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Tuesday, 5 Nov 2013

Written Answers Nos. 842 - 862

Enterprise Ireland Funding

Questions (842)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

842. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form the number of Enterprise Ireland supported companies with which the Defence Forces are currently engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46313/13]

View answer

Written answers

In July 2011 the Government approved an approach whereby Enterprise Ireland supports the Defence Organisation by raising awareness of and engaging with, Irish based enterprise and research institutes that are engaged in relevant activities related to Defence Forces’ capability development. The primary objective is to support Defence Forces capability development and also to support innovation, growth and jobs in Irish industry, particularly for companies and institutions working in the security and defence (dual-use) sector. In addition, the Government also agreed that Enterprise Ireland could also support Irish based enterprise and research institutes and the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development, where appropriate in relation to European Defence Agency ongoing activities.

The Defence Forces assistance to industry and research institutions is by way of providing evaluation of technology research and innovation, provision of information on military requirements and the Defence Forces considered views on trends in specific capability development requirements.

A total of 22 research, training and innovation projects involving Irish indigenous companies are being supported directly by the Defence Forces under this initiative, details of which are attached in Annex 1.

Number

Name

Number

Name

1

Skytek Ltd

12

ESBI

2

Morrigan Partners

13

Marine Harvest

3

Cathyx Ocean Ltd

14

Ocean Energy Ltd

4

J B Roche (MFG) Ltd

15

Sea Power Ltd

5

Reamda Ltd

16

Techworks Ltd

6

Sigtec ltd

17

Wavebob

7

Seatec

18

SensL

8

Reliance Bearings

19

GeoSolutions

9

SEFtec Ltd

20

Klas

10

Aquafact

21

CeramicX

11

Eire Composites

22

Skyclad

Defence Forces Operations

Questions (843)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

843. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of suspect devices that the army disposal unit has had to deal with to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46314/13]

View answer

Written answers

Primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP), assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Teams respond when a request is made by An Garda Síochána for assistance. Up to 30 October last, EOD teams have been deployed on 220 occasions during 2013. Viable devices comprising of improvised explosive devices and the disposal of conventional munitions accounted for 69 of these callouts.

Other types of callouts would include hoaxes, false alarms, post-blast analysis, and the removal of unstable chemicals.

Defence Forces Operations

Questions (844)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

844. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of cash-in-transit escorts carried out by Defence Forces to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46315/13]

View answer

Written answers

Primary responsibility for security matters rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role in rendering Aid to the Civil Power, provide armed escorts for certain cash movements within the State when requested to do so by An Garda Síochána. This year, the number of cash in transit escorts provided by the Defence Forces up to 30 October last was 1,678.

Emergency Planning

Questions (845)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

845. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence when the next meeting of the national emergency co-ordination committee will take place; the number of meetings that have taken place to date in 2013; the number he has chaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46316/13]

View answer

Written answers

I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which includes senior officials of Government Departments, senior officers of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces and officials of other key public authorities, which have a lead or support role in Government emergency planning. The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning meets on a regular basis. The next meeting will take place on Monday, 11 November 2013. So far this year there have been four meetings of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, of which I have chaired three. I was unable to attend the meeting held on 26 June 2013.

While the details of matters discussed at meetings of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning are confidential, I can confirm that the Task Force examines current risks and supports coordination arrangements for emergency planning across Government.

The Task Force is regularly briefed on such matters as the current security threat, which is provided by An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, as well as receiving regular updates specifically from the lead Government Departments, such as the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, which chairs the National Steering Group under the Framework for Major Emergency Management, along with having lead Government Department roles and responsibilities in eleven of the forty two emergency scenarios identified in the Lead, Principal and Other Support Roles in Ireland.

The next Government Task Force meeting on 11 November 2013 will report on such items but will also focus on winter preparedness. After that meeting, together with my colleague Phil Hogan, T.D, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, we will launch the 'Be Winter Ready' information campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to provide information to the public on how best to prepare for winter. The advice is being delivered via Aertel page 592, booklets and through the website www.winterready.ie. In addition, a twitter account is being launched and will be tweeting during the winter period to augment the ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign. Follow on @emergencyIE and join in the conversation at #bewinterready .

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Questions (846)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

846. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Permanent Defence Forces with regard to all three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46317/13]

View answer

Written answers

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force at the end of September 2013, the latest date for which figures are available stood at 9,188, broken down into 7,379 Army, 784 Air Corps and 1,025 Naval Service. Within the figure of 9,188, 560 (or 6.09%) are women. The attached tables contain the above mentioned strength, broken down into Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by gender and rank groupings.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the strength figures for September 2013 have been calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving on that date, excluding those members who are on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. All future strength figures will be calculated on this basis.

TABULAR STATEMENT

STRENGTH OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE

30-Sep-13

-

LT

MAJ

BRIG

COL

LT

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGTS

CPLS

TOTAL

PTES

CADETS

TOTAL

-

GEN

GEN

GEN

-

COL

-

-

-

OFFRS

-

-

-

-

-

-

NCOS

-

-

-

ARMY

1

1

4

35

101

250

285

259

936

29

33

110

162

898

1291

2523

3878

42

7379

AIR CORPS

-

-

1

2

14

30

60

32

139

8

4

48

14

126

160

360

268

17

784

NAVAL SERVICE

-

-

1

2

13

43

56

47

162

6

7

71

15

168

148

415

433

15

1025

TOTAL

1

1

6

39

128

323

401

338

1237

43

44

229

191

1192

1599

3298

4579

74

9188

TABULAR STATEMENT

STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE

30-Sep-13

-

LT

MAJ

BRIG

COL

LT

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGTS

CPLS

TOTAL

PTES

CADETS

TOTAL

-

GEN

GEN

GEN

-

COL

-

-

-

OFFRS

-

-

-

-

-

-

NCOS

-

-

-

ARMY

-

-

-

-

2

26

41

43

112

-

-

1

1

42

116

160

189

4

465

AIR CORPS

-

-

-

-

-

2

2

4

1

-

-

-

6

10

17

7

-

28

NAVAL SERVICE

-

-

-

-

-

6

12

10

28

-

-

-

-

2

10

12

26

1

67

TOTAL

-

-

-

-

2

32

55

55

144

1

-

1

1

50

136

189

222

5

560

TABULAR STATEMENT

STRENGTH OF MALES IN THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE

30-Sep-13

-

LT

MAJ

BRIG

COL

LT

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL

SM

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGTS

CPLS

TOTAL

PTES

CADETS

TOTAL

-

GEN

GEN

GEN

COL

-

-

-

OFFRS

-

-

-

-

-

-

NCOS

-

-

-

ARMY

1

1

4

35

99

224

244

216

824

29

33

109

161

856

1175

2363

3689

38

6914

AIR CORPS

-

-

1

2

14

30

58

30

135

7

4

48

14

120

150

343

261

17

756

NAVAL SERVICE

-

-

1

2

13

37

44

37

134

6

7

71

15

166

138

403

407

14

958

TOTAL

1

1

6

39

126

291

346

283

1093

42

44

228

190

1142

1463

3109

4357

69

8628

Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Questions (847)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

847. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46318/13]

View answer

Written answers

The military authorities have informed me that while the re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force following publication of the Value For Money (VFM) Review is at an advanced stage of implementation, it is not yet fully complete. Re-assignment offers have been made to individual members. However, members have the right to appeal these offers and I understand that a number of individuals have done so. In this context and with movement of personnel ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate it is not possible for me to provide accurate data in respect of the statistical information for the current year at this time. I can assure the Deputy that, once the re-assignment process is complete, I will provide the information directly to him.

European Council Meetings

Questions (848)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

848. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence when the next meeting of EU Defence Ministers will take place; the agenda for same if decided; his priorities for it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46319/13]

View answer

Written answers

The next Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers format will take place in Brussels on the 18th and 19th November. The provisional agenda for the meeting was circulated last week. The first session will take place on the 18th November with a joint meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers who will be presented with the opportunity to discuss Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Council Conclusions in view of the upcoming European Council meeting on defence in December 2013. At this meeting, Heads of States and Governments will discuss defence issues for the first time in five years. On the 19th November the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board meeting in Defence Ministers format will take place. This session will primarily focus on the EDA’s input to European Council discussions in December.

The final session will focus on CSDP Missions and Operations. At this session, the Operation and Mission Commanders of the four ongoing EU military missions will brief Defence Ministers on the current state of play regarding their missions. These are Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA the EU’s anti-piracy maritime mission off the coast of Somalia; and the EU Training Missions in Mali and Somalia (EUTM Mali and EUTM Somalia).

I am of the view that CSDP needs to reinvigorated and that the processes and mechanisms of CSDP need to be made more efficient and effective. We also need political commitment at the highest level to the development and provision by the Member States of capabilities for CSDP operations and an effective industrial and technology base to deliver those capabilities. I look forward to the European Council discussions in December, which I expect will provide strong support and political direction to the continuing development and evolution of a credible, effective and operational CSDP.

Defence Forces Representative Organisations

Questions (849)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

849. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance at the PDFORRA conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46320/13]

View answer

Written answers

Last month, I accepted the invitation extended to me by PDFORRA's National Executive to attend their twenty second Annual Delegate Conference, held this year in Wexford. While there, I addressed delegates on a wide range of issues. These included the preparation of the new White Paper on Defence; the significant reorganisational reforms over the last twelve months; the participation of PDFORRA in the Haddington Road Agreement negotiations; investment in new equipment and the broader international context in which Ireland’s Defence policy sits. The Delegates responded positively to my address and extended to me and my officials every courtesy while in attendance at Conference. I also heard the issues and concerns of PDFORRA, as expressed by their General Secretary in his address to Conference. I left the PDFORRA Conference greatly heartened by the constructive attitude shown by the Association, its President, Executive and General Officers. I look forward to the continued positive and constructive engagement of PDFORRA, on behalf of their members.

Overseas Missions

Questions (850)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

850. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of overseas missions in which the Defence Forces are currently involved; the number of personnel involved in each mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46321/13]

View answer

Written answers

As of 01 November 2013, Ireland is contributing approximately 560 Defence Forces personnel to 14 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement attached. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 356 personnel, including the Deputy Force Commander. The joint Irish/Finnish Battalion is tasked primarily with patrolling, reconnaissance and occupying static posts while operating in close coordination and cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces in Sector West of UNIFIL’s area of operations.

Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia with eight (8) personnel, including the Mission Commander; the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with eight (8) personnel; the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with seven (7) personnel who are based at mission headquarters in Sarajevo; the NATO-led international security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with twelve (12) personnel based in the mission Headquarters; and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan with seven (7) personnel who are based in the mission Headquarters in Kabul. Ireland also contributes 24 observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and 16 other personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU and OSCE headquarters.

The most recent deployment overseas was in response to a United Nations request and resulted in the deployment of the 43rd Infantry Group to United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights in Syria. This deployment was successfully completed on 28 September 2013. The 43rd Infantry Group is tasked primarily to serve as the Force Mobile Reserve within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. A total of 118 Defence Forces personnel are currently serving with UNDOF, including four (4) personnel who were deployed to UNDOF earlier this year for service at the Mission Headquarters.

Also, at the request of the United Nations and following Government approval, four (4) members of the Permanent Defence Force deployed for service with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in South Sudan in August 2013. Their role is to provide a specialist training team on Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD), mine and specialist search awareness to South Sudan Police personnel.

The current contribution of some 560 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.

MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS AS OF 01 NOVEMER 2013

1. UN MISSIONS

Personnel

Amount

UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ

16

UNIFIL 108th Infantry Battalion

332

UNIFIL Sector West HQ

8

UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation ) Israel & Syria

13

MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)

3

MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)

3

UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)

2

UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) Golan Heights Syria

118

UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service ) South Sudan

4

TOTAL

499

UN MANDATED MISSIONS

Personnel

Amount

EUFOR (EU led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

7

EUTM Somalia (EU led Training Mission)

8

EUTM Mali (EU led Training Mission)

8

KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ

12

ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan)

7

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS

541

2. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)

Personnel

Amount

OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina

2

OSCE Mission in Belgrade – Serbia

1

Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group Vienna

1

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE

4

3. EU MILITARY STAFF

Personnel

Amount

Brussels

5

4. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF

Personnel

Amount

Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York

1

Military Adviser Irish delegation to OSCE, Vienna

1

Military Representative to EU (Brussels)

3

Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)

2

EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium

1

Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium

1

European Defence Agency (EDA) Brussels

1

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS

560

Defence Forces Recruitment

Questions (851)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

851. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces will be taking on additional recruits in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46322/13]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 30 September 2013, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,188 comprising 7,379 Army, 784 Air Corps and 1,025 Naval Service personnel. These figures do not include 80 members of the PDF who are currently on career breaks or on leave of absence. As the Permanent Defence Force is currently below the agreed stabilised strength of 9,500, it is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. To this end, general service recruitment recommenced in September 2013, from the existing competition panels, from which it is expected there will be an intake of approximately 400 recruits. In addition 20 Apprentices for the Air Corps and 15 Engine Room Artificers for the Naval Service are due to be recruited from current competitions. It is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue in 2014, within the resource envelope allocated to Defence, in order to maintain the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force. With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (852)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

852. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the partial year and the full year monetary effect of his Department's budget 2014 reductions to expenditure. [47074/13]

View answer

Written answers

The expenditure details requested in respect of my Department are outlined in the following table:

Gross Expenditurer

2013 Estimate € 000

2 2014 Estimate € 000

Change € 000

Vote 36

Vote 36 (Defence)

668  0  

680,4320,43

676,652

-3,780

Vo

Vote 35 (Army Pensions)

2

214,812

2

220,990

+ 6,178

The 2014 expenditure provision for Vote 36 (Defence) shows a reduction of some €3.8m for the year, compared with the corresponding provision for 2013.

The 2014 provision for Vote 35 (Army Pensions) shows an increase of some €6.2m for the year over the 2013 provision. (Expenditure on Army Pensions is non discretionary and the additional provision is required due to the increasing number of Army Pensioners in recent years).

Environmental Regulations

Questions (853)

John Browne

Question:

853. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford can sell new tractors imported from Poland here with a 3A Emissions Certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46197/13]

View answer

Written answers

EU Directive 2003/37/EC sets down type-approval manufacturing standards for agricultural or forestry tractors. Standards with regard to emissions of certain gaseous and particulate pollutants by engines aimed to power agricultural or forestry tractors are laid down in a number of further EU Directives. In this regard the basic legislation is EU Directive 2000/25/EC.

Emission standards are banded in tiers or stages: I, II, III, IV and so on and are primarily specified according to engine family, with rules specific to certain tractor categories and duration of validity for each tier.

With regard to the importation of tractors or placing on the market of existing supplies, the importer or dealer should seek verification from the manufacturer that the type approval certification for the relevant vehicles complies with all relevant EU directives in force concerning placing on the market of such tractors. The onus is on the manufacturer to provide the type approval certification.

Rural Development Policy

Questions (854, 921)

Denis Naughten

Question:

854. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for Exchequer co-financing of the Common Agricultural Policy from 2014; if provision has been made in the multi-annual estimate for 50:50 funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46469/13]

View answer

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

921. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when final decisions will be made on the rural development programme 2014-2020; the level of co-financing that will be provided for this programme by his Department; the percentage co-funding under EU rules that attaches to each sub measure; the percentage co-funding being proposed by his Department under each sub-measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46569/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 854 and 921 together.

Work is currently ongoing to design the new Rural Development Programme (RDP) for the period from 2014 – 2020. In designing the new RDP, my Department must take account of a range of requirements set out in the draft Rural Development Regulation and the need to support key policy aims for the agri-food sector.

The draft Rural Development Regulation sets out a menu of possible measures for the new RDP, including a compulsory Agri Environment Climate Scheme, a Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, On Farm Investment Schemes, funding for training and knowledge transfer, and funding for farm and business development. Co funding rates vary between the different measures. Article 65 of the draft Regulation sets the maximum European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development Fund (EAFRD) contribution at 53%. There are a number of derogations to this, including that the maximum EAFRD contribution shall be

- 80% for measures under the articles dealing with knowledge transfer and information, producer groups, co-operation, business start up for young farmers, and LEADER, and

- 75% for operations contributing to the objectives of environment and climate change mitigation under the articles dealing with investment in physical assets, afforestation and creation of woodland, the establishment of agroforestry systems, agri-environment and climate, organic farming, Natura 2000 and the water framework directive, areas of natural constraint and forestry environment and climate services and forestry conservation.

Final decisions in relation to what measures are to be included in the new RDP have not yet been made. Work is continuing on designing the new RDP on the basis of the requirements set out in the draft Regulation, and as part of this process my Department is in ongoing contact with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the overall financing that will be required. I expect to make decisions in relation to the RDP by the end of this year, and to submit a draft programme to the Commission in early 2014.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Questions (855)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

855. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2013 disadvantaged area scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45609/13]

View answer

Written answers

As processing of the application of the person named has recently been finalised, payment in respect of which is due to issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Questions (856)

Willie Penrose

Question:

856. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to have disadvantaged area payment paid to a person (details supplied) in County Longford as same is being held up due to digitisation problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45616/13]

View answer

Written answers

The person named submitted a Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application on 8 May 2013. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on-farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility/cross compliance inspection.

The ground eligibility inspection has been completed and the results are now being finalised with the intention of issuing any payment due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will shortly be in contact with the person named.

During the course of the cross compliance inspection discrepancies were recorded in relation to cattle identification and registration requirements, resulting in a 1% penalty. The person named was notified of this decision on 26 August 2013. The person named was also informed of the right to seek a review of this decision. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of the review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office within 3 months.

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (857)

Jim Daly

Question:

857. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45634/13]

View answer

Written answers

The person named submitted a Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme application on 25 April 2013. EU Regulations governing the administration of the schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on farm inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for a ground eligibility/cross compliance inspection.

The ground eligibility inspection identified discrepancies between the area declared and the area found, resulting in an over-declaration in area of less than 2 hectares. Based on the Terms and Conditions of the schemes, this results in the 2013 payments being based on the found area. The person named will be notified of this decision shortly and of their right to seek a review of the decision.

During the course of the cross compliance inspection discrepancies were recorded in relation to cattle identification and registration requirements, resulting in a 3% penalty. The person named was notified of this decision on 16 September 2013. The person named was also informed of their right to see a review of this decision.

In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of any review, the decision can be appealed to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.

Payments due under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme issued on 1st November, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (858)

Noel Harrington

Question:

858. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45647/13]

View answer

Written answers

The person named submitted an application under the 2013 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes on 12th May 2013. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases, land eligibility inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

In order to meet the EU requirements, the application concerned was one of a number which was selected for inspection. The application was initially examined via remote sensing (Satellite Inspection). As over claims were determined on some parcels, these were subsequently sent for ground inspection. The ground inspection has now been carried out and the results are being finalised with the intention of issuing any payment due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will shortly be in contact with the person named.

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (859, 860)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

859. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45648/13]

View answer

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

860. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the disadvantaged area scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45650/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 859 and 860 together.

An application under the Single Payment / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2013. Processing of this application has recently been finalised with payment due to issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (861)

Pat Breen

Question:

861. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the reduction in the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45668/13]

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Written answers

An application under the 2013 Single Farm Payment Scheme was received from the person named in my Department on the 2nd of May 2013. The 2013 payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person named based on a reduced claimed area. This was discovered following a LPIS review in 2012. Officials from my Department will be in direct contact with the person named to explain the matter in detail.

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (862)

John O'Mahony

Question:

862. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 486 of 8 October 2013, when this person will receive communication from his Department; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45671/13]

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Written answers

The person named submitted an application under the 2013 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes on 6th May 2013. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases, land eligibility inspections, be completed before any payments issue.

The application of the person named was selected for inspection via Remote Sensing (satellite imagery). The inspection and related processes have been completed. The person named was informed of a number of over claims on parcels listed on the application in a letter dated 23rd October.

The payments due issued to the person named under the Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Schemes issued on 24th and 25th of October respectively.

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