Written Answers Nos. 498-524
498. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the number of cases before the Labour Court, the Equality Tribunal, the CPSA and the EAT involving civil servants taking cases against his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25636/14]
View answerThere are currently two cases before the Equality Tribunal involving civil servants taking cases against the Department of Defence. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment or provide detail which might identify either of the cases in question.
499. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form the total amount spent per annum from 2011 to 2013, inclusive, and to date in 2014 on staff subsistence payments and staff taxi payments; if his Department has been audited for tax compliance on these payments and other benefits-in-kind; if these processes have been revised in view of concerns by the Revenue Commissioners over practices in other State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25812/14]
View answerThe details requested in respect of staff subsistence and taxi payments in respect of civil servants of the Department of Defence for the periods in question are as outlined in the following table:
|
Year |
Subsistence Payments |
Taxi Payments |
|
2011 |
€135,290 |
€10,780 |
|
2012 |
€96,120 |
€8,772 |
|
2013 |
€106,855 |
€8,885 |
|
2014 (June) |
€48,253 |
€2,191 |
Details relating to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and civilian employees are being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy. Arising from a Revenue audit which was concluded in 2010, the Department of Defence made a settlement of €1,461,965 for the years 2007-2010 and part of 2011, in respect of an allowance payable to members of the PDF attached to the Reserve Defence Force for expenses incurred in the course of their duties. The payment process associated with this allowance was revised and the allowance has been taxed since early 2011. No issues were raised during the audit in relation to subsistence and taxi payments in respect of Departmental civil servants.
In 2012, the Department, as part of its internal tax compliance arrangements, conducted a detailed internal review of the full range of allowances and other arrangements in respect of military and civilian employees. Following the internal review, an unprompted voluntary disclosure was made to the Revenue Commissioners in December 2012 in relation to certain allowances and arrangements, where the Department considered that benefit-in-kind issues might arise, and a payment of €1,090,078 on account was made for the tax years 2011 and 2012. Where necessary, the appropriate processes were revised on the recommendation of the Revenue Commissioners. As part of the unprompted voluntary disclosure process the Department also submitted reviews to the Revenue Commissioners on the provision of accommodation and medical services to members of the Defence Forces and their families. In the case of the unprompted voluntary disclosure made in respect of medical services a payment of €281,255 on account was made in February 2014.
The Revenue Commissioners are currently considering the content of the three reviews submitted by my Department on allowances, accommodation and medical services. The Department of Defence has comprehensive tax compliance procedures and internal audit structures in place and any relevant taxation issues that arise are followed up with a view to ensuring that the Department is tax compliant.
500. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to advise farmers on the dangers of slurry gases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25234/14]
View answerI am very strongly committed to promoting Farm Safety in collaboration with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the organisation with primary responsibility for securing health and safety at work, and which is under the responsibility of my colleague, Minister Bruton. For the last three years, my Department has included a Farm Safety message with the Single Payment application packs, which were distributed each year to over 130,000 farmers. This was a joint initiative between my Department, the Health and Safety Authority and the Farm Safety Partnership Committee and led to each of those farmers receiving an individual reminder of the importance of farming safely, and the potentially fatal consequences of not doing so. In 2013 that Farm Safety message was entirely focused on safe slurry handling with the message that “ONE LUNGFUL OF SLURRY GAS CAN KILL” and also included the list of Safe Agitation Guidelines provided by my Department.
A number of other steps have been taken over recent years in collaboration with other State and industry organisations to raise awareness of the problem of farm accidents and to educate farmers and their families on the dangers associated with working in this industry.
For example, in November 2012, I launched the pilot Farm Safety Mentor Programme, which is an initiative by Irish Rural Link with the support of the HSA to enable farmers to become farm safety ambassadors in their own community. In April of this year, I launched the DVDs produced as part of the Programme, and they will now be used by the Farm Safety Mentors and others to help raise awareness of the dangers of slurry gas.
The HSA also produced an excellent DVD in recent times containing testimonials from individual farmers who provide an emotional telling of their experiences of farm accidents which led to either fatalities or serious injury. This DVD has been widely circulated and is included in all training courses undertaken by my Department.
Teagasc and the HSA distributed a leaflet entitled “Safe Slurry handling” at the ploughing championships in September 2013 which details the Safe Operating Procedures for the agitation of slurry and details the dangers of slurry gas. My Department’s specification for bovine livestock units and reinforced tanks (S.123) gives detailed advice in relation to the safe agitation of slurry, and safe design of tanks.
Since taking office, I have continuously worked to increase awareness of safety issues among farmers which I believe is the key to changing the way we all think about farm safety on Irish farms. We must be continuously aware and vigilant of all the dangers on Irish farms and pursue the goal of preventing accidents and therefore saving lives and minimising serious injuries of all types.
501. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the storms of late 2013 and early 2014, the assessment that has been conducted of the storm damage caused to coastal farmlands; the outcome of the assessment; the remedial work and flood defences proposed; the estimated costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25250/14]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has not carried out any assessment of the storm damage caused to coastal farmlands. However, I am conscious of the hardship caused by this storm damage particularly to the farming community. As the Deputy is aware 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 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 these storms. Each case is examined on its individual merits, and my officials have leeway to apply “force majeure” or exceptional circumstances where events have occurred that are beyond the farmer’s control.
502. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the persons who are the component parts of seal rescue; and on what authority are they allowed to transport injured seals. [25275/14]
View answerMy Department has funded organisations involved in animal rescue including an organisation involved in seal rescue. The general principles governing transport of animals is that no animal of any species must be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey. Transport of animals directly to or from veterinary practices or clinics can be undertaken on the advice and discretion of a veterinarian.
503. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to investigate very serious allegations of irregularity and malpractice operating within an organisation (details supplied) which have been brought to the attention of his Department. [25276/14]
View answerMy Department has received anonymous correspondence regarding the organisation and the matter is being followed up by my officials.
504. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a 2013 single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25376/14]
View answerThe person named contends that he submitted his 2013 SFP application form to my Department by express post on 15th May 2013. In November of 2013 the person named submitted a completed SFP application form together with proof of postage from 15th May. However, the envelope when traced, using the express post receipt submitted, had been recorded by my Department as having contained a completely blank form and as such could not have been ascribed to any known applicant. The case is currently being examined further. The person named will be notified of the outcome once this review is finalised.
505. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when details of a 2012 overclaim of single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [25397/14]
View answerArrangements have been made to have an official of my Department make direct contact with the person named in order to fully explain the issues which have been highlighted by the ongoing LPIS Review in relation to land parcels declared by the person named.
506. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review and increase the income supplement for farmers who find themselves locked up long term by the district veterinary office in view of the additional financial costs incurred by farmers in this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25424/14]
View answerThe primary compensation measure available under the TB Eradication scheme to herdowners, whose holdings are restricted due to TB and who have reactor animals removed, is the On Farm Market Valuation scheme. In 2013, my Department paid €10.5m to 3,376 herdowners under this Scheme. In addition, herdowners may also qualify for additional payments under the Income Supplement, Hardship or Depopulation Grant schemes subject to compliance with the criteria applying in each scheme.
Under the Income Supplement scheme, grants are payable in those cases where the breakdown results in the removal of more than 10% of animals from the herd, where depopulation is not deemed appropriate, subject to other qualification criteria being met. The rates payable range from €25.39 to €38.09 per month, per animal, depending on the type of animal removed. Payments are subject to a maximum of 100 animals qualifying for payment. Eligible herdowners continue to receive monthly payments throughout the breakdown period. Grants of €1.5m were paid to 934 herdowners under this scheme in 2013. I am satisfied that the current rates of the Income Supplement scheme are appropriate, particularly in prevailing budgetary circumstances.
507. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 612 of 18 February 2014, the date that the letter issued to a person (detail supplied) from his Department; if he will confirm the receipt of a letter from Teagasc of 15 December 2013 relative to an appeal; if he will review the case and pay the outstanding farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25459/14]
View answerAn official from my Department has been in direct contact with the person named and Teagasc regarding the issues raised by the Deputy. The case has now been reviewed and the appeal has been successful. Any outstanding payments on foot of this review will issue as soon as possible to the person named.
508. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount of capital spending on construction projects carried out by his Department and by bodies operating under the responsibility of his Department since 2008 and to date in 2014; if he will provide the information on an annual basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25533/14]
View answerMy Department administers the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme on an annual basis. This programme funds capital works at the six state owned Fishery Harbour Centres; Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros an Mhíl, Killybegs, Howth and Dunmore East as well as Cape Clear Island and various Piers, Lights and Beacons for which the Department is also responsible for. Subject to available exchequer funding, the programme also provides grant aid to coastal Local Authorities for development and repair works at marine facilities in their ownership. The following tables detail the expenditure for each of the years 2008 to 2014 to date:
Capital Expenditure for State owned Fishery Harbour Centres and Non-Fishery Harbour Centres
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2014 to date |
€728,013** |
|
2013 |
€5,749,642 |
|
2012 |
€4,448,772 |
|
2011 |
€8,453,752 |
|
2010 |
€8,271,547 |
|
2009 |
€14,888,013 |
|
2008 |
€16,267,015 |
** Note: The capital allocation under this heading for 2014 is €9 million
Capital monies paid to the Local Authorities
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2013 |
€3,643,250 |
|
2012 |
€2,981,689 |
|
2011 |
€1,377,197 |
|
2010 |
€291,800 |
|
2009 |
No Programme |
|
2008 |
€2,879,538 |
The grant aid allocation to Local Authorities for 2014 is €3 million, with expenditure for 2014 to be paid out at year end. In addition, €8.5m in funding was approved for a programme to repair publically owned fishery and aquaculture related piers, harbours and slipways damaged by the winter storms. This is a once off measure as part of the Governments overall response to the damage inflicted on our national piers and harbours infrastructure this winter.
509. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of the €184 million designated to his Department for direct Exchequer capital funding according to the Government Estimates for 2014 that is expected to go towards construction-related projects; if he will list the projects; if he will provide an update on these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25547/14]
View answerThe total capital funding to my Department for 2014 is €200.5 million and includes €16.8 million capital savings carried over from 2013. A substantial proportion of the Department’s capital budget covers the payment of capital grants under various demand led schemes on projects which include construction work undertaken by individuals or corporate entities in the agriculture, forestry, fishery and food processing sectors. Accordingly the allocations in the following table include but are not exclusively provisions for construction related expenditure in these areas.
|
Projects |
Approved funding |
|
On farm investment; investments in buildings and equipment in the (dairy, sheep) , pigs and poultry sectors |
5.6m |
|
Food sector; investment in buildings and food processing equipment |
10m |
|
Horticulture - |
1.4m |
|
Fisheries sector; investments in food processing buildings and equipment, aquaculture |
6.0m |
|
Horticulture |
4.2m |
|
Forestry support Schemes |
5.7m |
|
Administrative Budget – laboratories, buildings and equipment |
1.8m |
Capital spending on construction related projects by State Bodies is as set out below
|
Projects |
Capital Spending |
|
State bodies |
1.8m |
|
Johnston castle - Restoration |
2.5m |
Capital spending under the fishery harbours development programme is as set out below:
|
Harbour |
Project |
Approved Funding |
|
Cape Clear |
Cape Clear Bull Nose |
€3,000,000 |
|
- |
Cape Clear Safety & Maintenance |
€50,000 |
|
- |
Cape Clear Disability Access |
€10,000 |
|
Piers, Lights & Beacons |
General Maintenance at Kerry, Galway & Donegal |
€27,000 |
|
All Harbours |
Safety & Maintenance |
€1,260,000 |
|
Killybegs |
Safety Mooring (Department Craft) |
€20,000 |
|
Dunmore East |
Dredging Works |
€4,000,000 |
|
Howth |
Upgrading Electrical System |
€500,000 |
|
Rossaveel |
Commencement of New Slipway |
€133,000 |
|
Local Authorities |
Harbour Development Scheme |
|
|
- |
Marine Leisure & Marine Tourism Scheme |
€3,000,000 |
|
Total |
€12,000,000 |
In addition, €8.5m in funding was approved for a programme to repair publically owned fishery and aquaculture related piers, harbours and slipways damaged by the winter storms. This is a once off measure as part of the Governments overall response to the damage inflicted on our national piers and harbours infrastructure this winter.
510. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment of single farm grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25573/14]
View answerA review of the lands declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that a number of the land parcels declared contained ineligible features. In order to clarify the position regarding the area of any ineligible features my Department arranged for a ground verification check to be undertaken. The outcome of this check resulted in an over claim in area of greater than 20% being recorded which under the terms and conditions of the Single Payment Scheme results in no payment being due in respect of 2013. The person named was notified of this decision on the 10th June 2014. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of the verification check, the decision can be appealed to the independent LPIS Appeals Committee, within 3 months of the notification letter.
511. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the works that were carried out in Howth Harbour in 2012 and 2013 under the fishery harbour and coastal infrastructure capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25619/14]
View answerHowth Fishery Harbour Centre in County Dublin is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres, which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department. Notwithstanding the prevailing economic environment in which we operate, I am happy to be able to advise that in excess of €2.76 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Howth FHC as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme in 2012 and 2013.
In 2012 works included providing environmental improvement works including a new waste water management facility in the harbour shipyard, carrying out repairs to the old revenue building on the west pier which is a protected structure, completion of repairs to the East Pier harbour wall, providing new toe rail edge protection, traffic bollards and associated traffic management road marking on the west pier. The 2013 works consisted of upgrading disability access, completion of the first phase of the Harbour Electrical System upgrade, East Pier investigation project, improvements to road markings and footpaths in the harbour and other general safety and maintenance works in the harbour. On the 20th March 2014 I approved funding of €1.18 million for the maintenance and development of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre this year. A major part of the works planned for 2014 includes the continued upgrading of the electrical system at the harbour.
512. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of requests under the Freedom of Information Act for which search and retrieval fees were sought for each year since 2010; the five largest fees sought in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25630/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is provided in the following table.
|
Year |
No of request where search & retrieval fees sought |
5 Largest Fees Sought |
|
2010 |
7 |
€775.15 |
|
- |
- |
€252.00 |
|
- |
- |
€251.40 |
|
- |
- |
€209.50 |
|
- |
- |
€104.75 |
|
2011 |
8 |
€299.98 |
|
- |
- |
€209.50 |
|
- |
- |
€114.75 |
|
- |
- |
€104.50 |
|
- |
- |
€104.50 |
|
2012 |
7 |
€446.54 |
|
- |
- |
€251.40 |
|
- |
- |
€132.68 |
|
- |
- |
€125.70 |
|
- |
- |
€119.39 |
|
2013 |
2 |
€419.00 |
|
- |
- |
€41.90 |
513. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cases before the Labour Court, the Equality Tribunal, the CPSA and the EAT involving civil servants taking cases against his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25632/14]
View answerMy Department currently has one case in relation to the Employment Equality Acts pending in the Equality Tribunal. My Department has no cases currently before the Labour Court, CPSA or the EAT. In respect of one additional case, my Department has been named as co-respondent along with three other Government Departments. As the subject matter is not of relevance to my Department, my officials will seek the removal of this Department as a respondent when the case comes to hearing.
514. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their payment for AEOS and their REP scheme payment for 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25735/14]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from the 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, have to be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of land parcels declared which required digitisation. This is being dealt with by my Department at present and once the digitisation process is completed, the application will be processed with a view to making payment in respect of 2013 at the earliest opportunity.
515. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a grant and felling licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25768/14]
View answerThe appeal by the person named is currently with the Reviewing Inspector who will report back to the Appeals Committee. Every effort will be made to complete this examination as soon as possible and to notify the appellants of the decision shortly thereafter.
516. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the last payment under REPS 4 will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the amount of this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25772/14]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in March 2008 and has received payments for the full six years of their contract. The final 75% Year 6 payment amounting to €8,451.67 issued on the 23rd May 2014 and the remaining 25% balancing payment amounting to €3,040.11 issued on the 6th June 2014. A payment under Supplementary Measure10 (mixed grazing) will issue later in 2014 for the amount of €546.10.
517. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the first payment under the new GLAS will be paid at the commencement of participation in the scheme after formal approval or at the end of the first year of participation in the scheme; if as previously the EU regulation sets out when payments can be made under the agri-environmental programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25773/14]
View answerThe Regulations governing GLAS require that administrative and on-the-spot checks be carried out before payment issues and therefore it is not possible to make such payments to farmers on commencement of their new Scheme contracts. As is the case for REPS and AEOS at present, payment of up to 75% of the amount due will be made on completion of the first suite of administrative checks on all applications, followed by payment of the balance due when all controls have been applied.
518. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers in commonages will have to get a least 50% of the active farmers in a commonage to join the new GLAS in order to be eligible to join the scheme or if it will be sufficient for a farmer joining GLAS to get 50% of the active farmers to consent to the proposed action by the joining farmer; if the nature of this consent is sufficient; if farmers with commonage joining GLAS, will have mandatory tasks to be carried out on commonages; the nature of these tasks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25774/14]
View answerSince I first proposed the 80% participation level on Commonages to qualify under Tier One of GLAS, I have further reviewed the position and I announced on 13 May 2014 that I was building in a second-tier access to the Scheme where a minimum of just 50% participation could be secured. I believe this will significantly ease the burden of securing agreements, while at the same time providing a critical mass for management of the commonage which can be expanded upon in future years. The public consultation period has just closed and details of the GLAS Scheme, including Commonage requirements, will now be finalised. It is clear, however, that arrangements for Commonages must be based on collective agreements amongst active farmers if the environmental objectives, for which payment is being advanced, are to be achieved.
519. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide, in tabular form, the total amount spent per annum from 2011 to 2013, inclusive, and to date in 2014 on staff subsistence payments and staff taxi payments; if his Department has been audited for tax compliance on these payments and other benefits-in-kind; if these processes have been revised in view of concerns by the Revenue Commissioners over practices in other State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25808/14]
View answerThe details of subsistence and taxi fare payments in respect of the staff of my Department, as requested by the Deputy, are set out in the following table:
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Subsistence |
€2,650,969.00 |
€2,532,150.79 |
€2,443,822.99 |
€948,092.88 |
|
Taxi Fares |
€40,567.92 |
€42,490.09 |
€53,461.01 |
€19,682.61 |
These payments have not been the subject of audit by the Revenue Commissioners. All subsistence payments are made in accordance the Civil Service rates for travel and subsistence and are therefore disregarded for income tax purposes. The taxi fare payments mainly relate to travel on connection with official duties abroad, with a very small numbers of instances occurring where ICT staff complete a shift at midnight and due to these unsocial hours may avail of a taxi service. My Department endeavours to be tax compliant in all matters, including the correct tax treatment of travel and subsistence expenses.
520. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason proof of postage will not be accepted in respect of a 2014 beef data programme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25828/14]
View answerThe closing date for the Beef Data Programme for 2014 was extended from 4 April to 17 April. A 1% penalty reduction applies for each working day that the application was received after the closing date up to 30th April 2014. Applications received after 30th April 2014 are not admissible. The Terms and Conditions of this Programme specifically state that a swiftpost receipt is required as proof of postage in the event of an application not being received in this office. My Department has no record of an application under the 2014 Beef Data Programme from the person named.
521. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a payment will issue under the 2013 single payment scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delay in issuing this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25830/14]
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 in question contained ineligible features. As the person named applied submitted an application for a review of my Department’s decision, a visit by a Department official to verify the position was necessary to progress the matter. The results of the verification visit are being processed and the payment due is expected to issue shortly.
522. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the allegations that Bord Bia is acting contrary to ISO producer driven standards and in breach of public procurement, in view of the fact that Bord Bia is a statutory based regulatory body and its quality assurance schemes are governed within the framework of ISO as an ISO 17065 accredited organisation; his views on whether this situation is causing any hardship to domestic growers; and if he has considered alternative proposals which are compatible with producer needs, industry and customer standards, EU policy and public procurement. [25853/14]
View answer523. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the allegations that Bord Bia is making available subsidies to producers to upgrade their facilities on condition that they join its quality assurance scheme, encouraging producers into its scheme, contrary to producer commercial interests and ISO industry standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/14]
View answer524. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the ISO system, to improve market conditions and protect domestic growers as is the duty of Bord Bia and its requirement in view of its ISO accreditation. [25855/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 522 to 524, inclusive, together.
ISO International Standards are voluntary standards which are developed and reviewed by the ISO. My Department does not have any role in this arena. Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance Scheme is voluntary, setting specific quality standards, which can add value to the Irish beef, pigmeat, poultry and other sectors to which they apply. These schemes are accredited to ISO standards in order to give them international credibility and standing. Ultimately the objective of these standards is to further Bord Bia's mission to promote the marketing of Irish food produce and so benefit producers. Bord Bia does not make subsidies available to producers to upgrade their facilities. With regard to the operational arrangements of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes, and their accreditation to ISO standards – these are matters between these two Bodies. As a non commercial State Body, Bord Bia is obliged to comply with all of the requirements of the national and EU rules governing public procurement.
