Written Answers Nos. 1171-1190
1171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the Kerry Bog Pony, traditionally used for hauling peat from the bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37322/13]
View answerThe Kerry Bog Pony is recognised within Ireland and further afield as a rare traditional Irish pony breed. The Kerry Bog Pony Society is approved by my Department to maintain the Kerry Bog Pony studbook and records all pedigrees of ponies of that breed. It is also responsible for preserving and promoting the breed and for devising and implementing a breed improvement programme. In recognition of the breed’s importance and in support of the Breed Society, my Department allocated €2,374 in funding this year under the National Development Plan, towards the Society’s National Classification Inspection Programme.
In addition the Kerry Bog Pony has been recognised as a native breed under the Rural Environmental Protection Schemes (REPS) and Agriculture Environmental Option Scheme (AEOS) and in this regard farmers participating in these schemes have been financially supported in the rearing of these animals.
I am sure the deputy will agree that these supports demonstrate my Department’s commitment to preserving and developing the Kerry Bog Pony breed.
1172. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of Pillar II funding already committed under on-going contracts for various schemes for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37368/13]
View answerUnder the current Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 [RDP] the total level of commitments for the years 2014 to 2016 is estimated to be €364 million. The table summarises this position. You will appreciate that this estimate is based on the expectation that the applicants for support fulfil their obligations under the respective schemes. This estimate does not include commitments in respect of Axis 3 and 4 of the RDP as these come under the remit my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.
|
Support Measure |
Estimated level of Commitments € millions |
|
Early Retirement Scheme |
23 |
|
Farm Modernisation Schemes |
33 |
|
Agri-environmental Schemes |
308 |
|
Total |
364 |
1173. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline details on the 2013 Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme; if he will detail in tabular form, the amount of funding provided on a county-by-county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37381/13]
View answerThis is an exciting time for the seafood processing sector, with enormous potential for growth and expansion. Since 2011, seafood exports have grown by €138 million, an impressive increase of 36%. Bord Iascaigh Mhara has reported that during that period processing companies who have benefitted from Government grant-aid through the Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme have generated 251 new jobs in the sector and prospects are positive for jobs and growth into the future. This year, the sector continues to perform well, with exports up by almost 4% as of May and the home market continues to counter the recession, growing by approximately 2% retail sales to mid-year.
I am committed to supporting the seafood processing sector in any way I can to help it in achieving its significant potential. The sector is one of the star performers in our food industry and can make an important contribution to our economic recovery. Already this year, I have made available €2.4 million in grant aid to 25 seafood processing companies under the 2013 Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme. Taken in conjunction with private sector investment, the total investment will be over €8 million in 2013. The 25 companies that received grant offers were from seven coastal counties across the country, namely Kerry, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Wexford, Mayo and Donegal.
The Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme is implemented as part of my Department’s Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013 and is co-funded by the European Fisheries Fund. The Scheme aims to support seafood processing companies scale up, diversify, add value to raw material and innovate as they develop new markets, enhancing profitability and job creation prospects into the future. The Scheme provides grant aid of up to 30% for value adding projects.
The table sets out details of the grants approved in 2013.
2013 Grants Approved under the Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme
|
Company Name |
County |
Investment |
Grant |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Fastnet Mussels |
Cork |
518,050 |
155,415 |
|
Good Fish Processing (Carrigaline) Ltd. |
Cork |
284,000 |
85,200 |
|
Keohane Seafood Ltd |
Cork |
853,530 |
256,059 |
|
Normandy Ireland Ltd. |
Cork |
102,847 |
30,854 |
|
Shellfish De La Mer |
Cork |
550,747 |
165,224 |
|
CSI Seafood Products Ltd. |
Cork |
270,000 |
81,000 |
|
William Carr & Sons Ltd |
Cork |
268,895 |
80,669 |
|
Total Cork |
2,848,069 |
576,698 |
|
|
Charlie Vial (Fish Merchant) Ltd |
Donegal |
84,658 |
25,397 |
|
Sean Ward Fish Exports Ltd. |
Donegal |
974,875 |
292,462 |
|
Proseail An Clochan Liath Teo. |
Donegal |
91,007 |
27,302 |
|
Earagail Eisc Teo |
Donegal |
935,000 |
280,500 |
|
Premier Fish Ltd. |
Donegal |
160,000 |
32,000 |
|
Island Seafoods Ltd. |
Donegal |
119,000 |
35,700 |
|
Arctic Fish Ltd |
Donegal |
140,000 |
42,000 |
|
Total Donegal |
2,504,540 |
572,962 |
|
|
Kish Fish Ltd. |
Dublin |
181,537 |
54,461 |
|
Dunns Seafare Ltd |
Dublin |
353,000 |
105,900 |
|
Rockabill Shellfish Ltd |
Dublin |
197,719 |
59,316 |
|
Total Dublin |
732,256 |
105,900 |
|
|
Breizon Ltd |
Galway |
89,900 |
26,970 |
|
Oilean Mara Teo |
Galway |
378,561 |
113,568 |
|
Cill Chiarian Eisc Teo |
Galway |
20,000 |
6,000 |
|
Total Galway |
488,461 |
113,568 |
|
|
Star Seafoods Ltd. |
Kerry |
519,745 |
155,923 |
|
Total Kerry |
519,745 |
155,923 |
|
|
Connemara Seafoods Frozen Ltd |
Mayo |
134,640 |
40,392 |
|
Total Mayo |
134,640 |
40,392 |
|
|
Atlantis Seafoods Wexford Ltd. |
Wexford |
107,522 |
32,257 |
|
Kilmore Fish Co. Ltd |
Wexford |
349,300 |
104,790 |
|
Sofrimar Ltd |
Wexford |
327,961 |
98,388 |
|
Total Wexford |
784,783 |
104,790 |
|
|
TOTAL |
8,012,495 |
2,387,748 |
1174. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the data available to him regarding soil fertility levels, including soil phosphorus levels; the action his Department have taken on this matter in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37385/13]
View answerResearch has shown that a high proportion of Irish soils may be deficient in either phosphorus, potassium and other plant nutrients, which means that production may be limited on these soils. It is important to note that low pH (low lime levels) is also an issue on Irish soils and can reduce plant uptake of phosphorus.
Phosphorus and nitrogen application rates are controlled by the Nitrates Regulations. However, there is no limit on the use of potassium or lime or other important plant nutrients such as sulphur.
Based on Teagasc data there has been a substantial decline in phosphorus Index 4 soils over the past five years which is desirable from an environmental point of view and does not have a negative agronomic impact. There has also been a fall in Index 3 soils and an increase in the level of Index 1 and 2 soils over this period.
The required four yearly review of the Nitrates action programme is taking place this year. Minister Hogan, with whom responsibility for these regulations rests, and I invited all relevant stakeholders to make submissions during the consultation period earlier this summer. Soil Phosphorous levels were raised in a number of submissions. The review of these submissions is ongoing and will be completed before the year end.
1175. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the parameters of the discussions held with colleagues from other EU member states at the informal meeting of EU forest directors in Vilnius, Lithuania from 10 to 13 September 2013; if he will detail any agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37416/13]
View answerThe Presidency meeting to which the deputy refers took place in Vilnius from 10-12th September 2013 – the previous such meeting having taken place in Dublin Castle in March 2013. The meeting involved EU Member State authorities (including ministries, services, agencies, etc.) responsible for matters of forest policy, to discuss and update themselves on the most relevant forestry issues at the EU level. The Commission, the Council Secretariat and Stakeholder’s representatives were also afforded an opportunity to attend.
The meeting considered a full agenda of current EU forestry topics including:
- A New EU Forest strategy,
- Negotiations for a Legally Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe (LBA),
- Forestry measures under the new Rural Development regime,
- Implementation of the EU Timber Regulation,
- A possible regulation on criteria on sustainable biomass, and
- A profile of forests and forest management in Lithuania.
The question of further progress on these issues under the Lithuanian Presidency was central to this meeting and the discussions were primarily focussed on preparation for the forthcoming negotiations on the LBA which will resume in November 2013 in Geneva. The Lithuanian Presidency was anxious to focus on appropriate negotiating positions and tactics for the EU and its Member States. Ireland, with the Commission, led on behalf of the EU in the previous round of negotiations on the LBA which took place in Warsaw in June 2013. In this regard it is generally agreed that 90% of the technical issues relating to the proposed Forest Convention were resolved in Warsaw. It was the view of the Member States in Vilnius that a foundation for concluding the remaining elements, which have a greater political dimension, is in place and that extensive negotiation and compromise can permit the final resolution of these outstanding elements at the forthcoming Geneva meeting.
1176. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the parameters of the discussions held with ministerial colleagues at the informal meeting of Ministers for Agriculture (AGRI) in Vilnius, Lithuania from 8 to 10 September 2013; if he will detail any agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/13]
View answerThe main topic for discussion at the informal meeting was the future of family farming in the context of globalisation. Discussion was based on a paper prepared by the Lithuanian Presidency which posed questions to Member States concerning the ways in which EU and national governments could enhance sustainability and support innovation, the most appropriate mechanisms for transmission of family farms and for access to land and capital and the policy measures that might be envisaged for development of cooperatives and producer organisations and for the promotion of short food supply chains and local food systems.
As this was an informal meeting of the Agriculture Council, no decisions were taken.
The general view expressed by Ministers was that family farms are the foundation of European agriculture and that, in addition to the economic benefits, they make a significant contribution to food security, environmental objectives and other public goods. Thus it is important to provide continued support from public funds. Member States mentioned the importance of innovation, farm advisory services, training and technology transfer in order to preserve the model. Easing access to land and investment capital were also highlighted and the importance of succession planning and generational transmission were stressed. A number of Member States mentioned the need to strengthen the role of farmers in the food supply through cooperatives, collaborative farming, producer groups and short supply chains. Other Member States said the imperative was that farm units were commercially viable.
I made the point that family farms provided additional benefits over and above food production and should be supported. Nonetheless, they must be competitive and innovative and the challenge would be to bring family farms along with current changes in policy and context. Policies to assist that development and change include those addressing price volatility, generational change, innovation and technology transfer. I drew the attention of other Member States to the farm development discussion groups that had proved to be a major success in Ireland.
I also spoke about the need for policies to address the major issues of access to land and capital. There was a need to find alternative means of creating economies of scale through support of collaborative farming and partnerships. These should be assisted through domestic taxation, appropriate state aid rules and pillar 2 measures. I mentioned the question of succession and the need to encourage more long-term leasing of land. As to cooperatives and producer groups, I noted Ireland’s very successful cooperative movement but I made the point that there would be further need for economies of scale to ensure their ability to remain competitive in the global market.
The EU Commission and a number of Member States used their interventions to emphasise the need to finalise the outstanding elements of CAP reform as quickly as possible and, more importantly, not to dismantle any aspect of the agreement reached in Luxembourg in June.
1177. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total cost of all media advertising to his Department for each of the past five years; the efforts his Department is making to ensure that local media, both print and radio, are being supported as well as national media by his Department's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37471/13]
View answerThe vast bulk of the Department’s advertising consists of press notices in the specialised farming press, provincial newspapers and national daily newspapers. This includes the publication of Statutory Notices that are required to comply with various national and EU legislative requirements. Other media such as television and radio are rarely used. Decisions on the placement of notices are made on a case by case basis, depending on the target audience.
The amount spent on advertising is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Value |
|
2008 |
€1,218,023 |
|
2009 |
€480,144 |
|
2010 |
€463,966 |
|
2011 |
€345,810 |
|
2012 |
€282,600 |
1178. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of all bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department to which ministerial appointments are made; the statutory provision providing for the making of such appointments in each case; the annual allowances or other payments made to the chairperson; the annual allowance or other payment made to an ordinary member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37486/13]
View answerThe details of the fees paid and Statutory provision for the appointment of Board members to the Boards of the twelve State Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are outlined in the following table. The issue of expenses paid to members of State Boards is an operational matter for the body itself.
|
Body/Agency |
Statutory provision for appointment of Board members by Minister |
Board Fees per Annum |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
Section 23 (4) Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1977 |
Chair: €8,978 Board member: €5,985 |
|
An Bord Bia |
An Bord Bia Act 1994 to 2004 |
Chair: €20,520 Board member: €11,970 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
Section 14(2) of First Schedule of Sea Fisheries Act 1952 |
Chair: €11,970 Board member: €7,695 |
|
Bord na gCon |
Section 8 of theGreyhound industry Act 1958 Section 9 (1) of the Greyhound industry Act 1958 as amended by section 2 of the Greyhound industry (Amendment) Act 1993 |
Chair €21,600 Board Member €12,600 |
|
Coillte |
Section 15 (2) (b) of Forestry Act 1988 |
Chair: €21,600 Board member: €12,600 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
Irish Horse Racing Act 1994 as amended by Section1 of the Horse Racing Ireland (Membership) Act 2001 |
Chair: € 21,600 Board member: €12, 600 |
|
Irish National Stud |
The National Stud Act 1945 as amended by the National Stud Act 1976 and in the Articles of Association of Comhlucht Groighe Naisiunta na hEireann Teoranta. |
Chair: €12,600 Board member: €8,100 |
|
Marine Institute |
Section 2, Schedule, Marine Institute Act, 1991 |
Chair: €11,970 Board member: €7,695 |
|
National Milk Agency |
Board members are either elected or nomitated. The Minister appoints the Chairman only as per the Milk ( Regulation of supply) Act 1994 |
Chair: €8,980 Board member: € - No fees paid to Board Members |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Agency |
Section 47 (3) of Sea- Fisheries and Marine Jurisdiction Act 2006 |
Chair: € Fees not applicable Board member: € -Fees not applicable |
|
Teagasc |
The Agriculture (Research, Training And Advice) Act, 1988 |
Chair: €20,520 Board member: €11,970 |
|
Veterinary Council |
The Members of the Veterinary Council of Ireland are appointed by the Minister under Section 16 (1) of the Veterinary Practice Act, 2005. |
Chair: €- Fees not applicable Board member: € - Fees not applicable |
1179. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of the boards, bodies or committees under the remit of his Department where there is currently a vacancy to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/13]
View answer1180. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of the bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department where there is anticipated to be a vacancy within the next six months to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the anticipated vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of anticipated vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37516/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1179 and 1180 together.
The details requested of the twelve State Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are outlined in the following table.
|
Body/Agency |
Number of Board Members |
Chairperson Vacancy (Currently) |
Board Member Vacancies (Currently) |
Anticipated Chairperson Vacancy in next 6 Months |
Anticipated Board Member Vacancies in next 6 Months |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board |
7 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
An Bord Bia |
15 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
6 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
* Bord na gCon |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Coillte |
9 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
|
*Horse Racing Ireland |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
* Irish National Stud |
7 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Marine Institute |
9 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
National Milk Agency |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Teagasc |
11 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Veterinary Council |
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
*When term of office is up the Minister may decide to re-appoint or replace them.
1181. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when dairy quotas will be lifted; his views on whether lifting the production restrictions will enable Irish farmers to expand their operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37553/13]
View answerThe EU milk quota regime will end on 31 March 2015. This decision was made in the context of the 2008 CAP Health Check.
Ireland strongly supported the abolition of the milk quota regime on the basis that quotas were widely regarded by both the Irish dairy sector and market analysts as a brake on the potential of the Irish dairy sector to respond positively to market opportunities.
The ending of milk quota regime represents an exceptional opportunity to increase milk output in response to market demand, arising from increasing global population and the development of new opportunities for international trade with emerging markets. Under Food Harvest 2020 the dairy industry has targeted a 50% increase in milk production in the period to 2020.
Against this background, I believe that the opportunities for the dairy sector as a whole will expand significantly over the coming years and my Department and its agencies will play their part in providing an appropriate framework to support the development of this critically important industry.
My Department has been providing a range of supports to assist farmers to exploit its potential for expansion and development. These supports included a New Entrants to Dairying Scheme, which helps to revitalise the sector through the provision of milk quota to dynamic young educated farmers; a Dairy Efficiency Programme, which encourages the adoption of best practice management and production methods on farm; and the provision of financial support for ICBF and Animal Health Ireland to improve breed quality and animal health. My Department has also made up to €40m available through its Rural Development Programme for investment on farm, as well as €80m in capital investment support for the processing sector through the Dairy Investment Fund
These supports complement Ireland’s natural advantages in terms of climate and grassland and I am confident that with the right approach from all of the stakeholders in the sector the target in the Food Harvest 2020 Report can be met.
1182. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will discuss the recently implemented EU trade deal with Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama and the effects it will have on the Irish agriculture sector in view of the fact that both sides of the deal must work towards cutting tariffs on manufactured and agricultural goods and that dairy tariffs will be almost entirely eliminated; his views on whether any further effects will be felt here when the deal is expanded to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37573/13]
View answerThe EU/Central American Trade negotiations were concluded in May 2010 and on 29 June 2012, the EU Trade Commissioner and his counterparts in Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) signed an Association Agreement. On 11 December 2012, the European Parliament approved the agreement to apply to EU relations with Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama as of 1 August 2013. In parallel, Central America partners are progressing the completion of their internal procedures and implementation of Geographical Indicator (GI) protection. Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Panama have already ratified the agreement. The trade pillar of the agreement, including the tariff reductions, has been provisionally applied between the EU, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama as from 1 August 2013.
In agriculture, tariffs on key agricultural products will be largely eliminated under the agreement while "sensitive areas" for local markets are being respected. Panama, for example, is a main importer of European whiskey to the region. 70% of its whiskey imports come from the EU and those are liberalised from day one of the entry into force of the Agreement. All other Central American countries will liberalise this market after six years. It is estimated that EU exporters of wine and spirits can expect savings of €6 million annually in customs duties.
Tariffs on dairy products will be entirely eliminated with the exception of milk-powder and cheese, for which the EU has obtained duty-free quotas. These quotas cover the currently traded quantities and will be increased on an annual basis. Irish Exporters will have an opportunity to increase their exports into this region and benefit from eliminated and reduced tariffs. Our largest exports at present to these markets are dairy products, valued at over €10m, and beverages such as spirits and whiskey valued at €4.3m.
Imports from these countries to Ireland comprise mainly fruits and coffee, with imports of bananas valued at €13m and pineapples at €2.7m. There are no imports of meat products. A quota for beef of 10,000t has been granted for imports of beef into the EU for all six countries which will allow for some incremental increases.
My Department will continue to monitor the implementation of this agreement and the trade flows occurring as a result of the Agreement.
1183. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the key elements and general parameters of the recently launched Organic Farming Action Plan 2013-2015 by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37585/13]
View answerThe Organic Farming Action Plan 2013 – 2015 has four main objectives; increase the production base in Ireland, with a view to replacing where possible imports with Irish organic produce, promote awareness of the potential export market, seek to develop sustainable export markets for Irish organic produce as supplies become available and to identify issues which are impeding the growth of the Organic Sector with an emphasis on developing solutions.
This Action Plan focuses on five specific sectors namely organic beef and sheep, organic milk, organic fruit and vegetables, organic aquaculture and organic cereals. Within the Action Plan, five broad sectoral objectives are identified as follows: market development, training and education, the Organic Farming Scheme, increase consumer awareness and green public procurement.
The Organic Farming Action Plan 2013-2015 proposes key actions to address sector specific issues and thereby aims to assist the Organic Sector to realise its potential for growth as identified within the Food Harvest 2020 Report.
Full details of the Organic Farming Action Plan 2013-2015 is available on my Department’s website: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingsectors/organicfarming/OrganicFarmingActionPlan230813.pdf.
1184. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environmental option scheme appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37587/13]
View answerAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 5 December 2012.
The process of ranking and selecting all AEOS applicants was clearly set out in the scheme documentation. Acceptance into the scheme was established using the pre-determined selection criteria as follows:
- farmers in the Boora region of Co. Offaly who chose Wild Bird Cover Option B (Grey Partridge) as one of their selected options,
- farmers with a minimum of 0.5 hectares of designated land,
- farm partnerships,
- farmers who previously participated in REPS commencing with smallest farms, and
- others based on farm size (again favouring smaller holdings).
The person named was a previous participant in REPS. Based on the funding available farmers in category 4 with 22.06 hectares of utilisable agricultural area and below were successful. As the farm size of the person named is 25.88, the application was unsuccessful. On 27 May 2013, a letter issued to the person named informing him that he was not successful and setting out the reasons. The person was also informed of his right of appeal to AEOS Section. An appeal was received from the person named and he has been advised that his appeal was unsuccessful. He has been informed of the right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office.
1185. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a certificate, permit, or licence for anerobic digestion will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37647/13]
View answerApplications for approval to transform animal by-products (ABP) into biogas or compost must meet the requirements of the EU ABP Regulation (EC) 1069 of 2009.
I understand the applicant in this instance, who has received first stage approval-in-principle, advised my Department some time ago that he was in the process of finalising permits and financing. No correspondence has been received in the meantime. The applicant should contact the relevant officials in my Department if he wishes to further his application.
1186. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the report from Inland Fisheries Ireland on sea lice and related issues was not forwarded to the European Commission as requested during an EU investigation of the sea lice issue during 2009-2012; the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland was not consulted in the preparation of Ireland’s March 2010 reply to the EU investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37692/13]
View answerIn relation to Pilot Complaint 764/09/ENVI, my Department forwarded all relevant material to the EU Commission, including material supplied by Inland Fisheries Ireland. In addition, the EU Commission arranged for Inland Fisheries Ireland to make a direct oral presentation of its position at a meeting with the Commission on 19 December 2011 at which my Department was also present. Following consideration of the scientific facts underpinning the State’s control protocols for the management of sea lice the EU Commission closed the case on 11 October 2012. Accordingly, my Department regards this matter as settled.
1187. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to address the health and safety issues raised in relation to Shanoon, Dunmore East, County Waterford (details supplied) and have same made once again available to the hundreds of mobile home holiday makers who have been camping on the site for decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37713/13]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the operation and management of the six Fishery Harbour Centres including Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre. The Fishery Harbour Centres were set up by virtue of the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (as amended) and their primary objective is to provide for the needs of fishermen and the fishing industry generally. There are no plans to invest in or develop camping facilities at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre. I am aware however that there are extensive camping facilities available elsewhere in Dunmore East.
1188. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a previous agreement whereby his Department agreed that there would be no retrospective penalties imposed for 2008 and 2009 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37746/13]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to farmers, who submitted maps with their 2010 Single Payment Scheme applications, outlining ineligible features which required to be excluded from the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). My Department is currently carrying out a complete review of the applications of farmers, who had an exclusion processed in respect of the 2009 SPS scheme-year and were written to in relation to the resulting debt some weeks ago. Where that review establishes that the farmer had submitted a map excluding the ineligible feature as part of the 2010 application, retrospective reductions related to 2009 will not apply, in keeping with commitments previously given.
1189. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if capital expenditure funding will be provided for on-farm investment including targeted agricultural measures, the horticultural grant scheme and maintenance of forestry premium and provision of funding for forest roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37748/13]
View answerThe 2014 Estimate for my Department will be considered within the context of the gross expenditure ceilings that were allocated to all Departments for the period 2012 -2014 under the Government’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework. The Government decision in relation to the expenditure ceilings was taken in order to strike a balance between needs and priorities on a multi-annual basis, to meet the requirements of the overall fiscal commitments which are firmly focused on returning the public finances to a sustainable path and to reduce the General Government Deficit by end 2015.
Preparations for the discussions on the 2014 Estimate are under way in the Department and all budget lines in the Vote, both capital and current will be examined as part of that process having regard to the funding constraints for next year. My intention is to ensure that all resources available to my Department will be managed to provide the optimum benefit to economic activity in the agricultural, food, fisheries and forestry sectors, including farm incomes, and to realising the potential which clearly exists for the sectors to contribute to the national economic recovery.
1190. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when single farm and area aid payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37788/13]
View answerThe person named submitted an application to transfer the single payment entitlements of her late brother to her by way of inheritance under the 2012 scheme year. She also submitted a copy of his will and death certificate and a letter from her solicitors advising that the Grant of Probate was not yet available.
Officials from my department have requested the outstanding information on two occasions. When the Grant of Probate is submitted to the Transfer of Entitlements Section of my Department, her application will be finalised.
