Tuesday, 11 Nov 2014

Written Answers Nos. 244 - 258

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (244)

Michael Lowry

Question:

244. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a single farm payment will issue in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the exact date of the next 2013 payment run; if he will take steps to expedite this payment date in view of the financial hardship and distress being caused to farmers as a result of the delay in payments issuing and the fact that this is an expensive time of year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43213/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

This matter is being examined by my Department with a view to issuing payment shortly. An official from the Department will contact the person named to explain the situation.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Payments

Questions (245)

Michael Ring

Question:

245. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department considered correspondence received from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in reply to a query from his Department regarding the person’s 2013 disadvantaged areas scheme payment; and, if so, if the overpayment identified is correct. [42809/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that one of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. However, while the person named was notified of this decision and of his right of appeal, to date no such appeal has been received. It remains open to the person named to appeal, should he so wish.

It is noted that the 2014 SPS application from the person named included a map and a note, which stated that a number of areas identified with an ‘X’ on the map had now been reclaimed.

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (246)

Dara Calleary

Question:

246. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo, will receive a single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42810/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme was received in my Department from the person named on 16 April 2014. Following processing an overclaim was disclosed in respect of one land parcel. This issue has now been resolved and advance payment issued to the person named on 10 November 2014.

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (247)

Pat Breen

Question:

247. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the single farm payment scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42849/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the 2014 Single Farm Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2014. The 50% advance payment under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme commenced on 16 October 2014. Payment issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on 16 October 2014.

Sheepmeat Sector

Questions (248)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

248. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason money is being withdrawn by the factories for the Sheep Ireland fund in view of the fact that this fund is of no help whatever to commercial farmers who are trying to make a living out of sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42869/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Sheep Ireland was established in 2008, following extensive consultation with the sheep industry. Its aim is to achieve the greatest possible improvement, from genetic and other factors, in the profitability of the national sheep flock for the benefit of Irish farmers and the sheep industry. Sheep Ireland was formed as a sister company to ICBF, based on the recommendation from the Malone report which proposed a way forward for sheep breeding in Ireland along similar lines to that achieved by ICBF for cattle breeding. This included an industry based decision making structure and a database to meet the information needs of the sheep breeding sector and the wider industry.

Sheep Ireland commenced operations in 2009. Key developments in that year included the following:

- The creation of the Sheep Ireland database and the establishment of breeding objectives and selection criteria for sheep in Ireland;

- The establishment of LambPlus, which is the performance recording scheme for ram breeders, the formation of the maternal lamb producers programme, and a central progeny testing system.

My Department has been providing funding towards the establishment of the infrastructure necessary to establish a world class breeding programme since the inception of Sheep Ireland. A permanent representative Board structure for Sheep Ireland was put in place. Following extensive industry consultation in 2011 and 2012 an agreement was reached with stakeholders on a voluntary levy of seven cents per head on all sheep slaughtering as a co-funding mechanism.

Sheep Ireland is leading the development of a National Sheep Breed improvement programme, working with pedigree breeders to improve the quality of rams being supplied to commercial farmers. Sheep Ireland has managed to increase the number of pedigree breeders participating in performance recording to almost 500, thereby identifying the most profitable breeding stock. Usage of these highly selected genetically superior males and females has had a major positive effect in commercial flocks across the country.

Sheep Ireland also plays a central role in providing breeding values for rams for the Sheep Technology Adoption Programme, rams that eventually end up in commercial flocks.

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (249)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

249. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the deductions made from the disadvantaged areas payment for 2014 or single farm payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason those deductions were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42876/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under 2014 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2014. Processing of the application revealed over-claims in respect of two of the land parcels declared by the person named. The person named was recently notified of this error by letter. Maps of the relevant land parcels and information on how the person named could seek a review of this decision were included with the letter. To date, no response has been received. Payments have issued based on the reduced area to the person named.

Animal Welfare

Questions (250)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

250. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of incidents of illegal dog fighting that have been detected in each of the past five years in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42895/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Statistics in relation to dog fighting are not compiled centrally in my Department. There have been two incidents of alleged illegal dog fighting reported to my Department’s animal welfare helpline. While investigations did not uncover any evidence to support either allegation, I am thankful to the concerned members of the public for reporting such incidents.

Tuberculosis Incidence

Questions (251)

Pat Deering

Question:

251. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle that have failed the tuberculosis test in the past 12 months in each county; and the average length of time for the reactor to be removed from the farm after the test. [42924/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The data requested are given in the table:

County	Number of reactors identified in the 12 month period to 30 September 2014
CARLOW	34
CAVAN	722
CLARE	1,708
CORK NORTH	1,260
CORK SOUTH	915
DONEGAL	406
DUBLIN	52
GALWAY	994
KERRY	1,055
KILDARE	166
KILKENNY	412
LAOIS	593
LEITRIM	228
LIMERICK	1021
LONGFORD	130
LOUTH	162
MAYO	327
MEATH	760
MONAGHAN	588
OFFALY	565
ROSCOMMON	772
SLIGO	363
TIPPERARY NORTH	716
TIPPERARY SOUTH	207
WATERFORD	488
WESTMEATH	739
WEXFORD	855
WICKLOW E	1,002
WICKLOW W	170

During the period concerned, reactors were removed within an average of 20 days of the relevant test.

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (252)

Michael Ring

Question:

252. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a single payment scheme payment for 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42934/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In order to comply with EU requirements, the 2013 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application of the person named was one of a number selected for a ground eligibility inspection. This inspection resulted in findings of an over-declaration in area of greater than 50%. Based on the terms and conditions of the scheme this resulted in no payment in respect of the 2013 Single Payment Scheme and the application of an administrative fine to be offset against any future EU payments. The person named was notified of this decision on 2 January 2014.

The person named has appealed this decision and this request 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 Agricultural Appeals Office within 3 months.

Processing of the 2014 application under the Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is currently being finalised with the intention of issuing any payment due as soon as possible.

Coillte Teoranta Lands

Questions (253)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

253. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedures Coillte follows to ensure its lands or leaseholds are sold in an open and competitive process. [42936/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as land transactions, are the responsibility of the company. I understand that Coillte's practice is to sell, lease or develop a limited area of non-strategic land, for purposes other than forestry. Notwithstanding that land transactions are operational matters for the company, the company has outlined the procedures it follows in relation to the sale of lands. I am advised that all sales must be approved by Coillte’s General Manager Operations with potential sales also discussed with the Head of Property Sales and consideration given to a number of factors. The company advise me that the property is valued internally to establish its forestry value and by a competent auctioneer and valuer to establish its commercial valuation in order to determine the Advised Minimum Value prior to offering the property for sale and that the method of sale appropriate to the property is also selected – tender, auction or negotiation - which is designed to ensure that Coillte can maximise the value received. The company further advise that all sales (except cases where there is no independent access and the only potential purchasers are adjoining landowners) are advertised. I am advised that the next stage in the process is that proposed sales are presented to an internal Signing Off Committee which determines the reserve price and confirms the method of sale with any sale greater than €2m needing Board approval.  Such sales are discussed and approved initially by the Signing Off Committee.  I understand that all sales of property to current or retired Coillte staff members must be approved by the Chief Executive in addition to the normal signing off procedure. When negotiations with the potential purchaser are completed, the sale is returned to the Signing Off Committee for price agreement and “Signing-Off”.  I am advised that the negotiations are monitored by Head of Property Sales and monthly reports, listing properties sold and relevant details, are prepared for senior management. 

I note that the Deputy also refers to the sale of leaseholds. I understand that while these principles and procedures are generally applicable to sales of land and leaseholds, the actual process may vary depending on the circumstances of the case.

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (254)

Michael Creed

Question:

254. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) has not yet received a single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42937/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the 2014 Single Farm Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 17 April 2014. Processing of this application has recently been finalised and payment issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on 6 November 2014.

Alternative Energy Projects

Questions (255)

Michael Creed

Question:

255. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contacts he has had with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the proposals to promote the roll-out of biomass as an alternative energy source for the agriculture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42938/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Since mid-2013, officials from my Department have participated in a steering group on bioenergy strategy, chaired by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR). The outcome of the discussions held by this group was the publication, earlier this year, of the Draft Bioenergy Plan. This plan is available on the DCENR website at the following address: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Draft+Bioenergy+Plan.htm.

Biomass is defined in the Draft Bioenergy Plan as the “biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residues of biological origin from agriculture, forestry and related industries including fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the biodegradable fraction of industrial and municipal waste. Biomass can be used in all three energy sectors: electricity, heat, and transport”. The vast bulk of biomass in this country is, and will continue to be, provided by the forestry sector.

The Draft Bioenergy Plan identifies the opportunity for the sustainable development of Ireland's bioenergy resources and will be implemented through a number of policy and enabling actions. The Plan recommends the continuation of the REFIT3 scheme which is designed to incentivise the addition of 310 MW of renewable electricity capacity to the Irish electricity grid. The scheme was designed, inter alia, to complement the Bioenergy Scheme by offering a premium tariff for electricity generated from energy crops. The Plan also recommends, subject to State Aid clearance and further Government approval, the introduction of a renewable heat incentive for larger heat users to change to renewable heating solutions. The introduction of such a scheme would further increase the demand for biomass.

Furthermore, a range of measures is recommended to underpin the supply of Irish biomass including continued support for the Bioenergy Scheme and the Afforestation Programme, both of which are administered by my Department. There is also scope for small-scale energy generation from, for example, pig manure and poultry litter. Research on this type of project has been funded by my Department in recent years. Grant aid has also been provided for the installation of biomass boilers to heat glasshouses and mushroom tunnels operated by horticultural producers.

Reflecting the cross-sectoral nature of bioenergy, implementation of the actions arising from the Plan will be coordinated by a Bioenergy Steering Group which will draw on the relevant government departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, agencies and stakeholders as appropriate.

Single Payment Scheme Applications

Questions (256)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

256. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the single farm payment and area aid payment 2014 will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42939/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The person named submitted an application under the 2014 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes on 30 April 2014. My Department wrote to this herd owner requesting outstanding information on 14 October 2014. A reply was received on 20 October 2014 and is currently being examined. Any payments due will issue to the person named as soon as possible on completion of this review.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Applications

Questions (257)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

257. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will be made under the disadvantaged areas scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason for the delay with these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42942/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An application under the 2014 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2014. Processing of this application has recently been finalised with payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named on 6 November 2014

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Questions (258)

Michael Creed

Question:

258. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of a 5% penalty on their 2013 single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42948/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

A review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that several of the land parcels declared contained ineligible features. Following a review of my Department’s decision, sought by the person named, a visit by a Department official to verify the position on the ground is necessary. The person named will be advised, in writing, of the findings of the verification visit as soon as possible following the visit. In relation to the 5% Cross Compliance penalty, the Department’s records indicate that in 2013, the amount of nitrogen from livestock manure applied to land on the holding of the person named, including that deposited by animals, was 251 kg per hectare, which exceeded the limit of 250 kg per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations for a derogation farmer. This resulted in a 5% penalty being applied against the 2013 Direct Scheme payments.

The person named has appealed this decision on the basis that the Single Payment Scheme eligible area used in the nitrates calculations does not include all the lands farmed. On completion of the review of the eligible area for 2013, referred to above, my Department will further review the imposition of the 5% penalty for exceeding the 250 kg limit.