Written Answers Nos. 1-163
138. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if limestone karst and waterlogged soil areas in County Roscommon and in the east of County Galway will be defined as water-vulnerable areas under the new green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/15]
View answerThe Vulnerable Water areas scheduled for support under GLAS have been identified in the first instance from maps and advice provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), refined on the basis of contiguity to the watercourse in question, wet-soil characteristics and presence of bovines on the holding in question. These sites have been mapped on my Department's new online application system for GLAS and will be clearly identified to the applicant's adviser when he or she logs into the system.
GLAS is structured around three tiers. The Priority Environmental Assets and Actions which have been identified as part of the consultation and design process receive priority access under Tier 1. This tier includes farms with High Status water courses. Farms with Vulnerable water courses are the next priority and can access GLAS under Tier 2. Tier 3 contains a range of complementary actions which can be selected by those who have already been approved for Tiers 1 or 2, or by farmers who wish to join GLAS but who have no PEAs or cannot take the actions required for Tier 2.
The areas identified by the Deputy include farms with both high-status and vulnerable water.
139. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the impact, to date, of the food sanctions imposed by Russia, and the supports the European Union is providing to alleviate the losses to the Irish agriculture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/15]
View answerAt the time of the imposition of the ban, Russia was the second most important destination for agrifood exports from the EU, valued at some €12 billion in 2013. Almost half of this trade is subject to the ban. Across the EU, fruit and vegetables and dairy are the sectors most affected, although the loss of such a significant commercial market has had repercussions for the entire EU agriculture sector. The most immediate effects of the ban have been felt by the Baltic Member States and Finland.
In Ireland, the sectors most affected are dairy and pigmeat. As regards milk, the continuing volatility in the global dairy market was already having a significant impact on dairy farmers in Ireland and this has been exacerbated by the Russian action. There are, however, signs of improving sentiment in the dairy market and that global prices will recover as the year progresses. As to pigmeat, there has been a substantial fall in producer prices, although this reduction comes after a three year high that peaked in the summer of 2014.
The EU Commission has taken a number of measures to support the market, valued at some €350 million to date. These include:
- Support for market withdrawals, green harvesting and compensation for non-harvesting for perishable fruit and vegetables;
- Introduction of private storage aid for butter and skimmed milk powder, recently extended to the end of September 2015;
- Opening of intervention buying-in for butter and skimmed milk powder, where the closing date was extended to December 31st in 2014 and the commencement date advanced to January 1st in 2015.
- Introduction of private storage aid for cheese for a short period in September to October 2014. The scheme for cheese was discontinued as the uptake was not in the main from Russian ban affected countries.
- Introduction of a direct compensation package to farmers in the Baltic Member States and Finland.
I have maintained pressure on the EU Commission to ensure close monitoring of the situation and use all of the market tools available to alleviate the impacts. The availability of private storage aid for butter and skimmed milk powder until the end of September next is welcome but I would like the Commission to consider the reintroduction of private storage aid for cheese and for pigmeat. Depending on price developments in the sector, I also think that we may need to look seriously at intervention buying-in in the dairy sector, to be undertaken at price levels that would positively support the market.
At national level I have impressed on the major banks the need to show flexibility in their dealings with farmers experiencing temporary cash flow difficulties in 2015. Co-ops may have a role in mitigating the impact of the global price downturn on their suppliers, and have some flexibility, based on agreements secured at EU level, in relation to the phasing of super levy bills to farmers.
140. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to allow all eligible applicants into the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme on a first-come, first-in basis in 2015, in view of the delay in commencing the scheme; if he will ensure that farmers will receive a significant payment under the scheme this year and all the funds provided under the scheme in the Estimates are paid out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6625/15]
View answerGLAS (the Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme) is part of a suite of proposed measures under the new Rural Development Programme (RDP). Ireland's draft RDP for the period 2014-2020 was submitted to the European Commission for approval in July last year and approval for the Scheme is still awaited. My officials are involved in negotiations with the Commission to expedite that approval and the Scheme will be opened as soon as possible.
The funding I have secured will accommodate the approval of 25,000 to 30,000 farmers in the first tranche of applications.
I am obliged to respect all regulatory provisions governing the GLAS Scheme and these regulations do not allow for applicants to be approved on a "first-come, first-in" basis. It is a regulatory requirement that all applications received before the closing date must be administratively checked before any application can be selected for approval into the scheme. When the administrative checks have been completed all valid applications will then be ranked and selected based in the first instance on the priority environmental assets attributed to each holding. The number of applications submitted will impact on the processing time but it is my intention to prioritise this work and notify farmers of the outcome of their applications at the earliest possible date.
As with the introduction of previous agri-environmental schemes, payment in the first year of application (2015) will be on a part-year basis, followed by annual payments for a further five full calendar years. I have included a sum of €20m in my Department's Estimates for 2015 to cover expenditure on GLAS this year and given the level of interest in the scheme I believe this estimate is realistic and that it will be fully utilised.
141. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has assessed the risk of the Irish ban on hormone-treated beef being undermined by the transatlantic trade and investment partnership agreement; and his views on the quality of food standards in view of the negotiations on the agreement. [6679/15]
View answerI am very supportive of the negotiations for a trade and investment agreement between the EU and the United States. An agreement between the world's two major trading blocs has the potential to enhance growth and increase jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Of course we also have some red lines in these negotiations. One of these relates to the EU ban on the use of hormones in meat production. In this regard, I have received repeated assurances from the EU Commission that the EU ban on the import of hormone treated meat will not change.
As to the wider issue of food standards in general, the key issue for me is that the principle of equivalence will continue to apply so that even where production processes in the EU and US are not identical they will provide equivalent guarantees regarding the standards of production. This principle is already enshrined under the World Trade Organisation Agreement and I am pleased to report that it is already recognised by both sides in the EU US negotiations as the basis for the TTIP agreement. Equally it is important that both the EU and United States retain the policy space to restrict certain practices and processes on social and ethical grounds.
We are at a relatively early stage in these negotiations but I am confident that there is sufficient determination and good will on both sides of the Atlantic to secure an agreement that will be good for Europe and good for the United States.
142. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if limestone karst and waterlogged soil areas will be defined as water-vulnerable areas under the new green low-energy agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6618/15]
View answerThe Vulnerable Water areas scheduled for support under GLAS have been identified in the first instance from maps and information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), refined on the basis of contiguity to the watercourse in question, wet-soil characteristics and presence of bovines on the holding in question. These sites have been mapped on my Department's new online application system for GLAS and will be clearly identified to the applicant's adviser when he or she logs into the system.
GLAS is structured around three tiers. The Priority Environmental Assets and Actions which have been identified as part of the consultation and design process receive priority access under Tier 1. This tier includes farms with High Status water courses. Farms with Vulnerable Water Areas are the next priority and can access GLAS under Tier 2. Tier 3 contains a range of complementary actions which can be selected by those who have already been approved for Tiers 1 or 2, or by farmers who wish to join GLAS but who have no PEAs or cannot take the actions required for Tier 2.
Farms in both limestone karst areas and farms with waterlogged soils may qualify for inclusion in either Tiers 1 or 2, depending on the status of any watercourses passing through the holding and on the presence of bovines.
143. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the negotiations that have taken place to ensure access to the Chinese market for dairy produce from Ireland and other states of the European Union on the same basis as New Zealand and Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/15]
View answerThe development of a dairy and agrifood export market for Irish produce in China has been a priority for me since becoming Minister. I strongly believe that progress to date can only be viewed as very positive, with the added bonus of a huge latent potential remaining to be developed on an ongoing basis, as we increase production following quota abolition.
As Minister for Agriculture, I have headed two trade missions to China, with dairy market development a significant feature in both. Ireland's dairy offering resonates with Chinese consumers who place safety, traceability and sustainability at the core of their value proposition. Uniquely amongst EU Member States, Irish dairy plants received a 100% approval rating during a Chinese Inspection visit in 2014. As part of my last mission I hosted a highly successful dairy seminar attended by key Chinese buyers and media.
Australia and New Zealand are traditional suppliers of dairy products to the Chinese market and have entered into bilateral agreements with China that involve commitments to remove tariffs within specific timeframes, depending on the product sector or subsector. Additionally, both countries are members of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), a group of countries that includes both China and the United States, who are in the process of negotiating a pluri-lateral free trade agreement. Clearly the outcome of the TPP agreement will set the benchmark for future negotiations between the EU and China on market access for dairy products.
The Irish dairy sector would benefit greatly from such an arrangement. However, negotiations on Free Trade Agreements come within the remit of EU Commission, based on a mandate from the EU Council of Ministers. It is not within the gift of any individual EU Member State to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with China.
Negotiations for an update of the 1985 Trade and Economic Cooperation agreement between China and the EU were launched in 2007. However these negotiations stalled in 2011 due to divergences between the mandates and expectations of both sides. Essentially, Member States normally pressing for trade liberalisation, found themselves on the defensive regarding the access sought by China to the EU market, particularly for the automotive and electronic sectors.
Instead, the decision was taken to focus initially on investment and in late 2013 the Council authorised the EU Commission to initiate negotiations for a comprehensive EU-China investment agreement. It is unlikely that any serious progress can be made on an updated Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement until the investment agreement is finalised.
Notwithstanding this, the Irish Dairy sector has made extraordinary strides in China in recent years. While a large proportion of dairy trade into China from countries such as New Zealand can be categorised as bulk commodity, for instance whole and skimmed milk powders, Ireland has an evolving focus towards, and competes at, the higher value end of the Chinese dairy market. In the infant formula sector, Irish based products are viewed as super-premium brands. China is now Ireland's second largest export market for dairy produce, compared to 13th in 2008. In total, companies based in Ireland exported almost €400m worth of dairy produce to China in 2014. This is an increase from just €104m in 2010 and highlights the huge rate of growth in our dairy exports there in a short space of time.
144. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish his Department's internal report into the special investigations unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6619/15]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to a report arising from a review that I asked to be carried out following a Circuit Court case in November 2013, where the Judge directed that a defendant be found not guilty by direction of the court. In the course of summing up at the end of the case, the trial Judge advised that matters surrounding the case should be examined by my Department.
I would clarify that this was not a report 'into the Special Investigation Unit' per se, but rather a detailed examination of the specific court case, its preceding investigation, which was carried out jointly by officers of my Department and An Garda Síochána, and the circumstances that led to the premature conclusion of the case.
The purpose of the review, which resulted in the compilation of the report, was intended to be an internal process, specifically to assist my Department understand the reasons for the premature ending of the case and to take appropriate remedial action, if such was determined to be necessary. In addition, the fact that the report makes reference to some non-Departmental individuals – who were involved in the investigation and the court case, and to whom reference was necessary to provide context and completeness to the report - was another factor justifying non-publication of the report.
During the course of 2014 however, access to the report became the subject of a number of requests under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003. These requests were considered in the context of the Acts. Having consulted relevant third parties as is required by the Act, the decision-maker indicated his decision to substantially release the report, (with some redactions) taking into account the relevant sections of the Act. As part of that process, a party who is external to my Department appealed the decision to release the report to the Office of the Information Commissioner. That process has not yet concluded.
If at the end of this process, there are no obstacles to its release, as proposed by the decision-maker, I will be happy to do so.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if in the context of trade agreement discussions between the European Union and the United States of America, he remains satisfied that the interests of the agrifood sector in Ireland and in the European Union are adequately provided for and will not become disadvantaged in the course of parallel trade negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6651/15]
View answerI believe that a trade and investment agreement between the European Union and the United States will be good for Ireland and good for Europe. Such an agreement has, in my view, the potential to enhance growth and increase jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the agriculture sector, Ireland has substantial offensive interests. We are keen to increase our access to the American market for dairy products, pigmeat, beverages and food ingredients. Now that we have gained access to the US beef market, we want to grow that trade by securing higher quotas and lower tariffs.
Of course we have defensive interests as well. One of these is our beef sector where we are mindful of the potential of increased imports of US beef to have a negative effect on the economics of EU and Irish beef production, particularly beef from suckler cows. We must ensure that the EU market is not undermined by over-supply.
We are at a relatively early stage in these negotiations but I am confident that there is sufficient determination and good will on both sides of the Atlantic to secure an agreement that will be good for Europe and good for the United States.
146. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his response to the recommendation by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine that the new investigations division in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine should possess no authority to determine direct farm payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/15]
View answerThe Single Payment to Farmers forms a significant component of farmer income in Ireland. This EU measure recognises the importance of ensuring that sufficient numbers can derive a worthwhile livelihood from farming, which in turn helps to ensure food security as well as contributing to the overall Irish and EU economies. There are basic obligations attached to the receipt of the Single Payment and in order to ensure the required levels of compliance, checks are carried out based on risk. There is a Division within my Department tasked with the administration of the EU Single Payment scheme. This scheme involves an annual payment made to farmers subject to compliance with certain conditions.
Under cross compliance requirements, a farmer receiving direct payments is required to respect the various statutory obligations set down in EU legislation on animal identification, food safety, animal health and welfare. Non-compliances in these areas, detected by any authorised officers controlling these areas are cross-reported by these officers to the Division dealing with Single Payment. In all cases, decisions regarding whether a penalty is to be applied, and the extent of any such penalty, is purely a matter for the Division dealing with the Single Payment Scheme.
Staff from my Investigations Division, like those in all other Divisions who come across non-compliances during the course of inspections or investigations, are obliged to cross-report non-compliance to the Division who have responsibility for the Single Payments. Investigation Division staff take no part in deciding the outcome regarding the application of a penalty.
Ireland enjoys an excellent farming reputation worldwide and this extends to the production of top-class food derived from animals kept under well-regulated conditions pertaining to identification, traceability, animal health and welfare. In advance of each annual application under the Single Payment Scheme, applicants receive detailed information regarding the conditions that must be met in order to qualify for payment. Rigorous checks are carried out by staff from my Department to ensure that the required standards are being observed. When non-compliance is detected, a graded system of penalties may be applied based on extent, severity and permanence of the non-compliance. Furthermore, applicants who receive a penalty under the scheme have the right to appeal the decision to the independent Agricultural Appeals Office. This provides comfort to applicants that in the event of a penalty being applied, the applicant can have the matter re-examined by someone who had no involvement in the earlier determination. The success of the Single Payment Scheme relies on a balance between the provision of adequate information to applicants facilitating compliance on the one hand, and the performance of a fair and reasonable inspection regime verifying compliance on the other.
147. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be a new farm safety scheme in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6627/15]
View answerFarm Safety is a critical issue facing farming today and is something that I am seriously concerned about. It has been identified as a priority area for investment under TAMS II and it is proposed that a new Farm Safety Scheme will be introduced in 2015, subject to EU Commission approval of Ireland's Rural Development Programme. The Knowledge Transfer measure proposed under the new RDP will also include a mandatory Farm Safety module as part of its training for farmers. Separately, my Department will be including a Farm Safety Leaflet in the information packs being issued to over 130,000 farmers shortly. The Department will also be using its text messaging service to issue safety messages to farmers at critical times of the year.
Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. It is important for everyone to continually highlight the need for farmers to think safety first in all tasks they perform - simple behavioural changes may be all that it takes to save a life.
The current Farm Safety Scheme which was introduced in October 2014 to take advantage of available funds under the old 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme has been designed to overcome some of the particular hazards which may be present on farms. A total of €12.2m has been allocated to this scheme and 6,299 applications for aid were received before the final closing date in January. All applications are currently being processed in my Department and approvals are being issued as cases are being cleared.
148. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the recent loan of €250,000 granted by Bord na gCon to a company (details supplied) in County Tipperary, in view of reported debts on the part of both Bord na gCon and the company receiving the loan and reports of the company's inability to pay Bord na gCon's race entry fees; if he will provide details on the decision-making process as regards the granting of this loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6672/15]
View answerBord na gCon has statutory responsibility under the Greyhound Industry Acts 1958 and 1993 for the control, development and improvement of the greyhound racing industry.
The issue to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Bord na gCon. That organisation is specifically empowered under Section 16 (1) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, to provide loans for the “improvement of greyhound race tracks, authorised coursing grounds and the amenities thereof” and for “any other purpose conducive to the improvement and development of the industry”.
I am informed by BNG that financial support in the form of a trading facility in the amount of €250,000, was made available by it to the company referred to by the Deputy. This facility was intended to assist the company concerned with the completion of a project with the objective of furthering the development and promotion of greyhound racing.
I am advised that the decision to provide this facility was submitted for approval to the Board of Bord na gCon, and made after due consideration, in the best interests of greyhound racing.
I understand that this facility is part of a continuing trading relationship between Bord na gCon and the company concerned. While the terms of the facility are commercially sensitive, I am advised by Bord na gCon that the sum involved is repayable in full.
Bord na gCon's income is derived from two sources, turnover from racing facilities and financial support provided by my Department from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. State funding provided from the Fund is pivotal to the survival and continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industries. In accordance with the provisions of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, the level of financial support provided to Bord na gCon by my Department is approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Bord na gCon estimate that the greyhound industry employs over 10,300 people and contributes an estimated €500 million in economic output to local economies around the tracks which have a wide geographic spread.
Bord na gCon report that since 2002 over 10 million people have attended greyhound racing meetings.
The funding being provided to the greyhound racing sector helps sustain a long standing tradition as the industry is part of the social fabric of our country. This funding underpins the economic activity in what are in many instances, less affluent regions of the country. It has also contributed significantly to the improved facilities now available at greyhound tracks around Ireland.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department published the report compiled by Indecon independent consultants following their study of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon in July 2014. In its report Indecon, inter alia, identified serious financial challenges facing Bord na gCon. In their reply to the Indecon report Bord na gCon have outlined a number of measures to address these matters including the disposal of assets, calibration of races at poorly performing stadia, maximising income from wagering, sponsorship and possible opportunities for generating additional income streams at stadia.
I am confident that Bord na gCon's commitment to the implementation of the recommendations of the Indecon Report will significantly improve its overall financial standing and contribute to the overall development of this very important sector.
149. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's plans to address the difficulties faced by farmers whose lands have been designated as sanctuaries for protecting the habitat of hen harriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/15]
View answerGLAS (the Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme) is part of a suite of proposed measures under the new Rural Development Programme (RDP). Ireland's draft RDP for the period 2014-2020 was submitted to the European Commission for approval in July last year and approval for the Scheme is still awaited. My officials are involved in negotiations with the Commission to expedite that approval and the Scheme will be opened as soon as possible.
The draft RDP submitted to the European Commission includes proposals for the support of Hen Harrier sites as part of the new agri-environment scheme, GLAS. Hen Harrier land is a Tier One environmental asset and applicants for GLAS whose land has been designated for hen harrier will secure priority access to the scheme.
Discussions are now nearing completion with the European Commission on the GLAS scheme and I expect to be in a position to open the scheme in the near future.
The actual designation of the land, however, is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
150. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the prediction by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation of up to 1 million displaced jobs in the European Union due to the proposed transatlantic trade and investment partnership between the United States of America and the European Union and the danger that the Irish food market will be flooded with low-grade, hormone-injected and genetically-modified products from the United States of America as a result of such a deal, if he will report to Dáil Éireann on a monthly basis on the progress of these negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5841/15]
View answerThere is quite an amount of misinformation circulating at present about the impacts of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on the European Union and Ireland in particular. My colleague and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, is the lead Irish Minister on international trade negotiations but I would like to set the record straight about some of the aspects related to agriculture.
One of these relates to the EU ban on the use of hormones in meat production. In this regard, I have received repeated assurances from the EU Commission that the EU ban on the import of hormone treated meat will not change. This is a red line for me and, I know from my recent discussions with US Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, that it is well understood by the United States.
As to the wider issue of food standards, the key issue for me is that the principle of equivalence will continue to apply so that even where production processes in the EU and US are not identical they will provide equivalent guarantees regarding the standards of production. This principle is already enshrined under the World Trade Organisation Agreement and I am pleased to report that it is recognised by both sides in the EU US negotiations as the basis for the TTIP agreement. Equally it is important that both the EU and United States retain the policy space to restrict certain practices and processes on social and ethical grounds. This is the case for genetically modified products where the EU applies a positive but precautionary principle that requires formal approval of such products based on a favourable opinion from the European Food Safety Authority.
Finally, regarding your request for regular reports to this House on the progress of these negotiations, I already provide updates on a regular basis to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine and will continue to do so.
151. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 27 January 2015, if he is satisfied with the current standards of drug testing in the greyhound industry, in view of his comments that no confirmed cases of stanozolol have been reported in Bord na gCon samples to date, despite reported widespread use of this drug in the industry; if he will provide details on the process of testing for this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6673/15]
View answerBord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. It has specific powers conferred on it by the Greyhound Industry (Racing) Regulations 2007, S.I. 302 2007, which set out the detailed rules under which greyhound racing is conducted.
Bord na gCon has informed my Department that more than 6,000 samples were taken from greyhounds that competed at licensed stadia in 2014, for the purpose of detecting prohibited substances. To date 31 samples have been returned as positive, with four samples awaiting final confirmation.
Bord na gCon has stated that all samples analysed are subjected to a range of tests to detect a variety of performances enhancing stimulants, substances that act as “stoppers”, substances such as Anabolic Steroids (Nandoral and Stanozolol) as well as controlled substances such as EPO and cocaine.
I am informed by Bord na gCon that anabolic steroids such as Stanozolol have been controlled substances for male greyhounds since 1st May 2007 and for females since 1st October 2014. Bord na gCon has indicated that since the implementation of these provisions, there have been no confirmed cases of Stanozolol reported in samples taken on its behalf.
In the past year Bord na gCon has significantly augmented its regulatory function with the appointment of a Director of Racing Governance and Compliance. Bord na gCon reports that since this appointment, it has undertaken a considerable review of all regulatory functions with a view to achieving the highest standards in greyhound racing integrity.
Standard Operating Procedures for all areas of regulation are being reviewed and revised with a view to improving regulatory effectiveness and withstanding any subsequent challenge. Bord na gCon notes that within the past year, sample testing at trials and in-competition testing within heats has commenced as it has moved to an “intelligence led” approach to deliver more effective testing.
A new regulatory “Resource Centre” has been established on the Bord na gCon website where industry participants can apprise themselves of all developments and requirements concerning greyhound welfare, anti-doping and medication control, rules and guides, reports and statistics and licensing arrangements.
Bord na gCon has also recently completed a public consultation on proposed regulatory reform. In addition, it has launched a Review into Anti-Doping and Medication Control, which is being led by Professor Tim Morris (School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham), with a view to advising it on any strengthening of regulatory systems that might be required, including in relation to sampling and testing for doping and medication.
This review, which is on-going, will make recommendations which I expect Bord na gCon to take into account in determining whether any amendments are required to legislation, practices or policies, to ensure both the advancement of the Board's commitment to the welfare of the greyhound and to underpin the integrity of the Irish greyhound industry.
In addition my Department is reviewing current legislation with a view to identifying any changes required to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Indecon report into Bord na gCon.
It is clearly in the best interests of the greyhound sector to ensure that its integrity systems are robust, and kept under review, in order to maintain effectiveness in line with evolving practices and technologies. The Indecon report has made a number of recommendations in relation to the processes around the control of prohibited substances. I am satisfied that Bord na gCon's commitment to its implementation, together with the review currently underway, will ensure that the regime for the control of prohibited substances operates to the very best international standards.
152. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that due to the cancellation of a national coursing meeting in Clonmel, County Tipperary, due to weather conditions, hares were kept in unnatural and stressful captivity overnight at the venue, while awaiting the meeting to recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6664/15]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the regulation of coursing is chiefly a matter for the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing. The ICC has confirmed to my Department that it has systems in place to underpin the welfare of animals participating in coursing events. These include mandatory inspections of hares and coursing venues in advance of the commencement of an event.
The ICC has confirmed that its rules provide for the postponement/cancellation of meetings in the event of adverse weather conditions, e.g. snow, frost or waterlogged ground, which may impact negatively on the welfare of the hare and/or the greyhound. The ICC activated this provision when it postponed the National Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 2nd 2015, to Sunday, February 8th 2015, due to unfavourable conditions caused by frost. I am advised that the hares received appropriate care and feeding in the intervening period.
I am advised that the National Meeting commenced with 177 hares and following the completion of 209 competitive courses, all of the 177 hares were released back to the countryside in accordance with the conditions of the Licences granted by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The ICC has informed my Department that it ensures:
- Veterinary care is available to the hare at all times. Coursing Clubs employ a veterinary surgeon to attend at coursing meetings to administer care as deemed appropriate to any animal in need of attention.
- The health status of all hares is assessed by a veterinary surgeon (appointed by the ICC) and a member of the Hare & Field Committee and an ICC Control Steward prior to coursing.
- A member of the Executive Committee of the ICC oversees each coursing meeting. This person has powers to curtail or abandon a meeting if required.
- An ICC Control Steward is appointed to each meeting to ensure all rules are adhered to by the host club.
- In the event of a hare being compromised (pinned by muzzled greyhound(s)), a dedicated Hare Steward is appointed (2/3 stewards operate to ensure efficient intervention). The hare is examined by the veterinary surgeon and will not be coursed again irrespective of outcome of examination
- On conclusion of the coursing meeting all hares are released back into the countryside under supervision of an ICC steward and a Wildlife Ranger, when available.
- Wildlife Rangers are officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and these officials attend a number of coursing meetings, including the National Meeting to monitor compliance with conditions of the licences issued by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. These licences facilitate the tagging and capturing of hares for the purpose of hare coursing.
- The conduct of each coursing meeting is monitored to capture relevant information regarding the conduct of the meeting as required by the NPWS and the ICC and this data is returned to the NPWS.
The ICC has assured my Department that the measures outlined above underpin the welfare of animals participating in coursing events, and were in place throughout the period during which the hares were in the care of the ICC for the National Meeting.
153. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures in place to deal with persons or shops who are found to have sold illegal substances for use in the greyhound industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6675/15]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to combatting the selling of illegal substances is not limited to the greyhound industry but embraces all animal species, with a particular focus on food-producing animals in order to protect consumers. Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. In addition Bord na gCon has specific statutory powers conferred on it under the Greyhound Industry (Racing) Regulations 2007, which relate to the conduct of greyhound racing.
My Department's regulatory role in relation to veterinary medicines generally, which derives in the main from EU legislation designed to ensure common, scientifically based, high standards apply across all member states, is focussed on ensuring that only appropriately licensed products are imported into and sold in Ireland in accordance with authorised and licensed distribution channels. The main national legislation governing this area is the European Communities (Animal Remedies) (No. 2) Regulations 2007, (SI 786 of 2007). While this legislation applies to animals generally, additional requirements apply to medicines for animals entering the food chain, which are designed to protect consumers from either unauthorised products, or residues of authorised products in excess of those scientifically found to be safe.
A significant element of the control regime is a licensing process for those involved in the commercial distribution of veterinary medicines at both wholesale and retail levels. In order to obtain a license, applicants must demonstrate that they meet requisite standards in regard to storage and record-keeping, particularly to ensure traceability of products through the system.
Licensed outlets are inspected by my Department's inspectorate to ensure compliance with the conditions of their licenses and with the animal remedies legislation in general. In addition, my Department's Investigations Division investigates any suspected or reported illegal activity in relation to the animal remedies regulations. Breaches of licence conditions or of the legislation generally may result in suspension or revocation of the licence and can also include prosecution in the Courts. T hose found guilty of offences are liable on conviction in the District Court to be fined up to €5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months, or, if convicted by the Circuit Court, to a fine of up to €500,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 years.
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the objectives of Food Harvest 2020 remain attainable, or can be further enhanced, having particular regard to developments in the various food sectors in the interim, including the opening up of the market to Irish beef and opportunities for the dairy sector in the United States of America in the aftermath of the abolition of milk quotas; if he envisages the emergence of new targets in such areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6650/15]
View answerI am confident that the industry developed targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 are attainable and can be met. As the deputy is aware, the main targets in the Food Harvest report are, by 2020, to increase the value of:
- Primary output in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector by 33%
- Value added production by 40%
- Agriculture, food (including seafood) and drink exports by 42%
In addition, a 50% increase in milk production following the abolition of the milk quotas and a 78% increase in the volume of aquaculture production is envisaged.
Progress on these targets and the 215 recommendations in the Food Harvest report are monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis. The fourth annual report “Milestones for Success 2014 ”, published last September, showed that the sector had achieved very significant progress on these targets and illustrated, using case studies, the manner in which the Food Harvest 2020 vision of 'smart, green, growth' is being attained. Furthermore, based on the most recent data, the value of primary production has grown by 30%, value-added has increased by 23% and exports have grown by 27%, compared to the baseline period.
The Food Harvest High Level Implementation Committee recognise these achievements but we are also aware that we are entering a period of change arising, as the Deputy mentions, from the abolition of milk quotas, the opening of new markets including the US market to Irish beef and implementation of new operational CAP, CFP and RDP programmes. To ensure that the optimum strategy was in place to capitalise on the challenges and opportunities presented for increased growth and expansion, on 25th November last, I embarked on a new 10 year planning horizon.
I appointed a 2025 Agri-Food Strategy Committee, chaired by Mr John Moloney, and asked this Committee to present to me, by end June 2015, a short report for the development of the agrifood sector up to 2025. This report will focus on the key recommendations and actions necessary to ensure that the agrifood sector maximises its contribution to economic growth, employment and exports in an environmentally sustainable manner. I am awaiting the outcome of this comprehensive process before deciding what changes, if any, are necessary to our current strategy.
155. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations for fishery harbours in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report entitled Financial Management and Reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6677/15]
View answerThe Comptroller and Auditor General published a Special Report on the Financial Management and Reporting for Fishery Harbour Centres on 8th July 2014. While the report noted that improvements had taken place with regard to the Financial Management arrangements at the Fishery Harbour Centres, it highlighted areas where further improvements could be achieved.
My Department has accepted the recommendations of the report and work is ongoing to implement them. In addition, my Department attended a meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts on 16 October 2014, at which the report was examined.
My Department took responsibility for a number of marine functions, including the fishery harbour centres, on 19 October 2007. Since 2007, and prior to the production of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report, a number of reports have been produced by management in the relevant division of my Department and by my Department's internal audit unit, which precipitated a very significant programme of change that has been implemented in the fishery harbour centres in the intervening years. The sea fisheries administration division, based in Clonakilty, was reconfigured into four specialist units to target the specific areas of debt management, property management, operational management and capital development programmes.
Specific measures pursued by the property unit included the establishment of a detailed database of the property portfolio, the appointment, following tender, of an outsourced property valuation service to carry out legally required rent reviews and new valuations together with the establishment of a dedicated legal resource within the Office of the Chief State Solicitor working exclusively on property issues in the harbours.
On the financial management front, a new rates and charges order was introduced in 2012. The new order modernised the charging regime in the harbours and addressed some anomalies.
My Department resourced the dedicated debt recovery unit to address the increasing debt profile that had developed in the harbours. Income generated in the harbours increased by in excess of €1.2 million in 2013 compared with 2007, an increase of 30%. Importantly, the age profile of debt now suggests, in general, a preponderance of late payers rather than non-payers.
New systems and procedures were implemented to strengthen the cross-checking of invoicing for services in the harbours. Staffing resources, which had diminished to unsustainable levels, were addressed by the appointment of new harbour masters to vacant posts while also assigning at least one clerical support person to each harbour to assist the harbour master and provide a separation of financial roles in accordance with best practice.
Following the resourcing at harbour level, a significant change in the management structure of harbours was implemented. Following the restructuring, each harbour is now managed at local level by a Department engineer, who, working with the harbour master and staff in the harbour, is responsible for the operational and billing management and development of the harbour, while strategic management, debt recovery, audit and executive support are provided centrally to all the harbours from the marine unit in the National Seafood Centre, Clonakilty. A fishery harbour centre management committee of senior officials is responsible for integrated management on an ongoing basis.
My Department will continue to implement the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report and will take all appropriate steps to build on the improved management structures and procedures at the Harbour Centres.
156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he regrets the exclusion from the young farmers provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy 2013-2020 of young farmers who have been farming for more than five years; the reason this was not left to national discretion in the regulations; his plans to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6626/15]
View answerIn accordance with the EU Regulations governing the Young Farmer Scheme and National Reserve, a young farmer is defined as a farmer aged 40 years or less who commenced their farming activity no more than five years prior to submitting the Basic Payment Scheme application. This definition of young farmer was agreed by EU Council and Parliament as part of the CAP reform agreement of June 2013.
While the Regulation provides that young farmers and new entrants are priority categories under the National Reserve, it also provides scope to include an optional provision whereby Member States may use the National Reserve to allocate new entitlements or give a top-up on the value of existing entitlements for persons who suffer from a 'Specific Disadvantage'.
I am conscious that there is a group of young farmers who established their holding in 2008 and 2009, who comply with the definition of Young Farmer, but who missed out on both the Young Farmer Installation Scheme which closed to applications in 2008 and the Young Farmer priority category under the National Reserve which includes young farmers who commenced since 2010.
I asked my officials to travel to Brussels to engage with the EU Commission to see whether the category of farmers who commenced farming in 2008 or 2009 could be categorised as a group who suffer from a 'specific disadvantage', and whether it would be possible to facilitate application to the National Reserve for such young farmers, under the same conditions that apply to all other qualifying 'young farmers'.
As a result of my direction and with the recent agreement of the Commission, I am glad to say that this category can be considered as a 'group suffering from specific disadvantage'. The positive result of this development is that these young farmers will be eligible to apply under the 2nd phase of the National Reserve to be given new entitlements or be given a top-up on the value of existing entitlements.
Applications will be made available in early April 2015. This is a very welcome outcome that I feel will address an anomaly in the system and allow for fair and equal treatment for this particular category of young active farmers.
157. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to create a compensation scheme under European Union maritime funding rules, through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, to assist mussel producers in west Cork and Kerry who have been forced to halt harvesting for most of the winter because of biotoxins in the water in order to protect consumer safety and guarantee the highest standards and image abroad for Irish seafoods; if he will recognise the call by the Irish Farmers Association to provide immediate support to the many family businesses who are facing closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6628/15]
View answerA robust shellfish biotoxin monitoring regime is essential in order to protect consumers and safeguard the good reputation of the Irish seafood industry. I am aware that a number of bays in the Southwest have experienced temporary suspensions of harvesting over the Winter as the level of biotoxins exceeded the regulatory limits. Such harvesting suspensions are not unusual and all aquaculture enterprises will be aware that this is a known business risk in the sector. However, I am informed by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority that the toxicity events in the Southwest are abating. Some of the production areas in Southwest have already re-opened for harvesting, and lifting of suspensions in certain other production areas appears to be imminent.
I have received a request from aquaculture industry representatives for a package of compensation for rope mussel farming enterprises affected by harvesting suspensions. My Department is presently finalising a new Seafood Development Programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) which will determine how we use the finite resources that will be available to us in the coming years in the overall best interests of Ireland and its seafood sector as a whole. I will be publishing a detailed consultation document and Strategic Environmental Assessment for public consultation in the next month or so, with a view to submitting the new Programme to the Commission by May this year for its consideration and adoption.
The EMFF Regulation sets out a legal framework under State Aid rules and the European Structural and Investment Funds concerning investment measures that Member States may implement in the period up to 2020. This potentially includes compensation aid to aquaculture enterprises for suspended harvests, but there are of course many other worthwhile investment possibilities allowed under the EMFF and national choices must be made between competing demands. So, as part of the preparation of the new Programme, my Department has been following a structured process of considering the investment needs of the seafood industry as a whole. Stakeholders have been consulted on this on a number of occasions to date. This has helped shape my initial thoughts on investment priorities and when I publish the consultation draft of the Programme shortly, my proposals will become clear. I will welcome all views at that point on the extent to which our resources should be directed towards compensation for suspended harvests.
158. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if shops selling tonics and other legal substances for greyhounds are being monitored to ensure that they are only selling substances that comply with Bord na gCon guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6674/15]
View answerWhile my Department legislates for and implements a control regime in relation to all veterinary medicines (animal remedies), the focus of this is not specifically aimed at ensuring that products comply with Bord na gCon guidelines. Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. In addition Bord na gCon has specific statutory powers conferred on it under the Greyhound Industry (Racing) Regulations 2007, which relate to the conduct of greyhound racing.
My Department's regulatory role in relation to veterinary medicines generally, which derives in the main from EU legislation designed to ensure common, scientifically based, high standards apply across all member states, is focussed on ensuring that only appropriately licensed products are imported into and sold in Ireland in accordance with authorised and licensed distribution channels. The main national legislation governing this area is the European Communities (Animal Remedies) (No. 2) Regulations 2007, (SI 786 of 2007). While this legislation applies to animals generally, additional requirements apply to medicines for animals entering the food chain, which are designed to protect consumers from either unauthorised products, or residues of authorised products in excess of those scientifically found to be safe.
A significant element of the control regime is a licensing process for those involved in the commercial distribution of veterinary medicines at both wholesale and retail levels. In order to obtain a license, applicants must demonstrate that they meet requisite standards in regard to storage and record-keeping, particularly to ensure traceability of products through the system.
Licensed outlets are inspected by my Department's inspectorate to ensure compliance with the conditions of their licenses and with the animal remedies legislation in general. In addition, my Department's Investigations Division investigates any suspected or reported illegal activity in relation to the animal remedies regulations. Breaches of licence conditions or of the legislation generally may result in suspension or revocation of the licence and can also include prosecution in the Courts. Those found guilty of offences are liable on conviction in the District Court to be fined up to €5,000 and/or a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months, or, if convicted by the Circuit Court, to a fine of up to €500,000 and/or imprisonment up to 3 years.
159. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he and his Department have considered the use of close-containment systems in fish production to meet targets in aquaculture, in view of the many advantages of these systems over traditional fish farming systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/15]
View answerAll applications for aquaculture licences for the cultivation of fin fish are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and (in the case of marine aquaculture) the 1933 Foreshore Act.
The assessment process takes full account of all National and EU legislative requirements and reflects the full scientific, environmental, legal, public policy and engineering aspects of each application, including the specific production system proposed in each case.
It is a matter for each individual applicant to determine the precise production system they wish to apply for. From a licensing perspective my Department does not adopt a predisposition in respect of proposed production systems, and assesses each application on its merits and by reference to applicable legislation.
In furtherance of its development role my Department, in conjunction with BIM, keeps a constant watching brief on the emergence of any new technologies that show promise for the production of commercially viable raw material supplies of seafood. In that regard I am aware that BIM has built up a considerable expertise in the area of Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and is in possession of up to the minute data regarding the state of development of this emerging technology. BIM has recently assisted clients in the production of two separate and independent feasibility studies investigating the commercial and technical viability of establishing land based saltwater salmon production. These studies indicate that the use of this technology, at its current stage of development would not be commercially viable. In addition the organic status of most Irish producers would be lost.
Ireland has built an enviable market position for its sea reared organically certified farmed salmon. It is regarded as the premium salmon product on the global market and demand far exceeds current supply. If production were to be switched over to RAS reared fish this position would be lost and it would be difficult to differentiate our output from fish produced anywhere else.
My Department in conjunction with BIM and the Marine Institute will continue to track the development of RAS technology and to support its adoption in circumstances where it is appropriate, suitable and holds out the prospect of being commercially viable, such as in the production of high-value, low-volume juvenile fish, which can then be 'finished' in sea pen systems. Other issues such as the cost of electrical energy and the distance to market also impinge on considerations around the suitability of the adoption of this kind of production system under Irish conditions.
160. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if the 2,635 jobseekers who have commenced on a Momentum programme in 2014 are included in the Central Statistics Office's live register activation programme figures; the scheme under which they are classified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6827/15]
View answerThe number of people availing of a range of programmes targeted primarily at the long-term unemployed (over 12 months) and other welfare recipients (including Lone Parents) is provided for December 2013 and 2014 in the following table. Participants in the Momentum scheme are included in the figures under the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). Persons on activation programmes are not counted as part of the monthly Live Register.
Live Register Activation Programmes
|
- |
December 2013 |
December 2014 |
Annual change |
|
Back to Work Schemes |
|||
|
Back to Work allowance scheme - Employee strand1 |
11 |
3 |
-8 |
|
Back to Work Enterprise allowance scheme -self employed strand |
10,098 |
11,166 |
1,068 |
|
Short-term Enterprise Allowance2 |
583 |
479 |
-104 |
|
Total Back to Work payments |
10,692 |
11,648 |
956 |
|
Other Activation Programmes |
|||
|
DSP Part-time Job Incentive |
312 |
397 |
85 |
|
TUS - Community Work Placement Initiative (2011) |
7,108 |
7,877 |
769 |
|
JobBridge (2011) |
6,483 |
6,371 |
-112 |
|
Total Other Activation Programmes |
13,903 |
14,645 |
742 |
|
Community Employment Schemes (excluding Supervisors) |
22,575 |
23,249 |
674 |
|
FAS Full Time Training for Unemployed People(3) |
8,996 |
8,771 |
-225 |
|
Back to Education Courses |
|||
|
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)4 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)5 |
24,996 |
22,714 |
-2,282 |
|
Total Back to Education Courses |
29,996 |
27,714 |
-2,282 |
|
Total Activation Programmes |
86,162 |
86,027 |
-135 |
1 This scheme was closed to new applications from 1st May 2009.
2 This scheme was introduced from 1st May 2009. It provides immediate support for someone in receipt of Jobseekers.
3 Specific Skiills Training/Local Training initiative/Traineeship/Return to Work.
4 VTOS figures are estimated at 5,000 each year.
5 BTEA figures include all schemes but participants from JA & JB are not entitled to BTEA during the summer holidays.
Includes MOMENTUM participants from February 2013.
161. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Taoiseach the number of persons in County Monaghan and County Cavan who have signed off the live register since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7134/15]
View answerThe Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social Protection. Figures are published for each county and local social welfare office.
The most recent Live Register figures available are for January 2015. Table 1a contains the numbers signing on in counties Cavan and Monaghan on the last Friday of each January from 2010 to 2015.
Table 1b shows the annual change in the numbers signing on in counties Cavan and Monaghan on the last Friday of each January from 2011 to 2015.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.
Table 1a Persons on the Live Register in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, January 2010-January 2015
|
Jan 2010 |
Jan 2011 |
Jan 2012 |
Jan 2013 |
Jan 2014 |
Jan 2015 |
|
|
Total persons |
||||||
|
Cavan |
7,352 |
7,462 |
7,290 |
7,049 |
6,702 |
5,888 |
|
Monaghan |
6,562 |
6,444 |
6,643 |
6,533 |
6,198 |
5,339 |
Table 1b Persons on the Live Register in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, January 2011-January 2015 - Annual Change
|
Jan 2011 |
Jan 2012 |
Jan 2013 |
Jan 2014 |
Jan 2015 |
|
|
Total persons |
|||||
|
Cavan |
110 |
-172 |
-241 |
-347 |
-814 |
|
Monaghan |
-118 |
199 |
-110 |
-335 |
-859 |
Source: CSO Live Register
162. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Taoiseach if he will consider flying the Amber Flag from his Department buildings, on a chosen day, in order to raise awareness of the Amber Flag Programme, which works to raise awareness of mental health issues within second level schools, sports clubs and youth organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6438/15]
View answerThe National Flag, the European Union flag and the flags of visiting delegations are the only flags that are flown over Government Buildings. It is not the intention of my Department to depart from this long established precedent.
163. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach when the interim report of the Fennelly commission will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6377/15]
View answerUnder its terms of reference, the Commission of Investigation had been due to report by the end of 2014, subject to section 6(6) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, which provides for an extension of the timeframe for reporting at the Commission's request. Following a formal request from the Commission, I agreed to extend the timeframe for the Commission to report until 31 December 2015.
Following consultation with the Commission, I have also published on my Department's website the Interim Report submitted by the Commission requesting an extension of its timeframe for reporting. Submission of such an Interim Report is a requirement under Section 33(3) of the Act when an extension of the timeframe for its final report is being requested.
The Report outlines the work completed to that date by the Commission since its establishment and the work that remains to be done with a view to identifying as accurately as possible the time required to complete its task.
As I previously informed the Dáil, I have also requested the Commission to submit a separate Interim Report in respect of paragraphs 1 (n) and (o) of its terms of reference provided it is satisfied it is feasible and appropriate to do so.
The submission of any such Interim Report is a matter for the Commission. If such an interim report is received, it is my intention to publish it as soon as possible afterwards, subject to the relevant provisions in the Commissions of Investigation Act.
