Thursday, 16 Jan 2014

Written Answers Nos. 283-295

Agriculture Scheme Penalties

Questions (283)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers who had land destroyed by the recent storms or swept away by the sea or have land that is flooded or had fences destroyed or had boulders thrown on their land or in any other way are not in compliance with the conditions of either the disadvantaged areas scheme, single farm payment, REP scheme or AEOS will be exempt from penalty for this non-compliance if inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2057/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department, in the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas’ Scheme and other area based schemes, is required to carry out annual inspections covering both the eligibility of the land declared to draw down payments and also cross compliance aspects, to ensure compliance with EU regulatory requirements in the areas of public, animal and plant health, environment and animal welfare.

In carrying out these inspections, which must be carried out to a standard which meets EU audit requirements in order to protect the draw-down of the significant funding involved, and in addition, every effort is made to take account of the realities of farming including weather conditions such as the damage caused by recent storms. Each case will be examined on its individual merits and in instances of non-compliance Departmental officials do have leeway to apply “force majeure” or exceptional circumstances where events have occurred that are beyond the farmer’s control.

Severe Weather Events Expenditure

Questions (284)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

284. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assistance he will make available for the repair of piers, slips, sea walls and other defences destroyed in the recent storms; when this assistance will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2058/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department is responsible for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Rossaveel and Killybegs. The Fishery Harbour Centres provide essential services and facilities to the fishing industry around the coastline of Ireland. My Department also has responsibility for North Harbour at Cape Clear Island and for maintaining a range of Piers, Lights and Beacons around the coast in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons act.

The repairs to Local Authority owned piers and harbours, and other coastal defences remain in the first instance the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority. My Department is a representative on the National Coordination Group on Severe Weather, convened to assess the impact of the storms on infrastructure and communities and to ensure a co-ordinated response by relevant local authorities, Government Departments and Agencies. The Government is considering the appropriate course of action to deal with the impacts of the recent storms nationally.

Industrial Disputes

Questions (285)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

285. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the effect that threatened industrial action by IMPACT could have on the services of his Department; if this will lead to a delay in paying farmers grants due to them; the steps being taken to resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2061/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In announcing industrial action by technical staff in my Department, IMPACT have stated that their aim is to cause administrative inconvenience to the Department’s management without impacting on farmers or the food industry. I am, of course, concerned to ensure that the issues which gave rise to this industrial action are resolved as quickly as possible and my Department will work with IMPACT within the available industrial relations mechanisms to achieve that outcome.

Beef Technology Adoption Programme Payments

Questions (286)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

286. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the beef technology scheme will issue to a farmer; the details of any penalty on their payment; the reason they were not told they were ineligible for the rotational grazing measure when the TAMS grant they received related to external fencing and not internal fencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2062/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Full payment in respect of the 2013 Beef Technology Adoption Programme issued directly to the nominated bank account of the persons named on 24 December 2013.

The persons named also applied for the 2013 Sheep Technology Adoption Programme. In order qualify for payment participants were required to attend four Programme meetings and satisfactory complete two Tasks, chosen by the applicants, from a menu of nine Tasks. One of the two Tasks chosen by the persons named was Task 7. The Terms and Conditions of the 2013 STAP, (a copy of which was provided to the persons named with their letter of acceptance into the Programme, dated 22 April 2013) provided as follows in respect of this Task:

Task 7 (Qualifying task in one year only)

Put a rotation grazing system in place on the farm with a minimum of 4 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 and must be in place by 1 May 2013. Existing or previous participants in the Sheep Handling/Fencing TAMS Scheme are ineligible for this task.

Following validation, prior to payments being made, it was found that the persons named had participated in the Sheep Handling/Fencing TAMS Scheme. On this basis the persons named were deemed to be ineligible for payment under the 2013 Sheep Technology Adoption Programme.

Sheepmeat Sector

Questions (287)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

287. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the increase of 33% in the price of having dead sheep brought to rendering plants; the reason for this increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2067/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The TSE (Fallen Animal) Subsidy Scheme is an essential part of the infrastructure underpinning Ireland’s successful livestock and meat processing industries, which had an estimated combined export value of almost €3 billion in 2012. The Scheme ensures primarily that fallen bovine animals over 48 months, which must be BSE-tested in accordance with EU legislation, are disposed of in compliance with all animal and public health and environmental regulations. The Scheme also allows for a payment to animal collectors for a certain number of sheep and goats over 18 months that are tested for Scrapie.

The number of sheep and goats to be tested for Scrapie varies from year to year and a payment of €5 is made to animal collectors for the sheep and goats that are prepared on the knackery premises by the collectors for sampling, provided the samples yield a conclusive result.

The operation of the Subsidy Scheme has been examined in my Department and a number of changes have been introduced, with effect from 30 November 2013, in relation to fallen bovines over 48 months. It is important to note however that the rates payable to animal collectors for the preparation of sheep and goats for Scrapie testing under the Scheme have not changed and the subsidy remains at €5.

Bovines under 48 months and all sheep and goats (with the exception of the €5 payment detailed above), are outside the remit of the Subsidy Scheme, and their collection and rendering is a matter for commercial arrangement.

Animal Welfare

Questions (288)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

288. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the dangers that recent weather events have had on hares and the health implications from being chased by greyhounds in waterlogged fields, frost-hardened ground; if he acknowledges that extreme weather events give a disadvantage to the hare during competitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2084/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Under the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing. The ICC has confirmed that it has systems in place to underpin the welfare of animals participating in coursing events. These include mandatory inspections of hares and coursing venues in advance of the commencement of an event. Greyhounds involved in coursing are subject to the provisions of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and the Code of Practice for the care and welfare of greyhounds, published by Bord na gCon.

The ICC has assured the Department that it goes to great lengths to ensure the highest standards are adhered to during coursing. The ICC's rules and regulations (Rule 106) accommodate the postponement of meetings if the weather is unfavourable i.e. snowfall, frost or waterlogged ground, which may affect the welfare of both greyhound and /or hare. The ICC has demonstrated it’s willingness to cancel / postpone meetings in the face of adverse weather conditions, by way of example, one coursing meeting was cancelled on 23rd November 2013 due to heavy frost, and this would be a routine practice for all clubs affiliated to the ICC. Most recently meetings were postponed over the Christmas (2013) period due to unfavourable weather conditions. During extreme weather conditions, it is also the practice of clubs to provide additional food for hares living on hare preserves protected by coursing clubs.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012, has responsibility for the issuing of an annual licence to the ICC and its affiliated clubs to capture live hares. These licences currently have a total of 26 conditions attached to them. The conditions of these licences cover a range of items, including veterinary supervision at coursing meetings and a number of requirements attaching to the welfare of hares.

The ICC ensures that a veterinary surgeon and a control steward are present at all coursing meetings. In addition to this, veterinary staff from my Department and Rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (part of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) carry out random inspections during the coursing season to monitor compliance with the licences and the rules governing animal welfare.

As a further control, a Coursing Monitoring Committee was established during the 1993/94 coursing season and is comprised of officials from my Department and representatives from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the ICC to monitor developments in coursing and in that regard the situation is kept under constant review to ensure that coursing is run in a well controlled and responsible manner in the interests of hares and greyhounds alike.

A very high proportion (98.09%) of the hares captured for hare coursing were returned to the wild at the end of the 2012/2013 season.

The systems that are in place are, in my view, effective and are working well.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (289)

John Deasy

Question:

289. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of each allocation from his Department’s expenditure budget to registered charities in each of the past three years. [2094/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department’s contributions to Gorta for the last 3 years in support of their World Food Day Conference were as follows:

2011 - €18,821

2012 - €16,681

2013 - €20,000

My Department’s contributions to Concern were as follows:

2012 - €1,000

2013 - €1,000

My Department’s ex gratia payments to animal welfare organisations (all registered charities) for the last 3 years were as follows:

2011- €1,235,000 to 132 animal welfare organisations,

2012 - €1,365,000 to 140 animal welfare organisations

2013 - €1,807,100 to 136 animal welfare organisations

(See detailed lists in the table).

No	Applicants Name	Award 2011
1	A Dog’s Life, Maynooth, Co. Kildare	2,000
2	Ability Dogs – Colleens K9, Rockchapel, Cork	5,000
3	Ainmhithe Animal Rescue, Co Mayo	2,000
4	An Cat Dubh, Galway*	1,000
5	An Seanna Riocht Teoranta, Kerry	1,000
6	Animal Heaven Animal Rescue, Co Kerry	10,000
7	Animal Help Net, Kerry	2,000
8	Animal Magic,(T/A Rosie Campbell) Kilmallock, Co Limerick	5,000
9	Animal Rescue Skibbereen, Co Cork	15,000
10	Animal Trust Fund, Co Sligo	1,000
11	Animals In Need, Co Donegal	13,000
12	Athlone Animal Welfare	3,000
13	Audrey Quinn, Fur Babies, Edenderry, Co Offaly	1,000
14	Avalon Greyhound Sanctuary Pro Animale Ireland Ltd. Woodford, Co Galway	7,000
15	Bilberry Goat Heritage Trust, Waterford	3,000
16	Carrick Dog Shelter. Co Monaghan	11,000
17	Cat and Dog Protection Association, Dublin	15,000
18	Cat Concern, Wicklow	2,000
19	Cats Aid, Mulhuddart, Dublin	8,000
20	Cavan SPCA, Cavan	19,000
21	Chippers Sanctuary, Gorey, Co Wexford	2,000
22	Clare Animal Welfare Ltd. Ennis	1,000
23	Clare SPCA, Clonoghan.	9,000
24	Clifden Animal Rescue, Co Galway	1,000
25	Clondalkin Animal Aid Ltd, Dublin	4,000
26	Collon Animal Sanctuary, Louth	8,000
27	Cork Cat Action Trust, Cork	9,000
28	Cork Dog Action Welfare Group (DAWG), Cork	10,000
29	Cottage Rescue, Co Tipperary	10,000
30	Cry for Help Cattery, Co Westmeath	4,000
31	Deise Animal Sanctuary, Waterford	3,000
32	Dog Rescue Ireland, Dublin	4,500
33	Dogs Aid Animal Sanctuary, Dublin	5,000
34	Dogs in Distress, Dunboyne, Co Meath	6,000
35	Donegal Donkey Sanctuary, Raphoe, Co Donegal	1,000
36	Dr. Homes Moate Dog Rescue, Westmeath	4,000
37	Drogheda Animal Rescue, Co Louth	15,000
38	Dublin Animal Rescue Group, Dublin	2,000
39	Dublin SPCA, Dublin	130,000
40	Dundalk Dog Rescue, Castlebellingham, Co Louth	5,000
41	Dungarvan SPCA Rescue Kennels, Co Waterford	9,000
42	East Galway Animal Rescue, Galway	4,000
43	Enniscorthy SPCA, Co Wexford	8,000
44	Fairy Glen Community Animal Sanctuary Roscommon	7,000
45	Fingal SPCA, Co. Dublin	1,000
46	For Dog Sake, Co Meath	3,000
47	Friends for Wildlife, Galway	1,000
48	Friends of Animals, Mullingar, Co Westmeath	3,000
49	Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue, Galway	2,000
50	Galway Cat Rescue, Galway	1,000
51	Galway SPCA, Galway	24,000
52	Glansillagh Animal Rescue, Cork	1,000
53	Holly’s Horse Haven, Co Louth	5,000
54	Homecheckers, Sligo	1,000
55	Inistioge Puppy Rescue, Co Kilkenny	6,500
56	Irish Horse Protection League, Wicklow	5,000
57	Irish Horse Welfare Trust, Wicklow	30,000
58	Irish Raptor Research Centre (Eagles Flying) Ballynet, Co. Sligo	4,000
59	Irish Red Grouse Association, Carlow	1,000
60	Irish Seal Sanctuary, Co Dublin	10,000
61	Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Co Clare	1,000
62	ISPCA Carlow Branch, Carlow	2,000
63	ISPCA, Longford	130,000
64	ISPCA, Victor Dowling Equine Rescue Centre Cork	10,000
65	Joan’s A.R.C. Co Cavan	5,000
66	Kerry Greyhound Connection, Beaufort, Co Kerry	4,000
67	Kerry SPCA, Kerry	6,000
68	Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA, Kildare	11,000
69	Kilkenny SPCA, Kilkenny	8,000
70	KLAWS, Kenmare, Co Kerry	2,000
71	Laois SPCA, Laois	10,000
72	Last Hope Animal Charity, Navan, Co Meath	4,000
73	Leitrim Animal Welfare , Leitrim	10,000
74	Limerick Animal Welfare Ltd, Limerick	25,000
75	Littlehill Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Co Kildare	1,000
76	Longford SPCA, Longford	15,000
77	Louth SPCA Ltd, Louth	15,000
78	MADRA, Co Galway	3,000
79	Mandy Ellis, Clare	1,000
80	Mayo Animal Welfare, Westport, Co. Mayo.	2,500
81	Mayo Cat Rescue, Foresthaven, Ayle, Westport, Co Mayo	4,000
82	Mayo SPCA, Mayo	7,000
83	Meath SPCA, Meath	8,000
84	Monaghan SPCA, Monaghan	17,000
85	Monkey Sanctuary Ireland Ltd. Co. Wicklow	2,000
86	Munster Lost and Found Pet Helpline, Cork	3,000
87	National Exotic Animal Sanctuary Co Meath	4,000
88	New Ross SPCA, Co Wexford	10,000
89	North County Dublin SPCA, Dublin	15,000
90	North West Pet Protection Ltd, Donegal.	13,000
91	North West SPCA Ltd, Mayo	15,000
92	North Wexford SPCA, Gorey, Co Wexford	10,000
93	Offaly SPCA Ltd, Offaly	13,000
94	Passage Goat Herd Trust, Waterford	1,000
95	Pauline’s Rescue, Cork	8,000
96	PAW Pourri Animal Rescue, Clare	1,000
97	PAWS Animal Rescue, Co Tipperary	18,000
98	Petwatch Ltd, Dublin	4,500
99	Remi Le Mahieu T/A Animal Sanctuary Hubasha. Wicklow.	15,000
100	Renvyle Cat & Dog Rescue, Galway	1,000
101	Roscommon SPCA, Roscommon	9,000
102	Roscrea SPCA, Co Tipperary	11,000
103	Rover Rescue Co. Clare	3,000
104	Rural Animal Welfare Resources, Bantry, Co Cork	12,000
105	Sathya Sai Sanctuary Trust for Nature, Sligo	8,000
106	Second Chance Animal Rescue Ltd. (SCAR) Co Clare	7,000
107	Sligo Animal Rescue, Sligo	2,000
108	Sligo Dog Welfare Services, Sligo	2,000
109	South East Birds of Prey Ltd. Co Wexford	2,000
110	St Francis Dispensary for Sick and Injured Animals, Dublin	8,000
111	Sylvia Muhlbachler, Co. Offaly	3,000
112	The Athlone & West Midlands SPCA, Co Westmeath	3,000
113	The Daisy Fund, Kerry	1,000
114	The Donkey Sanctuary, Cork	54,000
115	The Equus Foundation, Co Kildare	3,000
116	The Inner City Cat Rescue Group, Dublin	2,000
117	The Irish Blue Cross, Dublin	50,000
118	The Sunset Appeal, Co Wexford	2,000
119	Tipp Friends Of Animals SPCA, Co Tipperary	4,000
120	Tipperary SPCA, Tipperary	10,000
121	Tipp-Off Animal Rescue, Birr, Co Offaly	10,000
122	Traveller Animal Welfare, Co Wicklow	3,000
123	Tryfanberg Animal Rescue Co. Mayo.	3,000
124	Waterford Animal Welfare, Waterford	10,000
125	Waterford SPCA, Waterford	8,000
126	West Cork Animal Welfare Group, Clonakilty, Co Cork	14,000
127	Westmeath SPCA, Westmeath	9,000
128	Westown Animal Shelter, Naas, Co Kildare	4,000
129	Wexford Pet Helpers, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford	3,000
130	Wexford SPCA, Wicklow	26,000
131	Whiskers New Park Animal Sanctuary, Co Galway	4,000
132	Wicklow SPCA, Wicklow	24,000
	Total	1,235,000

Table 2

No	Applicants Name	Award 2012
1	A Dog's Life, Glenmore, Co Kilkenny	2,000
2	Ainmhithe Animal Rescue, Ballina, Co Mayo	5,000
3	An Cat Dubh Sanctuary, Loughrea, Co Galway	2,000
4	Animal Heaven Animal Rescue (AHAR), Gneeveguilla, Co Kerry	10,000
5	Animal Help Net Kerry, C/o Beechlawn, Tralee, Co Kerry	2,000
6	Animal Magic T/A Rosie Campbell, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick	6,000
7	Animal Rescue Skibbereen, Co Cork	10,000
8	Animal Trust Fund, Passage East, Co Waterford	1,000
9	Animals in Need, Donegal Town, Co Donegal	15,000
10	Athlone Animal Welfare, Athlone, Co Westmeath	4,000
11	Athlone, West Midlands SPCA, Feevaghmore, Co Roscommon	3,000
12	Audrey Quinn, " Fur Babies ", Edenderry, Co. Offaly	2,000
13	Avalon Greyhound Sanctuary Pro Animale Ireland Ltd, Co. Galway	6,000
14	Bilberry Goat Heritage Trust, Rockmount, Co. Waterford	4,000
15	Burren Animal Rescue, Tubber, Co Clare	1,500
16	Carrick Dog Shelter, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan	11,000
17	Cat and Dog Protection Association, Dublin 1	15,000
18	Cat Concern Wicklow, Greystones, Co Wicklow	2,000
19	Cats Aid, C/O " Murrisk ", Mulhuddart, Dublin 15	8,000
20	Cavan SPCA, Co. Cavan	21,000
21	Chippers Sanctuary, Gorey, Co. Wexford	2,000
22	Clare SPCA, Clonloghan, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare	10,000
23	Clifden Animal Rescue, Co Galway	2,000
24	Clondalkin Animal Aid Ltd, Clondalkin, Dublin 22	4,000
25	Collon Animal Sanctuary, Collon, Co. Louth	9,000
26	Community Cats Network, Kilbrittain, Co Cork	1,000
27	Cork Animal Care Society, Kilmichael, Co Cork	4,000
28	Cork Cat Action Trust , Blackrock, Co Cork	9,000
29	Cork SPCA, Mahon, Co. Cork	10,000
30	Cork Dog Action Welfare Group Ltd (DAWG), Macroom, Co Cork	8,000
31	Cottage Rescue, Cashel , County Tipperary	6,000
32	Cry for Help Cattery, Mullingar Co. Westmeath	5,000
33	Deise Animal Sanctuary, Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford	4,000
34	Dog Rescue Ireland, The Ward, Co Dublin	4,500
35	Dogs Aid Animal Sanctuary, Meaktown, Co Dublin	5,000
36	Dogs in Distress, Ash Hill, Dunboyne, Co Meath	6,000
37	Donegal Donkey Sanctuary, Castledooey, Raphoe, Co Donegal	2,000
38	Dr. Homes Moate Dog Rescue, Moate, Co Westmeath	5,000
39	Drogheda Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 159, Drogheda Co. Louth	15,000
40	Dublin Animal Rescue Group, Dublin 9	2,500
41	Dublin SPCA (Dogs & Cats Home), Rathfarnham, Dublin 16	150,000
42	Dundalk Dog Rescue, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth	5,000
43	Dungarvan SPCA Rescue Kennels, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford	10,000
44	East Galway Animal Rescue, Loughrea, Co. Galway	4,000
45	Enniscorthy SPCA , Enniscorthy Co. Wexford	8,000
46	Fairy Glen Community Animal Sanctuary, Co. Roscommon	€8,000
47	Fellenberg Foundation Irl Ltd, Woodford, Co Galway	1,000
48	Fingal SPCA, Portrane, Co Dublin	2,000
49	Forgotten Horses Ireland, , Kilcolgan, Co Galway	1,000
50	Friends for Wildlife, Letterfrack, Co. Galway	2,000
51	Friends of Animals, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	4,000
52	Galway and Claddagh Swan Rescue, Knocknacarra, Galway	3,000
53	Galway Cat Rescue, Knocknacarra, Galway	2,000
54	Galway SPCA, St. Augustine’s Street , Galway	26,000
55	Great Hounds in Need, Clonmel, Co Tipperary	1,000
56	Hollys Horse Haven, Omeath, Co Louth	7,000
57	Homes for Unwanted Greyhounds Beaufort, Co. Kerry	3,500
58	Hungry Horse Outside Ltd, Newtownforbes, Co Longford	1,000
59	Inistioge Puppy Rescue, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny	7,000
60	Irish Equine Welfare, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare	1,500
61	Irish Horse Protection League, Blessington Co. Wicklow	5,000
62	Irish Horse Welfare Trust, Arklow, Co. Wicklow	35,000
63	Irish Raptor Research Centre (Eagles Flying), Ballymote, Co Sligo	6,000
64	Irish Red Grouse Association, Oakpark Avenue, Carlow	2,000
65	Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, , Kilrush, Co Clare	1,500
66	ISPCA (Head Office), Derryglogher Lodge, Co. Longford	150,000
67	ISPCA Carlow Branch, Tullow, Co Carlow	3,500
68	ISPCA Victor Dowling, Mallow, Co. Cork	10,000
69	Joan's A.R.C, Glangevlin, Co Cavan	4,000
70	Kathleen Barrett, Athea, Co Limerick	1,000
71	Kath's Kitty Corner, , Ballymote, Co Sligo	1,000
72	Kerry SPCA, Rackett Lane, Tralee, Co. Kerry	6,000
73	Kildare & West Wicklow SPCA, Kilcullen , Co. Kildare	11,000
74	Kilkenny SPCA, Unit 39, Hebron Road, Kilkenny	8,000
75	KLAWS, Kenmare, Co. Kerry	2,000
76	Laois SPCA, Portlaoise, Co Laois	10,000
77	Last Hope Animal Charity, Navan, Co Meath	6,000
78	Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre Ltd, Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim	15,000
79	Littlehill Animal Sanctuary, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare	1,000
80	Lilys Dog Rescue, Shercock, Co Cavan	1,000
81	Limerick Animal Welfare Ltd, Greystones, Limerick	28,000
82	Limerick Feral Cat, Corbally, Limerick	1,000
83	Limerick SPCA, The Secretary, Hyde Road Limerick	10,000
84	Longford SPCA , No.2 Market Square, Longford	15,000
85	Louth SPCA Ltd , Dundalk, Co. Louth	15,000
86	MADRA , Connemara Kennels, Co Galway	3,000
87	Mallow Animal Rescue, Mallow, Co Cork	1,000
88	Mayo Animal Welfare, Westport, Co. Mayo	2,500
89	Mayo SPCA Ltd, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo	7,000
90	Meath SPCA, Duleek, Co Meath	9,000
91	Mo Chara Animal Rescue Centre Ltd, Thurles, Co Tipperary	6,000
92	Monaghan SPCA, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan	18,000
93	Monkey Sanctuary Ireland Ltd, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow	2,000
94	Munster Lost and Found Pet Helpline, Ballinhassig, Co Cork	4,000
95	National Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Ballivor, Co. Meath	5,000
96	New Ross SPCA, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford	10,000
97	North County Dublin SPCA, Drumcondra, Dublin 9	15,000
98	North West Pet Protection Ltd./ Donegal Pet Rescue, Co. Donegal	15,000
99	North West SPCA Ltd, Carrowreagh, Ballina, Co. Mayo	19,000
100	North Wexford SPCA, Parkville 4 Glen Courtown, Co. Wexford	14,000
101	Offaly SPCA Ltd, 5 Arden Vale,Tullamore, Co. Offaly	14,000
102	Pauline's Rescue, Lauragh, Milford, Charleville, Co Cork	9,000
103	Paw Pourri Animal Rescue, Cronin's Yard, Ennis, Co Clare	1,500
104	PAWS Animal Rescue, Mullinahone, Co Tipperary	20,000
105	Petwatch Ltd, 132 Rialto Cottages, Dublin 8	4,500
106	Precious Paws Animal Sanctuary, Gurteen, Co Sligo	1,000
107	Red's Sanctuary, Mountain View, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo	1,000
108	Remi le Mahieu T/A Animal Sanctuary Hubasha, (ASH), Co. Wicklow	15,000
109	Renvyle Cat and Dog Rescue, Connemara, Co Galway	2,000
110	Roscommon SPCA , P.O. Box 10, Castlerea, Co Roscommon	10,000
111	Roscrea SPCA, Rosemount House Roscrea Co. Tipperary	11,000
112	Rover Rescue, Ennis Co Clare	3,000
113	Rural Animal Welfare Resources (RAWR), Bantry, Co Cork	9,000
114	Sathya Sai Sanctuary, Trust for Nature, Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo	9,000
115	Second Chance Animal Rescue Ltd, Shannon, Co Clare	7,000
116	Sligo Dog Welfare Services, Drumcliff, Co. Sligo	2,000
117	South East Animal Rescue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford	3,000
118	South Tipperary Dog Rescue, Farranacliffe, Co Tipperary	1,000
119	St Francis Dispensary for Sick and Injured Animals, Inchicore, Dublin 8	8,000
120	Sylvia Muhlbachler, Shean, Edenderry, Co Offaly	2,500
121	Taffy's Friends , Ballinlough, Co Roscommon	1,000
122	The Daisy Fund , Tralee, Co Kerry	1,000
123	The Donkey Sanctuary, Mallow, Co. Cork	60,000
124	The Equus Foundation, Naas Co Kildare	3,000
125	The Inner City Cat Rescue Group, Ballybough, Dublin 3	2,500
126	The Irish Blue Cross, Inchicore , Dublin 8	57,000
127	The Sunset Appeal, "Panwa", NewRoss , Co. Wexford	2,000
128	Tipp Friends of Animals SPCA , Nenagh , Co. Tipperary	4,000
129	Tipperary SPCA, Savannah House, Clonmel Co. Tipperary	10,000
130	Tipp-Off Animal Rescue, Birr, Co. Offaly	10,000
131	Traveller Animal Welfare, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow	3,000
132	Waterford Animal Welfare, Tramore, Co Waterford	10,000
133	Waterford SPCA , Yellow Road, Co Waterford	15,000
134	West Cork Animal Welfare Group, Clonakilty , Co. Cork	10,000
135	Westmeath SPCA, Killucan, Co. Westmeath	10,000
136	Westown Animal Shelter, Naas, Co. Kildare	4,000
137	Wexford SPCA, Distillery Road, Co Wexford	28,000
138	Whiskers New Park Animal Sanctuary , Leatra, Williamstown, Co Galway	4,000
139	Wicklow Cats, 15 Broudlough View, Greenhill Road, Wicklow	1,000
140	Wicklow SPCA, Ballygannon Mor, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow	26,000
	Total	1,365,000

Table 3

No	Applicants Name	Award 2013
1	A Dogs Life	2,400.00
2	Ability dogs and Colleens K9	7,000.00
3	Ainmhithe Animal Rescue	7,000.00
4	An Cat Dubh Sanctuary	2,400.00
5	Animal Heaven Animal Rescue (AHAR)	14,000.00
6	Animal Help Net Kerry	2,800.00
7	Animal Magic	7,200.00
8	Animal Rescue Skibbereen	10,000.00
9	Animal Sanctuary Hubasha Ltd T/A ASH Animal Rescue	18,000.00
10	Animal Trust Fund	1,200.00
11	Animals in Need	21,000.00
12	Athlone & Westmidlands SPCA	4,200.00
13	Athlone Animal Welfare	4,800.00
14	Avalon Greyhound Sanctuary	8,400.00
15	Bilberry Goat Heritage Trust	4,800.00
16	Burren Animal Rescue	2,100.00
17	Carrick Dog Shelter	13,200.00
18	Cat Concern Wicklow	2,400.00
19	Cats Aid	9,600.00
20	Cavan SPCA	29,400.00
21	Chipper's Sanctuary	2,400.00
22	Clare SPCA	14,000.00
23	Clifden Animal Rescue	2,400.00
24	Clondalkin Animal Aid Ltd.,	4,800.00
25	Collon Animal Sanctuary	10,800.00
26	Community Cats Network	1,200.00
27	Cork Animal Care Society	4,800.00
28	Cork Cat Action Trust	10,800.00
29	Cork Dog Action Welfare Group Ltd	9,600.00
30	Cork SPCA	14,000.00
31	Cottage Rescue	8,400.00
32	Cry for Help Cattery	6,000.00
33	Deise Animal Sanctuary	4,800.00
34	Dog Rescue Coolronan	1,200.00
35	Dog Rescue Ireland	5,400.00
36	Dogs Aid Animal Sanctuary	8,000.00
37	Dogs in Distress Limited	7,200.00
38	Donegal Donkey Sanctuary	2,400.00
39	Drogheda Animal Rescue	18,000.00
40	Dublin Animal Rescue Group	3,000.00
41	Dublin SPCA	210,000.00
42	Dundalk Dog Rescue	6,000.00
43	Dungarvan (SPCA) Rescue Kennels	14,000.00
44	Enniscorthy SPCA	11,200.00
45	Fairyglen Community Animal Sanctuary	11,200.00
46	Fellenberg Foundation Ltd	1,400.00
47	Fingal SPCA	2,800.00
48	Forgotten Horses Ireland	3,000.00
49	Friends for Wildlife	2,400.00
50	Friends of Animals	5,600.00
51	Fur Babies	2,400.00
52	Galway & Claddagh Swan Rescue	3,600.00
53	Galway Cat Rescue	2,400.00
54	Galway SPCA	36,400.00
55	Glencarraig Sighthound Rescue	1,200.00
56	Great Hounds in Need	1,200.00
57	Holly's Horse Haven Charity	9,800.00
58	Homes for Unwanted Greyhounds	4,200.00
59	Hungry Horse Outside	1,400.00
60	Inistioge Puppy Rescue	8,400.00
61	Irish Horse Protection League	7,000.00
62	Irish Horse Welfare Trust	49,000.00
63	Irish Raptor research Centre Eagles Flying	8,400.00
64	Irish Red Grouse Association	2,400.00
65	Irish Whale & Dolphin Group	1,800.00
66	ISPCA (Head Office)	210,000.00
67	ISPCA Carlow Branch	4,900.00
68	ISPCA Victor Dowling Centre	14,000.00
69	Joan's Animal Rescue Centre	5,600.00
70	Kathleen Barrett	1,400.00
71	Kath's Kitty Corner	1,200.00
72	Kenmare & Locality Animal Welfare Society (Klaws)	2,400.00
73	Kerry Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals	8,400.00
74	Kildare & West Wicklow SPCA	15,400.00
75	Kilkenny SPCA	11,200.00
76	Kitten Cottage	1,200.00
77	KWWSPCA Pound Dogs	1,400.00
78	Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ltd	14,000.00
79	Last Hope Animal Charity	8,400.00
80	Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre Ltd.,	18,000.00
81	Lilys Dog Rescue	1,400.00
82	Limerick Animal Welfare Ltd	39,200.00
83	Limerick Feral Cats	1,200.00
84	Limerick SPCA	14,000.00
85	Longford Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals	21,000.00
86	Louth SPCA	21,000.00
87	Madra	3,600.00
88	Mayo Animal Welfare	3,000.00
89	Mayo SPCA Ltd.,	9,800.00
90	Mo Chara Animal Rescue	8,400.00
91	Moate and North Midlands Dog Rescue	6,000.00
92	Monaghan SPCA	25,200.00
93	Munster Lost and Found Pet Helpline	4,800.00
94	National Exotic Animal Sanctuary	7,000.00
95	New Ross SPCA	14,000.00
96	North Co Dublin SPCA	21,000.00
97	North West Pet Protection T/A Donegal Pet Rescue	18,000.00
98	North West SPCA	26,600.00
99	North Wexford SPCA	19,600.00
100	Offaly SPCA	19,600.00
101	Pauline's Rescue	10,000.00
102	Paw Pourri	1,800.00
103	Paws Animal Rescue	28,000.00
104	Petwatch Limited	6,300.00
105	Precious Paws Animal Sanctuary	1,200.00
106	Renvyle Cat & Dog Rescue	2,400.00
107	Roscommon SPCA	14,000.00
108	Roscrea SPCA	15,400.00
109	Rover Rescue	3,600.00
110	Rural Animal Welfare Resources Ltd.,	10,800.00
111	Saint Francis Dispensary for Sick and Injured Animals	9,600.00
112	Second Chance Animal Welfare Ltd.,	9,800.00
113	Silvia Muhlbachler	3,000.00
114	Sligo Dog Welfare Services	2,400.00
115	South East Animal Rescue	3,600.00
116	South Tipperary Dog Rescue	1,200.00
117	Sunset Appeal	2,400.00
118	The Cat and Dog Protection Association	18,000.00
119	The Daisy Fund	1,200.00
120	The Donkey Sanctuary	84,000.00
121	The Equus Foundation	4,200.00
122	The Inner City Cat Rescue Group	3,000.00
123	The Irish Blue Cross	68,400.00
124	The Sathya Sai Sanctuary	12,600.00
125	Tipperary Friends of Animals SPCA	5,600.00
126	Tipperary South SPCA (TSPCA)	14,000.00
127	Traveller Animal Welfare	4,200.00
128	Waterford Animal Welfare	12,000.00
129	Waterford SPCA	21,000.00
130	West Cork Animal Welfare Group Ltd.,	12,000.00
131	Westmeath SPCA	14,000.00
132	Westown Animal Shelter	5,600.00
133	Wexford SPCA	39,200.00
134	Whiskers New Park Animal Sanctuary	4,800.00
135	Wicklow Cats Rescue/TNR	1,200.00
136	Wicklow SPCA	36,400.00
	Total	1,807,100.00

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (290)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

290. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a reply will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2124/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Deputy is referring to representations made on behalf of residents local to Lough Foyle expressing concern about alleged escalation of oyster farming in the area and correspondence from the Loughs Agency in that regard. My Department is working other relevant Departments and agencies towards the conclusion of a management agreement for both the Foyle and Carlingford areas in order to facilitate the acquisition by the Loughs Agency of aquaculture licensing functions for these Loughs. The Deputy will appreciate that this is a complex task requiring the participation of a number of stakeholders.

My Department is in the process of organising a meeting of senior officials from a number of lead Departments involved, during the first quarter of 2014. The purpose of this meeting will be to arrive at an agreed way forward in terms of the future management of activities on Lough Foyle while pursuing a parallel workable resolution to the complex jurisdictional issues involved.

Due to the legal and jurisdictional complexities involved and the necessity for the involvement of a number of agencies, including the Crown Estates, it is not possible at this stage to give final timeframes for the resolution of this matter.

Irish Language

Questions (291)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

291. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated number and percentage of civil servants who are competent to carry out their duties through the medium of Irish and English in his Department; his views on whether this number is adequate; his plans to increase this number and percentage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2625/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The estimated number of officials in my Department who are competent to carry out their duties through both Irish and English is 35, or 1% of the total staff. In addition, almost 600 staff, or 17% of the total, are competent to conduct some business through Irish. To date my Department has been able to meet the demand of customers who wish to conduct their business through the medium of Irish. Staff who are required to speak Irish in an official capacity and who feel they need to improve their Irish language skills will be facilitated through the provision of Irish language training /refresher courses.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (292)

Niall Collins

Question:

292. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will detail, in tabular form, the total photography costs for her Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1847/14]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My Department was formally established on 2nd of June 2011 and the total spend to date on photography is €10,198.95 on research launches, Comhairle na nÓg events, consultations with young people and EU Presidency - International conferences.

It is the policy of my Department to keep costs in relation to the use of photographers to a minimum. My Department has a detailed project planning process for each event and the decision to book a photographer is based on the merits of the event. Increasingly my Department utilises its own staff to take photographs in-house thereby reducing costs. My Department actively promotes the participation of children and young people including through mechanisms such as Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg. Photography is used on occasion at such events in order to highlight the work of the children and young people and in recognition of the particular technical skills required. Events marking children and young people's participation are highlighted below.

Photographers were booked for the following events:

Children and Young Peoples Participation Events

Date of Event	Event	Cost
11/07/11	Report on consultations with young people on Reform of the Junior Cycle in 2nd level schools	€590.20
27/07/11	Report of consultations with children living in the care of the State.	€590.20
18/11/11	Dáil na nÓg Event	€820.00
15/10/12	How we see it: Report of a survey on Teenagers Body Image	€436.97
07/11/12	Life as a Child and Young Person in Ireland	€493.72
09/11/12	Comhairle na Óg National Showcase	€828.55
15/11/13	Dáil na Óg 2013	€1,094.70

Other Events

Date of Event	Event	Total Cost
23/11/11	Research Launch	€375.00
28/08/12	Report of Task Force	€493.72
23/09/12 to 25/09/2012	Visiting Vietnamese Delegation with Vietnamese Minister for Justice, Adoption Authority and Irish Vietnamese Society	€1409.22
04/10/12 to 5/11/2012	Children's Referendum Information	€1709.70
04/03/13	Standards for Local Youth Groups	€436.97
20/06/13	EU Presidency International Conference Event	€120.00
19/09/13	Dublin Castle Networking of Four Youth Organisations	€500.00
20/09/13	Launch of Board of Child & Family Agency	€300.00

Public Relations Contracts Data

Questions (293)

Niall Collins

Question:

293. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will detail, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by her Department since coming to office; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; her internal Department policy regarding employing external groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1861/14]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Please find in tabular form as requested, the information you require. With regard to my Department's internal policy on external groups providing public relations services, such groups are hired as needs arise, where it is felt their professional expertise can be of assistance to my Department.

Name of Public Relations Firm	Details of Service Supplied	Date of Service	Expenditure (incl VAT)
MKC Communications	Service to assist with information and communications initiatives for the Children's Referendum, Report of the Child Death Review Group and the Child & Family Agency.	July-December 2012	€39,595.00

Youth Services Expenditure

Questions (294)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

294. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide details on the allocation of the €1.75 million in capital funding for youth services in 2013 as set out in the Estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1881/14]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

In 2013, I announced that my Department would be providing capital funding for youth, play and recreation. In this regard, total funding of €1.55m has been made available for my Department's Youth Cafe 2013 programme and a further €250,000.00 capital funding under the Play and Recreation Capital Scheme 2013.

With regard to the Youth Cafés 2013 Programme, Pobal assisted my Department with the application and evaluation process. Some 95 applications for support under this scheme were received by Pobal. Following the completion of an assessment and evaluation process some 30 proposals for new youth cafes projects were approved for funding and for inclusion in the next phase of the youth café programme. These successful applicants have now entered the pre-contracting development stage and are working with Pobal to progress their projects in this regard.

With regard to the Play and Recreation Capital Scheme 2013, €250,000.00 funding was provided for new and existing play and recreation facilities for children and young people and included the refurbishment or upgrading of existing play and recreation spaces and facilities.

The applications received under the Play and Recreation Capital Scheme 2013 were assessed based on their individual need for such funds and taking into account areas where no such facilities exist at present or where facilities were urgently in need of refurbishment and demonstrated a readiness to proceed in 2013.

Details of the proposed 30 new youth cafés and allocations to Local Authorities for play and recreation are provided as follows:

Allocation under Youth Cafés Capital Funding Programme 2013:

1. Sphere 17 Regional Youth Services - Priorswood, Dublin 17 - €50,000

2. Dominic’s Community Centre - Tallaght, Dublin 24 - €50,000

3. Donegal Youth Services - Gort a Choirce, Co. Donegal - €50,000

4. Donegal Youth Service - Ballybofey, Co. Donegal - €50,000

5. Catholic Youth Care - Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin - €50,000

6. Omeath District Development Company - Omeath, Co. Louth - €50,000

7. Drogheda Youth Development – Drogheda, Co. Louth - €50,000

8. Focus Family Resource Centre – Killeshandra, Co. Cavan - €50,000

9. Kildare Youth Hub – Kildare, Co. Kildare - €50,000

10. Roscommon Integrated Development Company, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon - €60,000

11. Ossory Youth Services – Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny - €50,000

12. Galway Regional Youth Federation – Tuam, Co. Galway - €50,000

13. Foróige - Castlebar, Co. Mayo - €50,000

14. Maple Youth Centre - Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo - €50,000

15. Ferns Diocesan Youth Service – Courtown, Co. Wexford - €50,000

16. Monaghan Youth Federation - Clones Co. Monaghan - €60,000

17. Kilcoole Community Development Association - Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow - €50,000

18. Ballybeg Community Development Project - Ballybeg, Co. Waterford - €50,000

19. Learning Hub Limerick – Limerick City - €50,000

20. Gort Young Peoples Company - Gort, Co. Galway - €50,000

21. Branching Out – Sligo, Co. Sligo - €50,000

22. Castlecomer Youth Café - Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny - €50,000

23. Vision Centre - Rathdowney, Co. Laois - €50,000

24. Peter McVerry Trust - Dublin 7 - €60,000

25. Foróige - Waterford City - €50,000

26. Sligo Leader Partnership – Sligo, Co. Sligo - €50,000

27. Foróige - Slane, Co. Meath - €50,000

28. Midlands Regional Youth Service - Mullingar, Co. Westmeath - €60,000

29. Cavan County Council - Bailieboro, Co. Cavan - €60,000

30. Castleknock Community Centre Association - Castleknock, Dublin 15 - €50,000

Play & Recreation Capital Allocations 2013

Local Authority	Funding Recommended
Clare County Council	€20,000
Cork County Council	€20,000
South Dublin County Council	€30,000
Galway County Council	€9,000
Kerry County Council	€20,000
Kildare County Council	€20,000
Kilkenny County Council	€15,000
Limerick City and County Council	€20,000
Dundalk Town Council	€10,000
Mayo County Council	€25,000
Meath County Council	€20,000
Monaghan County Council	€14,000
Clonmel Borough Council	€12,000
North Tipperary County Council	€15,000
TOTAL	€250,000

Value for Money Reviews

Questions (295)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

295. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 495 of 24 September 2013, when the value-for-money review of youth work funding schemes will be completed and published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1882/14]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Work on the Value for Money and Policy Review of youth work funding schemes is well advanced and nearing completion. This is a comprehensive review which deals with the complex matter of evaluating human services delivered to youth populations and therefore requires significant and detailed examination.

The process includes engagement with the Steering Committee appointed for this review by Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as well as engagement with sectoral interests. It further involves analysis of complex data and visits to projects. There are also a number of administrative and quality checks to be completed in consultation with the Steering Committee before the review can be finalised.

This important review will shape the future direction of youth funding and will ensure quality effective value-for-money services that secure best outcomes for young people. It will also inform the development of a new Youth Strategy which is currently being developed by my Department.

I look forward to the finalisation of the Review and its findings in the first quarter of 2014 and to making it available as soon as is practical.