Written Answers Nos. 259 - 273
259. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment in respect of disadvantaged area payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42960/14]
View answerAn application under the 2014 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas scheme was received from the person named on 13 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.
260. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan had a penalty applied on the disadvantaged area payment and the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42961/14]
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 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.
261. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment of their 2014 disadvantaged area scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42976/14]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2014 Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Areas scheme application on 7 April 2014. EU regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases on-farm or remote sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue. The application of the person named was selected for a remote sensing inspection and also a cross-compliance inspection.
The cross compliance inspection identified breaches in relation to cattle identification and registration requirements resulting in a 1% penalty being recorded against the 2014 payments. The person named was notified of this decision on 19 August 2014. The person named was also notified of the right to seek a review of this decision. To date no request for a review has been received by my Department. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of any such review the decision can be appealed to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office, within 3 months.
The results of the remote sensing inspection are currently being finalised with the intention of issuing any payment due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
262. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a site inspection will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42979/14]
View answerA review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that several of the land parcels declared by the person named contained ineligible features. Following the 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.
263. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to have a major agriculture trade mission to the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43041/14]
View answerI led a trade mission to the US in June 2014, the objectives of which were focused on the following:
- Expansion of the footprint of Irish Dairy companies in the US with the opening of the Irish Dairy Board facility in Wisconsin, with total investment valued at €70m;
- Market access: Highlighting at a political level, the importance of the TTIP trade negotiations and in obtaining market access for Irish beef and sheepmeat into the US market in addition to Grade A equivalence for our dairy products;
- Foreign Direct Investment: At business level promoting Ireland as a suitable location for FDI in the agrifood sector and as an ideal location for R&D innovation, while at the same time promoting Irish agrifood related companies currently located in the US.
Arising from the Trade mission and from the ongoing work in the Department in relation to market access, Ireland was one of only two countries in the EU to have been inspected by the US in the process of gaining market access for beef to the US. Ireland is also only one of three countries included in the pilot project in relation to Grade A equivalence for dairy and was the first to have its inspection visit. By being to the forefront Ireland would hope to be in a position to take full advantage of access into the US when it is announced which will be very beneficial for our companies wishing to trade in the US.
264. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has made a late application for single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43042/14]
View answerThe person named submitted an application under the 2014 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes on 14th October 2014. Unfortunately in accordance with regulations governing the scheme the application cannot be processed as it was lodged more than twenty five working days late. A letter notifying the person named has issued notifying them of the decision and outlining the review procedure. To date no appeal has been received but if the person named wishes to seek a review of this decision he should submit an appeal including relevant evidence supporting his appeal to my officials.
265. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the contact he has had with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with regards to the roll-out of high speed broadband connectivity in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43073/14]
View answerThe Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is playing a full and active part in the CEDRA Interdepartmental Group, particularly in relation to ensuring that the specific recommendations of the CEDRA Taskforce on the necessity for high-speed broadband in rural areas are fully implemented. Rural areas have been particularly badly hit by the economic downturn and the CEDRA report, which was published earlier this year, contained 34 main recommendations to help support the medium term economic development of rural areas for the period to 2025. Minister of State Phelan has established the CEDRA Inter-Departmental Group (CEDRA IDG) in order to progress the implementation of the CEDRA report. Lead responsibility for all actions has been assigned to the relevant departments and agencies and following the last meeting of the group in October, a detailed work programme, containing specific actions and timelines up to end 2015, is currently being finalised.
266. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rationale for his Department effectively disbanding the special investigations unit which was a very effective unit in ensuring that standard legal requirements in terms of animal welfare were being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43116/14]
View answerThe Department attaches very considerable importance to its investigative capability in the context of its regulatory and control functions to ensure that the significant investment being made in the sector in meeting its expansion plans under Food Harvest 2020 is not put at risk by failures to meet legal obligations which might undermine Ireland’s excellent reputation for food safety and animal health, to protect animal welfare and to protect the disbursement of public funds. As the remit of the Department requires a broad ranging and multifaceted investigative capacity, I decided earlier this year to establish a new Investigations Division, which brings all of the Department’s investigation capability, which heretofore existed in a number of areas, into one Division. I would point out that this new Division incorporates and includes the functions previously undertaken by the Special Investigations Unit. It is headed by a Senior Superintending Veterinary Officer, supported by a team of investigators, some of whom are core members of the team and others to be drawn from areas where their expertise will be beneficial to the conduct of particular types of investigations. The new Investigations Division reports to an Investigations Steering Group chaired by an Assistant Secretary General.
I can assure you that animal welfare remains within the remit of the Investigation Division which will continue to support local inspectorate staff in the implementation of official controls relating to animal welfare.
267. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures his Department is taking to counteract the disproportionate effect that current inheritance tax provisions are having on small holders of agricultural land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43117/14]
View answerTaxation policy is primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance. However I have on-going contact with Minister Noonan to ensure that tax policy reflects the Government’s commitment to agriculture. In this regard I am pleased that the Minister and I could facilitate the Agri-taxation Review, which was published as part Budget 2015. It gave us a unique opportunity to examine a critical element of Government support to the agriculture sector in the context of the strategy of expansion and increasing exports under Food Harvest 2020. The Review provides a strong evidence base for continued assistance to the primary sector through taxation measures and it is a clear strategy with specific policy objectives for the future. The Government’s commitment to agriculture is evidenced by the immediate implementation of the majority of the Report’s recommendations in Budget 2015, including 12 new measures, which form part of a strategic policy response to the opportunities and challenges ahead.
One of the taxation policy objectives identified by the Review is to assist succession. The age profile of Irish farmers is increasing and it is recognised that there are many social and economic reasons why succession management is a challenge for farmers. Assisting succession and the transfer of farms has been a central part of the Government’s agri-taxation policy and Budget 2015 included a number of measures to maintain and strengthen that support, specifically:
- The retention and targeting of Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) to active farmers or to those who lease out land long-term;
- The retention and enhancement of Retirement Relief from Capital Gains Tax, including two new measures;
- The extension of the eligible letting period of a qualifying asset to 25 years;
- For transfers other than to a child under Retirement Relief, as a once-off measure until the end of 2016, the inclusion of conacre lettings as eligible. I believe that this measure to allow farmers who have been engaged in conacre to avail of Retirement Relief if they transfer or move to long-term leasing before the end of 2016 is significant, and will give exit options to a large cohort of farmers.
- The retention of the current stamp duty exemptions on transfers of land, including the extension of Stamp Duty Consanguinity Relief, i.e. relief to related persons, on non-residential transfers to the end of 2017.
The new measures will be implemented by way of the Finance Bill, which was published recently. The Bill does not make any reference to farm size but currently makes reference to individuals being eligible if, “for a period of not less than 6 years commencing on the valuation date of the gift or inheritance spends not less than 50 per cent of that individual’s normal working time farming agricultural property (including the agricultural property comprised in the gift or inheritance) on a commercial basis and with a view to the realisation of profits from that agricultural property”. Alternatively, the land owner may lease out the land long-term (at least 6 years) and still benefit from the Relief.
The Minister and I are working closely to ensure that the legislation will cover as many active farmers as possible.
268. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown on a county basis of the number of farmers who have applied for the disadvantaged area scheme and the single farm payment schemes. [43145/14]
View answerThe details in respect of applications made under both schemes are as set out in the following table.
|
County Name |
Applied - DAS |
Applied - SFP |
|
Carlow |
701 |
1696 |
|
Cavan |
4,605 |
5041 |
|
Clare |
5,799 |
6332 |
|
Cork |
6,671 |
13461 |
|
Donegal |
7,880 |
8982 |
|
Dublin |
117 |
672 |
|
Galway |
11,307 |
12659 |
|
Kerry |
7,193 |
8126 |
|
Kildare |
461 |
2199 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,657 |
3563 |
|
Laois |
1,590 |
3057 |
|
Leitrim |
3,276 |
3583 |
|
Limerick |
2,706 |
5372 |
|
Longford |
2,262 |
2467 |
|
Louth |
684 |
1579 |
|
Mayo |
10,869 |
12077 |
|
Meath |
1,240 |
3946 |
|
Monaghan |
3,893 |
4320 |
|
Offaly |
2,246 |
3171 |
|
Roscommon |
5,408 |
5970 |
|
Sligo |
3,794 |
4219 |
|
Tipperary |
4,204 |
7263 |
|
Waterford |
1,312 |
2556 |
|
Westmeath |
2,494 |
3115 |
|
Wexford |
1,286 |
4144 |
|
Wicklow |
1,628 |
2202 |
|
TOTALS |
95,283 |
131772 |
269. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; when will payment be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43150/14]
View answerMy Department received a Transfer of Entitlements application on 24th October 2014 to transfer 8.27 standard entitlements from the above herd number. As this was an administrative transfer it was not subject to the normal closing date of 15th May 2014. The above herd number is now registered jointly in the names of the individual who formerly held it solely, and the above named person.
This application has now been processed and the entitlements have been transferred to the jointly held herd number. Acceptance letters were issued on 7th November 2014. Payment will issue shortly.
270. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will arrange to issue a grant payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of a milking parlour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43153/14]
View answerThe person concerned was approved for assistance under the Dairy Equipment Scheme and has now submitted a claim for payment. The usual checks are now being carried out and if these show that all the terms and conditions of the Scheme have been met, payment will follow. I anticipate that these checks will be completed in the near future.
271. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 230 of 7 October 2014 and 610 of 17 June 2014, the force majeure or exceptional circumstance assistance which may be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43195/14]
View answerAn application under 2014 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 7 May 2014. Advance payment issued to the nominated bank account of person named on 16 October 2014. As the applicant did not suffer any loss of payment as a result of storm damage and has been paid fully on their entitlements there is no facility for any additional payments under force majeure or exceptional circumstance assistance.
272. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a disadvantaged area scheme payment will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43227/14]
View answerAn application under the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2014. Payment has not yet issued to the person named as, at this stage, the holding concerned has not yet satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements. Immediately the holding concerned is confirmed as having met these requirements, the case will be further processed with a view to payment issuing to the person named at the earliest possible date thereafter, provided all other Scheme requirements have been satisfied.
273. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that removals of greenhouse gases resulting from the LULUCF sector are not counted towards the European Union’s 20% greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2020, the way it is proposed to reduce emissions from the Irish agriculture sector up to 2020 to help meet Ireland's binding obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43240/14]
View answerMy Department is aware of the need to identify cost effective abatement measures that can reduce carbon emissions while at the same time improve farm profitability. The Environmental Analysis Report on Food Harvest 2020 found that the adoption and use of high technology and best production methodologies at farm production level will yield the best environmental outcomes and result in the most effective mitigation measures. The new Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 is being informed by the findings and recommendations in this report and the ‘Marginal Abatement Cost Curve for Irish Agriculture’ (September 2012 prepared by Teagasc), which identified a number of measures for the abatement of greenhouse gases.
The RDP 2014-2020 has been designed to support the smart green growth message of Food Harvest 2020 and thus encompass the themes of technology, efficiency and sustainability. The main elements of the programme include:
- a substantial new agri-environment/climate scheme (GLAS), which will build on the progress made under REPS and AEOS;
- incentives for on-farm capital investment, which will incorporate support for investments with clear sustainability benefits;
- knowledge transfer and innovation measures including support for the European Innovation Partnership, which are aimed at underpinning farm viability, sustainability and growth through the adoption of best practice and innovative solutions;
- a new beef data and genomics programme will have a range of benefits in terms of sustainability, profitability, animal health and welfare, quality assurance, and herd quality; and
- other supports aimed at collaborative farming, artisan producers and organic farming.
My Department chairs an Agriculture Climate Change Committee, under the auspices of the Food Harvest High Level Implementation Committee which undertakes work on important and urgent issues in the development of national and EU policy on agriculture and climate change. The Committee comprises representatives of Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Environmental Protection Agency, and has helped to inform the development of a discussion document as part of the low carbon roadmap process under the Heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2014. The discussion document will be made available for public consultation shortly.
Following this public consultation, the agriculture sector low carbon roadmap will be developed and it will take into account the targets in the industry’s Food Harvest 2020 strategy as well as existing mitigation commitments. The roadmap will also outline a longer term view and seek to balance the objectives of allowing the food industry to grow so as to meet the food security challenges that face the world as well as the need to meet future climate change ambition.
While removals of greenhouse gases resulting from the LULUCF sector are not counted towards the European Union’s 20% greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2020, they are still counted under international agreements and, as such, Ireland has a target to expand forest cover from the current 11% of the land area of the country to 18% by mid century, with all of the expansion coming from agricultural land. The current forestry programme envisages an annual afforestation programme of 8,000 ha by 2020 with an estimated cost to the state of the afforestation programme since 1990 and out to 2030 of €3.5 billion. This very significant investment towards climate action will remove an estimated net 5.2 million tonnes of CO2 per annum over the period 2021-2030.
My Department will continue with its positive engagement with the Commission in seeking a coherent approach to agriculture and land use.
