Bernard Durkan
Question:138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his expectations for further development of the beef industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26529/14]
View answerBeef Industry
Questions (138)
Written answers
One of my priorities since taking office has been the continued development of the beef sector. I have sought to ensure that beef farmers have the necessary supports to enhance the profitability and sustainability of their livestock enterprises. The broad outline for developing the beef industry in Ireland was set out in my Department’s Food Harvest 2020 (FH2020) strategy. The Beef Activation Group was established in February 2011 to consider the steps necessary to achieve the targets for the beef sector contained in the FH 2020 strategy. FH 2020 initiatives have had a positive impact on the beef sector since 2010 include: the launch by Bord Bia of the Origin Green Programme; the retention in 2012 of the Suckler Cow Welfare Programme; an increase in the number of advisors dedicated to beef in Teagasc; a trebling of the number of farmers in the ICBF Herdplus Programme; the launch of the Beef Technology Adoption Programme in 2012, worth €5m per year; the extension of the Teagasc / IFJ BETTER Farm Beef Programme to cover every county in Ireland.
This year, I announced details of an investment package worth up to €40m to beef farmers in 2014, aimed at sustaining a critical mass in the suckler cow herd, the seedbed for our beef industry. This package includes: €23m for the Beef Genomics Scheme; €10m for the Beef Data Programme; €5m for the Beef Technology Adoption Programme; & €2m in residual payments under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme. I also announced details in relation to the financial allocations for the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (RDP) as well as outlines of the proposed measures for inclusion. The development of a new RDP 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.
Under the new RDP, beef suckler farmers will be eligible for participation under a range of measures, including: a substantial new agri-environment/climate scheme (GLAS), which will build on the progress made under REPS and AEOS. This will provide for a maximum payment of €5,000 for up to 50,000 farmers and a further payment of up to €2,000 for a limited number of farmers who take on particularly challenging actions; continued strong support for disadvantaged areas (now known as Areas of Natural Constraint) to the tune of about €195 million per year; incentives for on-farm capital investment, including support for the expansion of the dairy sector following the abolition of milk quotas in 2015; knowledge transfer and innovation measures, aimed at underpinning farm viability, sustainability and growth through the adoption of best practice and innovative solutions; a new beef data and genomics measure worth up to €52 million per year aimed at improving the genetic quality of the beef herd; a separate strand of the support for on-farm capital investment will be ring-fenced for young farmers at a higher rate of aid intensity of 60%; & other supports aimed at collaborative farming, artisan producers, organic farming etc.
The Government is confident that this range of measures will, when taken together with other Pillar I direct payments, assist suckler farmers to improve their on farm viability.
Another aspect of my strategy for the continued development of the beef sector is to constantly develop relationships with existing and in new and expanding international markets, raising the profile of Ireland and increasing international confidence in Irish production and control systems. Since taking office I have led trade missions to China, the US, Algeria and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East. The US has lifted its ban on the importation of beef from the European Union and my Department is currently working with the meat industry to advance the various technical requirements to ensure commencement of trade at the earliest possible date.
There is a strong demand for meat globally and my focus is aimed at enabling Irish exporters to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. My Department engages on a daily basis with many countries, in collaboration with Bord Bia and Irish embassies’ personnel, on market access issues. These initiatives have led to a number of notable recent successes in securing market access from authorities in Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran. This year to date we have agreed access terms with the Lebanon and Namibia. In 2013 the value of beef exports is estimated to have increased by 10%, driven by a 5% rise in output and a similar jump in average prices. As a result, exports were valued at €2.1 billion. I expect that our export performance will continue to improve.
The Government’s investment this year in the beef sector is a strong vote of confidence in the sector. It exemplifies the smart, green growth initiatives envisioned in the FH2020 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.
I recently launched a beef roundtable to bring together the various stakeholders to discuss current issues. There have already been a number of initiatives in the wake of this forum. These include: The Beef Roundtable discussions will reconvene quarterly to exchange intelligence on market developments and forecasts particularly in relation to supply, demand, prices, product specifications, retail changes etc; I have committed to launching a ‘Beef Pricewatch’ online tool to make price information more accessible and free of charge to farmers. Work has commenced and already as an initial step the department has improved its website in order to make price information more user friendly for farmers.
My Department is examining the possibility of legislating for the recognition of producer organisations in the beef sector, and will shortly be launching a consultation with key stakeholder groups in this regard. This initiative could provide a vehicle for collective action by farmers in a way that can give them the advantages of scale and market presence, as well as a useful vehicle for transferring technology and expertise to improve profitability at farm level. My Department will prioritise its targeted on-farm capital investments for suckler farmers through the new Rural Development Programme; Bord Bia has allocated €0.5m to expand and target promotion of Irish beef through its campaigns in the UK and in certain continental markets.
During the first beef forum, I had requested Mr. Michael Dowling, Chairman of the Beef Activation Group, to review the implementation of the Group’s report, after intensive consultation with all stakeholders. That report has been delivered, and I have asked roundtable participants to reflect on its recommendations.
Food Harvest 2020 Strategy
Questions (139)
Bernard Durkan
Question:139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which targets set in Food Harvest 2020 remain on course; if any particular sector is performing better than others; the immediate action required if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26530/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to report that that the industry developed targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 remain on course. The following table illustrates the progress achieved on the three headline targets as well as the current position in each of the main agricultural sectors.
|
Headline Targets |
Baseline (2007-2009 Average*) |
FH2020 Target |
Latest Position |
|
Primary |
€4.596 billion |
€6.27 billion |
€6.13 billion |
|
Exports |
€8.298 billion |
€12 billion |
€10.29 billion |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Gross Value Added |
€6.053 billion (*2008 only) |
€8.57 billion |
€7.27 billion (2011 only) |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Sectoral Data |
- |
- |
- |
|
Milk Output Value |
€1.465 billion |
+50% |
+ 40% |
|
Cattle Output Value |
€1.552 billion |
+20% |
+ 38% |
|
Pigs Output Value |
€309 million |
+50% |
+ 53% |
|
Sheep Output Value |
€172 million |
+20% |
+ 26% |
Fishing Industry Development
Questions (140)
Bernard Durkan
Question:140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which fishing conservation policies adopted by the EU continue to benefit the fishing industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26531/14]
View answerWritten answers
From the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy revision process, Ireland’s overarching goal was to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations.
The new CFP, which was negotiated to completion under the Irish presidency, will ensure real meaningful reform to how EU waters are fished in the future. The agreement is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters, utilising best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas in the future.
As well as providing the framework for the long term sustainability of fish stocks around our shores, the new CFP will result in the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processing while supporting the communities that depend on a vibrant fishing industry. The package agreed will support the rebuilding of fish stocks in European waters and will allow for setting TACs and quotas to reflect catches when a landing obligation is introduced on the basis that for the first and subsequent years, discarding of that stock will no longer be allowed. In the longer term as fish stocks reach and are maintained at healthy levels, it will support increased fishing opportunities for our fishermen.
The policy provides for the development of measures appropriate for each region by the member States working with the stakeholders through the new Advisory Councils to devise and implement measures that work for the types of fisheries in the region and involving fishermen in the decision making process. The reform also contains a commitment to continue and further strengthen conservation measures in the biologically sensitive areas, including that off the South and West coast of Ireland (new Irish box). This commitment will also protect the livelihoods of coastal communities by ensuring that fish are allowed to grow to maturity, are more plentiful and fished in an environmentally responsible manner.
Fish Discards
Questions (141)
Bernard Durkan
Question:141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the cessation of the dumping of surplus catch continues to benefit fish conservation measures in this country and throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26532/14]
View answerWritten answers
Dumping of ‘surplus catch’ or ‘discarding’ as it is more usually referred to is a complex global problem where unwanted catches are returned to the sea as a result of a number of factors including quota restrictions, high grading, minimum landing sizes, and market conditions. Levels of discards in the EU vary depending on the size and nature of the fishery. Ireland has been to the forefront in the drive to reduce and eliminate discards for many years and I was delighted to launch an Irish “discard” atlas in 2011, which is a detailed compendium of discards by the Irish Fleet targeting whitefish on a stock by stock and area by area basis. This was the first publication of its kind and placed Ireland firmly to the fore in the debate on eliminating discards and assisted in advancing the case for a phased elimination of discards as part of the CFP reform package.
Finding practical and implementable solutions to the wasteful practice of discarding fish was a major component of the negotiations for the reform of Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which were concluded under the Irish Presidency in 2013. To this end I was pleased that agreement was finally reached whereby a practical and phased discards policy or landing obligation will be introduced, beginning in 2015. The phasing in period means that fishermen will have time to adjust and implement changes that will allow for the avoidance of non target species where there are particular problems with the relevant by-catch (such as that the stock is overfished and needs to be allowed to rebuild).
In that context, I have established a national Discards Implementation Group, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Noel Cawley, to advise on the issues arising in the effective implementation of the new policy and to recommend practical solutions and arrangements that take into account the situation of the Irish industry. The primary aim of the group is ensure that the Irish fishing industry are fully prepared for, and engaged in, the implementation of the discards ban.
The work of Dr. Cawley’s group also contributes directly to the work of the regional group of Member States (Ireland, Belgium, France, UK, Netherlands and Spain) who have the primary responsibility in the development of specific ‘Discard Plans’ for fisheries in north western waters. The first of these, for pelagic fisheries, will come into effect on 1 January 2015. From the outset of the Common Fisheries Policy revision process, Ireland’s overarching goal was to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations. I strongly believe that the new CFP will achieve that goal.
The new CFP, in particular the phased elimination of discarding will mean real meaningful reform to how EU waters are fished in the future. The agreement is designed to ensure the long term sustainability of fishing in Ireland and throughout EU waters, utilising best scientific advice as a key determinant in setting annual fishing quotas in the future. It will provide the framework for the long term sustainability of fish stocks around our shores, the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processing while supporting the communities that depend on a vibrant fishing industry. The new CFP will support the rebuilding of fish stocks in European waters and will allow for setting TACs and quotas to reflect catches when a landing obligation is introduced on the basis that for the first and subsequent years, discarding of that stock will no longer be allowed. In the longer term as fish stocks reach and are maintained at healthy levels, it will support increased fishing opportunities for our fishermen.
Departmental Staff Remuneration
Questions (142)
Seán Fleming
Question:142. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cumulative total of unapproved salary top-ups currently being paid under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27077/14]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that no unapproved salary top-up payments are paid to staff in my Department.
National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan
Questions (143)
Simon Harris
Question:143. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update on the implementation of the national disability strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26447/14]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the Programme for Government commitment a National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan (NDSIP) was published in July 2013 following significant consultation and consideration between relevant Government Departments and representatives of a broad range of disability organisations. This Plan sets out the practical measures that will be taken to advance the National Disability Strategy over the period 2013 to 2015.
Progress on the Implementation Plan is reviewed by the National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) through thematic meetings which deal with specific issues. Such meetings are attended by all relevant bodies to ensure cross-sectoral input and review. All actions in the Plan relevant to the chosen issue are discussed and the progress made is mapped against commitments in the Plan. Two such thematic meetings were held in quarter 4 of 2013 and focussed on the themes of Irish Sign Language and Housing. The next themed meeting in quarter 3 of 2014 will focus on employment. In addition to the ongoing implementation of the actions being undertaken by the relevant Government Departments two new initiatives are currently being progressed. These are the drafting of a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities and a review of the Implementation Plan with respect to how it addresses the needs of people with autism.
At my request, the National Disability Authority (NDA) and Mr. Christy Lynch (founder member of the Irish Association of Supported Employment) have initiated the drafting of a comprehensive employment strategy. A draft framework for the Strategy was agreed by the Senior Official's Group on Disability on 30 July 2013 and subsequently issued for consultation with all relevant stakeholders in August. Work is ongoing to finalise this Strategy.
I have also requested the NDA to examine how the Implementation Plan reflects the needs of people with autism. The NDA, as part of that examination, engaged in a consultation exercise with autism stakeholders and examined existing service provision across relevant departments for people with disabilities. The outcome of this process is under review by the NDSIG before further consideration of the issue will be under taken by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy.
Closed Circuit Television Systems
Questions (144)
Damien English
Question:144. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding available to support the installation of CCTV cameras in two areas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26374/14]
View answerWritten answers
CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of an Garda Síochána's identified operational needs and priorities. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the question of extending the current Garda CCTV arrangements is being kept under ongoing review in the context of overall policy considerations and the availability of funding.
The community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a community CCTV system. To date, two major rounds of the Scheme have been advertised, in 2005/2006 and 2007. There is a community-based CCTV Scheme in operation in Navan. The current position is that all available funding provided under the previous two rounds has been fully allocated and there are currently no plans to further extend the Scheme. However, the matter will continue to be kept under ongoing review in the context of overall policy considerations and the availability of funding.
Prisoner Welfare
Questions (145)
Clare Daly
Question:145. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will immediately address the conditions for women prisoners in County Limerick, particularly with regard to the excessive hours of lock-up and lack of education and training support. [26379/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the primary role of the Irish Prison Service is the provision of safe and secure custody for prisoners. The Deputy will also be aware that the Prison Service must accept all persons committed by the courts into custody and does not have the option of refusing committals. I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that as of Wednesday 18 June 2014, there was a total of 34 women were in custody in Limerick Prison. A Business Case for the Modernisation of Prison Facilities in Limerick Prison is currently being drafted by the Irish Prison Service. Part of the proposed redevelopment includes the provision of high quality prison accommodation for female prisoners with capacity of approximately 50 individual cells and 8 custodial apartments.
The Irish Prison Service provides to those in custody a wide range of rehabilitative programmes, which have the dual purpose of providing prisoners with purposeful activity while serving their sentences and encouraging them to lead non-offending lives on release. The development of prisoner programmes forms a central part of the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015. There is a clear commitment in the Strategy to enhance sentence planning through Integrated Sentence Management and the delivery of prison based rehabilitative programmes such as education, work training and resettlement programmes.
On 6 March 2014 the IPS published a Women’s Strategy entitled "An Effective Response to Women Who Offend in March 2014. The Women’s Strategy sets out how the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service will work together, as well as with other statutory, community and voluntary sector partners, to provide women-focused interventions to help reduce offending, improve opportunities for reintegration and to improve outcomes more generally. This co-operative approach is a direct result of the Joint Strategy published last year which aims delivers more effective offender management.
I am informed that the IPS has also been expanding the number of accredited vocational courses and opportunities available to prisoners in Work Training in recent years. Enhanced partnership arrangements with accrediting bodies such as City and Guilds and the Guild of Launders and Cleaners and the centralising of coordination and quality assurance arrangements have enabled the Irish Prison Service to extend the number of available courses and activities with certification. Female offenders in Limerick Prison now have the opportunity to avail of this certified training in the laundry and in industrial cleaning.
Educational services are available at all institutions and are provided in partnership with a range of educational agencies including the VECs, Public Library Services, colleges and the Arts Council. The Department of Education and Skills provides an allocation of 220 whole-time teacher equivalents, which has remained unaltered since 2007. Literacy, numeracy and general basic education provision is the priority and broad programmes of education are made available which generally follow an adult education approach.
Legislative Measures
Questions (146)
Kevin Humphreys
Question:146. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) related to provisions on incitement to hatred in Irish and EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26422/14]
View answerWritten answers
EU Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law requires the Member States to criminalise incitement to hatred, hatred being defined by reference to race, colour, religion, descent, or national or ethnic origin. The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 defines "hatred" by reference to race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, membership of the travelling community or sexual orientation. Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime is a separate EU instrument. This does not address the criminalisation of incitement to hatred. It includes a requirement for the individual assessment of victims to identify specific protection needs and to determine whether, and to what extent, they would benefit from special measures in the course of criminal proceedings due to their particular vulnerability to secondary or repeat victimisation, intimidation or retaliation. Such assessments include the personal characteristics of the victim. Recital 56 of the directive indicates that personal characteristics, in this context, includes "gender and gender identity or expression". The Member States are required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the directive by November, 2015.