Written Answers Nos. 274 - 288
274. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department currently has just one inspector for the entire country dealing with Land Commission issues; his views on this situation; his plans to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43242/14]
View answerI am satisfied that there are sufficient resources within my Department’s Agricultural Inspectorate to deal with any outstanding Land Commission cases. With regard to land survey issues associated with these cases, my Department has made arrangements with the Property Registration Authority for the services of a surveyor to carry out works in this area when required. At the present time priority is being given to the most urgent cases requiring the input of a surveyor.
275. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have been paid under the disadvantaged area scheme and the single farm payment schemes in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim. [43247/14]
View answerPayments under the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced, on schedule, on 25 September and, to date, payments worth €1 77.9 million have issued nationally, to some 84,327 applicants, with payments continuing to issue on a twice weekly basis, with individual cases being paid as they are confirmed eligible.
Payments under the 2014 Single Payments Scheme commenced on 16 October and, to date, payments worth € 547.7 million have issued nationally to some 114,566 applicants.
The following is a breakdown of the number of applicants in Roscommon and Leitrim who have received payment to date for Single Farm Payment and Disadvantaged Areas 2014.
County Breakdown
|
- |
Single Payments |
DAS |
|
Leitrim |
3,006 |
2,815 |
|
Roscommon |
5,255 |
4,830 |
276. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he authorised and sanctioned a private agreement at a location (details supplied) in County Galway between his Department, Teagasc and a company; when this matter was discussed by Teagasc and his Department; when this matter first came to his attention; if his attention has been drawn to the serious ramifications of this matter; his policy on transparency in the beef industry, in the entire livestock slaughter regime; his policy on livestock breeding and production research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43265/14]
View answerI understand that following stakeholder representations over a number of years and following a recommendation in Food Harvest 2020, it is proposed to establish a suckler demonstration farm in Athenry to serve farmers in the west of Ireland. The project is modelled on the well known Greenfield dairy demonstration farm in Kilkenny which annually attracts large numbers of farmers and discussion groups. The Greenfield model involved the establishment of a company to operate and finance the dairy farm. It is highly regarded, and provides a public good demonstration service to all farmers in the dairy sector. It is envisaged that the Athenry project would operate along similar lines with the aim of demonstrating to farmers, the profit that can be obtained from a well run suckler beef farm.
The Athenry project is an operational matter for Teagasc and its governing Authority, which is representative of the main stakeholder groups in the agri-food sector, including representatives of the farming organisations.
I understand that Teagasc is in discussions with the company in question which is the only meat company to have expressed willingness to assist in the project. It is anticipated that the company would be responsible for managing and financing the demonstration farm similar to the Greenfield project. As a member of the project steering group, Teagasc’s role is to provide expert technical advice and to disseminate the research results to farmers. Teagasc is also making available rented lands in Athenry for the project. My Department has only recently been approached by Teagasc to see if some Department owned land in Athenry could be made available and this matter is currently under examination.
Teagasc is satisfied that the Athenry suckler demonstration farm will provide very valuable information to all beef farmers and will be a major focal point for discussion groups.
In establishing the beef roundtable discussions, it was identified that more could be done to improve transparency throughout the beef sector. My Department collates the prices paid for domestic cattle on a weekly basis and reports this data to the European Commission in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1249/2008 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 148/2014. To ensure price transparency, results for Members States are published on the DG Agriculture & Rural Development website. The published weekly data includes market prices for carcasses and live animals as well as information on production and herd inventories. This publicly accessible information allows stakeholders to monitor the evolution of the market situation in each Member State.
There is also a wealth of information available to farmers under the Beef PriceWatch section on my Department’s website, including the prices for Steers, Cows, and Heifers across the classification grid, for each DAFM approved factory.
My Department recently launched the Beef PriceWatch app which brings together the above information in an easy to use format direct to farmers smartphones, tablets and PCs. The app includes grid prices on a per factory basis for young bulls adding another degree of transparency to the sector.
With regards to slaughter figures, my Department publishes the Meat Market Report weekly within the Beef Pricewatch area of our website which gives details of number of animals slaughtered broken down by category of animal.
Finally on the question of livestock breeding and production research I have provided €33m in 2014 for a beef data and genomics scheme to improve breed quality in the suckler herd, in addition to the substantial funding provided to Teagasc, ICBF and AHI. In 2015, the funding provision will be increased to €52m as part of an overall provision of €300m for beef data and genomics over the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
277. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 431 of 4 November 2014, if the extent of the fine will be reduced. [43286/14]
View answerUnder any Department scheme, the onus is on each applicant to ensure that his/her claim is accurate; otherwise s/he may suffer the potential consequences of an under-claim or an over-claim. While the Department employs Inspectors to protect its interests, an applicant employs a forestry company to protect his/her interests and this includes submitting an accurate claim on the applicant’s behalf. In line with this, the applicant employed his forestry company, which prepared the claim form in respect of his plantation, together with the species map with the “Area Certified by” a company professional. This certified claim was submitted in November 2001.
With regard to the applicant making the Department aware of the over-claim, he informed the Single Farm Payment Division in his 2013 application that the over claimed area should be included in his claim for Single Farm Payment. He made the request “Move boundary to ditch along forestry”. It was this request to increase his Single Farm Payment that led to the discovery of the forestry over-claim. Given the circumstances, there are no mitigating factors to support a reduction in the amount of the overpayment that had to be recouped. (There was no penalty or fine imposed for over claiming.)
The applicant has recently discussed his case with a Department official; and he has undertaken to forward a map outlining what he believes are the correct boundaries of his plantation. On receipt of this map, the matter can be reviewed.
278. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider an extension or reopening to the shellfish pot replacement scheme for inshore fishermen who did not replace the full number of pots that they applied for as they had difficulty in securing matching funding; if he has figures on the number of such fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43295/14]
View answerIn response to the exceptional loss of pots reported by fishermen as a result of the severe storms experienced in January and February of this year, I introduced a Shellfish Pot Replacement Scheme providing pot fishermen with 40% of the cost of replacing lobster, crab and shrimp pots through payments of €24 per lobster/crab pot and €12 per shrimp pot. Having considered the response to the Scheme, I amended the rules of the Scheme in May to increase the maximum number of replacement pots allowed and I reopened the Scheme to additional new applicants.
The Scheme has now closed. The Scheme is being administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara. BIM has received a total of 182 eligible applications and has paid 128 of these. I am aware that some remaining applicants are having difficulties with deliveries from suppliers because of the increased demand arising from the storm losses and this Scheme and with funding the remaining cost of replacing pots. BIM is liaising with outstanding applicants on this and is affording them every reasonable opportunity to satisfy the terms of the Scheme.
279. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will be paid their 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 disadvantaged area payment in view of the fact that their 2010 payment issued recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43306/14]
View answerMy Department is currently reviewing the Disadvantaged Area applications of the person named for the years mentioned by the Deputy. As soon as this review is completed, the person named will be informed of the outcome.
280. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2014 single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision is due on the appeal of the 2013 single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43307/14]
View answerA review of the land parcels declared by the person named under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme revealed that several of the 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 now necessary. The person named will be advised, in writing, of the findings of the verification visit as soon as possible following the visit. In the event that the person named is dissatisfied with the outcome of this verification check, the decision can be appealed to the independent LPIS Appeals Committee, within 4 weeks of the notification letter.
An official from my Department will contact the person named to discuss the position in relation to his 2014 Single Payment Scheme application.
281. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2014 single farm and disadvantage area scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43314/14]
View answerThe person named submitted an application under the 2014 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Area Schemes on 25th March 2014. Following processing an error arose relating to right to claim a commonage parcel declared by the person named. A query letter issued regarding this matter and a response was received from the person named. As the reply was not sufficient to clear the error a further letter recently issued requesting documentary evidence of the grazing rights. As soon as a satisfactory reply is received my officials will further process the application.
282. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Defence if a pension will be put in place in respect of a person (detail supplied) in County Cork; and the reason they have not been medically discharged. [42935/14]
View answerUnder the Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes the position is that for a non-commissioned officer or private of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) who enlisted prior to 1 April 2004, in general the minimum service required to qualify for a pension is 21 years, or 12 years if discharged on medical grounds. The person in question was discharged at his own request, not on medical grounds, after 12 years service on 22 June 1989. The question of a medical discharge did not arise. As he had less than the required minimum service in the PDF he was not eligible for a pension under the rules of the Schemes. On his discharge from the PDF, he was paid a gratuity appropriate to his service and rank.
Under the Army Pensions Acts a wound (disability) pension may be granted to a former member of the PDF in respect of a permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service. Under the Acts, an application for a wound pension must be made within one year of discharge from the PDF. The person in question was discharged from the PDF in June 1989 and first made an inquiry regarding a wound (disability) pension in February 1997. As this was outside of the statutory time limit it was not open to the Department to accept an application.
283. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 18 September 2014 of the failure of Kildare County Council to assist in addressing the accommodation needs of former Defence Forces personnel and their families currently residing in the Curragh Camp, if he will meet the families in order to explore a solution. [43094/14]
View answerThe Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is the Department primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of policy in relation to social housing. The vast majority of housing services for which it is responsible are delivered through the local authorities. Kildare County Council is the agency responsible for the provision of housing assistance for civilians in the Curragh area. In this regard, the Council has a budget and applies the criteria for social housing allocation within its area of responsibility.
Officials of the Department of Defence initiated discussions with Kildare County Council to determine whether there was a possibility of a joint initiative to provide solutions to the overholding issues in the Curragh. The Council indicated that, due to budgetary constraints their policy is to lease suitable properties in order to provide accommodation for those who meet the criteria for social housing assistance.
As stated previously, the Department of Defence has no mandate or budget to address the housing needs of members of the public and in light of the above it would be inappropriate for the Department to intervene where such members are being assessed as to their qualification for housing assistance.
In implementing the policy of withdrawing from the provision of Married Quarters for serving members of the Defence Forces, the Department has had discussions with a number of overholders with a view to assisting in whatever way it can in finding a solution in individual cases. In this regard, the Department advised overholders where appropriate to apply for social housing and have supplied supporting documentation for the Council when requested. The Department plans to continue engaging with individual overholders with a view to resolving the overholding issue.
284. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the Government jet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35205/14]
View answerThe Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) provides the Government and the President with an independent and flexible air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations. This flexibility was particularly valuable during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union last year. The Service has been provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The Gulfstream IV has the capacity to carry 14 passengers and is tasked with long haul missions whilst the Learjet 45 has a capacity to carry seven passengers and is tasked with short and medium haul missions. On the 27th of July last, the Gulfstream IV aircraft, which has been in service for 23 years, travelled to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation facility in Georgia, USA, for its annual maintenance inspection. During the inspection, issues were discovered with the aircraft’s undercarriage. My Department is currently in consultation with Gulfstream in relation to this situation. Meanwhile, the MATS is being provided by the Learjet 45 aircraft.
I will bring a memorandum to Cabinet on this matter in due course.
285. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Irish troops in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35647/14]
View answerIn September 2013, a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force was deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) at the request of the United Nations. UNDOF was established on 31 May 1974 under UN Security Council Resolution 350 (1974). The current Defence Forces contingent, the 46th Irish Infantry Group UNDOF, comprises 130 troops and consists of a Force Reserve Company and support elements. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility.
In addition to the Force Reserve Company, there are eight (8) other Defence Forces personnel based in UNDOF Headquarters, Camp Ziouani, including the Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Anthony Hanlon, who took up his appointment on 20 September 2014.
Fighting between Syrian Arab Armed Forces and Anti Government Armed Elements has recently escalated in the UNDOF area of responsibility. In August 2014 and in response to the hostilities, the Irish contingent, in its capacity as the Force Reserve Company, dealt with several incidents as requested by the Force Commander UNDOF, including assisting with the safe extraction of members of the Philippine Battalion.
Given events on the ground and at my request the UN undertook a review of the mission, particularly the capacity of the mission to fulfil its mandate in light of the civil war in Syria. Since then there has been a fundamental realignment of the UNDOF mission with a view to minimising unacceptable risks to peacekeepers, while continuing to implement the mission’s mandate. The Headquarters of the UNDOF mission, including the Irish contingent, has now been relocated from Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation to Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation. Movement in the area of responsibility is also restricted.
In September 2014, the Presidency of the UN Security Council issued a strong statement, reaffirming the Council’s unconditional support for the UNDOF mission and emphasising the importance of maintaining UNDOF as a vital contributor to peace and security in the Middle East.
On 12 September, the UN Secretary-General reported to the UN Security Council on recent activities in the UNDOF mission area and the mission was further discussed at a meeting of the Security Council on 20 October. The UN continues to review the mission and the UN Secretary-General will provide regular updates on the mission to the Security Council in this regard.
286. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence his views on the Defence Forces' policy of purchasing weapons from countries engaged in conflicts contrary to the UN charter; if he will provide a manifest on purchases of military hardware, outlining from what nations these have been or are planned to be acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43149/14]
View answerThe primary purpose for the procurement of defensive equipment by the Department of Defence is to maintain the capability of the Irish Defence Forces on overseas Peace Support Operations and to afford the greatest possible force protection to Irish troops whilst on such missions. Tender competitions for defensive equipment for the Defence Forces are conducted by the Department of Defence in accordance with EU procurement guidelines and are open to any individual or country in accordance with the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargoes or restrictions. The matter of barring any country engaged in conflicts contrary to the UN Charter from entering tender competitions would be covered in this context.
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition between suppliers through the submission of tenders following advertising of the tender competition usually on the e-tenders site in line with the EU Directive on the procurement of Defence and Security equipment. In following the required procurement guidelines and codes, the Department of Defence must deal impartially with all companies that are entitled to enter its procurement competitions and must evaluate tenders on the basis of objective criteria.
Investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces, including the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, and the on-going maintenance support of and training on that equipment, is provided for under various Subheads of the Defence Vote. The main particular Subheads involved relate to defensive equipment, military transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, communications and information technology equipment.
Taking into account the level of expenditure involved over the years, a wide range of military equipment is in operational service with the Defence Forces at home and on overseas missions. In that context, it is not the practice to provide any itemised manifest of such equipment purchased as to do so could, in particular circumstances, compromise operational and security factors for the Defence organisation.
287. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of road accident fatalities over the past 20 years on the national primary roadway between Croom, County Limerick and Charleville, County Cork. [42903/14]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
288. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to address the serious anti-social behaviour taking place in Dublin's main tourism area, Temple Bar, and surrounding areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43179/14]
View answerI am very much aware of the concerns expressed by the Deputy and in this regard I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Dublin City Centre Policing Plan has been operational since June 2013. Garda actions under the Plan include dedicated high visibility patrols in key commercial and public thoroughfares including Temple Bar. These patrols are informed by crime trends, demand studies and footfall in the areas in question. I am also aware that An Garda Síochána engages extensively with business and community interests in the city centre area with respect to crime prevention, enforcement and policing concerns.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda resources. From my discussions with the Garda authorities I am assured that Garda management in the Dublin Metropolitan Region keep this deployment under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, including with respect to concerns about public order and anti-social behaviour, so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of policing resources.
The Garda approach includes focusing resources on specific areas of the city according to need. As part of this, a number of targeted city centre policing operations are in place.
These operations include Operation Pier, which concentrates on the South Quays and Temple Bar area. This operation includes the designation of certain areas as "hotspots" for anti-social behaviour and regular uniformed and plain clothes patrols. Other Garda Operations in the city centre include Operation Spire which is focussed on the O’Connell Street and North Inner City areas, and Operation Stilts which is an ongoing overt policing operation targeting anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime in Dublin city centre locations.
I am conscious of the perspectives of business and community interests about the effects of certain types of crime and anti-social behaviour on the environment for business and leisure and on the overall quality of life for residents. Some of the problems faced are linked to disorder associated with abuse of alcohol and An Garda Síochána work closely with a wide range of businesses involved in the entertainment and nighttime economy to address these issues so that people can enjoy themselves without concern for their welfare.
Other challenges have their origin in even more complex social phenomena which go well beyond the capacity of criminal justice agencies to address on their own. Dealing with these matters requires a coordinated approach from state agencies involved in social, housing, health and drug treatment services, as well as through partnership with business, community and voluntary groups. An Garda Síochána is already a long term partner in a range of local consultative and representative structures in Dublin and elsewhere. I am considering how we can step up this cooperation with a view to developing collaborative solutions to the range of issues which affect policing and the overall quality of the environment in our urban centres, and I intend to engage further with the Garda authorities in that regard.
