Written Answers Nos. 906-25
906. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider the reintroduction of a targeted farm drainage scheme as part of a farm improvement works programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46434/13]
View answerThere is a wide range of important issues to be examined in considering the introduction of a scheme for land drainage including policy, environmental, financial and administrative matters. When the new policy framework for the next EU programming period is in place, I will be examining all options and opportunities to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from the financial resources available.
907. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the staffing levels in the agricultural offices in Tralee over the past five years; the level of staffing five years ago versus the level of staffing today in their cultural office on Spa Road, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46439/13]
View answerAs you may be aware there has been an extensive reorganisation of the Department’s local office structure in recent years which resulted in the reduction in the number of local offices from 58 to 16. The Department has commenced implementation of a further review of the work in the remaining 16 Regional Offices in order to maximise efficiencies and productivity in the use of resources through revised work practices and processes. The review, which was completed earlier this year, concluded that, arising from the investment in technology and the substantial reduction in disease levels in recent years, there was significant scope for redeployment of administrative staff from local offices.
The review also made several recommendations aimed at improving business processes both within the local offices and in relation to the manner in which it implements various schemes, in particular the disease eradication schemes, with a view to reducing the administrative burden on farmers and the cost to the Department of administering these schemes. The recommendations included, for example, that passports should no longer be taken up from restricted herds and that the practice of issuing movement permits for “clear” cattle in reactor herds should be discontinued. Many of these recommendations have now been implemented and have further significantly reduced the number of the administrative staff needed in the local offices.
With regard to Tralee, my Department has taken the opportunity to recently redeploy the equivalent of 7 full time staff to Shared Payroll Services in Killarney. Arising from the improvements in business processes referred to above and the very substantial reduction in disease levels, the number of administrative and clerical staff in Tralee has been reduced from 20.37 full time equivalents (FTE) in 2008 to 10.6 FTE at present. This policy fits in both with the Department’s objectives in driving efficiency and savings and also with the broad public service reform agenda which facilitates the re-deployment of staff from the local offices to other State agencies and, thereby, enable the Government to provide services through these agencies more efficiently.
908. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer in agri-environment option scheme 2 will be allowed amend their AEOS 2 plan following the ending of the Twelve Bens-Maam Turk complex scheme to provide for extra stock on the mountain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46444/13]
View answerI am aware that the Twelve Bins/Maam Turk Complex Scheme, which the National Parks and Wildlife Service put in place for the purpose of regenerating these commonages, expires on 1st November, 2013. The future management of these commonage lands will now be considered in the wider context of the ongoing examination of issues relating to all Commonages. This process will involve the farmers directly managing the lands, relevant stakeholders, the farming organisations and all other interested stakeholders. The aim is to achieve a practical solution which will ensure that the farmers actively farming these lands are protected and that the land is maintained or returned to good agricultural and environmental condition and that the requirements of the governing EU regulations are met.
909. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for his decision that there will be no roll-over of REP scheme and no new agri-environment option scheme entrants in 2014, the only country in Europe to take this gap year, undermining farmers engaged in sustainable farming and placing huge pressure on rural communities and wildlife, despite the funding being available. [46452/13]
View answerThe REPS and AEOS Schemes are based on a 5 year commitment and payments to participating REPS and AEOS farmers will continue post 2014 until the expiry of their individual contracts. While there are no plans to extend the current REPS 4 Scheme or to commence new AEOS contracts in 2014 I am pleased to say that some €184 million will be paid to farmers in REPS and AEOS in 2014.
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. The process for the introduction of new schemes is well underway. Under the current draft Rural Development Regulation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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 the new programme is being advanced in the Department, and it is intended that further stakeholder consultation will form part of this.
911. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will indicate the position in respect of penalties of single farm payments and disadvantaged area scheme payments for farmers who spray or cut scrub and rushes and have a contractors' receipt for these works; if these farmers reapply next year and if these works are carried out, if they will avoid penalties; if he will provide details of the total number of farmers penalised this year to date throughout the country and the total loss in income to these farmers; if he will provide specific figures for County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46499/13]
View answerIn order to be eligible under the Single Payment Scheme and other area based schemes, an applicant must ensure that all agricultural land is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC). Issues relating to control of scrub and rushes must, therefore, be seen in this overall context.
Farmers can keep grassland in GAEC by conducting an agricultural activity on it, such as grazing, harvesting forage crops, or by topping. Grasslands continue to be eligible where it is evident that the stocking rate on the land is sufficient and, for example, keeps scrub and rushes under control and avoids their proliferation. Where land is deemed ineligible, this, in the main, is a result of the inclusion of ineligible areas/features and where it is not being used for an agricultural purpose. In cases where land with scrub or rushes is rejected, it will be seen that this is due to the broader issue of insufficient agricultural activity being undertaken on it to keep it in GAEC. My Department therefore does not maintain records specifically on the presence of scrub and rushes since the issue has to be seen in the broader context. Where a farmer undertakes remedial work to bring land back into GAEC, this land can be submitted in future years together with a map and supporting documentation detailing the remedial work undertaken.
912. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue in respect of the 2013 agri-environment option scheme; if he will consider introducing a new scheme in 2014 as it will allow farmers build on the success of the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46506/13]
View answerI anticipate that payments for the AEOS 3 Scheme will commence in the first quarter of 2014. Necessary checks must be carried out on all applications before any payment can issue. While there are no plans to re-open the Agri Environment Options Scheme for new applications in 2014, the revised CAP 2014 – 2020 requires that the new Rural Development Plan must include an agri-environment scheme.
The process for the design of new schemes under the new CAP is well underway. Under the current draft Rural Development Regulation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine must undertake an ex ante evaluation, a public consultation, a SWOT analysis (Strenghts, 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 the new programme is being advanced in the Department, and it is intended that further stakeholder consultation will form part of this.
913. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cé mhéad ceadúnas um fheirmeoireacht éisc an bhradáin atá i bhfeidhm maidir le cuan Chill Chiaráin; cé leis gach ceadúnas; cén uair a eisíodh iad; cén fhaid a mhairfidh na ceadúnais; an raibh gá ag chuile cheann acu le ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta faoi rialacha Natura 2000 ó tharla gur ceantar SAC agus SPA an cuan seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [46509/13]
View answerLéirítear i dtaifid mo Roinne go bhfuil toilithe imill trá do shaothrú bradán i gCuan Chill Chiaráin i seilbh na gcuideachtaí atá liostaithe thíos.
|
Ceadúnas |
Cuideachta |
Dáta Eisithe an Toilithe |
Fad an Toilithe |
|
AQ 428 |
Bradán Beo Teo |
30/08/2002 |
29/08/2012 |
|
AQ 431 |
Bradán Beo Teo |
30/08/2002 |
29/08/2012 |
|
AQ 432 |
Bradán Beo Teo |
30/08/2002 |
29/08/2012 |
|
AQ 427 |
Bradán Beo Teo |
30/08/2002 |
29/08/2012 |
|
AQ 429 |
Bradán Beo Teo |
30/08/2002 |
29/08/2012 |
|
AQ 426 |
Tairgeoirí Biamara Atlantach Teo |
30/08/2002 |
29/08/2012 |
|
AQ 380 |
Feirmeoirí Bradán Chill Chiaráin Teo |
01/02/2002 |
31/01/2012 |
Tá stádas na dtoilithe i seilbh Fheirmeoirí Bradán Chill Chiaráin Teo agus Táirgeoirí Biamara Atlantach Teo á scrúdú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair. Ó tharla go gcuimsíonn Cuan Chill Chiaráin suíomh ‘Natura 2000’ ainmnithe a chorpraíonn na gníomhaíochtaí dobharshaothraithe thuas, caithfear Measúnú Cuí i gcomhréir le forálacha na dTreoracha maidir le hÉin agus Gnáthóga a thabhairt chun críche sular féidir cinneadh maidir le hathnuachan féideartha na dtoilithe dobharshaothraithe a dhéanamh. Tá an ceanglas seo maidir le Measúnú Cuí ar leithligh ó scrúdú leanúnach mo Roinne ar stádas na dtoilithe i leith Fheirmeoirí Bradán Chill Chiaráin Teo agus Táirgeoirí Biamara Atlantach Teo.
914. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation provided for Bord Iascaigh Mhara in the recent estimates published with budget 2014; the increase or decrease this represents on 2013; the amount provided for the promotion of aquaculture by BIM; the increase this represents on 2013; the amount of this provided for fin-fish aquaculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46553/13]
View answerThe following table sets out the 2014 budget allocation for Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). It also provides a comparison with the body’s allocation for 2013.
|
BIM Grant-in-Aid |
2013 €,000 |
2014 €,000 |
Difference €,000 |
Change % |
|
Current |
12,409 |
11,984 |
-425 |
-3.42 |
|
Capital |
4,000 |
6,500 |
+2,500 |
+62.50 |
|
Total |
16,409 |
18,484 |
+2,075 |
+12.64 |
Detailed budgets for 2014 will be determined by BIM, as appropriate, in due course.
915. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in considering applications for the disadvantaged area scheme for 2013, his Department takes into account the restrictions imposed by the commonage framework plans, limiting the amount of stock farmers can keep on commonage; if not, the reason these plans have not yet been replaced in view of ongoing consideration of issues relating to commonages by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46554/13]
View answer916. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in considering disadvantaged area scheme applications for 2013, the restrictions of commonage framework plans over-ride those of the agri-environment option scheme plans in view of the fact that the restrictions in some AEOS are based on proposed new restrictions on commonages not yet introduced formally by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46556/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 915 and 916 together.
The Terms and Conditions governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme require that applicants’ holdings achieve both a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare for a minimum of seven consecutive months, in addition to achieving an annual average stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare over the twelve calendar months of the Scheme. Provision is made whereby lower stocking densities imposed on farmers under recognised environmental schemes are accepted, in addition to which individual cases are also considered on their merits.
917. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the legal basis for imposing restrictions on the stocking level of farmers under the commonage framework plans; the penalties that may be imposed on farmers under various schemes if they do not adhere to the commonage framework plans; the schemes involved; when the restrictions under the commonage framework plans ceased to have effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46557/13]
View answerThe issue of stocking levels on Commonages and the approach necessary to address what is recognised as a very complex matter which requires a very detailed action plan to cover the various issues, is one which has received widespread coverage.
The report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate regarding the issues surrounding commonage lands, the views of the various stakeholders having being sought and considered by the Committee. As I have indicated previously, while it is generally accepted that this is a very complex matter and requires a very detailed action plan to cover the various issues, I intend in the near future to set out proposals on how these matters will be progressed. My firm intention is that the process will be fully inclusive and that all stakeholders, particularly farmers and their representatives will be central to the process.
Commonage lands form an important part of the farming enterprises of many farmers, particularly along the West Coast. They also form an important part of the local environment from the point of view of bio-diversity, wildlife, amenities and economic returns e.g. tourism. However, there is a substantial risk of land abandonment as under-grazing becomes more of a problem. Under-grazing leads to an increase in ineligible land under Direct Aid and Agri-Environment Schemes and leads to risk of financial corrections being imposed by EU Commission. It is vital, therefore, to maintain the commonages in GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition), or where there is under-grazing, to return the habitat to GAEC.
Taking all of these matters into account, it is my stated aim is to ensure that a practical solution is reached, which will ensure that the current farmers actively farming these lands are protected, that the land is maintained or returned to GAEC and that the requirements of the governing EU Regulations are met. In my view, this can best be achieved by working with the farmers directly managing the lands, relevant State Agencies, the farming organisations and all other interested stakeholders. With regard to the specific recommendations of the Committee contained in their Report, I can confirm that these will be included among the range of issues to be addressed in the process that will shortly be commenced by my Department.
918. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the over claim assessed against a farmer under each of the following schemes, agri-environment option scheme, REP scheme, disadvantaged area scheme, single farm payment and any other farm scheme administered by his Department in both hectares and financially; the penalties and overpayment reclaimed to date; the amounts still outstanding to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46562/13]
View answerThe eligibility of the land declared by the person named is currently being reviewed; an official of my Department will shortly make direct contact with the person named in this regard.
919. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when REP scheme 4 and agri-environment option scheme 1, 2 and 3 payments for 2013 will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46566/13]
View answerREPS 4 is a measure under the Rural Development Programme, 2007-2013, and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before payments can issue. Arrangements are well advanced to issue payments in respect of 2013 and I expect that these payments will commence in November.
Similarly all AEOS payments require detailed checks on all applications before payments can issue. Payments under the Agri Environment Options Schemes 1 and 2, in respect of the 2013 Scheme year will commence once these administrative checks have been carried out on all applications. These checks must be successfully completed before payment can issue to any individual farmer. These administrative checks are well underway and I anticipate payments will commence in November. In relation to the AEOS 3 Scheme payments will commence in the first quarter of 2014.
920. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of funding provided for in the 2014 Estimates for the EU co-financed rural development programme under the Common Agricultural Policy; the amount of same that will be subject to a rebate from the EU broken down by sub-measure in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46568/13]
View answerA total of €405 million of the 2014 budget of €1,202 million is being allocated to various co-financed Rural Development measures in the 2014 estimates. €210 million has been allocated to measures that were included under the 2007 to 2013 Rural Development Programme and a further allocation of €195 million has been allocated to less favoured areas pending completion of the drafting of the new 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Programme. Details are as follows:
|
- |
€ million |
|
REPs4 |
123 |
|
AEOS I/II & III |
61 |
|
Early Retirement |
10 |
|
TAMS |
15 |
|
Biofuels |
1 |
|
Less Favoured Areas |
195 |
|
Total |
405 |
Work is currently ongoing to design the new Rural Development Programme (RDP) for the period from 2014 – 2020. Final decisions in relation to what measures are to be included in the new RDP have not yet been made. Associated EU co funding with the above expenditures in so far as the current 2007 /13 Rural Development Programme is concerned will, under EU rules, be held by the Commission until such time as the EU’s programme closure process has been fully completed for all Member States. However, in the case of the existing agri environment measures, namely REPs4, it is expected that EU transition arrangements will enable Member States to draw down some co funding under the new 2014 – 2020 Rural Development in 2014 against REPs4 expenditure to be incurred in 2014. The estimated EU co funding that will be drawn down by Ireland in 2014 is €180 million.
922. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is intended to introduce a new agri-environment scheme under the Common Agricultural Policy 2014-2020; the process involved in acquiring EU approval of same; the progress made to date in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46570/13]
View answerThe revised CAP 2014 – 2020 requires that the new Rural Development Plan must include an agri-environment scheme.
The process for the design of new schemes under the new CAP is well underway. Under the current draft Rural Development Regulation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine must undertake an ex ante evaluation, a public consultation, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) a needs assessment, and a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in developing our Rural Development Programme. An independent evaluator has been contracted to prepare the ex-ante evaluation report, SEA, and an Appropriate Assessment 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 the new programme is being advanced in the Department, and it is intended that further stakeholder consultation will form part of this.
Following the completion of the design phase, a draft Rural Development Programme will be submitted to the European Commission. It is expected that discussions with the Commission over a number of months will be required in order to secure approval to the Rural Development Programme.
923. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is intended to make final proposals in relation to Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy reform programme 2014-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46571/13]
View answerIn July of this year I initiated a process of consultation with all relevant stakeholders and interested parties to ascertain their views on the most appropriate application of the Direct Payments Regulation in Ireland. A total of 44 questions were put to potential respondents across a range of issues. 46 submissions were received by the deadline of Friday, 20 September. I and my officials are currently giving careful consideration to all of the responses, which of course are quite varied and reflect the different positions and circumstances of the various representative groups and individuals who submitted them. Modelling of the various scenarios that have arisen is also ongoing in the Department.
I hope to be in a position to make decisions across the range of alternatives over the next few weeks. It is imperative in any event that the shape of the new direct payments regime is clear by the end of 2013, as we have a very challenging schedule to meet if we are to ensure efficient processing of applications for payment in 2015.
As regards the Pillar 2, work on the development of the next rural development programme is already well under way. An initial consultation process was launched in 2012, and written submissions were received from over 80 stakeholders. These submissions have been analysed by the Department and have fed into the development of SWOT and needs analyses. A second consultation was held in July 2013, where stakeholders attended a full day workshop. Based on the outcome of these processes, the drafting of a new programme is being advanced by the Department, and it is intended that further stakeholder consultation will form part of this. Again, I expect to make decisions by the end of this year, and to submit a draft programme to the Commission in early 2014.
924. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the conditions that will have to be complied with by livestock farmers to receive the greening payment under the Common Agricultural Policy regime 2014-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46572/13]
View answerThe Payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment, otherwise known as ‘greening’, forms an integral part of the new Direct Payment regime that will come into force in 2015. Farmers who participate in the Basic Payment Scheme must implement the three standard greening measures as follows: Crop diversification; Permanent grassland; Ecological Focus Area (EFA).
There is no obligation under ‘crop diversification’ where the arable land of the holding covers less than ten hectares. Where the arable land of the holding covers between 10 and 30 hectares, the farmer is obliged to have at least two crops of which the main crop shall not cover more than 75% of the arable land. Where the arable land of the holding covers more than 30 hectares, the farmer is obliged to have at least three crops of which the main crop shall not cover more than 75% of the arable land and the two main crops shall not cover more than 95% of the arable land.
Where there is more than 15 hectares of arable land in a holding, then at least 5% of the arable land must be allocated to Ecological Focus Area. There are a number of features which are considered Ecological Focus Area including landscape features such as hedges, ditches, trees in line or in group etc. Insofar as livestock farmers are concerned there is an obligation to ensure that the ratio of permanent grassland to total agricultural area does not decrease by more than 5% compared to a reference ratio to be established by Member States in 2015. This obligation can be monitored at National level and is therefore unlikely to affect individual livestock farmers. There is also an obligation on Member States to designate environmentally sensitive permanent grasslands, such as peat and wetlands, situated in areas covered by the Natura Directive and farmers will be prevented from ploughing such areas. It is most unlikely that such areas in Ireland would be ploughed in any event.
There are a number of exemptions whereby farmers will be considered to have fulfilled one or more of their greening obligations in certain circumstances. Of most relevance to Ireland, and to livestock farmers in particular, is the provision that exempts farms where more than 75% of the total eligible land of the holding is used for the production of grasses or other herbaceous forage or land laying fallow, or a combination of these, provided that any remaining arable area does not exceed 30 hectares. It is my intention to decide on the final shape of greening and all other issues related to the new Direct Payments system in Ireland later this year.
925. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position of farmers in relation to their entitlements post-2014 where they leased out their entitlements in 2013 and did not make a claim for single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46573/13]
View answerUnder the new Direct Payments regime which comes into force in 2015, only those persons who receive a payment under the Single Payment Scheme in the 2013 scheme year will be automatically entitled to an allocation of a new set of entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme. The status of entitlements that are leased out for the 2014 scheme year is currently the subject of discussion with the EU Commission as part of the process of producing Delegated Acts. I am not in a position to comment further on this issue until such time as the Delegated Acts are finalised.
