Written Answers Nos. 601-621
601. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their payment of REP scheme and disadvantaged area scheme which is due to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49395/13]
View answerAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 29th November 2012. The process of ranking and selecting all AEOS applicants was clearly set out in the scheme documentation. Acceptance into the scheme was established using the pre-determined selection criteria as follows:
1. farmers in the Boora region of Co. Offaly who chose Wild Bird Cover Option B (Grey Partridge) as one of their selected options,
2. farmers with a minimum of 0.5 hectares of designated land,
3. farm partnerships,
4. farmers who previously participated in REPS commencing with smallest farms, and
5. others based on farm size (again favouring smaller holdings).
The person named was a previous participant in REPS. Based on the funding available farmers in category 4 with 22.06 hectares of utilisable agricultural area and below were successful. As the farm size of the person named is 144.17, the application was unsuccessful. On 27th May 2013, a letter issued to the person named informing him that he was not successful and setting out the reasons. The person was also informed of right of appeal to AEOS Section. To date, there is no record on an appeal having been received by my Department.
The person named also submitted a Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application on 14 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. This 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.
602. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 864 of 5 November 2013, when he will be in a position to provide the full information sought in relation to the withdrawal or reduction of single farm payments for commonages in respect of each county for 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [49397/13]
View answerThe material relating to the number of farmers in each county who have had their payments withdrawn or reduced following inspections of commonages by officials of my Department in 2011 and 2012 is being compiled by my Department in respect of the 2011 and 2012 scheme-years and it will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.. As the 2013 inspections are ongoing or are not yet complete, it is not possible to provide the information requested.
603. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49399/13]
View answer604. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area aid payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49400/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 603 and 604 together.
As processing of the application of the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Area Scheme is due to be completed shortly, payments will then issue directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
605. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their payment of REP scheme, disadvantaged area scheme and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49413/13]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in November 2009 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the Rural Development Programme 2007-13 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.
The person named submitted a Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme application on 8 May 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 has been completed and the results finalised.
The cross compliance inspection identified breaches in relation to cattle identification and registration requirements, resulting in a 1% penalty. The person named was informed 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.
Processing of payments under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme have now been finalised and payments, based on the above, will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of person named.
606. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their payment of REP scheme, disadvantaged area scheme and single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49440/13]
View answerAs processing of the application of the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme/ Disadvantaged Areas Scheme has recently been finalised, payments in respect of both Schemes will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
607. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment of their single payment scheme and disadvantaged area scheme in view of the fact that misleading information has been supplied by his Department in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49450/13]
View answerWith the necessary digitising relating to the application of the person named under 2013 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme having been recently completed, processing was finalised, thereby allowing payments to issue, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named, on 14 November and 15 November in respect of the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, respectively. The contradictory advice mentioned above was due to inadvertent clerical error, as the official concerned was responding to a number of different enquiries simultaneously.
608. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49457/13]
View answerPayments under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme and 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Schemes issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on 16 November and 17 November, respectively.
610. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a single farm payment penalty will be waived in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49560/13]
View answerFollowing a review of the land submitted by the person named on his Single Payment Scheme application it was found that several parcels contained ineligible features. The person named has sought a review of the decision and this review is currently being undertaken. My Department will be in contact with the person named regarding the outcome of this review in the coming weeks.
611. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his policies regarding the work of Teagasc and the role in which it is supposed to be engaged in terms of developing horticulture here, with particular reference to the fact that plant science in Ireland is rated below that of Romania, according to an EU funded survey conducted in NUIG, although we are uniquely positioned to develop a very labour intensive vibrant horticultural sector. [49569/13]
View answerTeagasc has achieved a great deal on behalf of Irish Agriculture and food in improving farm incomes, educating and training students and adult farmers, conducting public good research and development and encouraging the adoption of new technology and practices on Irish farms. Their services in research, education and advisory play a key role on the ongoing development and modernisation of Irish agriculture, helping to improve its competitiveness and to enable the sector take advantage of the many opportunities that exist in global markets. The industry continues to require a strong input from Teagasc in assisting the development of farm enterprises and providing direction to those involved in agriculture and food.
Teagasc receive an annual grant in aid allocation from my Department towards the costs of delivering various services to the agriculture sector. This year’s allocation is almost €122m. Because Teagasc operates as a separate entity under the auspices of my Department, it is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of services and to allocate resources in accordance with these priorities.
Under Teagasc’s Rationalisation Programme 2009-2013, it was decided to consolidate Teagasc research activities in the Dublin area at one location, Teagasc’s Ashtown Food Centre. As part of this process, the horticulture research and knowledge transfer activities at Kinsealy are being located in new facilities in Ashtown.
In addition, to complement its horticultural research activities, Teagasc has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Horticulture Development Company, UK. This Memorandum of Understanding is operating to the benefit of both organisations since 2011. Teagasc currently has a number of post-graduate students involved in horticultural research projects that are jointly funded by Teagasc and the Horticulture Development Company.
Teagasc has a number of specific research programmes in the crops area particularly related to cereals and potatoes. These are carried out at its research Facilities in Oakpark County Carlow. In addition to this, significant research is also carried out on foliage plants, mushrooms and fruit at is facilities in Kinsealy and Ashtown and other locations.
My Department has been in contact with the Plant & Agri-biosciences Centre of the National University of Galway (NUIG) who have confirmed that there are unaware of any EU funded rating survey conducted in NUI Galway, as suggested in this question.
That said we should not necessarily be surprised if plant science in Romania should have more researchers and resources devoted to it than in Ireland. Romania, which is a country of over 20 million and a land area which is almost 3 times the size of Ireland. Due to its location and climatic conditions, it produces a wide range of horticultural crops and is in the top 10 wine producing countries in the world.
613. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the forthcoming abolition of quotas, if he will provide details of interactions between his Department, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the relevant State agencies and semi-State companies with a view to encouraging the extension of the natural gas network to those towns in the country which currently do not have a gas connection but have a milk processing facility, and are likely to see increases in processing and as a result an increased energy requirement which could be further secured by connection to the national gas network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49596/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the Food Harvest 2020 strategy sets the ambitious target of increasing milk production by 50% by the end of the decade. This will require significant processing capacity and I am aware that all of the major milk purchasers have drawn up significant investment plans with a view to enhancing their processing capacity for post 2015. I am sure that, in drawing up those plans, they would have examined the best and most cost effective energy supply options available. The plans will also have been discussed with relevant State Agencies such as Enterprise Ireland. My Department does not have any function in extension of the gas network and this is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
615. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the filling of the vacant preschool inspector's post in County Louth. [49109/13]
View answerUnder the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No.2) Regulations 2006, the HSE has responsibility for pre-school inspections. There are areas throughout the country where gaps in the inspection services have been identified and the HSE is currently at an advanced stage of recruiting additional inspectors to address this deficit. These recruitments will strengthen the pre-school inspections system in a number of areas including county Louth, where I understand the recruitment process for the appointment of an inspector has been completed.
616. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if any progress has been made in relation to the small number of families affected by a difficulty with Russian adoptions because of the expiration of their section 63 declarations of eligibility and suitability. [48909/13]
View answerThe Adoption Act, 2010, provides for adoptions from countries that have ratified the Hague Convention on adoption and from countries where there is a bilateral agreement in place. During the drafting of the Act a considered and detailed transitional process to deal with the change from previous legislation to the new Act was put in place. The transitional measure contained in Section 63 of the Adoption Act, 2010, allows those who held a valid declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt before the commencement of the Act to continue with an adoption, from a non-Hague, non-bilateral country for a maximum period of three years. Such applicants were thus afforded an additional three year period to complete these particular adoptions from non-Hague countries, and must have completed the process by the 31st October 2013.
By their nature transitional provisions must be time limited, and it was considered by the Government at the time, and the Oireachtas, that three years was a reasonable period of time to finalise an adoption which was in process when the Adoption Act 2010 came into force. The Hague Convention sets out important safeguards to be implemented by member countries so as to ensure that the rights of children and families are protected and there is prevention of illegal, irregular, premature or ill prepared inter country adoptions. Ireland has ratified the Hague Convention and under the Adoption Act 2010 the Convention has force of law in Ireland. The provisions of the Adoption Act 2010 sought to balance the desire for a reasonable period of transition with the overall commitment to the mutual support amongst member countries for the operation of the standards and safeguards in inter country adoption outlined in the Convention.
One particular concern that has coincided with the expiry of the transitional provisions provided for in Section 63 of the Adoption Act 2010, is the position of a small number of applicants who were at a late stage in adopting from Russia when changes to Russian legislation were enacted which meant that they were unable to complete the adoption of identified children before 31 October, 2013. I am conscious of the strain that these prospective adoptive parents have experienced due to recent events which could not have been foreseen. Since this issue was brought to my attention, officials in my Department have been seeking a way to address the problems which resulted from the sudden change in Russian legislation. Considerable efforts have been made, including through diplomatic channels, to see if the problems which have arisen can be resolved.
It is my understanding that in order to adopt from Russia it is necessary to have a valid declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt on the date of the court hearing to finalise the adoption, and for a specified period thereafter before the Court order takes effect. In order that these adoptions, which were stopped by this change in Russian law, could continue an amendment to the Adoption Act, 2010, would be necessary to extend the validity of the declarations of eligibility and suitability.
The advice of the Attorney General was sought and my Department is currently examining legislative options that might assist, possibly through the retrospective extension of the declarations of eligibility and suitability concerned. As the Adoption Act, 2010, is drafted on the basis of the incorporation of the Hague Convention, and the minimum set of standards outlined therein, the implications of amending the Act must be carefully examined before the Government is in a position to consider any proposed amendment of the legislation. My Department, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, is examining if it is possible to address this situation within the parameters of Irish law and our obligations under the Hague Convention. I have already met and spoken with some of those prospective adoptive parents affected by the changes in Russian legislation and have undertaken to keep them informed of any developments.
Work is also ongoing in relation to a possible bilateral agreement on inter country adoption with Russia. Following my invitation to the Russian Ministry of Education and Science in August, a delegation of Russian officials travelled to Ireland for discussions and the meeting of the 22nd October 2013 was very positive with detailed discussions between the Russian officials and officials from my Department, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the HSE. At the meeting significant progress was made and my Department has committed to reverting to the Russian side in the coming weeks with further detailed proposals in an effort to address both Russian and Irish legal and administrative requirements to the greatest degree possible.
617. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding she is making available for youth funding this year; the amount being allocated to each body in comparison with the 2013 allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48945/13]
View answerThe Youth Affairs Unit of my Department supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth sector. These schemes include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund Rounds 1 and 2, Local Drug Task Force Projects and certain other provisions including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, the European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas – the Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce – the President’s Award.
In 2013, funding of some €53.498 million, including €1.75m in capital funding has been made available to support the provision of youth services and programmes to young people throughout the country. The funding supports the provision of services to some 400,000 young people involved in 477 projects and youth work initiatives with approximately 1,400 paid staff and 40,000 volunteers working in youth work services and communities throughout the country.
The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department is working on the funding allocations for youth services in 2014 and in line with Government policy must have regard to the savings requirements identified in the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE). An amount of €1m has been provided in Budget 2014 to offset the impact of the CRE savings requirements on the youth services next year. Every effort is being made by my Department to finalise the 2014 allocations so that youth projects and national youth organisations will be advised of the 2014 allocations as soon as possible.
618. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason an IT system failure has resulted in child care education support scheme payment due to providers from 21 October to 1 December being delayed; when this problem will be rectified; and when service providers will receive payment. [49034/13]
View answerI am aware that a problem did arise with the IT system which supports the implementation by my Department of the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme. This resulted in a delay in the issuing of payments which were due to providers at the end of last month. The problems with the IT system, which is maintained by way of a shared service agreement with the Department of Health, are being examined with a view to resolution.
Pobal, who assist my Department with the administration of the CETS programme, are currently processing the outstanding payments. It is expected that providers will receive these payments over the course of this week. In order to offset the delay in payment, the current payment term has been extended by 4 weeks.
619. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs with reference to the referendum on children's rights held some several months ago, if she will provide an update on implementation and if the relevant legislation is now in place; the sections that have been implemented to date; when the section allowing adoption of long time fostered children will be signed into force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49098/13]
View answerThe judgment in the High Court challenge to the result of the Children’s Referendum was delivered on 18 October. The Petitioner was unsuccessful in her petition to the High Court challenging the Provisional Referendum Certificate issued on foot of the Children's Referendum. The Court dismissed the petition.
With the consent of the parties and to allow time for giving notice of an appeal, the Judge decided to grant a short stay on his endorsement of the Provisional Referendum Certificate (as required under section 57(3) of the Referendum Act 1994).
On 24 October, the Petitioner’s Counsel made an application to the Supreme Court for a priority appeal hearing date.
The Court granted the application for a priority hearing of the appeal and the extension of the stay on the endorsement of the Referendum Certificate. It is anticipated that the Supreme Court appeal will be heard early in 2014.
The Petitioner had also challenged, by way of plenary proceedings, the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Referendum Act 1994 and these proceedings remain before the High Court for determination.
The matter of referring the Thirty-First Amendment of the Constitution (Children) Bill 2012 to the President for signing into law, and to give effect to the Constitutional changes concerned, must await determination by the Courts of the legal challenge made.
The General Scheme and Heads of Bill of the proposed Adoption (Amendment) Bill was published in September 2012 in conjunction with the publication of the referendum proposal to inform the public of proposed changes to adoption law envisaged if the Constitutional amendment was approved.
The provisions of the proposed Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2013 will change the criteria, applicable under section 54 of the 2010 Act, under which the High Court may authorise the making of an adoption order without parental consent, in the case of a child who is in the care of prospective adopters and where that child’s parents have failed in their parental duty to the child. The Bill will also provide for the voluntary placement for adoption of any child irrespective of the marital status of his or her parents.
It is my intention to bring the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2013 before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible, following conclusion of all proceedings and processes relevant to the Children’s Referendum.
620. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a national organising committee has been or will be put in place to organise events in 2014 for the 20th anniversary of the international year of the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49262/13]
View answerThe Twentieth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family is a UN initiative. It is described as an 'opportunity to refocus on the role of families in development; take stock of recent trends in family policy development; share good practice in family policy making; review challenges faced by families worldwide and recommend solutions’. Obviously the scope of the initiative is very broad and has relevance to various Departments and agencies. The focus of the initiative has particular resonance in the context of children and family services in Ireland, given the decision taken by Government to establish a new Child and Family Agency from January next year.
The legislation to establish the new Agency, the Child and Family Agency Bill, is progressing through the Oireachtas at present, and it is my intention that the Agency will be established from 1st January 2014. The policy intent in framing the functions of the Child and Family Agency has been to broaden the scope of the Agency beyond the traditional concept of child welfare and protection and to place emphasis on family support as an essential and discrete area of activity. In this regard specific attention has been paid to strengthening and consolidating the family support function within the Child and Family Agency Bill, which will encompass both the existing family support obligations imposed by the Child Care Act 1991 (and currently discharged by the HSE) along with the important work undertaken by the Family Support Agency (FSA). Family support is being viewed not only as a response to identified welfare and protection needs, but as a preventative strategy generally. This is in line with the general commitment to broaden the scope of the Agency and to underline the intended policy shift to an approach based more on prevention and early intervention strategies. There are a number of operational policy initiatives also underway within the HSE focused on consolidating and focusing their activities in respect of family support. Submissions to the Department in the context of consultation on the National Policy Framework have also identified the challenges for parents and families in modern society and good practice measures to support families.
All of these initiatives will be coming to fruition over the coming period into 2014 and have enormous resonance with the 20th Anniversary. I am currently considering the best approaches to mark this year.
621. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of Irish women who placed their child for adoption over the past five years; the amount of State money that goes into funding and promoting adoption services for such women; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49362/13]
View answerThe Adoption Authority of Ireland Annual Reports contain details of the numbers of non-family domestic adoptions. The figures are as follows: in 2008 there were 49 non-family domestic adoptions, in 2009 there were 42, in 2010 there were 35, in 2011 there were 23 and in 2012 there were 16.
As the Health Service Executive is the body with responsibility for the delivery of domestic adoption services, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to funding and promoting these services.
