Written Answers Nos. 178-183
178. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding penalties in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7128/14]
View answerThe person named was the subject of a Nitrates inspection carried out on 27 February 2013 by my Department on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. This inspection recorded breaches under the Nitrates Regulations relating to the failure to minimise the creation of soiled water and the inadequate collection of livestock manure. This resulted in a penalty of 20% being applied against the 2013 Direct Payments.
The person named was notified of this decision on the 19 March 2013. The person named has appealed this decision and this request for a review is currently being examined. The person named will be notified of the outcome of this review as soon as possible.
In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this review, the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office within 3 months.
179. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2013 agri-environment options scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7135/14]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1st May 2013.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. These checks are well under way and I anticipate that payments for the AEOS 3 in respect of 2013 will commence in March 2014.
180. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made in resolving the dual claim issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7188/14]
View answerAs indicated in reply to a previous Question regarding this matter, following initial processing of the application of the person named, dual claims were identified in respect of a number of land parcels declared. Query letters issued to both applicants regarding their entitlement to claim the disputed land. While replies have been received, both farmers maintain that they have the right to declare the disputed land. An Official of my Department then made direct contact with the person named with a view to resolving all the outstanding issues.
As matter remains unresolved, the Departmental Official again contacted the person named yesterday (Monday 10th February) outlining the position and explaining that due to the complexity of the legal issues in this case we cannot proceed without further written instruction from the person named. The response of the person named is awaited.
181. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a list of bodies under the aegis of her Department in respect of Government policy for which she is responsible for answering parliamentary questions pursuant to Standing Order 34. [6996/14]
View answerI am responsible for answering Parliamentary Questions pursuant to Standing Order 34 for the following bodies: the Child and Family Agency, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the board of management with responsibility for the Children Detention Schools and the Ombudsman for Children's Office.
In addition, I would note that under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, the Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board were dissolved and the service provision for these Agencies along with Child and Family Services previously provided by the HSE transferred to the new Agency with effect from 1st January, 2014.
Gaisce, The President's Award, is a limited company set up under the Companies Acts (in 1996) with a memorandum and articles of Association. It has been my usual practice to provide information to the Dáil in response to Parliamentary Questions in relation to the activities of Gaisce.
182. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a list of bodies to which she has the authority to appoint board members. [7011/14]
View answerThe Minister has the authority to appoint board members to the following bodies: the Child and Family Agency, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, and the board of management with responsibility for the Children Detention Schools.
Gaisce, The President's Award is a limited company set up under the Companies Acts (in 1996) with a memorandum and articles of Association. The Articles of Association provide that there shall be 15 members of the Gaisce Council, appointed by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
183. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a list of all specific new powers or functions conferred on local authorities by legislation under her area since June 2009 and a reference to the specific section or regulation in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7026/14]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that, in the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 which was commenced with effect from 1st January 2014, I have made provision at Section 10 for public bodies, including local authorities, to make agreements with the Child and Family Agency (CFA) in respect of the performance by the Agency of the local authorities' functions and vice versa. Section 11 allows for informal arrangements between the CFA and public bodies including local authorities concerning the performance of the duties relating to their respective functions. While these are new powers for local authorities in respect of the CFA, equivalent provisions previously existed in the Health Act 2004 in relation to the HSE.
