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Wednesday, 12 Feb 2014

Written Answers Nos. 160-165

Departmental Bodies

Questions (160)

Michael McNamara

Question:

160. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of his Department in respect of Government policy for which he is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [6998/14]

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Written answers

As Minister for Defence I have responsibility for answering Parliamentary Questions in respect of the Defence Forces and the Army Pensions Board.

Ministerial Appointments

Questions (161)

Michael McNamara

Question:

161. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of bodies to which he has the authority to appoint board members. [7013/14]

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Written answers

In my role as Minister for Defence I have the authority to make appointments to the Army Pensions Board.

The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act, 1927. It consists of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one (but only one) must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. In accordance with legislation, the chairman and the non Military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence.

Local Authority Functions

Questions (162)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

162. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under his area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7028/14]

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Written answers

There have been no new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation published by my Department since June 2009.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals

Questions (163)

Dara Calleary

Question:

163. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Galway can expect to have a decision issued in respect of their disadvantaged areas scheme appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6965/14]

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Written answers

A 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.

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.

Animal Welfare

Questions (164)

Simon Harris

Question:

164. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to ban the removal of the dew claw from dogs considering this practice is already banned by the national vets body; if he will consider introducing such a ban in animal welfare legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6966/14]

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Written answers

After widespread consultation, including with veterinary representatives, I will be bringing forward regulations shortly to cover dew claws and other practices under the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013. I look forward to bringing these forward shortly.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Questions (165)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

165. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an exercise in establishing the position of a holding in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal in respect of their disadvantaged areas scheme application for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6968/14]

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Written answers

Under the 2013 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, eligible applicants are required to have met a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a retention period of seven consecutive months, in addition to maintaining an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the scheme year.

While the holding of the person named was confirmed as having satisfied the twelve-month average, it did not satisfy the seven month minimum requirement. Therefore, unfortunately, no payment is due to the person named under the 2013 Scheme. The person named has been informed of this in writing advising him of the right to appeal.

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