Written Answers Nos. 91-108
91. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to allow the remaining applicants under agri-environment options scheme 3 join this scheme in 2014 in view of the delay in introducing the reformed Common Agriculture Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39533/13]
View answerPreparatory work for the next Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 – 2020 is well underway. Under the current draft Rural Development Regulation, my Department must undertake an ex ante evaluation, a public consultation, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) a needs assessment, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and an appropriate assessment (AA) in developing our Rural Development Programme. An independent evaluator has been contracted to prepare the ex ante evaluation report, SEA and AA and to advise on the SWOT analysis.
Based on the outcome of these processes, the drafting of a new programme is being advanced in my Department, and it is intended that further stakeholder consultation will form part of this.
Participants in AEOS whose contracts overlap with these new schemes will be given the opportunity to adjust their commitments for the remainder of the period of the contract to the legal framework of the next programming period. If such an adjustment is not acceptable to the participant he/she may withdraw from the scheme without any requirement for reimbursement of aid already received.
There are currently 49,000 farmers active in both REPS and AEOS and projected payments of more than €200 million will be made under these schemes this year. This represents a significant financial support to these farmers and one which is very important given the difficulties they face.
The Agri-Environment Options Scheme has had a very positive uptake, and despite fiscal constraints, I secured funding of €20 million per annum for AEOS 3 and 6,000 applicants received approvals in May this year. The maximum payment is €4,000 per annum, with a minimum 5 year contract. The Scheme was oversubscribed, with 9,703 applications received, therefore 3,703 could not be accommodated within the budget. 360 of these were invalid applications and 3,343 did not meet the selection criteria. The selection criteria gave priority access to farmers in designated areas and to farmers with smaller holdings who were previously in REPS.
Any extension to the scheme to allow access to the 3,343 unsuccessful applicants would have to be considered in the context of the wider budgetary situation. In view of the challenges we continue to face in terms of the public finances, and the requirement to balance competing needs both within the agricultural sector and in the economy as a whole, the Government will give these matters careful consideration in the context of the upcoming Estimates process.
92. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is going to couple any payments under the recently concluded new Common Agricultural Policy; the options or schemes he is considering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39512/13]
View answerThe Direct Payment Regulation which will take effect from 2015 gives Member States the option to grant Coupled Support to farmers. Such support is restricted to a specified list of sectors which includes cereals, protein crops, potato, milk and milk products, sheep-meat and beef. In addition such support may only be granted in circumstances where any such sector is undergoing certain difficulties and has economic, social or environmental significance. Coupled Support may only be granted to maintain current levels of production.
Ireland may allocate up to 8% of its annual national ceiling for Coupled Support with the option for an additional 2% to support protein crops. Support under this scheme would take the form of an annual payment and would be based on fixed areas and yields or on a fixed number of animals.
In July of this year I initiated a process of consultation with all relevant stakeholders to ascertain their views on the most appropriate application of the Direct Payment Regulation in light of Ireland’s unique agricultural profile and circumstances. Until this process of consultation is complete, I am not in a position to discuss the final shape of the new Direct Payments regime in Ireland.
93. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason farmers were written to recently for historic over-declarations of land under the disadvantaged area scheme and single farm payment amount to nationally of an overpayment of €1.4m; the reason these discrepancies were not detected earlier by the mapping system of his Department; the reason maps were not issued with these demands showing the alleged overclaims; if the farmers have the right to appeal this first informally; then to the formal appeals office of his Department and then to the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39536/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be fully aware of the importance of payments made under the Single Payment Scheme, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and other Direct Payment Schemes to the annual income of Irish farmers. My Department is bound, under EU Regulations, to maintain the accuracy the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS), which underpins the processing of applications under these Schemes as well as REPS and AEOS.
At the start of each year, my Department issues colour maps of all land parcels declared by farmers in the previous year together with a covering letter. In that letter, farmers are reminded to examine each map carefully and to identify and exclude from their application all ineligible features such as buildings, farmyards, scrub, roadways, forests, lakes etc. included in the land parcels. There is, therefore, an onus on all farmers to ensure that the area of land declared by them as eligible for payment under the Direct Payment Schemes is accurate. They are also given the means to do so by making the ortho-photos available to them on an annual basis. These requirements are also made clear in the Terms and Conditions of the Schemes, which accompanies the pre-printed application form issued to all farmers at the commencement of the application period each year. In view of the size and structure of farm enterprises in Ireland, farmers are fully aware of all of the non-eligible areas of their holdings.
In addition to any changes submitted by farmers, in order to insure the integrity of the LPIS, my Department continuously reviews the eligibility of lands claimed by farmers for the Single Payment Scheme and other Direct Payment Schemes.
In line with this position, all lands claimed under Direct Payment Schemes in respect of the 2009 – 2012 scheme years are currently subject to ongoing review for eligibility purposes. As a result of this phase of this review, any payments made to farmers in respect of claimed areas, which were found to be ineligible, must be reimbursed. In such circumstances farmers were advised they could either refund the over-payment directly to my Department or the overpayment could be recouped from their next payment(s) due from my Department. Such reviews can only be undertaken when up-to-date imagery becomes available to my Department. During the cross-checks undertaken it is necessary to verify that the ineligible feature (e.g. a house) was in existence in the years when over-claims of eligible areas are established.
I can confirm that farmers were issued with maps of the re-digitised land parcel and have the right to appeal the determination made by my Department. In that regard, if farmers are not satisfied with the determination made in their case, my intention is to introduce a robust and comprehensive appeal process. In the first instance, applicants will be entitled to have their case reviewed by submitting their appeal on the form provided by my Department. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of the review, they can appeal their case to the Independent Land Eligibility Appeals Committee. This Committee with consist of an independent Chairman and appeal officers from the Agriculture Appeals Office. I can also confirm that my Department has processed the appeals received from farmers following the recent issue of over-payment letters. In many cases, the original determination has been over-turned on the basis of the additional information provided by successful appellants.
94. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of staff employed by Teagasc in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013, broken down between administrative staff, advisory, research, farm and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39549/13]
View answerThe total number of staff working in Teagasc on 1st January for each respective year is as follows:
|
Year |
Number (full-time equivalents) |
|
2011 |
1,296 |
|
2012 |
1,189 |
|
2013 (end August) |
1,134 |
The distribution of staff is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority to determine. Accordingly, the Deputy may wish to contact Teagasc directly for a more detailed reply.
95. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the changes put in place in response to the fodder crisis of 2013, if his Department carried out a review in the aftermath of the crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39205/13]
View answerThere were a range of measures put in place in recognition of the difficulties experienced by a great number of farmers across the country resulting from the unseasonable weather in 2012 and earlier this year which led to an extraordinary fodder shortage.An InterAgency Fodder Committee was established in early summer under the Chairmanship of Dr. Tom Kelly, Teagasc. The Committee includes representatives of all Agricultural Stakeholders, including a representative from my Department. The Committee not only monitored the fodder situation but also co-ordinated actions to ensure that there would be sufficient fodder conserved for next Winter. The Committee ensured a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of a strong advisory campaign to encourage farmers to maximise grass growth and conserve sufficient fodder for next winter. They produced a fodder budget worksheet which was widely publicised and allowed farmers to make decisions regarding feed planning for next winter. At my request, the InterAgency Fodder Committee reported to the Food Harvest 2020 High Level Implementation Committee, which I chair, on the actions being taken and the progress being made.
In April this year I established a Fodder Transport Subsidy Scheme to help alleviate the difficulties being encountered by farmers. The Scheme reduced the cost of imported fodder to farmers by approximately a third. The Scheme supported the importation of almost 2,800 loads of imported fodder, amounting to over 40,000 tonnes of fodder into the country.
In recognition of the severe difficulties experienced by farmers due to a shortage of fodder and the serious risk of a further shortage this Autumn/Winter, Ministers Hogan and I announced temporary and targeted adjustment of 2 provisions of the Nitrates Regulations to support additional fodder production on Irish farms earlier this year, i.e., extension of the period for the application of chemical fertiliser from the 15th to the end of September and the discounting of the phosphorus content a portion of meal fed.
The InterAgency Fodder Committee conducted a Fodder Survey earlier this month. The survey shows a major improvement in availability of fodder for the season ahead with an overall average surplus of 8% across the country when considered on the basis of a normal winter period. The survey noted that with prudent management of existing fodder stocks, along with appropriate supplementation with concentrate feeds, farmers are well positioned to come through this winter.
The very favourable grass growing conditions in August and September to date have been of great benefit to farmers in addressing the fodder issue.
96. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements that will be put in place in relation to agri-environment schemes in 2014 in view of the delay in introducing the revised Common Agriculture Policy 2014-2020; if there will be an extension of existing agri-environment scheme in 2014 or a new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39532/13]
View answerI am pleased to say that the revised CAP 2014 – 2020 gives priority to agri-environment schemes and requires that the new Rural Development Plan must include an agri-environment scheme. I fully support this position. These schemes recognise the vital role that farmers play in delivering public goods through the adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices.
In relation to Pillar 2, preparatory work for the next Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 – 2020 is well underway. Under the current draft Rural Development Regulation, my Department must undertake an ex ante evaluation, a public consultation, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) a needs assessment, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and an appropriate assessment (AA) in developing our Rural Development Programme. An independent evaluator has been contracted to prepare the ex-ante evaluation report, SEA and AA and to advise on the SWOT analysis.
An initial consultation process was launched in 2012, and written submissions were received from over 80 stakeholders. These submissions have been analysed by my Department and have fed into the development of the SWOT and needs analyses. A second consultation was held in July, where stakeholders attended a full day workshop on the draft SWOT and needs analyses. Based on the outcome of these processes, the drafting of a new programme is being advanced in my Department, and it is intended that further stakeholder consultation will form part of this.
Participants in AEOS whose contracts overlap with these new schemes will be given the opportunity to adjust their commitments for the remainder of the period of the contract to the legal framework of the next programming period. If such an adjustment is not acceptable to the participant he/she may withdraw from the scheme without any requirement for reimbursement of aid already received.
There are currently 49,000 farmers active in both REPS and AEOS and projected payments of more than €200 million will be made under these schemes this year.
I am aware that some 12,000 farmers will be exiting REPS this year and that many of them would like the opportunity to join a new agri-environment scheme at the earliest opportunity. Likewise there are enquiries about extending the current AEOS scheme. Any such extension or new scheme would have to be considered in the context of the wider budgetary situation. In view of the challenges we continue to face in terms of the public finances, and the requirement to balance competing needs both within the agricultural sector and in the economy as a whole, the government will give these matters careful consideration in the context of the upcoming Estimates process.
97. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following on from the visit of China's Vice President in 2012, his Department's progress in developing and increasing agri-business related trade and links with China. [39510/13]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that exports of Irish agri-food and related exports to China have grown in value from €167m in 2010 to €323m in 2012, an increase of 93%, with dairy products increasing from €103m in 2010 to €182m in 2012, an increase of 77%. Pigmeat exports increased from €8m in 2010 to €44m in 2012, and increase of 450% while our seafood exports have also grown from €5.7m in 2010 to €10m in 2012, a 75% increase. Exports of hides and skins are valued at €40m in 2012.
In the first six months of 2013, when compared with the same period in 2012, there has again been a significant increase in exports to China, rising from €162 to €203m, an increase of 25% with dairy exports showing a substantial increase from €95m to €126m, an increase of 33% in this period.
During my Trade Mission to China in April 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agriculture and Fisheries cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was signed. This provides a framework for the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between Ireland and China in the area of agriculture and fisheries. It also provides for the sharing of expertise and the exchange of officials, designed to provide assurances to the Chinese authorities of the integrity of our food production systems, our high veterinary and food safety procedures and our technologically advanced agri and seafood sectors, thereby enhancing trade and facilitating increasing exports.
This MOU builds on an original MOU agreed in September 2006 and on the Action Plan on Mutual Cooperation between both Ministries which I signed on 28 May, 2011, and which provided for Chinese officials to undertake work placements in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and in the Marine Institute.
Since the signing of the renewed MOU in April, 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of political and trade related visits from China to Ireland. My Department hosted seven inward delegations from China in 2012, including three Vice-Ministerial visits, one inspection visit and visits by senior Chinese officials, including a joint study visit by EU and Chinese officials, as part of their cooperation agreement. Two further Chinese Vice-Ministers visited Ireland in May and June of this year.
Both the Marine Institute and Teagasc have also developed Memoranda of Understanding with their counterparts in China, focused on developing research between both our countries.
My Department monitors on a continuous basis trade and mutual cooperation with China.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he is satisfied regarding the efficacy of labelling of all food products, indigenous and imported, accurately reflects their origin and compliance with national and European standards; if he is satisfied regarding the regularity of inspections to ensure compliance; if any new measures are anticipated in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39515/13]
View answerThe Minister for Health has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation at both EU and domestic level, with The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) under the aegis the Minister for Health responsible for the enforcement of food safety and labelling requirements in Ireland. It carries out this remit through service contracts with my Department and other agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. However my Department plays a collaborative role in policy and enforcement, together with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
In this regard, EU Food Information for the Consumer Regulation adopted in 2011 provides a framework for providing information to consumers in relation to the provenance of food, and provides for the extension of compulsory origin labelling to meats other than beef. I have been a strong proponent of appropriate food labelling and my Department will play an active part in deliberations in how best to implement these provisions, once the Commission has completed its impact analysis on the matter later this year.
This legislation extended explicit compulsory origin labelling requirements to meats other than beef, with the detailed rules to be adopted in implementing acts by 13 December 2013, following an impact assessment by the Commission.
Food production and labelling in the countries of the European Union operates in accordance with harmonised rules and member states controls are subject to audit and supervision by the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU.
Inspections to ensure compliance with labelling legislation are carried out by a variety of inspection services provided by the HSE and my Department under the aforementioned contracts.
EU law provides for the free movement of goods between Member States. On that basis, meat and meat products produced in an establishment which is approved under the relevant EU regulation can be moved freely within the EU. Food business operators in Ireland are responsible for carrying out checks to ensure that their ingredients come from approved plants. They must also have a system in place to identify the source of inputs and destination of outputs (referred to as one “step forward and one step back”).
My Department has a permanent veterinary presence in all its approved slaughter plants. Controls at stand alone secondary processing plants are carried out at a frequency which is based on an annual risk assessment for each plant. Checks are also conducted at retail level by the HSE, working under the aegis of the FSAI.
An annual audit of imported products is carried out in each Department approved meat plant. The audit includes physical identity, labelling and documentary checks. This includes product originating both in EU Member States and third countries. In addition, labelling and documentary checks form part of the routine checks conducted by Department officials.
Poultry products imported from outside the EU must come from plants approved under the European Union veterinary inspection regime. These premises must have equivalent standards to those pertaining in the EU. Such meat products are subject to documentary, identity and, where necessary, physical checks at the point of entry to ensure compliance with the EU requirements.
The Food Information for the Consumer Regulation (1169/2011/EC) provides inter alia for mandatory country of origin/place of provenance labelling. This Regulation extends mandatory origin/provenance labelling, already applying in each case of beef, to pigmeat, sheepmeat and poultry. The Commission has been asked to bring forward its proposals in relation to the mandatory origin/provenance of these meats to September so that the detailed rules can be adopted by the end of this year. It is intended that the legislation will come into effect in 2014.
99. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to fund the development of forestry out of Pillar 2 funding under the Common Agriculture Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39531/13]
View answerThe current forestry programme is funded under EU State Aid rules as set out in the “Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agriculture and Forestry Sector 2007 – 2013”. These rules are currently being redrafted as part of the EU Commission’s modernisation of State Aid controls. These new rules have not yet been issued by the EU Commission and therefore it is difficult to say at this stage whether these rules will suit Ireland’s situation with regard to funding forestry for the period 2014-2020. I have not therefore made any decision at this stage with regard to how forestry should be funded in the future.
100. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has put in place contingency plans in the event of bad weather this winter causing another animal food crisis. [39508/13]
View answerThere were a range of measures put in place in recognition of the difficulties experienced by a great number of farmers across the country resulting from the unseasonable weather in 2012 and earlier this year which led to an extraordinary fodder shortage.
An InterAgency Fodder Committee was established in early summer under the Chairmanship of Dr. Tom Kelly, Teagasc. The Committee includes representatives of all Agricultural Stakeholders, including a representative from my Department. The Committee not only monitored the fodder situation but also coordinated actions to ensure that there would be sufficient fodder conserved for next Winter. The Committee ensured a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of a strong advisory campaign to encourage farmers to maximise grass growth and conserve sufficient fodder for next winter. They produced a fodder budget worksheet which was widely publicised and allowed farmers to make decisions regarding feed planning for next winter.
At my request, the InterAgency Fodder Committee reported to the Food Harvest 2020 High Level Implementation Committee, which I chair, on the actions being taken and the progress being made.
In April this year I established a Fodder Transport Subsidy Scheme to help alleviate the difficulties being encountered by farmers. The Scheme reduced the cost of imported fodder to farmers by approximately a third. The Scheme supported the importation of almost 2,800 loads of imported fodder, amounting to over 40,000 tons of fodder into the country.
In recognition of the severe difficulties experienced by farmers due to a shortage of fodder and the serious risk of a further shortage this Autumn/Winter, Ministers Hogan and I announced temporary and targeted adjustment of 2 provisions of the Nitrates Regulations to support additional fodder production on Irish farms earlier this year, i.e., extension of the period for the application of chemical fertiliser from the 15th to the end of September and the discounting of the phosphorus content a portion of meal fed.
The InterAgency Fodder Committee conducted a Fodder Survey earlier this month. The survey shows a major improvement in availability of fodder for the season ahead with an overall average surplus of 8% across the country when considered on the basis of a normal winter period. The survey noted that with prudent management of existing fodder stocks, along with appropriate supplementation with concentrate feeds, farmers are well positioned to come through this winter.
The very favourable grass growing conditions in August and September to date have been of great benefit to farmers in addressing the fodder issue.
101. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in the event of payments being made on land deemed ineligible for payment under the single farm payment the EU disallow reimbursement on that land or if it also fines the paying State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39535/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be fully aware of the importance of payments made under the Single Payment Scheme, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and other Direct Payment Schemes to the annual income of Irish farmers. My Department is bound, under EU Regulations, to maintain the accuracy the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS), which underpins the processing of applications under these Schemes as well as REPS and AEOS.
At the start of each year, my Department issues colour maps of all land parcels declared by farmers in the previous year together with a covering letter. In that letter, farmers are reminded to examine each map carefully and to identify and exclude from their application all ineligible features such as buildings, farmyards, scrub, roadways, forests, lakes etc. included in the land parcels. There is, therefore, an onus on all farmers to ensure that the area of land declared by them as eligible for payment under the Direct Payment Schemes is accurate. They are also given the means to do so by making the ortho-photos available to them on an annual basis. These requirements are also made clear in the Terms and Conditions of the Schemes, which accompanies the pre-printed application form issued to all farmers at the commencement of the application period each year. In view of the size and structure of farm enterprises in Ireland, farmers are fully aware of all of the non-eligible areas of their holdings.
In addition to any changes submitted by farmers, in order to insure the integrity of the LPIS, my Department continuously reviews the eligibility of lands claimed by farmers for the Single Payment Scheme and other Direct Payment Schemes.
In line with this position, all lands claimed under Direct Payment Schemes in respect of the 2009 – 2012 scheme years are currently subject to ongoing review for eligibility purposes. As a result of this phase of this review, any payments made to farmers in respect of claimed areas, which were found to be ineligible, must be reimbursed. In such circumstances farmers are advised they could either refund the over-payment directly to my Department or the overpayment could be recouped from their next payment(s) due from my Department.
Finally, I can confirm that in the event of the European Commission determining that EU monies have been paid on ineligible land, it would recover the relevant amount from the paying agency that made the payment. However, this would not be the case where that Member State took the appropriate measures to recoup the amounts involved from the farmers, who made the over-claims that led to the over-payments, and repaid these amounts to the Commission.
102. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money paid out to date for the fodder transport subsidy; the number of applications received; the number of applications paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39550/13]
View answerIn light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies, earlier this year I announced the allocation of funding for an imported fodder transport scheme, designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. The aid substantially covered the cost of transport into the country, thus reducing the cost to farmers of a bale of hay by approximately one third.
While the scheme operated through the co-operatives, marts and other approved agencies, the actual beneficiaries are the individual farmers and primary producers who needed urgent supplies of feed. Operating the scheme in this manner was the quickest and most effective way of getting the fodder to those who needed it.
Of the 81 different concerns which participated in the Scheme, to date, 58 have submitted claims, of which 14 have been fully processed and paid with a further 9 cases cleared to payment stage. Of the remaining 35 cases that have submitted documentation, 17 have yet to submit sufficient documentation. These concerns have been contacted directly and are working with my Department to resolve the outstanding issues. Currently documentation remains outstanding from 23 concerns.
103. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the number of times the enhanced Cabinet Committee on Mortgage Arrears and Credit Availability have met since March 2011. [39336/13]
View answer104. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach if he will list the entire membership of the enhanced Cabinet Committee on Mortgage Arrears and Credit Availability. [39337/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
The Cabinet Committee on Mortgage Arrears has met on nine occasions since March 2011:
1. 14th March 2012
2. 3rd April 2012
3. 24th April 2012
4. 15th May 2012
5. 5th June 2012
6. 25th June 2012
7. 19th July 2012
8. 5th November 2012
9. 14th January 2013
The Cabinet Committee on Mortgage Arrears and Credit Availability has met on four occasions since March 2011.
1. 22nd February 2013
2. 15th April 2013
3. 13th May 2013
4. 22nd July 2013
Membership of the Cabinet Committee on Mortgage Arrears and Credit Availability is set out below:
Taoiseach (Chair)
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade
Minister for Finance
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Minister for Social Protection
Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government
Minister for Justice and Equality
Minister of State O’Sullivan (Housing and Planning)
105. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach the number of persons that have emigrated from the State on a monthly basis since the Government came into office. [39144/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy regarding emigration is not available on a monthly basis. Emigration figures are published in the Annual Population and Migration Estimates in respect of Mid-April each year. The table provides the most recent estimates of the number of emigrants from the Republic of Ireland for the 12 month period ending mid April for the years 2010 to 2013. The figures for 2012 and 2013 are preliminary and are subject to revision.
Estimated number of emigrants from the Republic of Ireland, 2010-2013*
|
Year ending April |
Persons |
|
2010 |
69,200 |
|
2011 |
80,600 |
|
2012 |
87,100 |
|
2013 |
89,000 |
*2012 and 2013 are preliminary and are subject to revision
106. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet sub-Committee on Infrastructure has met since March 2011. [36320/13]
View answerThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Infrastructure has met on 14 occasions since the Government took office.
The work of the Committee includes the implementation of commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to NewERA and infrastructural investment. It is supported by a Senior Officials Group which brings together the key Departments.
107. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the value of exports in the service sector and the total number employed in this sector for each year since 2002. [36900/13]
View answerThe Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. In line with EU requirements the QNHS collects sector of employment according to the standard EU classification (NACE). Exports of services are recorded in the current account of Ireland’s Balance of Payments (BOP).
NACE sector is recorded in the BOP survey register for each respondent.
Tables 1 and 2 show total service exports, service exports and persons employed in the Services sectors from 2002 as published by the CSO.
Table 1: Service Exports & Persons Employed 2002-2007
|
- |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Total Service Exports (€ million) |
31,589 |
37,133 |
42,424 |
48,219 |
57,069 |
67,960 |
|
of which: Service Exports - Services Sectors (€ million) |
31,840 |
36,540 |
44,701 |
53,358 |
||
|
Persons Employed - Services Sectors ('000s) |
1,159 |
1,195 |
1,241 |
1,306 |
1,370 |
1,447 |
Sector detail not available for Service Exports for 2002 and 2003
For Persons Employed, reference period Q2=Apr-Jun
Sources: Balance of Payments and Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office
Table 2: Service Exports & Persons Employed 2008-2012
|
- |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Total Service Exports (€ million) |
67,947 |
67,602 |
74,311 |
81,468 |
90,295 |
|
of which: Service Exports - Services Sectors (€ million) |
53,033 |
53,323 |
60,756 |
67,294 |
75,405 |
|
Persons Employed - Services Sectors ('000s) |
1,486 |
1,449 |
1,429 |
1,426 |
1,416 |
For Persons Employed, reference period Q2=Apr-Jun
Sources: Balance of Payments and Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office
Detailed information for service exports are provided in Tables 3 and 4.
Table 3: Service exports classified by NACE Rev.2 Economic Sector 2002 - 2007 (€ million)
|
Economic Sector (NACE REV.2) |
Description |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
All sectors |
Total Service Exports |
31,589 |
37,133 |
42,424 |
48,219 |
57,069 |
67,960 |
|
B-E & F |
Service exports - Industry & Construction Sectors (for information) |
10,584 |
11,679 |
12,368 |
14,602 |
||
|
G-U |
Service Exports - Services Sectors |
31,840 |
36,540 |
44,701 |
53,358 |
||
|
- |
of which: |
||||||
|
J |
Information and communication |
14,175 |
15,413 |
18,726 |
22,911 |
||
|
K-L |
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
13,624 |
13,146 |
16,633 |
18,093 |
||
|
- |
All other service sectors |
4,041 |
7,981 |
9,342 |
12,354 |
Sector detail not available for Service Exports for 2002 and 2003
Source: Balance of Payments and Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office
Table 4: Service exports classified by NACE Rev.2 Economic Sector 2008 - 2012 (€ million)
|
Economic sector (NACE Rev.2) |
Description |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
All sectors |
Total Service Exports |
67,947 |
67,602 |
74,311 |
81,468 |
90,295 |
|
B-E & F |
Service exports - Industry & Construction Sectors (for information) |
14,914 |
14,279 |
13,555 |
14,174 |
14,890 |
|
G-U |
Service Exports - Services Sectors |
53,033 |
53,323 |
60,756 |
67,294 |
75,405 |
|
- |
of which: |
|||||
|
J |
Information and communication |
25,686 |
26,560 |
30,823 |
35,377 |
40,583 |
|
K-L |
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
15,966 |
15,297 |
17,045 |
17,231 |
18,918 |
|
- |
All other service sectors |
11,381 |
11,466 |
12,888 |
14,686 |
15,904 |
Source: Balance of Payments and Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office
Detailed information for persons employed in services sectors are provided in Tables 5 and 6.
Table 5: Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev.2
Economic Sector (Services) Q2/2002 - Q2/2007 ('000s)
|
Economic sector (NACE Rev.2) |
Description |
Q2/02 |
Q2/03 |
Q2/04 |
Q2/05 |
Q2/06 |
Q2/07 |
|
G-U |
Total Persons - Services Sectors |
1,159.4 |
1,194.6 |
1,241.0 |
1,305.9 |
1,370.2 |
1,447.1 |
|
- |
of which: |
||||||
|
J |
Information and communication |
65.7 |
63.0 |
62.9 |
65.7 |
69.8 |
71.2 |
|
K-L |
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
78.0 |
80.9 |
89.2 |
92.6 |
94.3 |
102.1 |
|
- |
All other service sectors |
1,015.7 |
1,050.7 |
1,088.8 |
1,147.6 |
1,206.1 |
1,273.9 |
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change
Reference period Q2=Apr-Jun
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office
Table 6: Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by NACE Rev.2
Economic Sector (Services) Q2/2008 - Q2/2013 ('000s)
|
Economic sector (NACE Rev.2) |
Description |
Q2/08 |
Q2/09 |
Q2/10 |
Q2/11 |
Q2/12 |
Q2/13 |
|
G-U |
Total Persons - Services Sectors |
1,486.3 |
1,449.2 |
1,428.6 |
1,425.6 |
1,416.0 |
1,424.2 |
|
- |
of which: |
||||||
|
J |
Information and communication |
72.3 |
74.5 |
76.6 |
77.9 |
81.2 |
80.4 |
|
K-L |
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
107.1 |
109.8 |
104.2 |
105.1 |
99.3 |
98.9 |
|
- |
All other service sectors |
1,306.9 |
1,264.9 |
1,247.8 |
1,242.6 |
1,235.5 |
1,245.0 |
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change
Reference period Q2=Apr-Jun
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office
108. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on a possible referendum to provide constitutional status to the committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas, as committed to in the programme for Government; when he expects such a Bill to come before the Oireachtas before being put before the people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37407/13]
View answer147. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach his plans to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to amend Standing Orders so that written Parliamentary Questions have to be answered within a certain number of days even during the Dáil recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39452/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 147 together.
The Programme for Government sets out an ambitious Oireachtas Reform agenda, which will be implemented over the lifetime of the Government on a phased basis.
Enhancing the role and powers of the Oireachtas Committees is at the heart of the Government's reform agenda.
In the summer of 2011 the first phase of reform included establishing a new Oireachtas Committee system which included a number of Programme for Government reforms designed to enhance the Committee system:
- The number of Oireachtas Committees was reduced from 25 to 16.
- A system of pre-legislative review was established under which Oireachtas Committees are involved at an early stage in the development of legislation before a Bill is published.
- A Public Service Oversight and Petitions Committee chaired by a member of the Opposition was established.
In June 2012 the Oireachtas Committee system was further re-structured:
- Dissolving and reorganising of a number of administrative Oireachtas Committees to allow the reallocation of resources towards Oireachtas Committees dealing with Government Departments.
- The establishment of an Oireachtas Committee on Jobs to focus solely on this area of Government priority.
- The establishment of an Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to deal with the increased workload in this area in light of the proposed changes to the CAP.
- The merger of the role of Chairperson on the Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement with that of the Irish Co-Chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly.
Earlier this month the Government announced a new phase of Oireachtas Reforms which included a number of changes to enhance the powers of Oireachtas Committees and will be implemented over the next few months as well as outlining a new Committee system to be introduced after the next General Election. The changes to be introduced to Oireachtas Committees in this Dáil term include the following.
Pre-Legislation
More public involvement in law making by expanding the current Oireachtas Committee Pre-Legislative Stage. The Pre-Legislative stage before the relevant Oireachtas Committee will be required for all non-emergency legislation. Where a Minister does not bring a Bill to Committee for Pre-Legislative Stage, they will be required to outline to both the Cabinet and the Dáil the reasons for this decision. This will allow for an unprecedented and extensive engagement by the public in law making. The Committee can consult with citizens with expertise in the area, civic society groups and other interested groups – crucially, this will take place before the Legislation is drafted. Where there has been Pre-Legislative Stage the Chair or Vice Chair of the Committee will have an equal right to speak as the Minister and the Opposition spokespersons before the Dáil to outline the Committee's work.
Post-Legislation
A Minister will report to the relevant Oireachtas Select Committee within 12 months of enactment to review the functioning of the Act. This will allow for the Committee to consult with civil society groups and individuals with expertise in the relevant area.
Enhancing the role of Oireachtas Committees in the Budget Process
- April to September : In April each year the Stability Programme Update is presented by the Government to the EU. Committees can review this information and report before the Budget in October.
- October to December: The Budget and Spending Estimates will be published in October.
The Dáil and Committees will, for the first time, scrutinise the Budget proposals and the Estimates before the beginning of the financial year before any money is spent.
If the people support the proposal to abolish the Seanad, in the next Dáil, under a unicameral system, a number of Oireachtas Committee reforms will be required, including:
- A Pre-Enactment Stage will be introduced between Report Stage and Final Stage. This would be undertaken by the Committee which had considered the Bill at Pre-Legislative and Committee Stages and will allow for that Committee to make recommendations to the Dáil for approval. This will take place with all Bills except in the case of emergency legislation.
- A new structure for the Oireachtas Committee System will be established. This enhanced Committee System will have 14 Dáil Committees including:
- Four strategic committees: They will focus on issues of major strategic and political importance (including PAC, Finance & Budget, EU scrutiny and Social Affairs). They will be granted additional powers to carry out their work such as those currently allowed to PAC. They will take precedence over the sectoral committees.
- Seven sectoral committees: They will shadow Government Departments; and
- Three thematic committees: They would focus on specific issues (Oversight & Petitions, Good Friday Agreement, members’ interests).
Committee Chairs will be appointed using the d’Hondt system for a proportionate distribution of Committee Chairs between the Government and Opposition.
These Committees will have the power to consult civil society groups, advocacy groups and individuals with expertise in a specific area to inform and assist them in their work.
The provision of Constitutional status to Oireachtas Committees would be a matter to be considered in light of these developments.
Similarly, the commitment in the Programme for Government to amend Standing Orders so that Written Parliamentary Questions have to be answered within a certain number of days even during the Dáil recess will be considered as part of the ongoing Dáil Reform agenda being implemented over the lifetime of this Government.
