Written Answers Nos. 486-502
486. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a company (details supplied) in County Galway is operating with a current proper licence for fish farming in Cill Chiaráin harbour, Connemara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53948/13]
View answerMy Department’s records indicate that the aquaculture operations in Cill Chiaráin Bay being conducted by the company identified by the Deputy are in accordance with the aquaculture consents held by the company.
487. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53955/13]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payments have issued in respect of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Scheme years. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During the checking process in respect of the 2013 Scheme year an issue arose regarding a parcel which was described as Traditional Hay Meadow on the Single Payment Application Form and as Species Rich Grassland on the AEOS Application. This issue has now been resolved and payment is being processed.
488. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the circumstances under which an alleged overpayment has occurred in a disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53971/13]
View answerUnder a recent review of land eligibility carried out by my Department two parcels of land claimed by this herdowner on his Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application form were deemed to include ineligible features. A letter and maps of the relevant land parcels and information on how the person named could seek a review of this decision issued to the person named on 27 November 2013.
489. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline what offices relevant to his Department are located or have been decentralised outside of Dublin; if he will provide the total number of staff in his Department and the number of staff based outside County Dublin as of 2013; the annual cost incurred in 2012 and 2013, respectively, for decentralised staff travelling to meetings in Dublin; the number of times staff travelled to individual meetings in Dublin in each of those years; the costs those staff will be reimbursed; if his Department has procedures or mechanisms in place such as video conferencing to reduce the cost of travelling for each unit based outside Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53987/13]
View answerThe table sets out the main offices (of which 4 were decentralised) and the 16 regional offices which are relevant to my Department and are located or have been decentralised outside of Dublin:
|
Regional Offices |
Other HQ |
|
Cavan |
Backweston |
|
Castlebar |
Cavan (decentralised) |
|
Clonakilty |
Clonakilty (decentralised) |
|
Cork |
Portlaoise (decentralised) |
|
Drumshanbo |
Wexford (decentralised) |
|
Enniscorthy |
|
|
Galway |
|
|
Limerick |
|
|
Naas |
|
|
Navan |
|
|
Raphoe |
|
|
Roscommon |
|
|
Tipperary |
|
|
Tullamore |
|
|
Tralee |
|
|
Waterford |
My Department also has 5 Regional Veterinary Laboratories and two Dairy Science Laboratories located outside of Dublin/Backweston and staff are also headquartered in various food business operations throughout the country.
There are currently 3,345 (3180.46 FTE) staff employed in my Department with 2,800 (2,674.56 FTE) based outside County Dublin.
The following are details of expenses paid to staff for travelling to meetings in Dublin provided on the basis of the destination stated on the relevant expenses claims for the years 2012 and 2013 to-date:
|
Year |
Total Cost € |
No. of Claimants |
Average No. of trips per Claimant |
|
2012 |
126,220 |
217 |
5 |
|
2013 |
124,796 |
200 |
4 |
My Department makes extensive use of Video Conferencing (VC) technologies to facilitate meetings between staff that are based in geographically diverse locations. Outside of the Department’s Headquarters (Agriculture House, Dublin 2) there are a total 34 units in the following locations:
|
Department Office |
No. Units |
|
Portlaoise (6 offices- Decentralised Office) |
10 |
|
Backweston Campus |
8 |
|
Clonakilty (Decentralised Office) |
4 |
|
Wexford (Decentralised Office) |
2 |
|
Cavan (Decentralised Office) |
2 |
|
Regional Veterinary Laboratories (Sligo, Kilkenny, Cork, Athlone, Limerick) |
5 |
|
Castlebar Office |
1 |
|
Cork Office |
1 |
|
Waterford Office |
1 |
In addition, my Department use approximately 20 desktop web cameras which interface with the Department’s VC system into a number of offices.
490. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the provisions, safeguards and measures currently in place regarding drag hunting here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54008/13]
View answerDrag hunting operates under guidelines laid down by the Hunting Association of Ireland. It is critical that these guidelines are observed at all times. In particular, it is essential that local residents in the vicinity of the drag hunt are informed in a timely manner.
491. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the 2013 disadvantaged areas based scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing this payment in view of the fact that this person was informed that payment would issue in the first week of December; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54027/13]
View answerAs processing of the application of the person named under the 2013 Disadvantaged Area Scheme is now completed, payment is due to issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
492. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their rural environment protection scheme payment. [54058/13]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and received payments for the first four years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. During the administrative check an area discrepancy was discovered between the Single Farm Application for 2013 and the REPS Agri-Environmental Plan which has required further clarification. This issue is currently being investigated with the intention of an early resolution and payment in respect of 2013.
493. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons employed in the special investigation unit in his Department; the amount of money that has been allocated to this unit in the past three years in tabular form; if he will provide a detailed job specification for the investigators and training they have been given to help them perform their duties; the number of cases investigated in the past three years.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54067/13]
View answerThe Department put in place an investigation unit in 1986 with a particular focus, at the outset, on tackling the illegal use of prohibited animal remedies (hormones and black-market antibiotics), which came to light as a problem at that time. The officers assigned to the unit carried out their first investigation in April 1986. Since that time, staff members assigned to the unit have undertaken investigations into a range of matters pertaining to animal health and welfare and public health, to ensure the integrity of the food chain, to protect animal health and welfare and to ensure the integrity of the disbursement of public funds.
The remit of the investigation unit is to;
- Investigate all suspected criminal breaches of all legislation pertaining to the food chain, including animal health, animal welfare, public health.
- Provide advice to other DAFM Divisions regarding possible breaches and approach to investigations
- Cross-report findings back to relevant line Division, as appropriate
- Prepare prosecution files, where appropriate,
- Present the evidence in Court as necessary.
Staff from the unit operate to a specific published code of practice.
Joint operations are regularly conducted with An Garda Síochána, (NBCI, CAB, GBFI), the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the Veterinary Council of Ireland, the PSNI, DARD NI, Customs & Excise, the Irish Medicines Board, OLAF and WGEO.
Staff assigned to the unit have a range of primary qualifications in various areas related to their work, including law. They have undertaken a wide range of training to help them perform their duties, including up-skilling. Among the training events which were provided specifically for officers in the unit – additional to other training offered to other regulatory control officers, - include the following:
- A training exercise given by an Garda Síochána in the practical aspects of the law relating to searching premises, securing evidence, taking memo’s of interviews, the making and taking of statements.
- A training course covering the detailed process associated with the collection of cattle identity ear-tags as evidence supported by a forensic analyst from the state’s Forensic Science Laboratory.
- A Legal Training course organised by the DAFM Training Division, involving a practicing barrister, familiar with DAFM cases. The course involved workshop was geared specifically to explain the “how” and “why” of the investigators and prosecutors role and function.
In addition, there are regular scientific training sessions attended by veterinary staff in line with the requirements of the Veterinary Practice Act. Furthermore, staff from the unit regularly meet, formally and informally, with other international investigation agency staff to appraise investigative techniques and to keep abreast of current best-practice.
As the range and scope of the unit expanded over the years into investigating different areas of DAFM activities, training was provided, in conjunction with the relevant line Divisions, to ensure that the investigating officers were familiar with new legislation and its impact on investigations.
Currently there are 10 staff members assigned to the unit – three veterinary, six technical and one administrative officer.
The financial resources assigned to the operation of the unit – including salaries and day-to-day operational expenses, including travel and subsistence costs - in the past three years, is set out below:
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 to date (end Nov) |
|
€1,014,472.11 |
€950,566.40 |
€719,983.69 |
Management of the unit hold monthly management meetings with the staff during which each case is discussed with the investigating officer. Officers are advised as to how to proceed with files that have been assigned to them and they report back on progress. DAFM’s advisory legal Counsel is available to attend these meetings and advise as necessary.
The following number of cases have been investigated by staff from the unit in the past three years.
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
127 |
123 |
94-to date |
The investigation unit provides a central support to the inspection and control systems applied across the food production system in Ireland, which are well respected internationally and underpin the significantly expanded markets that are being opened up for Irish products across the world.
494. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the fishery period for the south west herring fishery is due to close in two weeks; and in view of the fact that one of those weeks is Christmas week, with no processing factories or markets open, if he will consider a week in January to compensate those fishing in the area. [54075/13]
View answerThe current management arrangements in place for this fishery, were recommended by the Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee (CSHMAC). Quota allocations with weekly catch limits are set following consultation with the CSHMAC for each management period, taking consideration of numbers and size of vessels booked-in. These arrangements were put in place having regard to the size of the vessels involved in the fishery and the time of year in which the fishing takes place.
The position in relation to the management of all fisheries, both pelagic and whitefish, is that the quota is managed on a single year basis and under fishing by any group of vessels is not carried forward to the following year for that group. For all stocks, any carry over from 2013, which can be up to 10 % in the case of Celtic Sea Herring, will be added to the national adjusted quota for 2014. In line with policy, the Celtic Sea Herring sentinel fishery will receive up to 11% of the adjusted quota, each year.
495. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an appeal against a decision to refuse grant aid in respect of a company (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54090/13]
View answerAn appeal was received in my Department on 3 December 2013. This file is being reviewed at present. The applicant will be notified of the outcome of this review as soon as it is concluded.
496. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department had to be notified prior to the changing of a selected task under the BTAP 2012 scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if notification was required before or after the task was completed; if there is a requirement on the herd owner to inform his Department of a substitute task according to the terms and conditions of the scheme; what tasks 2 and 3 actually involve under the scheme as distinct from tasks 6 and 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54111/13]
View answerThe Terms and Conditions of the 2012 BTAP required participants to select two Tasks from the menu of eight Tasks, with provision for participants to notify a subsequent change of a selected Task. Following validation prior to payment under the 2012 Programme, 4,809 participants (but not the person named) were confirmed as having satisfied the requirements of the Programme and were paid.
The person named had selected two Tasks under the 2012 Programme (Tasks 6 and 8) and no third task was selected. The two tasks are as follows:
Task 6
Complete a herd health plan with a veterinary surgeon. Those availing of this option in 2012 must join the voluntary Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme in that year (verification will be through ICBF). A sample template which may be utilised, if suitable, for this purpose in consultation with your veterinary surgeon is attached at Appendix III.
Task 8
Put a rotational grazing system in place on the farm with the minimum of 6 grazing divisions per grazing group and each division must have its own water supply. Grazing divisions may be through permanent fencing or through temporary electric fencing which may be rotated around the farm.
Following validation, the person named was found to have failed Task 6, specifically two calves were not BVD tested, a requirement of the BVD eradication programme being that all calves be BVD tested. An official of this Department notified Minister of State Ring of the position on 7th March 2013.
Subsequent to this date, the Principal Officer concerned, authorised a general administrative review of those cases found ineligible following validation. Following the decision to review these unpaid cases, it was established from a file received from ICBF on 14 May 2013, that the person named had effectively successfully completed Tasks 2 and 3; he was, therefore, deemed to be eligible under the 2012 Programme, notwithstanding that he had not selected either of these Tasks, nor had he sought to substitute either, or both, of the Tasks selected.
For information, Tasks 2 and 3 were as follows:
Task 2
Provide on farm certified weights to ICBF as specified below. Options for recording would include:
- Farmer recording of weights using scales owned by the farmer or group of farmers);
- Farmer recording of weights using scales provided by ICBF or an ICBF approved service provider (i.e. where the scales are rented from ICBF or an ICBF-approved service provider and the farmer does the recording himself;
- Technician recording of weights using scales provided by ICBF or an ICBF approved service provider (i.e. where the scales are operated by a technician working for ICBF or an ICBF-approved service provider).
Task 3
Increase the genetic merit of the herd by using one of the following:
- Use 5-star AI bulls on overall Suckler Beef Value (SBV) or on the maternal sub-index (within or across breed) on at least 25% of the beef cow herd;
- Participate in Gene Ireland; this will be verified by ICBF;
- Use a 5-star stock bull. A farmer must use a 5-star stock bull (5 stars within breed or across breed is acceptable) on overall SBV or on the maternal sub-index in his herd. The task is a qualifying one for one year only i.e. it cannot be selected by a participant in more than one year of the Programme;
- Improve maternal traits in the herd by using heifers that have 4 stars for daughter fertility or for daughter milk (or equivalent on any future development of the maternal Beef indexes). For the purposes of this task, a farmer must replace 15% of his herd (based on number of cows in the herd) with heifers who have 4 stars for either daughter milk or daughter fertility to satisfy this requirement. (This option will be available from 2012).
The case of the person named was one of 683 participants in the 2012 Programme who were similarly deemed eligible on review and subsequently paid in July 2012.
497. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not had their single farm payment for 2012 processed; the reasons for such a delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54113/13]
View answerThe closing date for receipt of applications under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme was 15 May, with late applications (subject to a cumulative penalty of 1% per working day) acceptable up to 10 June. The 2012 Single Payment Scheme application of the person named was received by my Department on 19 August 2013. However, a postal certificate was also submitted with the application form, which allowed the late penalty to be waived.
Subsequently the person named was requested to submit evidence of entitlement to claim the commonage land included on the application. The necessary evidence was submitted and the application was finalised. Payment issued on 9 December, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
498. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the 2013 single payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54194/13]
View answerThe person named submitted a Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application on 7 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.
499. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment under the 2013 single payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54195/13]
View answerThe person named submitted a Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme application on 12 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 was notified of this decision on 16 December 2013. The person named was also informed of their right to seek a review of this decision.
Processing of payments due, on the basis set out above, under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme have been finalised and will issue shortly to the nominated bank account of person named.
500. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged areas scheme and single payment scheme payments for 2013. [54231/13]
View answerWhile the person named is currently registered as the owner of the herd number quoted, the application under this herd number submitted under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was submitted in the name of the previous registered owner of the said herdnumber, that person since being deceased. The necessary legal documentation has recently been received in my Department and is being processed. As soon as this is finalised, the application in question will be further processed, with a view to payment.
501. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged areas scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54232/13]
View answerAs processing of the application of the person named under the 2013 Disadvantaged Area Scheme is now completed, payment is due to issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
502. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged areas scheme and single payment scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54233/13]
View answerPayment issued directly to the nominated account of the person named on 05 December 2013 less an overpayment of €5.91. The person named has been notified of this overpayment and of the reason for same.
