Written Answers Nos. 485-502
485. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo may expect to receive their sheep headage scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6240/14]
View answerThe application of the person named under 2013 Grassland Sheep Scheme was the subject of a ground sheep eligibility inspection in accordance with the provisions of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1122/2009. The processing of the results of the inspection has recently been finalised, thereby allowing payment to issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
486. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo may expect to have their disadvantaged area payment for 2013 processed; the reasons for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6252/14]
View answerAs processing of the application of the person named under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was recently completed, payment is due to issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
487. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a person (details supplied) in County Galway was notified of an over-claim assessed against them; if details of such an over-claim, including maps, were posted to the person; the details of the over-claim involved and the penalties imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6301/14]
View answerA review of the land declared by the person named under the Single Payment Scheme revealed that several of the land parcels declared contained ineligible features resulting in a deduction of 5.84 hectares which resulted in a penalty of €3,575.66.
A letter and a set of maps of the land parcels in question have issued to the person named. However, the applicant has sought a review of the decision and this review is currently being undertaken. The case in question has been sent for a ground verification check to clarify the matter. My Department will be in direct contact with the person named regarding the outcome of the review once this verification check has been completed. If the applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of the review, he can appeal his case to the Independent LPIS Appeals Committee.
488. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 480 of 17 December 2013, under what statutory authority are equine breeders being asked to pay for the costs of identification and registration of equines in view of the compulsory nature of the measures which are approved for this purpose under the terms of the relevant equine legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6309/14]
View answerAs previously indicated to the Deputy, the identification of equidae is governed by EU Council Directives 90/426/EEC and 90/427/EEC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 504/2008 of 6 June 2008, which have been transposed in into national legislation via S.I. No. 357 of 2011 - European Communities (Equine) Regulations 2011 (as amended). This legislation imposes an obligation and, as a corollary, any associated cost, on the owners and keepers of equines to ensure that equine animals in their possession are identified in accordance with the legislation.
The fees charged by veterinarians and Passport Issuing Organisations to individuals, in the provision of a service to identify an equine animal in accordance with the law, are commercial matters agreed between the relevant parties.
489. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the credit options or State supports available to a farmer wishing to invest but unable to access funding through the banks. [6316/14]
View answerAs far as credit availability to farmers is concerned, I have recently met the CEOs of the three main banks, and all have emphasised that the banks are willing and anxious to lend to farmers seeking to expand. If a farmer has had an application for credit refused or reduced and feels that the bank's decision is unjustified, he/she can seek to have the issue reviewed by the Credit Review Office.
Depending on the type of activity proposed, the enterprise may be eligible to access credit through either Microfinance Ireland or the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, two schemes introduced by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The assistance provided through both of these initiatives, like many Government-backed business support activities, is regarded as State Aid and governed according to the European Commission's De Minimis State Aid rules. Therefore primary agricultural production (i.e. farming) is not included in these Schemes. However, investment for the purpose of value-adding downstream processing and marketing activities is regarded as being "industrial" and so may be eligible for the Microfinance and SME Credit Guarantee Schemes.
In the case of State support for on-farm investments, the final tranches under the TAMS Dairy Equipment, Rainwater Harvesting and Sheep Fencing/Handling Schemes closed at end-December 2013 under the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme and my Department is currently processing the applications received.
A consultation paper in relation to the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme has also been prepared which sets out a number of priorities in the case of on-farm investment schemes under the new Programme, including further support to encourage investment in the dairy sector due to the forthcoming abolition of milk quotas and an enhanced scheme of grant-aid for young farmers with a special grant-rate of 60 per cent. The dates of introduction of these new schemes will be dependent on a number of factors, including the requirement to obtain EU Commission approval for the Programme concerned.
490. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when arrears will be paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6338/14]
View answerAs part of the ongoing LPIS Review of the eligibility of land parcels declared under various Area-based Direct Aid Schemes, the applications received from the person named under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme were reviewed and, following correspondence with the person named, matters satisfactorily resolved, thereby allowing outstanding payments in respect of the 2010 and 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme to issue directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on 4 February and 6 February respectively.
491. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has reconciled the financial situation between the Castlerea Town Trust and the other non-Department trust in the town of Castlerea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6355/14]
View answerAs regards these two trusts relating to the town of Castlerea, I am advised by the trustees that there is now a complete separation of the public and private trusts, including separate bank accounts.
492. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way he foresees smart technology improving the efficiency of the agrifood sector while protecting the sustainability of the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6358/14]
View answerThe Irish agricultural production system is already recognised as being one of the most efficient in the world. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has found that Irish dairy production has the joint lowest carbon footprint in the EU. The footprint of Irish beef is also below the EU average. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has also found that the temperate grassland production system, which is the predominant system of production in Ireland, is one of the most efficient in the world.
My Department is aware of the need to identify cost effective abatement options that can reduce carbon emissions while at the same time improving farm profitability. We are now preparing the agriculture sectoral roadmap under the Heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill published in early 2013. The sectoral roadmap for agriculture will take into account the targets in the industry's Food Harvest 2020 strategy as well as the existing mitigation commitments. However, it is important that the roadmap will also outline a longer term view and will seek to balance the objectives of allowing the food industry to grow so as to meet the food security challenges that face the world; as well as the need to meet future climate change ambition.
The recently published Environmental Analysis Report on Food Harvest 2020 has found that the adoption and use of high technology and best production methodologies at farm production level will yield the best environmental outcomes and result in the most effective mitigation measures. The preparation of the new Rural Development Programme (RDP) for the period 2014-2020 is being informed by the findings and recommendations in this report, and will be a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas.
I have recently published a consultation document outlining a range of measures proposed for inclusion in the new RDP. The measures have been designed to support the Smart Green Growth message of Food Harvest 2020 and thus will encompass the themes of technology, efficiency and sustainability referenced by the Deputy.
The main elements of the consultation document in terms of proposed measures are:
- a substantial new agri-environment/climate scheme (GLAS), which will build on the progress made under REPS and AEOS. The Scheme aims to deliver overarching benefits in terms of the rural environment and address issues of climate change mitigation, water quality and the preservation of habitats and species.
- incentives for on-farm capital investment, which will incorporate support for investments with clear sustainability benefits.
- knowledge transfer and innovation measures including support for the European Innovation Partnership. These knowledge transfer measures are aimed at underpinning farm viability, sustainability and growth through the adoption of best practice and innovative solutions.
- a new beef data and genomic technology measure worth up to €52 million per year. This scheme will have a range of benefits in terms of sustainability, profitability, animal health and welfare, quality assurance, and herd quality;
- other supports aimed at collaborative farming, artisan producers and organic farming.
These measures are currently the subject of a public consultation process which is open to written submissions by 19 February.
Genomic technology, in which we are a world leader, uses DNA finger printing to increase the efficiency of animal breeding programmes by identifying high performance at a very early stage. The application of this technology on a national scale through my investment in this programme aims to secure this technology's adoption in the National Suckler herd similar to its widespread adoption in the National Dairy herd. It supports efficiency gains which deliver benefits directly to the farmer in terms of output and financial return as well as to the environment as we improve our efficiency of production systems.
This type of smart investment will ensure that we remain as efficient as possible in our production systems. Irish agriculture has already achieved significant progress in production efficiency including the use of fertiliser and manure, grassland management, improved breeding and better fertility. Essential ongoing research into new technologies is being undertaken to maintain our economic and environmental competitive advantages. The level of emissions from agriculture has been steadily decreasing in recent years and my Department will continue to work with state and industry stakeholders so as seek even greater future efficiencies in a sustainable Irish agriculture sector.
493. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the ceiling for off-farm income to an applicant for young farmers entitlements who is under 40 years of age and has a green certificate from agricultural college. [6386/14]
View answerEU Regulation 1307/2013 outlines the basic criteria for the definition of 'young farmer' while allowing Member States to add further objective criteria. I have already indicated that persons hoping to qualify as young farmers in Ireland must have completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or its equivalent.
Under the National Reserve applied as part of the current Single Payment Scheme, an off-farm income limit of €30,000 and total income limit of €40,000 was applicable to persons who applied for an allocation of entitlements. The rationale for applying an off-farm income limit and an educational qualification requirement is to ensure that the resources in the National Reserve and indeed the payment available under the Young Farmers Scheme from 2015 are directed towards genuine young farmers who can demonstrate a commitment to farming by securing relevant educational qualifications and who are solely or mainly dependant on an income from farming.
No decision has yet been taken on the level of off-farm income that will apply to the National Reserve or Young Farmers Scheme applicants for 2015.
494. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason there is a continuing delay in processing the 2012 disadvantaged areas scheme application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he will expedite same due to the lengthy delay and the financial hardship it is causing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6392/14]
View answerFollowing processing of the application of the person named under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, issues were identified in relation to equine documentation. Following protracted contact with the person named, these issues were successfully resolved. In the meantime, however, the application is now subject of the current LPIS Review, whereby land parcels declared under Area-based Direct Aid Schemes are being reviewed as to their eligibility. Immediately the review is complete, any payments due under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will issue directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
495. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the penalties imposed on farmers as a result of parcels of land being excluded from single farm payments for reasons such as heather, gorse or natural woodland foliage; if he will consider changing the terms and conditions for the area-based payment County Donegal receives for continuous grazing from seven months back to six, acknowledging that weather conditions for the shorter grazing season in County Donegal is a full six weeks shorter than for County Cork, for example; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6417/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be fully aware of the value of the EU funded Direct Payment Schemes to Ireland. Each year farmers in Ireland benefit from funding of over €1.5 billion under Schemes such as the Single Farm Payment Scheme, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, the Agri-Environment Schemes, etc. This comprises the entire net income of many thousands of Irish farmers.
The European Commission has an obligation to ensure that Member States manage and use the EU funding granted to them in accordance with the very restrictive provisions governing the Schemes and general financial provisions. All of the lands declared by farmers must be eligible if these lands benefit from payment under one of more of these Schemes. My Department is currently carrying out a comprehensive exercise by excluding ineligible features, such as houses, roads, scrub, rivers, etc. in land parcels declared by farmers. In the vast majority of cases, the exclusion has no impact on payments as the farmers in question have taken a prudent approach and reduced the declared area to take account of the ineligible feature. No cutbacks have been applied on eligible land. area to take account of the ineligible feature. For example, areas of heather, which are actively managed and controlled, are fully eligible for payment. Deductions for heather are only made where the plant has become woody indicating that management practices are not sufficient. Gorse or woodland foliage are not eligible nor can they be deemed eligible in any state as they are not a herbaceous plant and hence do not meet the terms for eligibility as laid down in the EU Regulations.
As the Review exercise remains ongoing at present, it is not feasible to collate the data sought by the Deputy. However, data is being extracted and compiled and will be provided directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Insofar as the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is concerned, while the Terms and Conditions governing the 2014 Scheme have yet to be finalised, it is not anticipated that there will be any significant changes introduced.
Payments under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced, on schedule, on 25 September and, to date, payments worth €195,511,959 have issued nationally, to some 93,155 applicants, with payments continuing to issue on a twice weekly basis, with individual cases being paid as they are confirmed eligible. In respect of County Donegal, the payments made are worth some €17,199,637; details as follows:
2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme
|
Numbers applied |
Numbers paid |
Value of payments |
|
7,892 |
7,510 |
€17,199,637 |
While the majority of those as yet unpaid have not yet satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements, for those who did satisfy these requirements, confirmation of compliance is via manual records - these are applicants who satisfy the requirements by virtue of having held sheep and/or equines (horses/donkeys), but whose stock details are not available electronically. These farmers submit their flock registers and horse/donkey passports for noting. There is a volume of these currently being processed.
496. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will name each company awarded a contract for the provision of professional services by his Department and agencies under his aegis since May 2011; the value and purpose of the contract; if a competitive tendering process was undertaken in line with public procurement best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6448/14]
View answerIt is not possible to provide this information in the required time. I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
497. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken to open up and secure the potential of the live export market for Irish cattle to the UK; if, together with Bord Bia, he will take a more active role in this process; if he will meet UK retailers and UK and Irish meat processors to highlight the potential benefits of developing this trade on both sides of the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6470/14]
View answerThe live export trade has a dual role in stimulating price competition for domestic cattle while satisfying a real demand for suitable Irish cattle in overseas markets. My Department and Bord Bia remain fully committed to facilitating this trade so that producers can secure the best possible returns for Irish beef and live exports.
However, the potential to grow the live trade to Britain is constrained by the labelling systems operated by the retail multiples that are the main outlet for high-quality Irish beef products in the British markets, the interaction of overlapping labelling rules relating to the mandatory labelling system for all beef marketed in the EU, and the eligibility requirements governing the UK food quality assurance scheme known as the Red Tractor.
Harmonised EU rules require mandatory traceability and origin labelling for beef from slaughterhouse to point of sale to consumers with the objective of providing maximum transparency for the marketing of beef. Compulsory beef labelling requires food business operators to label fresh, frozen or minced beef with specific information to enable the product to be traced back to the animals from which it was derived and must include details of the slaughterhouse and de-boning hall in which the animal was processed as well as the country in which it was born and reared.
The mandatory labelling rules prevent final retailers from describing any beef products derived from animals born in Ireland but exported live for finishing and processing in Britain as either British or Irish. Labelling of such product has to state the country of birth as Ireland, the country of rearing as Ireland and the country of slaughter as the United Kingdom. As the Irish-born / UK-finished proposition is regarded as difficult to communicate to consumers and likely to cause unnecessary labelling complications, retailers prefer to market British and Irish beef separately as part of their product mix. This effectively means as a matter of policy UK retailers prefer beef to be sourced from animals originating in one country only.
In addition, logistical difficulties arise when a small number of Irish-born animals are slaughtered in a UK meat plant. These carcasses have to be deboned in a separate batch, packaged and labelled accordingly, thereby incurring additional costs for the processor.
Bord Bia actively supports the development of the live export trade through the provision of market information, developing market access and promotional activity. Although Bord Bia has repeatedly raised the labelling issue in discussions with the British retail sector, the multiples are unlikely to change their stance as they seek to shorten their supply chains in the wake of the equine DNA issue. Nevertheless, Bord Bia will continue to pursue all opportunities to maximise the value and volume of our beef and livestock exports to the UK.
498. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken to help safeguard livestock farmers against a collapse in bull beef prices by 30 cent to 50 cent per kilogram or €100 to €150 per head since mid-December; if he will call in the beef processing industry and demand that it restore price and competition to bull beef prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6472/14]
View answerMarket conditions in the cattle sector are monitored on an ongoing basis by my Department and I am aware of reports that some sellers are experiencing difficulties in trading and moving stock particularly those animals that do not qualify for the industry's Quality Payment System. Prices for prime steers and heifers have remained relatively stable but the young bull trade is challenging at present as age and weight issues continue to affect demand.
Aggregate cattle supplies at Department-approved meat plants to the end of January 2014 are up almost 10% on the corresponding period in 2012 with strong increases recorded in the steer, heifer and cull cow categories. This higher throughput is partly a result of cattle becoming fit for slaughter earlier than in previous years leading to a situation whereby factories are giving preference to certain types of stock that are better suited to the trade specifications demanded by their retail customers.
Cattle prices are determined by the dynamics of supply and demand in the marketplace and I have no function in relation to commercial transactions between the meat factories and their suppliers. Rather, it is the responsibility of the industry – in this instance, processors and farmers working together – to manage the type and volume of cattle being brought to market such that the supply chain operates for the benefit of both parties and does not undermine the viability of bull beef production systems for either winter finishers or suckler farmers. I understand that producer and meat processor representatives have recently engaged in discussions with a view to resolving the short-term oversupply of young bulls. An industry-led solution to clear the backlog of bull beef is essential to restoring confidence in the sector and will hopefully resolve the current difficulties for farmers.
I fully recognise the importance of maintaining confidence in a sector that has benefitted from historically high price levels in recent years. Earlier this week, I announced the operational details of an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014. This package will include a €23m for Beef Genomics Scheme, €10m for the Beef Data Programme, €5m for the Beef Technology Adoption Programme and €2m in residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme.
The Genomic Scheme is a particularly important innovation that it utilises cutting-edge science developed by the Teagasc research facility at Moorepark in collaboration with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). The use of genomics in dairy animals has helped transform cattle breeding in that sector as well as delivering tangible gains for efficient farmers. Introducing this technology for the suckler sector will help to improve the genetic quality of the national beef herd and to increase productivity and profitability at farm level.
The scheme will provide a payment of €40 per calf to participants in return for genotyping a selection of their animals specified by ICBF. Genomic selection involves taking an animal's DNA sample and sending it to a laboratory to assess its performance traits. Farmers can use this information predicting the genetic merit of their stock to inform their breeding and selection decisions. Application forms for the scheme will issue to farmers over the coming weeks.
The Government's investment is a strong vote of confidence in the suckler beef sector. It exemplifies the smart, green growth initiatives envisioned in the 2020 strategy and, coupled with additional support measures under the new Rural Development Programme, will underpin the development of a sustainable beef sector with long-term growth potential.
499. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken to close the very large and unacceptable beef price gap between Irish cattle prices and cattle prices in our largest export market, Great Britain, which is now in the order of 80 cent per kilogram or more than €300 per animal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6473/14]
View answerWhile my Department has a role in monitoring and reporting on cattle prices I have no function in relation to commercial transactions between meat factories and their suppliers. Rather this is the responsibility of the industry – processors and farmers working together – to manage the type and volume of cattle brought to market so that the supply chain operates for the benefit of both parties.
I am not therefore in a position to influence the price paid for cattle either in Ireland or indeed the United Kingdom, particularly in a trade that is cyclical in nature and prone to short-term price fluctuations. Furthermore, successive reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy have involved a shift to more market-oriented policies that move away from price supports and towards direct payments to farmers.
The UK is approximately 80% self sufficient in its beef requirements and is, by a significant margin, the main market of Irish beef accounting for around 50% of exports in volume terms. Trade with the UK is impacted by fluctuations in the euro/sterling exchange rate and the extent of Britain's import requirement which is forecast to increase in the short run consequent on a continuing decline in domestic beef production. The strong UK cattle prices reflect a fundamentally tight supply situation. The total number of prime cattle slaughtered at UK abattoirs during 2013 fell 2% on the year to 1.93 million head leaving the UK prime cattle kill for the whole year at its lowest point since at least 1970 when records began. However, with the UK cattle herd at its lowest point since 1948, it is likely that these slaughter levels are the lowest in approximately 65 years.
A number of factors have also been identified to account for the differential between Irish and UK cattle prices. These include a British consumer preference for indigenous beef product. In any analysis of comparative prices, it must also be recognised that UK cattle prices are currently among the highest in the EU. Moreover, a price differential makes Irish beef products competitive in the UK market such that Ireland supplies the bulk of the UK's import demand notwithstanding additional logistical and processing costs incurred in shipping to that market.
It is correct to say that Irish beef exports into the UK tend to command a lower value per kilogram than domestic British beef but it is equally true that the prices achieved there would be well ahead of equivalent beef prices across most of the Continental EU markets where finished cattle prices are much lower. For example, Irish cattle prices remained ahead of EU levels in 2013 averaging around 106% of EU R3 male cattle prices. It is expected that the Irish beef sector will be well placed to maintain this momentum in 2014 despite some further increase in supplies.
500. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will negotiate with the EU Commission on behalf of farmers to ensure that thousands of Irish farmers are not unfairly burdened with payment clawbacks and penalties on land eligibility as far back as 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6474/14]
View answerI would like to clarify that there were no so-called claw back of payments under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme. In processing the applications under the Single Payment Scheme and other Direct Aid Schemes, my Department is legally obliged to adhere to the requirements set out in the EU Regulations governing each of the Schemes. It is not possible to deviate from the provisions of these Schemes. If an applicant over-declared his or her land by including ineligible features or ineligible areas in the application form, the provisions of the Regulations must be respected in relation to the processing of each application and in the calculation of deductions and penalties.
I would also like to make it clear that each year my Department forwards maps, Terms and Conditions and covering explanatory letters to all applicants. In all of the documentation forwarded, it is made very clear to farmers that they should not claim on any ineligible land or features such as houses, buildings, farmyards, lakes, bogs or scrub etc. As the Deputy will be well aware, the vast majority of farmers adhere to the requirements and ensure that the area declared is all eligible for payment.
I am, of course, fully aware of the impact of the deductions made in individual cases. In that regard I implemented a comprehensive review and appeals process to ensure that the cases of individual farmers are fully scrutinised. In the first instance, a farmer, who finds himself or herself in this position, can seek a review of the original decision by Department officials. If they are not happy with the outcome of the review, they can submit an appeal to the independent LPIS Appeals Committee, chaired by Mr. Padraig Gibbons. In addition, I have put in place a process where an on-the-spot verification can be undertaken by one of my Department's officials to assist farmers with land eligibility issues.
501. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ask the European Commission if, during the past five years, it has undertaken laboratory tests on Brazilian beef and US beef imports into the EU for the presence of any hormones, anabolic steroids, ractopamine or products or substances deemed illegal in the European Union; if he will provide results and details of these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6476/14]
View answerTo be approved to export to the EU, a Third Country must satisfy the European Commission that its regime offers equivalent guarantees to those applicable in the EU, particularly in terms of legislation, hygiene conditions, animal health status, veterinary medicines controls, zoonoses controls and other food law. In addition, an approved residue monitoring programme must be in place. Furthermore, the meat must be sourced from establishments that are approved and must bear an EU approved health mark. In Third Countries where hormones or other substances banned in the EU are used, split production systems must be in place.
The Food and Veterinary office (FVO) of the EU carries out inspections in Third Countries to verify the situation on the ground. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met by an approved establishment in a Third Country, the establishment may be removed from the EU approved list.
Meat may only be imported into the European Community through an EU approved border inspection post (BIP). BIPs across the EU carry out sampling on imported products for residues of banned substances including steroids and hormones, as well as permitted medicines such as antibiotics and anthelmintics.
The EU Commission publishes an annual consolidated report of the results from the national residue control plans of all Member States which can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/residues/monitoring_en.htm.
502. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital projects he intends to progress in 2014 at fishery harbour centres; the amounts allocated to the projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6508/14]
View answerThe Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme which my Department administers on an annual basis provides funding for capital works at the six Fishery Harbour Centres.
The allocation of funding within the 2014 Programme is currently under consideration.
