Written Answers Nos. 168-176
168. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on a single farm payment mapping penalty review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the timeframe for such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14501/14]
View answerA review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that one of the land parcels declared, contained ineligible features. The person named has lodged an appeal. The case is under review at present and a decision is expected shortly. The applicant will be informed of the outcome of the appeal in the coming days.
169. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a rural environment protection scheme 4 overclaim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/14]
View answerUnder the Terms and Conditions of REPS 4 scheme, the contract area must be retained for the duration for which REPS is payable over the course of the contract. Due to an overdeclaration of basic area in this case of 0.57 hectares, which was notified to the participant in January 2013, the Department imposed the following reductions and penalties as an overclaim amount in this case. Under the Regulation governing the scheme, where an overdeclaration is between 3% and 20%, which is the situation in this case, the overclaim results in a reduction in the basic payment and also a “double the difference” penalty in the year the overdeclaration is identified, in this case 2012. For 2012 this resulted in a basic payment reduction of €100.09 plus a “double the difference” penalty of €200.18. The total penalty amount for 2012 was €300.27 which was deducted from the participant’s 75% REPS 4 payment for 2012 resulting in a net payment of €3,684.65.
The balancing amount of the overclaim relating to the previous years of €329.49 was deducted in December 2013 from the participant’s Single Farm Payment.
170. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding long-term leasing income tax exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14562/14]
View answerI have on-going contact with the Minister for Finance to ensure that tax policy reflects the Government’s commitment to agriculture and, in particular, to the objectives of smart, green, growth outlined in the Food Harvest 2020 strategy. A review of tax measures in the farming sector, a joint initiative between my Department and the Department of Finance, was announced in Budget 2014 and is now under way.
This particular measure is not meant as a block exemption for rental income from income tax for all landowners, but is specifically designed to encourage the long-term leasing of farmland by landowners over 40 years of age. It facilitates access to land and is designed to assist new entrants to farming and younger farmers. The effectiveness of this measure, and that of all other farm taxation measures, will be assessed as part of the ongoing agri-taxation review.
171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will explain the merits of his proposal for a partial merger between Coillte and Bord na Móna, despite the fact that such a proposal seems to have more complications and difficulties rather than benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14567/14]
View answerOne element of the Government Decision of 19 June 2013 in relation to Coillte was that a robust analysis be carried out to evaluate how to give effect to a beneficial merger of Coillte with Bord na Móna to create a streamlined and refocused commercial state company operating in the bio-energy and forestry sectors, as committed to in the Programme for Government.
NewERA is undertaking a financial evaluation on behalf of the relevant Government Departments (my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources), which is currently being finalised. The outcome of this analytical exercise will then be considered by the relevant Ministers in due course and discussion of the merits of such an approach must await the receipt of the final report.
172. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 207 of 13 March 2014, the composition of the monthly meetings between his officials and industry; the organisations represented at the meetings; the way the composition of attendees at the meetings was determined; if he is satisfied that the meetings are representative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14600/14]
View answerThe monthly whitefish meetings are organised in accordance with a formal written protocol which I put in place in November 2013. This protocol provides that the Committee will comprise representatives from each recognised Producer Organisation (PO), the Irish Fish producers and Exporters Association (IFPEA), the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Department. The meeting will be chaired by a Department representative. Each of the Producer Organisations (PO) and the IFPEA are represented by a single attendee and in addition each organisation may invite one observer to the meeting. It is practice that the POs have usually one representative of a fisheries co-operative at these meetings as an invitee. Where representatives or observers have business interests related to the fishery/quota under discussion, they must advise the meeting of that business interests when giving a view on management issues.
Producer organisations, are officially approved bodies set up by fishery producers under EU Regulation and play an essential role in supporting the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. The POs role involves guiding their members towards sustainable fishing and aquaculture, helping them match supplies with market demands, and supporting them in creating added value. Recognition of PO is governed by Regulation (EU)No 1379/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council & Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1419/2013.
It is in the interest of the industry as a whole that appropriately recognised organisations represent their interests to deliver a co-ordinated and cohesive view for the benefit of the industry. I consider that this would be very difficult if representation was at the individual level or fragmented amongst a large number of smaller ad hoc representatives groups.
173. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress of the development of the small craft harbour in Killybegs; the timeframe for the project; the overall funding required to complete the project; the level of funding allocated to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14601/14]
View answerKillybegs Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres, which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department. My Department's Engineering Division are actively progressing the development of the Small Craft Harbour in Killybegs and a planning application was lodged with Donegal County Council on 19 December 2013.
In the interim a wave monitoring buoy and floating breakwater have been installed on site to assist in the ongoing wave climate evaluation. It is anticipated that the project will be delivered over a number of years, depending on available Exchequer funding and competing national priorities.
€187,000 has been spent on the project to date, overall the project cost is estimated to be €1.5 million which will be subject to detailed design and public tendering.
On 20 March, under the 2014 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, I approved €500,000 in funding this year to further advance the project.
174. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 13 March 2014, the number of farmers who have had their land flooded in the recent storms; if he has considered any form of financial support package for those who remain affected by the flood damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14602/14]
View answerThe severe weather conditions which Ireland experienced in the first weeks of this year affected communities around the country. Farmers located in the west and south of the country as well as farmers whose lands are adjacent to significant rivers were particularly badly affected by flooding. I outlined the support measures my Department put in place to assist farmers who had welfare concerns about their animals, were short on fodder and or who were concerned about slurry tank capacity, in my response to the Deputy’s question of 13th March. These practical support measures continue to be available to farmers who find themselves still affected by flood damage.
175. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 13 March 2014, the situation regarding forestry that may have been affected by sea water where the resulting damage may not be evident for years to come; if such cases will remain eligible under his departmental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14603/14]
View answerForest Holders who suspect that the productive potential of their forest property has been impacted by sea water should consult with forestry professionals either in Teagasc or with their local professional forester. A qualified forestry professional can meet with owners on-the-ground and advise on the most appropriate course of action (if any) depending on the extent of the flooding/salt spray that has occurred. Where damage is not evident at this stage, premium payments will continue to be paid.
Where damage to trees is evident, the owner must notify the Forest Service straight away so that a remedial plan of action can be put in place. Owners with damaged forests who fail to report this to the Forest Service run the risk of having a debt raised against them. In these cases the Department may seek to recoup any premium payment or grant which has been paid to the forest owner in relation to the plantation in question.
176. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for a REP scheme 4 clawback appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14623/14]
View answerUnder the Terms and Conditions of REPS 4, the contract area must be retained for the duration for which REPS is payable. Due to a reduction in the contract area in this case over the course of the REPS 4 contract, a clawback amount of €3,529.92 was applied. A letter informing the person named of the clawback issued, also advising of the opportunity to appeal the decision if desired. The person named did appeal the decision and the Regional Inspector in this case informed the participant in writing of his decision that the clawback amount would be upheld and gave an explanation for this decision. This letter also gave the option of an appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office if the person named was dissatisfied with the decision. The Agriculture Appeals Office has not received an appeal to date.
