application under the 2011-2012 agri-environment option scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [16680/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 September 2011 and full payment totalling €1,167.51 issued in respect of 2011.
Payments in respect of the 2012 Scheme year are subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. These checks have been successfully completed and full payment totalling €3,750.25 issued in respect of the 2012 scheme year – 75% payment issued on 6 March and the balancing 25% payment issued on 7 March 2013.
1024. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline in relation to his plans for offshore aqua culture, if the taxpayer is exposed to any claims in relation to loss of stock earnings or damages in relation to salmon farms. [16682/13]
View answerAt present, my Department is processing one application for a "deep sea" salmon farm. BIM has submitted an application for an Aquaculture and a Foreshore Licence for the cultivation of Fin fish near Inis Oirr in Galway Bay.
The application and its accompanying Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently being considered fully in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and the 1933 Foreshore Act as amended.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on an application which is under active consideration as part of a statutory process.
Any commercial losses an operator might incur in relation to the operation of a salmon farm would be a matter for the operator in question.
1025. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16698/13]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Single Payment/ Disadvantaged Area Scheme was received from the person named on 8 April 2013 with accompanying medical evidence relating to the late submission. The closing date for receipt of the 2012 Single Payment/ Disadvantaged Area Scheme application was the 15 May 2012.
Having considered the medical evidence it has been decided to accept the late application on an exceptional basis and payments related to the application will issue as soon as possible.
1027. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on reports that pet owners are being advised to euthanise their healthy pets for financial reasons; if he will confirm if there is help available from animal charities to assist pet owners in financial difficulty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16716/13]
View answerMy Department provides funding to animal welfare organisations directly involved in animal care and welfare services. In December 2012, funding of €1.365 million was awarded to 140 organisations. Members of the public should seek advice about pet care from their local animal welfare organisation. Details of the welfare bodies funded in 2012 are available on my Department's website at: -
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/Listoforganisations150113.doc.
1028. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for an agri environment options scheme payment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork [16724/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1 September 2011 and full payment totalling €771.28 issued in respect of 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. This application was also randomly selected for an on farm inspection which took place in November 2012. During this inspection a non-compliance was identified in relation to the Riparian Margin action which resulted in a penalty being incurred. An appeal was received by my Department in relation to this penalty and it is currently under review. The person named will shortly be notified in writing of the result.
1030. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16775/13]
View answerFollowing reconciliation of sheep data held by my Department and taking account of additional information recently received from the person named, processing of the application 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application of the person named has recently been finalised. Payment will issue shortly.
1031. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the single farm payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16799/13]
View answerAn application under the 2012 Single Payment/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 13 April 2012. Advance payment under the Single Payment scheme issued on 16 October 2012 and balancing payment issued on 3 December 2012.
1032. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid is available under the organic farming scheme to assist farmers in purchasing machinery; the reason this does not cover the purchase of tractors or cattle trailers; if he will consider the extension of this scheme to purchase essential machinery such as trailers and tractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16811/13]
View answerThe aim of the Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic sector, which is funded by the Exchequer is to facilitate the development of the organic sector so as to ensure a regular supply of high quality organic product to the market. The Scheme provides financial assistance in respect of approved investments/development projects on agricultural holdings, including equipment and facilities for production, preparation, grading, packing, distribution and sale of organic products. I have no plans at present to extend the Scheme to include the purchase of tractors or cattle trailers.
1033. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will intervene on behalf of the milk producers of the country by asking the purchasers of the milk to increase the price per litre being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16840/13]
View answerThe price paid for milk is a commercial matter between milk producers and their purchasers, and is determined by a combination of the international market for dairy products, the product mix of the dairy processor and the efficiency of processing. As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine I do not have a role in setting prices. Dairy markets are quite strong at present, and a number of processors have announced an increase in their milk price in recent weeks.
While there will always be short term fluctuations in dairy prices, the medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good. Growth in global population and wealth is forecast to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products. Against that background, I believe that prospects and opportunities for the dairy sector will expand significantly over the coming years.
