Written Answers Nos. 284 - 302
284. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the forest management protocol for the hen harrier special protection areas will be reinstated while the hen harrier threat response plan is being redeveloped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1070/15]
View answerThe Threat Response Plan (TRP) is examining the impacts of various activities including forest development, agricultural intensification and wind farm development on the conservation of Hen Harrier, which is one of Ireland's rarest species of bird, and which is protected at a European level under the EU Birds Directive. I understand that the TRP will set out necessary measures for implementation within each of the three sectors, to protect and conserve Hen Harrier, and in doing so, will bring clarity to farmers and other landowners about future land management activities within the SPAs. In relation to forestry, it is envisaged that the TRP will determine, inter alia, the circumstances in which afforestation might be accommodated in Hen Harrier SPAs without impacting on the conservation of the species. Until then, my Department is not in a position to grant approval for any afforestation projects in those areas until, as part of the TRP, an integrated series of measures across all three land uses has been identified to protect the species. The Department therefore does not intend to reinstate the forest management protocol for the Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas.
285. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will permit the registered owners of donkeys to continue to use them in calculations of the stocking density for the disadvantaged area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49462/14]
View answerUnder the new Rural Development Plan 2015-2020, it is proposed that under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme 2015, holdings of eligible applicants will be required to maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a minimum retention period of seven consecutive months, in addition to maintaining an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the 2015 scheme year. The Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme replaces the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme in 2015. Up until the end of 2014, donkeys were eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation where the animals in question are appropriately registered in the name of the applicant and maintained on his/her holding in accordance with European Communities (Equine) Regulations 2011(S.I. 357 of 2011) and Equidae (Transfer of Ownership) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 189 of 2014). Discussions are ongoing with the EU Commission on the Draft Rural Development Programme including the proposals on the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme. Therefore, it is not possible at this stage to confirm whether donkeys will be eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation in the scheme approved by the Commission.
286. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will lift the ban on fishing dogfish for boats under 15 meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49463/14]
View answerThere are two species of dogfish of interest to commercial fishermen in Irish waters. In relation to Spurdog, the EU Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is set at zero and the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) has advised that the stock is depleted. Spurdog spawning biomass is currently at the lowest observed level, although stable in recent years. Spurdog is a long-lived, slow growing, and late maturing species and therefore is particularly vulnerable to fishing mortality. ICES advice is that there should be no target fishery and that by-catch in mixed fisheries should be minimised. It recommends that by-catches should be managed as part of a rebuilding plan, including close monitoring of the stock and fishery. The Marine Institute supports ICES advice and further notes that spatial avoidance measures should be put in place as part of a rebuilding plan to avoid large accidental catches. The Marine Institute advise that, considering the low stock size over the last two decades and the very low productivity of the stock, it is not possible to identify any non zero catch that would be compatible with the Maximum Sustainable Yield approach. On this basis, the EU Commission’s proposal for a zero TAC for 2015 was accepted by the EU Council.
In relation to lesser Spotted Dogfish, this stock is not subject to a TAC and quota regime. It is mainly a bait fishery and was not permitted under technical measures introduced in 2009 to protect the cod and whiting stocks in Area VIa (off the Donegal coast). Trials by BIM, supported by the Marine Institute on the impact of a fishery targeting lesser spotted dogfish on cod, haddock and whiting was prepared and it allowed Ireland to successfully make the case for an amendment to the EU Regulations to allow for this fishery. This derogation was introduced in Regulation (EU) No. 227/2013 of 13 March 2013. The Regulation, inter-alia, provided for arrangements to allow for a lesser spotted dog fishery off the north Donegal coast. The fishery is subject to a number of technical measures including a restriction on the area, length of gill net that may be deployed, maximum period of soak time, restrictions on by-catches.
In order to participate in this lesser spotted dogfish fishery, vessels over 10m, must be authorised in the Days at Sea Scheme to fish with Gill Nets in area VIa.
287. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new dairy equipment scheme, which has been allocated funding under the new CAP programme, will be made available to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49534/14]
View answerThe Dairy Equipment scheme is a priority scheme to be launched as part of the TAMS II Measure under the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. EU approval is awaited and the process is well underway, but it is not possible at this stage to fix definitive dates for the introduction of the scheme.
288. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 287 of 2 December 2014, if a veterinary nurse can solely hold a certificate of suitability as laid out in Section 109 of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49594/14]
View answerAs I indicated in my reply to Question No 287 of 2 December, under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, either a veterinary practitioner or a veterinary nurse may apply for and be granted a certificate of suitability in respect of a veterinary premises. Implementation of the process is vested in the Veterinary Council of Ireland. To enable the Council to effectively discharge its statutory functions in this regard, Section 108 of the Act enables it to make regulations in relation to veterinary premises covering matters such as classes of premises, availability of equipment and resources, signage to be available to the public and suitability for the practice of specified aspects of veterinary medicine. The Council has adopted regulations for this purpose, known as “Premises Accreditation Scheme Regulations” and has also adopted a detailed “Standards Document”. My Department understands that the Council is currently awaiting advice from its legal advisors in relation to certain issues which have arisen in the context of a particular application for a certificate of suitability.
289. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the second instalment of the single farm payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) engaged in agricultural activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49664/14]
View answerAn application under the 2014 Single Farm Payment scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2014. Processing of this application was finalised with the balancing payment issuing to the nominated bank account of the person named on 16 December 2014.
290. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the application made by friends of Seal Rescue Ireland for funding made under the animal welfare scheme; and when Seal Rescue Ireland will be made aware of funding to keep this important facility for injured marine wildlife open. [49666/14]
View answerThe application for ex-gratia funding submitted by seal Rescue Ireland has been approved and an amount of €6,500 was awarded to the organisation in December last. The organisation was informed of the allocation on 18th December 2014.
291. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the traditional swap between Ireland and Belgium for plaice in areas VII f-g; and the benefit this is to Irish fishermen. [49675/14]
View answer292. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the traditional swap between Ireland and Belgium for plaice quota was taken with the consent of the fishing industry; and the sector of the fishing industry this negotiation took place with. [49676/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
Swaps of quota with other Member States are discussed in advance with the Industry at the monthly Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meeting and also through e-mail with the QMAC. In almost all cases, the advice of the industry representatives are followed in respect of swops.
The monthly whitefish meetings are organised in accordance with a formal written protocol which I put in place in November 2013. This protocol provides that the Committee will comprise representatives from each of the 4 recognised Producer Organisations (POs), the Irish Fish producers and Exporters Association (IFPEA), the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Department. The meeting is chaired by a Department representative. Each of the Producer Organisations (POs) and the IFPEA are represented by a single attendee and in addition each organisation may invite one observer to the meeting. It is practice that the POs have usually one representative of a fisheries co-operative at these meetings as an invitee. Where representatives or observers have business interests related to the fishery/quota under discussion, they must advise the meeting of those business interests when giving a view on management issues.
It is in the interest of the industry as a whole that appropriately recognised organisations represent their interests to deliver a co-ordinated and cohesive view for the benefit of the industry. I consider that this would be very difficult if representation was at the individual level or fragmented amongst a large number of smaller ad hoc representatives groups. In addition, it is important as far as possible for the POs to develop a common position on issues, although this is not always achieved.
Each year a number of swaps of fishing quotas and effort are arranged by the Department with other Member States. Swaps involve an exchange of fishing opportunities with another Member State and are based on financial value of the exchanges proposed. Swaps are normally initially proposed or organised by the fishing industry led by the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) which comprises the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, Irish Fish Producers’ organisation and the Killybegs Fishermen’s Producers Organisation. The Irish South and East Producers Organisation also make proposals and each PO is consulted on swops.
In relation to the swap in 2014 between Ireland and Belgium for plaice in areas VII f, g, this was part of a swap for which Ireland received 125t Monkfish in Area VII. In return Ireland gave Belgium 150t of Plaice in VII f, g and 100t Plaice in Area VIIa. This is a long standing swop that is agreed each year between Belgium and Ireland that provides Ireland with additional monkfish which is a targeted fishery and very important for part of the Irish fleet. This swop was discussed in advance with the POs, at the QMAC meetings on 7 January and 21 February 2014. The FIF fully supported the swop, while the IS&EFO expressed concerns. Taking into account the views expressed, the Department completed the swop. It is expected that a proposal for a similar swop will be under consideration again this year.
293. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the plaice quota received for areas VII f-g and the quota swapped with Belgium for the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. [49677/14]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy are set as follows. The quota is allocated to the State in a Total Allowable Catch and Quota Council Regulation published in January each year.
|
Year |
Quota (Tonnes) |
Swapped to Belgium (Tonnes) |
|
2011 |
200 |
130 |
|
2012 |
197 |
130 |
|
2013 |
197 |
125 |
|
2014 |
202 |
150 |
294. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding tail docking in dairy herds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49716/14]
View answerThere has been a long standing ban on the tail docking of cattle. The current legal basis for this ban is S.I. No. 225/2014 - Prohibition on Tail-docking (Bovines) (No. 2) Regulations 2014, which replaced regulations made under the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes Act 1984. This SI prohibits the removal of the tail, or part of the tail of cattle. An exception is allowed where the procedure is carried out by a veterinary practitioner under anaesthetic if, in his or her opinion, it is necessary for the proper treatment of a disease or injury in that animal. The veterinary practitioner must issue a certificate for this procedure identifying the animal and the reason for the procedure.
295. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their rural environment protection scheme 4 payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49719/14]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in August 2009 and received payments up to the end of 2013 for their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. This process has now been completed and the 75% 2014 payment amounting to €4,231.99 issued for payment on the 8th January 2015. The remaining 25% balancing payment will issue shortly.
296. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 9 December 2014 regarding a person ( details supplied) in County Donegal, if a site inspection has taken place; if so, the results of this inspection; if a penalty will be applied to the person's agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49760/14]
View answerThe application was originally made in the name of another individual who passed away on the 09/06/11. The person named took over the contract wef 15/05/2012. Application was approved for participation in the AEOS 2 Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011 and payment has issued for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 scheme years. A 75% payment for the 2014 scheme year also issued on the 12th December 2014. The file was selected for inspection which took place on the 23 October 2013 and issues relating to the Natura and Species Rich Grassland options were identified. The applicant was notified of the inspection findings on the 8 January 2014. The penalties were deducted from the 2013 payment and the payable areas were reduced accordingly.
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 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. This visit has been given priority status and will be completed shortly. The person named will be advised, in writing, of the findings of the verification visit as soon as possible following the visit.
297. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2013 agri-environment options scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49766/14]
View answerThe person named w as approved for participation in the 2012 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1st May 2013. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of land parcels declared which required digitisation. This digitisation process has been completed and the application has successfully completed the required checks in respect of the 2013 Scheme year and payment will issue shortly.
298. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused admission to agri-environment options scheme 3. [49768/14]
View answerAn application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 7th December 2012. The process of ranking and selecting all AEOS applicants was clearly set out in the scheme documentation. Acceptance into the scheme was established using pre-determined selection criteria, which included farm-size and which prioritised smaller holdings.
Unfortunately, the person named was not successful because his farm-size was outside the range selected and on 27th May 2013 a letter issued to him informing him of the outcome and setting out the reasons. The person was also informed of his right of appeal to AEOS Section.
An appeal was received from the person named and following review the original decision was upheld. He was then informed of the right to appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office, which he did. The Agriculture Appeals Office also upheld the original decision.
299. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason an afforestation pre-approval application has been refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49769/14]
View answerThe application under the Afforestation Scheme by the person named was refused because it was outside the scope of the Scheme for the following reasons:
1. The land the subject of the application is incapable of producing a commercial crop (Yield Class14);
2. Highly exposed sites (2 small blocks close to the Atlantic Coast and west of Louisburgh Co. Mayo) and poor quality land.
3. The extent of unimproved land area is understated in the application and exceeds the upper limit of 20% of the total area of the site as provided in the Scheme.
The person named was notified of his right of appeal against this decision but no such appeal was received.
300. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of agencies quangos or other bodies within, funded by or established by his Department which have been scrapped, merged or reduced since this Government was formed; the amount saved in each case; the reduction in staff as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1007/15]
View answerMy Department has neither established nor abolished any agency, quango or other body, since March 2011. Of the forty six bodies listed as candidates for critical review by end June 2012 in the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan, published in November 2011 by the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) three from this Department were reviewed for possible abolition or merger;
1. National Milk Agency (NMA) – to consider abolishing or merging with Bord Bia
2. Irish Marine Development Office – functions to be subsumed into the Marine Institute
3. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – to consider subsuming certain functions into this Department. (The marketing functions of BIM had been transferred to Bord Bia prior to the period in question).
A review group considered abolishing or merging the National Milk Agency with An Bord Bia. As the NMA does not receive any financial support from the State and its functions are quite distinct and separate from those of An Bord Bia, it has been decided not to proceed with this proposal.
As regards BIM, the review group concluded that BIM should continue as a separate entity under the governance of the Department and this recommendation has been accepted.
As the Irish Marine Development Office is already integrated with the Marine Institute from an administrative perspective no further action is required.
301. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the agencies or sections from his Department that were decentralised during the period 1997 to 2011; and the travel costs and expenses incurred by decentralised personnel travelling to their base Department in that period. [1022/15]
View answerSince 1997 various areas of work in my Department decentralised to Wexford, Portlaoise, Clonakilty and Backweston Campus, Co Kildare. The following table sets out the Divisions decentralised:
|
Decentralised Offices |
No. of Divisions |
|
Backweston Campus |
8 Units |
|
Clonakilty |
2 Units |
|
Portlaoise |
10 Units |
|
Wexford |
2 Units |
Details of travel costs and expenses paid to staff from the decentralised offices for travelling to Agriculture House, Dublin are only available from 2005. On the basis of the destination stated on the relevant expenses claims made from 2005 to 2011, the total travel and subsistence costs incurred by the staff in these years amounted to some €970,479.
302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding EU grants for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1078/15]
View answerI am aware of the Commissioner’s recent statement on this issue. Both my Department and I are very strongly committed to promoting Farm Safety in collaboration with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the organisation with primary responsibility for securing health and safety at work. Farm safety is one of the most critical issues facing farming today. Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. There were 30 people killed in farm accidents in 2014, which is the greatest number of fatal accidents since 1992. This was over half of all the workplace deaths in Ireland, making farming the most dangerous occupation in the country. It is also clear that the most vulnerable people to have accidents and injury in the farming sector are the old and the young, with 5 people under 18 having died in farm accidents and a further 10 who were over 65.
My Department has taken a number of steps over the last 12 months and over recent years in tandem with some of the other State and industry organisations to raise awareness of the problem and educate farmers and their families on the dangers of working in this industry.
Most recently, I launched a new Farm Safety Scheme for the grant-aiding of items relating to farm safety. I have committed funding of €12.2 million to the scheme which covers items such as animal handling facilities, safety agitation points for slurry tanks and safety cages under translucent roof sheets, to name but a few of the items being supported. This scheme will see a significant investment in farm safety on farms in the coming months.
Research has shown that there is a high level of awareness amongst farmers of health and safety issues and that a focus should now be placed on changing behaviours.
My focus at present is to encourage changes in farmers’ behaviour through positive supports and further education. It is important that we all support a change in approach to safety on our farms.
